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catch a flick and dinner, and they made a trip to the aquarium, but for the most part they spent their time naked in the apartment ordering in. She used some of her free time to secretly write little letters to Alastair. It was going to be a surprise for him, so she would sneak into the study while he was napping or in the shower. She put each note in an envelope and sealed it. On the outside she put a date for the letter to be opened. She wanted to make sure Alastair didn’t forget her while she was gone, and she hoped that a little love note to read every week or two would help make sure it didn’t happen. She also used the digital camera and the remote to take some pictures of herself for him to enjoy in her absence.
    She put all the letters and the memory card in a shoe box, gift wrapped it, and hid it under the bed.

January 30
     
    She was packed for her trip, but not ready to go. She wanted more time with Alastair, who’d taken the day off of work to see her off. How was she going to get through this project without seeing him, or at least speaking to him? She went to the bedroom and retrieved her gift for him. While in the bedroom, the doorbell rang. She rushed back into the living room as Alastair answered it. The man at the door was in his early to mid-twenties and, oddly, dressed in a tuxedo. Nysa glanced past him to the car at the curb and was shocked to see a beautiful white 1951 Rolls Royce. It was immaculate—not so much as a single particle of dust could be seen on the entire car. Alastair turned back toward the apartment.
    “Hon, your ride is here.”
    She made her way through the living room toward the front door. As she passed the coffee table, she set down the box and walked to Alastair.
    “There’s a little something for you for when I’m gone.” She nodded toward the box. She couldn’t look at him. Her throat felt tight, her eyes brimming with tears. Alastair took her in his arms.
    “I’ll be right here when you get back, Nysa, I’m not going anywhere. I promise.” He pulled her close. She felt his heart hammering in his chest and smelled the faint odor of his shampoo intermingled with the stronger scent of his cologne. She closed her eyes and tried to etch this moment into her mind. She wanted to be able to come back to this memory frequently while she was gone, to feel him in her arms. After a moment she pulled back, leaned up, and gave him a kiss.
    “Don’t forget me, okay? I love you more than you know.”
    “I won’t,” replied Alastair. “I love you, too, and I do know.”
    He kissed her again. When they finished, Alastair picked up her bag and opened the front door. They followed the driver down to the car where he opened the door for Nysa. She and Alastair shared one last hug and kiss before saying goodbye. Nysa climbed in, the driver closed the door, took her bag from Alastair, and placed her bag on the front passenger seat before walking around the car and climbing in himself. Alastair watched the car drive slowly down the street and disappear around the corner.
    Nysa’s trip was uneventful. She struggled to keep her composure; she didn’t want to seem weak in front of anyone she didn’t know. The car took her to the Santa Monica Airport where she was driven straight out onto the tarmac. Nysa thought it strange as she’d always had to go through the security and boarding process on every other flight she had ever taken. Instead she was driven up to the foot of a set of stairs that led up to an impressive-looking private jet. Nysa stepped from the car and made her way up to the cabin while the driver took her bag back to the cargo hold.
    It took a while for Nysa’s eyes to adjust to the dim light after stepping in from the bright afternoon sun. The cabin was incredible. All of the woodwork appeared to be actual cherry. The chairs were so big they looked like La-Z-Boys. The soft lighting and taupe coloring of the seats gave the cabin a very comfortable and relaxing feel.