“No. He’s an artist, always has been but now that’s his full-time job or as he likes to call it his full-time passion.” I smile.
“He paints?” He asks with interest.
“Yes, mostly landscapes. You know that painting above the bed in Montecito?”
“The ocean painting?” He looks as if he’s trying to picture it in his head.
“Yes, that one. His work looks a lot like that. He also paints murals in people’s houses or offices, where ever.”
“I’d love to see his work.” He smiles.
I nod, taking a sip of wine.
“You think he misses being a lawyer?”
“Not at all. He’s always loved to paint. It really saved him after losing…” I trail off, take a breath and then continue, “He poured himself into his art; it was very therapeutic for him…that and surfing. At least that’s the way I see it.”
“I’m sure you’re right. He poured himself into his art. You and I escaped by reading.”
“I suppose.” I sigh.
“He’s lucky he has you to look after him.” He says with a slight smile.
“I feel the same way about him.”
He motions towards my plate. “Are you finished?”
I nod.
“You cooked, I’ll clear.” He smiles as he takes the plates and quickly cleans them off and puts them in the dishwasher.
“I’m going to change into something more comfortable. This corset is starting to hurt.” I giggle.
He grabs me around the waist, pulling me tightly against him.
“Thank you for this.” He smiles. Leaning down, he kisses me sweetly on my lips.
“You’re welcome. I’ll be right back.”
I quickly pull off my maid costume and my push-up bra. It is a relief to get out of the constricting corset. I pull on my jeans, my regular bra, and a soft, grey sweatshirt that falls off my one shoulder. Logan is standing at the counter and turns just as I enter the kitchen.
“More wine?” He asks.
“Thank you.” I say as he refills both our glasses.
“You still look gorgeous.” He whispers as he’s standing in front of me, handing me the glass of wine.
I smile sweetly at his compliment, even though I’m certain he prefers me in my previous outfit.
“I have an idea.” He says as he casually walks over to my iPod shuffle that sits in the dock on the far end of the counter.
“Is this yours?” He asks, glancing back at me.
“Yes.”
He scrolls through my playlist. “I like this one.” He smiles and then walks towards me, taking both my hands.
“You still owe me a dance.” He smiles and refers to the time Bryn dragged me out of his hands when we were about to dance.
The song “Kiss Me Slowly” by Parachute starts to play as he pulls me into his arms. I put my hands around his neck as his hands move around to my back, pulling me close against him. We don’t really move around, just sort of rock and sway in place.
The music is dreamy and I’m so comfortable and relaxed in his arms. The feelings I have for him are so overwhelming but I try and enjoy the moment, not thinking about everything.
Stay with me, baby stay with me,
Tonight don’t leave me alone.
Walk with me, come and walk with me,
To the edge of all we’ve ever known.
I can see you there with the city lights,
Fourteenth floor, pale blue eyes.
I can breathe you in
Two shadows standing by the bedroom door,
No, I could not want you more than I did right then,
As our heads leaned in
Well, I’m not sure what this is gonna be,
But with my eyes closed all I see
Is the skyline, through the window,
The moon above you and the streets below.
Hold my breath as you’re moving in,
Taste your lips and feel your skin.
When the time comes, baby don’t run, just kiss me slowly.
Stay with me, baby stay with me,
Tonight don’t leave me alone.
She shows me everything she used to know,
Picture frames and country roads,
When the days were long and the world was small.
She stood by as it fell apart,
Separate rooms and broken hearts,
But I won’t be the one to let you go.
Oh, I’m not sure what this is gonna be
But with my eyes closed all I see
Is the skyline, through the window,
The moon above you and the street below.
Hold my breath as you’re moving in,
Taste your lips and feel your skin.
When the time comes, baby don’t run, just kiss me slowly
Don’t run away…
And it’s hard to love again,
When the only way it’s been,
When the only love you knew,
Just walked away….
If it’s something you want,
Darling you don’t have to run,
You don’t have to go…
Just stay with me, baby stay with me,
Well, I’m not sure what this is gonna be,
But with my eyes closed all I see
Is the skyline, through the window,
The moon above you and the streets below.
