by Lara Henley
“Sounds good.” I took his hand in mine and rubbed it on my face. I loved the feel of his touch. The waitress came over and took the order. She was still looking at him.
“Do you know her?” He looked up.
“Know who?” Please don’t act stupid Drake.
“The waitress, she has been staring you down since we got here. I am just wondering because if you don’t you certainly have an admirer.”
“She looks familiar, but I can’t say that I know her. Don’t worry your pretty little head. I only have eyes for you.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and sent a text. I couldn’t see who it was. It didn’t really matter because I trusted him completely.
“I know you do, Sweets.”
“Sweets?”
“Yes sweets, because you are so sweet.” His eyes narrowed. “Hey if you call me Peaches then I am going to call you Sweets. It just took me awhile to come up with one, but I think it is fitting.” He just smiled. Our food arrived and the aroma filled my nose and made me super hungry.
“Could we have an extra plate please, Cynthia?”
“Coming right up.” She was just too happy to know he called her by her first name.
“If you don’t know her then how did you know her first name?” my voice raised a little bit out of agitation. Was he lying to me?
“Calm down. It’s on her name tag.” His eyes widened a little and he raised his hands up trying to reassure me. I felt like a complete ass for assuming the worst in him.
“I’m sorry. I don’t like how she has been looking at you. You are mine and no one else can have you.”
“No problem baby, I know I belong to you and you belong to me just as the song says.” Cynthia came back with the plate and Drake scooped some of his pasta onto the plate. I did the same. He took my plate from me and set it in front of him.
He scooted the half and half over to me. “Now you can have the best of both worlds.”
I took my fork and dug into the Pasta Primavera first. I had never had it and it smelled amazing. I took one bite and fell in love. How do you fall in love with food? The sauce was creamy and the noodles tasted like they were made fresh that day.
“Lord this is good. I had no idea food could taste like this.” I scooped up some of the spaghetti and meatballs and stuffed it into my mouth. I savored the meat. I knew I should be acting all prim and proper because it was our first date, but I didn’t care.
Drake was laughing at me so hard that there were tears in his eyes. “Slow down Misty, the food isn’t going anywhere,” he said, wiping his eyes.
“I know it’s just sooo good.” My mouth was full but again I didn’t care.
We talked and ate our food. I ate every last bite of the pasta. I was really enjoying myself and didn’t want to leave, but I had an early morning coming.
“Can you give me one more hour?” Drake whispered.
“I can. It’s only ten thirty. I need to be home by midnight.”
“I was just asking because you look exhausted.” I was feeling a little sluggish due to being on the go all day. I had very little sleep and rest between the events of the day.
“I’m good. What do you have in mind lover boy?”
“You’ll see.” He motioned Cynthia, the waitress, over to pay the check. I tried to peek to see how much it was, but Blake moved the check out of the way. We walked out with our hands laced together. When I looked up there was a beautiful white Clydesdale horse with a carriage attached to its back.
“Is this for us?” I was surprised to see this, when did he have time to come up with all of this? I was totally blown away.
“Yes,” he said kissing my hand. “I wanted to do something special. This is going to take us around the lake.” I was just in complete awe of him. I didn’t think I deserved him. He helped me up into the carriage. He followed close behind and the driver took off. The scenery around the lake was breathtaking. The moon was beaming off the lake and the white swans were floating like leaves in the water. The trampling sound of the horse’s hooves was a soothing feeling. The carriage was decorated with red velvet with white trimming running along the seat. I was so relaxed and could have easily fallen asleep wrapped up in the arms of the man I love.
“This has been the most perfect night, Drake. Thank you so much for everything,” I said as I laid my head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me into him.
“I’ll do anything for you. You deserve the world, Misty, and I insist on giving it to you. I promise you, if you trust me, I will not fail you.”
The driver took us around the lake and back to Drake’s truck. I was feeling really sleepy by the time we got back. Drake got out of the carriage first. I was beginning to step down when he scooped me up and carried me to the car. He settled me into my seat.
“Be right back. I need to go pay him.” He shut the door and jogged over to the driver. He was back in two seconds.
I must have fallen asleep on the way home because the next thing I knew we were at my house. “Come on baby, let’s get you inside.” He scooped me up again.
“I can walk you know.” He didn’t speak but just kept walking.
“Where are your keys?” I dug in my purse and handed them to him. He opened the door and proceeded to go in and shut it quietly behind him.
“What are you doing? You can’t come in this late.” Again he said nothing. He carried me up the stairs.
“Which one is yours?” I pointed to the last door on the left. He entered and laid me gently on the bed. He took my shoes off.
“You can’t be in here! They will be furious.” I groaned because I really didn’t want him to leave me.
“Shhhhh. Just let me take care of you. Where are your pajamas?” He said softly.
“First drawer.” He opened it and took out my pink t-shirt with matching shorts.
“Take off your dress.” It was an order not a question. I slipped the dress off over my head and unhooked my strapless bra. I held onto the cups so as to not expose my bare breasts.
“Let it go. I’ve already seen you.” I complied.
