Ahhh, finally taking that bra off felt amazing. After a long day at work, a yoga session was just what I needed. My friend and I never failed to enjoy the intense stretches, breathing and meditation. It was just a short drive back home, and the prospect of a shower and delicious dinner made me sing in the car. A beautiful sunset was in full force as I pulled into the driveway of our beautiful townhouse in Stones Corner. The smell of freshly cut grass mixed with the blooming frangipani tree greeted me -- welcome home!
My bag felt heavier than it actually was as I dropped it next to my desk. You were still out and about running errands and exercising a little after a long day of writing. Your agent was putting the pressure on since the release date for the next instalment of the series was scheduled to be released in 6 months. Editors calling in, Zoom meetings and graphic designers sending in their final drafts for the cover -- my favourite writer was damn busy.
Minerva greeted me in the kitchen, all fluffs and excitement. Emma lay on her throne like the queen she was, unable to care less for the needy kitten. I knew very well that you fed the both of them before you left, but alas, Mini was giving it her best shot. Fresh water was all she was going to get before I strolled over to give Emma gentle head scratches, which she rewarded with a satisfied burrrr.
Bra, pants and top gone, a shower revived me. I slipped into only a light sundress and sat down to do a spot more planning. I airdropped the last document to my Ipad with Mini on my lap before I decided a cup of tea on the couch as in order.
Cup in hand, the soft fabric of my dress caressing my skin, I entered the living room, just to find a pile of paper on the coffee table. Attached to it was a sticky note in your characteristic nonchalant handwriting:
"Hey baby, I know you love the feeling of actual paper, so I made the effort of printing out this short story exercise I did this morning. Can't wait to hear what you think! I lucking fove you -- J."
What a treat! I remembered when you picked up short story writing a few years before finding your first agent, and how you despised it for a while. "A feline Story", a working title the publisher somehow insisted on becoming the actual name, was the first short published and immediate success. What followed was a blur of one book after another, stress and bliss, a wild mix We managed it with the help of friends, family, feline companions, patience and love.
With a quiet flop, I sank into the cushions, already lost in the intro. I lit a candle and only peripherally noticed the cats having a play. I must have been sitting like that for an hour or so, the night crawling in and giving me a few shivers. Finally, I heard the door and a grunt, as you got back home, so glad to take off your shoes. As per your instructions, I'd left the pork simmering in the slow cooker alone, but the delicious smell was undeniable.
Your tall figure appeared in the doorway, instigating our cats to interrupt their snooze to come and greet you. With a wide smile, I watched you catch up with Emma first, giving her a big cuddle, before picking up fluffy Mini while still holding the fresh bread you picked up for dinner.
After dropping the ciabatta off on the kitchen counter you made your way over to the couch and dropped down to my right with a sigh of relief. Resting your head against my shoulder, you let out another big exhale. "Hello babyyyyy....how was your day?" I kissed your forehead with a smile. "This short story made a good day even better. Excellent work my love!" Your right hand reached over to cup my face and you drew me in for a kiss. Our modus operandi had changed over the last years -- read it all first before giving much feedback, but sometimes I couldn't resist.
"I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. Can't wait to finish it, the main character certainly needs a bit more... " I stopped my analysis to catch my breath as your hand was caressing my collar bone. "...I mean, it's certainly a gothic approach to..." your hand travelled to my right breast, caressing a very responsive nipple through the thin fabric of my dress. "...Hmmm, I really want to see more emphasis on the mirror images of haaaaa....." you started to nibble on my earlobe.