“I need to feel a purpose in life, keep myself occupied. My job was my purpose for so long, and then you came into my life. My life was simple before you; work, sleep, eat, and repeat. Sometimes I’d call someone for a night of lust, but no further attachments. You sucked me in and consumed my every thought. Every time I have to say goodbye to you a small piece of my heart breaks. Without work to keep me busy and you so far away… I feel lost,” he told me.

I couldn’t leave Kayden behind, wouldn’t do it. I turned to him and said, “You’re coming home with me tonight, Kayden.”

“I don’t have the money to pay for a ticket,” he replied, shaking his head.

“You have a credit for the ticket you had to cancel last month due to the hurricane. We can use that and I’ll cover the difference. I’m not leaving you here alone,” I said, looking him in the eyes.

He thought about it before responding. “I don’t know. I don’t want to be a burden on you, Sophia. I don’t have any money to buy food or pay for anything,” he said to me with a sincere look on his face.

“I can’t leave you here without any way to eat or survive,” I replied to him as I brushed my fingertips against his cheek.

“The guys will make sure I’m fed,” Kayden said.

“They’ll also make sure you’re drunk, too. I want to be with you. We can spend more than a weekend together for once. I can fall asleep in your arms each night; we’ve always been so rushed. When you’re rehired, I’ll get you back to New Orleans,” I promised, pleading with him.

“I hate having to rely on anyone, Sophia.”

“Stop the macho bullshit; we never have enough time together,” I said.

“Okay, I’ll come with you,” he said to me.

I knew he loved this city, and his life is here, but I’m his life, too. I am the only one that could help him, motivate him, and keep him on track. I am not and never had been a drinker. He needed to get away from the guys, the nightly drinking, and break the pattern.

That evening he packed a bag and told his roommates he would be gone until he could return to work. I felt at peace knowing he would be with me. No more wondering what happened to him, if he was okay, or if he was drinking.

Sadness showed on his face as we drove through the city heading towards the airport. “You’ll be back, Kayden—this is only temporary.”

“I love this city, but I want to be with you. I wish we lived here together,” he said.

I squeezed his hand, knowing we would be back. Our time in New Orleans wasn’t over just yet. We made the flight bound for Florida. Kayden was fidgeting in his seat on the plane. “What’s wrong, baby?” I asked.

“I hate to fly.”

“Really? You flew to see me and never mentioned it.”

“I didn’t want you to think I’m a pussy, but I loathe flying,” he told me, looking out the window.

“I’ll hold your hand. I hate flying, too. I was so scared once that they gave me a little pair of wings before I got off the plane.”

“That’s funny,” he laughed.

I slapped his chest. “Quiet, mister,” I said. I rested my head against his shoulder, gripping his hand as the plane ascended. The cabin of the plane was dark and the city lights twinkled outside the window.

“Wanna to join the mile high club?” he whispered in my ear. I swallowed hard, thinking through his proposition before answering, “We can’t, we’ll get in trouble.”

He chuckled at my words, “You’re always worried about getting in trouble. Come on, the fear always makes it hotter.”

“No, no. I can’t, it’s too scary,” I said, shaking my head against his soft t-shirt.

The plane shook from turbulence and Kayden flinched and grabbed the arms rests. “Wow, you’re more scared than me. Who knew I’d ever find someone more afraid of flying than I am”

“Don’t laugh, that shit’s scary,” he said.

I closed my eyes for the rest of the flight. Kayden stroked my arms more for his comfort than mine. Exhaustion didn’t even begin to explain what I felt, but I knew I would sleep in Kayden’s arms tonight.

Kayden and I dropped our bags in my room and undressed. We crawled into bed, skin on skin, and I nestled against him.

“Good night, Kayden,” I said, reaching up to kiss his lips and I nuzzled back into his chest.

“Night, Sophia. I love you,” he replied as he kissed the top of my head. I reached up and scratched his goatee. I tangled my fingers in his facial hair until I felt his body twitch before slipping into my own oblivion.

Making a Home

I could feel Sophia

crawling out of bed to turn the screeching alarm off. She was trying to not wake me, but the alarm volume had done the job for her. I watched her dress by the glow of the television. I waited for a kiss, but she started to creep towards the door.

“Morning, beautiful, were you going to leave without giving me a kiss?” I asked her.

“Oh, baby. I wanted to let you sleep,” she said turning around.

“Don’t ever leave without kissing me and saying goodbye,” I said, patting the bed.

“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again,” she replied.

“Kiss me,” I said puckering my lips.

“Always, love. I wish I didn’t have to go to work, but I’ll be home on my break,” she said to me as I laid there still waiting for a kiss. “Okay, Okay. You want a kiss… I got it.” She leaned down and touched her lips to mine.

“Thank you,” I said to her. “Have a good day at work. I’ll see you on your break.”

“Go back to sleep, handsome. Text me when you’re awake,” she said as she stood heading for the door.

I closed my eyes and thought about how lucky I am to have Sophia in my life. Where would I have been at this moment without her? I missed work and New Orleans, of course, but I needed Sophia more than anything. I played our time together in my mind until I drifted back to sleep.

I texted Sophia went I woke up, as she asked.

Sophia: You doing ok?

Me: Better than I have in a long time, Sophia. Thank you for taking me home.

I felt relieved to be away from New Orleans and at home with Sophia. I smelled her pillow waiting for her reply.

Sophia: No place I’d rather you be than keeping my bed warm. No point in you being alone in New Orleans when we can spend time together. We never seem to have enough of it.

Me: I should’ve come weeks ago.

Sophia: I’m glad you’re happy. We’ll get your work all straightened out and then you can return to New Orleans. But for now… I’m going to enjoy every moment we have together.

Me: I’m sorry I’ve been such a dick.

I didn’t know what else to say to her—how to express my sorrow for my behavior the last few weeks. The only thing I could do is stay sober. It’s easier to do being with Sophia. She had no liquor in the house, maybe by design, and she lived in the middle of nowhere. I had no form of transportation when she worked, and there are no stores within walking distance.

Me: Anyway… I think I’m going to wash our clothes from the weekend. Is that okay?

Sophia: Hell yes. Hang your clothes up in my closet when you’re done. What’s mine is yours, Kayden.

Me: Be back in a bit.

Sophia: I have to get back to the kids anyway.

I washed clothes and cleaned her room while waiting for her. I checked out the pantry and fridge to see what I could make for dinner, at least I could help out around the house and help keep her fed. Thankfully, Sophia didn’t have to work late, giving us hours together in the evening.

Dinner simmered on the stove when Sophia walked through the door a little after three. She walked into her room, dropped her bags, and crawled into bed with me.