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attempt at lightening the mood I found myself sat in stunned silence. Wow. This was a hell of a lot to take in. It certainly explained why Stella was always so keen on having sex in my bedroom though … I’d never thought much beyond the fact that the bed was big and comfortable, but clearly Stella had chosen the location for a whole different reason. Running a hand through my hair I licked my lips, unsure what to say next. Christ, so I’d have to move out if I wanted to live with her? Leave the first building I’d ever designed, the apartment that was hugely symbolic to me as not only the start to my new life, but also a final end to my abusive childhood? I’d designed this apartment when I was still living at home with my parents, long before I’d even qualified as an architect. It had been my way of releasing some of the tension I held inside me, and I’d poured out my frustrations and longings to escape into planning where I would live when I eventually did leave. In that sense, this place had been my refuge over the years, even before it had even become a reality – but on the other hand Stella was fast becoming my rock. Shaking my head to try and clear my thoughts I realised I was going to need to do some serious thinking to sort this problem out.
    Turning to the left I raised my head and my gaze locked with Stella’s. I was expecting her to be annoyed at my hesitation, pissed off because my apartment meant so much to me, but to my surprise I saw a sympathetic smile on her face. Reaching her hand across she took mine and lifted it to her lips, kissing the palm. ‘I know what you went through to build this place, Nathan, and I totally understand why it’s so important to you. Let’s not rush things, OK? Maybe given time I’ll feel more at home here.’
    Even now, when it should be me making her feel better, Stella was still trying to look out for me. Shaking my head I smiled weakly. Her compassion never failed to amaze me. Drawing in a deep breath I remained silent, not yet sure what to say, so instead I stood up, scooped Stella into my arms, and carried her towards the bedroom, her only real haven within my home.
    Gazing down at her as I walked my eyes travelled over her features as she loosely draped an arm around my neck for support and rested her head on my shoulder. My chest tightened in that strange, warm, way again. I cared for her so fucking much it hurt. Well, that was that question answered then … it looked like I’d be visiting some estate agents in the next few weeks.

Three –Nicholas
    Pushing through the doorway to Rebecca’s bookshop I made my way inside, rubbing my hands together and glad to be out of the cold day. Just last week I’d been sat on the balcony of my brother’s apartment enjoying the sunshine, but it seemed like the change to October had brought with it near-torrential rain and sudden temperature drops, making it feeling much more like the start of winter.
    Weaving between the stacks of books that always seemed chaotic to me, but according to Rebecca were apparently completely ordered, I finally got to the counter and smiled at Louise, Rebecca’s assistant.
    ‘Hi, Nicholas, all set for this weekend?’ she asked with a knowing grin. Louise was in on my surprise because I’d had to call her last week and check Rebecca’s intended shifts at the shop. Luckily, she was off for the entire weekend so I could carry out my plan without disrupting the other staff member’s shifts.
    ‘Yes, everything’s ready, is she out back?’ I asked, tilting my head in the direction of the small office at the rear of the shop. As much I liked Louise – she was one of Becky’s closest friends and also one of her bridesmaids-to-be – I wasn’t exactly one for small talk, so I was keen to find Becky and head off.
    ‘She is, go on through,’ Louise said, turning her attention to a customer who had just entered the shop.
    Making my way down the narrow corridor I had to dodge and