Right Next To Me

Chapter 39 What Happens in California...

Chapter 39 ~ What Happens in California...

My body is aching from all the physical exertion last night. I opened my eyes and saw an empty space in my bed. Dylan is nowhere in sight. My heart sank. I don’t like this feeling. I think this is what I would feel every day if I wake up without him beside me. I have gotten used to having him around. He sneaks in my room all the time. I love waking up in his arms. I don’t think my heart can handle his absence.

I sat up, pulling the sheets with me to cover myself again. I noticed that someone has cleaned up as I scanned the room. It was a mess last night. Clothes were scattered and tossed everywhere. Well, they are mostly my clothes. The tea light candles have been arranged on the mantle. They were no longer on the floor like I had placed them there last night. I was going for the romantic effect. I actually think it worked. We were so into each other last night.

I stared at the ocean beyond the huge windows wondering where Dylan is. “Good morning, beautiful.” I turned to find the sexy, baritone voice but bumped my head in the headboard instead. The voice chuckled. “Careful, babe.” It is my Cranky Boy. Well, I know it was him but I wanted to see his gorgeous face first thing in the morning. He is holding a tray of food and a bouquet of flowers tucked under his arm.

I rubbed the sore spot in my head. “I was wondering where you went.” I pouted. He laughed quietly and sat on the bed. He kissed the bump and handed me the flowers. They were freshly picked. “You raided Grams’ garden.” I said with a laugh.

He laughed too. “Hey, I asked permission. She is just outside.” He said defensively and nodded toward the direction of the kitchen. “I think she wants to catch us again.” He whispered. I giggled as I remembered the scene when Grams walked in on us the other day. He tucked some stray hair behind my ear and kissed my nose. “Go ahead, eat. I think we need to leave within the hour if we want to reach San Diego at around two.”

“Mmm…” I am unable to say anything because I was already attacking the blueberry pancakes. I just nodded. I swallowed and asked, “Care to join me in there. You know…save time.” I nodded toward the bathroom, waggling my eyebrow.

He leaned in and brushed something on my cheek. “Oh, yeah.” He declared with a big grin. We ate and prepared to leave for San Diego.

 ~*~

“When are you coming back?” Grandma May looks so sad when we said goodbye to her. I feel guilty that I have not been able to see her more often. I call almost every week just to keep her updated but now I know it is not enough. She is old and fragile. I should spend time with her while I can. She hugged me tight. “They say true love comes just once in a lifetime. Don’t let that boy go. He is the one, I can tell.” She grinned at me. Her eyes are full of wisdom and understanding.

“I feel it too, Grams. I think he is the only one for me.” I threw a glance at Dylan who is bossing his friends around. Seth and Liam woke up late because they stayed out too late. “He is already trapped. He is not going anywhere.” I grinned. “I will be here in the summer, Grams. I need more tips to keep the love alive.” I said breathily, imitating Marilyn Monroe. Grams likes that actress a lot. It made her laugh.

“For the summer? Aren’t you going to Stanford?” She asked, looking hopeful. My mother went to Stanford. She and Dad met on campus.

I shook my head sadly. “I haven’t heard from them. I also don’t think I could handle being away from him.” I nodded toward Dylan’s direction. He turned just in time and caught my eye. He smiled at me and walked to where I stood with Grams by the balcony.

Grams nodded in understanding. “Hmmm…if you need a voice of wisdom in case you need to make a decision, you can always talk to me.”

“I know.” I gave her a hug again. “I’ll leave you for now. See you soon. Take care. I love you.” Dylan and the boys are ready to go. They also said goodbye to Grams.  I don’t know what Derek and Ian are up to but they will be staying behind. We will drive to San Diego and then fly back to New York tomorrow afternoon.