by C. J. Corbin
Tammy screamed with delight as she giggled and squirmed around. She reached out for Jason who was behind her, “Jason, help me!”
Jason backed away laughing, “No way am I getting in middle of this!”
I looked at Debi who was sitting next to me, she winked at me and said, “Oh yes I think we should teach him a lesson.” Both of us jumped up and tackled Jason. I sat on his legs while his mom did the dirty work of tickling him.
“Oh Mom, stop!” Jason laughed. “Please Aunt Elizabeth tell her to stop.”
Debi laughed, “This will teach you to always come to the aid of your girlfriend.”
We both rolled off Jason and picked each other up. The laughter felt good. Michael had let Tammy go and she went over to rescue Jason.
Michael called out to them, “Have you learned your lesson?”
Tammy giggled, “I give.”
Frank looked over at Jason and pointed to Annie, “If you don’t behave yourself I’ll send your grandmother over!”
Jason rolled over, “I give too!”
After we finished eating, it was dark enough to start the bonfire. Everyone started to spread blankets around in a circle. We stood back as Lewis did the honors and lit the fire. There was an appreciative hush as the flames rose.
Michael had gotten his camera and was taking pictures of the fire and our radiant faces. We stood there mesmerized as the red glow warmed us. It was quiet and we heard the crackling from the fire and the tide rolling up on the shore. In the midst of the quiet, Katy started the recording of the Native American flute music again. Everything was perfect.
As we sat down around the fire, Michael came up behind me. I patted the empty spot next to me. Instead, he sat directly behind me and stretched his legs on either side of me. It was a shocker to have him so close. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders and pulled me back against him.
“Relax,” he whispered in my ear, “I promise not to ravish you tonight.”
I relaxed and leaned back into his body, “Okay,” I said, “but you know I can always fetch Don’s mother if you don’t behave.”
He chuckled and whispered, “She doesn’t scare me. However, she might get after you if you’re not nice to me. I think she likes me!”
I giggled with him, “I think you’re probably right!”
Michael wrapped his arms around my waist. I closed my eyes, and listened to the music. I felt warm and secure in his arms and for once, I wasn’t concerned about what the people around me were thinking.
His lips brushed against my ear. “Can I take your hair down?”
I opened my eyes and saw Frank and Annie sitting the same way we were. Frank was unbraiding Annie’s hair. I nodded and closed my eyes again. Michael’s fingers worked through my hair gently, weaving from bottom to top to untangle my braid. The combination of Michael’s fingers, the music, and the fire made for a very sensual experience.
When my hair was loose, Michael pushed it forward and I felt his warm lips against the back of my neck. He had wrapped his arms around my waist again. I didn’t want to open my eyes and destroy the spell he was weaving.
Gradually conversations started again. I began to hear voices over the music and the sound of the tide from the lake. After sitting quietly a while, I shifted in his arms, and turned so that I could lay my head on his shoulder.
I looked up at him with my head still on his shoulder, “Are you okay?” I said softly.
Michael grinned, and his voice was deep when he replied, “For the pure pleasure of holding you tonight, I would say I’m more than okay.”
“Are we going in the Jeep tomorrow or the Mustang?” I referred to our date tomorrow.
“Oh, definitely we’re taking the Mustang. I enjoy taking you out in it and it’s meant to be driven not garaged away.”
“Good, I agree with you. What time?”
“I thought we could we head down to Calistoga about 9 for breakfast?” He asked it as a request.
I nodded, “That sounds good to me.”
We spent the evening dancing, talking, laughing, eating more, and enjoying the festive atmosphere we had created. We began to break up a little before midnight, and everyone worked together to load up the trucks. Michael, Tammy, Katy and I waved good-bye to Don and Debi as their truck pulled away from my back porch. Tammy and Katy both yawned and we hugged before they trouped off next door.
Michael pulled me close as we stood in the kitchen all alone now, “Do you need any help in the house?”
