by Elias Raven
“Hurry up little lady!” she said. She was already dressed, so she headed down the stairs first, wearing a stunning midnight blue dress with matching tiffany earrings and necklace. Very period looking and my dad was smiling from ear to ear upon seeing his bride. You could tell from the way he looked at her, just how much he was still in love. It was something that I hoped I could have someday, that kind of love where someone cared about me that much even after many years had passed.
I took one last look in the mirror, pulling down the edges of my black cocktail dress and throwing on a vintage white covering; I put on a pair of black teardrop earrings and topped off the look with a smoking red lipstick and black tea party hat with rhinestone trim. The whole look was very 1920’s. I hoped The Prof would approve. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed a small matching pocketbook and headed down the stairs. I could tell that he was holding his breath. So was I! He watched me carefully as I came down the stairs. I made sure to add a little sashay to every step. I thought I was walking on the wrong side of the escalator. The walk down the stairs seemed to take an eternity. When I finally got to the bottom landing, he reached his hand out, taking mine in his.
“You look absolutely lovely! I must say I am a lucky man to have such beautiful company for the evening,” he whispered and kissed my hand.
Ok at that comment, I turned three shades of red (woof) and totally Olaf’d into a frozen puddle.
“Thank you Nicolas. I must say you look very handsome tonight. Is that the suit you were wearing at Frankie’s when we first met by chance?” I asked.
“The one and only. My favorite really. I purchased it in London from No One Famous and I must say their suit work is outstanding.” He replied.
I asked him to turn around and let me see the whole ensemble. The suit was wonderfully tailored. The color match on the material was spot on and of course, being a gentleman he had accessorized appropriately. The silver cufflinks and matching tie clip and silver Rolex watch.
He looked ravenously splendid (woof woof).
“So where are we going to eat?” I asked looking at the group.
“Well, I was wondering if you would like to accompany your parents to Frankies this evening. At least for dinner! I do enjoy it when your father sings with Frankie and the last time we met, I think was just a bit of bad luck and got off on the wrong foot, and I would really enjoy taking you there.” he said.
My parents of course were miming behind The Prof and it was all I could do not to laugh.
The goal post symbol from my father was priceless!
“A double date with my parents! I say, professor, you are quite the daring one!” I said rather demurely, but I was totally smiling inside (I get a do-over with Hunka- Hunka Burning Love).
My dad asked if he could take a group photo and rolling our eyes we said yes. He grabbed a phone tripod and set it on the small table near the entrance. Setting the timer he ran over to us and said:
“Say cheese!” which we all did (yeah my dad’s a ham sometimes).
We stepped out into the early light of evening to get into our cars. That was when I found that Mr. Smooth had another surprise for us.
There sitting in the driveway was a late 1960’s Silver Shadow Rolls Royce (cue the boys’ choir singing) with a driver waiting dressed in black.
“I hope you don’t mind, but the Aston Martin is a little crowded for dinner and I took the liberty of borrowing my dad’s other car and hiring a driver for the evening,” he told us.
My mouth was still open as we got into the car. My dad and mom both gave me the thumbs up on Nick at this point. I mean that was really well done and he had my undivided attention at this point.
The drive over to Frankies was very animated. Nick actually reached over and held my hand during the drive (and I sure as hell wasn’t pushing him away. It was such a sweet gesture). My mom gave me a big wink when he did it. I just rolled with it. I didn’t think I was going to be able to breathe until the night was over. We rolled into Frankie’s watching Tony do a double-take when we stepped out of the Rolls.
“What! Did you all win the lottery?” He asked laughing.
We all pointed at Nick throwing him under the Rolls Royce.
“Actually Tony, it’s my father’s car!” he replied.
“Well, ask your dad if I can rent this baby the next time I go out on a date!” he said laughing.
We all headed in and found the man himself waiting for us dressed in his tux, with a huge smile on his face.
“So I get a call (then he holds up his cell phone) from some mysterious guy (then he looks at Nick) that you all are coming to dinner and he would like a front-row table if possible,” Frankie says.
We all look at Nick who is just smiling affably as he sticks his hand out to Frank.
“Frank so good to see you. I hope that was ok?” He replies to Frankie.
“Ok! Are you kidding! These are my favorite people in the world! I mean we are talking family here! Front row table no problem, but you mister are to stay away from the pink champagne!” Frankie replies pulling Nick's chain.
At this, we all laugh, and seeing Nick’s eyes, I quickly throw myself under the bus.
“Uncle Frank that was my fault. I wasn’t watching where I was going and ran into him.” I replied.
Frank just chuckled.
“I know all about it. I’m glad to see he knows how to treat a lady and make up for it.” He replies then hits us with his award-winning smile.
“Dino! Are you going to sing with me tonight?” He asks giving my dad the once over.
“Are you kidding? Let me at 'em!” He replied feigning his best Muhammad Ali impression.
We handed our coats to Tony for the evening.
On cue, Patty came in from the kitchen and gave us all big hugs then took us to our table.
