ok I seriously am hating this story line and hanging in only to see if he really cheated or just said he did cause he's being a dick.  Cause if he really did, well Gem is a fool to take him back without serious therapy.

Author's Response:

Hi angelblue,

Thanks for reading and reviewing, even though you're not enjoying the story line at the moment. I know it's difficult - believe me, those chapters were hard to write as well - but things can't always be sunshine and roses. Sometimes life throws some curveballs at us when we least expect it, and we have to deal with them.

Thanks again,

-SwimmingBee x

Sorry I’m so late getting my review in.  I’ve had really bad allergy and sinus problems.  Meds have made me yuck.  But – beautiful weather means nature comes alive – and with that pollen – jeez.

I also have to tell you a funny.  While I watched Rob on MTV.com and Leno, I couldn’t help thinking about your wonderful story.  He was just so cute, silly and just seemed quite relaxed.  I kept thinking that’s so like Gemma’s Rob.  I wanted him to hurry and leave so that he could go the get together with his mates!!!!  Silly aren’t I?

After I reread this chapter two things just really jumped out at me.   1) Rob kept trying to make Gemma understand that he wants so much more from her than sex, he wants “forever” with her,  and 2)  Gemma needs to get with the program and make a few decisions.  Not many “real life” men would wait as long as Rob has.  I feel he’s paid his dues.  As wrong as his decision was, he still only had Gemma’s best interest at heart!!!   Does that mean I’m Team Rob now?  Sorta – yeah.

Luv’d reading their top fives.  And their #1 was the same!  And it seems they had as hard a time as I did choosing.  But as rough as the last few chapters have been, these two have had a really great time together.  And only on the phone.  They are just so perfect for each other.  My favorite Rob lines were when he hadn’t seen Gem for a few days when her parents were visiting.   “I felt whole again” and “You have no idea just how much you affect me, Gem. Your beautiful, sweet smile has been ingrained in my mind ever since. I would give anything - and I mean, anything - to come home to that smile every day.”  These heartfelt thoughts just said e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g for me!  Yes, definitely Team Rob.

But this line just brought tears to my eyes for him “I will love you forever.”  How many guys today would honestly say those words much less desire to have someone believe them.  You write Rob’s feelings with such sincerity – just genuine and from the heart.   And this is only part of a conversation – I believe I would be in heaven just to be fortunate enough to read a RPOV that you would write!  Another outtake for the list there babe!

This line from the school meeting cracked me up.  “Our English assessments needed to be completed by Friday.  Right.  Got it.”  This is how it should have been written for Gemma.  “My Englishman assessments needed to be completed by Friday.  Right.  Got it.”   I know I have weird, funny thoughts sometime!!!!

Ally was just spot on in this chapter.  She actually gives her really good advice.  Gemma’s thoughts here “It's just the trust thing. Can I trust him again, after everything that happened? Can I let myself open up to him again? I don't know."   Gem’s biggest problem is “fear itself.”  This quote is perfect for what Ally is trying to say to her friend.  “Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves - regret for the past and fear of the future.” Fulton Oursler.  And last but not least, Gem’s thought says it best.  “I was a frustrating mix of contradictions. But I was getting there. Slowly. “   And the key word here for me is slowly.  Molasses runs faster than her decision process!!!!  She needs to get on with it.  Sorry.    

I love DWTD but I hated these words from his mouth.  "I don't know, Gemma. He hurt you so badly. He shattered you and yes, he's begging for your forgiveness now, but he shouldn't have put you through it in the first place. Are you really willing to go back there again?   After everything?  But it's certainly not up to me. Sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. Only you know what's best for you, Gemma. Nobody else can make that decision for you."     Almost seems like he’s a little bitter!!!  I can’t quite understand why he would make those statements to Gem, much less in front of Sar.  But Sar did have a comeback.  "So inspirational, Dan."   And I read that a little snarky.  I just don’t feel that he is close enough friend to make those statements!   Did I misunderstand the way you wrote these lines?

