Sweet Beginning

by V. M. Holk

  He gave me a ride home. I swear I sound like "Baby" from Dirty Dancing, when she says, "I carried a watermelon."

  "Thanks for the goodies. Good-bye," he says and waves.

  "Good-bye," I reply and Jaylah waves. We both stare at him as he leaves.

  As soon as he is out the door, I start breathing again. I hadn't realized that I was holding my breath. Jaylah looks at me and starts laughing hysterically.

  "What?" She keeps laughing and shakes her head. "What JayJay?"

  "Wow, Anne. I have never seen you drool over a guy like that. Don't get me wrong, that man is HOT, he is some nice DIRTY HOT." she says still laughing.

  I start laughing. "He was nice, that's all. I'm not even divorced yet."

  "I wasn't saying anything about you going out with this guy. But obviously you were thinking it."

  "Whatever, JayJay. I need to go upstairs and take a shower." God, I hate that she can read me so well.

  "I'm sure you do after being in such a small space with Wyatt." she yells after me, with a laugh.

  "God JayJay!" I say as I throw a towel at her. I hurry and run upstairs before Jaylah can say anything else.

  ~~~

  Wyatt

  God, I hope I didn't make an ass out of myself. When Tom told me his daughter was dropping by with her car, I had no idea. She is beautiful, long brown curly hair pulled into a pony tail. But her eyes are a something you could drown in, they are such a beautiful blue.

  I was thankful that I couldn't get her car to start. I know that sounds so juvenile. But I wanted to drive her home. I almost fist pumped the air, like a teenager when she said yes. I have never acted like this when I've met a woman before.

  When we get in my pick up, I swear I could feel electricity between us. I keep trying to steal glances at her. I caught her looking at me a couple of times. We talked a little before we pull in front of "Sweet Pleasures." It was too fast of a ride, I want to talk to her more. I give her a big smile, that I hope it doesn't come off creepy. God, I'm acting like I have never been around a beautiful woman before.

  I watch her walk into the shop, I look down before I drive off and notice her purse. Yes, this gives me a reason to go in after her. Again, what is wrong with me.

  I walk into the bakery, I notice she is going in the back and I yell out her name. When she turns around, I see a big smile come across her face. Is it me or does she feel something between us too. She thanks me and offers me some coffee. If it keeps me talking to her, then yes.

  I catch the girl behind the counter looking at me and I laugh. I watch Anne as we walk to the counter, she is breathtaking. I look at all the goodies, so that I am not standing there drooling over her. The baked goods all look good, yet I'd rather taste how sweet Anne's lips are.

  What is wrong with me. I really haven't dated much, since my divorce to Lynn. She burned me bad, that I really don't want any kind of relationship. That's why I moved down here, nobody knows me. Yet I feel there is something different about Anne.

  I look up to see the other women behind the counter eyeing me up and down. Anne turns, hands me a coffee.

  "I hope you like carmel latte's, did you want a dessert to go with it?" she asks.

  I don't want anything but her. "The coffee is great, surprise me. It all looks great, I don't think I could choose." I reply quickly, before I say something stupid.

  I see the two of them whispering as she boxes up a cream puff. She turns and hands me the box. The other woman jabs her in the side.

  "Oh, this is Jaylah, my best friend and partner. Jaylah this is Wyatt, he works for my dad. My car is at the shop and he gave me a ride home." she says, as an introduction.

  From the look on Jaylah, I feel that she can see right through me. She keeps smiling and looking between us. I decide its time to leave, before I make an ass out of myself.

  I say my good-bye and head to my truck. I swear I can feel them watching me as I go.

  ~~~

  I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. I kept seeing those blue eyes and that beautiful smile. How can one meeting get me so worked up and acting like this? I rub the sleep from my eyes, roll out of bed and head for the shower.

  The ride into work is filled with me thinking of Anne. I don't know this woman, I really need to stop this. On top of that, she is my boss' daughter. I pull into the shop and park.

  I walk in to see Tom at the counter.

  "Good Morning, Tom." I greet him.

