First and Only

by Olivia Howe

  “When do we leave?” I’m so excited for this adventure to start.

  “After breakfast. Go pack up some clothes. The food will be done soon.” He kisses me and smacks my ass on my way out, causing me to giggle.

  I grab my zebra-print suitcase. I pack enough clothes plus any essentials I’ll need. I won’t bring my laptop. I need some time away, some time to myself, and some time with the love of my life.

  Adam and I have a nice breakfast together. He makes blueberry pancakes, eggs, home fries, and toast with a side of fruit. I have an amazing man.

  We’re on the road in record time. The trees pass by at a rapid speed. It’s a beautiful day out, perfect for a birthday getaway. The sun’s out high in the sky. The wind is blowing fresh air through the car.

  I slide my sunglasses up my nose and look over at Adam. He’s concentrating intently on the road—such a safe driver. One hand rests on the wheel, the other on the inside of my thigh.

  It takes us about thirty minutes to get to the Lakeshore View Inn, which is right on the beach. I’m sure he reserved a room that overlooks the water.

  Adam carries all the luggage up to our room and gives me the key to open the door. It’s beautifully decorated, equipped with a kitchen, living room, and spacious bedroom. And it does overlook the water. It even has a mini bar!

  I open the French doors to the balcony. Stepping outside, I get a splash of wind in my face—filling my nostrils with fresh lake air. Adam comes from behind me and cradles me in his arms. We stare out to the lake quietly, enjoying the majestic scene in front of us.

  ***

  The first thing that’s on the agenda: lounging on the beach while Adam sits next to me, holding my hand. I pull my hat down, blocking the sun, and search through my beach bag for my sunglasses.

  “It’s chilly,” Adam says, snuggling close for a moment.

  “But, it’s so pretty. Thank you for bringing me here.” I hug my sweater to my body.

  I close my eyes. It’s been a while since I’ve taken time out to lie on the beach. It’s nice to take some time to myself. It’s going to help my writing, too.

  Two hands pull me out of my chair. “Adam, what are you doing?”

  He throws me over his shoulder. “We’re taking a walk.”

  I scream playfully. “Adam Wilson, put me down right now.”

  “Okay,” he says, dropping me in the sand.

  My hat is now blowing in the wind. My hair is damp from the sand.

  After a long kiss, Adam lets me up. I look at him then take off running as fast as I can. He makes a run toward me. He catches me quickly, picking me up and spinning me in the air. I haven’t had this much fun in years.

  I try to tackle him, but that doesn’t work. Instead, he pulls me into his muscular body. Our wet bodies collide gracefully. He places a kiss on my forehead and then searches my eyes. I could melt into him right now. I want to give him everything, every part of me.

  “I love you, my crazy beautiful.”

  “I love you, too.”

  ***

  Adam and I go out to a low key but captivating Italian restaurant called Lucano’s. I order ricotta and beef meatballs cooked in sauce. Adam orders pasta carbonara with asparagus and pecorino cheese.

  Once we get back to the hotel room, we spend the rest of the night lying in bed with each other. He holds me tight to him like he never wants to let me go. I wish time was on our side. I wish we could stay in this very spot for the rest of our lives.

  “Share your dreams with me,” I say quietly. We left the French doors open, wanting the full effect of being by the lake.

  “Would it be corny if I said you are my dreams?”

  “Yes,” I joke, kissing his lips. “That’s so sweet. But really, where do you see yourself in twenty years?”

  “I see myself settled down in a beautiful house with a beautiful wife and three beautiful kids who bear my last name.”

  “You want three kids?” I ask, holding my stomach at the painful thought.

  “Are you going to give me three kids?”

  I laugh out loud. “Maybe one.”

  “One? Mandi Carol.”

  I kiss his lips, licking the top one in the process. “If you want three kids, I want three kids.”

  “How did I get so lucky?”

  “It’s safe to say, we both got lucky.”

