Restoring Us

by Fabiola Francisco

  Suddenly, I start to feel cold drops land on my head and face, lowering the temperature that has spiked in my body, and we’ve separated from each other at the realization that it has started to rain. Chicago weather.

  “Crap.” Ethan is up and moving quickly to put everything back into the basket. I throw my head back in laughter. He looks so worried.

  “It is just water. Relax. You were the one that said I’d just get a little wet if it rained.” By this time, the sun has set completely and the stars are hidden under the gray clouds that have rolled in.

  “Cold as fuck water. I was joking. I didn’t think it would rain and ruin our date.” He has everything packed and is urging me to stand so he can grab the blanket. I stand and continue to laugh, holding my now soggy flowers.

  “Let’s go.” Ethan leads the way back to the car, the rain now falling hard. By the time we reach the car, we’re both soaked from the cold drops. “I guess I won’t be needing a cold shower anymore. Nature obviously knew what it was doing.

  I giggle. “Tell me about it, but now that I have you all wet, I could help you undress. I move close to him, all self-control vanished.

  “It’s still raining. Get in the car. We’re not having sex on the side of the road.”

  “I know we aren’t, just offering to help you warm back up.” I wink and open the car door. Ethan’s right, it’s freezing. He moves into the car as well, turning it on and turning up the heat.

  “Can’t believe the rain ruined our date.” Ethan is obviously upset, and I’m trying not to laugh but I can’t help it. He looks over at me quickly before focusing back on the road. “It’s not funny. I really wanted it to be perfect.”

  “It was. Ethan, you can’t control everything. The weather here is unpredictable. Our date was perfect. It could’ve rained earlier in the day. Then I’m not sure I’d be able to forgive you, but you’re off the hook. Although it did get in the way of our kissing.”

  “We’re going to have the rest of our lives to kiss whenever we want. One small interruption isn’t terrible. Although it was probably a good thing it rained when it did. Not sure I would’ve been able to hold back much longer.”

  “That’s what I was hoping for.”

  “I know.” His smile is cocky.

  We’re back at my apartment too quickly. I’m not ready to leave him.

  “I don’t want to leave you either.” How does he do that? I swear he reads my mind. “Hey, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He reaches over for my hand. “I want you to come over and see my place. I want you to love it so much, you’ll never want to leave. Come over tomorrow. I’ll cook dinner.” His hand releases mine and reaches out to palm my face adoringly.

  “Okay. I’ll go after work.”

  “Good.” His smile melts my heart. “I’ll send you the address tomorrow.” It suddenly dawns on me that I haven’t been to his apartment. He must have moved while I was in Europe. I vaguely remember Katie mentioning it.

  “Your new apartment,” I blurt out.

  “Yeah. Well, it’s not that new, but you haven’t been there yet, so it’s new to you.”

  I can’t help but wonder how many women have been over there. Slight jealousy enters me at the thought of other women knowing a part of his life that I don’t. I push that thought to the back of my mind. That’s not important. I know Ethan loves me.

  We walk to my door in silence, enjoying these last few seconds with him. I turn to face him when we reach my door and smile. “Thank you for today. It really was perfect. Rain and all.”

  “You’re welcome, love. You know I’ll do anything for you. I love you.” He leans in and gives me a chaste kiss. “See you tomorrow. Now rest up so I can have you awake and energized.”

  “Goodnight. That better be a promise you can keep.”

  “Trust me, I will. Bye.” His voice is raspy and serious. Before I can respond, he walks back to the car, leaving me with my wild imagination.

  Chapter 25

  Ava

  I’m dancing in the constraints of my car from excitement for tonight’s dinner as I drive to work. I want it to be 6:00 PM so I can leave and head over to Ethan’s apartment. It may sound foolish, but I can’t wait to see him despite spending time with him last night.

  Now that we’ve finally been given a second chance, I want to bask in his presence. I want to make up for the time we lost. So naturally, I want today to fly by when it will probably drag on, building the anticipation to see him.

