Once Broken

  She nudged her friend again. “Hey, come on. Talk to him!”

  “Who?”

  “That guy next to you.”

  “Oh God. We’re back to him. You talk to him.”

  “No, you’re sitting next to him.”

  “We’ll change seats.”

  “No, just talk to him.”

  Jackie finally gave in. She turned to take another look at the guy, trying to be inconspicuous, but when she glanced at the side of his chair she saw electricity bolts between their arms. Stunned, she looked up. He was looking at her. The surge of attraction made her blush, and she blurted the first thing that came to mind. “Hey, do you know the name of the guy who was in Stir Crazy with Richard Pryor?”

  He laughed. “Gene Wilder. Is that a line you use often?”

  “Actually no. We’ve been talking about that movie, and—”

  “I know. I was eavesdropping.” Her breath was taken away by his flawless smile. “What’s your name?”

  “Jackie. Yours?” She gazed into the most captivating hazel eyes she’d ever seen.

  “Sean. And, may I be candid enough to say that I’ve been trying to get your attention since you walked into this place?

  “Really? Why didn’t you talk to me?” Jackie swirled her wine glass.

  “I would’ve but you seemed unapproachable.”

  “Interesting observation. You have a beautiful smile.” She blushed.

  “I was thinking that same thing about you. Excuse the cliché, but do you come here often?”

  “Never before.”

  “Then it’s a particularly lucky night for me.”

  Maybe. Despite his striking good looks, Sean was shy and soft-spoken. His pale complexion and jet-black whiffle cut emphasized his chiseled cheekbones. His impressive physique was undeniable and to some women perhaps, irresistible. But it was his luminous smile that softened Jackie’s heart.

  “You’re unassuming. I like that,” he said. A lull descended. As the DJ played REO Speedwagon’s “Keep on Loving You,” Sean said, “Would you like to dance?”

  “Sure.” She motioned to Margie informing her that they were going to dance. Margie gave a nod of approval, and resumed her search for a potential companion for the evening. Margie’s confidence, coupled with an enticing look or a wink, was a man-magnet once her target was chosen.

  Even slow dancing, sparks flew. With her head on his shoulder, his scent of Grey Flannel was intoxicating.

  Sean whispered, “You smell great.”

  She smiled. “I was thinking the same about you.”

  Jackie wanted the dance to last forever. As they walked off the dance floor hand in hand, he said, “Want to get a table? You and your friend and me and my friend Jim?”

  “Jim? I assumed you were alone.”

  Sean smiled. “Jim’s been standing at the other side of the bar waiting for me to get your attention.”

  “Really? She glanced across the bar spotting Jim. “A table sounds great. I’ll ask Margie.”

  Unanimously approved, they moved to a table and enjoyed an evening of easy interaction. As they swayed to the last dance, Sean said, “Jackie, can I call you sometime?”

  “I’d love that.”

  Back at the table, she jotted her phone number on the back of a cocktail napkin. Sean walked her to Margie’s car where he bent to deliver an affectionate kiss. The foursome said good night. Shivering from the cold, Margie commented, “Well you got the pick of the night!”

  “I’ll second that motion. But I don’t mean it superficially. He seems like such a sweet man.”

  “Did you mention Gina?”

  “I was so enthralled she never came up. Of course, he asked if I was ever married. I said no. Obviously, he’d conclude I don’t have a kid. I love Gina with all my heart and I know if Sean doesn’t accept her, then he’s not the one for me. But it’s so uncomfortable introducing her into a relationship. First, let’s see if he calls.”

  *

  Sean phoned the following day. “I hope I’m not being presumptuous by calling so soon, but I had such a great time last night. And when I see what I want, I go after it.”

  “Oh no, it’s a delightful surprise!” They talked for some time, learning about each other’s lives. Jackie told Sean about her practice at The Rodman Law Group in Boston. Sean shared police officer stories.

  Wrapping up the conversation, Sean asked, “Would you be free to have dinner with me tomorrow night?”

  “Sure!” Her adrenaline soared.

  “Great. I know a fantastic Thai restaurant. Do you like Thai?

  “Love it.”

