Right Place, Wrong Time

71. The Next Chapter

Spring brought blossoming excitement for Joey in many ways; nearing graduation, paving a path for his future career. And not least Lauren visiting in California over break, where they spent many of their days lounging in his parents' hammock or chilling at the beach.

Today, they were driving up to Los Angeles for the day. Joey had told her they could explore the city a little before heading to an outdoor movie. But he had another, very important plan lined up first.

"So," he said, as they hit the traffic that meant they were getting nearer. "I'm taking you somewhere today, but before we get there I want you to know there's no pressure or anything."

"Uh oh," she said, but she was smiling.

"I'm hoping you'll like it. I'm really, really hoping you will."

"I'm sure I will. You know me pretty well."

He dropped his hand to her thigh, stroking it with his thumb. He did know her better than anyone, but there was a lot of pressure on this.

They drove through the city, into a neighbourhood, Joey checking the addresses they passed. Lauren watched the apartments crawling by, looking between them and him, but he refused to give anything away on his face.

Finally, he found a spot to park in outside the right place. Taking a deep breath, he turned to her.

"It doesn't have to be this one," he said.

"We're looking at an apartment?"

He nodded, and her face grew wide with excitement.

"We have other options. But this one's in a nice spot, and the rent's not too bad. And we can have a dog," he smiled.

"It sounds perfect already."

He laughed. "Wait until you see it."

They got out of the car and walked up to meet the landlord hand in hand.

Inside, they both looked around. Joey had already seen the pictures on the website, but now he was trying to see it through Lauren's eyes as well as his own. Their budget may be limited but he wanted the place to be perfect for her, somewhere she could truly be happy if she was uprooting her life and moving all the way across the country for him.

The landlord stepped outside to take a call, leaving them to walk around the apartment on their own. They headed into the kitchen.

"Bigger than New York," Lauren smiled.

Joey wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, "Think how much you could bake here."

"So that's why you really want me here," she teased.

He kissed her neck. "What can I say? Your baking is as irresistible as you."

She rolled her eyes, taking him by the hand to check out the rest of the rooms.

"We could put some pictures up on the walls here," she said as they walked down the hall towards the bedroom.

He looked down at her, the thoughtful expression on her face indicating she had no idea of the magnitude of what she'd just said. But he remembered that she never wanted to hang pictures because it felt too permanent. He squeezed her hand a little tighter.

In the bedroom he looked around, picturing the bed where they would get to fall asleep together every night, no more tearful goodbyes. Then his gaze drifted to the floor, and he smiled to himself.

Lauren caught the look. "What, is something wrong?"

He tilted his head to the side. "I think your clothes would look good on this floor."