  He looks up from the computer and says, "Good Morning. Hey thanks again for helping Anne. I see her car is still here."

  I nod and say, "Yeah I couldn't get it started. I figure its the starter. I can get started on it if you like."

  "That would be great."

  I nod, again and walk into the back to punch in for the day. I really wanted to pick his brain about Anne. But how do you ask a man about his daughter, without offending him? I have to learn more about her. Maybe I will ask Rick or Dan, they have been working for Tom for about seventeen years. I shake my head at myself for thinking like this. I better get to work.

  ~~~

  Anne

  I didn't sleep well last night. I kept tossing and turning, ever time I closed my eyes I saw that beautiful smile. This is crazy, I have to stop thinking of him. My divorce isn't even final yet. I am not ready to jump into a relationship right away. It's fine to look, but no touching. I need to focus on the girls and being by myself.

  I head downstairs to start baking. A few hours later I hear my phone going off, I look and it's my dad.

  "Hello, dad." I answer.

  "Good morning, baby. I wanted to let you know what was going on with your car." he says.

  I had a feeling that it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. My dad explains, "Wyatt looked it over, you need a new starter. We don't have it in stock. You also need an oil change, new spark plugs and wires. So, let me have it for a couple of days. We will get it as good as new."

  I sigh, "Ok. Thanks, let me know when it's done."

  "Ok, baby. Good-bye."

  "Bye," and we hang up.

  I can't believe my luck, at least I don't need my car. I shake my head and get back to work.

  Chapter 7

  As I am working in back on our Christmas menu for orders. I am thinking about yesterday with Wyatt. I haven't been able to get him out of my mind since we met. I wanted to ask my dad about him, but I didn't want to make it obvious. I really have to stop this, I am so not ready for a new relationship. Not that he is interested in me anyway, right?

  As I am lost in thought, Jaylah comes up behind me.

  "SURPRISE!" she yells.

  I jump, "What the hell Jay," I chuckle.

  "We are going to the hair salon," she says smiling from ear to ear.

  "What are you talking about?"

  "Amanda is here to take over. This is my Christmas present to you. After we are going to dinner."

  "Thank you. This is awesome," I smile back at her. I am really excited to have this change. I hope by changing my outside, it helps with how I am feeling inside.

  I grab my coat and purse, so we can head out. Jaylah is making sure Amanda has everything she needs until Kayla comes in later today. I have a little spring in my step, getting into Jaylah's car. She looks over at me and chuckles.

  "SO, what was going on with Wyatt and you, yesterday? I saw the way you looked at him." she asks.

  I look over at her and she winks. "Nothing is going on, I'm not even divorced yet. Don't get me wrong, he is nice eye candy."

  She starts laughing, "You aren't fucking kidding there, talk about Dirty Yummy!"

  We both start laughing as we pull up to the salon. Thank god for small miracles, I didn't want to linger on that subject anymore. Jaylah has a way of looking right through me.

  We walk into the salon arm in arm, excited about our afternoon. Once they get me in the chair, Jaylah takes over. She knows me better than I know myself sometimes, I have complete faith in her. She tells the lady how to c
ut my hair. I have long brown, curly hair. I don't do much with it. I usually throw it into a ponytail so I don't have to deal with it.

  "Ok, you trust me right?" Jaylah asks.

  I am a little afraid of the change, but I need this. I nod my head.

  She laughs, "It will be great, you don't have to look so scared. Karrie is going to color, highlight, then cut your hair. She is great!"

  "How much of my hair?" I ask. Jaylah looks at me and then at the lady.

  "Alot, but you are going to love it, promise."

  I sigh and nod my head. I don't come to salon's to get my hair colored. I do alot of it myself. So this is a really nice change for me, a girl could get use to this.

  As she cuts my hair off, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. She gets it cut shorter, but then puts the dye in my hair. Once that is done, she puts highlights into my hair.

  Jaylah get her nails done as they work their magic on me. I never realized how long it takes to get this all done. I was glad to have brought my kindle to read as they work all this magic.

  Once the highlights are finished, she finishes cutting my hair. She doesn't let me look as she blow dries and styles it. She spins me in the chair to face the mirror.

  Karrie turns to me, "Your all done."

  I am so excited to see. Jaylah comes up next to me, and looks into my eyes. I have to take a second look. I can't believe the reflection looking back at me. It's really short layers in the back and long layers in the front. The color and highlights are vibrant instead of my natural dull color. My natural curls have come back to life, and I feel 10 years younger.

  "I LOVE it JayJay!! I can't believe my hair looks this good." Jaylah comes up to me and gives me a big hug.

  "I'm glad you love it. You look beautiful, toots. I knew you would."

  "I can't believe how great I look."

  "Ahh, ye with little faith. Let's get out of here, I am starving." she says.

  We laugh and head out to dinner. I was thankful Jaylah didn't bring up Wyatt again. She realized that the subject was closed. I am thankful for that. We had a nice dinner, more like old times. It was the perfect ending to our day, what a great Christmas gift.

