Between Octobers

October 30th

October 30th

I was nearly packed. The reservations were confirmed for two rooms, each with two queen-sized beds for insurance purposes. Evan got us into the MGM Grand. Lily and I had never stayed there before and were looking forward to it. He also scored us tickets to the weigh-in on Friday night, so we needed to leave early in the morning to be sure we had enough time to check in and get settled.

Something was bothering me. I could not shake this ominous feeling in my stomach. I wasn't sure if it stemmed from unspoken expectations about the weekend, or something else entirely, and the closer we came to departure, the more expectant and troubled I felt. Lily promised not to desert me, though I was sure she'd back out once she had a few drinks in her. I was just finishing up, packing the last of my things for the trip, when the kitchen phone rang.

I hunched over and slogged toward the receiver. It was Lily, calling from work. Again. She'd been calling nonstop over the last few days, trying to coordinate outfits, making sure I was packing things that were interchangeable with what she was bringing.

"What now?" I answered, flatly.

"I can't go! Stupid Lydia was gonna cover for me, and she just left in an ambulance!"

"What happened?"

"Appendicitis! Oh, this sucks!" She shrieked into the phone.

"It didn't rupture, did it?"

"Grace. Did you hear me? I. Cannot. Go. Dr. Pataki says he has to have at least one of us here, and everyone else turned me down. I have to work tomorrow and Saturday."

"I'm scalping your tickets." I managed to sound disconnected, though the news sank my spirits like an anchor.

"Very funny."

"What about Marcus?" A third wheel might be nice.

"He can do whatever he wants, I don't care."

"This sucks."

"Thank you. I know. I've got to go. I'm trying to bribe Laney from Dialysis across the hall to cover for me. I'll call back on my break."

I hung up, knowing she wasn't coming. Laney was a sweet girl, but she was also in the throes of a long distance relationship. Highly unlikely she was going to sacrifice a visit with her boyfriend in San Diego for work.

Lily was out and that probably counted Marcus out, too. So, if we went ahead with the trip, it would most likely be me and Evan. Alone. The whole weekend.   

I made my way to the guest bedroom to break the news. Everyone was supposed to stay over tonight since we planned to leave early. Marcus hadn't come back since he dropped off Evan, who was spending the day doing his laundry and trying to pack, though his duffle bags looked full.

He faced the opposite direction, hovering over the bed, sorting clothes. I leaned on the doorframe, watching. The sight was one I had no desire to see. Obviously, right now he was planning to go away with me, but soon, he'd be going back to work and my life would go back to the way it was. He and I had talked about the imminent separation. We both agreed it would be difficult but manageable. I'd been toying with the notion of visiting, but was worried it may be awkward. There were often groups of people gathered around the perimeter of the sets he worked on. And, if we were still unhindered by public interest, it might be too risky. Evan said I shouldn't worry, but he was used to people nosing around in his private business. He was supposed to leave for two days in November, and in December he had some promotional appearances scheduled. In between, he was going to be working on something called ADR at a local studio. After that, he'd start his next project. That was a sixteen-week shoot. I'd spent hours trying not to think about it.

I walked in the room when Evan turned, heart leaping as he looked at me with a subtle grin. It was as if I had no choice, I had to touch him. I shoved him back and he plopped onto the bed. I sat across his lap and stole a long kiss, raking my hands through his hair, loving the feeling of his full, soft lips on mine. 

"Hello." He raised an eyebrow.

I stiffened, utterly confused at my sudden indiscretion—an impromptu make-out session—and said the first thing that came to mind. "Bad news: Lily's going to cancel. She has to work."

His face twisted into a smirk. "If this is how you deliver bad news, I'd love to hear your take on the world economy."

"Do you think Marcus will still go?"

"I'm telling him the hotel caught fire." He stretched his hands around my waist, planting a row of kisses on my neck. 

Goosebumps plucked up all over both arms. "Could be a mistake. Going without them, I mean."

"Mistakes can be really fun, if made the proper way." His voice was smooth, his manner confident, forcing me to smile back.

The sound of Caleb's school bus barreling up the hill gave me the out I needed. I hopped up, excusing myself and the momentary lapse in judgment. Basically, running out with my tail between my legs. 

Evan's humorous bellow followed me down the hall. "Let me know if you'd like to discuss world hunger? The health care crisis?"