Chapter 6：Smooth transition

When Marie gets to the office she fills her mug with coffee and pokes her head into George's office. "Hey, can you let me know when you have a minute to chat please."

Marie sits at her desk and starts going through her emails. She gets to work finishing up projects and getting a list of accounts that can not be completed by the end of the week. By late afternoon she has everything organized and ready to hand to George. When she gets back to her desk from lunch George calls her to his office.

"Everything ok Marie?" He looks concerned.

"Yes." She sits in the chair by the desk. "I just need to let you know this will be my last week here."

"What!? May I ask why?" George's forehead is scrunched as he waits for an answer.

"I'm moving and it just isn't realistic for me to commute."

"I see. Well I wish you the best of luck, we are definitely going to miss you." George sighs.

"I have a list of projects I won't be able to finish by Friday. And I have several that will be complete by Friday." Marie hands him the list.

"Ok, I'll get these distributed." George tases the list.

"Thanks, I'm going to get back to work." Marie stands and heads back to her desk.

At the end of the day Marie has an idea so she texts Vale: Hey. I know you aren't awake yet, but I was thinking we can spend this week at my apartment and move everything on Friday. It would save me a long drive everyday and you can take over the kitchen table for your work. Just an idea. Let me know.

Marie gets in the Jeep and drives to her night job to tell Jacky in person she will no longer be coming in. Jacky tells her good luck and she writes Maries final paycheck. When Marie gets to her apartment she takes a shower and puts on some pajamas. When she sits on the couch her phone dings. It's Vale: I'll pack a bag and I'm on my way. She smiles and replies: Ring the bell I'll probably be asleep. Marie turns on the tv and is asleep within minutes.

Vale packs a small suitcase with clothes, his computer and a few things for work. He is a little nervous about the whole situation and is surprised that Marie has been so calm. He wonders if she is really ok. He decides to take his motorcycle and straps his suitcase to the back seat. He gets to Maries and takes his suitcase up the stairs. When he rings the bell there is no response for five minutes. He rings the bell again and hears a crash in the living room and the door swings open. "Are you ok?" Vale asks with concern.

"Yea, I was just dreaming so when you rang the bell the first time it somehow was just part of my dream. Sorry" Marie yawns.

"Are you sure that your ok? It's alright to be upset about the last several weeks." Vale is locking the door as Marie walks to the couch.

"Yea. I'm just so tired." She curls back up and Vale covers her with the blanket laying next to her.

"Ok." He pulls out his computer and work papers and sets up on the table. While Marie sleeps he can work. Vale knows Max will want an update soon so he needs to help settle Maries affairs in the next couple of days.

When Marie wakes up she can hear Vale working at the table behind her. She had slept most of the night and felt a little better. When she saw the time she sat up and stretched, it is almost time to get ready for work.

"Good morning" Vale watches her long hair fall down her back as she stretches.

"Good morning" Marie stands and smiles at Vale. "Eggs and toast?" She asks

"That sounds good." He smiles back at Marie. "We need to get some stuff settled today."

"While we eat" she responds. Marie puts on a pot of coffee and scrambles some eggs while the toaster does it's job. She puts a plate and coffee down next to Vale in an empty spot and returns with hers. Vale has cleared a spot for her and she sits. "Ok, what needs to be done today?" She bites into her toast.

"Well I guess the main thing is your lease and any bills?"

"I just paid all of my bills. We can go to the landlords apartment at nine. I can go to work late but I'll either bring some home or stay late."

"Ok" Vale starts to eat.

Marie wonders if their relationship will change a lot as they transition into living together. She is comfortable with Vale in so many ways. When they sit together quietly its not awkward or strange in any way for her, its as if they have been together for some time and they understand without speaking that they are ok. Even with this feeling of contentment she worries maybe he doesn't feel the same or perhaps he may change his mind. Then what will happen?

As Marie wonders Vale is having similar thoughts. As Marie meets more people from his world and is introduced to his world, will it be to much? He scolds himself for falling asleep and loosing track of the time. How could he have been so careless? Would she have chosen him if Max hadn't gotten involved? Would she have called him?

They were both so unsure of what might have happened and what will happen. As they were both lost in thought they both looked up and locked eyes. Suddenly Marie and Vale only felt a connection to one another and knew deep in their hearts they were meant to be together. Marie knew she would have called him eventually and Vale knew he was never going to let her go.

Marie took Vale's hand and smiled. When he smiled back her heart had already started racing. She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. "We need to go talk to the land lord."

Vale couldn't trust his voice because he was barely breathing so he nodded his head in agreement.

Marie let his hand go and stood up "I need to shower and get dressed first. I have a long day at work."

Vale nodded again as she walked out of his sight. He took a deep breath and put his face in his palms. He had to calm down! He picked up the dishes and took them to the kitchen. He washed them and put cold water on his face.

Marie went into the bathroom and turned on the water. She sat on the edge of the tub taking deep breaths. Why couldn't she calm her heart? She got in the water and turned it a little cooler. When she was finally calm she got out and went into her closet. She picked out her outfit for the day and quickly got dressed. When she came out vale was waiting for her. "Ready?" She smiled.

"Yes" Vale smiled back.

Marie and Vale knocked on the land lords door and when he answered he asked what they needed.

"Hey, I will be moved out by Friday." Marie explained.

"Are you going to be able to pay to break the lease Marie?" The landlord asked a little surprised.

"How much will it be to break the lease?" Vale asked.

"Two months rent and you wont be getting the deposit back." The landlord replied

"Do you want a check or money order?" Vale asks in a matter of fact way, which makes Marie smile.

The landlord looks from Vale to Marie seeming a bit surprised "either is fine."

"We will have it to you by tomorrow." Vale smiles

"Thanks" the landlord watched as the walked down the hall holding hands and shook his head as he went back into his apartment.

Vale walked Marie to the lobby and kissed her hand. "Have a good day"

"Thanks." Marie smiles "when you are ready to sleep, use my bed."

Vale waves as she goes out and can't help feeling a little jealous of the sun.

Marie gets to work and immerses herself into her work. By the end of the day she had finished all of her proposals and sent them to George for approval. If he gets his side done by tomorrow then she would be able to get everything done by Thursday if her clients were all happy. She decided to go talk to George.

"Hey boss" she says cheerfully.

"Hey Marie, I just got your email."

"I was hoping that we could send those out for approval with the estimate if that was ok?" She raised her eyebrows in question.

"Sure." George smiled "I'll send these over to the number guys and help you get these wrapped up."

"Thanks George! That's all of the remodels on my desk so I'll be heading home for the day"

"Ok Marie, I'll see you tomorrow"

Marie grabbed her keys and bag. As she got to the Jeep her phone dinged and she checked it when she got into the car. It was from Max.

Max: How's it going?

Marie: Fine. Is something wrong?

Max: No, just wanted to check in and see if you were ok. I know I probably really scared you the other day.

Marie: It's fine, I'm over it. You did what you felt was right to protect your people.

Max: Cool. Has Vale told you everything? There are rules to follow in my pack and now you are part of my pack.

Marie: I was expecting as much. I'll ask Vale tonight.

Max: Ok. Remember that you are also under my protection now, so you can come to me for anything.

Marie: good to know.

She started up the Jeep and headed back to her apartment. The sun was almost down so Vale should be awake when she gets home.