The joint was already filling up. I held onto Nick’s hand firmly as we walked across the ballroom. Then ever the gentlemen both guys pulled our chairs out and waited for us to be seated. Frank appeared out of nowhere.
“Dinners coming!” he said. Then he leaned close to my ear.
“Go easy on the sauce, you got a good catch there babe,” he said.
“I will Uncle Frank,” I replied and poured myself a glass of water.
The waiters came out bringing the first round salads and bread. I didn’t realize how famished I was until they arrived. During the second course when Pasta was being served, Frank was introduced and took the stage.
“How are you all doing tonight!” he said.
Then he introduced the band and spotlighted our table and asked the crowd to get my dad (Dean Martin) to come up and join him.
“We have a special little number that Dino here made into a hit,” he told the crowd.
“And a one and a two!” my dad said and then the familiar refrains of That’s Amore’ came washing over the ballroom.
I moved my chair closer to Nick and kind of leaned into him resting my head on his shoulder. He took it all in stride.
“Your father is really, really good at this!” he said enjoying the show.
“Yes, he loves to perform. He idolized Dean Martin, and what can I say, he’s got it.” I whispered back.
My dad sang a couple of very romantic standards. I found being close to Nick really natural. Like we had been a thing for years.
“Is this ok?” I asked suddenly worrying if I was being too pushy.
“Not at all Paige. I am rather enjoying your lovely company and I couldn’t think of any place that I would rather be at the moment, then with your head on my shoulder listening to romantic music,” he replied (woof - sigh).
The dinner was fantastic as was the show. When it was all over Mr. Pink Champagne wrapped his arm around my waist and we walked back to get our coats and head home. I didn’t want the night to be over. The driver was waiting for us outside of the restaurant and got us home in record time. After we had gone inside my house and said our goodbye’s my parents tactfully excused
themselves upstairs and I went on the porch with The Prof (my knees were shaking here ladies. I mean it was a perfect date).
“I had a wonderful time tonight,” I said.
“Well, I have a small confession to make,” he replied.
“Oh?” I asked, still looking into his eyes.
“The night we first met at the restaurant, your father had invited me to come to hear him sing and to meet all of you. He said he thought we had a lot in common,” he told me.
I smiled into those beautiful eyes not phased one bit. That would be my dad worried that his daughter was going to be single until I was forty. This time though, he had hit it right out of the park.
“So now that you’ve gotten to meet all of us, especially me, what do you think?” I asked demurely.
“I think that the second time around is the charm,” he replied.
We both leaned in, wanting it. My pulse was running like a rabbit as those lips brushed mine. I thought I was going to just evaporate into thin air; the kiss was hot and delicious with that lingering taste of deliciousness that the first kiss always leaves.
After we separated it took me a minute to catch my breath.
“Great kisser,” I told him.
He smiled and winked at me, looking every bit the rogue.
“I would say those lips were like kissing silk,” he whispered back.
“So about Sunday...?” I asked still wanting more.
“I’ll call you in the morning…” he replied, then winked.
Then leaning in one more time, his lips brushed mine and I thought I was going to have to change my underwear right then and there. (Please don’t do your thumper impersonation, Paige). He turned and waved goodnight and headed toward the Rolls Royce.
I blew him a kiss and watched him drive off. I leaned against the front door listening to my phone buzz and buzz and buzz. The girls wanted an update on the date.
When I opened the door, I saw my mother waiting for me at the landing.
I couldn’t help myself; I started to tear up and ran into her arms.
“It’s kind of nice isn’t it?” she asked.
I just nodded and held onto her. I was head over heels and it felt absolutely wonderful.
My phone buzzed again. I looked down and the page was from Nick.
“When you depart from me sorrow abides,
and happiness takes his leave.” (Act I, scene i)
~Shakespeare~
I held up the phone to my mom.
“How many guys go on a date and then send a quote from Shakespeare to nightcap the evening!? Seriously! I said laughing.
I kissed my mom’s cheek and told her good night. Then I headed up the stairs looking at my phone. I think I have solved the mystery. Monday I would present my case to all of the suspects and see if my hypothesis panned out.
Chapter 25
“If you’re going to do something tonight that you’ll be sorry for tomorrow morning, sleep late!
~Henny Youngman~
I had spent the better part of the night talking to the girls. I sent them pictures of the date, the car he picked us up in. I mean it was a perfect night. That kiss (woof) afterward and his little confession on the porch. Kathy was zooming the three of us and doing the Humpty Dance every time I mentioned The Prof! I was flipping dying!
“So where do you want us to send a dozen condoms too?” Sarah asked.
“Do you want the rough rider or the pleasure tickler assortment?” Kathy added.
“You girls are hookers! How the hell should I know! Next, you’ll be sending me latex bodysuits to try on in front of the poor guy!” I replied.
The girls were dying. Kathy went off camera and then came back wearing a pair of black leather hot bootie shorts with a zippered top and a black mask and riding crop to finish the look.
“Just call me Kathy Domina!” she said seriously.