And Rob and Gem’s texting later - "But Gem, please don't feel like you have to come over. It's Friday night and you've probably got other plans anyway. Plus, I know. It's a big deal. And you know what our friends are like.   But then again, God, I'd love to see you. I've written you so many texts today, and I couldn't send any of them. Some were telling you not to come over, but I don't really want that. Others were telling you to come, but that's not up to me to decide. So that's why I didn't text you today. I'm sorry."   Gem has Rob tied up in knots.  He just doesn’t seem to know what to do – what to say.  I hate to say it but I actually feel sorry for him.  Yep I just typed that!!!!!  Definitely Team Rob.

But I think her true heart came out here.  “It's okay, Rob. I think I'll come over, at least for a little while. Sarah's going to come, too."  “My eyes widened as I registered what I had just said.  Holy crap. That just came out. But maybe that's what I needed.  A quick decision.  My mind had been made up without even knowing about it.”    Gem has to trust herself, mind and heart, to make the right decision.   Another one of my quotes.  “Self-trust is the first secret of success.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.  This just speaks Gemma to me.  Trust yourself to trust Rob!!!!

Gemma, go see him and the group.  Observe and listen to Rob.  Then let your heart and mind will make the right decision.  Take that leap of faith!!!!  Get on with it or get out!!!

Bee – you just make me go on and on about these two.  I don’t think I have ever been able to get into any other characters the way I do Gem and Rob.  They are just so realistic.  You write them like we are all friends and we see and talk to them everyday.  They just seem such a part of our lives.  And that is just brilliant.   I know you get tired of me telling you how great you are!!!!   Sorry, but my mom and dad taught me to always to tell the truth – regardless if it hurts sometimes.   I know – fluff – fluff – fluff.   My words I use to describe you – talented, gifted, just a remarkable author.

Elaine – sparkledamnu on twitter

PS – Not gonna say “Please update soon.”  I want to drag the ending out so that you will be deeper into your new fic – that way I will still have a “Bee” on my alerts!!!!  Grins very widely.  Teeth are shining brightly.  :-D  

 

Author's Response:

Hi Elaine,

Oh no, sorry to hear about your allergy problems! That's not very fun at all, poor you. Stinkin' pollen! I hope you start to feel a bit better soon!

Aww, I love that you thought about Days Like This as you watched Rob on Leno and MTV! He was adorable, wasn't he? Definitely silly and relaxed - a much different Rob than we heard about in the Vanity Fair article. Phew! Very giggly and full of typically random comments. :)

So yay! You're Team Rob again after this chapter!? It definitely seems as though he's sorted out his concerns while they've been spending time apart, and you may well be right about him wanting "forever" with Gemma. Ally suggested the same thing - that he seems ready to commit, big time.

Which in a way, kind of leads into your concerns about Gemma being so undecided. I totally get what you mean about her being slow in her decision process - even I get a bit frustrated with her sometimes. But as I wrote in an earlier review reply, Gemma does things in Gemma time! We know she overthinks; she always has. Rob knows that too, and he also knows how badly he screwed up. He realizes she just needs time, so that's what he's giving her. But really, I think she's already forgiven him. Now she just has to make up her mind about whether she's ready to commit to him again, or not. And perhaps not just commit as in, "Okay, let's get back together." If they were actually be together again, it would quite possibly be, as you suggested, forever. That's a big decision to make about the guy who cheated on you and broke your heart into a million pieces not too long ago.

But at least she's taking positive steps! She's agreed to go to his apartment again and catch up for a fun night. They're both trying to heal their relationship, in different ways. He's wearing his heart on his sleeve and she's gone back to babysteps. Because really, it was only a couple of chapters ago that readers wanted to kill Rob and told me in reviews, "I don't know how you're going to fix this!" And now readers are telling me, "Grrr, she needs to hurry up and take him back!" I wrote about a similar thing over in the forums, actually. I don't really know how I should be feeling about that... No matter what I do (or should I say, Rob and Gemma do...), readers get frustrated! Eek!