  I park in the gallery’s parking lot and walk into a smiling Stacy, holding up a coffee cup. “For you,” she says, handing me the warm, delicious drink. I can smell its aroma as I bring it up to my lips.

  “Thank you.” I smile back at her. “Did you have fun at the party?”

  “Yes! Thank you so much for inviting me. You really went all out. Loved everything.”

  “I’m glad you went and had fun. Sorry about Aiden. He can be an ass most of the time.”

  “It’s okay. I can hold my own.”

  “I see that. Don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone tell him no so bluntly before.” We both laugh and continue to talk about the party. She makes it known she approves of Ethan even though I didn’t ask.

  “By the way, you look fancy today. Hot date?” She wiggles her eyebrows, and I can’t help but laugh.

  I’m wearing a black sheath dress with cap sleeves and rounded neckline that sinks into a closed V at the center. My black Christian Louboutin platform pumps adorn my feet, and the infinity necklace Ethan gave me lies delicately around my neck.

  “If you must know, I’m going over to Ethan’s house for dinner.” I did take a little longer than usual finding the perfect outfit knowing I’d see him afterwards. We continue to chat as I do some work preparing Mikayla’s exhibit in the next few weeks and plan to meet again. Since she’s traveling with her boyfriend, it’s a bit more difficult to get the final details planned out.

  She’ll be coming back at the end of the month, and by then, her exhibit will be up. I’m excited for her to see her work exposed. Up until now, she’s done some minor exhibits and art fairs. This will bring her a lot of exposure.

  Her friend is shipping the art pieces we’re exposing, so I’ll be ready to prepare it as soon as they arrive. We always expose different artists at the same time, but make a special spotlight area for the artist we are showcasing. Mikayla’s spotlight will run for a month.

  Throughout the day, I contact her to make sure everything is set to be shipped and confirm the date of arrival, as well as her visit. We have a few customers come in to buy different pieces, and each time I sell something new, I get the same giddy feeling I did the first time I sold a piece. I couldn’t have asked for a better job.

  Right before closing time, Elle calls me into her office. “Please, take a seat. I need to run something by you. I know you’ve been working hard with Mikayla’s exhibit, and you have most of the details prepared. That exhibit won’t go live for another three weeks, so I want you to go to Paris for the International Art Fair.” She goes straight to the point. For a minute I was worried she was going to cancel Mikayla’s exhibit. But Paris? That’s insane.

  “You want me to go to Paris?” I’m honored and baffled at the same time. I’ve only been working here for a little over a month.

  “Yes. There will be great artists present, as well as international curators. I think it will be a great experience for you. I trust your judgment, and you’ve proven to be a hard worker. Everything will be paid for. I want to expand into the international market, bring some of Europe’s finest artists our way. Who better than someone who has lived and experienced Europe first hand?” She compliments me.

  “Wow. Thank you for such an amazing opportunity. I’m flattered. I would love to go. When will you need me to leave?” I’m so excited for this opportunity. And Paris of all places. I know this is for work, but I can indulge in the beauty of Paris a bit while I’m there.

  “You’ll have to leave on Thursday for a we
ek. It’s short notice, but I’ll have the plane and hotel booked by tomorrow. You can take a friend…or boyfriend.” My head snaps to look at her, and I blush. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I’ve known Sophie for years. I overheard you talking about Ethan to Stacy and figured you had gotten back together.” This city gets smaller and smaller. Does everyone know about Ethan and me? Does she know about the reason why we broke up?

  I feel the heat rise up my neck into my face, making my complexion a not-so-attractive red. “It’s okay,” I lie, hoping the color diminishes and my fair complexion returns. “I’ll ask him and let you know. Thank you again. The trust and confidence you have in me is truly an honor.”

  “You’re an amazing curator and very knowledgeable. You know what you’re doing. If I didn’t believe in you, I wouldn’t send you. This isn’t a test. I’m sending you because I know you are ready.”

