Games

by Wanda B. Campbell

  Shay’s eyes narrowed. “Something like what?”

  “Like kiss you.”

  She dismissed his statement with a wave of the hand. “Brian, you kissed me three times last night.”

  He lifted her chin. His voice deepened, making his desire crystal clear. “That’s not the kind of kiss I’m talking about. What I want to do to you right now would earn us a trip to the altar for a month.”

  Shay moved away so fast to the opposite side of the booth, she knocked over her glass of water and her cold coffee. She and Brian laughed while the waitress cleaned up the mess.

  Between chuckles, Brian said, “It’s going to be a long two years.”

  “Why two years?”

  “That’s when I finish law school.”

  “What happens then?”

  Brian sat back and folded his arms. “You’ll see.”

  Chapter 45

  Brian and Shay returned to the waiting room to find Reggie and Mark matching wits over a game of chess. Brian pulled a chair up next to his dad and watched. Julia and Shay left the men in the waiting room and went to visit the patient education center. There, they gathered information on breast cancer and treatment options. Julia picked up some pamphlets for local support groups.

  “Do you really think Alysse will attend a support group?” Shay asked. “It’s going to be hard enough getting her through the six-to-eight-week recovery period and chemotherapy. And it’ll be a miracle if she allows the homecare nurse to help her.”

  “I know, but she’s changing. I didn’t think I would ever hear her say what she said last night.” Julia waited a moment before adding, “Neither did I think I’d hear Brian say what he said before all my hair turned gray.”

  Shay faked innocence. “Come on, Mama, you knew eventually we’d get together.”

  “True, but I didn’t think it would be this soon, considering the little stunt you played the last time you were home.”

  “People change, Mama; I’ve grown up.”

  Julia took a long hard look at her daughter. Shay was saying all the right words and doing the right things, but Julia’s doubts remained. “Are you sure you’re ready for a serious relationship, because Brian is in it for the long haul, if you know what I mean?” Julia arched her eyebrows.

  “Mama, I really love Brian. I know Brian is serious about us, so am I,” Shay answered sincerely.

  “I know you love Brian, but are you mature enough to handle a relationship that could possibly lead to marriage?”

  “Mama, I’m in love, I can handle anything,” Shay declared.

  “O Lord, I have some more praying to do,” her mother responded. “I can see it now; the first sign of trouble and, girl, you’re going to run Forest run.”

  ***

  Back in the waiting room it was Brian’s turn to try and defeat his father. After Reggie had beaten him, Mark took a walk to the cafeteria and left father and son alone.

  Reggie watched Brian make his first move. “Tell me, when did things escalate between you and Shay?” Reggie didn’t try to conceal his smile.

  Neither did Brian. “Things started budding after her last visit and last night it all came to a head.”

  Reggie played a counter move. “So how do you feel?”

  Brian looked up from the game board. “I’ve never felt better. If Moms wasn’t sick I’d be doing back flips.”

  Reggie shared a laugh with his son. “What timeframe are we looking at?”

  “You know me so well, Dad. I plan to make my move the day after I graduate law school,” Brian answered unwavering.

  “You have it all planned, don’t you? How does Shay feel about that?”

  “I haven’t exactly told her, but I’m sure she won’t object.”

  Reggie stopped looking at the board and focused on Brian. “Two years is a long time when you’re young and dating. The temptation will be great, especially since the two of you have been intimate. Are you sure you can handle that?”

  Brian looked his father in the eyes. “Dad, I have to handle it. If I don’t, I won’t do it. I won’t marry her just so I can have sex. I won’t marry Shay until I can financially provide for her. I want to marry her when the time is right because she’s the one God has chosen for me. This in-between time will give us a chance to have a real courtship without the bickering and game-playing.”

  Brian’s insight and maturity impressed Reggie. “Son, you don’t need my advice. I wish I was as knowledgeable as you are when I was your age.”