  “Wonderful. I’ll pick you up at seven?”

  When Jackie hung up the phone, her screech alarmed Gina. Dropping her Judy Blume book, Gina raced into the kitchen. “Mom! What’s the matter?”

  “Oh nothing. Sorry I scared you.” With a huge grin, and hands clenched together at her heart, she continued, “I’ll tell you later honey. I’ve gotta call Margie. And Tara.”

  “He called,” Jackie told Margie. “He wants to have dinner tomorrow night! Thai food. It’s been so long since I’ve been so excited about a date. It’s been so long since I’ve had a date.”

  “That’s fantastic. What’ll you wear?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” She panicked with the realization.

  “No worries. I’ve got a closet full of clothes. Why don’t you and Gina come for dinner tonight? We’ll have a fashion show.”

  “Oh thanks! You have such fantastic clothes. Around five okay? I’ll bring wine.”

  On her way to Margie’s house, Jackie told Gina all about Sean.

  An elegant black knee-length dress and knee-high leather boots, complemented by a dripping silver necklace and diamond earrings, was the choice for a romantic dinner. Margie offered to have Gina stay the night.

  *

  The following evening, Jackie eagerly answered the door. Sean stood holding two dozen roses, one bouquet red and one multicolored. “Hi there.” His voice was soft and tender. “I didn’t know your favorite color rose, so I brought a spectrum.”

  “How sweet!” She was more astounded by his striking looks than the beautiful array of roses. How can any real-life guy be this handsome? He could wear anything and look gorgeous but the black-and-white striped shirt, black pants, and leather jacket are staggering. Imagine how good he looks in his uniform. She sighed dreamily. With a gracious kiss, their evening began.

  On the way to the restaurant, Sean said, “I hope I’ll need to know for future reference, what’s your favorite color rose, anyway?”

  “Lavender, believe it or not.”

  “That I’d never guess.” They both chuckled.

  *

  Thai Orchard had an authentic ambience complete with Asian art, Buddha shrines, and soft instrumental music. Sean ordered a bottle of Chardonnay and opened the menu. “How about chicken satay, seafood pad Thai, and shrimp cashew?” After ordering dinner, he turned his undivided attention to his date.

  “So, Jackie Martin, I want to know everything about you. Of course, I know that’ll take longer than one evening, but let’s get started. Tell me about yourself.”

  Sipping her wine, she responded, “I’ll start with highlights. I have two brothers; Vic is older, Paul’s younger. Our dad died when we were young which threw us for a loop. I was ten. It took me years to get over it and it’s debatable whether I have. I graduated law school in ’86 and started working at Rodman Law Group as a family lawyer. It can be challenging but I enjoy helping people being screwed by their spouse or significant other.” How do I mention Gina.

  “I’m a middle child too. I have six siblings; three sisters and three brothers. My sister Mary Ann was killed by a drunk driver when she was sixteen. I was twelve. I know how tragedy changes you forever. I don’t think you ever get over losing a loved one. You just learn to accept it and go on. I earned a criminal justice degree from Boston University and I’ve been a Boston cop for twelve years. Besides b
eing a cop, I love sports and quiet nights with a beautiful woman.”

  An effortless conversation ensued.

  “Now that we’ve discussed the mundane and not so mundane tidbits of our lives, Jackie, tell me something risky. There’s got to be things hidden in your proverbial closet. Tell me one. Then, I’ll share one with you.”

  Here’s my chance. If I don’t tell him now, telling him later will be far more difficult. Gazing into her wine glass, she said, “Well, I have a ten-year-old daughter.” She raised her eyes to meet his.

  He stared at her wanting to hear more. Jackie waited for acknowledgement. “That’s it,” she said.

  “How can that be it? What’s her name? What’s she like? And most important, where’s her dad?” Pouring more wine into his glass, he motioned to Jackie offering a refill.

  Passing her glass to him, she said, “Oh right! Her name’s Gina. She’s awesome, not just because she’s mine. As for her father, with the exception of a mandatory child-support check, he’s uninvolved.”

  “And you were never married?”

  “Right.”

