by Marie Solka
I got up to go pee and heard my phone beep in the kitchen. I grabbed it and checked voicemail. It was Tabby. She wanted to know how my date went with Greg. I grinned, wondering how I’d explain it to her. I’d have to give her a call when he left, not that I ever wanted him to.
I returned to the bathroom to brush my teeth and freshen up a bit, then I went back to bed and cuddled up to him. His skin was so soft and he smelled good. The thought of him leaving made my heart hurt.
My touch must have waked him up because he yawned and stretched. Then he turned over and faced me. “I can’t believe I slept all day. I never do that,” he said.
I giggled. “You were tired. You needed your rest.”
Greg reached out and caressed my face. Then he looked into my eyes and said, “I’ve never had a day like today. Ever…”
He kissed me gently. “You’re so beautiful Sam. I’m so happy we met.”
“Me too.”
Greg looked at his watch. “Shit,” he said. “Today’s my day to cook. I’ll have to throw something simple together since I’m short on time. Do you want to come for dinner?”
I wanted to, but figured I should work on my charting and run some errands. “I’d love to, but I have some work to catch up on. Maybe tomorrow?”
He gave me a kiss on the forehead. “Tomorrow then,” he said, then climbed out of bed stark naked. He began searching for his clothes.
“They’re still on the floor in the other room,” I said. “Let me go get them.”
When I returned I watched Greg get dressed. It surprised me that I was already in the mood to fool around again. I couldn’t figure out what was happening to me. I worried I might be turning into a nymphomaniac.
The desire must’ve been obvious in my eyes because as he zipped his pants he said, “You’re in the mood again?”
I nodded shyly. I couldn’t lie. He came over and wrapped his arms around me and gave me a big hug and a kiss. “Tomorrow,” he said.
He gave me a knowing smile, and then I walked him to the door. As he hopped down the stairs I called out to him. “Greg.”
He turned back. “Yeah?”
“You’re my dream man times ten.”
He smiled again, beaming with pride. Then he waved and got in his car.
Within a half hour I already missed him. I was totally whipped. I was about to start working on charting when I remembered Tabby.
I reached for my phone and dialed. “Hey Tab. How’s it going?”
“Oh, you know. The usual. What’s new with you? How’d the date go?”
“Well Tab. How can I say it best? It was freaking mind-blowing.”
“What? What went down? Tell me everything.”
I sighed. “First let me give you a little backstory you haven’t been privy to. Prior to last night I’d never had an orgasm. Actually no. That’s a lie,” I said, filling her in on the original dream about Greg.
“That’s insane,” she said.
“I know. It’s wacked. But let me continue. So last night he came over and made it his mission to give me as many orgasms as possible. Let me tell you, it was exhausting in all the right ways. Then he slept over, we went to breakfast, came back here and…well, let’s just say I’m making up for lost time.”
“Dang! My big sis is turning porn star. Love it. That’s great news.”
“I know. I’ve been on cloud nine for two days. I could get used to this.”
“So when do you see him again?”
“Tomorrow night. Dinner at his place.”
“Nice,” Tabby said. “I’m so happy for you Sam. I wish I was there. We could celebrate with manicures.”
“I know. I wish you could be here too.” I paused, unsure if I should sour the moment and bring up Jack. “So how’s your love life?”
There was a pause. “You’re not gonna like this, but I’m hanging out with Jack again.”
“I thought you didn’t think he was right for you?” I asked, trying to remind her of her own words.
“I still feel that way. It’s just he came over and helped me hang some pictures, and then he invited me to a cool party he was DJing. My focus is on school, but it will be nice to have someone to chill with when I have free time.”
“Well I guess it’s fine as long as you’re having fun. Just don’t do stuff you don’t want to do.”
“Don’t worry Sam. There’s no chance we’re going to have sex. I’m holding out for someone better,” she joked.