I'm glad you enjoyed reading about their top five moments though. Rob really poured his heart out in his email, didn't he? Gemma seemed a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of writing hers and wrote it within the space of an hour, but clearly Rob put a lot of time and thought into his to make sure every word was perfect. Aww. He really wanted Gemma to know how much he loves and adores her, and it finally seemed to click, I think. Now it's up to her to decide what to do with that information...

“My Englishman assessments needed to be completed by Friday.  Right.  Got it.” Bwah, ha! That would have been much more appropriate for Gemma! :)

You're the queen of quotes in this review, Elaine! Love it! That Fulton Oursler quote is spot on - especially in regards to Gemma fearing the future. Finding trust in Rob - and her own feelings too - is the tricky thing at the moment. But as you said later, she needs just go and see. It's been a month since they've seen each other and they've been getting along so well... We'll see how they go in the next chapter.

As for Daniel, eek! Lots of readers are a bit cross with him at the moment. Really, he was just saying what lots of readers wanted to say to Gemma a couple of chapters ago - but things are different now. Plus, he's Daniel! There's always been a bit of a competitive tension between Dan and Rob, so maybe there was a bit of an undercurrent in his words. But then again, maybe he's still in protective big brother mode and doesn't want to see Gemma get hurt again. Clearly Sarah already knew his opinion on the matter, because she sighed when Gemma asked him what he thought. You raised an interesting question though - are they good enough friends for him to be giving that advice? Hmm. Honestly, I think they are. If they're good enough friends for him to make her a cheese sandwich on the night she found out Rob had cheated on her, and later to get rid of all the Rob stuff in her room with Sarah, then hmm. I think they're good friends. He's seen her through a lot, in a nice, brotherly kind of way.

I love that you go on and on about Rob and Gemma, Elaine! I would never get tired of your reviews, although you do flatter me way too much! You're so lovely and supportive, and you spoil me. I think it's fabulous that your opinions have changed over time, and now you're back on Team Rob. Girls are allowed to change their mind and as I've said before, I never intended this story to be just black and white, good versus bad, etc. Life throws us some curveballs now and then, and it's up to us to deal with them, right!? Gemma's still working that out now. I hope you'll be patient with her, she's getting there!

Thank you, thank you, thank you another amazing review!! The next chapter shouldn't be too far away, but I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, considering you want me to drag it out a bit. Eek, we'll be okay! :)

-SwimmingBee x

Daniel Shmaniel!

Author's Response:

Hey LiRock,

Hehee, Daniel Shmaniel indeed! Quite a few readers are annoyed with him and his opinions right now!

Thanks so much for reading. More coming soon. :)

-SwimmingBee x

"And ever since that night, I can't believe that at least for a little while, you were mine, too."

This made me cry... I love, love, love this story so much, it's so sweet and relatable, I'm going to be so sad when it comes to an end. :/

Author's Response:

Hi cilie,

Wow, what a lovely review! Thank you! I'm so glad you're loving the story. I'll be sad when it comes to an end as well! I hope they were happy tears that Rob's email made you cry. He was pretty sweet though, wasn't he?

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. More coming soon! :)

-SwimmingBee x

Another great chapter! I think she is making the right choice to go, especially since they haven't seen each other in person in so long. I think they need that interaction to help Gemma decide what she really wants/is going to do. Also, having all their friends there will hopefully just help them not feel so awkward...though it could also do the opposite...lol.

Did Sarah and Gemma really not invite Dan to go to Rob's little party? Pretty sure if I were in Dan's shoes, I would NOT be cool with my significant other going to hang out with a bunch of hot Brits without me! That will definitely be interesting...I just hope Dan doesn't get his heart broken again...but I LOVE your Bobby Long as well!!!

Ah, so much to look forward to! :) 

Author's Response:

Hi alycaly,

Great to hear you enjoyed the chapter! Gemma's definitely taking a bit step in going to Rob's apartment again, but it's a positive one. As you said, it might help her decide what she wants to do in terms of her relationship with Rob, and having their friends around them should make things a bit lighter and easier too.

Ahh, all will be revealed about Dan in the next chapter, but don't worry too much. He'll be okay! We get to find out a bit more about Dan and Sarah's relationship over the course of the night as well. And maybe some Bobby Long gossip as well! :)

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. The next chapter won't be too far away!