  “Dad, this might sound strange, but I’m glad Shay and I committed fornication.” Reggie frowned at that statement. “What I mean is, the process to restoration has taught me a lot about myself and even more about God. The lessons I’ve learned will help me in my relationship with Shay.”

  Reggie moved his pawn. “How so?”

  “It took me months to understand that God loved me and was still committed to me when I made the wrong choice. He never turned His back on me. While I was sulking and feeling ashamed, He was waiting with open arms, ready to love me unconditionally. He never gave up on me, even after I did it again. I admit He scared the black off me with that pregnancy scare.”

  The game piece fell from Reggie’s hand and toppled half the board. “Pregnancy scare?”

  Brian shrugged off his father’s shock. As he reset the board he briefly explained the event that nearly altered his life.

  Reggie shook his head. “No wonder you were so miserable after she left. If she was pregnant you would have married her, and not just for the sake of the baby, but because you love her.”

  “Isn’t that the same kind of love a husband should have for his wife— unconditional and sacrificial. Dad, that’s the kind of love I have for Shay. When she brought Jason here two months ago, I was devastated. But that didn’t stop me from loving her and reaching out to her. I still loved her just like God loved me when I took her into my bed. God waited for me, because I belong to Him and I can wait for Shay, because I know she was created just for me. The next time I’m intimate with her, it will be the way God intended.”

  “Son, you’ve come a long way. I’m proud of you. However, I do think you should share your plans with Shay. The ride will be much smoother if both of you know where you’re headed.”

  Before Brian responded, Julia, Shay and Mark returned to the waiting room. As always when she returned from being away from her husband, Julia kissed Reggie softly on the lips then sat down beside him. Shay stood behind Brian and began massaging his shoulders.

  “We should hear something soon,” Mark said after he checked his watch then walked over to the window.

  Beneath Shay’s fingers Brian’s shoulders tensed slightly. She instructed him to lean his head back against her. As her fingers worked on his head, neck and shoulders, she softly sang “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”.

  “Shay, I didn’t know you could sing?” Mark said.

  She turned to Mark. “I can’t. I’m just making noise.”

  “Sounds beautiful to me. She sounds the same way she looks,” Brian offered.

  Shay looked down to see Brian’s upside-down face smiling at her.

  “Is there a time when this man doesn’t think you’re beautiful?” Mark teased.

  Shay blushed, but didn’t verbally respond because at that moment Dr. Consorti stepped into the waiting room.

  The middle-aged Caucasian gentleman in green scrubs and a surgical mask approached Mark. Brian immediately walked over and joined them.

  “Mr. Green.” Dr. Consorti’s voice was dry and raspy.

  Brian didn’t allow the man to finish his sentence. “How’s my mother?”

  “Your mother is doing fine; she’s in recovery. We were able to perform the mastectomy and do the reconstruction as well. The cancer doesn’t appear to have spread, but we’ll have to wait a few days for the pathology report, to determine if she requires chemo or not.”

  Brian glanced upward. “Thank you, God,” he whispered. Can we see her?”
<
br />   “After she wakes up, one of the nurses will come out and get you.” Mark shook the doctor’s hand then, just as quietly as he appeared, Dr. Consorti disappeared.

  Brian sat back down and Shay resumed his massage. The tension in his shoulders was gone. He didn’t say a word; he held his head back against her body and accepted the therapy from her fingers.

  For the rest of the afternoon, the family took turns visiting Alysse. She slept most of the time, but Mark and Brian sat by her bedside nonetheless. A few hours later, Reggie and Julia left for their hotel, but Shay stayed with Brian. Finally, at the close of visiting hours, Brian decided it was time to go home.

  Shay was asleep in the backseat when Mark pulled into his driveway. Instead of awakening her, Brian lifted her from the backseat and carried her into his old room, laid her on his old bed and removed her shoes.

  “Thank you,” he whispered before kissing her cheek and turning the lights off.

