by MJ Masucci
“You can go home. I can take care of myself.”
She crossed her arms and looked at him angrily.
“I’m not leaving. You have no one to take care of you. You need me, Julian Gennaro. Stop being so stubborn.”
“But your father. He’ll think something is going on if you sleep here.”
“Too bad. I’m not leaving.”
“I have to throw up again.”
Nina ran out of the room and grabbed a bucket she had seen on the porch, getting to him just in time as he let loose. The smell was nauseating, but she waited for him to finish before she took it to the bathroom to flush down the toilet. When she came back, he was asleep.
Nina busied herself with straightening his home up while he was sleeping. It seemed to her that he wasn’t a very good housekeeper, but she didn’t expect someone who was a confirmed bachelor to be tidy. When she finished, she set to work on making some homemade soup. Her mother had taught her to cook from the time she was a child.
A couple of hours later, she checked on Julian. He stirred when she came and touched his head. He was still warm, but not like he had been earlier when she first arrived. He mumbled something that sounded like Mom and it twisted her heart that he had no one. If he let her, she would care for him. She hoped he would.
Nina took a nap on his couch and woke to him calling her. It had only been a half hour since she laid her head down. She shook her sleepiness off and went to Julian.
“How are you feeling?”
“A little better. I’m very thirsty. Can you get me a drink of water? I’m afraid to get up because I still feel dizzy.”
She stroked his cheek with her fingers and went to get him a glass of water. Handing it to him, she warned that he should sip it slowly or he might have the urge to throw up again. Julian took slow sips and drained the glass. As she was taking the glass back to the kitchen, he called to her.
“Nina, thank you for caring for me.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I want to care for you.”
He smiled weakly at her as she left the room. It made his heart feel warm that she had said she wanted to care for him. It had been a long time since someone wanted to do that for him. This was the last thought he had before he drifted into a dreamless sleep.
The room was dark when Julian woke up and he felt disoriented. The dizziness had passed and even though his stomach was still queasy, he was hungry. He sat up in bed and not hearing anything outside his door, he assumed that Nina had left him. Something smelled delicious and he wanted to know what. He stood up, testing his balance before he walked to the door.
He narrowed his eyes at the lights ablaze in the living room and was surprised to see Nina curled up in the rocking chair by the fireplace. She was reading a book. When she saw him, she jumped up and ran to him.
“You should be in bed. I could bring you something if you need it.”
“I thought you left.”
“I said I wasn’t going to leave you and I meant it.”
“What’s that smell? I’m hungry.”
“I know it’s warm outside, but I made chicken soup. It’s my mother’s recipe and she makes damn good soup. Would you like some?”
“Yes, I would.”
“Do you want to go back to bed? I can serve you there.”
“I’ve been there all day. I need to get up.”
“Sit at the table; I’ll bring you a bowl.”
Julian watched as Nina got him a bowl and spoon. She had easily familiarized herself with his small kitchen while he was asleep. She put the bowl down in front of him.
“I only gave you broth. You can have some chicken and vegetables tomorrow when you feel better.”
He didn’t argue and spooned the delicious smelling broth into his mouth, savoring the taste. His mother used to make him chicken soup when he was sick and it brought back memories.
Nina sat opposite him and waited expectantly.
“This is heavenly. If this is how good you make soup, I can’t wait for you to cook something else for me.”
She smiled widely at the compliment. It was what she hoped he would say. She wanted to cook for him, take care of him.
“I appreciate you wasting your day taking care of me.”
“Julian, why would you say that? Taking care of you is not wasting my day.”
“I’m not used to it. I’m sorry if that sounded rude.”
Nina got up and kissed him on the forehead, then removed his bowl to wash in the sink. He sat at the table feeling exhausted from the day. His intent was to sit with her, but he needed to go back to bed.
“I have to go back to bed. I’m so tired.”
“Go. I’ll pack away the soup and be in to say goodnight in a few minutes.”
Julian went to his bedroom and took off his shorts, slipping under the cool sheets in just his underwear. She came in minutes later, sat down next to him and stroked his hair off his face. He dozed and finally fell asleep to her caresses.
Nina clicked off the bedside light and went to sleep on the futon in the living room. Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, she was startled awake by screaming. Julian was having a nightmare and from the sounds of it, he was terrified. She grasped his hand and he was jarred awake. He looked at her with fear on his sweat laden face.
“Julian, are you okay?”
“Oh God, I’m so sorry I woke you.”
“I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about you. You were screaming.”
“I sometimes have nightmares. They started after my family died. I haven’t had one for awhile.”
“You’re soaked.”
He pushed back the covers and the sheets were damp.
“You can’t sleep on these. Put on some dry clothes and I’ll change the sheets.”
“I’ll do it. You’ve been kind enough.”
Nina gave him a stern look, “Go get changed.”
