FlAvor

Chapter 9

Using my key, I opened my old home's door. The place still smelled like honey; sweet and calm. All the lights were off, indicating that my parent's must be sleeping. They're totally unaware that I'm here. I probably should have told them I was coming but everything was so last minute. I turn the lights on to see new furniture and a lot of upgrades put in. Damn, I was just here almost three months ago. Shaking my head, I head upstairs as quietly as I could manage.

I peep through my parent's door, seeing light coming through it. Dad's practically dead to the world; mom, from what it looks like, is solving puzzles in her crossword.

"Mom?"

She glanced at me in surprise. "Honey! What in the world are you doing here? Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would've fixed you something to eat when you got here. How was the flight?"

"I know, I know mom. It was a hasty trip but I really wanted to see you guys." I smiled fondly at my dad and her.

"Oh, sweetie," she came out of bed, squeezing me with her motherly hugs that I love. I've missed this woman so much. "I love you, pumpkin. You go on to bed. I'll have breakfast ready in the morning."

"Okay. Love you too mom." Walking out of the room, I head to mine old one. Mom keeps up with the cleaning in my room while I'm gone, so no wonder it was practically spotless. The thought reminds me of Blaine's way of keeping things neat at the condo.

Our condo. Or home, I should say. I miss that man. Only an hour and half by flight, but the distance is evident. I'm staying here for a week but my dramatic self is making it seem like I'm not going back to NYC.

I can't help how I'm reacting. I've slept in my old bed for 17+ years, yet the most comfortable one is Blaine's.

Sighing, I put on some clothes to sleep in and slide into the bed. My cell rings with Blaine's signature ring tone. My stomach is sworn with butterflies, all because I want to hear his voice.

I need to get a grip.

"Hi Blaine," I whispered into the phone.

"Hey, baby. How was the flight?" His voice melts into my ear. Raspy and manly. I bask in it.

"It was pretty good. Though this little kid in front of me acted like he had no home-training. I was tempted to smack him upside the head but I don't need a lawsuit on my hands." Blaine's laugh makes me smile. "Other than that, the flight got here on time."

"I'm glad to hear it."

The line was silent; neither of us speaks, but the emotion through the phone was palpable. Is he feeling the same way I do? I wish I could teleport from here this moment to see him.

"You'll be back with me sooner than you think, sweetheart," he reminded me.

"Doesn't change the fact that sleeping tonight without you will be weird," I said, my voice growing tired.

"I know. It will be like that for me too. Close your eyes and picture this for me, okay?"

"Okay."

"You and I in the bed together, my arms around your waist, your head on chest, me running my fingers through your hair. It's just us. We listen to some R&B, ignoring the world. How does that sound?"

It sounds wonderful. "I love it."

"Goodnight Adri. Think of me."

"I will," I said softly. "You do the same."

"Trust me, baby. I'm doing it as we speak."

I hung up the phone and place it on the dresser with a small grin on my face. He stays turning me into mush. I can't describe how, with a few words, he turns my day around. Closing my eyes, I fall into a fast sleep, my mind solely and completely on him.