My Dream Man

by Marie Solka

  It was weird hearing his end of the story. Like some alternate reality.

  “That’s when I called you. When you didn’t respond, I was frantic, so I called you again. When you still didn’t answer, I got Allison’s number so I could call her later and raced back to the hotel.” Greg rubbed his head, messing up his hair. “That’s when I saw you’d taken your things. I was freaking out. Then I saw the room key and the ring.”

  I found myself feeling the emotions again as he described what he went through. I didn’t like living it a second time and was almost sorry I’d brought it up.

  “When I realized how bad things were, I collapsed on the bed and started crying. I did that for an about an hour. Then I realized I had to call Allison back. I told her what happened and she was horrified by what a mess she’d created. She said she had no idea, that she thought we were co-workers.”

  He glanced at me, looking for a response.

  “Well, considering almost all the conference attendees were scientists, I could see why she’d think that,” I said. Something still troubled me though. “I do wonder why she told me she was your wife. I mean, she said you were separated, but it seemed like an odd thing to say to a stranger. A female stranger.” I looked down at my lap. “And the way she was admiring you… I guess I haven’t been able to forget she’s the one you originally wanted to spend your life with.”

  “Oh Sam,” Greg said, taking hold of my hand. “That was long ago. I have no feelings for her anymore. I honestly don’t know why she told you we were married. I’ve got no explanation for that. And as far as her admiring me, I think that’s more of a professional thing. I think she’s just proud of me.”

  I managed a small smile. “You must be right. But when she said ‘I’m his wife,’ I freaked.”

  “I know.”

  He got up from the table and led me by the hand to the couch. When we sat he said, “The whole situation was a nightmare. I wish it hadn’t happened.” Greg gazed at me. “The truth is I never felt for Allison the way I feel for you. I realize now that she and I were just great friends. We didn’t have the chemistry you and I have.”

  I sighed. “That makes me feel better. I was worried I was second best.”

  “Nothing could be further from the truth,” he assured me.

  He began kissing me. Not in a passionate way, but in a way that felt therapeutic. The longer his lips were pressed against mine the more secure I felt. Then he began caressing my knee. “Am I still your dream man?” he asked, looking hopeful.

  “The one and only.” I smiled.

  His expression grew serious. “I never want to lose that title Sam. I don’t want to let you down.”

  “You won’t lose it,” I said. “How could you? You were the one who made me have my first orgasm, and in my sleep no less.”

  Greg was smiling now.

  I was happy to let the previous conversation go. I wanted to keep him smiling. “Did I mention how smart you are? And how cuddly?”

  His grin widened.

  “You’re my Einstein bear. Every time I hug you I probably earn college credit.”

  Greg chuckled. “You’re too funny.” Then he rubbed the top of my thigh. “Don’t stop.”

  I was on a roll, and he’d just given me the green light to get sillier. “You’re so sexy women can barely control themselves in your presence. You’re a kitty cat magnet. The mayor of Purrtown.”

  He was getting into it, but I couldn’t think of any more funny lines.

  “Do you really think all those things about me?”

  “Of course.”

  Greg looked sad for a moment. “I was worried while we were apart you might consider going back to Brian.”

  Maybe that was him that drove by that night. “Never,” I said. “He’s just a friend. I did see him once over the holidays. He gave me a ride home from the mall after Val had car trouble.”

  He seemed satisfied with my answer. Then he began kissing me, gently at first and then passionately. When we made love he acted more dominant than usual. It was like with every thrust he was trying to eliminate some imaginary competition, which only made me enjoy it even more.

  When I woke from my nap, Greg rolled over and faced me. “I wonder why I can never make it happen in real life. I mean, it happened in your sleep, but when I try to recreate the dream while you’re awake, I can’t achieve the same result.”

  His discouraged look cracked me up. He was so intent on getting me to have an orgasm while kissing him down there. I wished he’d just let it go and stop obsessing. “Maybe it had to do with the supermoon,” I said. “Maybe celestial energy is key.”

  He could tell I was messing with him. “I’m serious,” he said. “I find it perplexing that the phenomena can’t be repeated.”

  “I’m serious too. It could have something to do with the stars. You never know.”

  Greg considered my theory, then reached for his phone. “I’m going to find out when the next supermoon is. And I’m going to research and make note of all solar and lunar eclipses and add them to my calendar.”

  “You just want me to worship you pagan style. You’re trying to be like an Aztec Sun God. Before I know it I’ll have to call you El Snuggly.”

  That got him laughing again. We spent the rest of the day online researching honeymoon destinations.

  Chapter 41

  Tabby and I were going to spend the day checking out dresses. Mom was supposed to come too, but she had a sinus infection, so she said she would come with us next time, once we narrowed down the dress choices. Before heading to the bridal shop I wanted to swing by Mrs. Myszkowski’s place and tell her the good news. Tabby was game, so I dragged her along.

  When we pulled into the parking lot, Tabby groaned. “How depressing. I don’t like it already.”

  I slammed the car door shut. “Just think how the residents feel. I’m sure they don’t like it much either. Now zip it and behave,” I teased.

