Autumn in Philadelphia Trilogy

Saudade: East River Drive

AN: Chapter title is from the song "East River Drive" by Grover Washington, Jr.

From guidetophilly.com:

"Saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. released his jazz album Come Morning in 1981. This album featured "East River Drive," a 4-minute song inspired by a scenic road in Philadelphia that is popular with runners and bicyclists. Every spring, it blooms pink with cherry blossoms."

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"This feels a little bit scandalous."

Topanga opened her eyes to see her husband lying on his side with one hand propping his head up and the other one on his hip. Despite the slight smirk on his face, his expression was hard to read: was this sixteen-year-old Cory or thirty-three-year-old Cory?

"Why because we're here in a hotel room alone together? Fulfilling a prom dream?" she asked to test the water by referring to their cancelled plans to spend the night together after prom.

His brows pinched together as though he didn't understand what she was saying. "No, I meant because we snuck off together to a hotel room in the middle of a family vacation. I can't believe we got away with it."

A grin lit up Topanga's face as she moved over to kiss him. "I've missed you, Cory."

"Uh, I know we've been busy," he said between kisses, "But it hasn't been that long."

She snuggled against him and shook her head. "I've missed this you."

He laughed in the way he did when he didn't understand a joke or if there was even a joke to begin with. He didn't understand her but that was often the case and a part of why he loved her so much.

"So...," he said, running his fingers through her hair. "Are you ever gonna tell me what sparked this wild streak? And how did you get Mom to agree to it? She always insists that everybody stays together the whole time we visit."

Topanga repressed a sigh.

She was hoping that Cory wouldn't want to know particulars due to the teenage state he was in when they left last night. Adult Cory, however, would not miss that this side excursion was unusual.

At least she knew who she was talking to. But she worried if he would stay adult Cory or revert suddenly once he knew the reason they were at the hotel.

At her delayed response, Cory frowned, and his eyes darted anxiously over her face. "Topi?"

"Hmm?"

"Why did Mom agree to let us go off last minute while the whole family is in town? Especially with Shawn back with Jon and Audrey?"

Adult Cory was back to stay, for now at least, and Topanga did not want to lose him. She reached out her hand to cradle his face, but he caught it and held it with a serious look on his face.

"Topanga?"

Katherine's face flashed in front of her and Topanga bit back a growl.

"Okay, I know you did not just growl at me," Cory said firmly at his wife's reaction. He did understand her well enough to know what was meant for him and what was not. And he knew there was only person that would draw that response from her right now. "This has to do with her, doesn't it?"

Topanga sighed. "Yeah, it does," she said taking her hand back. "She's on her way. Or so she said. Audrey thinks she's lying to catch us off guard because Eli didn't text her that they had left."

"She's an idiot," Cory snapped rolling onto his back as anger washed over. "What does she think that will do?"

"We think she'll try to convince your mom to let her stay with us by showing up expectedly with Jon's best friend and Julia's would-be boyfriend."