“Lift your arms.” I did as he asked. Drake slid my t-shirt over my head. He put my shorts on me. He walked around me and pulled the covers down.
“Get in.” I crawled from the edge of the bed and got in.
“When I make you my wife, this is how I will care for you. I will be your feet, I will be your eyes, and I will be your back. You will want for nothing. I will love you with my whole heart until I take my last breath of air on this earth.” With that he kissed my forehead and crawled into bed with me.
“I’m going to take care of you. No more nightmares, Misty, not ever.” He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into him. Before I could even think I was fast asleep.
Chapter 20
Drake
I hadn’t told Misty, but I spoke to her aunt about what happened at the gas station. She reluctantly agreed to let me stay with her tonight. I couldn’t let her have any more nightmares, especially the night before she was supposed to start her new job. She looked so peaceful as I watched her sleep well into the night. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. I’ve never felt this way about anyone, not even Sara, and quite frankly it scared the shit out of me. I was so protective of her that I wanted to keep her in a bubble and not let the world at her. When I saw her sleeping, I knew she was at peace. Her Aunt needed to know what happened. I was hoping that she wouldn’t be too upset with me for telling her. She agreed to help Misty find a therapist when the time came. The time would come for her, even as strong as she was. There was no way she would get through it on her own. I set my alarm for eight in the morning, so I could make sure she had plenty of time to get ready for work. She was so excited to work. I finally fell asleep after several hours of thinking. I was afraid of what was happening to me. I was more focused on Misty’s needs than on my own. My father told me this would happen and I didn’t believe him. I needed to find some sort of balance. My internship would be starting soon
and I needed to focus on making a good impression. I wanted to move out of my parents’ house by spring. That would require me to have full time employment because I didn’t want to use my inheritance money.
I woke up to my alarm clock blaring at me. I picked it up to shut it off and noticed Misty was gone. Just as I started to panic she came back into the room wrapped in a towel.
“Good Morning. I didn’t want to wake you and I needed to start getting ready. Does my aunt know that you are here? I have a feeling that she does.”
“Morning, you should’ve woke me up. I was here to make sure you slept well. And yes, they both know that I am here. Don’t be upset please, but I told Silvia about what happened at the gas station. I told her about your nightmares. She agreed to let me stay with you so you could get some rest. I know you wanted to tell her, but you needed sleep and I knew you wouldn’t do it right off.” I hoped she wasn’t too pissed.
Misty stormed towards me. “Drake, you had no right to tell her! But at the same time I am glad that you did. I need you here with me. I needed sleep so badly last night because I have become afraid to close my eyes at night. All I see his face. I’ll talk to Silvia about this when I get off work.” She kissed me on the forehead and proceeded to put on her uniform that she looked very sexy in.
“I was hoping you wouldn’t be too pissed at me. Silvia’s condition for letting me stay was that the kids don’t see me leave. So you will have to help sneak me out.”
“Believe me I am mad, but I know where your heart is. Why don’t we just throw you out the window,” she said with a huge grin on her face.
“Oh, so you just want to kill me, is that it?” I grabbed her and pulled her on top of me. She gave a light squeal and was giggling.
“Kiss me before I die.” Before I could breathe another breath her lips crashed down on mine. She kissed me hard and long and it felt good. My pants began to feel tight.
“Baby, I could do this all day, but you need to finish getting ready. You don’t want to be late on your first day.” She got up and gave me a little pouty look.
“Hurry up and I will drop you off,” I said, slapping that nice plump butt of hers.
“Ow. I can drive myself,” she said while rubbing her bottom. I had almost forgotten that she had a car now and didn’t need me dropping her off. My girl was always trying to be so independent.
“I forgot you have a car now. Get ready and help sneak me out of here then. I don’t want to be caught by the kiddies. By the way, have you noticed how much Lizzy looks like you?” It was really uncanny how much they resembled each other. You could almost say that Lizzy was Misty’s child.
“I know, but my mother and their mother are identical twins. That is why we look so much alike.” Yeah I wasn’t buying that, but I chose to drop it so she could finish getting ready.
“OK.” She finished putting on her uniform and slipped on her shoes. God she looked hot in it. I just wanted to take the clothes back off her.
“Come on lover boy. Let’s get you out of here before the twins wake up.” She pulled me up and opened the door to pop her head out to see if anyone was in the hallway.
“Coast is clear.” We both dashed out and down the stairs. No one was up yet. When we reached the door I pulled her in close.
“I’m going to miss you today. Why did you get a job again? You know I can take care of you.” Sighing, she pulled away.
“I told you Drake. I want to make it on my own. I can’t live here the rest of my life and I won’t mooch off you.”
“It’s not mooching if I am willing to do it. I’m going to drop it for now, but know this is not over by a long shot. Now come here so I can kiss you goodbye.” She came back to me and finished the kiss we started this morning on her bed.
“Bye, Drake. I need to finish and head out.” She pushed me out the door. “Thank you for staying with me, I will call you later.” I felt in my pockets to make sure I had everything before she closed the door.