  We made our way to her apartment and knocked. When she opened the door, she looked great. “Hey there,” I said. “Just wanted to stop by and tell you some good news. And I brought my sister Tabby along.”

  Anna’s blue eyes scanned Tabby up and down. “She seems harmless. C’mon in.”

  I just had my engagement ring cleaned and it sparkled like crazy. After we took a seat, I showed it to her.

  “Oh my! That’s a beauty. Looks like it’s from my time,” she said, examining it closely.

  “It was Greg’s grandma’s, so it could be.” I stared at her after she’d finished ogling the ring. “What’d you do?” I asked. “There’s something different about you. You look younger.”

  Anna smacked her knee with satisfaction. “You’re the third person to ask me. But you’re the only one I’m going to share the secret with.”

  Tabby leaned forward ever so slightly.

  “I had a non-surgical facelift. Something they do with lasers called Fractora.” She turned from side to side, showing me. “My daughter-in-law got it for me for Christmas.”

  “Wow. You look ten years younger,” I said.

  “Why thank you,” she replied. “I have to say my daughter-in-law is beginning to grow on me.”

  Anna saw confusion on Tabby’s face. “It’s a long story. I won’t bore you.” Then she turned her attention back to me. “So tell me how you two got back together.”

  I recounted the tale, and as I did, she nodded approvingly. “I told you he’d come back. I would have bet money on it.”

  I smiled dimly. “I wish I knew how you were so confident.”

  “It’s called living a long time. Comes with age.”

  Tabby smiled.

  Anna eyed Tabby. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

  “Kind of,” she said, looking like she didn’t want to get into it. “It’s another long story.”

  “Aren’t they all?” Anna turned to me. “I like this one,” she said, grinning.

  “Me too. And hey, I’ll let you know the wedding
date as soon as we set one. I expect to see you there.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it for the world sweetie.”

  “Well we better get going. We’re headed to the bridal shop to try on dresses.” I rose, and Tabby followed. “What are your plans for today?”

  Mrs. Myszokswi gave me a sly smile. “Oh you know, now that I look ten years younger I may entertain a dinner invitation. And there’s always my quest to get one of these numbskulls to buy me a pack of cigarettes.”

  “I’m glad you haven’t succeeded.” I smirked.

  “I haven’t succeeded yet. Eventually one of them will give in.”

  I shook my head. It was good to have a dream.

  After we left Tabby said, “She was cool. I could actually see her as a flower girl.”

  I pictured her gliding down the aisle in her wheelchair, throwing rose petals. “She’d steal the show. That’s all everyone would remember about the wedding.”

  Tabby agreed. Then we went to the bridal shop for our appointment.

  A very polished woman in her forties greeted us. When I’d spoken to her on the phone, she had asked about my budget. After she heard the figure, she perked up, excited that the dress choices wouldn’t be limited.

  “Hello ladies. My name is Lana,” she said, extending a hand.

  I shook hers and said, “I’m Sam, and this is my sister Tabby. She’s my Maid of Honor.”

  “So nice to meet you both,” she said, smiling. “I’ve set aside some of the prettiest bridal gowns for you to try, and of course you’re welcome to look around as well.”

  I decided to try her picks first, so Lana showed us to the fitting room where she had the dresses displayed. As I scanned them, I couldn’t help but be impressed. “Wow,” I murmured.

  “Wow’s right,” Tabby said. “This is so much fun!”

  “If you need help selecting bridesmaids dresses we can start that process today, too,” Lana said.

  “That’s my sister’s job. You’ll have to check with her on that.”

  Tabby’s eyes popped out of her skull. “Oh my gosh, really?” she shrieked. “You rock Sam.”

  “You’re the one with all the fashion sense. Just remember to pick a style that will look good on all three of you.”

  “Done,” she assured me. She threw her coat and bag on the chaise. “But let’s focus on your dress first.”

  I undressed and pulled the first gown over my head. Tabby zipped. I’d worn flats, but Lana had brought a pair of low heels in my size, so I stepped into them. Unexpected emotion welled in me as I turned from side to side, admiring myself in the mirror.

  I couldn’t believe this was real. I was marrying Greg.

  “I love it,” I said, my voice cracking.

  Tabby came over and gave me a hug. “You look beautiful.”

  Lana arrived to give her opinion, but kept quiet when she saw Tabby and I were having a moment. When I wiped my eyes free of tears, I noticed she’d quietly slipped away.

  Over the next hour Tabby helped me in and out of ten dresses. They were all so beautiful. I liked different things about each of them. I sat on the chaise next to my sister, sipping a glass of water Lana had thankfully provided. “Who knew choosing a dress would be so exhausting?”

  Tabby raised her eyebrows. “You’re kidding, right? Of course it’s exhausting. Fashion is hard work.”

  I laughed. “Well, I’ve got it narrowed down to my top three. I just don’t know which one Greg would prefer.”

  Tabby rolled her eyes. “That man is so whipped you could show up wrapped in tin foil and he’d be thrilled.”

  I sighed. She was right. I just wanted everything to be perfect.

