My Heart

by LEIGH ARMSTRONG

  “Well tonight we’re all going to Joe’s about 9:00. Talk to Michael and you guys come and meet us for booze, food, and dancing.”

  “I’ll have him text Max if we are coming.”

  “Sounds good. I’ve got to run, I’ll see you later.”

  I find Sondra’s Café along with Michael sitting at a table drinking coffee. He stands to greet me. “How was your skiing?”

  “It was good—I’m getting there.” He pulls out my chair.

  “Did you have fun?”

  “No broken bones.”

  “I saw Maci before coming here. She invited us to Joe’s tonight and mentioned dancing.”

  “We can go if you want. I hope you worked up an appetite.”

  Before I can answer him, our waitress comes over with my iced tea and two plates of sliders with fries.

  “It’s bison—very tender.”

  “They smell delicious. So, after this are we going exploring?”

  “Yes. I will be your tour guide of my youth, the shops, and Ella’s—they have the best ice cream.”

  “Count me in. It sounds wonderful.”

  After lunch, we enter a touristy shop and I purchase a postcard for Ruby. We keep walking down the street, going in and out of shops, until he ushers me into a little boutique. I stop.

  “You want to come in here?”

  “I want to buy you a dress.”

  I look around the store. “Michael, it looks expensive. Really, you don’t have to.”

  “But I want to. You look and I’ll look. Let’s see what we find.” I am reluctant at first, but he’s so sweet to want to do it, so I accept his challenge. I catch glances of him over the racks looking serious, flipping through dresses. It was no time at all before he says my name. I turn to look for him. He’s holding a navy blue skater dress.

  “Well what do you think? It’s okay if you don’t like it.”

  “It’s pretty.”

  “So, you like it?”

  “Yes, I do.” I reach out to feel the material.

  “Will you let me buy this for you?”

  I kiss him. “Yes of course. It’s beautiful and I can wear it tonight.” He leaves to pay for the dress when a girl stops next to me.

  “Does he have a brother? That dress cost $450. You are a lucky girl.”

  She’s right. I’m lucky— not because of the dress, but because he cares for me in the way he does. “Yes I am.”

  *

  For Joe’s tonight, I wear my new dress with nude strap heels. Michael helps me off with my coat and takes my hand in his before entering the bar. Back home, 42 is a bar for college students, with memorabilia on the walls, video games, and one large bar. This place has two huge colorfully lit bars, a dance floor, and lots of tables with linen tablecloths—very swanky.

  “Do you like it?”

  “I do.”

  “Let’s get a drink.”

  We pass a group of ladies who are clearly waiting for him to walk by. He’s dressed in black slacks and a white button-down shirt, no tie, with a jacket to match. He’s all confidence without the arrogance, easy on the eyes, and so sexy. I just tuck in close to him as he excuses our way to the bar. He orders a beer and I get water.

  “Are you sure you don’t want something more? I can make it happen.”

  “Maybe in a bit.”

  “Um, brace yourself—here she comes.” He looks past me and I turn around. Maci is heading in our direction holding a bottle in one hand and glasses in the other, wearing a black skirt with a sheer purple blouse, and once again heels that make her very tall. She leans in to plant a kiss on Michael’s cheek a couple of times, then turns to hug me. She looks down at my glass and frowns.

  “I see you’re having a party of your own,” Michael says.

  “Michael, wherever I am, it’s a party. But I knew your little hottie wouldn’t order her own drink in here, so I brought her a little something.” She turns to me. “Jamie, this dress is a beauty. It’s a Lauren Oliver, isn’t it? From her shop in town?”

  “Yes, Michael picked it out. The material is unlike anything I’ve ever touched.”

  I look at him and wink.

  “I love her stuff. Look, we know the guy who owns this bar. They stay open all night long and we are all going to have a good time, so take this glass.” I go to say no, but she stops me.

  “’No’ is not a word we are using tonight. Turn it up.” She tips the bottom of my glass with her hand.

