Page 23 of Niccolaio Andretti (The Five Syndicates)
to the vessel in which it
is stored than anything
on which it is poured.
Baptist Beacon
present
Time has been slipping past me for a while now. A few weeks ago, I was taking midterms. Now, I’ve just taken my last final and am a week away from graduating. A week away from participating in my commencement ceremony.
A week away from being kicked out of Vaserley Hall.
I need to find a new place to live and quickly. My best bet? John’s brownstone. I’ve been staying there almost every night anyways. He texts me almost every day, and I’m being honest when I say I’m making progress.
I catch him staring at me when he thinks I’m not looking. There’s always a distinct look of longing in his gaze, and it’s not just my hope or vanity talking. It’s there, and it’s strong. Our future together is beginning to feel more and more inevitable, and that only rekindles my hope for me and Mina.
Another month or so, and I’ll have a ring on my finger.
I can feel it.
I thank the Uber driver and exit the car, bounding slowly up the stairwell to John’s home. I open the door with my spare key, and once I’m in the entry hallway, I lean against the interior of the front door and take a few minutes to breathe, my heart pounding so loudly I can hear it in my ear.
Even though I’m confident about where we are in our relationship, asking to move in this early is a big step.
It’s risky, but I don’t have much of a choice.
Nella and Lauren, my only two friends from college (and ever), are leaving New York City. Nella is moving back to Arizona, and Lauren is moving back to Canada. Obviously, I can’t go with them.
Wherever Mina is, I am.
And that happens to be in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Go figure.
I straighten my shoulders, fix my hair, and walk up the dark hardwood steps to John’s brownstone, adding a sultry sway to my hips as soon as I reach the top of the stairwell. I’m dressed for this mission in heels and skinny jeans, which I know will drive John crazy.
You’ve got this. This is going to happen. You’re going to walk in there, and you’re going to suggest you move in. He’ll say yes, and the next step after that is marriage. Easy. You’ve got this, Minka. For Mina.
But even with the mental pep talk, I can’t help but second guess myself. I’ve never asked anyone if I could move in before. It’s not often that I’m out of my element, but I certainly am here. I’m not even sure if enough time has passed in our relationship. It’s only been about two months, which is a long time to me. But John is so much older than I am, and two months might be nothing to him. Merely a blip in his radar. So much is riding on this, and I’m starting to feel insecure, uncertain if this will work.
And as I silently open the door to John’s bedroom and see a redheaded woman bouncing quietly on John’s cock, I know for certain this won’t work.
My eyes widen as I take in the sight before me.
Middle aged.
Green eyes.
Freckled face.
Dark red hair.
Full lips.
And a generous chest.
This girl is me.
