Page 79 of Lars

Lars

Her reply was sweet and considerate:

Take as much time as you need to see your family and friends – I’ll be here.

I told her the truth, although I didn’t tell her the details why.

I only need half a day. I can’t wait more than that to see you.

There was one detail that irked me – but it was completely about me, not her.

Lars,

Unfortunately, I can’t have you stay with me.

Sorry about that – has to do with my job.

However, book a hotel and I’ll come stay with YOU. I’ll even pay for it.

I’ll meet you at the airport. Just send me your flight number and time.

I can’t WAIT to see you.

Love and kisses,

Rachel

Not being able to stay with her at her place seemed a bit suspect.

Was her job really so secretive that I couldn’t know where she lived?

Or was it just that she wanted to have a bit of distance in case things didn’t go well and she wanted to bail?

In the end, I got over my petty doubts.

Rachel,

A hotel is great.

Can you recommend one that’s near you and very nice?

I want our time together to be luxurious.

Thank you for the offer to pay for it, but I’ll be fine. I’ve got a lot of combat pay.

I can’t wait to see you either.

Take as much time off as possible – I want you all to myself.

Love,

Lars

She forwarded me a list of hotels, all near the Vauxhall area in London.

Interesting… because Vauxhall was where MI6 headquarters was located, right on the River Thames.

I didn’t know if that meant she lived nearby, or if she wanted to be close to her office in case she needed to drop in from time to time.