“Smart girl.” I hoped she would stick to that statement. “Just study hard, take care of yourself, and before you know it your dream guy will show up when you’re not looking.”
“That’s what they say.”
“Well I’ve got some work to do before tomorrow, so I gotta run. I’ll give you a call later in the week.”
“Cool. Talk to you soon,” she said. “Love ya.”
After I hung up, I sighed. I wished Tabby would meet a great guy. Someone that was good enough for her.
My phone rang again. It was Greg. “Are your ears burning?” I asked.
“No. Should they be?” he asked.
I got up and walked to the bedroom so I could lie down and talk to him. “Yep,” I said, snuggling up to my pillow. “I just got off the phone with my sister. Usually I don’t tell her stuff that’s really personal, but I made an exception this time.”
“You told her about how adept I am at pleasing you?” he teased.
“Not in those words, but…yeah.” I paused. “She asked if you were a player, and I said no, that you just read a lot. She wants to know what books you’re reading.”
“Hah!” he said. “That’s esoteric knowledge. I’ll never give it up.”
“Not even to your best guy friend? What if he needed to know?”
“My best guy friend is a buffoon. How he ever got married and had a kid I’ll never know. Great scientist though. Maybe she just wants him for his brain.”
I laughed. “You’re crazy, you know that?”
“Crazy about you,” he whispered.
“I wish it was tomorrow already.”
“Me too.”
“See you then. Night-night,” he said.
“Goodnight.”
Chapter 23
The next day I sprung from bed when the alarm went off instead of cursing its incessant beeping. I couldn’t wait to have dinner at Greg’s house. After seeing a few patients and having a small lunch, I headed to Mrs. Myszkowski’s place. I had been surprised to see her on Monday’s schedule.
She looked a little sad when she answered the door. “How are you doing today?” I asked, then grabbed the handles to her wheelchair and rolled her into the family room.
“Not so great,” she said. “Today’s the anniversary of my husband’s death. It’s been ten years.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” I said. “If you’d like to talk about him I’d love to listen.” I was truly curious about the man who’d captured this spunky woman’s heart.
She couldn’t quite manage a smile. “What can I say,” she said while looking into the distance. “He was a wonderful husband. Honest, faithful, and a great father to our kids. I miss him.”
I rubbed her shoulder and tried to comfort her. She’d lost her husband ten years ago and her daughter five years ago. I couldn’t imagine what that was like. “Tell me more about your son,” I said, trying to change the subject to something more positive.
That grabbed her attention. “Alex is a lot like his father. Works hard. He’s a good husband, good parent. Goes to church and still finds time to visit me once a week.”
“Do you have a lot of friends? Any gentleman friends?” I asked.
She laughed. “Fat chance. Look at me,” she said, pointing to the wheelchair. “I’m all washed up.”
“I wouldn’t say that. I think you’re sex on wheels.”
She burst out laughing. “You’re funny Sam. Thanks. That made my day.”
I smiled at her, then looked at her leg.
I noticed it was a bit swollen. “How’s your breathing been lately? Any shortness of breath?”
“Yes. My breathing is horseshit. And my leg is puffed up. How’s that for sexy?”
I grinned at her, hiding my concern. Both were signs of congestive heart failure. “I’m going to put a call in to the doctor to have that checked. I don’t like it.”
“Don’t bother. I’ve already got an appointment tomorrow,” she said.
Anna put on a brave face and cracked a lot of jokes. She didn’t let on that she was concerned or worried about dying. Every elderly patient was different. But there is never a good age to die. People always say “he lived a good life,” or “she was eighty-five,” but that doesn’t mean anything. Each one of them has friends and family, places they’d like to go, things they’d like to do. I was getting emotional just thinking about it. I had grown attached to this particular old lady and didn’t want anything to happen to her.
“What’s new with that boy you’re crazy about?” she asked, interrupting my reverie.
I lit up at the mention of him. “Things are good. We spent the weekend together, and I’m going to see him again tonight.”