Her look told Julian not to mess with her. He selected a dry t-shirt and boxer shorts, leaving to change in the bathroom. When he came back, she was just finishing changing his sheets.
“All done. Now get in. I want to take your temperature.”
He didn’t like to be fussed over, but he let her.
“It’s normal. Either it broke on its own or all the sweating you did broke it. If you need me, I’ll be on the futon.”
“Nina?”
“Yes?”
“You can say no, but would you stay with me until I fall asleep? I like when you play with my hair. It’s very comforting.”
“Of course. Here, under the covers.” Nina held the sheets up for him to slip under.
He settled on his side and she stroked his hair, allowing him to fall asleep very quickly. It gave her a chance to stare at his features. In sleep, his usually furrowed brow softened. He was far too cynical for someone so young. She hoped with her presence, that he could exercise his demons.
The next morning, Nina woke to the sound of the shower. The sun had brightened up the room and a check of the clock on her phone told her it was 9:15. She normally got up early, but after the events of the middle of the night, she slept later. Julian was whistling in the bathroom so she knew he must feel better.
A few minutes later the shower stopped and he came out wearing a towel dangerously low on his waist.
“Good morning, sweet pea.”
“I guess you’re feeling better this morning.”
“I am, thanks to you. I appreciate you taking care of me. I haven’t had that in a long time. I want to take you on a date as a thank you.”
“Julian, you don’t need to thank me. I care about you and want you to be well. I did what anyone that cares would do.”
“No one has cared about me for a long time,” he said.
Before she could answer, he went into the bedroom, closing the door so he could dress. Nina took it as a cue to use the bathroom and get ready to go home. He didn’t seem like he wanted her here. Julian came out of the bedroom still whistli
ng. He knocked on the bathroom door.
“Are you getting dressed?”
She opened the door, “Yes, I thought I would leave you to work.”
“No, no, I don’t want you to leave unless you have somewhere to be.”
“I thought you wanted me to go.”
“Whatever gave you that idea?”
“I don’t know. I just got a vibe.”
He took her by the hand, led her to the futon and sat her down.
“I don’t know what type of vibe you thought I gave out, but I want you to stay. I want you to stay often and a lot, though I know that isn’t possible.”
She raised her eyebrows in surprise, “Why isn’t it?”
“I’m sure you parents would not want you staying with a man that isn’t your husband. I’m afraid of what your father would say or do.”
“I’m an adult and I’m not worried about what he says. You mentioned something about a date?”
“Would you like to go one, with me?”
“I would. Where would you take me?”
“How about to the city? I love Manhattan in the summertime. Central Park is beautiful.”
“The city? I’m not sure I could.”
“You said you’re an adult. Do you need to ask permission?”
“It’s a hot button with my father due to the nature of his business.”
“Nina, you don’t need to mince words. I know all about your father. He has some shady business dealings on the organized crime side. It’s not a secret.”
“It’s just that I’m sure he would worry if I went. Can you please take me somewhere else? I wanted to ask you if you would like to join me next Saturday for a barbecue.”
“Whose house is it at?”
“Madison’s. They have one each year on Labor Day weekend.”
“I don’t know. If you haven’t noticed, Madison does not like me very much.”
“Julian, she’s jealous. She couldn’t stop talking about you when you subbed a few years ago at the high school. She thought you were handsome.”
“And you?”
“I thought you were too, but I didn’t pay much attention. I hate to admit it, but I had a crush on Caden for a long time.”
“Is that why you let him have sex with you?”
“I was stupid and young. I thought he cared for me.”
“But he was an adult when you met him and you were just a girl.”
Julian could feel rage building as he thought about Caden taking advantage of her innocence.
“I didn’t know better. I just liked him. It was a schoolgirl crush.”
“I’ll go with you if you want me to.”
“I do.”
Chapter 6
Over the next few days, they barely spent time together. Julian was busy with a large graphics project with the deadline fast approaching. Nina was called on Sunday to spend a few days helping her father at one of his contracting businesses. Though he was involved in illicit activity, he maintained several legitimate businesses.
She and Julian talked to each other either through text or email for the days they were apart. He had to admit it; he missed seeing Nina in class all week and couldn’t wait for her to return home. On Friday, the day before the start of Labor Day weekend, she returned and stopped by his home unannounced in the late afternoon.
Julian was up in his painting loft working on a surprise for her. When he heard a car pull to the house, he ran to the window to see who it was. Seeing it was Nina, he heart leapt and he ran down the stairs to greet her.
“Hey, baby,” he called, grinning at her.
“I’m so glad to see you,” she said, slamming the car door and practically jumping into his arms.
Julian didn’t realize how much he missed her until she was in his arms and they were passionately kissing. She molded her soft body against his rock hard muscles as they kissed.
“I really missed you,” he said breaking the kiss.
“You have paint splatters everywhere on you. Are you working on a new project?”
“Yes. Since I got the studio cleaned, I thought I would work on something.”
