Gambling Love

20. Imogen

"And you have your passport?" I ask grabbing my keys.

"Sweetheart, I have it," Jaiden chuckles from behind me as I slip into my shoes by my nightstand. Jaiden sits on the edge of my bed and grabs my wrist.

"Jaiden," I begin as he pulls me to sit on his lap.

"No, we have a few minutes," he shakes his head, I sigh and settle on his lap. "I love you and we'll be okay," He assures me.

Last night we had a going away party for Jaiden at Maverick and Spencer's new apartment, just a casual party, drinks, food, movies, and games. Genevieve went home with Sebastian so we had the apartment to ourselves and we took advantage of that. I'm sore and tired from lack of sleep but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

"Plus you're coming to visit when you finish your exam," he squeezes my hip and I nod. "And we're going to text and call almost daily," he reminds me.

"Right," I nod. He kisses my jaw and I look down at him.

"It's just gonna be weird you know," I say and he nods.

"I know but it's called growing up baby," he says and nudges me to stand, we stand up and he grabs his things. "You okay?" He asks me as I down my meds with water.

"I'm fine, just nervous about my exam. It's the only thing I can think of," I say as I grab my keys.

"You'll be fine," he assures me as I lock up the apartment. We indulge in small talk while I drive us to the airport, I hate small talk and we were never a pair to have small talk but I guess it's better than the big elephant in the room.

Jaiden had gotten his car driven over to Chicago by some company, he put his other suitcases so he's only bringing a duffel with him on the plane. I don't leave his side as he checks himself in and gets his ticket. I follow him as far as I can go before I'm forced to stop.

"I could easily come with you," I blurt out.

"Sweetheart no," He sighs and shakes his head.

"I just," I glance around and pop my fingers. Jaiden is quick to step into my personal bubble and cradle my cheeks in his palms.

"Imogen, look at me," he demands softly. I continue to look around before meeting his gaze. "There you are," he smiles. "It's only for a couple of months," he reminds me.

"I hate to be the person who depends on codependency," I grumble and he smiles. "Only a couple of months," I squeeze my eyes and nod.

"Good. You'll study that nice ass of yours and I'll charm everyone at the office," he jokes and I smile.

"I'll stay," I sigh reaching up and squeezing his wrists.

"And I'll go," He says softly.

I feel a tear go down my cheek and Jaiden wipes it away "why does it feel like my heart is breaking?" I ask quietly.

"Because love is heartbreaking," he presses his forehead to mine and we ignore the people around us. "Ti voglio bene," he whispers.

I sigh and shut my eyes "I love you too," I nod.

"If we want a better future for ourselves, this has to happen sweetheart."

"I know," I sigh and open my eyes. "I know. I love you," I shake my head.

"I love you too," he responds before pressing his lips to mine. He pulls back much to my utter dismay and presses his lips to my forehead. "I'll call you when I land," he laughs.

"You better," I swat his abs. I cup his cheek and press my lips to his again. "Go before I make you late."

He nods and drops his hand, his fingers press on my spine lightly "I love you," He says and I smile. He ever rarely says it in English.