Chapter 46
It's been a month since the incident with Jimmy, and the anticipation for the special date I've planned in the backyard for Ari is building up.
We spend most of our time together, but we've agreed to take things slow.
I respect Ari's independence, which is why she still has her apartment that I furnished as a gift even though she practically lives in my house.
But she has the option to go to her apartment whenever she wants.
Right now, she needs that safety net—the security of her own place—in case something goes wrong with us. It won’t, but she’s been hurt before, and if I can make her feel safe, secure, and loved, that’s all that matters.
Someday, she won’t need that apartment anymore. She will trust me and have enough trust in us, but until then, it is worth every penny.
News got out on social media about what happened between Jimmy and me over Ari. Our relationship has been dubbed a love story.
“Everything is all set,” Javier signs.
I have set up a giant screen to play The Notebook . I had a company come out and install the huge projector screen and shovel the snow. Heaters dot the area, and I have a fire pit to keep us warm. I had a daybed placed in front of the screen so we could watch her favorite movie play as we ate s'mores and popcorn. I can’t hear it, but we will have the subtitles scrolling. The fact that I’m with Ari is enough to make this a perfect night. I’ve watched the movie plenty of times to know what comes next. I’m not Noah, but I’m her Rey.
The tiny black box is hidden in my pocket, and I’m hoping she will say yes. My nerves are everywhere, but I’m confident. Even if she says no, I’m okay with that. I’ll keep trying to be what she needs until she feels the time is right. The anticipation is overwhelming, but it's a feeling I wouldn't trade for anything.
I check my phone after it vibrates. I wave the phone up, motioning to Javier. He looks up after making sure the sound is working, and after a minute, he gives me a thumbs-up.
Ari: I’m here. Where are you guys?
Rey: In the backyard.
Ari: Okay, I’m coming. I’ll be right out.