  “Ah, you were spared an ugly divorce.”

  Jackie smiled. “Guess so.”

  “You must have pictures of your pride and joy?”

  “Sure do.” She took out her wallet. “Here’s her fifth-grade picture.”

  “She’s beautiful like her mother. I look forward to meeting her.” He stared at Jackie as if to refocus. “So, you’re a single mother and you put yourself through law school. How did that work?”

  “I got a lot of financial aid being a single mother, and I worked part-time. My family and Gina’s other grandparents offer great support.”

  Sean raised an eyebrow. “Gina sees her father’s parents but dad’s uninvolved?”

  “Yup. Weird, I know.” She sipped her wine.

  “Being a single mother must be tough, huh?”

  “Sure, but I’d do it all over again in an instant.” Jackie beamed with the pride she felt whenever she talked about Gina.

  “Do you want more kids?”

  “Geez, you’re pretty intense for a first date.”

  “Oh, sorry. I’m the kind of person that if I want to know something, I ask. It must be the cop in me. If I ask you anything that makes you uncomfortable, plead the fifth. I’ll understand.”

  “Okay. So it’s your turn.”

  “Well, I can’t match that revelation. But I do have a doozy. Ready?”

  “Sure am.”

  “I was in the seminary.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “Seriously, no joke. I wanted to be a priest ever since I was an altar boy. I entered the seminary fifteen years ago but realized it wasn’t for me before it was too late.”

  Jackie stared at Sean, revamping her image of him. “A priest?”

  He nodded. “Yup. Are you Catholic?”

  “I am, but not practicing. I went to Catholic school until eighth grade. I didn’t like the nuns and priests much. Most of them weren’t nice people, really. I remember when my dad died, the Mother Superior told me I had no right to cry because God needed my dad more than I did.” Jackie took a sip of wine to quash the upsurge of anger.

  “That’s horrible. I have problems with the church too, the pedophile issues not being the least of them. But it still holds a special place for me, even if I didn’t have a calling.”

  “Lucky for me.”

  The evening ended with a tender kiss at Jackie’s front door. Sean didn’t push beyond respectable limits. He was wooing the woman he knew he would marry.

  *

  Falling in love with Sean Gallagher was the easiest thing Jackie had ever done. The scars of grief enhanced their compatibility. He had a philosophy of life that only someone who had experienced a traumatic loss can have. Sean’s theories and love were healing to Jackie’s age-old wounds. They shared a deep understanding of each other. The jealously and competition Jackie expected between Gina and Sean didn’t exist. The three blended as if they had always been together.

  *

  One peaceful Saturday night at Sean’s condo, as the couple was spooning, he asked, “Want to know something I admire about you?”

  “Sure.”

  “Making the decision to have and keep Gina. That was so brave.”

  “That’s sweet. But honestly I didn’t see another choice. It was an enormous act of faith. In the third month of pregnancy, I made a pact with God and He has provided many miracles since.”

  “Well, at least you went to the right place! I hope meeting me may be another miracle in your life.” He kissed her with the passion of a lover and the comfort of a best friend. “I love you.”

  *

  Jackie’s body ached for his. Although there had been heavy petting, they decided to go slowly. She patiently waited for Sean to make the first move and eventually he did.

  “Jackie, let’s spend the night together next Saturday. What do you think?”

  Finally. “Sounds wonderful.”

  He engulfed her in kisses and caressed her body. “It’ll be explosive, I promise.”

  “What a description!”

  *

  Jackie wore a simple burgundy print dress and Victoria Secret matching black bra and G-string. Sean greeted her at the door wearing only pajama pants that hugged his hips. Her heartbeat quickened at the sight of him.

  “Come in, my darling.” He handed her one lavender rose. “I’m giving you a single rose because it represents the theme for this evening. This one rose means I will love you always, and all my affection is focused on you alone.” Taking her hand, he led her into the dimly lit living room. Wine was chilling at the small bar in the corner. The Indigo Girls were playing on the CD player. Sean had stacked six CDs to ensure the music never stopped.

  “You’re playing the Indigo Girls? You don’t like them.”

  “That’s true. But you do and this night is all about you.”