-SwimmingBee x

By all means, go to his apartment. Jeez, she's killing me. I don't know about Bobby and Sarah, I really don't think Daniel could take another heartbreak. And I hope Rob and Gem aren't too good, either. Maybe he deserves one more chance. If he blows it again, then he'll lose her. But everyone deserves a second chance, don't you think? Let's keep the alcohol under control this time, shall we?

Author's Response:

Hey Kathy,

Yep, Gemma's going to his apartment! Is she killing you with her indecision? A few readers are frustrated by her lack of decision-making about this, but he broke her heart, big time. It was always going to take a long time to get over. At least she's taking positive steps in healing their relationship by agreeing to go to his apartment to catch up.

Oh, Daniel will be okay, don't worry. We learn a bit more about Sarah and Dan's relationship over the course of the night, and he has nothing to be worried about. :)

And I agree - everybody deserves a second chance. Especially when Rob's trying so hard to earn Gemma's forgiveness. He loves her desperately and definitely seems ready to commit to her. We'll see how they go in the next chapter...

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

-SwimmingBee x

Hi Bee,

I loved Rob's e-mail, his Top 5 list is great and so sweetly written. Gemma's mail was a bit cool in comparison, it is sooooo time that she forgives him. Please tell us that they won't be good at the party, they have been good now for far too long.

Necessarily this chapter had to be a bit of a filler before we move on to the big change in their relationship, but I enjoyed it nevertheless and I am very sad that there are only 4 chapters left. I will miss this story although I know that as a writer you have to eventually let go of your characters when they have come full circle.

Will there be another story posted here? I hope so, I so enjoy your writing.

PLEASE HURRY WITH THE NEXT CHAPTER!!!!

Love,

Rio

Author's Response:

Hi Rio,

Rob's email was lovely, wasn't it? He'd clearly put a lot of thought into every perfect word and wanted to let Gemma know exactly how much he loves and adores her. Gemma's was nice too, and Rob loved it, but you're right - it wasn't as warm or as sweet as Rob's. She's still holding back... Not quite sure if she's ready to give him everything just yet. I think she's starting to forgive him, but they're really just rebuilding that trust between them again. He broke her heart into a million pieces - that's going to take some time to heal.

Hmm, will they be good at Rob's apartment? Lots of readers want them to be very bad. Hehee. Time will tell!

I'm not sure that this chapter was a filler... It was a quiet chapter, full of contemplations, but it was an important one too. They needed that time apart to sort things out, but it says a lot that they continued to talk each day. Yep, only four chapters left, eek! I've already started writing my next story, so yep, eventually I will post something new. I'll let you know more about it once Days Like This is over, so keep an eye out if you're interested. :)

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! The next chapter won't be far away!

-SwimmingBee x

LOVED the top 5's ... now let's get to Friday night and be bad, very bad (these two need it and each other ... ugh Gemma is killing me).

Author's Response:

Hey boomerand,

Glad you enjoyed their top five moments! Friday night at Rob's is coming up in the next chapter. Hehee, you want them to be very bad!? Time will tell... ;)

Sorry to hear Gemma is killing you! Is it her indecision that's frustrating you? At least she's taking some positive steps in healing their relationship by agreeing to go to his apartment and catch up. He broke her heart into a million pieces, remember! That was always going to take some time to heal, but they're getting there.

Thanks so much for continuing to read and review!

-SwimmingBee x

BOO HOO only 4 more chaps  :(  I will really miss these two when their story is done....great chap-cant wait for the reunion at his place next chap   :)

Author's Response:

Hey kimjhill,

I know, only 4 more chapters! Eeek! Thanks so much for sticking with them. I'll miss them too! The next chapter won't be too far away... We'll find out how they go at Rob's apartment then. :)

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

-SwimmingBee x

Haha how cute!
Can't wait to read what will happen.

Great chapter as always!

Author's Response:

Hi Carly,

Happy to hear you enjoyed the chapter, thanks so much!

