Not Pretending Anymore by Ward, Penelope (big ebook reader .TXT) 📕

I kissed him again. “Well, it’s been my pleasure, Mr. Tate. You’ve brought a lot to my life, too, you know.”

After Declan quit his job to stay in Chicago, he was unemployed for a few months. We’d made the most of that time. He’d kept the apartment sparkling clean and constantly cooked delicious food. I’d used my vacation time and we went out to California so I could meet Declan’s family. It was definitely an experience getting to meet all of his sisters and taking a day to travel to San Luis Obispo to see Catherine at the convent. I’d laughed every time one of his sisters called him “Scooter.”

Not only was it great to observe his family dynamic, but I got to know Declan’s parents as well. We slept at their house and stayed up late talking with them on their back deck. I was surprised that Declan was so open with his mother. She even talked about her experience with bipolar disorder as it related to Declan’s fears.

So between the California trip and getting Declan all to myself for a while, I’d cherished those first few months. But we were both relieved when he finally found a job at a local advertising firm.

Now, over a year later, things had settled into a routine. I had graduated to a level at work where I no longer had to work Saturdays or Sundays. I had a set schedule now of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. And I couldn’t have been happier about that, because it had really sucked not getting to hang out with Declan on weekends.

I really appreciated lazy Saturdays like today. Now that Declan was home from his volunteer work at the teen center, I would have him all to myself.

“What’s the plan today?” I asked.

“I have a few errands to run, actually. You good to hang out here for a bit while I do them?”

“I guess so…”

“Unless you haven’t eaten yet? I can make you something for breakfast first.”

“No. I ate a bagel while you were at the center.”

“Cool. Perfect then. I shouldn’t be too long.”

“What do you have to do?”

“Just the usual Saturday stuff,” he said. “Cleaners. Get to the bank before they close at noon. Stuff like that.”

“Okay, well… Hurry back. Although, it’s not like I don’t have a ton of our laundry to keep me company while you’re gone.”

“How lucky am I that my girlfriend actually likes doing my laundry now when I used to use it as a punishment?” He winked.

“It’s the least I can do, considering you do all of the cooking around here.”

He brought me in for a kiss. “I love you. See you in a bit, okay?”

“Love you, too.”

After Declan left, I went downstairs to the laundry room in our building. I threw a load of clothes into the washer and headed back upstairs.

When I returned to the apartment, I noticed an envelope laying on the ground outside the door.

I opened it, thinking it might have been one of those solicitations from cleaning services.

Instead it was a note—in Declan’s handwriting.

Did you know it was two years ago today that I first left those cupcakes at your door? That was the same day you gave me a penis pass and let me move in. How about we mark the occasion by making this Saturday extraordinary? To celebrate, I’m sending you on a little scavenger hunt. So grab your tennis shoes and go to your first destination. Here’s a clue: Because my girl loves to eat, it’s the only place where the gnocchi has mine beat.

“Nonna’s!” I said out loud, my voice echoing in the hallway.

Oh my gosh. What is this all about? Is he there waiting for me? I rushed inside and went in search of my tennis shoes.

The weather outside was perfect for a stroll through the neighborhood. When I arrived at Nonna’s, I wasn’t sure exactly what to do, though. As I entered the front door, it looked like they were just setting up for the Saturday lunch crowd. There was no sign of Declan.

The woman at the hostess station said, “Molly?”

“Yes. That’s me.”

She gestured to a table by the window. “Come sit.”

“What’s going on?” I asked. “Am I eating here?”

“Your boyfriend asked that we set you up with a snack-sized portion of your favorite gnocchi, along with a chocolate-covered cannoli. Enjoy, and then I’ll provide you with an envelope that will lead you to your next destination, per his instructions.”

This was one of the strangest experiences of my life, but I decided to go with it and enjoy every second. I sat alone, staring out at the people passing by as I ate my gnocchi and sipped the glass of white wine the waitress had brought me. A few people trickled in for an early lunch.

I tried to take my time, but I was anxious to get that envelope. I stuffed the cannoli into my mouth and finished it in three large bites. I left a ten-dollar bill on the table and, with my mouth still full, walked over to the waitress. “Thank you so much. That was delicious. I’m ready for my envelope now.”

She handed it to me. “Have a great rest of your day, Molly.”

“Thank you.”

Outside on the sidewalk, I rushed to open it.

This is the point where you might need to go back and grab your car. Next destination is because I thank God every day that I met you. If my sister Catherine were here, this might be her favorite hangout. Hint: it rhymes with Notre Dame.

I paused. Catherine. Was there a convent nearby? A church?

Rhymes with Notre Dame.

Then it hit me: Holy Name! That was the large cathedral here in Chicago.

I speed-walked back to the apartment to get to my car, and then typed my destination into the GPS.

After a short drive downtown, I found a parking space and looked up at the grand structure with its massive bronze doors, wondering what I was supposed to do