This news improved her mood. “That’s my girl,” she said. “Now just make sure you’re not available every time he wants to see you.”
“What do you mean? Play games? I’m not into that,” I said.
“No, silly. I don’t mean lie, I just mean spend time with your girlfriends and your family. Have other stuff to do. If you give him all of you all the time he’s got no incentive to move forward. Plus, it’s important to stay close to family and friends. If this guy is the real deal, he’ll appreciate those commitments. And if not? Well, you’ll still have your support system.”
“Okay,” I said. I always made time for friends and family, so I didn’t have to worry, but I had no intention of telling Greg I wasn’t available if I wanted to see him and I was free. I finished checking all her weekly vitals and logged them in the computer. “You get better tomorrow, okay? I can’t be without my love guru.”
“You say that now, but after another decade of me asking you for cigarettes you’ll probably wish I was dead. Speaking of which…”
I laughed. “No. I didn’t bring you any cigarettes. How about I bring a pack to your grave someday? Instead of flowers I can lean them against your headstone?”
Anna laughed and slapped her hand on the armrest of her wheelchair. “I’ll bet you’d do that just to spite me. Or you’d glue them together and turn it into a wreath.”
“Wow! That’s a great idea for the holidays. Thanks.” I grinned. “Seriously, though. Get better. I’m going to follow up with your doctor afterward. I’ve got to run,” I said.
“Will do. Have fun on your date tonight.”
After I left I thought of all the fun I’d already had with Greg. Back in Anna’s day I probably would’ve been called a hussy. Hussy, porn star, nympho – whatever it was called, I was having the time of my life.
Mr. Varo answered the door wearing a sportcoat and tie. “Wow. You’re looking dapper. What’s the occasion?” I asked.
“Going to dinner and a movie with a friend,” he said. He didn’t look too enthused about it.
I stepped in the foyer and took off my shoes. “Is it a lady friend?”
“Yes, but she’s just a friend. I’m trying to get out more.”
“I’m sure it will be fun,” I said. I didn’t see Greg’s car in the driveway but it could’ve been in the garage. “Is Greg home yet?”
“Yeah. He’s in his room.”
“Do you mind if I sneak up on him?”
“Sure. Go for it.”
I tiptoed down the hall and peeked in his room. He was sitting at his desk staring at papers. When he saw me he quickly stuffed them in a folder. “There you are. Weird. I didn’t even hear the doorbell.”
“I rang it,” I said. “What’s all that?” I asked.
He stood and gave me a kiss. “Work stuff. Apparently when I get immersed I lose my ability to hear.”
I glanced at the folder. “Geeky stuff?” I purred.
“Yeah,” he said, looking intrigued. “Why? Does that do something for you?”
“You’re my boyfriend, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” he grinned, then grabbed my behind and pulled me close. “I made pot roast in the crockpot. You hungry?”
“Definitely.”
We went to the kitchen and I noticed Mr. Varo had slipped out without saying goodbye. Greg turned off the crockpot and scooped two servings onto plates and set them on the table. All of a sudden I felt a little guilty. He’d cooked twice for me and had taken me out to dinner and breakfast. It was well past my turn to prepare a meal.
“You’re smart. You’re sexy. You cook,” I said before taking a bite. Once I tasted it I made a sound of approval.
Greg smiled appreciatively. “My mom taught me,” he said.
“You got a lot from your mom, huh?”
“Yep. I even look like her. My dad has always wondered what part of him is in me.” He chuckled, then added, “Mom would be setting up projects for the kids at school and I’d always be hanging around asking questions. But when my dad tried to show me how to play ball or do something manly, like woodworking or car stuff, I’d get bored.”
“You look pretty manly from where I’m sitting,” I said, eyeing him like he was dessert. “But then again, you do walk around in a pink robe.”
