As we breezed through the lobby, I couldn’t help but take the place in. It was grander than I had ever imagined. Sharron and I had dreams when we younger about coming here. I remember how we’d talk on phone until the wee hours of the morning planning out all the things we’d do when we were older. Little did we know that life would get in the way and change all our plans. The marble floors shone so bright they looked as if they were made of glass. Plush couches and chairs surrounded several seating areas. A group of bellmen stood off to the side just waiting to help customers, and brass trimmed almost every surface. The stairs leading to the elevators had a red carpeted runner down the center, and it made me think about how Sharron always talked about being famous one day. She’d laugh and say that she wasn’t sure how, but she would be known for something. Now, I just wondered what was running through her head.
“Nice, huh?” I nudged her when we stopped at the desk to check in. Her head bobbed as wide eyes scanned the room. “I have a reservation for Cook.” The woman behind the desk tapped away on her keyboard before smiling up at me.
“It seems you’ve been upgraded, Sir,” she opened a small drawer and pulled two key cards out. After activating them, she handed them over.
“I didn’t ask for an upgrade,” I panicked a little, wondering what the price difference was going to be as I thought about what I had planned and how I’d budgeted exactly what we’d need.
“Someone called this morning and changed your reservation to a suite,” she motioned for a bellhop before tapping a few keys. “Everything’s been taken care of. Reggie,” she smiled at the bellhop. “Can you take Mr. and Mrs. Cook up to room 312?” Reggie nodded and took the bags from me before stepping toward the elevator.
At that exact moment, my phone buzzed. I sighed as I pulled it from my pocket thinking it was work and not really wanting to deal with that at the moment. When I looked at the text, I saw it was my brother.
TyObject: Enjoy your suite. It cost Tay and I a pretty penny.
Trevor: You guys didn’t have to do that.
TyObject: Yes, we did. You weren’t closing the deal. You needed help. Now turn off phone and go remind your wife why she fell in love with you.
Trevor: I’m paying you back
TyObject: Turn off the phone and go fuck your wife.
I shook my head as I stuffed my cell back in my pocket and wrapped an arm around Shar’s shoulders. She leaned into my side just like she always has, and I felt comfort with the familiarity of it all.
After the bellman had dropped our bag at the door, he left, and we were alone again but this time in a place of luxury. “This is so beautiful,” Sharron began to wander around the space, taking it all in. There was a living room complete with a full kitchen and dining area. To the right, was a bedroom complete with a huge bathroom. A bottle of champagne was chilling in a silver bucket by the bed. A plate of chocolate covered strawberries was placed on the end of the bed with a black box beside it. Gold lettering on the box labeled it a ‘romance kit’. After careful inspection, Sharron began to giggle before passing it to me. I was so stunned at hearing her laugh that I was willing to do whatever the box said. I wanted to keep this lightheartedness between us, and I was a little worried about doing or saying something that would cause it to go away.
“What is it?” I furrowed my brow as I flipped over the box in my hand. In tiny lettering on the back, the contents were listed. Massage oil, vibrator, condoms, cock ring, nipple clamps, edible underwear, and handcuffs. I swallowed as I tossed the box back on the bed. Sharron and I had never been kinky in the bedroom. We’d used food before, but never any toys. I had no idea if she’s was even into this type of stuff. The blush on her face said she might want to try, but I wasn’t going to push her. Deciding to lighten the mood, I chuckled, “Well, I already have cuffs. I don’t know what Ty was thinking because you know this was his idea.” I shook my head before pulling out my phone, and staring at it. At first I was going to send him a message asking him what the fuck he was trying to do, but then I thought about what he’d said and powered it off instead. I turned toward my suitcase and unzipped one of the side pockets. After placing my phone inside, I turned back to Sharron.
“Did you just turn it off?” her eyes flashed wide.
“This weekend is about us. Nothing else,” I tipped my head to the side as I walked over to stand in front of her. “It’s about getting you and me back on track. They can wait,” I motioned to where I’d left the phone.
