Thank you all for your feedback on the previous parts! If you haven't read the previous chapters I suggest doing so since it adds context to the characters and events.
Hope you enjoy!
• • •
William
Sweat rolls down my forehead as I rest the basket of groceries down on the counter.
"Fuck." I pant, trying to catch my breath.
Carrying a container full of heavy groceries up five flights of stairs is not fun. Especially in the summer, when you're already melting just by stepping foot outside.
I take a moment to look around the apartment.
The kitchen and living room are connected by a large archway, making the space feel open and inviting despite its modest size. The walls are painted a soft shade of yellow, and the floors are covered in worn but comfortable wooden planks. A small, round table sits in the center of the living room, surrounded by mismatched chairs that were obviously bought at different times. A worn-out couch sits against one wall, with a neatly folded blanket on top of it.
The kitchen is simple and functional, with a small countertop that runs along one wall, and a tiny dining table tucked into the corner. The cabinets are painted bright white, and the appliances are all in good working order. A small window above the sink offers a view of the street below, where children play and neighbors chat.
It's one of the cheapest rates we could find here in Hagerstown, Maryland. It's not much, but it's
ours
.
Rose emerges from the hallway, looking as beautiful as ever. She's wearing a white crop top and a pair of light blue jeans.
"You're home. Here, let me help you with these." She says, walking over to help unload the groceries.
While we put the items away, I can't help but think about how much our relationship has improved over the last four months. Dare I say it's the best we've ever been!
After Miami I wasn't sure if it was possible to go back to how things were between us. It took us a while to feel comfortable talking about what happened during the trip, and to be open and transparent with each other. It took some time, but eventually, our walls came down.
"So, Katie called me today during one of my meetings. I called her back at lunch, and she wanted to know if we're free to hit up Jeans tomorrow. What do you say?" Rose informs me.
Jeans is a nightclub that is a few blocks away from our apartment. It's pretty run down, but Rose and I used to go there often, especially when we first moved into the area.
"We haven't been there in ages. I'm down to go hang with her for a little while. We really don't see her that often anymore."
It's true. With everyone working jobs, finding time to get together is difficult. I guess it's one of the tragedies of growing up. It makes me miss the college days where we all had simple schedules and had time to actually live life. To be young and free, not plagued by responsibilities.
Katie has been Rose's best friend since freshmen year of college. Friends have a way of rubbing off on you, and I think she's the reason Rose is so extroverted. From some of the stories I've heard, Katie was quite the party girl back in the day. Now, thankfully she's toned it down, at least from what I can tell. We've only hung out with her a handful of times since we all graduated, with real life getting in the way. She's a dental assistant these days, and I remember Rose and I threw a party for her when she got the job.
"Rob will be there as well. Katie and him are dating now, in case you didn't hear."
"Ugh, thanks for telling me
after
I already agreed to go." I complain.
Rob was also someone we went to university with. I don't have anything against the dude, our paths didn't cross much, but I know he was into some sketchy shit. I remember one time the campus police got a warrant and searched his dorm for cocaine. They didn't end up finding any, since Rob was pretty good at hiding his stash. But I knew not to get too close to him, because I didn't want my life to get messed up because of him.
"Come on, it'll be fineeee." Rose says, putting away the last item we had left.
"I know it will be, because I'll be with you." I pull her close. "You have a way of making everything better."
"Everything?"
"Well, 'Gossip Girl' episodes are still a drag to get through. Those forty-minute episodes always feel like two hours."
Rose laughs. "Wow, what a low blow! Don't worry, we only have one more season to get through."
"Hallelujah."
"After we finish that, 'Sex and The City' is next."
"Do we have to?" I plead.
"Yessss." Rose leans in closer to me.
"And how many seasons is that?"
"Same as 'Gossip Girl', six seasons."
"Oh brother."
"Give it a chance, you might love it." Rose says. "And plus, didn't you say I have a habit of making things better?" She leans in a little more and we kiss.
And just like that, the world becomes obsolete.
I like to think that love keeps you young. The older you get the faster time seems to pass by. But in these moments, when you're in the embrace of someone you love, time almost seems to stand still. It's best to cherish these moments, these quick little escapes from reality.
We both break away from the kiss, breathing heavy, and rest our heads against each other.
"So, we'll be going clubbing tomorrow. But we don't have anything planned for tonight." Rose says, her voice is low and sultry. "I was thinking... why don't we play the game?"
And just like that, time seems to start ticking and I'm back to reality.
"You want to play the game
now
?" I ask, surprised.