The next one shouldn't be too far away. We'll see how they go at Rob's apartment. :)

Thanks for reading!

-SwimmingBee x

OMG, Bee! I'm having the most surprising reaction to this chapter :)  I'm going to give it a couple of days to see if it's only an initial reaction before sharing my thoughts with you, LOL.

Author's Response:

Hey Kari, 

Oooh, you can't leave it as that! What a tease! Hehee. I'm dying to know what your initial reaction was. Given that you said it was surprising, I'm going to guess either...

a) You got cross with Gemma,

b) You got cross with Daniel, or...

c) You want to have Rob's babies.

Am I right!? Hehee! By the way, I totally put a little line in that chapter for you. Can you work out what it was? :)

Thanks for reading! Now quick, tell me, tell me! :)

-SwimmingBee x

Every great story is comprised of a series of memorable scenes... moments that continue to resonate in the minds of the readers long after the last page is turned and the book stored away.  Days Like This, is one of those great stories and is comprised up of one unforgettable moment after another.   My favorite Robert and Gemma moment might seem a bit weird to some, but one I often find myself thinking and giggling about.  We all have that one defining moment; whether it is in our favorite movie, book, or song...a moment so special our brain creates an imprint or a mental picture sure to last forever.  In terms of Days Like This, that moment occurred in chapter sixteen for me, which also happens to be my favorite chapter by the way.  It was in this chapter that Robert and Gemma stopped being just another couple in a wonderful story and became THE couple in THE story.  It was in this chapter that my love affair with Robert and Gemma began.  Chapter sixteen is memorable for much more than just containing my favorite Robert and Gemma moment.    LOL, yes…I’ve read that chapter at least twenty times by now.  It was in this chapter that Robert and Gemma made love for the first time, as well as made their first confessions of love for one another.  My favorite moment occurred in the beginning of the chapter during the jealousy fueled argument/discussion between Robert and Gemma.  It is the scene where Robert is chastising Gemma regarding her picnic lunch with Daniel and he jealously retorts "Jesus Christ. So you went from my apartment, where you'd been in bed with me, straight to a picnic on the beach with Daniel. You told me you'd call him, Gemma. You lied to me. I'm fucking falling in love with you, and you're having picnics on the beach with other guys and lying to me."  My heart and soul has chosen this scene to be my favorite Rob and Gemma moment.  Even though, Robert would later make a more romantic declaration of love to Gemma, this moment and this scene epitomizes the essence of Robert and Gemma for me.  It really eclipses everything else for me.  The thing though is, Robert’s outburst isn’t or wasn’t the only thing to memorialize this scene for me.  It was also Gemma’s words and actions immediately following his outburst…. The way she kneeled down in front of him and to gently soothe him was absolutely breathtaking to me.  There is something so honest and raw about that chapter that just gets to me.  So surprisingly enough, the matter of choosing my favorite Robert and Gemma moment wasn’t very difficult for me to do.   It’s been more than two months since I've read that amazing chapter, and yet I can easily visualize the scene in my mind...the darkly, brooding Robert casually leaning against the fridge looking at her, jealousy rolling of him in waves.  Gemma, nervously sitting on the stool with her arms extended in front of her on the kitchen counter, feeling uncomfortable under the weight of his stare.  Simply beautiful, Bee! That chapter really showcased your skills as an observer and storyteller.  You have an uncanny ability to render on the page exactly what it’s like to be a woman and man desperately in love with one another, trying to navigate the merciless hell that is misunderstandings, misconceptions, fear, and their abject need for one another…all the while pouring their yearnings into the impossible dream to simply Be.  Everything you wrote within that chapter comes weighted in significance.  Okay, okay!!! Enough of my maudlin and melancholy ramblings!  This was supposed to be a happy review gosh darn it!  This reminds me…you were not overreacting in your response to my last review.  I couldn’t see it at the time, because that’s just another facet of my personality…bitchy Kari coming out to play.  You weren’t imagining it, that review definitely had a sarcastic, holier than thou undertone to it.  The weird thing is that, I honestly, genuinely, 100% liked the chapter...And yet I somehow, became stuck in this Robert hating mood even though I’m crazy about his dumb ass.  Just remember, Bee…the hate was meant strictly for Robert and NEVER you!