I shook my head, “No, Debi helped me clean everything up. Everything is back to normal.”
Wrapping my arms around his shoulders had started to feel very natural to me. He ran his fingers through my hair and pressed his lips into my forehead.
“I love your hair down like this.”
He lowered his lips to mine and gave me a slow lingering kiss that made my stomach start the flip-flops. As the kiss became more intense, his hands pressed into my lower back pushing me solidly into his lower half. When I didn’t pull away, his hands moved lower cupping my butt. My body responded with a lot more than flip-flops as my knees felt weak and a powerful need flooded through me.
He smiled when he broke the kiss, “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow.” I replied breathlessly.
His finger touched my lips as we parted, “Breathe Elizabeth.”
CHAPTER TEN
The next morning the engine of the Mustang came to life with a roar. Standing on Michael’s back porch, I watched as he put the top down. Dressed in black jeans and a black polo shirt, the muscles in his back flexed while he wrestled with the top. I simply admired the rear view.
Another car pulled up. Katy walked out of the house and waved to the two young men in the car. I recognized them as part of the band accompanying her yesterday at the party. The men in their early twenties and dressed in blue jeans and t-shirts got out of the car. She introduced them to me as Bob and Ben explaining they were friends of hers from Julliard. They both looked strikingly similar and I assumed they were probably twins.
“We have a small jazz band in New York. Bob and Ben came out here on a short vacation before school starts after Labor Day.” Katy explained. “We are going to perform at Viva Madrid a week from Sunday and we need a singer. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind singing a few songs with us.”
“I’m not really a professional Katy.” I answered.
“Please Elizabeth? You have a great voice. I’ve heard you sing there. It would just be a few songs. It would mean a lot to me, we’re trying to finish a school project.” Her eyes were pleading.
The three of them standing in front of me all looked like little puppies and I could not disappoint them. “Okay,” I relented.
Katy hugged and thanked me. As they went into the house, Michael opened the car door for me, and I put my sweater on the back seat next to his jacket. When I dressed this morning, I pulled my hair up in a ponytail, and as much as he would have preferred me to wear it down, the convertible played havoc with my hair. I wrapped a red scarf around my head and put my sunglasses on. I was ready to go.
Michael slid in on the driver’s side next to me. He leaned over and kissed me on the lips. “Good morning. I didn’t get a kiss yet.”
I smiled, ran my finger down his cheek, and kissed him again. “Good morning.”
He cleared his throat, “You know we don’t have to go,” he said winking.
I pointed to the road ahead, “Drive!”
Laughing, he put the car into gear. “We look like twins today!”
Michael referred to my outfit. Carefully planning my clothes for today, I chose them with Michael in mind, and dressed in tight black Capri pants paired with a new thin black cotton sweater. The sweater’s neckline plunged and was short enough to show off my midriff. A flat pair of leather slip-ons completed the look.
“Hey, I have my red scarf. Where’s your color?” I noticed his jacket was black too.
He simply l
aughed and pulled out on the road. The morning air was cool and crisp. The weatherman had predicted hot weather for the day. This was our normal weather, and it was merely another hot August day in California. Settling into his seat, Michael squeezed my hand, and then held it gently. We entered the freeway and headed toward Calistoga.
“Did you bring your camera?”
He nodded not taking his eyes from the road, “I usually try not to leave home without at least one camera. You never know. It’s in the trunk.”
Even though today’s date with Michael had me keyed up, I had slept well. Tammy volunteered to take all the dogs on a long walk later in the day so that I could sleep in. Eating some of the leftovers from last night’s bonfire for breakfast had tempted me, but I did not want to chance ruining my appetite since he had promised me a great breakfast in Calistoga.
As we entered a residential neighborhood while driving through Calistoga, I wondered where he was taking us. He pulled into the driveway of small bungalow style house. Tall rose bushes surrounded the lawn in the front yard. The garage door was open and parked inside was a small passenger car. An older version of Michael walked out of the garage. He looked pleased and not at all surprised to see us.