  “Oh my,” Jackie shivered. “How romantic. What other CDs do you have in there?”

  “Make yourself comfortable and find out as they play. I hope you don’t mind if we take the night slowly?”

  “Not at all.” She settled into the sofa.

  He poured two glasses of wine, put them on the coffee table, and uncovered a plate. “Shrimp cocktail, I believe is a favorite.”

  “It is, but I don’t remember telling you.”

  “I study the things I love and I love you.”

  “Well Sean, I’d say you’re sweeping me off my feet, but you did that a few months ago.”

  He picked up some cheese, put it on a cracker, and fed it to her slowly, making sure to brush his fingers on his lips. She sucked on his finger as it lingered. Removing his finger, he kissed her neck, moving slowly down her chest kissing and licking, and stopped at the edge of her deep V-neck.

  She whispered, “This dress comes off easily.”

  “All in due time, sweetheart. Let’s have more wine.” He refilled their glasses. “We still have to eat dinner. I can’t make love all night long on an empty stomach, can you?”

  She felt goose bumps. “All night, huh?”

  “Yup. Dinner will be served in about an hour.”

  “I don’t smell anything cooking.”

  “It’s being delivered.”

  “Hmm, pizza?”

  He ran his finger along her bottom lip and shook his head. “Not quite. For now, sit back and enjoy the music, the wine, and me.”

  “That’s easy.” She leaned over, pressing her body against his and returned his soft, provocative kisses.

  Foreplay was interrupted by the doorbell. “Dinner’s here.” A waiter in a tux rolled in a cart with silver-covered plates. A delicious aroma filled the air. The waiter set the table, uncovered the plates, and left without a word.

  “How the heck did you arrange that?” Jackie breathed deeply. “It smells amazing.”

  He chuckled. “My brother owns a five-star restaurant. Let’s eat.” He took her hand a
nd led her to the table. She gasped when she saw the baked stuffed lobster and clam chowder. “Your favorites, I believe?”

  “They are.” She gazed at him adoringly.

  After finishing their delicious dinner, they returned to the living room and the CD changed.

  “Karla Bonoff? I love Karla!”

  “I know.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “How can you know all this about me?”

  “I pay attention.”

  “You’re amazing. I couldn’t love anyone as much as I love you. Except Gina of course,” she added with a chuckle.

  The couple kissed and slow danced to “The Water is Wide” as Jackie softly sang along and dissolved into her lover’s arms. As the song ended, she said, “Sean, do I have to beg you to take off this dress?”

  “Begging won’t be necessary.” He refilled the wine glasses, handed hers to her, took her other hand, and led her to the bedroom. Candles glittered in the bedroom and en suite bathroom. They followed a trail of rose petals into the bathroom where Sean had drawn a bath with more petals floating in the Jacuzzi tub. Scents of roses and lavender filled the air. “This is what I was doing in the bathroom when I was gone for a few minutes.”

  “Ah, it was worth the intermission.”

  Kissing her slowly, rubbing his body against hers, he unzipped her dress and let it fall to the floor. “Wow.”

  Kissing her mouth and moving to her neck, he unsnapped her bra and indulged in her breasts, sucking, cupping, kissing. He removed her G-string, took her hand, and motioned for her to get into the tub.

  After a provocative bath, they lay in bed. Sean slowly massaged the length of her legs, from her upper thighs down to her ankles. He kneaded her heels, arches, the balls of her feet, and her toes. She wrapped her hand around his hard penis. Desperate for penetration, she wanted to be one with him more than she’d wanted anyone before. He mounted her and they moved together in delight. As Sean had promised, the remainder of the night was spent in the ecstasy of arousing and exploring each other’s bodies. In the morning, Sean whispered, “There’s a terrific view of the sunrise from my balcony. Let’s watch it. But we’ll need to put on some clothes. You can slip on that shirt on the chair.”

  “I’m game.” She got out of bed and grabbed Sean’s shirt. They sat on a chaise lounge, wrapped in each other’s arms, and watched the most beautiful sunrise either had ever seen, or maybe it was the raptures of love that made it so remarkable.