“Originally, she had just pictures of you and me, but I thought you might like these pictures better. You can change it if you want.”
“No. No, these are perfect.” Stacey’s voice was full of emotion as she took the locket back in her hand.
“I took it right after mom died. I hid it in my room for years. I remember hearing her say she wanted the locket to go to her girls after she died. I’ve had it long enough and wanted you to have it now. I’m so proud of you, sis,” Coral told her sister.
Stacey looked up into her sister’s face and saw the pride and love she had for her. This was one of Coral’s unguarded moments where she let Stacey see all the emotion she was feeling.
“I couldn’t have done this without you,” Stacey admitted. “No,” Stacey began when she saw Coral attempt to wave it off, “seriously, you saved me as a kid and after my ballet career ended. I was in a deep hole of depression and if you hadn’t shown up, I don’t know what I would have done. This celebration is as much mine as it is yours.”
“This day is all about you. I didn’t do anything a big sister isn’t supposed to. Anyway,” Coral paused and looked over at the dining area where everyone continued to talk and laugh. Stacey followed Coral’s line of sight as her eyes landed on Andre. Unknowingly, a smile lit up Stacey’s face when she spotted Andre. At that same moment, he glanced up at her, smiled and winked.
“You’re in love,” Coral acknowledged.
Stacey’s head snapped back to her sister. Coral’s eye peered down on her sister, assessing her. Stacey was all too familiar with her sister’s ability to read even perfect strangers. There was no use trying to deny her sister’s claim. Stacey had been questioning her feelings for Andre for a while now, afraid to admit what her sister clearly saw written all over her face.
“I am,” she sighed, stealing another glance at Andre.
“Be careful.” Coral’s voice was filled with warning.
Stacey’s heart sank at the underlying emotion she heard in her sister’s voice. She knew Coral wasn’t much interested in love, or if she even believed in it. Growing up the way they did, Coral got a front row seat of what happened when love went wrong. Stacey also suspected that Coral had been hurt in her own right, but her sister rarely opened up to her about her own personal life.
“You think he’ll hurt me?” Stacey asked warily.
Coral shrugged. “Not necessarily, but it’s often the ones you least expect to hurt you who do.”
Stacey heard the far off tone in Coral’s voice.
“Are we talking about me or you?” Stacey asked.
Coral’s gaze sharpened on her sister, and her brows furrowed. “You.”
“Cause that’s all we talk about. What about you?” Stacey asked, finally unable to hold back her questions about her sister’s personal life.
“This day isn’t about me. I’m not here to talk about me. I just want you to be careful. That’s all,” Coral admonished.
“Why don’t we ever talk about you? You’re even less talkative about yourself ever since Li—”
“Don’t.” Coral warned. “Don’t say his name. Leave it alone.”
Stacey’s neck snapped back and her eyes widened at the sharpness she heard in Coral’s tone. Her sister rarely took that tone with her. Stacey knew this was a sensitive topic for her sister, and one of the sources of her sister’s negative ideals on love.
“Okay, but I want you to know I worry about you. You can talk to me when you’re ready,” Stacey acquiesced.
Coral relaxed her shoulders and nodded. “I’m sorry. I just,” she sighed, shaking her head, “your willingness to talk has been noted. Now, can we get back to your celebration? You only have a little while before you leave.”
“Leave? Where?” Stacey asked confused.
“Uh, uh, I’m not saying anything. Your man over there has more plans for you.” Coral smiled, erasing the haunted look she wore moments ago.
“He told you what he has planned?”
Coral shook her head. “Of course not, but you know I have my ways of finding out.”
“Don’t I know it,” Stacey mumbled as they began strolling back over to the rest of the group. Stacey was well aware of her sister’s ability to find out information that she’d never shared with anyone. She knew her sister had worked in intelligence in the military and had her suspicions about where she worked after retiring from the military, but her sister never would admit it. Now, Coral worked with their two cousins in the family’s security firm, often working overseas with high paying clients. Stacey knew Coral probably knew just about every detail of Andre’s life, including the day he got his wisdom teeth pulled. Her sister was her protector growing up and still took on that role.
The rest of the evening went along well as the dancers continued with a few more performances, which included one that involved fire and swords. Stacey’s aunt and uncle both shared with her that Andre had contacted them weeks ago to request their presence tonight. Her cousin, Jabari, and Andre seemed especially taken with one another, sharing laughs over jokes. Even Quincy, who was typically more reserved, commented that he liked Andre and thought he was a good guy. Stacey knew that Andre hadn’t done this to show off for her or to even try to make a good impression for her family, but to take this night to celebrate her accomplishments. He had brought together her family and loved ones solely with the purpose of celebrating her achievements. As she stared at Andre as he laughed with Jabari across the room, she had to admit it was true. She loved this man.
Moments later, Andre made his way across the room, pulling Stacey in his arms. “You’re staring. See something you like?” he asked reminding her of the words she asked when she’d surprised him in Boston a few weeks ago.
“I more than like,” she purred, discreetly rubbing her breast against his abdomen. She smiled when she felt his breath hitch.
“If you don’t want your family to know what you sound like screaming my name as you come, you’d cut that shit out.”