“But what about the kids?” her eyes held worry as she stared at me.
“My brothers will look after them. They’ll be fine,” I leaned in and let our foreheads touch. “What do say to getting some dinner? I’ve got a nice evening planned.”
She glanced around the room before a small smile formed, “Dinner sounds nice.”
Little did she know that I had the perfect evening planned. Dreams that we’d had as kids were going to come to fruition this weekend. I was getting my Sharron back. She was already starting to appear, like the bulbs in the spring. The small green buds were appearing, and before the weekend was over I was hoping to see her bloom.
DINNER WENT BETTER than I ever could have predicted. Sharron and I enjoyed quiet conversation while we shared a bottle of wine and ate some of the best Italian food I’ve had in a long time. I can’t tell you the last time we went out to dinner, just the two of us. Normally we had one or both kids with us; if we didn’t we were joined by one of my brothers. I can’t tell you what we really talked about tonight. It was mundane stuff, but Sharron smiled, and that’s what I’ll remember. When I think back to this day, her laughter and smile is what will fill my memory.
“So where to now?” Sharron swung our joined hands between us as we stepped out into the cool spring evening. The sun was just sinking below the tree line, and stars were beginning to dot the sky. New York was gearing up for another evening, and despite the slight chill in the air, I had no desire for it to end.
“This way,” I tugged lightly on her hand leading her down the sidewalk. We’d taken a cab to the restaurant to avoid the crazy traffic of the city, and the walk to our next evening activity wasn’t far.
“The city’s so alive,” Sharron’s head was constantly moving, taking it all in. You’d think she was a small child. She’d never left the countryside before, and it was magical watching her take it all in.
“Just wait,” I smiled as I pecked her cheek. “It’s about to get even better.”
When we rounded the block I heard her gasp, and her feet stumbled to a stop. “Trev,” the tremble in her voice. “You remembered.”
“Of course,” I shrugged. We’d talked about taking a carriage ride in Central Park when we were kids. Sharron had fantasized about how magical it would be to snuggle together while we rode around under the canopy of trees with the sounds of the city muted in the background. “I couldn’t bring you to the city and not do this,” I scoffed as I laughed. I came to a stop by the carriage and after paying the driver, I helped Sharron climb up. I took a seat beside her before giving the driver the ‘all clear’.
As the carriage jolted forward, I wrapped my arm around her to ward off the cool air. It wasn’t cold by any means, but as night approached the temps dropped several degrees.
“This is so,” she paused as she tried to find the words.
“I know,” I smiled as I pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“I don’t know what to say,” she sniffed slightly. “I’m just. I’m sorry,” a single tear trickled down her cheek before she wiped it away.
“Hey, don’t cry,” I let my fingers brush up and down her arm. “I love you. I’d do anything for you. You have to know that,” I lifted her chin with my finger so she’d look at me.
“But I’ve been terrible to you,” she sniffed as her eyes squeezed shut.
“That doesn’t change how I feel. I know you’re still in there, you’ve just been a little lost. I’m trying to help you find your way back,” I pr
essed a light, quick kiss to her lips before she laid her head on my shoulder.
“I love you too,” she sighed. One hand moved to rest on top of my thigh as she nuzzled into my neck. The clicking of the horse’s hooves and the rocking of the carriage as it rambled along the paths of the park created a relaxing atmosphere. I could feel the tension leaving Sharron as we ventured deeper into the park, and as the minutes passed I could tell bits and pieces of her were coming back.
TONIGHT WAS PROBABLY one of the most perfect nights I’ve had in a long time. Since leaving Dr. Marlow’s office this afternoon, I’ve felt more like myself than I have in a long time. I can’t explain it, and I’m afraid to question it. What if it goes away? What if the sadness comes back? I took one of the pills she gave me this afternoon, but she said it could take a few weeks before I feel a difference.
