"Are you sure you're coming back?" Rob referred to the pile of my luggage that waited by my front door and I could almost see the look on his face from the other side of the wall, "Because these bags are telling me otherwise."
"I think I remember telling a certain individual that it was better for me to drive because I was going to have a lot of bags to bring." I walked out of my bedroom wheeling one last small suitcase behind me, an amused smile playing on my lips at the fact that Rob didn't quite believe me when I told him this several days ago.
"How long are you going?" His voice sounded as if he was looking for verification that we were both on the same page.
"Twelve days."
He bobbed his head as his eyes darted back to my suitcases, I could only imagine the thoughts going through his head and it was enough to make me chuckle.
"In all fairness I told you I was going to have a million suitcases. I had a lot to pack. So again, if someone would've just let me drive like I wanted to..." I reminded my boyfriend of the conversation we had just a few short days ago as my voice trailed off.
"You're right. And I will gladly load and unload a million suitcases into my trunk if it means knowing my girlfriend isn't driving from Boston to Buffalo in a snow storm." He stepped towards me breaking the distance between us as his large hands found my hips pulling me against him, his lips meeting my forehead in a brief and loving encounter, "It's better this way Av, you've been up crying the last couple nights and haven't slept much. And maybe it makes me selfish but I feel better knowing you're safe."
"I know." I nodded agreeably, everything he said was true and I couldn't deny any of it, "You have no idea just how much I appreciate you. It means the world to me."
The Christmas holiday was fast approaching and I was headed home to be with family, my parents always hosted Christmas and I looked forward to seeing everyone. It was the one time every year that my siblings and I were all under the same roof again. I wouldn't miss that for anything.
However, this year tragedy had struck and my brother Mark and his family lost everything in a house fire. Thank God no one was seriously injured but they did lose the family pets; a dog named Rocky and cat they called Hank. That was one of the toughest parts of all of this for everyone, our pets become family and I know my brother hated that he wasn't able to save them. His wife and their three kids were devastated, the holidays were supposed to be a happy time; especially for children.
Rob grabbed my bags in one swoop leaving me to lock my apartment up behind me. I chuckled imagining how many trips it would have taken me up and down the staircase had he not been here. In some ways I was still getting used to having a special someone in my life again, I had grown so comfortable being independent and sometimes Rob and I even butt heads when I insisted on asserting that independence. He always felt like I should just openly accept the help but what he didn't understand was that after years of failed relationships I had learned that I could only ever depend on myself. We were working on finding our common ground.
I walked out into the chilly air to see Rob strategically loading my luggage into the trunk of his Mercedes SUV, what was it with men and their need to make these situations into a game of Tetris? As a child I remember the time my dad spent packing our car before a family vacation and I never understood why my mother got so annoyed until I had gotten older. While I haven't dealt with it long enough to be annoyed, it always gave me a good giggle. It was some universal need among the male species.
"You want that one back here?" Rob asked motioning to the large tote bag that hung on my forearm as I approached the vehicle.
"No that's okay. I'll just hang on to it, it doesn't really zip so I don't want everything to fall out." I looked down at the black Michael Kors bag that I had loaded with goodies to keep me occupied on the plane, it was my opportunity to catch up on the romance novel I picked up weeks ago but never had the chance to get into. Let's just say Rob is not one for letting me read before bed and we seemed to spend more nights together than apart lately.
"I can't even believe I'm about to ask this but... are you sure you have everything?" The expression he wore on his face as he opened my car door proved he was thoroughly amused by his own question.
"Pretty sure." I flashed him a playful smile stealing a taste of his lips before sliding into the passenger seat, "And if I forgot anything you can bring it when you come."
"That's what you think." A silly smile crept across his lips and he laughed at my remark. I would get the opportunity to see Rob when the Patriots came to Buffalo to take on my Bills on Christmas Eve. I was really looking forward to having him in my hometown, actually... OUR hometown.
The ride to the airport was rather silent as I studied the way my fingers were interlaced through Rob's, his large hand fully consuming mine. I admired the comfort he brought me with such a simple gesture. Nearly anytime there's silence between us he reaches for my hand or gives my thigh a small squeeze, it's almost as if it was his way of reminding me he was still there even when the words weren't. I cherished every moment and every ounce of effort he put in to this relationship.
We pulled up to Logan International and Rob unloaded my bags quickly as the gentleman manning the outdoor booth worked at getting my bags checked in. I suddenly remembered why so many found it convenient to fly and when your dating the Patriots tight end there's extra perks that come with those flights. For instance, I never would've bought myself a first class seat... I always found it to be an unnecessary expense when a coach seat would get me there just the same.
Rob handed the Delta employee the last of my bags as well as a folded bill of a larger denomination. I couldn't make out what it was but by the way the smile widened on the young mans face I knew it wasn't one he was tipped with often. Rob was always a good tipper and he enjoyed being able to brighten someone's day, he definitely knew how to share the wealth.
"You should be good to go." His focus returned to me and I instantaneously wrapped my arms around him catching him slightly off guard, "You okay?"
"I just really appreciate you..." I wasn't sure I could ever fully express to him how much all of this meant to me, he had gone above and beyond and it baffled me that just a couple months ago I debated whether or not being with him was a good idea.
"Well I really appreciate you...." Rob playfully smiled, never swaying from his flirtatious ways, "You're my girl, I will always do everything I can for you and those important to you."
I rose to my tip toes and captured his lips. I was going to miss that goofy smile even if it was only going to be a couple days, he had really come through for me. I took a moment to enjoy the comforting warmth of his arms, his large form shielding me from the bitter Boston air that whipped past us with force.
"You better go, you still have to get through security and I don't want you to miss your boarding call." The tone of his voice sent a chill down my spine, it sounded sad yet protective.
"Okay." I slowly nodded my head as I freed myself from his arms, the chill in the air quickly making me miss his warmth. I slung my carry on over my shoulder and began to head for the automatic doors that never really seemed to close with the hustle and bustle that surrounded the terminal. I hated flying especially during the holidays.
"Call me when you land."
I took another brief moment to study him before stepping inside the doors and my heart had never felt so much happiness. The way he stood there watching to make sure I had made it inside safely... his brown locks covered by a beanie, his large hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans and his gray Northface shielding him from the frigid temperatures. One thing was for sure; the Patriots tight end had me feeling some kind of way.
