Ocean of Stars by Gina Magee

Author:Gina Magee [Magee, Gina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gina Magee
Published: 2023-02-07T00:00:00+00:00

26

#butterflies

Stevie

MY HEART WAS pounding as I was walking up the sidewalk to Zac’s beautiful home. I glanced around and didn’t see any of his neighbors outside but then again, it was after dark. That was the only way that I felt comfortable coming here. I needed the camouflage of the night.

After making it to Zac’s front door, I texted him. Our plan was for me to not knock on the front door or ring the doorbell. We had to keep things as quiet as possible.

Me: I’m here.

Zac: Be there in ten seconds.

And he was. He was also smiling when he opened the door.

“Hey, you,” he said quietly.

“Hey, you.”

“Come on in.”

Zac stepped back from the doorway and held out his arm for me to cross the threshold of his home. As I did, I recognized the scent in the air and was surprised to smell it.

“You’re burning patchouli incense,” I said, turning back around to look at Zac.

“How’d you know?”

“My mom used to burn it all the time. It was her favorite.”

“It’s my mom’s favorite and she still burns it. I love the scent. I’ve tried others but keep coming back to this one,” he said, pointing up into the air. Then he closed his front door.

“Patchouli is earthy, so it doesn’t surprise me that you, Mr. Taurus, are drawn to it. Did you know that it’s also an aphrodisiac?”

“I didn’t know that. No wonder I love it so much,” he chuckled.

“Of course you do.”

Zac leaned down and kissed me. “I’m really happy you’re here. You surprised me wanting to come over.”

“I wanna see Malcolm. I’ve been concerned about him being sick.”

“He’s doing all right. The meds are helping.”

“How long has he been asleep?”“A couple of hours, and he’s out.”

“Good. He’s resting.”

Zac reached for my hand. “Let’s go take a peek at him.”

“Are you sure he won’t wake up?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“And you’re sure there’s no chance of Avery showing up?”

“Yes. Don’t worry.”

I took a deep breath. Then Zac started leading me to Malcolm’s bedroom. On our way, I glanced around and got a peek of Zac’s dining room, kitchen and living room. Everything was clean and neat. It was comfortable here, and peaceful. At least it was right now. I could imagine all the peace flying out the door as soon as Avery stepped through it.

Walking down the hallway, I noticed pictures of Malcolm on the wall and tugged at Zac’s hand to give me a minute to look at them. The main one that caught my eye was the one of Zac holding a newborn Malcolm at the hospital. It was precious—Malcolm was, and so was the way that Zac was looking at his son. Zac was smiling but I could also see that he’d been crying tears of joy. I did too when my Malcolm was born.

I looked up at Zac and he already had his eyes on me.

“I love this picture,” I whispered.

“Same here. My life completely changed on that day and for the better.”

“I know. Children have a way of doing that.

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