  Adam and I fall asleep to the sound of the lake water crashing violently into the docks and on the sand, and our deep breathing.

  ***

  On our last full day here, Adam treats me to a massage in bed. My naked body cools on the silky sheets. He pours oil all over my back, working his hands into my muscles.

  Adam touches me like I’m the only girl in the world for him. I hope that is true, because I never want to be with anyone else. I can’t see myself with anyone else besides him.

  His hands work their way up and down my back. No man has ever done something like this to me or made me feel this way before.

  Twenty minutes pass, and the feel of his hands sends sensations there. The massage is nice, but I’m ready for him to be inside of me and all over me.

  I turn over, staring him dead in the eyes. We’re both already naked and ready to go. “I want you to make love to me.”

  Adam’s lips move into a smile. “I would love to.”

  One of his hands slides down my arm, pulling it across his body. The other hand works its way up my curves. Our lips lock, sending butterflies to my stomach. He keeps kissing me as he rubs his hands all over my oily body.

  Adam pushes himself inside of me. I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him into me. One of his hands grabs a handful of my thigh, squeezing tight.

  Pumping in and out, in and out, he moans, making me feel more pleasure there. I love hearing him make that sound. It’s sexy and erotic.

  Adam goes deeper and harder. My nails dig into his back, and he lets out a moan that sends me over the top. I bite on his neck and kiss and lick.

  “I love you, Mandi.”

  Just as he says those words, my body falls into a rivulet of spasms. I throw my head back, enjoying the feelings that take full control of my body.

  “I love you, too, Adam.”

  ***

  Our weekend getaway was a complete success. I’m fully relaxed on our way back home. Adam pulls out a small box from his jeans pocket. “I got something for you.”

  “What is it?” I’m filled with excitement. He passes me the small black box. I open it and gasp. It’s an infinity necklace filled with diamonds. “Adam.”

  “I thought you might like it. I saw it and instantly thought of you.” He flashes a glance at me and then looks back to the road.

  “I love it so much!” I take it out of the box and fasten it around my neck. “I love it so very much.”

  “Happy birthday, my Mandi.”

  I smile and place a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you so much. I’m never going to take it off.”

  He looks at me with a lopsided smile, showing off his dimples. “I’m glad you love it. It’s beautiful, just like you are.”

  My face is definitely beet-red right now. “I love you.”

  “I love you more.”

  The rest of the ride home, I fiddle with the beautiful diamond infinity necklace at my throat. I wasn’t lying when I told him I’ll never take it off. I really never will.

  ***

  When we get home, Adam takes off to the gym to get in some intensive training. He’s missed a couple days so has to make up for it now. I remember that Mickey should be home by now, so I call to check up on him.

  I dial Mickey’s home number. “Hello,” a female voice answers.

  “Hey, Elsa. Is Mickey available to talk?”

  “Mandi? I’m sorry. He’s sleeping. I’ll let him know you called, though.”

  “Thank you. How’s he doing?” Worry fills my voice. I know the doctor said he should be fine, but I still worry about him.

  “He’s doing much better. H
appy birthday, by the way. Mickey told me you were going somewhere special.” Elsa laughs into the phone.

  “Thank you. It was so much fun.”

  “Mickey kept reminding me to send you flowers to your house. So when you get a knock at your door with a strange man holding flowers, they’re from Mickey.”

  We both laugh. I’m glad she told me that. “Tell him thank you so much. I knew he would remember.”

  “Dad never forgets anything.”

  Just then there’s a knock at my door. “I think the flowers are here. Weird.”

  Elsa laughs. “Perfect timing. I’ll tell Dad you called.”

  “Thank you.”

  I hang up and answer thedoor. The delivery is right on time. The man hands me a glass vase filled with an assortment of colorful flowers. Attached is a note.

  To Mandi,

  Happy birthday, my dear. I hope your day is filled with magic and love. Thank you for always being there for me. Love you.

