My dreams were nothing but memories of everything we did the night before. Every kiss, every caress. I re-lived it all. By the time day broke and the sun rose, I was already beginning to stir. I moved my head first, my bleary eyes coming to rest on the empty spot beside me. "Croy?" I managed to call out as I sat up. My entire body was sore. After an insane amount of effort, I managed to get up and wrap a towel around myself as I looked for him. "Croy?" I called as I checked every room in my apartment. My heart sank when I began to think the worst.
A second later, as if on cue, my phone buzzed. I glanced down and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw his name in my inbox.
"Morning Princess. Get up and get dressed. I'm taking you out for breakfast in an hour." I smiled when I read his message, suddenly excited for the rest of the day. We could finally spend an entire day together without quarrels or drama. No guns or crazy Sergeants.
"Oh good. I was beginning to think you'd hit it and quit it." I teased as I made my way into the bathroom to prepare the water for my shower.
"Never." He replied. I rolled my eyes before placing my phone on the toilet seat and stepping into the warm water.
I closed my eyes and reveled in the cascading drops of liquid. The water's heat soothed my tired body and helped wake me up. By the time I was finished, I was fully awake and ready for the day.
Croy pulled up exactly an hour later. I was eager to see him too, even if we'd just spent the night together. "Morning." I greeted as I slid into the passenger seat. "Morning." He retorted before leaning in and placing a possessive kiss on my lips. My face flared red, just as he hit the gas and pulled out of the driveway.
The drive to the diner he'd picked was comfortable. We listened to the radio and discussed the songs that played. Once we'd parked, Croy open the door for me to step out of the car. "Why, thank you good sir!" I told him as I pretended to curtsy in my t-shirt and jeans.
"Anything for you M'Lady." He played along as he too pretended to bow. Once we reached the diner entrance, he held that door open as well. I thanked him and proceeded, stepping into the air-conditioned establishment. The moment we got inside, the mouthwatering scent of bacon and hash-browns, invaded my nose. "Smells good huh?" He asked when he noticed me practically drooling.
"It's...passable." I joked as I led the way towards a corner booth. Croy laughed at my joke as he reached for the laminated menu that rested in front of him.
Once the waitress came by, she took our orders. "So far so good. The service is speedy." I complimented as I looked around. "Yeah...heh." Croy mumbled downtrodden as he swiped through the tablet that allowed us to play restaurant games. I furrowed my brows.
"Hey, are you okay?" I asked, but before he could answer, the waitress dropped off our drinks and meals. "Let's get some food in you first." He suggested as he popped a fry in his mouth. I didn't protest and instead sat down to enjoy a biscuit sandwich. Once we had polished off nearly everything, Croy cleared his throat.
I glanced up from the mug I held, the whipped crème on the hot chocolate was starting to melt. I brought the cup up to my lips as he spoke. "I'm leaving." He said candidly without meeting my gaze.
"Sheesh! Okay, let me just finish my hot chocolate." I urged as I began drinking faster. Croy shook his head and reached out a hand to stop me.
"I'm getting on a flight today at two. I have to go to Florida." I nearly choked on my chocolate.
"Florida! What...why!?" I asked, my voice a bit louder than intended. Croy glanced around before placing his hand over mine on the table. "But we just found each other. Now, you're leaving again? That's notâ" I blinked when Croy placed a finger against my lips to silence me.
"I'm not leaving forever. Just for a year. My mother's will came through and apparently she left me something. A house." He clarified.
"Well that's good news isn't it?" I asked as I continued to sip my chocolate.
"I suppose it is. An old friend of my mother's has been taking care of the property this whole time, but since her name isn't on the title, the bank is threatening to demolish it unless I go down there and sort everything out. I'm thinking on selling." He paused, the look on his face was pained. That was when I knew. I knew that my next few words would decide our future. I could tell he didn't want to leave, so it was up to me, to erase any doubts.
"Go." I told him firmly. "This is your property. Your inheritance. You must go." I told him as I averted my gaze. I could feel my throat closing again.
"But what about you? What about...us?" He asked, cupping one of my cheeks. I slid my hand over his.
"I'll be here. It's only a year right? I can wait." I assured. At that moment, Croy's wristwatch beeped. It was twelve thirty. He glared at the small accessory as if it had just stolen something from him.
"If I stretch it to one, I could probably stillâ"
"No. you should head out now. I can find my own way home. You still have to go through the entire process before you can board." I told him, a smile masking the loneliness I already felt.
Croy leaned in and kissed me deeply, not caring that we were in public. "I'll call you every day. We'll face time, skype, zoom, whatever!" He promised as he cupped my face. I smiled and nodded, a few tears escaping my ducts. "Don't cry. You're gonna make me cry." He chastised as he wiped my eyes. "I'm going to miss you." I admitted, my voice finally cracking.
"I know, but I'll be back as soon as I get everything sorted. I promise. Here, make sure you keep this safe for me." He said as he stood and slipped the dagger pendant around my neck again. I clutched into it as he leaned down and placed one last kiss on my cheek. "I'll be back for you Princess." He assured before grabbing his belongings and making his way out of the diner.
I sat there in silence, staring at his empty seat once his car had pulled out of the lot. More tears flooded my face. They dripped down into the cup of hot chocolate. After a few seconds, I took a sip and scoffed. "How fitting, a salty cup of chocolate for a bitter-sweet goodbye." I muttered to myself as I glanced back at the empty spot his car had left in the lot. "Be safe." I whispered before standing and making my own way out of the diner.