Michael called, “Dad!”
Michael got out of the Mustang and hugged his father. His father was a head shorter, and except for the eye color, the resemblance between father and son was uncanny. I got out of the car and walked around to them.
“Elizabeth,” Michael took my hand, “this is my dad, Steve. Dad this is my friend, Elizabeth.”
I shook his hand, “Hello Mr. Hoffman. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He smiled at me while he shook my hand, “Call me Steve.” He looked back at Michael, “Your mother and grandmother are in the house waiting with breakfast, you’re late and there’s hell to pay.”
“Thanks for waiting for us.” Michael said as he walked through the front door.
I gave him a look that said I wanted an explanation. Michael pulled me inside the house with him. I followed even more confused. He led me into the living room, which was a small room with a television in one corner next to the window, and a corner-group couch against the opposite wall. An easy chair completed the room. On the walls over the couch were framed photographs of family members in graduating caps and gowns. I spotted Michael’s high school graduation picture easily; he had short hair and looked clean cut. I smiled when I saw his college graduation picture with long hair and I was sure I could see an earring peaking out.
A tall thin woman with short blond hair rose from the couch. “Michael there you are! You really kept your grandmother waiting. When you said breakfast I thought it would be much earlier.”
“Hi Mom,” he hugged her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to make it too early. I know grandma sleeps late. I didn’t know you and Dad would be here too.” He leaned over to the older woman sitting in the easy chair and kissed her on the cheek. “Hi Grandma, I’m sorry we’re so late.”
“When you’re grandmother called me to let me know you were coming with someone, well, I knew we should not miss the occasion.” Michael’s mother said dryly.
Michael’s grandmother hugged him back and patted his cheek after she kissed him, “You’re not late my dear.” She spoke with an accent that I couldn’t place. “Are you going to introduce me to your friend?”
Michael reached for my hand and pulled me forward. “I’m sorry Elizabeth, you’re probably wondering what is going on.”
Steve came into the house and stood behind us. I nodded my head.
Michael continued, “I thought it would be a nice surprise for you to meet my grandmother Helen while we were in Calistoga. Breakfast was her idea.”
I shook his grandmother’s hand. “Thank you for inviting me.”
She smiled at me and rose from the chair. She patted my hand, “Yes, breakfast was my idea.” She laughed. “I thought you should get some food into you before you two start drinking all that wine at the wineries. Besides Michael never brings his lady friends to see me which tells me that you’re special.”
I could feel the blush rising on my face and actually had the thought to run away.
Michael’s mom reached for me as if she could read my mind and knew I was ready to dart, “I’m Candace, and it’s good to meet you Elizabeth. Both Tammy and Katy have mentioned how nice you are.”
Steve started to head toward the kitchen, “Are we going to eat?”
Candace laughed. “Yes!” She pushed us forward.
The kitchen-family room was around the corner. The room done in blue and white faced the back yard. There was a small Greek flag hanging in the kitchen. I concluded Michael’s grandmother was definitely Greek complete with the accent. The family room held the large round dining table. A couch lined the opposite wall and a television was in the corner. On the wall above the couch were two large framed photographs, both were of Michael’s dolphins and sea turtles. The blue in the pictures went well with the blue and white motif of the room.
“Let me show you Michael’s awards,” his grandmother said as she pointed to the far end of the room.
There proudly displayed were large bookcases filled with trophies, plaques, and framed award certificates. I guessed that this was the family’s central repository of awards.
“Oh Grandma.” Michael was actually blushing.
I walked over to the display and there right in the middle was Michael’s awards. At first, I expected to find his high school awards, and then I found that these were far more recent. First prize photo awards from World Press, BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year several years running, National Geographic Society Masters of Photography, and additional photographer of the year awards from magazines like Time, Life, Natural History, International Wildlife, newspapers, and corporate sponsors, then I realized that Michael alone took up an entire book case not just a shelf.