“Got it all. Bye baby. See you later.” I walked to my truck and made my way home, where I was going to be alone. I wasn’t sure if my parents would be there or not, but I just hated the feeling of always being alone. Perhaps if I call the Gallery they will let me start my internship early. There was just too much time I was wasting doing nothing. Everyone was working except me and it felt really lonely at times. There were only so many video games one guy could play in a day. It was eight forty-five in the morning and I was already counting down the hours until I saw her again.
My phone began to vibrate in my pocket and I got excited because I thought it was Misty, but much to my surprise it was Sara. I wanted to ignore it, but I knew she would just call back.
“What is it, Sara?” I said in a harsh tone.
“Why are you being such an asshole? I did nothing to deserve this treatment.” I guess she was correct. I was being pretty mean to her.
“I’m sorry. What is it that you want? I’m a little busy right now.” Yeah, busy thinking about Misty.
“Drake, please I need to see you. I need to understand what happened between us. I still love you and I think we can work things out.” She just didn’t get that we couldn’t work it out. I was trying my best not to hurt her more than I already had.
“Sara, there is nothing to work out. Something just died between us. I am sorry but I don’t have the same feelings for you anymore.”
“I don’t understand how you could just not love me anymore. We have been together for so long. Please meet with me. That is the least you can do.” She began to cry uncontrollably. I guessed it wouldn’t hurt just to talk to her.
“Fine, where do you want to meet? I am telling you now that this meeting will make no difference.”
“You don’t know that, Drake. I miss you so much. How can you just throw us away after so many years?” She was sniffling.
“Where do you want to meet and what time?”
“Maggie’s Diner at noon.”
“Fine, I will see you there.” I ended the call before I had to hear anymore of her whining. I continued on my way home. I had just enough time to take a quick power nap before I had to meet Sara. This was going to be a long drawn-out process and I wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible. Wait, did I just agree to meet her at the Diner? Well it is better for Misty to see me with her. I want no secrets between us. I want her to know that I am breaking it off with her for good.
Chapter 21
Misty
I pulled into Maggie’s Diner right on time, fixed my uniform, and headed through the front door. My stomach was doing flip flops. I knew that everything would be fine. I walked towards the counter and saw Carla standing there with a big smile on her face. The place was surprisingly empty for a Sunday morning.
“They are still at church. They will start filing in shortly.” She must have seen my facial expression as I was looking around the diner.
“I’ll show you where to put your things. Judy has some paperwork for you to complete. She is in the office.” Carla took me to a very small white room with lockers in it. “Pick any one that is open. There are extra locks in the drawer.” She pointed to a small oak-looking desk next to the lockers.
“Thanks.” I put away my belongings, which consisted of only my purse.
“I’ll take you back to Judy.” Carla took me back through a long, narrow hallway to the back office where the beautiful Judy sat typing on her computer.
Carla softly knocked on the door and Judy looked up at us. “Hey guys,” she said, sounding very chipper.
“Misty is here and she needs to complete her paperwork. She is all yours.” Carla smiled and walked back down the hallway of death. It looked like one of those hallways where the girl is screaming at the top of her lungs and eventually she gets slaughtered by the killer. Yeah I wouldn’t be in here alone too often.
“Come on in, Misty.” Her office was surprisingly big and comfy. She had two wing-back chairs covered in a light grey material sitting in front o
f her desk.
“Here is the paperwork that you need to complete. There are also two safety videos that you need to watch as well. You can go over and sit at that table in the corner and fill them out.” I took the paperwork and walked over to the table.
After completing the paperwork and watching two half-hour safety videos I was back out on the floor with Carla. Judy gave Carla instructions to train me on the register for the day. The register was easy enough to learn. It was mostly computerized so it was very easy to pick up. The lunch rush was really booming. Families, friends, and the after church lunch crowd were here. Judy emerged from the back to help. There was another girl working named Gayle, but I hadn’t gotten a chance to work with her. Carla and Gayle really moved quickly taking orders, breezing through the crowd and clearing tables. Judy worked the lunch counter. She had all the men there, go figure.
It was coming up on twelve when I saw them. He was with some dark-haired fake looking thing. She was wrapped up on his arm. Why would he bring her here? Hold your composure Misty. Drake stopped dead in his tracks and looked me in the eyes. I knew he sensed the hurt I was feeling. I couldn’t run out and cry because it was my first day here and I didn’t want to make a bad first impression. He and the GIRL walked over to a booth. He never took his eyes off me the entire time. All the blood drained from my face as the GIRL nuzzled her face into the side of his arm. Who was she? Drake finally broke eye contact with me and was conversing with the GIRL next to him. He gave her a weak grin, and the jealousy in me reared its ugly head. I stormed off towards the restroom. How could he do this to me? I trusted him and he was flaunting her right in front of me. Before I could open the door to the restroom a hand grabbed me and pulled me back.
“Misty, it’s not what you think,” the voice said behind me as I spun around.
“DON’T TOUCH ME!” I was yelling at the top of my lungs, “How could you do this, Drake, how?! I trusted you and you do this and of all the places my job! And on top of it all it’s my first day! I can’t do this on my first day.” I started to storm off but he grabbed me once more.