Intermission // Van McCann

23. Let Life Do Its Own Thing

There was an extra spring in my step as I got ready for work today. The anticipation of trying on my wedding dress later tonight made me giddy and I found myself unable to get rid of the smile on my face. Van stared at me, confused. There was no doubt he was wondering why I was so happy. Was he forgetting something? Did I know something he didn't? Yes. Yes I did but he will find out eventually when I don't go home with him tonight.

Van wanted to ask me what it was that I was smiling about but he didn't want to give in so easily. I could tell he was waiting for me to tell him without him asking but I thought I'd make him worry for a bit. Van set our brew on the table and he sat across from me, picking at his breakfast but not interested in eating it. He finally stopped and looked me straight in the eyes.

"Ren...what did I forget?" he asked. You could hear the desperation in his voice as he racked his brain for all the possibilities. "I know it's not our anniversary because that was back in December."

I was supposed to act oblivious but I was too excited to hold back. "I'm gonna try on my dress today," I replied.

Van's eyes widened in shock. "Iván's already done?"

"He's been done for a while now but I've been holding off. I finally caved." I scratched the back of my head, embarrassed that I couldn't wait.

"Now that's all I'm gonna be thinking about. What the dress will look like. I'm sure it'll be beautiful but I don't want to see it. I wanna wait until our wedding." Van leaned back in his chair. "I already think you're bloody gorgeous in your joggers. Imagine when I see you walk down the aisle?"

I could feel my cheeks getting warm. I felt unattractive in my shirt and joggers with no makeup on. There's no way he finds that attractive. He's just being nice. Van on the other hand is a different story. It boggles my mind how effortlessly handsome Van is. Sometimes I'd wake up before he did but I'd just lay there looking at him. The way his eyelashes would fan out, the light freckles spread out across his nose and cheeks, and his soft pink lips. I've yet to see Van in a full suit. I've already seen him in trousers and a dress shirt with tie which I find incredibly attractive. I can't imagine him standing there waiting for me in a suit. I'd probably lose my breath just looking at him.

"It's the same for me," I continued. "Seeing you in a suit will probably end me."

Van furrowed his eyebrows. "You've already seen me, Ren. Minus that outer piece." Van resumed eating which reminded me to eat as well.

"That's not the same thing," I countered.

We finished our breakfast and headed to work. I don't know what it was about today but we didn't have to wait long for the light rail to arrive so we got to work a few minutes earlier than normal. We didn't plan for anything at work today because we were being conscientious of Van having to finish his dissertation so we didn't want to do anything major until he was done with that. But seen as he's done with the paper, I wondered if we'd change our plans for today.

Van and I arrived at work and unpacked our stuff. Moments later, we were joined by Bondy and Iván who walked in having an interesting conversation.

"No way. I don't believe you!" Bondy cried out, making us look at him. "Iván said every odd number has an 'e' in it."

"¡Es cierto! I read it on the internet," Iván countered.

"You can't believe everything you read on internet."

"But it's true! For example, one is an odd number and it has an 'e' in it. Same with three! Five, seven, and nine. Not all even numbers have an 'e' in it. For example, two and four."

Bondy's face went slack at the sudden realization. "You're actually right."

"I told you!"

"Where are all these maths fun facts coming from all of a sudden?"