Teach Me (18+)

Chapter Thirty Seven

Gianna's Point Of View

In the following weeks, Eden did everything she could to spend time with me. She planned random dates, spent weekends with me, and invited me to many club events.

Every night we spent together was even better than the last, even now as we watched a random movie on my couch.

"Hang on, baby. Let me go check on Lily," she said, lying up from her spot on my couch.

I nodded softly, shifting my weight off her, allowing her to lean up and grab her phone. I leaned against the couch, watching the horror film we had on.

"Hey, Bri, how's Lily?" Her soft voice filled the space between us before Brielle's voice echoed through the phone.

Their conversation lasted about ten minutes before Eden began to conclude it. "Okay, I was just calling to check on Lily. Are you still able to watch Lily this weekend?"

Brielle's familiar voice rang through again, confirming that she could babysit Lily this weekend.

My heart skipped a beat. Since tomorrow is my birthday, my mind thought maybe Eden is planning to take me somewhere after work.

But it all disappeared when she said, "Okay, perfect. I have to be in Chicago by 7:30 tomorrow, so I'll drop Lily off before I head out."

Why is she going to Chicago?

"Yeah, the meeting with Artemis went well, and now I have to sit with her and Iyeshia to handle some stuff." Her soft voice spoke.

For work, like always.

I felt a pang of disappointment wash over me as I listened to Eden's conversation. Chicago? Tomorrow? On my birthday? I had been hoping she would take me out to celebrate, but it seemed like she had other plans.

It isn't like she knows it's my birthday tomorrow.

"Alright, Bri, I'll call you tomorrow," Eden said, pulling me back into her. "Thanks again."

But does she ever think of me when she makes these plans?

As Eden wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close, mixed emotions swirled inside me. I was happy to be in her arms, but simultaneously, I couldn't shake off the disappointment that had settled in my chest. Tomorrow was my birthday, and it seemed like Eden would be spending it in Chicago without me.

I pushed the thoughts aside, not wanting to ruin the moment. Instead, I focused on the warmth of Eden's body, the gentle way she held me, and the soft rhythm of her breathing. I closed my eyes, letting myself get lost in the sensation of being in her arms, and tried to forget about tomorrow, at least for now.

As Eden hung up the phone and turned back to me, I smiled, not wanting her to know how I felt. "Hey, everything okay?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

Eden nodded, snuggling back into her spot beside me. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just work stuff." She wrapped her arm around me, pulling me closer. "You okay?"

I nodded, trying to maintain the facade of being okay. "Yeah, I'm fine," I said, forcing another smile onto my face. "Just tired, I think."

I leaned into her, letting her warmth and familiar perfume envelop me. Eden's eyes sparkled with concern, but she didn't push the issue. Instead, she pulled me closer, her lips brushing against my forehead in a gentle kiss. "Let's just relax and enjoy the rest of the movie, okay?" she whispered, her breath sending shivers down my spine.

I nodded, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me. Maybe tomorrow wouldn't be so bad after all. Maybe Eden would surprise me, or maybe I'd spend the day doing something I loved.