Greg cackled and almost spit out his soda. “There’s a funny story behind that.” He regained composure and cleared his throat. “We had this grab bag gift exchange at work for the holidays. It was supposed to be unisex, but somehow I ended up getting a pink robe. Everyone laughed and the guy who bought it fessed up. He said he thought it was beige. Apparently he was color blind. At least, that’s the excuse he gave. I told him not to worry; I’d still wear it and pretend it was beige in his honor.”
“That’s awesome.” I took his hand in mine. “I happen to like the pink robe. I think it makes you look hot.”
“I can wear it later if you like.”
“I was hoping you would.”
I set my fork on top of my empty plate and rose to take it to the sink. Greg got up too and took it from me. “I got it,” he said, then popped them into the dishwasher. “You can go in my room if you like.”
I nodded.
He joined me there a couple minutes later, and as we sat next to each other, a framed photo caught my attention. “Is this you and your mom?” I asked. He must’ve been around ten in the picture.
“Yeah. We were on vacation in the Caribbean. Such a fun trip.”
“Do you have any pictures of you and your dad?” I asked.
He got up and opened the closet, then began digging through his things. “Let me grab some albums,” he said. Then he came back and sat next to me. He opened one up and set it on his lap. “I have a lot of these. They’re organized by age. This one is from birth to year two.”
I wasn’t surprised. I could use his help organizing my old photos, which were all thrown together haphazardly in a plastic tub. Maybe he could help me digitize them. “Aww. There’s your baby picture. So sweet,” I cooed.
“I look pretty much the same, don’t you think? Just with a little facial hair.”
I swatted him, then turned the page. There were photos of him and his parents that looked professional, like they’d had them done at a studio, but most were candid shots. He closed the first album and opened another. “Years eleven and twelve,” he said.
“What’s this?” I asked, as a big smile spread across my face.
“That’s my dad and I at a Star Trek convention.” Greg let out a sigh. “My poor dad. He would’ve loved to take me fishing or to a baseball game. I mean, we tried, but he could tell it wasn’t my thing.”
“But look at what a good sport he is. He makes a decent Captain Kirk,” I said. I thought it was nice that his dad went along with him and dressed up. “You could be
Spock’s child in this shot, if he had a kid with light hair.”
“I had the plastic ears at least, and my mom did my eyebrows,” he said.
I heard his stomach make a bubbling sound. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know. It’s been twisting a little since we ate. How do you feel?”
“I feel fine,” I said.
It made another twisting sound, and this time it caused him to jump up and leave the room.
While he was gone I flipped through the albums. When he came back a while later he looked awful.
“God. This sucks. I had planned a romantic evening and now it’s ruined,” he said. He looked a little embarrassed too.
I put the albums on the bed. “Let me check in my purse and see if I have something for your tummy.”
“Thanks,” he said, “but I already took something.” He sat down next to me and frowned. “I swear. This wasn’t what I had in mind tonight.”
I took hold of his hand. “I still had fun. Why don’t you come over one night this week and I’ll make you dinner. You can bring your pink robe.”
His breath caught when I said that. “Which night?”
“Thursday?”
“Sounds perfect,” he said.
Chapter 24
I decided to make a light meal on Thursday night. I didn’t want to take a chance and cook something too heavy because I had a little something special planned for later that I thought he might like.
“How did you like the fish?” I asked when we finished eating.
“It was delicious. Thank you.” He leaned over and gave me a kiss. “I saved just enough room for dessert.”
“I got fresh fruit this time instead of cookies.” I started to stand but he stopped me.
“I didn’t mean that,” he said, pulling me onto his lap. Then he buried his face into my neck and held me close. “I’ve ached for you Sam. These last few days have felt like an eternity.”
The feel of his hot breath on my skin made me weak. “I’ve ached for you too,” I said, nuzzling him.
We began kissing, and I could feel him growing hard beneath me. But this time things weren’t rushed or frantic. His touch was slower, more deliberate, like he was memorizing my body’s response to every skillful caress.