This chapter carried elements of a renaissance or a rebirth to Robert and Gemma's relationship. I don't know if the renaissance occurred within the story or within myself.  Robert really demonstrated his intentions of doing whatever it takes to gain forgiveness and to become worthy of Gemma’s love.   He reaffirmed the fact that he and Gemma belong together.  I found this chapter to be deeply moving, well written, powerful, and thought provoking.  The emotions kinda took me back to that of chapter sixteen in their intensity…incredibly honest and raw.  The chapter painted or dealt with the complexity of relationships and human emotions.
I think that I might have had a breakthrough in my feelings for Robert…feelings that were careening out of control.  First of all this chapter rocked, Bee.  You hit just the right tone with it.  My heart and mind were open to Robert in a way that has been absent since his confession of infidelity and betrayal.  I can't really pin point the catalysts for this change.  Strangely enough, I found myself listening to Whatever It Takes by Lifehouse, when I received the notification for the new chapter update...the music and lyrics are absolutely perfect to convey the current situation between Robert and Gemma.  Robert didn't make any new revelations or apologies in this chapter...he said the same things that he has been saying throughout the past few chapters, and yet for some reason, I found myself really "hearing" him for the very first time.  I really don't understand how or why that is.  The music might have been a factor because nothing touches me and affects me the way that music and dance tend to do.  It might have also been your wonderful writing cause, as I've already said, this chapter was kick ass.  The fact that Gemma and Robert hadn't been together for a period of two weeks might have also played a role in my newfound ability to listen without prejudice.  That action felt "real" to me.  Real in a way that Gemma comfortably being in his presence did not.  No, I'm not celebrating their temporary separation.  I'm just saying that, the separation helped to alleviate my feelings of Robert getting away with murder.    I loved the fact that they were dealing with the ramifications of Roberts actions separately, but without cutting of contact altogether.  Seeing Gemma going on with her life, in her own environment helped lessened my anger towards Robert.  It showed me that, though he might have come close, he did not destroy her life beyond repair.  Even though, it was sad as hell at times, this chapter really was extraordinarily great… It was very intense and powerful.

You are not going to believe this, but I was a bit disappointed at them being able to spend two whole weeks apart from one another.  I know, I know…I’m contradicting myself, but when don’t I contradict myself?  LOL, anyway, their passion and inability to be without the other is something that I really love about Robert and Gemma and really hope that they can get back.  OMG Bee, I had a major AWEEE moment when Gemma apologized for not being able to say the words, “I love you,” back to Robert.  I felt incredibly sad for them, because they obviously still love one another very much, but her trust in him is tenuous at best.  I completely understand her hesitance to fully recommit and open herself back up to him.  I really, really do, but I’m also starting to feel a little bit of his pain at her inability to do so.  I loved his response to her apology though.  I think his response might have been the spark behind the decrease of my anger towards Robert.  It made me feel as if he were really making himself accountable for the very first time.  Not only accountable for betraying her, but also accountable for failing to address the root cause of the problem…his low self esteem.  Robert really impressed me with his assertion that he wanted to become worthy of Gemma and also less self deprecating.  He admitted to having a problem…and that was huge.  For all of the sad moment contained within this chapter, there were some moments of levity as well!  Most notable being Gemma’s response to the Team Edward vs. Team Jakass question posed by the sixth graders.  I LMAO @ her response and was like, “You tell them, Gemma!”  I mean really…there really is no choice in that ridiculous debate.  Pfft….Team Jakass….AS IF! Why would anyone pick short and ugly when they can have tall and hot?  I so DON’T want a guy who is shorter than me!  Okay, enough of my Jakass/Taylor Lautner hate.  The other notable moment was the incredibly HOT as SIN phone sex!  I really don’t have the adequate words to describe the sheer hotness of that scene.  Lastly, seeing as how I’ve already shared my favorite Robert and Gemma moment with you, I might as well tell you the complete list.  They are as follows:

1)    Chapter 16..see first paragraph in this review, LOL

2)    When they first met at Velour/spotty shoes introduction

3)    When Gemma visited him on the set and they took a nap

4)    When Robert comforted her on the beach after the Aaron/party debacle

5)    When she serenaded him with Lady Gaga *shudders @ Lady Gaga*

6)    This should really be number 5.1, LOL, but when Robert tried to make her father’s pasta bake.

