The Make-Up Artist: Part 2

Chapter Twenty Two: The Sleepover

Since Taron had taken an Uber from the airport, wanting to get to you as quickly as possible, he insists on driving you to your apartment in your car. Still feeling a bit unsettled after the encounter, you had decided to let him. He also insisted on grabbing a bite to eat for you since when asked what there was to eat at your place and when was the last time you'd eaten, you had informed him, "nothing and not since the plane." He shook his head and "tsked" at you, but said nothing more and proceeded to drive to a sandwich shop nearby.

Now, with your half-eaten sandwich and bottle of water tucked carefully in your hands, he leads you gingerly up the stairs to your apartment. His hand presses against your lower back as if you can't walk on your own, but you guess you don't really mind at the moment. You're grateful to have him here, even if you don't want to admit that to Taron. Once inside your apartment, you place the bag of food in the refrigerator, then walk back out into the living area to face him. Glancing at the clock on your bedside table across the room, you see that it's a little after 9:00. Wow, you really were working for a long time. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you'll do just about anything to distract yourself from your thoughts. You stare over at him, wondering exactly how this is going to work.

"So...what now?" You ask. Your sofa isn't exactly full-sized and you're not sure how comfortable he'll be sleeping there. Plus, you'd really like to have a shower, and this whole situation is just weird. You're glad to have his company, but this apartment isn't really meant for two people.

"Whatever you need", he responds and you crack a smile. What you need and what you want are unfortunately two completely different things, but you appreciate his compassion.

"Well, I need a shower. Need to wash off the..." You don't finish as a shiver runs through your body. His face falls into a frown and you see the lingering anger there.

"Of course. Do you want me to go...", he trails off as he looks around the tiny space and realizes there's no place to go.

"No, you're fine. You're welcome to watch tv", you say, glancing toward the television that sits opposite your bed. "Or...whatever."

He thinks for a moment as he looks at the ground, then as if a light bulb goes off says, "I know. I'll go to the supermarket and get you a few things", he says, already making his way toward the door. You take a step toward him, ready to stop him.

"Oh no, you don't have to do that Taron. I'll go tomorrow. Really it's fine", you protest but realize it's probably in vain. Once Taron makes up his mind...

"Nope, already done. Mind if I take your car?" He asks, picking up the keys where he dropped them on the table next to the door moments ago. You sigh and know you don't have the energy or desire to argue with him, and he is already turning the door knob ready to exit.

"Sure...thank you." He turns his head back around to find your eyes and gives you a little nod and a wink. After that, he disappears through the door and you lock it behind him, then make your way to your awaiting shower.

Half an hour later, you are clean, dressed in comfy pj's and towel drying your hair as you step out of the steamed filled bathroom. You are a bit startled to find Taron back so soon, and unpacking several things from numerous grocery bags onto your kitchen counter.

"You're back already?" You ask, looking over at the door and then back to Taron who suddenly has a sheepish look on his face.

"Yeah...umm. I have a confession. I kinda still have your key", he explains, and it dawns on you that he never gave it back from all those months ago. Of course he could have just used the key that's with your car keys, but he's already made the admission at this point. You remember the day you gave it to him when he left your apartment after you had reconnected and made love. The memory has you feeling a bit dizzy and you feel yourself sway slightly. Taron is by your side in seconds, holding onto your arm to steady you.