EVERGLOW

XIX. Where memory lane takes her

For the next couple of nights after their friends left, Dylan and Yue found themselves voluntarily stuck in the same sleeping arrangements.

The first night they'd had the house back to themselves, she'd tossed and turned on her bed in the guest room until she gave up. She'd opened her door, determined to think up an excuse on the short walk through the hallway, only to find him on the other side with his hand reaching for her doorknob. They'd stared at each other for what felt like the longest time, her in one of her few nightgowns and him in his sweatpants. Neither was willing to say the words. Both knowing exactly what the other needed.

Until she'd bit her lip to hold back her smile. But she couldn't hide the amusement in her eyes. She could never forget how clingy he was. He'd simply rubbed off on her.

He'd responded with a grin. And thrown an arm around her shoulders to pull her out of the cold guest room.

She had, however, stubbornly refused to answer his plea. And he doggedly made it a habit to ask her every night.

It was almost as if the words came easier to him once he'd said them aloud. While her resolve wavered each time he whispered the same words at night while he held her close.

They both knew what was holding her back. It seemed he was willing to bury everything in the past. He was never one for talking anything through.

She couldn't do the same. Not when nothing had changed.

But she didn't have the will to bring up the subject when his arms brought her comfort in the dark. And she didn't have the courage to do it in the harsh light of day.

She sighed as she zipped up the last suitcase. She was packing for their move to Beijing. Dylan was leaving that night. He would start filming the next day. She and Cai would follow the day after, along with Hao Ge. Hopefully, the arrangement would make it easier for them to travel unnoticed.

She fell on the bed exhausted, when she remembered something, sat upright and reached for her carry-on. She pulled out a dog-eared photo from her wallet and ambled over to her collection. She pinned it back into place, and skimmed her hand lightly over the rest.

Each one was taken on significant days, tokens of memories she would always hold close.

She tugged at one and read her handwriting at the back.

____________________________________

Maldives, Honeymoon (?)

All her clothes were strewn on the bed.

She counted her luggage.

Three. Everything should be here. But apparently, they weren't.

She could swear she packed them, and she checked for the eighth time the compartment her underwear and swimsuit were supposed to be in. Still empty.

Had she really lost her mind in the excitement of her wedding and forgot to pack them?

Desperate she went through all her bags again. Knowing she'd find nothing because she never used it, she pulled open the zipper for the hidden compartment in one of her suitcases. She watched in surprise as the small laundry bag tumbled out. It was unfamiliar but curiosity got the better of her and she opened it.

A sound between dismay and outrage fell out of her mouth as she gaped at the tangled lace and chiffon in her hand. What the hell?

And then she remembered a certain friend being overly concerned about her packing list and going the extra mile to double check everything. She promptly stuffed the offending things back where they came from before her husband could find them. Lord, what would he think?