Hi. I'm from Chicago and I like to write, but have little patience, so I have drabbled this.

There will be a lot of Chicago references. They're all real, seeing as I've lived here for 25 years. If you're reading my other stories...I'll say I am going to finish them. However, I don't know when. Fortunately, this one is done. It's unbeta'd.


"I don't want you to leave." He's pissed, I know. I can read his tells. But it's only been a week.

Is it possible to fall in love in a week?

I think it was, but I didn't want to find out. Going into this he knew it was a fling. In a week's time, I'd go back to California and he'd go home – wherever that was. I didn't ask.

"I have to, Edward. I told you-"

He gets up abruptly and pounds his fist against the hotel wall. "I know you said a week, but don't you feel it?"

The sincerity in his eyes almost made me double over. I had to steady my hand on the dresser for composure.

"It's just a fling." I couldn't even look him in the eye as I said it. Instead, I started to gather up my things which had gotten more and more scattered around the room.

I felt him approach, but ignored him.

"Marie," he pleaded, grabbing onto my upper arm and steadying my movements.

I grabbed the hand which was holding me in place and turned to look him in the eye. "It's just a fling."

He shook his head, muttering to himself and looking skyward before he looked at me again.

He slowly lifted my hand and placed it on his chest. "Don't you feel that?"

I swallowed thickly and tried to remove my hand, but he held it in my place.

"It beats for you."

"I-I don't know why you're trying to ruin this. I have one day left here. Don't screw this up, Edward."

Resigned he consented. "Ok, you're right….just... let's spend our last day together in peace."

I nodded quickly and joined him on the bed. It was times like this I wish I weren't so screwed up and could have a normal relationship.

I felt like with him I could.

But fate had other plans.