Stacey gave him a pouting look.
Andre chuckled. “We’re leaving soon, anyway. You keep it in your pants until then, babe,” he teased, gently nipping her earlobe before wrapping his arm around her and escorting her over to the rest of the guests to say their goodbyes.
****
“We’re taking a flight?” Stacey’s surprised voice rang through the town car as they pulled up to the private airport.
Andre smiled and nodded. “I told you there were more surprises for you,” he reminded her as he helped her out of the backseat.
“Where are we going? I don’t have any luggage,” she told him, worried she wouldn’t be dressed appropriately for wherever they were going or how long they’d be away.
“It’s all been taken care of. The only thing you need to do is get your pretty little ass on this plane.”
Stacey laughed as she allowed herself to be pulled by the hand towards the steps of the private jet. Less than two hours later, Stacey found herself waking up as they made their final descent. Stacey still had no idea where they had gone, but figured it wasn’t too far for such a short flight. Andre refused to give her any hints or clues about where they were headed or for how long they’d be away.
Before stepping out into the night air, Andre helped Stacey into her red pea coat. “It’s colder up here than in Atlanta, especially this time of year. You’re going to need these,” he said, helping her into the coat and handing her a pair of black leather gloves. These were items from Stacey’s wardrobe. She wondered how he was able to get her belongings.
“Did my aunt help you pack for me?” she questioned, knowing her aunt and uncle had a key to her condo as owners of the building.
“I’ll never tell,” he said, winking and making his way towards the exit.
“Welcome to New York!” their driver greeted them as he opened the door of their Lincoln Town Car.
“New York?” Stacey looked up at Andre who wore a satisfied look on his face.
&
nbsp; He nodded. “The city’s beautiful this time of year,” he told her referring to the Christmas season.
“How long are we here for?” she asked.
“Until the twenty-sixth,” he stated nonchalantly.
“We’re spending Christmas in New York?” She beamed.
Andre nodded. “That’s just one of the surprises for this trip,” he told her as the driver closed the door behind them.
Stacey’s eyes lit up like the Christmas lights that were strung up around the city as they entered Manhattan. She’d often thought about spending Christmas in the city she was born in, but had never been able to do it. She couldn’t think of a better person to share it with than the man whose hand was tightly wrapped around hers.
When they arrived at the hotel, Stacey gasped as she stepped into the most opulent room she’d ever been in. Andre rented the Champagne Suite at the Lotte New York Palace. The suite was over five-thousand square feet, contained both a master bedroom that was at the top of a spiral staircase, a guest bedroom, and a huge living room space that could easily accommodate a group of ten or more. The room was decorated with cream colored furniture and black and gold accents, including a beautiful black and gold chandelier. Even though it was well after midnight, Stacey opened the sliding glass door to the terrace to a wondrous view of Mid-town Manhattan that was still lit up. New York was truly the city that never slept. Stacey was struck speechless at the beauty of this room and the effort and expense she knew Andre put into surprising her.
“Andre,” she whispered, overcome with gratitude. She felt his arms wrap around her waist from the back. She immediately turned in his embrace and buried her head into his strong chest. “This is beautiful,” she finally said after a few moments in silence. She reached up and placed a kiss to his lips. “Thank you.”
“The surprises aren’t over yet, but right now you need your rest. Let’s get you ready for bed,” he said pulling her back into the suite and closing the door behind him. They both fell into bed, exhausted. The next morning, Stacey woke up to a delicious breakfast spread, compliments of their private chef services. As they ate, Andre talked about his plans to take them sightseeing around the city over the next few days, which included a trip to Rockefeller Center to visit the huge Christmas tree. It took some cajoling, but Stacey finally got Andre to agree to do some ice skating with her at the Rockefeller Ice Rink. He told her that he was taking her someplace special that night as the remaining part of her surprise, but again refused to share where they were going.
Throughout the rest of the day, Stacey attempted to pick up hints or ask outright where they were going that evening, but Andre refused. That afternoon, he took her shopping in one of the city’s exclusive shopping districts. Stacey bucked at the idea of having him spend even more money on her. She tried to rebuff his attempts at splurging on her even more, but Andre was dead set on ensuring she came out of each store with more items than what they went in it with. He purchased a pair of diamond earrings, insisting that she would need to wear them for what he had planned that night. He also took her shoe shopping and even took her to La Perla on Madison Avenue. He claimed it was to replace a few of the panty sets and lingerie he’d practically destroyed in a rush to get her naked, but Stacey knew he just liked the idea of seeing her in the many lace and silk garments he’d picked out for her.
By six that evening, they’d returned to their suite for dinner. As soon as Stacey stepped inside, she spotted a black silk cocktail dress laid out on the couch, accompanied by a pair of gold and black strappy five-inch heels. Walking over to the clothing, Stacey picked up the dress and held it up to herself. The dress had a boat neckline, a black ribbon belt to cinch the waist, and a sheer organza overlay. It was simple, yet elegant. Raising an eyebrow, she peeked over at Andre who wore a blank expression, but his eyes held the reflection of his rising lust as he pictured her in the dress.
