Twenty-seven ~ Evelyn
The sunlight's invasion is well underway by the time I blink away the night.
I reposition amongst Adrian's entangled limbs. The struggle brings a smile to my lips as I rest my cheek against his warm chest.
Gazing around the vast room, I let my chest rise and fall in sync with Adrian's. Enveloped in the comforting oak, lavender and lemon fragrance.
The lamp has been greatly overpowered by the intrusive beams highlighting the dark furniture.
Ugh.
My inconsiderate bladder forces me to weave my way out of the bed. Begrudgingly leaving my duvet and Ade burrito.
Not wishing to disturb Ade, I head to the bathroom in the guest room.
I take advantage of the momentary solitude and have a quick shower before strolling over to my the clothing rail.
With home in mind, I pair a grey knitted jumper with ripped jeans. Fastening the denim around my waist, I'm relieved to confirm they're high-waisted and I'm not left looking boxy.
My reflection appears more familiar than the past few days. Although, I can't resist twisting to admire the designer rips.
I've never owned a pair of ripped jeans before. I'm far too clumsy for that, I'd end up putting my foot through the wrong hole and tearing them for real.
Besides, as my job often involves kneeling and working with a patient on the floor, my instincts often take precedence over my clothing. Whether I'm on shift or not.
I pull my hair into a quick ponytail before moving away from the mirror to pack up the items I arrived with.
My previously drenched clothes come away from the towel rack as stiff as a board, prompting me to create a mental note to pop a wash on later.
It doesn't take long to gather the other scattered items and I haul the zipped up bag over my shoulder.
I waddle down the stairs as quietly as my bulky bag allows me to and set it down in the hall.
'I bet Mary Poppin's bag doesn't weigh that much!'
The crisp apple juice douses my grumbling as I search the kitchen for a snack. But, nothing in the infinite cupboards called to me.
Retrieving my phone from my back pocket, I lean back against the cold countertop.
The masses of lively photos and videos rolled past my eyes until the cooking videos crumbled my resolve and I switched to a food delivery app.
Ooo it's still early enough for a McDonald's breakfast! But, would Ade enjoy the simple joys of a Maccas? Probably not.
A familiar name sits in delicate writing under the red and yellow.
That's the café from our first date.
I scroll through the menu, instantly developing a hankering for their "Breakfast Croissant".
Mmm…cheese…
Wandering over to window, I begin to compile my order.
The park glistens under the weak rays of light.
Lush trees meet a cloudless sky trying it's best to warm the April air.
It would be a crime to not enjoy the short walk to the café with surroundings and weather like this.
'C'mon lazy pants, let's go put our shoes on!'
Eyeing the three pairs of shoes in the guest room, I deliberate between my work boots and the pure white ballet pumps.
My safety boots are bulky with steel-toe caps, but you wouldn't notice an extra scratch or two.
Whereas, the delicate white pumps look so vulnerable. Like I'd either lose one, scuff them or the leave them without a trace of white left.
I slowly gravitate towards the black boots until they magically appear on my feet and I disappear from the room before the mirror can hold me accountable for my crimes.
Tiptoeing across the hall, I carefully open Ade's door to check on him.
My heart eases at the adorable sight. His prominent features are relaxed as he hugs the large section of duvet that he's holding captive in my stead. One of Ade's defined thighs is hooked over the amassed duvet.
The urge to remove the covers and wriggle into their place tugs at me.
Nope! I want to give him back at least a fraction of the surprising joy that he's brought me.
"Don't worry, I'll bring you back plenty of goodies!" I whisper, only to be acknowledged by soft snoring.
A smile rests on my lips as I pull the door closed and creep cautiously down the wooden stairs.
These heavy boots bring a new level of difficulty to being quiet.
It's not like subtly is our speciality with sirens, flashing lights and a luminescent yellow truck.
I push against the front door to control the force it swings shut with. Satisfied by the click of the lock, I depart on my mini quest for breakfast.
The short walk is filled with welcomed distractions.
With my sturdy boots underfoot, I fearlessly opt to walk through the park.
I bask in the gentle rustle of the leaves and branches as they host the morning choir of birds.
This is the kind of non-predatory seclusion that brings my mind peace. And if anyone wishes to disrupt that, they can meet the metal in my shoes.
They lady at the decadent counter greets me with a beautiful smile, her grey hair swishing over her shoulders.
Unsure of what Ade would like, I order a selection of items from the menu including the overly cheesy croissant and croque monsieur.
My mouth waters as I picture pulling the sandwich apart to form a cobweb of melted cheese.
I also order the same drinks as the ones we ordered on our date. Can't go wrong with tried and tested.
Cradling the warm paper bag to my chest, I bounce my way back to Ade's apartment.
George sends me his usual smile. It beckons me over to the reception desk.
"Good morning George!" I beam at the ageing man in a navy suit.
"Good morning Miss."
"Have you had breakfast?" I emphasise the brown bag before carefully phrasing an offering, "I've ordered too much, could I leave you with something?"
"That is very kind Miss, but I couldn't." The corners of his chocolate eyes crinkle.
"Please, you'd be doing me a favour." I know from work what it's like to be offered food or drinks. Consequently, I have developed a radar to detect whether a rejection is honest or polite.
"Only if you're sure Miss?"
I confirm my intent with a grinning nod before listing the contents of the bag.
After George makes his selection, I set the drinks on the reception desk to retrieve the item.
He thanks me thoroughly before I head towards the lifts.
"Have a good day Miss!"
"You too! And please, call me Evelyn." I call over my shoulder as I enter the lift.
When the doors swish open, I'm forced to check the digitally displayed floor number in the lift.
I step out after confirming it was the right one despite the unfamiliar sight ahead of me.
His tall frame fills the doorway as his arms are crossed over his bare chest. Ade's fingers are indenting his bulging biceps.
I can't help the misguided flutter that passes through me until Adrian's expression sends my bee on vacation.
His dark eyebrows are furrowed together almost as tightly as his lips are pressed together into a stern line.
Concern floods me as I'm met with this foreign version of Adrian.