*DING*
Celine’s mobile phone alerts. She seizes it and nestles against me to examine it. It is Norah. She presents the text to me.
Norah: Greetings, my dear! What is the current status of your relationship with your friend? Have you determined your departure date?
What is your opinion? Perhaps Tuesday following breakfast?“She inquires.”
“Indeed,” I concur. She responds to Norah’s text.
Norah: Is Tuesday acceptable? That is exceedingly prompt. Could you please join us for dinner tomorrow? I wish to organise a farewell party in your honour.
Celine: Your kindness is appreciated, but it is truly unnecessary.
Norah: Refrain from disputing with your expectant best friend. I require this. Understood?
“Are you agreeable to this?”“Celine inquires.”
“Certainly!”“
Celine: However, I will only be a few hours distant. We will engage in a FaceTime conversation and arrange a visit!
Norah: I am aware. It will simply be distinct, and you are aware of it. I dislike change.
Celine: I understand, yet I cannot be separated from him.
Norah: I am aware. I am currently pregnant and experiencing heightened emotions, exacerbating the situation. I am pleased that you located him.
Celine: Likewise!
Celine places her phone on the table and snuggles back into me. “What are our plans for the date?””
“It is a surprise,” I jest, and she groans.
We devote the subsequent hour on the couch to kissing, conversing, and laughing. As we remained on the couch, where Brandon could appear at any moment, the situation did not escalate significantly. I have profound affection for her. I admire her confident demeanour, her smile, her laughter, her affectionate gestures, and the way she gazes at me, conveying that I hold as much significance for her as she does for me.
She is benevolent and compassionate, and I am utterly enamoured with her. I adore her. I am certain of that.
Upon Alyssa’s awakening, I remain on the couch with them for a brief period. Alyssa was in an affectionate mood and cuddled up to me as well. She is becoming increasingly at ease with me.
“I have an obligation to attend to prior to our date.” I will arrive before 5 to collect my esteemed companions, understood?“
I bestow a gentle kiss upon Celine and a kiss on the forehead to Alyssa. As I begin to depart, I hear “MMM,” and upon turning back, I observe Alyssa gazing at me with pursed lips.
She is exceedingly adorable. I return to her and present my cheek, which she kisses. “You are exceedingly kind, Alyssa!”I concede and kiss her cheek before exiting the living room once more.
“What attire should we wear?”She enquires of me.
“Nothing elaborate.”
I depart from Celine’s and enter my truck. I intend to proceed to the town. I wish to acquire a substantial bouquet for Celine and a stuffed animal or a similar item for Alyssa. I input the flower shop’s location into my GPS and proceed downtown.
Celine’s Perspective
Cohen is taking us both on a date this evening, and I find it to be the most endearing gesture. I wish to express my profound gratitude to him upon our return home as well. I prefer not to wait several days until we arrive at Bloodfang Moon. I have devised a plan and will contact Norah for assistance.
TELEPHONE RING*
I would like to request a favor from you and Gavin to be kept in the utmost confidentiality.
Norah: Obviously! Consistently!
I have been unable to engage in intimate activities with Cohen due to Brandon’s constant presence, and when he is absent, Alyssa is awake. Cohen is taking Alyssa and me on a surprise date this evening. I prefer not to wait several days until our arrival at Bloodfang Moon. Therefore, if I message you while en route home, could you summon Brandon and engage him in entertainment? Kindly? Instruct Gavin to refrain from informing Brandon.
Norah: I will consult with Gavin now to determine our options. I will return your call.
Five minutes later
Greetings!
Norah: Greetings! Please notify us when you are nearing home. Gavin will contact Brandon, and they will thoroughly discuss his initial travel mission, as well as potentially the second and third missions. It is contingent upon the duration of your endurance. Amusement
Me: Oh my goodness. Please refrain from laughing. I find it absurd that I am unable to wait two days.
Norah: We find it amusing, yet we completely understand!
We?
Norah: Indeed, Gavin succumbed to laughter. Apologies.
Me: Sigh. Perhaps they could visit a pub for a beer, thereby making it less conspicuous that
Is he procrastinating?
Norah: Indeed, that is what Gavin stated. They would discuss his inaugural mission at the pub. That will provide you with several hours. I jest and jest, yet truthfully… you recall the extent of Gavin’s and my ineptitude at the outset. I comprehend. The mate bond is profound.
Indeed, it is. Thank you very much! You are exceptional. I cherish you!
