Chapter Seventy-Nine

Chapter Seventy-Nine
Aubrey

I wake early to make some breakfast for us to have in bed. I also want to think about what Everett asked me. Are we ready for that? Ready to live together? I worry it is too soon and that it will become too much for him and me. It is a huge step, one that would make sense. It would mean I don’t need to keep looking for somewhere, and everyone can stop worrying about my safety, because there is no chance he will find me here. It would also mean I would be around Everett more, which is one thing I don’t mind. Either way, the choice needs to be mine without anyone else’s input. Hugo and Erica, I am unsure how they will react if I say yes. I love them, but it isn’t really any of their business. There is a lot to think about.

I prepare the pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon, placing them on a tray that already holds fresh coffee and two mugs. If he wants his protein drink, he can prepare it himself. He's likely still asleep, dealing with jet lag, and adjusting to this time zone. It might be best for him to stay in bed all day, and I would gladly stay with him.

Once I have everything, I stroll to the bedroom. As I enter, Everett is starting to sit up and come round. His hair is messy, and his eyes are barely open. He still looks exhausted.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” I snicker as I reach the bed.

He runs his fingers through his messy hair, and after a moment, he finally raises his head to look at me. “What time is it? When did you get up?”

“About an hour ago. It is only nine. Are you hungry?” I ask, raising the tray.

“I will be. I need to use the bathroom and gather myself for a moment first,” He chuckles.

Everett drags himself out of bed and stumbles, still exhausted. He steadies himself and heads to the bathroom. After breakfast, he'll go back to sleep. I set down the tray and climb back into bed, awaiting his return. Soon, my mind wanders. Will he bring up what he asked, or will I be the one to mention it first? It's one thought that keeps looping in my mind.

The sound of him coming back pulls me out of my thoughts. I smile at him, and he gets into bed beside me, setting the tray down. His focus is on the coffee. He pours both of us a cup and hands me mine. I made it stronger than usual because we need it today. I slept well last night, but I still feel tired.

“Thank you for breakfast, baby girl. You didn’t need to get up early to make it. We could have gone out,” he says, kissing my cheek.

“I don’t mind. Eat it before it gets cold.”

He nods, and we each take a plate. Everett immediately digs in, while I idly toy with my food. Although I'm hungry, my mind keeps wandering elsewhere.

“Aubrey, are you okay? Aren’t you hungry?”

I turn to him. “I am hungry. Thinking. That is all.”

It isn’t a lie. I just don’t want to tell him exactly what I’m thinking.

Everett rests his hand on my knee. “Aubrey, is what I suggested last night on your mind?”

I sigh and nod. “Yes.”

“Don’t overthink it, beautiful. Take the time you need. I won’t push. I won’t bring it up again unless you do first,” he says, squeezing my knee.

“Thank you,” I reply, kissing him softly.

I want to avoid making him wait too long, but I also don’t want to rush into agreement, since I can't take back my answer once I give it.

“Now, please stop worrying and eat,” he encourages.

At least he's not upset that I didn't say yes straight away. It makes me wonder how long he's been thinking about it, as he sounded too confident to decide on the spot. He probably thought about it while he was in London. Maybe our time apart encouraged him, since he hated being separated so much. The details of when or how don't matter. What matters is that it shows he's committed to the long term and is thinking about our future together.

I smile and focus on my breakfast. It’s cold now. Bacon doesn’t stay warm for long, and neither do the pancakes. Silence falls between us, a comfortable one. I could see myself living here with Everett. It would be perfect. The house isn’t the important thing. The important thing is us being together. I didn’t expect him to ask, but then again, everything about Everett has been unexpected.

I rest my head on his shoulder, and he kisses the top of my head between bites. I will ignore the fact that he has probably made my hair greasy with his mouth.
“I want you to know, Aubrey, you can stay here with me until you make your decision," he says suddenly.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

It would mean giving Hugo, Erica, and their family their home back, something I am sure they will be grateful for, even though I know I am welcome there anytime. I feel I am getting in the way of their family time, so I would much prefer to stay here with Everett.

“Okay. I will need to go pick some things up.”

I have a few things here, but not much to do. Everett doesn’t need to come with me. Things are still a little strained between him and Hugo. They need some time, but they will be fine. They are brothers, after all.

“We can go tomorrow.”

“I can go alone,” I suggest.

Everett shakes his head. “I will come with you. It won’t take long.”

I nod because trying to change his mind seems pointless; it won’t work. Maybe by tomorrow I'll have made a decision, and when we stop by, we can get everything done at once, making life a little easier. We will see what happens when tomorrow comes around.