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"She said she'd be here in ten minutes…"

"Good. Intercept her, then take a moment. 'Kay?"

I nodded then glanced at Wyatt when he returned from his shower. He ran his fingers through his damp hair and tossed me a wink. "I can handle the napkin rings."

We all chuckled at that, and I broke away from them to head downstairs like Tati suggested.

The traffic bustled there, but less so on a Sunday as I pushed myself up to sit on the stoop outside the building. I watched my worn-out Vans bounce against the stone wall while I swung my legs. My worry wouldn't cease as my mind imagined the various scenarios where Frankie offended Clementine and it sent her running off from my life. I couldn't quite bear the thought, and it only fueled my anxiety more. A chill lingered in the air, reminding me that winter would arrive soon, and the world would lose some of its color again. Most times I didn't mind it, but for some reason I did today.

Warmth wrapped my fingers suddenly, and slender hands bearing fingerless gloves encased mine. I smiled right away when Clementine appeared in front of me. She wore a cozy beanie with a cute fluffy ball on top. The way it forced her hair to cradle her face brought out her stunning features. I cupped her cheeks right away, and she giggled.

"Did you know that New York is getting more than six feet of snow in some places right now?" she said, out of nowhere.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I did not, but I agree it's unusually cold here. It could snow."

"Maybe a little bit." She kissed me quickly, her hands gripping mine tighter. "I missed you."

"I missed you, too." Her words heated even the iciest parts of me, and I draped my arms over her shoulders. "I like your hat."

"It keeps my head warm." She grinned while letting her hands rest on my thighs as she stood between my knees. "Otherwise, its quite hideous."

"It's cute." I laughed hard and hugged her again.

"Are you anxious about something? You picked all the paint out of your nails and left a little pile of it on the step."

"A little." I nodded while resting my chin on her shoulder.

"Tell me about why."

"Because Frankie will be here, and I'm worried she'll be rude to you."

"Well, she probably will be, but I'll expect it. It's okay." She gave my ponytail a tug before leaning back to look at me. "Rudeness is one of my many skills so I can be rude right back."

I cracked up at that and ran my finger down her cheek. "I'm here for it."

"I'm here for you." She scrunched up her nose then bumped her forehead with mine.

I melted. Right there. Into a puddle. On the stoop. I was a stoop puddle.

"Thank you." The kiss she allowed me to land on her lips boiled the space between us, and I felt her body relax against me.

"Are you going to let me properly see your room today?" she asked when we parted. Clem didn't relinquish my hand, however, and turned to lead me back inside.

Sometimes I really liked it when her assertiveness shone through. It nixed some of my anxiety and seemed to not drive up any of hers.

"Maybe." I laughed as we trudged up the stairs. "I tidied up just for you."

"Good." She tossed me a smile, then opened the apartment door with the amount of comfort belonging to someone who lived there. Knowing she could feel comfortable in my space brought a minor sense of relief to me as we headed inside.

Wyatt and Tati greeted Clem warmly as always, with hugs and cheek kisses. Tati stole her away immediately to meet her mom, and I stood awkwardly beside them as the Portuguese language flew rapid-fire between them. I looked over at Wyatt when he came to stand beside me, his arms folded across his chest while he appeared to concentrate on the exchange. Reagan hugged Clem around the middle briefly, then ran off back to stirring whatever baking ingredients she worked on with her grandma.

"Any clue what they're saying?" he asked after a moment.

"Teeniest tiniest bit. They're talking about where Clem stayed in Portugal and where Tati's family is from. But like, I don't know the specifics. I just recognize the context."

"Clem speaks how many languages again?"

"Five or six. Fluently. It's slightly intimidating," I said, though with a smile.