Favorite Lines

I was busy and happy, and feeling more like myself than I had in months.

"If I had to choose?" I asked, and they nodded. "Well then I'd have to pick Edward. Is there any other choice, really?"

Definitely. Team Edward all the way, baby. I get paid to teach the important lessons in life.
"So," he said after a long time. "I still have all your photos up in my apartment. Is that really weird? I'm looking at one right now actually. Your sleepy early morning photo that I took once and you printed for me."

"Where do you think it is, baby?"

I can't sleep, Gem. I miss feeling you beside me. I miss feeling your warm little body next to mine. You never knew this, but I often used to lie awake and watch you as you slept. I know, you probably think that's creepy and Edward Cullen-like, but you're so beautiful when you sleep. You have always relaxed me, without even trying to. And now the only time I'm relaxed is when I'm talking to you. 
I can't help but think about what I would do if you were here. I would lie next to you and touch your hip, run my hand through your hair and kiss your shoulder. God, I love your shoulders. But mostly, I would just be happy, knowing you were here lying contentedly beside me. Because that was the best feeling in the world.
I love you, Gemma. I miss you so much it hurts.

"That's the problem, Rob. I feel like I want to drive to your place right now and climb into bed with you. But I know I probably shouldn't do that."
"Why not?" he asked quietly.

"I'm sorry I didn't say ‘I love you' back. It's just difficult."

 "I know, Gem. It's okay. I don't expect you to say it back. I hope that one day you might tell me you love me again, but right now, it's more important that you know how much I love you. Because I really do. I love you so much, Gemma."

"Okay. Goodnight, my gorgeous Rob."
"Goodnight, my adorable Gemma."

Till next time, Kari

P.S. The top five favorite moment’s list was a genius idea!  It really caused me to look back and reflect on all of the wonderful moments between Robert and Gemma.  It made me realize that 1 bad moment doesn’t erase everything else that they’ve shared with one another.  Very sneaky, Bee! :)  Not very happy with this review, but I've had to make up for the missed work from being sick last week...so I'm a bit pressed for time.  Which might be a good thing, since it helped stop my ramblings, LOL!

My musical inspiration for this chapter: Whatever It Takes by Lifehouse

"Whatever It Takes"
A strangled smile fell from your face
It kills me that I hurt you this way
The worst part is that I didn't even know
Now there's a million reasons for you to go
But if you can find a reason to stay

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
Believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes

She said "If we're gonna make this work
You gotta let me inside even though it hurts
Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see"
She said "Like it or not it's the way it's gotta be
You gotta love yourself if you can ever love me"

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
And give me a break
I'll keep us together, I know you deserve much better

But remember the time I told you the way that I felt
That I'd be lost without you and never find myself
Let's hold onto each other above everything else
Start over, start over

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
and believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes

Author's Response:

Hey Kari,

Whoops, I realized I replied to your review of the next chapter before this one, sorry! And what a fabulous review it was! I had to giggle when you said you weren't happy with it... It was amazing, seriously. :)

I didn't know 'Whatever It Takes' by Lifehouse, so I had to go watch it on YouTube. You're right, it's kind of perfect for Rob and Gemma right now. Rob is so desperate for Gemma to forgive him and for them to 'start over', and he really would do anything it takes. Sigh! These lines especially... "Now there's a million reasons for you to go but if you can find a reason to stay, I'll do whatever it takes to turn this around..." Aww, that's so Rob. Doubting but still perhaps a little bit hopeful. Thanks so much for the recommendation!