Hold my breath as you’re moving in,
Taste your lips and feel your skin.
When the time comes, baby don’t run, just kiss me slowly.
He softly kisses my exposed shoulder as the song plays and we slowly move to the music. His lips linger on my shoulder and then move slowly up my neck. When the song ends, he gazes down at me, kissing me softly on my lips.
“Thank you for the dance.” He whispers.
“Thank you.” I smile up at him. “What’s up next on the agenda?”
“That’s up to you.” He says, smiling down at me.
My mind drifts to our earlier conversation. Can I honestly give him what he wants and needs? I just don’t know. I think of his words…are you trying to convince me to leave, you’re stuck with me, I’m here as long as you want me. Of course, I don’t want him to leave but the closer we get the more I become increasingly confused.
“Emilia, stop.” He whispers.
“Stop what?” I frown.
“Stop overanalyzing everything.” He kisses me softly on the forehead. “So, I’ll see you Friday.”
“You’re leaving?” I ask, suddenly anxious.
“Don’t you want me to?” He murmurs.
“No.” I whisper. He takes my hand as we head upstairs.
It’s just after midnight when I doze off, wrapped in the comfort of Logan’s arms. My head rests against his chest; his rhythmic breathing soothes me to a peaceful sleep.
And that night, I don’t dream of dark, shadows where I’m either running towards the voices that are calling me or running away from them. Instead, I’m in Logan’s arms and we are dancing on the beach in the moonlight. There’s no music, just the rhythmic sound of the crashing waves.
23
“HOW’S MY LITTLE GIRL?” My dad smiles as I open the front door. I throw myself at him with my arms wrapped around his back, squeezing him tight. He returns the hug and when he pulls back, he affectionately kisses me on the cheek.
He holds onto my hands as he takes a step back checking my appearance. I’m wearing a floral lace cream colored dress with beige wedges.
“You aren’t so little in those heels.” He smiles at me. “I thought we were going to Brophy’s?”
“We are.” I smile as he walks into the house and follows me into the kitchen. My dad is dressed casually in Levi’s and a navy blue sweater.
“Don’t get me wrong, you look great but aren’t you a little overdressed for Brophy’s?”
I haven’t told him much about tonight. Thinking it would be better to talk in person than over the p
hone or through emails.
“Would you like a beer?” I ask.
“Sounds great.” He smiles.
He takes a seat on one of the barstools as I open two cold bottles of Corona. I slice up a lime and squeeze it into the tops. I hand him one and then take a seat next to him.
“Where’s Bryn?” He asks.
“She’s going out with her boyfriend and his parents. She felt bad she couldn’t join us.”
“So I get you all to myself.” He smiles.
“Well, actually there’s someone who wants to meet you.” I say nervously.
“Oh?” He smiles. “It sounds like you are nervous for me to meet this someone. Do you want me to meet them?”
I giggle. “I don’t mean to sound so cryptic. This someone is…I guess you could say he’s my boyfriend.”
My dad smiles and his eyes are filled with warm affection.
“By chance, did this boyfriend give you that pretty necklace you have on?”
I nod. I open the heart locket to show my dad the photo inside it.
He reaches in his pocket and pulls out his glasses so he can take a better look.
“I’ll be darned.” He gazes at me. “You look a lot like her in this picture.” He smiles, warmly at me.
I smile and close the locket.
“And are you all dressed up for him?” He teases.
“Not exactly.” I say, hesitantly.
“What’s up?” He says as he takes a sip of his beer.
“Well, Logan’s dad is in town too. He’s just here for tonight and I’m supposed to go and meet him after we have dinner, but if you’d rather me not, I totally understand. You come first.”
“Sounds serious. I’m meeting him and you’re meeting his father?”
I shrug and take a sip of beer.
“Honey, that’s fine. Why didn’t you just have them join us for dinner.”
Without getting into Logan’s father’s restaurant preferences, my explanation is less revealing, more tactful.
“He’s not getting here until later so it didn’t work. You ready to go?”
Standing to leave, my dad finishes the last of his beer and tosses the bottle in the recycle trash bin.
