you. She’s young and confused. Give her time, it will all work out.”
She wrinkles her little nose. She looks gorgeous tonight in black wide bottom slacks, black blouse, and heels. About a week ago, she cut the hair at the nape of her neck, giving her style more shape and a bit of a different look. I love it on her. It calls attention to her face.
When we reach the entrance to our old building, Roni gives me a curious look. “What are we doing here? I thought you let the place go?”
“I had, but it came back on my radar and I decided to purchase it. We have a few memories here I wouldn’t mind keeping,” I reply.
She groans. “Don’t turn into a weirdo on me, John.”
“What are you talking about?”
“A sentimental apartment? Really?”
I press for the elevator before turning to her and cupping the sides of her head to kiss her forehead. “Yes, and I plan to make more memories here.”
She makes a face at me, but I can see the smile behind it. The elevator dings, and I lace our fingers together as we step on. Roni looks down at our linked fingers and her smile grows.
“I’ve been wondering if I would change things about my past,” she says. “I don’t think I would. Not if it meant losing you.”
I lean for a sample of her full lips. “Does that mean you are going to get soft and mushy on me?”
“No, and I’m probably going to do my best to top from the bottom tonight,” she says and wiggles her brows.
I burst into laughter. “I’ll allow it. You’ve been so well behaved the last few weeks.”
She pouts. “It’s no fun when you allow it.”
I shake my head and lead her off the elevator. My nerves kick in as we near the apartment. Roni is either going to really hate this, or she’s going to absolutely love it.
Here goes nothing.
Roni
My mind starts to wonder off again as we walk to the apartment door. As I thought, knowing the truth has only brought on more decisions and uncertainties. Things I’m still wrapping my head around.
However, all of that skids to a stop as we enter the apartment. My mouth drops open and tears start to build. It’s right here, right now, I know with all my heart that this man knows me better than anyone.
There are roses and balloons everywhere with a banner hanging up. Happy Birthday, it reads. It’s my birthday, but I hadn’t made a big deal about it. I didn’t know John knew in the first place. We don’t talk much about my life before I met him and the things I now remember.
“Do you like it?” he says by my ear.
Speechless, I take a few steps forward and the champagne colored balloons dance around my ankles, only to reveal a thick blanket of white rose petals covering the floor beneath. There’s no way he has lined this entire apartment with roses. I move further into the living area and spin in a circle to confirm that petals are indeed covering every inch of the floor. This place looks like a fairy tale.
Music comes softly through the sound system. I grin as Bootsy Collins version of “I’d Rather Be with You” plays. This is so some smooth John shit.
Looking up at the banner, I ask, “You did this for me?”
He moves behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. “One of my jobs is to know you better than you know yourself. It’s not that you don’t want affection, you’re confused by it. I’m going to spoil you, Roni. When I know you need to be loved on, I’m not going to let your stubborn ass keep me from giving you what you need,” he murmurs against my neck.
“Yes, I love it. That’s the answer to your question. This is…” I cover his arms with mine. “This is everything to me.”
“But I’m not done. Happy twenty-seventh Birthday, baby.”
I turn in his arms to look at him. The weight of the love in his eyes is like a punch to the gut. I caress his jaw with the back of my hand.
Suddenly, he drops to one knee and my brows lift into my hairline as my mouth drops open. I take a step back, always that push and pull with me and John. However, when he reaches for my waist and pulls me close, I don’t fight it.