I stood there amazed. “Michael I had no idea.”
Michael rose grinning and walked over to me slipping his arm around my shoulder. “This is my grandmother’s bragging area.”
I could tell however by the tone of his voice that he was pleased to be able to show them to me.
“Michael, that’s an award from Life Magazine.” I picked up the plaque. “Wow.” I said with both astonishment and amazement.
His grandmother laughed and clapped her hands. “That is my Michael. We are so very proud of him.”
Michael pulled me away from the bookcases, “Come on Elizabeth, let’s have some breakfast.”
In the middle of the table was a platter of sliced oranges, a pot of honey, a large bowl with yogurt, and a smaller bowl next to it with strawberry preserves. Candace and Michael went into the kitchen. I sat with Steve and Grandmother Helen at the table.
Candace pulled a platter out of the oven. Michael took the platter from his mother and he walked it over to the table.
“These are Greek medallion pancakes, or they’re called tiganites in Greek.” He said as he placed the platter on the table.
I nodded and said, “They smell wonderful!”
Candace started to whip up what looked like an omelet in a large black frying pan. “This is a potato and feta cheese omelet. Normally Greeks don’t eat much for breakfast, maybe some bread and cheese or yogurt. But this is a special occasion, and Michael, don’t forget the coffee.”
I smiled, “Good, I like coffee.”
Candace answered, “Good. Michael, are you making the coffee?”
“Mom, I think she likes American coffee. I don’t think Elizabeth is going to like Greek coffee.” Michael started scooping a dark finely ground coffee into a small open pot with a long handle. I suppressed a grin. He looked about seventeen standing next to his mother.
“Oh nonsense,” Candace looked over at me waving a spatula, “Elizabeth, you’re going to try our Greek coffee?” She phrased it as a question but I knew it was more of a statement.
I quickly nodded my head. I was not about t
o say no to Candace. I didn’t think she would listen to me anyway.
Candace pointed the spatula at me again. “See she’s going to try it. Give it to her sweet, it might be too strong otherwise. Make sure she has a glass of ice water too.” When the omelet was finished, she slid it onto another large platter and brought it to the table.
Michael stayed in the kitchen. It appeared he was boiling the coffee. My eyebrows raised, this was going to be strong coffee. Candace sat down next to Steve leaving the spot open next to me for Michael. She started putting the omelet on everyone’s plate along with a few pancakes.
“Just a little for me.” I requested when she came to my plate.
Candace didn’t look up, “Nonsense Elizabeth, you’re thin. Besides, it is almost lunchtime.” She put a large spoonful of omelet on my plate and handed it to me.
Michael brought the small cups of coffee and my glass of ice water out and set them on the table. “Mom, stop bullying Elizabeth.” He turned to me and pointed to the small cup in front of me, “Let the coffee grounds settle to the bottom of the cup first.”
Candace looked up from the platter of eggs. “Elizabeth, am I bullying you?”
I shook my head afraid to say anything else.
Candace looked smug, “See Michael, I’m not bullying. Sit down Michael.”
Steve, who had been reading the paper, looked over the pages to Michael’s mother and he cleared his throat, “Candy.”
A message that I couldn’t quite decipher went between Michael’s parents. Steve folded up his paper, bowed his head, and everyone followed his lead as he said the blessing. They all crossed themselves when he finished.
Grandmother Helen put a few of the sliced oranges on my plate then she drizzled a little of the honey over the oranges. “Try this,” she said, “It is one of Michael’s favorites.”
I took a bite of the orange with the honey. “The honey tastes of sage.” I said surprised. “It’s good. May I try the coffee now?” Everyone nodded and I picked up the small cup. I took a small sip. The coffee was thick, sweet, and very strong. All eyes were on me. I smiled, “I like it.”