  Mickey

  CHAPTER 16

  ANOTHER KNOCK SOUNDS at my door. What, did Mickey send me more flowers? I open it and the smile on my face instantly disappears. “Clarissa? What are you doing here?”

  “Well, hello to you to, best friend.” My old high school friend Clarissa welcomes herself into my apartment and throws her luggage on the ground. “I’m here for the night, so I thought I would stop by and see you.”

  Clarissa’s hair is longer than when last I saw her. Straight and black, it stretches halfway down her back. She’s wearing leggings and a long baggy sweater but still manages to look kind of chic.

  Thank god Adam’s at the gym for a while, I think. This would be really awkward. Should I tell her? I haven’t seen or talked to her in months, and now she randomly shows up on my doorstep without even a phone call?

  I clear my throat. “How have you been? I haven’t talked to you in a few weeks.”

  “I’m great,” she says, making herself comfortable on my couch. She turns on the TV and starts flipping through the channels. “I’ve been traveling through Europe with a friend. How are you?”

  I’m great and in love with your high school sweetheart. “I’m doing fine. I’m really busy with my novel.”

  “I forgot about that.” She laughs. How could she forget about what I do for a career? “Can I read it?”

  “No…”

  “Really? Mandi, I’m your best friend.”

  Are you? You only come around and call when it’s convenient for you.

  “You haven’t called for a while. Are we still best friends?” I ask, needing to put that out there.

  “Mandi, of course we are. I’ve been busy with my life, traveling mostly. I’m here now, though.”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry. Do you want a cup of coffee or something?” I walk into the kitchen to put the coffee pot on. She follows me.

  “No, thanks. Do you have tea?”

  Tea? Since when did she start drinking tea? She used to be a coffee addict.

  “Um, I don’t. Sorry.”

  “Water?”

  I grab a glass from the cupboard and fill it with ice cold water. “Here you go.” I pass it to her across the counter.

  “So, what have you been doing these days?”

  “Writing…” Didn’t I just say that?

  “Tell me about it.” She sips her water, looking at me intently.

  I clear my throat. No one’s asked me to explain my story to them… Not even my editor. “Well, it’s about a woman named Lauren and a man named Mark. He’s a rock star, and she’s a small-town café worker who has big dreams of being an actress.”

  “How does it end?”

  “I don’t know yet. I think I have an idea, but it’s secret for now.” I laugh.

  “That’s no fun. I bet they fall in love and stay in love, living happily ever after. Is that right?” she asks, sipping her water again.

  “Maybe. I don’t know yet.”

  “Well, I’m happy for you. I really am.”

  “Thank you. How’s Italy been treating you?”

  My question lights up her face. “Amazing, Mandi. I met a man and he’s a gentleman, so perfect. We’re so perfect for each other.”

  “How’d you two meet?”

  “It’s a funny story, actually.” She laughs. “I was at the bar after an opera and, well, he spilled his drink down my dress. I was so pissed, but when I looked up and saw who had done it, I was at a loss for words. He was just the most beautiful man I’d ever laid eyes on. He apologized and sat down to chat with me. We talked for hours and then danced and laughed. It was incredible.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Lorenzo. Sexy, isn’t it? He has that cute Italian accent.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Clarissa.”

  “Thank you. Have you found a man yet? Or is it still just you and your two cats?” We both laugh. She knows how much I love cats.

  Jesus, what in the world do I say to her question? “You know I love my fur babies.”

  “Don’t avoid the question. Who is he?”

  I figure I should give her something, or she won’t ever give up.

  “Yes, I’m dating someone.”

  “That’s it? That’s all I get?”

  “I’ve known him for a while. He’s a boxer.”

  “What’s his name, Mandi?” Clarissa asks, stumping me. Should I just tell her the truth?

  “Well, it’s a funny story…” I mimic her words. “His name is…” Just as I’m about to tell her it’s Adam, well, Adam walks through the front door.

  “Is he here?” Clarissa whispers.