  After taking a bathroom break I tried on my top three choices again and made a selection. The gown I picked was pure white, with clean lines and few embellishments. Modern but feminine.

  My stomach growled afterward. “I’m hungry too,” Tabby said. “Why don’t we get lunch and come back next time with Mom to shop for bridesmaids dresses. That way she can be involved.”

  “I won’t argue with that,” I said.

  Tabby and I found a restaurant, and ate like hungry wolves. I laughed when I realized how quickly I’d gone from being perfectly demure and proper in the bridal shop to snarfing down food like an animal.

  Tabby interrupted my thoughts. “I don’t know how you’d feel about this, but Jack asked if you’d be interested in having him DJ the wedding. He said he’d give you a great deal, and although he’s not your favorite person, he’s actually a very good DJ. I’ve heard him spin. I don’t think he’s done a wedding reception yet, but he said he’d be happy to work with you to choose a set list that you liked.”

  I still wasn’t a fan of Jack, but Tabby believed in him. “Let me talk with Greg about that. If he agrees, we’ll put together a list of songs. I suppose we’ll have to meet before the wedding to go over the details?”

  “Yes. But don’t worry. I’ll be there, too. I speak Jackass so I can translate if necessary.”

  “Um…you knew about that?”

  “Of course. I’ve called him that plenty of times myself. And I know how you feel about the guy. Just give him a chance. He’s not so bad.”

  “Okay. Yes, I can do that. I’m learning a lot about second chances.”

  “Excellent,” said Tabby.

  “And I promise not to call him Jackass again.”

  “Good. I’ll let him know.”

  “What?”

  “Kidding, sis. Just kidding.”

  Chapter 42

  When Greg received the signed divorce papers in the mail, we went out to dinner and celebrated. We could officially move forward together. We discussed where we’d live, and decided to buy a townhome not far from his house. After all, his dad wanted to be near any future grandchildren, though we told him he might want to practice a little patience on that particular issue.

  Time moved swiftly as the wedding approached. Tabby had done the impossible and picked out bridesmaids dresses everyone loved and Mom had found the best caterer in town. Everything was finally coming together.

  Mom joined me for my final dress fitting. “You look beautiful honey. Absolutely breathtaking.”

  I smiled. “Thanks Mom.”

  The look on her face said it all. She was proud. Happy one of her daughters had found a great guy and was settling down. I knew she still worried about Tabby and Jack. She didn’t like that he was still in the picture and was troubled by the vagueness of their relationship, but I told her not to stress over it, that Tabby would figure things out since she was a smart girl. And who knows, maybe Jack would turn out to be the right guy for her. Eventually, I mean. One never knew what the future held.

  The day of the wedding I felt rested and happy. I’d gone to bed early the night before, thinking about the good times Greg and I had shared, and yes, the not-so-good times, too. But those thoughts passed quickly. I knew Greg was the right man for me. I had no doubts whatsoever.

  When I arrived at the church my stomach flipped. I didn’t have cold feet; I just wasn’t good in front of crowds. I would never be able to give a presentation in front of a group the way Greg did. After a last minute check of my hair and makeup, I took some deep breaths and stood where I’d been directed at rehearsal. Tabby, Mom, Valerie and Genevieve surrounded me, giving me confidence.

  “I can’t believe I have to walk out first,” I said, feeling nervous. I’d agreed to go against tradition because Greg requested it. He said he had something special planned.

  The music began, and as I moved into the aisle and began taking small steps like I’d been taught, I saw the faces of everyone I knew and loved smiling brightly at me.

  And then I saw Greg.

  I’d never seen him dressed up. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo it took my breath away. I couldn’t believe he was mine. He seemed to be having the same reaction upon seeing me, because as I stood opposite him, his face lit up like his soul was on fire.

  Greg and I t
urned toward the guests and watched as the bridesmaids and groomsmen came down the aisle. Then Mrs. Myszkowski entered, dressed to the nines and throwing petals from a basket on her lap.

  Anna finished her job and went to Tabby’s side, then we all gasped as a four foot tall white robot came walking down the aisle carrying our rings on a pillow.

  “Is that who I think it is?” I asked Greg in a low voice.

  “Yep.”

  “How’d you?”

  “My boss is best friends with the top guy at Honda. It’s a wedding present.”

  Greg grinned from ear to ear, and seeing him so happy made me smile too.

  We exchanged vows and then the pastor said “you may kiss the bride.” When our lips touched it was almost impossible to remain poised in front of our guests. I wanted to rip off his formalwear and head straight to our room, skipping the reception. He knew it too. “Later Mrs. Varo,” he whispered, studying me in that way that made me crazy. Then he brushed the side of my waist with his hand.

  As we turned to face our guests as husband and wife, I saw Greg’s dad sitting with my parents in the front row. They all looked so happy, as happy as I felt inside. I smiled at them, then Greg and I stepped off the platform, arm in arm, and slowly walked out of the church together.

  The photographer had us pose for pictures, and then sadly ASIMO the robot had to go.

  “It was a really special favor,” Greg whispered as ASIMO walked away with his handlers. “But he’s kind of a rock star. He only makes brief appearances.”