I love what you wrote about moments in stories. It's so true - there's always one favorite moment that stands out to each of us, and no, I wouldn't have guessed what your favorite Rob and Gemma moment would be! You spoke so fondly about Chapter 16 that I had to go back and read it for myself. Hehee. Rob blurting out that he loved Gemma in the middle of arguing with her was very Rob... Sometimes he just can't quite help what blurts out of his mouth. Gemma handled the whole thing so well, staying calm and patient with him, allowing him some time to process his thoughts but letting him know she wasn't going anywhere.

Really, the whole thing was a pretty big attempt by Rob to push Gemma away, but she didn't let him. He was so stuck in his 'I don't deserve you' mode that he really thought she would be better off without him, especially after he met Daniel who was seemingly perfect for her. A lot of readers were a bit annoyed with Gemma for giving in and going to Rob instead of making him come to her, but really, she had to. It was only Gemma who could snap him out of that mode and make him see how much she adored him, just as much as he adored her.

So thank you for your lovely comments about your favorite moment. It was nice to go back and read the chapter again, and to relive that moment again. Do you want to know a little DLT secret? I totally re-wrote the second half of that chapter, when they make love for the first time. Originally, it was going to be based on pure need, with lots of urgent kissing and speediness. I figured they'd waited so long, they would need to get it out of their systems! But then after a while, I decided that wasn't right at all. They were completely in love with each other and they needed to take their time. There's no way Rob would rush through it - he would be gentle with her and they would enjoy every moment of being together physically, for the very first time. I'm so glad I changed it. Whew!

Gah! Kari, you weren't bitchy in your previous review at all. It's completely okay for you to be grumpy at a character... You'd even written in the beginning that you were feeling sick! I hope you're feeling all better now, by the way. :)

Aww, this chapter was a bit of a rebirth for you then. I think you're right - it was for Rob and Gemma, too. Spending time away from each other and having distance and time to think was definitely a good move for them. Maybe the catalyst to the change in your reactions to Rob might have come from your previous review?! Just a thought. Maybe you got all your anger out in that review - something you needed to do to vent your frustrations with him. Maybe after that was all done, you could actually sit back and look at things more objectively. Or maybe because Gemma is starting to forgive him, you're forgiving him too!? Hmm.

Whatever the case, I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter. I like that you pointed out about Gemma moving on with her own life without Rob. I really wanted to portray that in this chapter - that even though she misses him, she can still survive without him. She's quite happy getting back into her working life and clearly has that side of her life covered. As we've said numerous times, she's a strong girl.

You were disappointed they could live two weeks without each other!? Hehehee! Ahhh, Kari. You do make me giggle. I know what you mean, but they really did need that time apart and they both knew it. And actually, now that you've read the next chapter, you know that they really spent a whole month apart! Gah! No wonder they're missing each other. And yes, Gemma is slowly rebuilding her trust in Rob, but sadly can't tell him she loves him. She's still keeping herself at a distance, protecting herself from the chance of possible hurt again. Rob understands that, but of course it must hurt. She's his adorable Gemma and she's holding herself just out of reach.

Ew, I'm with you on the Taylor Lautner ickiness. I just don't get it. He seems greasy and short. Like a little bulldog or something. Hehee. Hot as sin phone sex!? Whew! They needed it though, I think. It was safe, but still so Rob and Gemma - reconnecting in their own little way.

Ooh, so many of your favorite moments were on either Rob or Gemma's list! Go you!! You were the only reader to choose the moment on the beach at Max's party... And that was Gemma's random pick, too! I'm glad you enjoyed the Top Five moments idea. Honestly, it wasn't in my grand plan for the story, but some things just popped up as I wrote - this being one of them. It seemed to come out of Rob's mouth before I even thought about it, actually. It was another one of those moments when the characters take over and I'm just their slave, typing away on my Macbook. :)

Lovely selection of favorite lines! Admittedly, this one stumped me for a moment - "Where do you think it is, baby?" I really had to think about that one for a moment, wondering when Rob said that in the chapter, before the lightbulb went off in my head. Hehee. Whoops. That was naughty Rob coming out to play!

And on that note, let me say a very big THANK YOU for another fantastic review, Kari! You're amazing!

-SwimmingBee x