Trevor’s been so sweet and patient tonight. He’s made the evening all about me, and even though I’ve always loved that he thinks of me first, I feel like he needs to be first for once. He’s always put his needs and wants after me. Once the kids came along, he put his needs after me and them. I can’t help but wonder how that makes him feel.
The more he’s kissed me and touched me today, the more I’ve started to yearn for more. It’s been almost a year since we’ve been together, and I know he feels the tension building too. We’ve always been explosive in the bedroom, well once we knew what we were doing. The first couple of times we had sex, we were young and stupid. It was awkward, and painful at times. We got better though, and since then it’s always been amazing.
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking about what tonight would be like when we got back to our room. Trevor hasn’t said anything, and I almost feel like I did when we had sex the first time. I don’t know what his expectations are, or if he’ll even want to. When I saw that Romance Kit on the bed today, I wondered if it was his doing. Based on his reaction, I’d have to say he knew nothing about it. He’s been patient all day though. Not once has he pushed to go back to the room and make love. His body isn’t so happy about that though. The longer we sit here, the more he fights it. I felt him get hard when we kissed in the park. I felt him get hard when he kissed me at the beginning of this ride, and he’s still hard with me sitting here. I’ve kept my hand still, but my fingers have been brushing lightly on his thigh. Every few minutes, he’s shifted in his seat to adjust himself. I can’t even imagine what he’s been telling himself to keep everything in check. It’s slightly thrilling to know that I affect him so much still.
By the time the carriage came to a stop, the sun had set completely. Nightlife was in full swing in the city. Bars and clubs were opening up. Lines were forming, and the people had gone from business attire to evening. Music filtered out doors when they opened and horns blaring every few seconds filled the air. The idea of seeing Times Square at night rushed to mind, but I didn’t want to dampen any of Trevor’s plans.
“I can’t believe how different it is here,” I laughed as Trevor helped me down from the carriage. He thanked the driver and then began leading me down the street.
“It’s something, that’s for sure,” he squeezed my hand before leading me down a set of stairs to the subway.
“Where are we going?” I grinned. It felt good to smile. I didn’t smile much these days, but the excitement of the moment made it hard not to.
“The night’s still young. We’ve got places to see,” he chuckled.
We didn’t wait long before a train pulled in, and we stepped aboard. Trevor held me close as it whizzed through the tunnels. I felt like a teenager again as adrenaline rushed through me. Knowing Trevor planned it all, and not knowing what was next made it all the better.
“This is our stop,” he whispered in my ear as the train jerked. He led me out onto the platform before ushering us both up the stairs to street level. I hadn’t been paying attention to the signs or I would have been prepared, but what met my eyes was a sight to behold.
“Oh my god!” I gasped as I looked up and turned in a complete circle.
“Pretty cool, huh?” Trevor laughed beside me.
“I just,” I paused as I took it all in. “I can’t believe I’m here. Why have we never done this?” I stared at the lights flashing on the Virgin Records sign. Time Square was more than I ever could have pictured in my mind. Photographs didn’t do it justice.
“I honestly don’t know,” Trevor shrugged. “I came here to see Ty all the time. I should have brought you. I don’t know why I didn’t. I’m not letting things like that get by me anymore. Your wants are important, Sharron.”
“Oh Trev,” I sighed as I looked at him. I could see him beating himself up over all this again. “This isn’t your fault. The doctor said it’s my brain. I’m gonna get better. I promise.” I flung my arms around his neck and raised up on my tiptoes. “Thank you,” I smiled before pressing my lips to his. This wasn’t a short sweet kiss, no this one held promise of what was to come later. Right there in the middle of Times Square surrounded by people I practically mauled my husband.