“It’s for tonight,” he said thickly, answering her questioning gaze. “First, we have dinner.”
He held out his hand for her. Stacey carefully placed the dress back where it was and took Andre’s hand to be led into the dining room. Again, there was another delicious spread that included butternut squash soup for their beginning course, followed by filet mignon and steamed vegetables for Andre, and grilled salmon with asparagus in a special butter sauce for Stacey. As they ate, Stacey once again tried to get out of Andre where they were going for the evening. She wondered if it were some sort of work or charity gala, but Andre quickly dismissed that idea, telling her he would never bring her to a work event while they were on vacation. After getting very little out of Andre, Stacey let it go, deciding she’d be finding out where they were headed soon enough.
An hour and a half later, Stacey was smoothing down the edges of her dress and making sure her makeup and hair, which rested in a high, elegant bun atop her head, were perfect. She looked up in the mirror to see Andre peering at her from behind. Slowly, her gaze traveled down his long frame. He was dressed in a tailored silver-blue suit paired with a white button-down top, a pair of brown oxfords, and a matching belt. He looked good enough to eat. Stacey seductively licked her lips as she eyed him as if he were the most succulent meal at a five-star restaurant.
“You know, we could skip wherever we’re going and make it an event to remember right here,” she flirted as she turned and sauntered over to him, trailing her finger down the length of his chest and abs.
Andre dipped his head low so his lips hovered just above hers. “Oh, we’re definitely going to get to that part,” he growled. “But first your surprise,” he whispered in her ear, as he placed a kiss just beneath it. “You look delectable, by the way,” he said stepping back and eyeing her.
“Thank you. Now, since you won’t let me peel those clothes off you right now, let’s get going so I can find out my surprise,” she teased.
Andre laughed as he followed her out the room. Thirty minutes later, they were pulling up to their destination. Stacey felt jittery with excitement as she took in the scenery of women in cocktail dresses, and men dressed formally or semi-casually. Then, when her eyes followed the patrons as they ascended the stairs, she immediately recognized the huge column windows of the Metropolitan Opera House. She gasped, so taken aback she hadn’t realized Andre had gotten out of the car and rounded to her side until she felt his hand on hers, pulling her out of the vehicle.
Stepping out, she glanced around, watching as guests of the Met, as it was nicknamed, saunter into one of the most famous opera houses in the world. However, Stacey knew that opera was not the only type of performance that went on here. From the time she was a young girl first starting out in ballet, she’d imagined herself dancing at the Met. While that dream would never come true, she still held a great deal of respect and admiration for the ballet dancers who were able to perform here.
“You may not be able to dance on the stage, but I figured seeing your idol for the first time here was a good second place.” She registered Andre’s words at the same instant she looked up to the marquee and saw an illuminating image of Misty Copeland dressed in a long white dress, white stockings, and ballet flats with her hair pulled back in a bun. She stood en pointe, holding out a wooden nutcracker. She was dancing the lead role of Clara. Andre not only brought her to see one of her favorite ballets of all time, but one in which her idol would be performing. This was the first time she’d be attending a ballet performance since leaving the stage more than five years ago.
“Andre,” she whispered with tears in her eyes.
“Don’t start that yet. You haven’t even seen the performance yet,” he joked. He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a gentle, yet reassuring kiss to her knuckles. “Come on, the show starts soon.”
Stacey could barely feel her legs as they started up the steps to the entrance. She was grateful for Andre’s hand holding her, and his other at the small of her back. She felt so many emotions as they ascended the stairs and entered the opera house. They had se
ats in the center of the fourth ring of the audience. While this was higher up and much further away from the first few rows of the stage, it gave those who sat there a much better view of the entire performance. Stacey once told Andre that she preferred watching all theatre and ballet performances from the third or fourth row to get the full experience of what was taking place on stage. She knew once they sat down he’d remembered her comments.
Within minutes of their arrival, the lights turned low and the performance soon began. Stacey couldn’t help but applaud once Misty first hit the stage, twirling around and leaping so high she appeared to be suspended in midair. Her breath caught when the corps de ballet appeared and along with Misty, performed an intricate series. Stacey’s mind flashed back to performing a very similar sequence many times over when she was with the Pacific Northwest Ballet. She watched everything from the curve of the dancers’ feet, to the lift of their chins. She attempted to take in every expression they made, every leap and coordinated step. She held her breath every time Misty made her way to the stage. To say she was regal would be an understatement. No one knew better than Stacey the hours, days, months and years of dedication it took to reach this level of excellence in such a demanding field. Stacey’s admiration for Misty grew tenfold, which she didn’t even know was possible.
As the performance ended, Stacey was one of the first on her feet, applauding and yelling, “Bravo!” as the dancers took their final bows. She was so caught up, she didn’t even realize their row had pretty much emptied until she felt Andre pull her into his side.
“Don’t cry. There’s someone I want you to meet,” he smiled as he dabbed at her tears with his handkerchief.
Stacey stared at him confused until she lifted her hand to her face and felt the wetness. She hadn’t even noticed the tears. Before she could dwell too long, Andre was pulling her behind him, making their way to the exit, or so she thought.
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