  Chapter 46

  Tuesday morning when Shay opened her eyes she thought she was dreaming. She rubbed her eyes twice to make sure she wasn’t hallucinating. There were balloons of various colors everywhere. On the nightstand, a clear crystal vase filled with a dozen red roses. There was another one on the dresser. Loose petals were strewn on her and over the bed. On the pillow next to her she found a stroll enclosed by a red ribbon.

  She sat up and with her hand brushed her hair from her face. She unrolled the stroll and laughed when she recognized Brian’s handwriting. When she started reading, her laughter turned into crying.

  My Shay,

  I hope this day brings you half as much joy as you have given me. You are my fresh fragrance after the rain and the strength that has carried me through this storm.

  To some, roses are extraordinary and beautiful. But to me, the most splendid rose fails in comparison to you. Shay, you are an extraordinary young woman. Nothing compares to your natural beauty, both inside and out.

  When I prayed this morning, I thanked God for creating you for me and asked that He would protect you and provide you with everything you need on this day. I prayed for Him to show me how to express my love and appreciation for you, not just today but every day.

  Sweetheart, today I don’t want you to worry about anything. If you need anything, just ask and I’ll take care of it. I love you and I’ll always be here for you.

  Happy Birthday, My Love,

  B.

  Shay placed her hand over her heart and read the words again. She had been so focused on Alysse and Brian, she’d forgotten today was her birthday. She was about to use her shirt to wipe her face when Brian startled her.

  “Here, sweetheart.” He handed her a tissue and sat down facing her on the bed.

  After she wiped her face and blew her nose, she embraced Brian and soaked his shirt with more tears.

  “I guess this means you liked my note?”

  She released him and cleaned her face again. “Brian, everything is perfect: the roses, the balloons and this,” she picked up the scroll again, “this is beautiful.”

  “I mean every word.” Brian’s warm sincere tone massaged her soul.

  “I know you do.” She stroked his cheek. “That’s not why I’m crying. I’m crying because I love you so much and I can feel the love flowing from your heart to mine.” She leaned forward and gently kissed his full lips. When she sat back, Brian’s eyes were dark and his jaw muscles flexed almost uncontrollably. He left the room without saying another word.

  After spending most of the day visiting with Alysse, Shay enjoyed her twenty-fifth birthday dinner with her family at PF Changs. Uncle Jonathan and his wife drove from Scottsdale to celebrate with her.

  It took some convincing from Alysse, but Mark agreed to join them. “I can’t be there, so you have to be my eyes and ears,” Alysse told him. She was hoping Brian would propose to Shay on her birthday. Of course, that was the furthest thing from Brian’s mind.

  During dinner, the older adults watched as Brian and Shay took turns feeding each other and constantly flirting.

  Julia looked up at her husband as she asked, “Do you remember what new love feels like?”

  “I’m reminded every day,” Reggie answered and kissed her.

  “That’s enough love talk,” Mark announced. “Shay, maybe you should open your presents. You know I have to get back and give Alysse a play-by-play report.”

  “Whatever you say, Mr. Green.” Shay giggled. “But Brian gave me his present this morning.”

  “I’m sure Brian’s gift is the only one that matters, but your mother and I along with your Uncle Jonathan have something for you also,” Reggie announced.

  “Actually, it’s a birthday and graduation present combined,” Julia clarified.

  “But, Mom, I don’t graduate for another six weeks.”

  “I know, but I don’t want you to think you’re getting another gift. We shouldn’t give you this; you’re already spoiled rotten.” Julia smiled and handed Shay a small white envelope.

  Shay’s eyes widened when she felt the outline of a key. She ripped the envelope open and screamed, “Oh, my God!” Inside was the key to a new Lexus. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” She ran around the table to hug and kiss Reggie, her mother and Uncle Jonathan.

  Brian sat back and folded his arms. “Hey, what about me? I picked out the floor mats and air freshener.”

  “I’ll thank you later,” she flirted, then turned to her mother. “Where is it? How did you know what I wanted? What color is it?” Excitement bubbled inside and gushed out.

  “Slow down,” Reggie said. “It’s gold and it’s at the house.”

