LILY
I think our trip from Alabama to Montgomery took around three hours.
“What are we going to do here in Montgomery?” I asked.
“Let’s unwind for four days,” Arlo said while driving.
“Four days? Don’t you have work?”
“I took some leave. Dad will handle the company for the next four days.”
“I just want to ask, Arlo—are you now the new CEO of your Grandpa’s company?” Instead of answering, he kissed my hand.
“Let’s not talk about the company for now, babe, please,” he said. I sighed.
He was right. Lately, he had been so busy and would come home late to the apartment. I didn’t ask any more questions.
“We didn’t bring any clothes with us,” I said.
“There’s a mall here. Let’s buy what we need.” I nodded.
When we arrived at the mall, Arlo parked the car. We got out together, holding hands as we entered the large mall.
Other women couldn’t take their eyes off Arlo. Some even craned their necks just to get a better look at him. I couldn’t blame them—any woman would turn to look at Arlo. Even I was stunned when I first met him.
Arlo tightened his grip on my hand. The mall was crowded; some were there just to cool off or window shop.
“Buy everything you want,” Arlo told me before leaving me for a moment to let me shop on my own.
I only bought the essentials, just enough for the four days. The last things I picked up were pajamas and undergarments. I ended up buying a lot, and I almost forgot that the credit card I was using wasn’t mine—it was Arlo’s.
“Are you done?” Arlo’s deep voice startled me.
He had been shopping too, as he was carrying even more bags than I was. We left the mall together and headed straight to the parking area. He placed all the shopping bags in the back seat before carefully starting the car and driving away.
I wasn’t unfamiliar with Montgomery since this wasn’t my first time visiting. My parents and I used to come here for summer vacations. But even on those trips, I often felt stifled. I had always wanted to take a solo vacation like my friends did.
Before I realized it, we were already in front of a beautiful bungalow house.
“We’re here,” Arlo said.
As I stepped out of the car, the cool breeze greeted me. I closed my eyes and smiled. I was startled when Arlo kissed me on the lips.
“Do you like the place?” he asked.
“I love it!” I replied.
“There are many beautiful sights to see here. Just tell me where you want to go, and I’ll take you.”
“Thank you, Arlo. This is such an unforgettable memory for me. Finally, I get to experience something like this on my own,” I said.
