A Beautiful Instrument

60: Aren't These Supposed to be Good Luck?

I wake up in bed much later that morning. My body is sore, but I smile as I remember cuddling in Jeremy's arms in the afterglow. I reach out, hoping to find his rock-hard body next to me, but the bed is empty. I sit up and realize the room is empty.

I reach for my phone and see three texts.

Alexis: Happy birthday, bestie! Sorry I missed the usual midnight celebration this year. Us, parents-to-be, in preparation for how lame we're about to become, fell asleep sometime after ten. I know you're headed off on your secret getaway, but call me if you get a chance. Manny and I have something to ask you guys.

The next text is from Jeremy.

Jeremy: Good morning, love. I went to go secure "the goods." Be back before you miss me too much.

Leigh: Too late.

The last text, sent 10 minutes ago, is from an unknown number.

???: Leigh, it's Amar. I'm sorry I left last night without a word. While I immensely enjoyed our escapades, I regret we cannot have another night like that. Please forgive me.

I don't know how to respond. Is he mad that I fell asleep? Oh well. Truth be told, while it was an incredible thing to experience, it's something I'd rather not repeat again. Jeremy is enough for me.

"I hurried back as soon as I got your text and these!" Jeremy enters the room carrying Dunkin Donuts coffee and a Jubilee Donuts box. I know exactly what's inside.

"Cream-filled jelly donuts?" I guess eagerly.

"Side by side." He replies.

"Yum! And thank you for the extra stop at Dunkin. I haven't even looked at the clock, what time... it's 11am!" I gasp.

Jeremy laughs and scratches the back of his head. "Yep, you needed to rest after all the excitement of last night."

"Wait! Aren't we supposed to be somewhere? You told Monica..." All of a sudden, I feel like I messed up his plans.

"That we couldn't do brunch." He gestures to the coffee and donut in my hands. "And we couldn't. I figured we would need the morning to recuperate. Our flight doesn't leave until four." Jeremy shares.

I relax a little. "And still no hints?"

"Not a one. How are you feeling this morning?" He changes the subject, looking me over.

I laugh awkwardly. "I'm not going to lie. I'm a little sore."

Jeremy has a look of consternation. "Leigh..."

"Wait. Let me say something first." He stops and takes my hand. "I appreciate you being open and calm during the entire evening. It was fun, but we honestly don't need anyone else."

He kisses my hand and chuckles. "God I'm so happy to hear you say that."

I hug him and pull back enough to caress his soft lips with mine. When I pull back, I peer into his face. "Can I ask now what happened after our first round?"

Jeremy's expression clouds over and he grunts. "Oh that. Amar came out of the bathroom and was asking me all sorts of questions about our relationship and how I knew you were the one."

"The one? We're not engaged." I say, nervous about where this is headed.

"Yeah, but I think we're the only two who are still questioning if we'll get engaged. Everyone else is asking when." He points out.

I push. "So, that doesn't sound bad."

He gives me a look. "It wasn't until he suggested that I grant you a night of freedom with him so you could see if I was really the one for you. He really pissed me off. I wanted to pound his face in. It took everything in me to not throw him out right then and there."