Green Eyed Daydream #Wattys2016

Chapter 60

Carrie's POV

I'm sitting in SFO next to Lucas and Susan, waiting for the plane to begin boarding. We're all heading to Boston, and after spending two days there, and hopefully securing a new client, I will return back home.

Home...my shoebox studio apartment that I've grown to love over the last three years. It's the first place I've ever lived in on my own. It's where I studied for my final exams in college. It's the first place where I alone was responsible for the mismatched quirky interior design. It's where I learned to be independent. It's the place where I feel secure and comfortable. It's where Tyler and I first made love....and now, I have a major decision to make. Do I leave it behind, and move into my boyfriend's luxurious penthouse?

It may sound like a no-brainer. Of course this is what I should be doing. Maybe I am being ridiculous for hesitating even for a second, because like Tyler had said, there appear to be no negatives.

And yet, I don't feel as sure as I should. Perhaps it is because I'm afraid--afraid that somehow it will change the dynamic of our relationship, or my role in it. Of course I'll insist on paying rent, but I could hardly imagine being able to afford even a third of what Tyler must be paying for his mortgage. And as sweet as it is for him to drive me to and from work, I guess I'm a little nervous of becoming so completely reliant on him.

This has always been my problem--over-thinking things. Any other girl would be thrilled, and look at this offer as a beautiful romantic gesture, meant to solidify a relationship. I look at it as a potential threat to my independence.

Lucas nudges me with his elbow, and hands me one of the earbuds from his headphones.

"You have to listen to this track," he tells me.

I put the white knob into my ear, and immediately start bobbing my head to the rhythm. It's a catchy dance tune, but I can't understand a word of it.

"It's pretty cool. What is it?" I ask.

"It's this Belgian singer, Stromae. I've been a fan of his for a while. But he's not that well known here," Lucas tells me.

"Do you understand french?" I ask.

"Mais bien sur! I speak Italian as well."

"Wow, that's so awesome, Lucas. I wish I spoke another language. What else don't I know about you?" I ask, turning to face him.

"Tons. But I don't really like talking about myself," he says, and tugs the earbud out of my ear. "I think it's time to board the plane."

We take our seats, and Lucas is nice enough to offer to switch seats with me so I can be by the window.

The flight is nearly six hours long, and after watching a movie and half I fall asleep.

"Carrie, wake up. We're about to land," I hear Lucas' voice, and open my eyes.

I'm a little embarrassed when I realize my head was resting on his shoulder.

"Sorry, uh...how long was...I didn't realize--"

"It's okay. I don't mind," he tells me. "You only drooled on me a little bit."

"What? Oh, my god, I'm so sorry," I say, and start to frantically wipe at his sleeve.

"Carrie, it's not a big deal, seriously. I mean the snoring was far worse than anything else," he continues.

I can feel my cheeks turning red. "I snore? I do not snore."

"Oh, really? The captain had to make an official turbulence warning, until I assured him it was just my friend suffering from sleep apnea. It caused quite a stir in the cockpit," Lucas says with a straight face.

I can't help but giggle. "Well, I apologize for disturbing you."

"No, trouble. I mean, I do feel terribly bad for your boyfriend. But I guess you make it up in other ways."

"Tyler has never complained about me snoring. So, I think you're full of it," I tell him, and attempt to fix my disheveled hair.

"Well, he's probably built up a tolerance for it. Anyway, get ready, cause after the client meeting we're all going to go out to this bar where a buddy of mine works."

"Oh, I'll probably be too tired," I tell him, and adjust my ponytail.

"No way. You're coming. I need a wingman tonight."

"You? I don't buy it."

"Yeah, I do. And you owe me," Lucas says, cocking an eyebrow.

I cringe a little when I think of how I pretty much ditched Lucas at Alex and Tiffany's wedding. "Yeah, I know. And once again, I am sorry about the wedding--"

"The wedding?" he interrupts me. "Forget the wedding. You owe me for right now. Just so you know, if you weren't taking your comfy little nap on my shoulder, I probably would be taking that blond stewardess back to the hotel with me tonight."

"What? Which one?"

"That one with the drink tray in her hands. She's been giving me the eye the entire flight...up until you totally cock-blocked me, that is. And bagging a stewardess is definitely on my to do list."

"I did not-- First of all, the PC term is 'flight attendant', and secondly, you could've just pushed me off."

Lucas looks at me with a strange kind of look. "I didn't want to wake you."

Suddenly Susan leans across the aisle, and addresses us in a not so quiet voice. "Hate to interrupt all your flirting, but I just revised some of the art for the powerpoint, and I want your opinion. I'm sending over the attachment of the new file in the email, so give me your feedback asap, since our presentation is in two hours after we land."

I suddenly feel mortified, and very uncomfortable. "We were not flirting," I whisper to her. "Lucas wants to hook up with the stewardess!" I try to explain, but my tone is coming off a lot more defensive than I wanted.

"Flight attendant," Lucas corrects me, but doesn't attempt to correct Susan's crazy accusation.

"Yeah, whatever," I say, and open my laptop to review the newly sent file.

I remain silent for the remainder of the flight, and during the cab ride to the hotel. Once we check in, I head straight to my room, and try to focus on practicing my pitch. I need to land this client.

Before I head downstairs to meet up with the rest of the team, I get a text from Tyler.

*Good luck, babe. Knock 'em dead.*

I smile, and text back. *Can't wait to get back home and see you.*

*I'm going to assume by "home" you mean my place.*

My smile grows wider. *Maybe* I tease him.

Tyler sends me emojis of a couple with a heart, and a house.

I guess I'll have to decide what to do pretty soon.