Sarah and I took one look and were on the floor dying as was Kathy. I knew she was a freaky chick, but I knew it was her being off the wall. After we had all stopped laughing, I said:
“Where did you dig that up?” I asked feigning astonishment.
“Hey, us hookers have to stay together! I only shop at The Leather Emporium on 7th Avenue. If you mention me, Tammy Domina will give you a discount on her frequent flogger plan!” she responded.
“I was laughing so hard, I was on the verge of hyperventilating.
“Just a second!” I told them and ran to the bathroom to get some water.
“So the Leather Emporium huh?” I asked trying to be serious.
Kathy facepalmed and looked at me seriously.
“Hello! Paige! I am kidding! The last thing you need to do is show up for Professor Hottie dressed like Olivia Newton-John in Grease!” she replied laughing.
I looked at the clock and realized it was 3:30 AM and Sunday morning couldn’t get here fast enough.
“What’s wrong are you missing Nick already?” Sarah asked.
“Seriously!” I replied feigning indignation.
“I’m with my posse! We are one!” I replied and fist-bumped the camera phone.
“You know that’s right!” Kathy roared and then loaded up some Notorious B.I.G.
Hypnotize started playing through the speakers. I turned up the volume, blasting it into my headphones and grooved with my girls before finally saying goodnight.
“4:00 AM… I hope Nick lets me sleep in a little.” I thought smiling then fell fast asleep. My morning alarm woke me up bright and early at 9:00 AM.
My hand shot out cat-like (more like WTF really) and silenced Tupac’s - California Love.
I know that’s a sin, but Sunday one has to be awake to get into the groove and I the bleary-eyed red-haired goddess was most certainly not.
Button’s (the cat) looked up from the end of the bed with her best turn that shit off look on her face. I rolled over onto my back, still dreaming of Mr. Hunka.
“Why couldn’t you be laying right here mister?” I thought gently placing my hand on the pillow next to mine.
I looked at my phone, and then heard a gentle buzz. I was all smiles then.
“How about breakfast and we can review all of your mysterious letters and packages before Monday’s meeting at The Morgan?”
“Sounds delicious! Anyplace in mind?” I replied.
“The Flat Iron Skillet on 9th avenue is supposedly line out the door scrumptious,” he replied.
“That sounds wonderful. I’ll get dressed and see you in say an hour?” I replied.
“See you then…” he replied and put a little heart emoji at the end.
I went from a puddle to oh crap I gotta get dressed again. Well, he’s seen me dressed up very nice, maybe a little ghetto casual would be better today.
I rolled off the bed just missing Buttons! She gave me a playful hiss and batted the end of the bed for good effect.
“I don’t want to hear it Miss Claws To The Walls (pun intended). I told her and flicked her nose which pissed my cat off to no end.
I opened the dresser and pulled out a set of torn blue jeans (whitewashed, skin-tight) and grabbed an Old Navy T-Shirt. Pulling my hair back in a ponytail, I added just the tiniest amount of makeup (hey, he had to see the real me at some point - cue the horror music!). Aviator sunglasses to look like the chick from Almost Famous and a New York Yankees ball cap to top it off. I grabbed my Tibetan Leather Purse (yeah it looks like a colorful flag) and tossed keys and wallets and whatever else I could think of (ok, believe it or not, I do have a five pound limit on stuff that goes in the bag). I caught my mom right at the bottom of the landing before she could yell:
“Paige!” like it was perfect timing.
“Good morning mother!” I said all smiles.
“And where are you off too?” she asked (knowing damn well it was either a girl party or Nick).
“Professor Benning and I have a breakfast date, followed by some amateur sleuthing afterward,” I replied grinning.
“Well look at
you.” My mom said rolling her eyes.
Dad came out from the kitchen drying his hands with a dishtowel.
“Where are you going little lady?” he asked.
“Oh, she’s having breakfast with Professor Benning today!” mom replied winking.
“Well then… Have fun and hopefully we will catch up with you later!” he said all smiles and gave me a hug, right as a car horn (English sounding) came from the driveway.
“Ta, ta!” I told them both and ran out of the front door.
I could see my parents doing a double-take. Since when do I ever say, Ta-Ta!
Mr. Skyfall came pulling up and already had the top put away. It was a gorgeous day, but not as gorgeous as Mr. Bond was behind the wheel. Thankfully, we were on the same wavelength. He was wearing jeans and a T-shirt as well. Funny, how Old Navy gets around.
I opened the door to the passenger side and slid in. Without thinking I leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“You missed.” He replied.
“Oh did I? Whoops!” Then I went back and kissed those smoldering sexy as hell lips.
“Much better! Your aims improving,” he said almost sounding like Sean Connery.
“Before we go, can I take a selfie with you for the girls?” I asked.
“Absolutely, tell them I said good morning!” he replied. I grabbed my cell phone and snapped off a quick pic of us mugging for the camera. Satisfied, he grabbed the shifter and pulled out of the driveway. Without thinking I wrapped my hand over his while he was shifting gears. There was something incredibly sexy feeling his strong hands grabbing the metal knob. My mind was kicking into fantasy overdrive.