Page 126 of September

“She’s coming, too, babe,” Gwen said. “Did you think I would come without her? I’ll be in the room with her. And I checked online: this hotel allows dogs. We have to pay a fee, but I thought you’d be okay with that.”

“You’re really…” Juliet smiled, and her hands moved up to Gwen’s neck. “What about youractualjob?”

“Everything’s been covered, and Elisa is watching Larry and Gary.”

“I cannot believe you named him Gary.”

“What? It rhymed.”

“He’s a gecko.”

“It was going to be Larry and Linda, but they didn’t have a female. Larry doesn’t seem to mind, though. He and Gary are best friends already.”

Juliet laughed and checked, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” she replied. “I’m not ready to spend a night without you yet. Truthfully, I’m not sure I’ll ever be, but it’s only three weeks if I’m with you this week, and I can see about the week where it’s a shorter drive.”

“Babe, this is amazing.” Juliet shook her head. “I was really going to miss you. I’ve been packing all night and stopping every five minutes because I just didn’t want to go.”

“We’re codependent now, aren’t we?” Gwen joked.

“No, I think we might just be falling in love a little bit,” Juliet said with a shoulder shrug.

“Oh, just that, huh?” Gwen joked.

“Yeah, no big deal or anything.”

Juliet’s hands pulled Gwen’s face down, and she kissed her.

“Are you sure you’re too tired?” Gwen asked.

“I have coffee and a driving buddy tomorrow, so I can sleep a little on the way if I need to,” Juliet said and pulled at Gwen’s shirt.

“Youdohave the best coffee.”

“Ido, actually, because I picked up the coffee we made together.”

“You did?” Gwen asked, removing her own shirt.

“I got it a while ago, but with everything going on, I forgot about it. I was going to give it to you tomorrow morning before I left; something for you to remember me by.”

“I can remember you by your lips.” Gwen kissed them. “And your hands.” She moved Juliet’s hands to her own hips. “And… other things.”

“Coffee later?” Juliet asked.

“Coffee later,” Gwen replied and kissed her.