“Can I see?”
“No, you cannot see. It’s a secret.”
“Is it for me?”
“It is and it’s a work in progress. No peeking until it’s done.”
“Not to change the subject, but are you still coming with me tomorrow?”
“Of course I’m still coming. I promised I would, didn’t I?”
“I just thought you might change your mind.”
“I haven’t, even though Madison was a major bitch to me this week on both Tuesday and Thursday. But class is almost over so I don’t really have to see her anymore.”
Nina looked down at the ground, “Can you please try to get along with her. She’s my best friend.”
“Why are you friends with her anyway? Because of Caden?”
“No, because when I first came here, she was friendly when other girls weren’t. They didn’t cause trouble for me once they knew I was hanging out with Madison. She has a good heart.”
“She might have a good heart, but she hates me. Are you sure she won’t throw me out of her house?”
“She knows I invited you and she also knows we’re seeing each other.”
“Is that what you call it? Seeing each other?”
“What do you call it?”
“Dating. I don’t want to see other women. I want you exclusively. Don’t you want that or should I look around for another woman to see on the side?”
“Julian! Yes, I want that.”
He took Nina into the house, fed her and they spent the next few hours making out on the futon. He desired her, but it was too soon to sleep with her since they only had been together for three weeks. He sent her home and took a cold shower before he went to bed alone.
By noontime the next morning, Julian drove into town to pick Nina up at her mother’s house for the barbecue. Mrs. Caro had requested that she meet him since her daughter had announced she was dating him exclusively. It had been a few years since he met the parents of a woman he was dating. He hoped that he would make a good impression.
He stopped by the local florist to purchase a late summer bouquet of daisies and mini sunflowers before he went to the house. His stomach was fluttering as he ascended the stairs to the front door.
“You must be Julian.”
Mrs. Lila Caro was a pretty woman in her early forties, with the same raven colored hair and dark eyes of her daughter. She smiled at him and took the flowers he offered as he shook her hand. He carried on a conversation with her for a few minutes while waiting for Nina.
“Julian, thank you for the flowers. I saw Mom putting them in water as I was coming down the stairs,” Nina said.
“Uh, those are for your Mom.”
“Oh, trying to score some brownie points with her?”
“Is it working?”
“I think so. She said you are very polite.”
“Would it be impolite to kiss you in front of her?”
“Let’s wait until we get out of the driveway.”
On the way to Madison’s house, he pulled over, practically yanking her out of her seatbelt and into his lap in order to kiss her hello.
“I think we better stop or the neighbors will report to my mother.”
“Oh, okay. Then I’ll save it for when I take you home. I can kiss you in the driveway.”
She laughed and directed him to Madison’s house. He pulled in front of the large Tudor-style home with a large expanse of green lawn. It was much like most of the homes in the area, including Nina’s. She introduced him to a few people that she knew including Madison’s parents.
Julian noticed Caden sitting with a few people in the corner of the yard. Julian couldn’t help watching the man from the corner of his eye, especially since his gaze seemed to follow Nina around. An hour into the party, Julian needed to use the bathroom. When he came out, Caden was standing in th
e kitchen.
“You’re Julian Gennaro, right?”
“Yeah. How are you?”
“I’m fine. I guess you’re doing well.”
“Excuse me?”
“Well, you must with Nina. She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
“Yes, she is but that’s not the only thing about her.”
“Hell, no. She is a fine piece of ass. Have you tapped that yet? I have. If she weren't dating you, I would love to do it again.”
Julian gritted his teeth, “You’re best not to say another word.”
“What’s your fucking problem?”
Julian didn’t give him an answer but instead punched Caden so hard in the stomach that the man doubled to his knees. Julian bent down, grabbed his hair and whispered a threat.
“If you ever say anything like that again I’ll fucking kill you. I would think you knowing who her father is, you would be more respectful or maybe you’re just too stupid. I never liked you, Caden, you fucking punk. Maybe your wife would like to find out you screwed Nina while you and she were dating. Nina was barely a fucking adult, you predator.”
He let Caden’s hair go and left the man on his knees. Julian went to find Nina who noticed how red his face was when he approached.
“Are you feeling okay?”
“Baby, we need to go.”
“Julian?”
“Come, I’ll explain in the truck.”
He placed his hand against her back and gently pushed her to the gate so they could exit the property. She said nothing, waiting for his explanation. He drove through the streets until he came into town and pulled into the parking lot of a small café.
“Can you tell me what happened? I know something did.”
“Caden.”
“You had words with him?”
“I had more than words. He’s a piece of garbage and he’s lucky I didn’t kick the shit out of him like I wanted.”
“What did you do?” She said, raising her voice.
“That asshole said some vile things about you. I wasn’t letting him get away with it. You’re my girlfriend and I won’t have him disrespecting you.”
“Julian, did you hurt him?”
“I punched him in the stomach. He was on his knees when I left.”