One Week Away

Chapter 20

Mitchell and I spent the week talking and figuring out what we want to do going forward. I feel like I have never been this honest in my life with anyone. The feeling is freeing for me. Reaching a decision is not something either one of us are taking lightly. After being together for so long it is hard to picture a future without each other in it.

After many conversations we decide to separate. We no longer harboured feelings of being in love with each other and the betrayal of my affair with Christian was too much for him. We both deserve to find happiness and feel love to its full capacity.

Mitchell moved his stuff into the guest room and we are going to keep the house until we both find new places to live.. Once we move into our new homes we will sell the house. Neither one of us wants to stay here with all of the memories of our failed marriage.

Monday morning I head into the office early to get started on my house search before I have to start work. I turn on the coffee pot and head into my office. Pulling up local realtor listings I start browsing houses in the area. I got so caught up in floor plans and amenities that I didn't hear Christian walk in. He sets a coffee down on my desk and I look over to him "Thank you." He smiles and looks up at my screen.

"You guys moving?" I smile. "I am yes." He looks at me with a confused look. "You are? Where to?" "I am looking for a place with a nice yard or area for Nelly.." Still confused he stares at me. "Mitchell and I talked. I told him about the affair and we are getting a divorce." His face relaxes into sadness as he comes around my desk to give me a hug. "I am so sorry Adrianna. Gosh this is all my fault. You were married and I shouldn't have let things go that far. I just couldn't stand not seeing you happy and loved."

Giving him a big smile. "Stop Christian. This isn't your fault. I am okay. I feel free for the first time in a long time."

"Well you could always stay with me if you want." I smile "Thanks but I want to do this. I have never lived alone and I need some time to heal. I won't be able to do that knowing you are naked in the next room." "Who said anything about you staying in the guest room?" He winks. I chuckle back and suddenly feel like all of our tension from the past few months has been erased.

"Hey want to go look at apartments with me during lunch?" "Apartments huh? What happened to house hunting?" I smile "Well you never know where life will take you and I don't want to be tied down to a house and yard work."

"I would love to go with you." He smiles at me and even though we aren't together I have my friend back and I can feel a piece of my heart go back into place.

We head out during lunch to look at the three apartments on my list. I told John we would be taking a long lunch so that we wouldn't be rushed.

Apartment one is cute but a little on the small side. "I don't think this one has enough space for Nelly." Christian agrees.

Apartment two is modern and has clean lines. "This one feels too cold." Christian agrees with me again.

Apartment three is perfect!! It is traditional with hints of modern. It blends my taste perfectly and has plenty of space for Nelly. I look to the apartment director. "How much is this one?"

"Well since you only want a six month lease the rent is a little more. It is $1500 a month including your pet fees and amenities."

"I will take it."

"Perfect let's go down to my office so you can sign the lease. It won't be available until the 1st of next month. Is that okay?"

Hmmm ten days. "Yes that is no problem."

"You can always stay with me if you need to Adrianna." "Thanks Christian but I am okay. I knew there was a chance I couldn't move in today."

We get to the apartment office and I signed a lease for the apartment. Our new life is starting. Nelly and I alone. I was ready to find myself. Find my independence in the world but I could tell this man in front of me was going to push all of those limits. I had to find a way to put my feelings aside and remain just friends.

"Well I can help you move if you want." "Thanks Christian but I don't think it would be a good idea for you to come help me pack my stuff up. Mitchell is still living there and I can't promise that he doesn't want to punch you in the face."

"Fair enough. How about when the movers are finished I come over and help you unpack?" "That would be amazing. Thank you!"

We leave the apartments and head back to the office. The rest of the day goes by quickly and I head home to start packing some small stuff. Mitchell and I still needed to discuss who was taking certain pieces of furniture so for now I left those alone.

I hear the door open and shut. "Adrianna?" "In the kitchen." "Hey I am glad I caught you. I found a new place today. It doesn't close for another month so I will be here at least that long." "I found a place today as well. I am just going to rent an apartment for now. I will be moving in on the 1st." "Oh wow that was fast." "Yeah it is pretty spacious and they have a dog area for Nelly."

I cook dinner and we sit down to eat. He looks up at me "I will miss this. It has always been my favorite part of the day." I smile as my eyes fill with tears "Mine too."