  ~~~

  Wyatt

  Well that was harder than I thought. I tried not making it too obvious when asking Rick about Anne. I did find out that she is going through a divorce and recently moved out on her own. Which means she is off limits. I know how hard this time is for a person. The first six months are the hardest when getting divorced.

  That's fine, it's probably not a good idea to date the boss' daughter. Maybe if I keep telling myself that, I will listen. I will work on her car and hopefully forget I ever met her. I shake my head, knowing that will be easier said than done.

  I try to work the rest of my day without thinking of her. Rick keeps looking over at me and smiling. I knew I should have kept my stupid mouth shut. "Stay focused you ass," I say to myself. Great now I'm talking to myself. I really need to focus.

  That night, I tossed and turned. I really need to get some sleep. How can someone I just met, fill my thoughts like this. I have to keep reminding myself that she is off limits. I need to get out of this house more and meet people.

  On my way to work, I find myself wanting a great cup of coffee. Before I can change my mind, I am pulling up to "Sweet Pleasures" for a cup. I shake my head. I don't know who I am trying to fool, but I'm not fooling myself. There is nothing wrong with getting a cup of coffee, we can be friends.

  I walk in to the coffee shop and up to the counter. Anne's friend Jaylah sees me and nudge's the woman next to her. I realize its Anne, she looks different. Her hair is shorter and colored. I didn't think she could be more beautiful. Maybe this was a mistake, friends...who am I trying to fool.

  I can see a mix of emotions on her face. She smiles finally and walks up to the counter.

  "Hi Wyatt, how are you?" God she has a beautiful smile.

  "I'm great, how about you?" I ask. She looks down, then back up at me. "I love your hair, it's beautiful."

  "Thanks. Can I get you anything?" she smiles.

  I'm disappointed that we can't talk more, but more people have walked in behind me.

  "Yeah, whatever kind of coffee you made for me the other day." I answer.

  I pay and walk down to the other counter. I stand and watch her work. I can't keep my eyes off her, she is breathtaking. This is taking a turn for the worse, I can feel sleepless nights ahead of me. She hands me my coffee and absently touches her hair.

  "Thanks." I say. Our hands touch and I feel that electricity between us. She must have felt it too, she pulls her hand away. "I really love your hair."

  "Thank you," I see her blush. "Oh, do you think my car will be done today?"

  "Yeah I think so, we will call you later and let you know. Have a great day, Anne."

  "Okay. Have a good day." She turns and starts making another order.

  As I am walking out, I look over to see Jaylah wink at me. I shake my head and smile back at her. I have a feeling that this wasn't a smart idea on my part.

  I get in the truck and head to work. I would love seeing that smile every morning. I shake my head. I have to stop thinking like that, she is off limits. I take a sip of my coffee, turn on the radio to distract me on my short drive to work. I pull up to work and park my truck.

  I walk into the shop with my coffee in hand. Rick and Dan are standing there talking about some parts that need to be ordered.

  "Good morning, guys." I say. Rick looks at my cup of coffee and lifts his eyebrows in question.

  "Mornin' Wyatt," Dan replies.