  “Brian picked the color and told us exactly what you wanted,” Julia added.

  “Oh, that was sweet of you.” Shay hugged Brian. “I love you,” she whispered in his ear and he shared the sentiment.

  Reggie cleared his throat, reminding them they were at the dinner table. “Shay, your mother and I are very proud of you for accomplishing so much at such a young age. It’s our privilege to give you this.”

  “And I couldn’t be more proud of you if you were my own daughter,” Jonathan added.

  As her mother and uncle sang a soulful rendition of “Happy Birthday”, Shay laid her head against Brian. “This is the best birthday ever.”

  Chapter 47

  A day after Alysse was discharged from the hospital, Reggie and Julia went back home, but Shay stayed in Arizona with Brian. She phoned Rhonda back in Massachusetts and had her email Shay’s portion of their final assignment. By starting some of the work now, she could miss another week without jeopardizing her grade. Over the next few days, she divided her time between schoolwork and helping Mark and Brian care for Alysse.

  To everyone’s surprise, Alysse turned out to be a cooperative patient. She didn’t argue or complain about anything, mainly because she was too tired and weak. She even obeyed Brian’s orders. This morning while Shay helped her change the dressing on her incision, Alysse repeatedly told her how much she appreciated her for being there.

  “Really, Ms. Alysse, it’s not a problem.”

  Then Alysse said something Shay wasn’t expecting. “I think it’s time you started calling me ‘Mom’, don’t you?”

  The question flattered Shay. “Ms. Alysse, that’s very sweet, but don’t you think it’s a little soon for that?”

  A glimpse of the old Alysse returned. “Shay, are you trying to tell me you’re as slow as Brian? You do know he’s going to marry you, don’t you?”

  Shay didn’t have an answer for her. “I-well-um; we’ll have to talk about this later, Ms. Alysse,” she said and assisted her back into bed.

  Alysse shook her head. “Humph, between you and Brian, my grandchildren can’t help but be mentally challenged.”

  “I love you too, Ms. Alysse.” Shay laughed at her and quickly left before Alysse could get on a roll.

  Later, as Shay worked on her laptop, Brian sat down next to her on the couch and watched. Occasionally,
she would look up and find him staring at her and she’d blow him a kiss.

  “Is there something I can help you with?” he offered.

  “As a matter of fact there is, you can move away from me so I can concentrate,” she said, pretending to be in serious thought.

  Brian came even closer to her and looked deep into her eyes. “You’re never going to get rid of me.”

  Shay felt that familiar tug in her heart and the need to be close to him. She closed her laptop and placed it on the square coffee table. “Brian, we need to talk.”

  “I’m listening.” He moved even closer. “What’s on your mind?”

  She brushed her lips with the tip of her tongue. “You know what’s on my mind, but that’s not what I want to talk about. Now scoot back so I can stay focused.”

  A sheepish grin creased Brian’s chocolate face, but he did move slightly away from her.

  “Brian, what did you mean the other day when you said it’s going to be a long two years? What would you like to have happen for us after that?”

  Brian’s flirty expression turned puzzled. “Shay, you really don’t know?”

  “From speaking to your mother and from the little hints I’ve gotten from you, I have an idea, but, honey, we’ve never discussed any short- or long-term plans concerning us.”

  His large fingers fanned his baldhead. “I didn’t think we needed to. I thought after the other night we had an understanding.”

  “What understanding is that?” Shay asked earnestly. “The only thing I understand is that you love me.”

  “I thought we had an agreement to work on building a relationship until I finish law school,” he answered.

  She knew he had marriage on his mind, but she needed to hear him say it. “And then what? What happens if we last through law school?”

  His heat permeated from his eyes and singed her. He locked hands with her. “Shay, I love you and you’re the only woman I want. I know in my heart that you’re the one God created for me, but I don’t want to rush things. Trust me on this, when the time is right, I’ll get down on one knee and place a ring on this finger.” He gently stroked her left ring finger.