“I gave him the address and waited impatiently to reach my destination. I was going to be a little early’ so at a traffic light, I gave him the meter plus tip and got out, intent to walk the rest of the way. I opened my phone and guided myself through town and stopped when I reached Western Drive. The hotel was in front of me and I looked at each window to see if Mother was looking for me. Naturally, I was simply pausing to take in the moment that was about to change everything I knew. I began my walk to the front lobby.
“When I entered the hotel, I was immediately greeted at the front desk. They asked if I needed a room and I told them I was simply needing to get a key for the room Mother already got. They asked her name and when I gave it, asked if I was Garrett. I smiled, instantly imagining Mother being very specific that I was able to get a key when I arrived. They made a key for me and told me the room number.
“As I walked away, I stopped as my heart began to pound in my chest. The sudden realization that I was moments from fulfilling a long running fantasy and meet the woman I have come to fall in love with.
“She was waiting for me, and only me. She made all the arrangements and invited me to come to her.
“I was there.
“I stood in the lobby for a few minutes without moving as the gravity of the situation hit me, and I recovered my wits.
“It felt like hours passed by in the elevator and an eternity walking down the hall. I was standing at the door. I stared straight at the door and took a deep breath. My thoughts made me oblivious to the world around me, so as I went to insert the key into the electronic lock, I first noticed the Do Not Disturb sign. My heart fluttered at the confirmation that she was actually there. The next thing I noticed was a small note taped to the door with my name written on it.
“Bold, Mother. Anyone could have taken this note. Could it reveal the secret of our relationship? I thought as I went to take the note. I pulled it off the door and read it.”
My Love,
Your universe will change tonight. The stars have aligned like never before. The sky is the limit. But right here. This is real, and it ‘ s up to you. Walk through the door, set whatever you brought on the floor, and come to me.
Love,
Your Mother
” ‘Mom,’ I gasped quietly. ‘You could have given everything away to any stranger that could have snatched this note from the door.’ I took a deep breath and pushed the card into the lock. I pulled it out and sucked in a breath lightly as the light turned green and the lock whirred open. I pushed the handle down and walked in, taking two steps and stopping as I waited for the door to close.
“The room was very dimly lit. On the desk was an unopened bottle of Moscato in an ice bucket with two empty glasses. Surrounding the bucket and glasses were several folded-up pieces of paper. On the bed were many more notes folded up in no discernible arrangement. I assumed they were the notes she found inside my ‘Top Secret’ box.
“As I took a couple steps into the main room, I was quickly spun around and two arms wrapped around me. One arm wrapped around my stomach and the other arm’s hand rested on my chest. Her head rested on the back of my neck. I placed my hands on hers.