  “It’s champagne.”

  “Good isn’t it? Do you taste the strawberries?”

  “I do.”

  She gives Michael the bottle and takes my hand, leading us to our table.

  Max is there with a tray of four shots and two beers. He shakes Michael’s hand and leans over to kiss my cheek.

  “Jamie.”

  “Max.”

  “I hope you’re ready to deal with Maci tonight; she’s pumped up to get drunk and dance the night away.” He hands me a shot, then gives one to everyone else. “Here’s to a great evening with wonderful friends new and old.” We tap our glasses together.

  A song comes on and Maci pulls me to the dance floor. I knew I had to pace myself with the alcohol, but it looked like this train had pulled away from the station. Michael and I make a few trips around the bar and I meet a couple more of his friends. I’m approached by a girl in the bathroom who says she’s into me and wanted to know if I would be interested in a threesome. After picking my chin up off the floor, I politely decline, heading out to find Michael.

  “Excuse me sir, do you want to dance?” I ask, pulling him onto the dance floor. He pulls me into his arms, moving to the slow paced song.

  “I was propositioned by a girl in the bathroom wanting to know if I was interested in a threesome.”

  “Interesting. What did you say?”

  “I declined.”

  “Is that something you have thoughts about?”

  “Not really, but she was cute. I’m not sure if she had the third person or she saw you with me. Either way it’s a no.”

  “Good. I’m not interested in sharing my girl.” On that note he dips me.

  After a few more songs we both needed water so we went to the table. I sat down while he excused himself to the restroom.

  While I wait for Michael to return, Max appears.

  “May I sit down?”

  “Sure.” He’s smiling with glassy eyes. “Are you alright?”

  “I’m fine. A little drunk, but okay. Have you enjoyed your trip to Colorado?”

  “Yes, it’s an incredible place.”

  “I’ve been watching you with Michael. May I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.” I prop my elbows on the table and he moves a little closer to me.

  “Do you have his back?”

  “Yes, I would do anything for him.”

  “My old friend has fallen for you, real hard. I’ve known him a long time and he’s never exhibited such behaviors with anyone else before.”

  “Behaviors? Like what?”

  “He was reckless before. Always had a chip right here.” He points to his shoulder. “But now, he’s happy, speaking about the future, talking about you with stars in his eyes.”

  I smile, wondering where he’s going with this.

  “Do you love him?”

  The words come very easily from my mouth.

  “Yes, I love him.”

  Max stands up from his seat. “Good, ‘cause he’s standing right behind you. Tell him how you feel.”

  I turn on my stool to see Michael. He reaches up, grabbing the sides of my face and we take a moment, just looking at each other. Then I hear the words I’ve wanted to hear from him.

  “I love you, I always have.”

  We kiss, a firm “don’t-move-kiss,” confirming our love for one another. His arms go around me, mine around him. He rests his forehead against mine.

  “It feels good to say the words I have held for so long.

  I needed y
ou to be ready to hear them.”

  My whole body is tingling. “I’ve been ready but I wasn’t sure it’s what you wanted.”

  We kiss again before we’re interrupted by Max, who pulls us apart.

  “I hope you both remember who got all this love out in the open especially when you start naming babies.”

  We hug and thank him. Maci comes over with a server behind her carrying a tray of drinks.

  “What’s up guys?”

  “I just opened the door for these two hot people to say, ‘I love you.’”

  Maci comes over to Michael. “You’re finally ready to give that big heart away?”

  “Yes. She’s everything I want.”

  Maci hugs him and turns to me. “You’re a lucky girl to have him love you, but I think he’s equally lucky you love him. When she hugs me, all I can see are two dark brown eyes behind her that are my world.

  After another hour or so we return to our cabin. We took another step tonight confirming our love for one another. Who knew three small words spoken to the right person could have such an impact? My heart has healed, his trust is renewed. In each other’s arms we are a couple with many possibilities ahead of us.

