Moving day
March 1971
When Cinnamon had finally negotiated for the house and the closing date was set, she began planning the move. She knew she would need more furniture for the house and decorating it would be fun.
A month earlier she’d been overwhelmed when Rollin had presented her with a check from the proceeds of selling his house in Malibu. He wanted to contribute to the house, for both of them. She smiled as she remembered his gesture and their christening of the house that followed.
Now they were living in a sea of moving boxes. Rollin was amazed how that each day when he returned from the studio that more and more had appeared.
Cinnamon relaxed into his arms after another long day of packing.
“Our last night here.” Rollin said as he held her, “You gonna miss it?” He asked.
Everything in their bedroom was packed except for the bed and some clothes for them to wear for the next day.
She nodded. “We have some very good memories here.”
“We’ll have more memories to make there.” He replied.
She faced him. “I think we already started that.” She said referring to the christening of the house.
He grinned.
She settled back into his arms. “There’s still so much to do.”
“You have packed everything in sight. What else could there be?”
“I’m talking about tomorrow, sweetheart, the movers. Did you arrange for your things to be brought from storage?”
“You mean the few items you said you could use?” He said sarcastically. “They should arrive tomorrow afternoon.”
She turned to face him again. “What is that suppose to mean?”
“Nothing sweetheart. I’m glad some of my things will be of use.”
She met his eyes with a flirtatious glimmer. “I know one thing of yours that will be put to very good use.”
“Oh? And just what would that be?” He asked with a slow smile.
“Your bedroom furniture will go nicely in the guest room.”
“My bedroom furniture.”
She gave him an innocent smile. “I can’t think of anything else at the moment.”
His hands moved up her arms. “I can.”
She smiled as he pulled her down to him and he claimed her lips.
The next day they were up early and Maria arrived soon after with breakfast. She had been anticipating the move from her apartment as well. Her sister, Consuelo, had agreed to come to LA and help her pack for the move.
When the movers arrived, Cinnamon set about the task of overseeing the operation. She sent Rollin to the house to await the movers.
It was early afternoon when the last box was removed. Maria had Jennifer in her arms and was ready to follow Cinnamon to the new house. They locked the door to the empty apartment and followed the moving truck.
Rollin was studying his script beside the pool in one of the new chaise loungers they had purchased, when Cinnamon came out poolside. “Working hard, I see.”
Rollin looked at her over his raybans. “Just doing what I was assigned.” He said with a smile, putting the script aside and moving from the chaise. “But I do have sandwiches and drinks in the kitchen for you.”
“Paula must have been here.”
Rollin frowned. “With Barney.” He confessed. “Who checked the new security system.”
Cinnamon laughed as he followed her inside.
The move had gone smoothly and everything was set in place by early evening. Maria had begun putting her kitchen together and Cinnamon had seen to the nursery. Rollin volunteered to help her putting Jen’s toys and clothes away. Cinnamon thought it important that the baby have a sense that things were the same for her.
Paula and Barney returned with Chinese take out at seven-thirty and Cinnamon and Paula discussed what other things she would need for the house. Paula could sense Cinnamon’s satisfaction with the house and how things were coming together. They made plans for shopping the next week.
That evening Rollin and Cinnamon kissed Jen goodnight and retired to their new bedroom. Wardrobe boxes were still packed with clothes. Rollin stood beside her as she sat wearily on the bed. “Tired?”
“Exhausted.” She said looking up at him.
He pulled her up. “Come on, I’ll draw you a bath so you can relax.”
She followed willingly.
When she emerged from the steamy bath, he was waiting with two glasses of wine.
She took the glass that he offered.
“To your new home.” He said softly.
She touched her glass to his. “Our home.” She corrected, meeting his eye.
He smiled as he took a sip of wine.
He reached for her hand a pulled her into his embrace. “Time to begin making those new memories.”
Her hand went to his chest. “We just did.” She said kissing him.
THE END
Elena Vorska
December 2001