Chapter 57: Chapter Fifty-Seven

Everett

I purposely got up early to go out and get breakfast and coffee for us both. I was going to make it, but there wasn’t much to make anything with. I left Aubrey a note. I don’t want her waking up, not being able to find me and thinking I have changed my mind and left. I wouldn’t do that. Any fears will be pushed aside. I don’t want to mess this up. If things go to hell, I know it will be because of me. I can’t keep thinking about these things, or I will mess it up.

I am waiting for my food to be ready when my cell starts to ring. My first thought is that it is Aubrey, but when I take it out, I see Hugo’s name flashing on my screen. Part of me wants to ignore it because I know what I am doing behind his back is wrong. No, maybe bad isn’t the right word. There is nothing wrong with Aubrey and me being together. We are doing it in secret, which makes it wrong. Taking a deep breath, I answer. He will call back if I don’t.

“Good morning,” I greet.

“Good morning, big brother. How are you?”

“I am good. You?”

He seems chipper, but then again, he usually does. He is happy most of the time, something I envy at times. I have never understood how he can forget about the past and live in the now. I wish I could do the same. Our childhood hasn’t affected him as a person. Yes, he has his scars and trauma, but he doesn’t let it take over him. He focuses on happiness, his family, business and being a good man. All the things I wish I could do.

“Yes, great. What are you doing? Can you come into the office tomorrow? I want to discuss a possible new business opportunity with you.”

“Just grab a coffee. Sure, I will come in tomorrow morning.”

“Great. Do you want to go for a steak and a beer sometime this week? We haven’t done that in a while.”

“Yes, we can arrange a day when I come in tomorrow.”

“Okay. I will see you tomorrow.”

“See you then, little brother,” I reply, hanging up the call in time for my order to be called.

I head back to Aubrey’s place. I feel good today—the best I have in a while. I wasn’t sure what my thoughts would be when I woke this morning, but the second I did and saw Aubrey next to me, I relaxed.

Entering the apartment, Aubrey still seems to be in bed. I thought she would be up by now. It doesn’t matter, we can have breakfast in bed. Strolling in, she is stirring in bed. Aubrey reaches for me, and the second she realizes I am not there, she jumps up, sighing as she looks at the empty space next to her.

“I am right here, baby girl.”

She quickly turns to me and smiles brightly. “You didn’t leave.”

I shake my head. “No, I went out for breakfast.”

I slip my shoes and jacket off, climbing onto bed with her. I reach in, kissing her softly and take my spot next to her.

“I thought you had left.” She whispers nervously.

“I left a note on my pillow for when you woke up because I knew you would worry.”

It will be like this for a bit, her wondering if I will change my mind. I can’t blame her for that, especially after all the shit I have done since we met.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to doubt you, Everett.” She sighs.

“You have nothing to be sorry about, Aubrey. I expect doubts, especially after everything, but I promised, I am not going anywhere.”

Aubrey nods. “What did you bring for breakfast? I am starving.”

I hand her the iced coffee, setting mine down to take everything out of the bag. I pull out a mix of things. Breakfast waffles, bacon, fruit, bagels, and pastries. I wasn’t sure what she was in the mood for. I still don’t know all her favorite things; I need to keep learning. I need to pay more attention and make an effort. It was different when we were only having sex. The basics were enough, but not now. It will take time for both of us to really know one another.

“Why did you get so much? There are only two of us?” she giggles.

“I wasn’t sure what you would fancy. What we don’t eat, we can keep for later.” I chuckle.

We tuck into breakfast, eating in a comfortable silence.

“Just a heads-up, I will be in the office tomorrow. Hugo called, he has a new business opportunity he wants to run by me. I should tell you, so you don’t get a surprise when I walk in.”

“Thanks for the head-ups.”

It will be strange acting like nothing is going on and like we have barely seen one another. We can’t hide it forever. I will tell him, but not now, not anytime soon. I want to see how things go before telling him. Hugo and Erica would never forgive me if I hurt Aubrey.

“We will need to tell them, eventually.”

Aubrey sighs. “I know we will, but let’s wait for a little while. We have managed to hide it until now, we can continue to do so.”

“I am sure. This weekend, I want to take you on a date. The best thing to do would probably be to go out of the city for a date. A better chance of someone not seeing us.”

“Yes, good idea. I will let you plan. You can surprise me.”

“I will give it my best shot.”

Planning dates isn’t something I have done much of. There has been no reason to do so, but it is another thing that needs to change. No woman has ever made me put in so much effort.

“Whatever you do will be perfect, Everett.” She says and kisses my cheek.

I hope she won’t be disappointed with whatever I come up with. It will be our first official date, and I don’t want it ruined because I am incapable of being a normal human being. I will be stressed trying to find the best date, but I will make sure she doesn’t notice. God, it is a date! How pathetic am I! I am a grown-ass man and don’t know how to plan a date for the woman I like.