  “Mandi, I’m back!” Adam yells from the living room. As he appears in the kitchen, everyone falls silent. “Clarissa?”

  “Adam?” She jumps up and hugs him. I get really jealous and clear my throat. “You and Mandi are dating now?”

  Adam looks at me and then back at her. “Yes, we are.” He walks over and stands by my side, hugging and kissing me.

  “I’m not surprised,” she says.

  “What?” I ask.

  “Mandi, you two have been goo-goo for each other since high school.”

  “Umm…” is all I manage to spit out.

  “Don’t try to deny it. I’m not mad. I’m not even surprised. You two were always together. I was always jealous. I always knew you two liked each other. I saw it in the way you both looked at each other.”

  “You’re right…” Adam says.

  “I know I am. You two were always meant to be together. I’m happy for you both, really.” She walks over and hugs me and then Adam. “Congrats. It only took you two twenty years to realize it.”

  “Twelve…” Adam clarifies.

  Clarissa and I spend time in the living room talking while Adam takes a shower and orders food for us. I forgot how much I missed her—the way she speaks without thinking, always blunt, forward, and honest. She’s hard to get along with sometimes, but she’s really a sweet person when you get to know her. It’s so easy to talk with her about things. I can tell she’s changed a lot, too. Maybe Lorenzo has had something to do with that. She seems way happier now, content with life—just like I am.

  “Dinner is here,” Adam calls out.

  “I’ve been dying for Chinese food. All I’ve been living off is Italian food, especially pasta. I’ve gained at least two pant sizes.” Clarissa does look like she’s gained a few pounds, but she looks great from my point of view.

  We all sit around the kitchen table and eat Chinese food. It’s so delicious. I could live off this food.

  Looking around the table, I think it’s weird to see Clarissa across from us. It used to always be her and Adam. And now it’s me and Adam. It’s different, but a good different. I like it this way much more.

  “Well, I think I’m going to go now,” Clarissa says as she’s cleaning up her mess.

  “What? Why?”

  “First off, I’m not sleeping on the couch. And I don’t want to barge in on you two newly-l
ovebirds.”

  Adam does the dishes while I walk out with Clarissa.

  “You don’t have to leave.”

  “Mandi, I can stay at a hotel. It’s no problem at all.” She grabs her luggage and heads for the door.

  “Are you sure? You are more than welcome to stay here with us.”

  “I’m not gonna lie, it’s really weird being here with you both. I am happy for you, I really am, but I don’t want to interrupt your time together. I’m just glad I got to see you and spend time with you.”

  “I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you, too. I’m sorry I haven’t called or come to visit. I’ve been so busy trying to find myself, my new self. And then I met Lorenzo. I’ve been so happy with him.”

  “I understand, Clarissa. I’m just happy you’re happy.”

  “Thank you. It’s been a while, too.”

  “Well, you deserve happiness, you really do.”

  She hugs me and places a kiss on my cheek. “I’ll call you soon, best friend.”

  “If you need anything, call me.”

  She smiles and walks out the front door. I feel bad that I don’t have anywhere for her to sleep, other than the couch. Clarissa isn’t a couch type of person. I’m glad I got to see her. I’m happy for her. She looks amazing.

  I sit down at my desk, needing to find out where my characters are going to take me…

  ***

  It’s been two days and I still haven’t heard from Mark. We had such an amazing time together, and he doesn’t call or come to see me. It’s strange. Did something bad happen? Did his drummer overdose again? I’m worried about Mark, and I don’t even know how to get ahold of him, considering he lost his phone after the show.

  A couple finds a table at the café and looks around for their waitress. I’m up. “What can I get for you two to drink?” I smile, hoping they leave me a nice tip.

  The man clears his throat and looks at his woman, who says, “I’ll have a water with lemon, please.”

  “And for you, sir?” I look to the man.

  “I’ll get a Coke.”

  “I’ll be right back with your drinks. Here are the menus to look over. Take your time.” I smile as I walk away. They’re so cute together, and look so happy.