Page 54

54

ledger

my favorite color

“I wish we didn’t have to leave tomorrow,” Auburn said as she packed some of her clothes. “This has been the best trip of my life. I mean, aside from my little breakdown earlier.”

I paused where I stood in the small hallway between the bed area and the bathroom where I was grabbing my suitcase and turned around to gauge her tone. She was smiling without a care in the world, not realizing what she had said.

I crossed the room in three strides and grabbed her wrist. Her eyes went wide. “Don’t do that.” I let go of her hand.

“Do what?”

“Don’t minimize what you went through or act as if telling me the biggest part of your life is as simple as a breakdown.”

“But—”

“No.” I shook my head. “That was a significant part of yourself that you entrusted to me. Please don’t diminish it.”

“Okay.” She nodded, her response a soft whisper as she meticulously folded her clothes, preparing to leave. Her movements were precise, methodically packing her belongings. She paused, her gaze wandering around the room. The hotel exuded old-world charm, with sleek furnishings and subtle accents. Soft-gray hues adorned the walls, complemented by elegant photographs of Edinburgh.

Soft light from the streetlamps came through the sheer curtains, giving the room a gentle glow. As she kept packing, the room felt still, with the sound of her breathing breaking the quiet.

“I’m going to take a shower,” I said from behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and kissing her right by her ear. She turned her head and pressed her lips to mine. While she was occupied, I dropped a package into her bag.

I walked into the bathroom, turning on the shower before stepping in, hoping she would see what I had left.