  Chapter 26

  Our flight was delayed, so we parked ourselves in chairs with hot coffee. Going through my phone, I look at the pictures I took in Colorado. “I think this one is my favorite.”

  He leans over to look. “When did that happen?”

  “When we came back from dinner with Maci and Max our last night. Did you forget? You decided to take me to bed caveman style right out of the hot tub. I had just taken a pic of us in the hot tub and was able to snap one of your butt. It looks good.”

  He covers his face with his hand and laughs. “Really?”

  “Yes, you have one of those bodies that screams touch me, kiss me, make love to me, and take my picture.” He touches my cheek.

  “Do you want to see the pics I took?”

  My eyes dart in his direction, wondering what he took but our flight is called.

  *

  The plane lands on time and soon we’re hailing a cab to Hopson College. After such a lavish vacation, it’s easy to forget about our responsibilities at home, but I’m sure the drive back will refresh our memories. We crawl inside the car.

  “Jamie, do you mind if we run by the 42 before going home?”

  “No, is everything okay?”

  He gives the cab driver the address and leans back in the seat, resting his hand on my leg.

  “Pete texted earlier and I promised if it wasn’t too late, that I would drop by.”

  I yawn. “Not a problem, you go, I go.”

  He rest his head on mine. “Best Christmas present my parents have ever given to me.”

  “It’s one I’ll never forget.”

  *

  We pull up to the 42 about 10:30 pm, so people are just getting started. We stop first at the main bar. “Stuart, where’s Pete?”

  “He’s in the kitchen. Glad to have you both back. How was Colorado?”

  I peek around Michael. “Excellent.”

  “Well that smile explains it all.”

  Michael picks up our bags and we head to the kitchen to find Pete elbow deep in soapy water.

  “Michael! Glad you’re back. Now, can you unclog this old sink?” Pete reaches for a towel to dry his hands. Michael begins rolling up his sleeves after handing me his coat.

  “Dude, really?”

  “Yes, and now I can tell Jamie hi.” He walks over and pulls me into a hug.

  “How was the skiing?”

  “A little difficult at first but the mountain views were spectacular.”

  “Good to hear and from the looks of those bags, you haven’t been home yet?”

  Michael dries his hands. “No, we’re here for the papers and now the sink is unclogged.”

  Pete throws the towel in the bin. “Those are on your desk upstairs.”

  Michael reaches for Pete’s hand. “Thanks for keeping an eye on things while I was gone.”

  “We’re a team—besides you needed to get away. Maybe I’ll take the next trip south.”

  “Sounds good. Just let me know.” Michael looks at me. “Let’s go up. Pete, will you have someone bring up coffee and donuts?”

  “I can do that.”

  *

  Upon entering the office, I sit down on the sofa, but not before looking at the changes made after the robbery. It stings my heart thinking back to that night. Broken items have been replaced, his computer system is updated, the safe is different, and the whole room has been painted. Michael sets the bags on the floor and goes over to his desk picking up the papers.

  “Can I help?”

  “Um, yes. Would you come over here please?”

  “Sure. What are you reading?”

  He takes my hand. “I don’t want you to get mad, but do you remember the phone call I had a few days ago standing in the kitchen at the cabin?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “It was about this report.” He hands it to me. I look down and see mine and Stacey’s names on the paperwork.

  “Jamie, it’s about the altercation you had with her in the bar before we left on our trip.”

  I look over the report. It’s from the Dean of Student Affairs about a hearing that’s taking place tomorrow in their office at 4:00 in the afternoon.

  “Are you serious?”

  “Keep reading.” I walk away from him while I read the paper.

  “It states I was harassing her and being abusive while she was in the bar that night. She has witnesses to it all.” I set the papers down. “None of what is stated is true. Why didn’t you tell me when you found out?”