  We decide to discuss the details tomorrow. I’m not sure if I should ask Ethan to go with me or not. I don’t want him to feel guilted into going. I know his job is demanding. I say goodbye to Elle and leave work in route to Ethan’s apartment. Excitement is bubbling inside me at the thought of seeing him.

  He sent me his address earlier in the day with a text saying he couldn’t wait to see me. I smiled like a fool and Stacy made fun of me, but I don’t care. The boy owns my heart.

  Unlike my apartment building that has the brownstone homey feeling with the old Chicago charm, Ethan’s building is a tall glass tower—modern and extravagant. I drop my car off at valet and head up to the 15th floor. I take a few calming breaths on the ride up the elevator. It’s just Ethan, I remind myself.

  The elevator dings to notify me I’ve arrived, and I begin the search for apartment 1504. I knock softly, excited for what tonight will bring and nervous. I haven’t had sex in a long time, and tonight isn’t just a tease. Do I stay over? Should I have brought an overnight bag? I suddenly realize I did not plan this well. Just go with the flow and enjoy tonight. I repeat this mantra in my mind.

  Ethan opens the door, showcasing a dazzling smile, and I get a whiff of his cooking from the door. It smells delicious.

  “Hey.” He leans in and kisses me before leading me into his apartment. He is still in his work clothes, gray slacks that fit him perfectly and a white button down with the neck loosened. He looks relaxed and enticing. “You’re wearing the necklace.”

  “Of course I am.” I step into his apartment, taking it all in.

  His apartment is spacious with an open concept. The kitchen and the living room meet graciously in the center of the space. It is clean and sleek with modern furniture and minimalistic designs; your typical bachelor pad. Hardwood floors run throughout the space, adding charm and warmth to the space.

  The kitchen has dark wood cabinets and gray granite counter tops with a matching island that opens to the living room. A sleek gray sofa sits on the right side of the living room with a dark wood, industrial style coffee table across from it with small white candles burning, and a white Barcelona chair adjacent to the sofa. On the other side of the coffee table is a big flat screen TV mounted on the white wall.

  I notice there’s no dining room table, but what would a single man need a dining room table for? The island in the kitchen has two stools and that seems like plenty of sitting space for him.

  “This place is great.” I turn to look at him and find him observing me carefully.

  “You like it?” He looks around his apartment as if he were taking it in for the first time. Maybe in a way he is. Maybe having me here allows him to see it differently.

  “Yes, it’s so you. Whatever you’re making smells delicious.” I walk over to the kitchen, following the delectable scent.

  “It’s almost done. I’m making teriyaki salmon with roasted asparagus and a mixed greens salad. Do you want something to drink?” He’s making his way to the glass bar cart next to the sofa. He pours himself a scotch on the rocks from the etched glass decanter on the cart and ice from an ice bucket.

  The cart holds the glass decanter, a bottle of Hendrick’s gin, a bottle of red wine, the ice bucket, and different glasses for each kind of drink in the bottom shelf.

  “I have a bottle of chardonnay chilling in the fridge for dinner.”

  “Wine would be great if you don’t mind opening the bottle now.” I take a seat on the sofa, crossing my legs, and watch him make his way to the stainless steel fridge and bring out the bottle.

  “You know I don’t mind.” He opens the bottle with ease and walks over to me with his scotch in one hand and my wine in another.

  “Thank you,” I say as he takes a seat next to me.

  “It’s surreal having you here.” He takes a hold of my free hand causing sparks of electricity to travel up my arm and down my spine. Just his touch drives me wild. “And before you get any ideas, only two other women have been here; my mom and Jess.” Right to the point.

  “Okay.” I don’t know what else to say. I’m relieved to hear that, and it was something that was gnawing at the back of my mind, wondering how many women he had brought here.

  “Sorry, I know that came out unannounced, but I know you. I’m sure you’ve been trying to figure out how many other women had been here before you. None. I already told you there’s only space here for you.” I nod silently and drink my wine.

  “How was work?” He changes the subject.

