From Now Until Infinity (2) by Layne Harper

driver.
    When we’re waiting comfortably in the first class lounge for our flight, Colin pulls out his phone. He looks at me with apologetic eyes. “I guess now is as good as time as any. I’m going to call Aiden first.”
    I start a new book on my e-reader and attempt to distract myself from watching Colin. It’s hard. He’s standing at the window with his back to me. He’s rubbing his hands through his hair. I try to remember if he was this stressed his first year as a professional player. I’m not sure because he was working so hard to earn the starting quarterback job. That was his focus. He didn’t seem to have the outside football stressors that he has now. But, we were in such a different place back then. Could I’ve been too blind or maybe sick to notice?
    Finally, after multiple phone calls and hair pulling, he sits down next to me. I never managed to finish the first page of the book that I started because I was too distracted by him.
    “If you don’t stop with the hair pulling, you’re going to be bald by thirty-five,” I tease trying to lighten his obviously sour mood. I run my hand over his thigh hoping to soothe him.
    “Is that so, Doctor Collins? Did you learn that at Harvard?”
    I know that he is trying to play back with me, but it isn’t working. He looks miserable. Colin picks my hand up from his thigh and kisses my palm. It’s such an affectionate gesture that my hearts melts.
    “Do I have to pry it out of you or are you going to tell me?” I ask.
    He leans back in the velvet chair and starts telling me the soap opera that is his life. “Liza called Sasha last night and told her about meeting you. Even after the shitty interview that she gave, she still wants me back. Sasha called Aiden all hysterical to see if he could help her. I called Sasha and said that she’s lucky that I’m not suing her for libel. God, why do I have such shitty taste in women?” He glances my way flashing me his half smile, “Present company excluded, of course.”
    I laugh and elbow him, “Of course.” I sigh and say, “It’s over. What’s done is done. I wish that we’d handled the Sasha situation differently. I love you. I want to be with you. I love being your muse and good luck charm. No more phone calls with any of them. I’m so excited and a little nervous to show you where I live.”
    “You’re right. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives together. No more Sasha,” he confirms.
    “I really like the first class lounge,” I reply as I get up and snuggle into his large lap. We are virtually alone. We don’t have to worry about someone snapping a picture of us or asking for Colin’s autograph. I like our privacy. He holds me to him until they call our flight.
     
    * * *
     
    By the time that our plane lands in Houston, I’m almost sick with worry. Our lives are about to get real. No more hotel suites and fantasies. Colin and I are entering a new phase of our relationship. We have to see if we can share a bathroom and closet. We have to talk about how we’re going to handle finances and chore duties. We’re about to experience the real life of a relationship. I’ve got to introduce Colin to my home, my friends, and my life. This is when we know just how compatible we really are. This is where the rubber meets the road.
    I pick at my nails as we drive to my place. Each mile that we get closer to my home increases my dread. I laugh to myself, “I’m giving the man that I’m crazy in love with directions to my home. This’s surreal.” By the time that we pull into my driveway, I really think that I could have a panic attack.
    My mind is racing with doubt. What if he hates my place? What if leaves his dirty clothes on the floor? What if he leaves garbage on my kitchen island? What if he sets his sweaty water glass on my coffee table, and it leaves a ring? The “ what ifs ” are back, and they’re killing me.
    When Colin shuts off the maroon Escalade in my driveway, he takes