  “I didn’t want it to ruin your trip and there was nothing that was going to change before we came back. I did have Pete call the people who left statements on your behalf and he asked if they would attend the hearing. They all said yes. I’m sorry she went this far, but as the owner of the bar; I have to follow it through.”

  I put my hand on his chest. “You should have told me. But I understand why you didn’t. I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone dislike me this much.”

  “We’ll put an end to this tomorrow.”

  “What should I expect at the hearing?”

  “There will be a panel of students who will hear both sides and after reviewing the facts and hearing from the witnesses, they’ll make their decision.”

  “Which could be?”

  “Suspension being the worst, maybe probation.”

  “Ugh.”

  “It’s protocol for me as a business owner with an incident involving students. Part of an agreement I signed a couple years ago. She went too far that night and the hearing is going to prove it.”

  *

  We leave to go home nearly two hours after entering the bar. I walk in the apartment first wanting to be back in Colorado alone with just him.

  “I need to check if I have any assignments for tomorrow. What about you?”

  “I’m good. I checked on the plane.”

  “That was smart, what was I doing?”

  “Sleeping.”

  He picks up the luggage. “Jamie, where do you want your bag?”

  “My room please.” He looks disappointed.

  “I’ll change in there, and then meet you back in your room.”

  “I was hoping you would say that.”

  “You have one dresser; I don’t mind keeping my stuff in the other room.”

  “Well, I want to sleep wherever you are, so I’m open to either bedroom.”

  “Are you kidding me? Your bed is huge with layers of comfort not to mention the firm pillows.” I glance over at him, smiling.

  He laughs. “I sleep better with you as well.”

  He leaves my room for his and I pick up my phone, checking for assignments or notices. One class was canceled but the reading assignment was posted. That can wait until tomorrow. I look around my room knowing what I need to do. I
find my toiletry bag, then head to his room. He’s already in the bathroom brushing his teeth. I lay my bag down on his sink and find my toothbrush.

  He spits in the sink. “Miss me?”

  “You’ve ruined me; I can’t even brush my teeth in my own bathroom.”

  “Suits me.”

  Chapter 27

  Running this morning is for the sole purpose of clearing my head for the hearing today. I want it all done and over, so my life can freely enjoy the happiness it now has. The past few days with Michael in Colorado lived up to every dream I ever had. I found someone to love and he loves me back, so enough of the outside bull bringing us down. I round the corner of the apartment complex wondering if he is still asleep. Entering the apartment, I grab a bottle of water, then walk to his bedroom. I remove my shoes and crawl up beside him. Suddenly he whips around, flipping me until I’m under him. “I was trying to…

  “Surprise me?

  “Yes.”

  “I would have gone running with you.”

  “I know, but I just needed to clear my head for today. You, Mr. Tucker, are the most distracting force in my life right now.”

  He buries his head in my neck. “You smell like the outdoors.”

  “Mix it with sweat— probably not sexy.”

  “You’re wrong; you’re very intoxicating to my senses. I wish I could change today for you.”

  “She’s obsessed with you. How do I deal with an obsessed woman when it comes to my boyfriend? She wants you and will stop at nothing to get you.”

  His finger outlines my jaw. “You’re clenching your teeth.”

  “Because she makes me mad.”

  “She was never this obsessed with me, unless my wallet was out. Stay in bed with me, let me try my hand at relaxing you.” He snuggles in close to me, showering me with soft kisses.

  “As much as I would love to stay in bed with you while you work magic on me, I have to get to class.” He lets out a sigh and rolls off me.

  I crawl out of bed. “You could join me in the shower.”

  He jumps out of bed. “Right behind you.”

  *

  My classes go smoothly after being out for break. I stop to grab a quick coffee and then I’m off to my professor’s office before heading to my hearing later. Professor Stower left me an email message to stop by today, because he had good news for me. I’m curious as to what it could be, so I enter the Wick Building and head for his office. His assistant asks me to wait till he’s off the phone, which only takes only a few minutes.