Page 79 of One Week
I gasp in pleasure, enjoying every second, but before long, he releases me and reaches for the bag. “Put it on.” He throws meThe Doorst-shirt. I catch it and bring it to my nose. It smells like Christiania which is a scent I can’t quite describe — freedom, pot... paint, garden. I slip it on.
“Sexy as sin,” he practically growls. He’s still wearing his worn jeans and leather belt, and I quickly take care of that.
We make love on the bed, for the second time today. Post-lovemaking, we lie in each other’s arms and suck on our lollipops. We stare up at the beams of his ultra-cool loft ceiling, and we daydream.
The rest of the evening is a little fuzzy. Everything swirls around me, and I feel freer than I’ve ever felt in my whole life. Everything seems more amazing, more colorful. We dance around the living room in our underwear. I’m still wearing the t-shirt I bought, and we’re listening toThe Doorson Eli’s vintage record player. The sound is scratchy but it’s so much better than listening to a CD. “I need to get myself one of those players,” I tell him. “I could start collecting records.”
I feel so mellow, so open. For the first time in a long time, I don’t think about anything but the moment, and how beautiful Eli is. I don’t worry about tomorrow, or replay yesterday. I don’t worry about goodbyes, or wonder if I’m doing the right thing, if I’m messing up my life.
None of it matters. There is only this moment, and the two of us.
We share countless kisses and even more laughs, and when the hours have finally worn us down, I fall asleep in his arms on the blue sofa.
* * *
I check my messages first thing in the morning. The time difference makes communication a little tricky. It’s ten in the morning here, but it’s still just four in the middle of the night back home. They’re all sleeping.
I can’t believe you’re holding back on me. You’re wicked,Corrie writes.
—
I smile and reply,I’ll share some secrets when I come back. ;)
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I still love you, Gabbie,John writes.We can work through this.
My heart swells when I see a message from Emma.
We miss you so much, Mommy!! School is going good. Here is a picture I made in Art class… it’s you and me at the park. Theo says hi. He’s behaving like a good boy.
—
Beautiful pictures,Maeve writes.Eli is so handsome… yummy! How are you ever going to be able to leave?
I don’t know.
Sorry I haven’t kept in touch,Kayla writes.I’ve been busy. Hope you’re having a great time. Don’t forget to take a lot of pictures… it’s an amazing city!
I’ve rested Eli’s elephant painting against the wall on top of his dresser, just where I can see it when I’m in bed. It still amazes me every single time I look at it. Following a nice shower, I slip into some comfortable capris and a striped t-shirt and hoodie. We’re going to Tivoli Gardens today, and I’m so excited. It’s the second oldest amusement park in the world, and it was on my bucket list.
We share a quick breakfast; toast, apples, and croissants. Eli whips up some banana smoothies, and I smile at the memory of those banana photos. “I loved those silly banana pics,” I tell him. “You clearly have too much time on your hands.”
He laughs. “I guess you could say I was a little excited about you coming over.”
“Me too,” I say as he hands me a smoothie.
We walk to Tivoli Gardens, and I’m glad I’ve worn my sneakers because I have a feeling we’ll be doing a lot of walking. Eli looks delicious as usual; he has that fashionable European thing going on. I don’t think I could ever tire of looking at him.
Large colorful vintage posters catch my eye as we make our way closer. “We’re almost there,” he says. We’re like two small kids, practically bouncing. I wonder if he’s always like this; full of life. Or is it because he’s with me? I know I’m not always like this. Is he in love too?
Is it love? Or is it just plain old lust?
As soon as we enter Tivoli Gardens, my mind is blown. They say Disneyland is the most magical place on earth. Nope. It’s Tivoli Gardens. I feel like I’ve walked back in time.
We pay for our entrance tickets, and Eli takes my hand. “This time of year is generally not too busy,” he tells me. I’m still speechless — everything is just so beautiful. Even the garbage bins are cool, covered with vintage designs. All the games and prizes are retro inspired, even the rides have retained their classic vibe. I look up at a small roller coaster and wonder if it’s safe. I’m willing to take the risk.
Eli squeezes my hand. “Let’s go on a ride.”
