A Stellar Year

by Krystle Rose

  Owen greeted her, gave her a smooch, then went into the bedroom to unload his supplies. He showered, dressed, and met her back in the kitchen a bit later. In the meantime, Nomi had reheated his dinner and poured him a glass of wine. Since getting together, she had introduced Owen to the world of wine and he was into it, despite his machismo taking issue with the fact that 'real men drink beer or hard alcohol, not wine.'

  He took both from her and motioned for Nomi to follow him to the couch. She obediently trailed behind him, then sat down next to him on the velvet sofa.

  "Hi," Owen cooed.

  "Hey."

  "How was your day?"

  "Fine. Your's?"

  "Long," he snorted, digging into his plate of food.

  Nomi decided it would be better to strike up a conversation when he was finished with his meal, so she let him eat and watch TV in peace. Then, when he was done, Owen pulled her close and kissed her temple.

  "Hey, do you know what happened to my pickle jar?"

  Owen glanced down at her blankly. Nomi lifted her shoulders casually and explained, "It was a big glass jar on the dresser full of cash I had saved up."

  "Yeah, I know," he replied in understanding.

  "Remember how I told you about my dream to buy a food truck?"

  He nodded.

  "It was money for that. But it's gone and I was wondering if you moved it."

  "No, I didn't move it," he said.

  Patting her on the shoulder, he stood and took his empty glass and plate to the sink. Nomi stood and followed him once more.

  "I feel crazy. Like, did I move it and don't remember? Because it's not there and I'm worried. I saved the entire year I was celibate and the last few months with you, too."

  Owen bobbed his head and dried his hands on a towel, then went into the bedroom with Nomi close behind.

  "That money was really important to me, you know?" She whined.

  "I know," he said again.

  Lifting his backpack, he unzipped a pocket and pulled out a receipt. Then he dropped the bag back down to the floor and gulped.

  "That's why I put it in a bank account for you."

  Handing the piece of paper to Nomi, Owen waited. She took it apprehensively, not taking her eyes off of him. He shifted uncomfortably under her gaze until she moved it to the receipt in her hand. Upon seeing the number there, her jaw dropped.

  "That's not how much I had in there."

  "I know," he repeated a third time.

  Nomi read the amount one more time, then speared him with her stare once more. Owen sighed and stepped closer. Fitting his palm to her cheek, he entreated, "Don't be mad."

  "Mad?" She echoed, nearly choking on the word.

  "Is it enough to buy your truck?"

  "Are you kidding?" She spat. "Owen, this is almost double what I had saved."

  "Answer the question."

  Nomi searched his eyes, in utter shock. Blinking back tears, she bobbed her head. Owen smiled and leaned his forehead against hers.

  "You know, you weren't the only one saving. I told you, you inspired me in a variety of ways."

  "Owen…"

  "It was a good year."

  "A stellar year," she agreed, hiccuping a sob of delight.

  "Happy New Year, baby."

  Then he kissed her and, just like the first time they kissed, fireworks burst around them. Only, this time, they were both outside their window as well as inside their hearts. And Nomi realized that this was the only person she ever wanted to kiss on New Year's for the rest of her life.

  Coming Soon

  The Fight Family Series:

  Fight Hard

  Love Hard

  Play Hard

  Work Hard

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