From Bully To Beloved

CAL

TWO DAYS LEFT

Saturday

The soft opening was bumpier than expected, but still fairly positive, given the size of the shop. We tested our systems and procedures, and a select group of fellow bikers gave feedback. It was a good opportunity to showcase the facility and models to close prominent friends. We have a couple of days to nail any necessary adjustments before opening to the general public next Saturday. The last bikes should arrive by then, as well.

“Hey, are we going for drinks tonight?” Justin asks after everybody has left. It’s late.

“No, I’m beat.”

“How about tomorrow?”

“Can’t,” I tell him. “It’s my and Sera’s last day. Technically. Vance, the lawyer, is going to be there at 8:30 p. m.”

“Man, I’m sorry. I know how much you care about her.”

“I’m not giving up without a fight. I’m going to make her dinner and tell her I want her to stay with me. Before Vance arrives.”

Justin quirks an eyebrow. “Dude, that’s a fucking great idea. You cooking?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

He chuckles. “Kelly thinks Sera doesn’t want to leave either.”

It’s my turn to raise my eyebrows. “You two talking?”

“We’ve been texting almost every day. I like her. She writes cute texts. With smiley faces and shit. Her first message cracked me up.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“She told me thank you for my number, and that she’s single.”

“What did you say?”

He finds the message and reads it aloud: “It’s okay that you don’t have a man. Let me be the man to take you out on a date.”

“She liked it? Despite the overuse of the word ‘man?'”

“Hell yeah. I told her I’m game for anything. She’s been super busy with work, but we’re going on our first date next week. Maybe.”

“Maybe?”

“Well. She saidmaybe.”

I clap Justin on the back. “I’m happy for you, man.”

“Nah, you better wish me luck. She’s still living with her parents. She’s told me stories of her dad. Looks like he’s gonna shoot me the second I show up on his porch. Should I get a haircut? Trim my beard? Cover up some of these tats somehow? You know?”

“Loser.”

He sighs. “With a capital L.”

“Sounds like you need a bulletproof vest, not a haircut.”

His eyes grow huge. “Anyway. Back to Sera, I’m sure she’ll be thrilled when you ask her to stay.”

“Let’s hope so. I mean, if she’s going to be looking for a new place anyway, it doesn’t make sense for her to go to her old apartment only to move again later. We should just stay together and find a bigger place for both of us.”

Justin studies me for a second. “You’ve thought this through a lot, haven’t you?”

“Ever since she started sleeping on the couch again. I hate the distance between us, hate that this stupid timeline from the will is keeping her from seeing what’s right in front of her.”

“I hope for your sake she says yes. You’re my bro, and I like Sera. But if she breaks your heart, I’m gonna have to have words with her.”

“You better wear that bulletproof vest.”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

“Right.” He grimaces. “I’d probably wear two.”

We grin.

I appreciate Justin’s words. He’s my brother, and I know he’s got my back, just like I have his. “I’ve got this, bro. Not to worry.”

He inclines his head, reaching for his phone. “Let me help you out, loser. I’ve got a good realtor on hand. An English girl. Jane Deets. She’s a bit bitchy, probably doesn’t get laid enough, but she’sthebest of the best. Give her a call.”

That’s perfect.

Yes.

That’s it. That’sexactlywhat I need.

I’ve been meaning to hire a real estate agent to find a larger apartment for me, but haven’t had the time yet. An apartment for both of us will be a nice surprise. I bump Justin’s fist.

Before I head home, I dial Jane’s number. It’s past 11:00 p. m. and I only get her voicemail. I give her a few notes on what I’m looking for, and ask her to call me back tomorrow. I tell her it’s urgent.

When I get home, Sera is still awake. She’s waited up for me. I can’t help but stare at her. She looks at home here, like she belongs.

Shedoesbelong-withme. We share a glass of wine, and she asks me about my day. I ask her about hers. There’s still that lingering tension.

Mid-sip, Sera pauses, eyes meeting mine. “Is everything all right?”

I smile. “You’re gorgeous.”

She smiles back and empties her glass.

Just when I’m about to say, “Sera, I want you to stay with me,” she stands and reaches for our empty glasses to take them to the dishwasher. I grab her hand instead and pull her into a sweet, soft embrace. I want to kiss her, but I don’t want to overwhelm her. Our mouths are touching, but we don’t kiss, we just breathe each other in.

Sera pulls away and says goodnight.

“Wait, one more thing,” I say.

She looks tired. In the better light, I see that her eyes are bloodshot, and there are dark circles underneath, leading me to believe she didn’t get much-if any-sleep the night before. “Long day. Can we talk tomorrow?”

I want to kiss her like the starving, obsessed, mad man I am for her. I’m determined to make her see that we’re meant to stay together. I have to show and tell her how much she has changed my world.

“Sure, first thing, all right?” I say. “Sleep well.”

Not telling her about my plans and our apartment right now is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. But I pull myself together, because I can see that Sera isn’t receptive.

If my plan works out tomorrow, she’s going to stay.