THE CAB RIDE back to the hotel was one filled with kisses and light touches. I was respectful in the sense that I knew we were in public, and I didn’t want Sharron to be embarrassed, but all I could think about was getting her back to our room and stripping her bare. It had been so long since we’d been together I secretly wondered if I’d last. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve taken care of myself many nights when I’d lay in my apartment alone in the dark, but your hand is way different than a woman. Any guy can tell you that no matter what you do to prepare for it, the moment you sink into that slick wet heat, your brain tells you it’s different. It took me months when we first started sleeping together before I could last more than five minutes, and I feared that tonight might be a repeat of that.
“Shar,” I broke the kiss and wrapped my hand around hers where it was gripping my shirt. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.”
“I’m ready,” she whispered as she connected our lips and deepened the kiss. The cab came to a stop, and I pulled away before handing some cash to the driver. We climbed out of the back laughing like two teenagers as she ran up the steps, and breezed through the lobby to the elevator. I hadn’t seen her this carefree in years. Even before all the baby stuff happened, Sharron was always thinking of others first and putting her wants and needs behind the kids and I.
When we stumbled through the door to our room, our laughter quieted. We stood in the low light of the lone lamp in the corner just staring at one another. Her cheeks were flushed, and her hair was messed up from where I’d had my hands in it. Her lips were swollen from our kiss, and I watched as her chest rose in quick pants while her eyes blazed. “You’re so beautiful,” I murmured as I moved forward. “I don’t know how I ever got a woman like you to fall in love with me.” I lifted my hand and twisted a lock of hair around a finger. Sharron smiled before she tentatively reached up and placed her hand on my chest.
“You’ve been so patient and loving despite everything I’ve put you through. It’s me that should be wondering why you love me,” she gave me a half smile before her eyes went to the buttons on my shirt. “I’ve been so hard on you,” she released the top button before raising her gaze to mine. “I pushed you away,” another button popped free “at a time when you were hurting too,” another button. “I put all the blame on you,” another button “even though it wasn’t your fault,” she tugged the hem of my shirt from my pants and glided her palms up my bare stomach to my shoulders. “You didn’t deserve that, but you took it… for me,” her eyes met mine as her hand brushed the shirt off my shoulders. “It wasn’t your fault, and I want you to know…” I watched her throat bob as she swallowed, but before she could say anything else I crushed my mouth to hers. It didn’t matter anymore. It was in the past, and if she thought I was holding anything against her, she was sorely mistaken. I loved this woman with all my heart, and I’d spent every moment of every day for the rest of m
y life proving it to her if I had to.
WE STUMBLED BACKWARDS towards the bed, never releasing our grip on one another. Trevor’s kisses were soft, but insistent. When the backs of my legs bumped against the mattress, I fell backwards. Trevor lost his balance and landed on top of me. We paused for a second before we both burst into laughter.
“Guess I should have kicked these off,” he chuckled as his leg shot out to the side, dislodging his pants the rest of the way, almost removing them completely.
“Maybe,” I giggled before pressing a kiss to the side of this neck. He groaned as he fought with his khakis.
“I feel like an awkward sixteen-year-old again,” he grumbled as he lifted his chest off me and stared into my eyes. We were half on half off the bed. My sundress was shoved around my waist with one strap hanging off my shoulder. Other than his boxers, Trevor was naked.
I scrambled backward to get myself more centered on the bed, and Trevor climbed over me. He paused as he hovered on his hands and knees and just grinned. “What?” I laughed as I rose up on my elbows and let him pull my dress over my head. I’d gone without a bra, and I think he just now figured it out as he stared at my body only covered in a small swatch of pink silk.
“I don’t want to mess this up. It’s been a while,” he closed his eyes as he blew out a long slow breath. “I feel like that guy back in high school. The one who took forever to kiss you.”
“I loved that guy,” I smiled softly at him as I reached up and linked my arms around his neck. “That guy loved me, and he’s always been a great lover,” I tugged him closer until his chest rested against mine. “You’re not gonna mess it up,” I whispered as one hand shoved at his boxers. “We have all weekend to practice,” I shimmied my panties down.
Before the Cherry Trees Page 9