  Rick and Dan have worked for Tom for over fifteen years, and think of Anne as a neice. They are a little younger than Tom, but not by much. Dan has salt and pepper hair, with a round belly in the front. Where Rick's hair is a light blonde, and he is thin as a rail. They both grew up together and are good old country boys.

  Damn, I know they realize where I went for coffee. I am willing him not to say anything about it.

  "So, how is Anne this morning?" Rick asks.

  I put my head down and shake it, "Fine."

  I can hear them laughing at me, as I hurry to the back to punch in. This is going to be a long day.

  ~~~

  Anne

  I couldn't believe Wyatt noticed my hair right away. He made me feel so beautiful, his smile is to die for. If it was a different time, I would jump all over that. But I'm not divorced and I am not ready for a new relationship. I am so thankful that we had a small rush, as soon as he walked in.

  Later that day my dad called to let me know my car was done. I am thankful, he takes such good care of me. He doesn't charge me to have it fixed. My dad has always spoiled me. He lets me know that Dan and him will drive it over.

  Chapter 8

  I can't believe Christmas is in only two days. These last couple of weeks flew by. We worked out that I would have the girls on Christmas Eve night and Christmas morning. I am so excited to be able to wake up wit them on Christmas morning. Thankfully I have everything bought and wrapped, hiding out at my dad's house. I plan on having an early dinner at his house Christmas Eve and pick up all the gifts before Kyle drops the girls off.

  Jaylah invited us to Christmas dinner at her parents. My girls haven't seen them in a while, they are excited to be going. My dad is coming over for brunch on Christmas to see Katie and Shannon.

  I told Kyle he could have the girls tonight, so that way he has more time with them. It was such a busy day today. We are only open for half a day, most of that is for people to pick up their orders. I figure I will take it easy tonight. I go through drive thru, order my food and head home to watch a movie.

  When I get home, I put on my pj's. I get myself comfortable and decide to veg out on the couch with my dinner. Sometime during the movie I fell asleep.

  ~~~

  Christmas Eve morning, flew by. We were so busy with orders and people stopping by to wish us a Merry Christmas. That's
one of the great things about living in a small town, everyone knows each other. Yet sometimes its one of the worst things as well.

  We get everything cleaned and locked up for the day. I turn to Jaylah and give her a hug.

  "I will see you tomorrow afternoon," I say.

  Jaylah smiles at me, "See ya tomorrow toots."

  I run upstairs to take a shower and get ready to go to my dad's house. As I am getting dressed I send a text to my dad, even though he hates when I do. He always tells me it takes him to long to type on these darn phones. I smile to myself, I like to keep him on his toes.

  Anne 3:32pm

  Almost ready. I will see u soon. :)

  Dad 3:34pm

  OK. Be careful.

  Anne 3:34pm

  Do u need me to pick up anything?

  Dad 3:37pm

  No

  I take one last look at myself in the mirror. I am still getting use to my new haircut, but I love it. I am glad it is going to be only dad and I, tonight. I don't really need to fuss on how I look. I put on a little makeup and grab my things to leave.

  ~~~

  I pull up to my dad's three bedroom brick ranch. He lives on ten acres of property, with about six of them woods. This will always be my home, no matter where I am in my life. I get out of my car and smile at the house. I always get a warm feeling when I am here.

  I walk up onto his large porch that goes along the whole front of the house. I always knock once, so dad knows I am here as I walk in. Lucy, his five year old Weimaraner, comes and greets me with kisses of her own. I bend down to give her a proper greeting. She is such a lover and I am thankful my dad has her.

  I walk down the hall to my dad's room, drop off my coat and purse onto his bed. His room has never changed much. With it's dark oak furniture and a bathroom attached. I make my way into the kitchen and give him a kiss on the cheek.

  "Hi dad. Mmmmm, smells great."

  Lucy walks into the family room to reclaim her spot on the couch. Dad is making prime rib, baked potatoes, a caesar salad and grilled asparagus. One of my favorite meals, he makes this for us every Christmas Eve. Sometimes I can talk him into making it for me for my birthday.