Maya
I sigh as I enter the empty cottage. Conrad’s two or three days of being away had turned into a week. He got the deal, so he had to go through lawyers, paperwork, contracts, etc… it has kept him there. I am trying my best not to be sad about it because I know it is important. He promised he would try to be back by tomorrow night. I guess we will need to wait and see. I won’t be mad at him if he can’t make it back. I miss him, is all. I have gotten used to seeing him again every single day. I have felt a little lonely, especially the last few days. I wish I could have gone with him, but it isn’t something which is possible right now.
I only have less than two weeks left at the B&B. I will miss the place. Catherine did tell me if we are still here by when the time is up, I can continue to work for her until I leave. I told her I would see how it goes. I have loved working at the B&B. It was the right place for me after leaving Conrad and everything else behind.
He has been so busy, and we haven’t communicated much. Yes, we text every day, but we have only managed a couple of times for talking or video calling.
I am exhausted. I have been working double shifts for the last four days since someone is still off sick. All I want is to crawl into bed. I don’t need to worry about dinner, Catherine made sure I ate. I lock up behind me, close all the blinds and head straight to the bedroom. It isn’t late. It is only nine, but I am still going to sleep. I have work tomorrow, but only until two, and then I have a day off, thankfully, for which I am more than ready. Work has been a good distraction from Conrad not being here.
I strip down, changing into shorts and one of Conrad’s tees, before slipping into bed. I check my cell first, making sure my alarm is set and also checking if Conrad has texted. I smile when I realise he has.
Hey, sweetheart. I hope your day has been good. Mine has been stressful, but everything is nearly wrapped up. I will be back with you soon. I promise. I love you xxx
Hopefully, that means he will be back tomorrow at some point.
Hello, handsome. My day has been fine, busy. I am sorry you have had a stressful day. I can’t wait until you come back. I am exhausted, so heading for an early night. I will text you in the morning. I miss you. I love you. Goodnight xx
Rest well, beautiful. I will let you know tomorrow what is happening. I wish I were there to cuddle you in xx
I wish that, too. I will see you soon, mwah!! Xx
Goodnight, angel xxxxx
I smile at all the kisses at the end. I set my cell aside and settled down for the night. I toss and turn to start. I am always the same when sleeping alone. I eventually got comfortable. It is cold tonight, so I snuggle tightly under the covers since I don’t have a pair of strong arms to keep me warm. I close my eyes, allowing sleep to take over me. I want a good eight hours. I will be peeved if I only get a few hours. I will be cranky tomorrow if I do.
****
I wake to the sound of my alarm. I slept not too badly. I woke up a couple of times but fell back asleep quickly. I sit up, pulling myself together. The smell of pancakes tickles my nose. Someone around must be having them for breakfast. They smelt incredible, though. It makes me want some. I will go to the café for breakfast before work. For now, I need coffee. I take a look at my cell, but there is nothing. It is two in the morning in New York, Conrad will still be sleeping.
I sigh, climbing out of bed. I shudder with the cold, wrap myself in a dressing gown, and put on some slippers before going to the kitchen to start a fresh pot of coffee.
The closer I seem to get to the kitchen, the stronger the smell of food becomes. If I didn’t know any better, I would say it was coming from my kitchen. I step in and let out a squeal when I realise it is coming from mine.
“Conrad!” I squeal, excited.
He turns around, smiling brightly at me, “Good morning, my beautiful angel.”
I rush over, flinging myself around his neck and kiss him, “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming until tonight or possibly later.” I gush.
“I told you a little fib because I wanted to surprise you.” He replies.
“And what a lovely surprise. I am so happy you are here with me. I missed you.”
He hugs me tightly to his chest, “I missed you too, beautiful.”
When we part, “When did you arrive back?”
“About an hour ago. I didn’t want to wake you. Instead, I thought I would make breakfast for you.”
“You should have woken me up. I wouldn’t have minded.”
“I am making pancakes, but I brought bagels back. Would you like one of those?”
“No, pancakes are fine. They are what I am in the mood for. I can have a bagel for lunch.” I smile, pecking his lips.
I hug him once again before letting him go.
Conrad kisses the top of my head, “Take a seat. I will bring breakfast and coffee to you. I need to chat with you about something.”
I raise my brow, “Is everything okay? Do you need to move back to New York?”
He shakes his head, “No, I don’t have to. You have nothing to worry about. It is good news, but I want you to be sitting down when we talk. It is important.” He says softly, stroking the hair away from my eyes.
He told me not to worry, but I can’t help but do so. What can be good news and important?
“Conrad, please tell me.” I sigh.
“Please go and sit down. I promise I will join you in a couple of minutes and tell you everything.”
I nod and sulk as I walk over to the table. He better tell me the second he sits down. The longer he takes, the more annoyed I will become since I don’t have a clue what it could be.
I flop down on one of the seats and impatiently wait for him to join me.