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As summer was coming to an end, Nala and Jeremiah had been spending extra time together. They'd established new boundaries and a new dynamic after they'd gotten together, and Jeremiah knew he had to come to terms with the fact that everything wouldn't be about him anymore.
Just a few days prior, Nala had received an email about directly working under her professor. Only a select few students were picked for the opportunity, Nala knew she couldn't pass up working under one of New York's biggest attorneys.
Today, the two had decided to go a little ways out of town. Jeremiah had surprised her with a getaway. He made reservations for dinner and a nice hotel and even double-checked everything to make sure it was perfect.
Taylor told her things might get 'Spicy', in her own words. She'd even given her an entire pep talk about using protection and understanding consent. It was awkward, to say the least. But she knew this trip wasn't just about that, it was about them as a couple.
When they arrived at the hotel, they'd drop their bags in their room and immediately go for a couples massage. She could've sworn she felt all her doubts and worries melt away during it. They'd even gotten complimentary drinks, and Nala couldn't help but wonder how much all of it was.
She didn't want to think about it, it was kind of like an instinct or reflex.
"Hey, how much was all of this?" She asks. There was no point in beating around the bush, she'd learned her lesson with that.
"Does it matter?" Jeremiah counters.
Nala shrugs even though he can't see her. "I mean, yeah. A little. This is all so nice, I just feel like I should've chipped in."
"It wouldn't have been a surprise if you did. And stop feeling like you need to help or pay me back, I don't mind spending all this money on you."
But I mind the fact that I don't have much to spend on you, she thought. I really, really mind.
But Nala knew there was no arguing with Jeremiah Fisher of all people, especially when it came to gift-giving. Speaking of gifts, Nala was currently sporting the earrings he had given her. The only time she ever took them off was in the water or before bed. But she always had them on.
Even though she never got the opportunity to meet Susannah or know her the same way everyone else got to, she felt like she had a piece of her with her. Sometimes, Nala could've sworn her dad and Susannah was guiding her and Jeremiah.
There were times when it truly felt like someone was looking after them.
Later that day, the couple rushed to get ready for their dinner date. Jeremiah was in the living room area of the hotel, fixing his tie that Nala said he didn't have to wear. But he wanted to. And when Jeremiah wanted to do something, there was never really a chance to change his mind.
