Page 69 of She’ll Steal Your Heart
“Hi,” she said. “Mia, is that you?”
“It’s me,” Mia’s voice came through the intercom.
“Come on up. 3B is at the end of the hall when you come off the stairs,” Lauren told her before pushing the button to unlock the front door.
“Having friends over already?” Eliot asked. “Remember the rules about parties and quiet hours.”
“Oh, I’m not a partier, and I won’t have many people over at all, I promise. My girlfriend just wanted to stop by and see the place.”
“That’s fine.” Eliot returned his attention to the show.
Lauren hadn’t lived anywhere with as many rules as this apartment, but she welcomed it. She would be glad to keep things orderly and respectful here, and after her experience at the hostel earlier this fall, the promise of quiet when she was trying to sleep sounded amazing.
She heard Mia’s shoes on the stairs and pulled the door open to greet her just as Mia was coming down the hall toward the apartment. She wore her burgundy jacket over black pants and was carrying a pink gift bag, which immediately had Lauren’s heart doing all kinds of lovestruck cartwheels in her chest. “Hi. Long time, no see.”
“It’s beenhours,” Mia said with a dramatic sigh, her lips curving in a smile. “I miss you already.”
“You’ll see me tomorrow at the café, and maybe I can cook dinner at your place after work?” Lauren said, motioning her into the apartment.
“Yes,” Mia agreed, smiling politely at Lauren’s roommates.
“That’s Tariq and Eliot,” Lauren said. “Guys, this is my girlfriend, Mia.”
“Hi, Mia,” Tariq called. “Nice to meet you.” Eliot echoed the sentiment.
“It’s their apartment, but they rent out their spare rooms to help with the rent. Mine’s the first one here on the left,” Lauren explained as she led the way down the hall. “Harmony’s room is on the other side of mine.” She opened the door to her room. “What do you think?”
Mia stepped into her room, turning in a full circle to take it in. “As small as you’d described, but nicer than I was expecting.”
“I’m glad,” Lauren said. “And Tariq and Eliot seem really serious about their rules, so I don’t think you have to worry about me here.”
“Good.” Mia held out the gift bag. “A little housewarming gift.”
“Thank you.” Lauren accepted it as warmth flooded her cheeks. She’d never had a girlfriend give her random “just because” gifts the way Mia did, and it felt impossibly good. She sat on the bed to open it, patting the blanket beside her.
Mia sat as Lauren tugged at the tissue paper to reveal a brown paper box inside, the kind that might contain a cake or pastry. Intrigued, she lifted it out of the gift bag and unfolded the top. A small plant with perfect squishy leaves was nestled inside, held in place by a cardboard piece with a round cutout in the center to keep it from sliding around in the box.
“Oh,” Lauren gasped as she reached down and touched the plant with her fingertips. The leaves were just as soft and smooth as she’d imagined they would be. “The little squishy plant I wanted.”
“A succulent,” Mia said with an amused smile. “This one is called echeveria, but the variety is called Lola, which seemed kind of fitting.”
“My very own Lola.” Lauren carefully removed the plant from the box, revealing the dark purple pot that housed it. Its leaves were arranged in a neat circular pattern, radiating out from the center of the plant, almost like a flower. It was a pale green, but some of the leaves took on a lavender hue. “Mia, I love it.”
“I’m glad. It should be an extremely low maintenance first pet.”
Lauren grinned. “Just what I need. I’m going to put Lola on the windowsill. Does she like sunshine?”
“I think she does.” Mia waited until she’d set the plant by the window, then reached for Lauren, pulling her into a leisurely kiss. Lauren scooted closer, resting a hand on Mia’s thigh.
When they came up for air, Lauren couldn’t contain her smile.
“Hey, I have a question for you,” Mia said. “I know it’s a bit early, but do you have plans for Thanksgiving?”
“I usually volunteer at the shelter and eat there afterward.” Lauren felt her smile fade. This would be her first holiday since losing Craig, and it was going to be hard. Christmas would be even harder. They hadn’t always seen each other on holidays, and even when they had, the situation had often sucked. But still, she’d known he was out there, and they had snuck out to meet each other at their oak tree when they could. This year…
“Would you like to come to my dad’s with me?” Mia asked. “And before you say I’m moving too fast, I was going to ask you as a friend before we were dating. He and Addie have always welcomed anyone and everyone to their house at Thanksgiving.”
“Oh, I don’t know.” Lauren dropped her gaze to her lap, skin prickling with a confusing mix of emotions. “I like volunteering at the shelter.”
