Learning to Trust: Limits Read Online Free PDF Page B

and idly chatting.
    "You know Roland," I said, "there's only one thing that could make this night better."
    "Oh?"
    "I wish we could see the sky."
    "I think that could be arranged," he said. He bent toward the floor and toyed with something out of my view. Suddenly, the night air was filled with a mechanical rumble.
    "What the hell?" I was staring at him and missing the big show.
    "Look," he whispered, his hand pointing toward the ceiling.
    Oh yes, I had been missing it. The ceiling was parting in the middle and opening to reveal the star-filled night sky above us, a truly luxury accommodation. I giggled, so surprised by the fact that my passing wish had been turned into a reality by this mysterious man and his infinite money—and tricks.
    We made love again that night and slept under the stars in the most literal way possible while still being indoors . For almost anyone other than me, this would have meant the beginning of something truly wonderful, something that would have made me comfortable with my decision to move in with Roland and give up my old life . Highs and lows, all the time. Now that things were starting to get good, maybe I could just sneak off with him and—
    No . I had a duty, and I had to follow through until the end. I had to stay sane and sensible.
    Before I fell asleep, I checked my phone out of habit. Zero bars. No reception. In a way, it was kind of nice not to have the option at all. No mindless checking of email and social media sites. Just rest and relaxation.
    I powered it off; there was no reason to keep it on since I couldn't receive calls or texts anyway. I obviously didn't have time to grab my charger, so I'd at least have some battery power tomorrow if I did this. Roland was already snoring and I cuddled up closer to him and wrapped myself tighter in the blankets. A few minutes later, I was out cold.
     
    ***
     
    The next morning, I awoke at my leisure. Roland wasn't next to me, but he popped into my view as soon as I sat up.
    "The late riser has finally awoken!" he declared.
    "Hi, Roland," I said, my voice scratchy. I needed some water.
    "I've prepared you some breakfast and coffee. We need to be on our way as soon as possible. Exciting things are happening."
    "Sure," I said, still unable to process much of what was going on. The sun was already so bright and I couldn't believe I'd slept this late while it drowned me in light. I carried my phone inside and threw it in my purse. After I ate, I took a quick shower and re-dressed in my clothes from yesterday. Thankfully, I had taken them inside and hung them up properly after more or less discarding them on the deck to get in the jacuzzi. They were slightly wrinkled, but they'd do.
    "I'm going to drop you off at work," he said. He was fiddling with a tie.
    "Damn, Roland, dressed up so nice, huh?"
    "I've got a meeting. You kn ow, finalizing all the details for the big event ." The way he said it almost seemed like it was supposed to be a hint to me.
    "Big event?" I asked. I was trying not to get prematurely excited yet again.
    "Just a deal that Starland Enterprises has been trying to push through for years. We've finally got a clear path now." He chuckled.
    "Wow," I said. "Congratulations!" This was it. Jesus!
    "You can congratulate me when it's done. I'm optimistic. I still need to do some spring cleaning first."
    That didn't sound good. It also wasn't specific in the least. "Yeah, sure. Well, good luck. " Your tie still isn't totally straight."
    He glanced at it again. "You're sure?"
    "A little more to the right. You've been staring at it for too long."
    He made the adjustments. "Ah, perfect." Roland stepped over and kissed my forehead. "You've been doing such a n ice job. I don't think you realize how important you've become."
    I blushed, even though I probably shouldn't have. "Thanks."
    "Well, we should be on our way then. The car should be outside for us. Do you have everything?"
    I did a quick look over the house and then nodded. "All