  “Great, actually. I’m working on finalizing the plans for the next exhibit. Oh, and I’m going to Paris!” I add excitedly.

  “Paris? For how long?” Ethan shifts his entire body towards me, awaiting my response.

  “For a week. Elle wants me to go to the International Art Fair, meet new artists and other curators. She wants to bring in more international art into the gallery. I was surprised when she asked.”

  “Why? You’re amazing at your job. It doesn’t surprise me that she trusts you to go. It’s a great opportunity.”

  “Thank you. I’m excited. It’s crazy that I’m going to the International Art Fair. That’s huge!” I excitedly go into detail about everything I know about the art fair and the artists who have attended in the past.

  Ethan stares at me, his attention held captive by my words and enthusiasm, until he cocks his head to the side with a mischievous gleam sparkling in his green eyes. “Can I go with you?”

  He stops me midsentence. “Actually, Elle mentioned me taking someone. Apparently she overheard Stacy and I talking about you, and she knows your mom. That was embarrassing.”

  Ethan laughs, “God, that woman knows everyone.”

  “Tell me about it. I turned all shades of red when she mentioned it.”

  “So what do you say? Am I going to Paris with you?” His boyish smile makes him look younger, reminding me of the Ethan I knew growing up.

  “What about your job? Can you leave for a week?”

  “I’m done with Connell for now. He was my biggest project, and all my other projects are up to date. I work my ass off for them, so I can take a week off to go to Paris with you.”

  I lean in to kiss him, letting my body speak for me. He grabs hold of my head, keeping me there as his tongue parts my lips and explores the depths of my mouth.

  Leaning back to look at me, he says, “Is that a yes then?”

  “We leave on Thursday.”

  “Well then, I better start packing. Now let’s eat. Not sure I’ll be able to wait much longer for dessert.”

  My body tingles at the idea of what dessert entails, and I stand to make my way towards the kitchen. He grabs a hold of my hand, pulling me into him, and holds me close to his body.

  “By the way, you look gorgeous.” He leans down and kisses his way up my neck to my jaw until his lips find mine again.

  “Wait until you see what’s underneath,” I murmur against his lips. There’s something about him that always brings out my confidence. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me, or the way he makes me feel.

  “Fuck. We better eat fast
or the food will burn in the oven.” He slaps my ass playfully and moves to take the food out of the oven and plates it for us as I take a seat on one of the stools.

  We continue to talk about our day, work, and the upcoming trip to Paris as we eat the mouthwatering meal Ethan has prepared and drink wine. He’s talking about Paris excitedly, and I’ve had to remind him a few times I’m going for work. I know he sees this as an opportunity to make up for missing our trip to Europe.

  He turns towards me in his stool and pulls my stool close to him until his legs are on either side of mine. “I know you’re going for work, but I’m just excited to go with you.” He leans in and kisses me firmly, claiming me with his mouth. “This time we get the chance to go together.” His lips leave mine just an inch so he can say that, and they’re back on mine, attacking passionately. The stubble on his face scratches my cheeks as our kiss becomes more impassioned.

  I let out a moan, which urges him further. His hands move down my body, following my curves, until they land at the bottom of my thighs, pushing my dress up just below my underwear to expose my legs. The skin he touches burns with something bigger than plain desire, it’s burning with need, a need to have him complete the hole that was dug in me when he left.

  My arms snake around his neck, my hands holding his head in place to allow my mouth unlimited access to devour him. He growls into me, and his hands move further up my thighs, ferociously grabbing my underwear and bringing them swiftly down my legs.

  I suddenly feel his thumb rubbing slow circles over my clit, spreading my wetness and igniting fiery tingles to shoot up my body. His thumb picks up speed as his mouth leaves mine to suck the skin on my neck. The speed of his thumb causes my body to move to the rhythm he’s set, begging for more. He slips a finger in me, and I moan before his lips are on mine again. The sensations building inside me are too much. Nothing feels as good as having his lips on mine, his hands on me, and his fingers in me. The feeling of him consuming me is inexplicable.