Chapter 43 Poppy
I don’t know how he does it. In the span of one sentence, he makes me feel more secure in our relationship than I have with any other partner. I’m not going anywhere .
One sentence and my mind is racing, jumping to the future when it’s only been a short time together. Calm down, Poppy. My hands shake with shivers as I try to focus on another picture, this one down the shoreline, catching the waves as they crash over rocks and send salty spray onto the shore. Despite my best efforts, my heart continues its thumping, making it hard to concentrate.
Owen's warm hands run down my arms as I look at the screen to see if I’ve captured the shot the way I wanted. I love that he doesn’t rush and isn’t afraid to just stand here with me while I take pictures. “That one is gorgeous,” his deep voice whispers in my ear. Another shiver runs down my arms but this time for an entirely different reason.
“Thanks, I think that’s good for today.” Turning around in his arms, I meet his gaze and I find myself wishing we could have more time together today.
“Head home?”
“Yeah, it’s so cold and I have some grading I need to get done before Andi comes over.” His face flashes with a quick sadness but it’s quickly replaced with a grin.
“I’m glad you’ll get to see Andi. I’m afraid I’ve been monopolizing all of your time lately. It will be good for you two to talk.”
“You haven’t been monopolizing me. I’ve just been enthusiastic about our time together.” Leaning into him, our lips meeting halfway. A flush works its way up my neck and I feel both so at home and so alive in the moment. “Besides, I think she’s been busy being a newlywed too.”
Breaking away, I crouch to put my camera away before the trek back to the boardwalk and home. Our kiss goodbye is long and drawn out, making me wish there were more hours in the day.
***
“Coming!” I shout as Andi continues to knock on the door. The afternoon got away from me and as I run down the stairs, hair sopping wet from my shower, I can see Andi’s green eyes peeping through the window.
“What are you doing? Did you forget about me?” Her slightly annoyed voice echoes through the closed door.
“I could never,” I say, opening the door. “I’m so sorry, the day has just gone by so quickly.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh, did Owen hang out here for a little too long?” She narrows her gaze suspiciously, taking in my disheveled look and wet hair.
“Hey now,” I give her shoulder a playful slap. “Nothing like that. I’ve been grading all afternoon.” Gesturing at my piles of papers and artwork on the table, I open the door wider for her to make her way inside.
“Okay, okay. You two have just been… intense. ”
“In a bad way?”
“No, not at all. Just like very into each other in an adorable way.” She pulls two beers out of one of the bags she brought and hands me one before we both collapse on the couch.
“It has been intense.”
“How are you feeling about it all?”
“Good, he’s so sweet and mature in a way. I feel like I’m actually dating a man,” I laugh. I’ve thought this for a while now, but never voiced it before. “Every other guy I’ve been with, which was mostly Steven, has always seemed like they’ve been in it for them, you know? But with Owen, it feels like we’re both wanting to make each other’s lives better.”
“That’s great. You deserve to be with someone like that.” She takes a long sip before adding, “Are you wanting to run or are you handling it okay?”
This makes me pause. I’ve been blissfully happy in my time with Owen and it’s just like my best friend to bring out all the hard, no bullshit questions within five minutes of walking in the door. “I don’t want to run. But it does feel strange, like I’m not entirely sure what to do with myself or how to just be content.”
She is quiet, letting me think.
“Today, for the first time, I thought about the future with him in it. We were just on the beach, I was taking pictures, and somehow it just felt good and right to be with him.” Our slow day of doing everyday, normal things was my favorite day we’ve spent together. Thinking back about even our first official date, we’ve always been able to enjoy our time together no matter how mundane the activity.
“I don’t think it’s strange, but I can understand why that might feel odd given your last relationship.” She smiles at me over her drink.
“Ah, I forgot, I have snacks!” I jump up and race over to the kitchen to pull out the guac and chips, but can’t seem to let go of the comfort I feel in Andi’s reassurances and encouragement. It means a lot that she supports me and sees this relationship as a positive one. Stopping, I turn towards her, I’m sure assessing if I’m deflecting or ignoring what she’s saying. “Thanks, Andi. I needed to hear that.”
“You’re welcome, now bring on the guac.”