“After you.” He smiles as he opens the front door.
Brophy Brothers is one of Santa Barbara’s most popular seafood restaurants so it’s no surprise it’s packed on a Friday night, especially since it’s Parent’s Weekend for SBU. After we put our name down at the front for a table, we make our way to one of the full-length bars that face the spectacular view of the ocean and harbor.
Logan is leaning against the bar when I see him. He looks gorgeous, wearing a dark blue dress shirt with charcoal grey tailored pants. He’s just reaching to grab a bottle of Corona from the bartender when our eyes meet. His lips twitch up into that breathtakingly beautiful smile. Standing near him, are a few college-aged girls that look dismally disappointed when he turns from them and walks towards my dad and I.
When he reaches us, he immediately puts his hand out to my dad.
“Dad, this is Logan Prescott.” I smile, a bit nervously.
“Mr. King, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Logan says warmly, politely.
My dad takes his hand as they shake hands and says, “Please call me Tony.”
Logan takes my hand and leans to softly kiss me on the cheek and says, “Emilia, you look beautiful.” Then he looks towards my dad. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“A beer would be great.” He says, looking at Logan then me.
“Emilia, baby?” Logan murmurs.
“That sounds good to me too. But why don’t I get them? I smile at him.
“I got it. You stay here and keep your dad company. I’ll be right back.” He turns before I can say anything more.
When Logan moves towards the bar to get our drinks, I catch the group of girls staring at him again. My dad turns and looks at me, his expression unreadable.
“How long have you two known each other?” He asks with a slight smile.
“We met at the beginning of the school year.”
“This school year?” He wonders.
“Yes. Why?” I smile.
“Just seems like you’ve known each other for a while. The way you look at each other, the way you talk.” He smiles.
My nervousness has caught me off guard. Sure, this is the first boy I’ve ever introduced to my dad but I didn’t think I’d be quite this anxious. Logan returns from the bar and hands the beer to us.
“Thank you, Logan.” My dad nods at him with a slight smile.
Logan puts his arm around me. I look up at him, “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” Logan pauses and then says to my dad, “Emilia tells me you’re an exceptional artist.”
My dad smiles, his eyes crinkling with warmth. “Emilia is a bit biased. I don’t know about exceptional.”
“You’re being too modest.” I smile at my dad.
“I’d love to see your work some time.” Logan says, sincerely.
“Any time. If you’re in Venice come on by. I have a studio there.” He pauses and then looks towards both of us. “Now how did you two meet?”
“Emilia interviewed me for the campus show.” Logan glances at me and then looks at my dad. Logan is so at ease, so charming.
“Oh?” My dad asks.
“Maybe Emilia can give you a copy of it. She’s quite the interrogator.” He smiles at me and I playfully nudge him in the ribs.
“Sounds interesting.” My dad takes a sip of his beer.
At that moment I see Bryn, Josh and I assume Josh’s parents sitting at a table in the restaurant. I excuse myself to go and say hello. After the quick introductions, Bryn pardons herself from the table to make a trip to the restroom.
“I didn’t know you guys were coming here. How’s it going?” I ask as we head to the bathroom.
“I didn’t know either. They just kind of decided. It’s going great. How about you?” She smiles.
“Fine. Good, I guess. You know Logan. He’s so charming. I’m a nervous mess.”
“Relax, Emilia. Your dad is a sweetheart. I’m sure they are totally hitting it off.”
“I guess. I’d better get back to them.” I smile.
Bryn gives me a quick, reassuring hug. “Just try and have fun. Maybe drink another beer or two.”
I giggle. “I’ve got to go and meet Logan’s dad later. I can’t be completely wasted.”
“Oh, that’s right. You’re such a lightweight too. You better stop after that one beer.” She laughs as we head out of the bathroom.
When I return to Logan and my dad in the bar, they are completely relaxed, laughing. Logan hands me another beer. He must have ordered more drinks while I was with Bryn. I take the beer and think about my conversation with Bryn. Well, maybe one more beer will put me at ease.
My dad turns to me. Smiling affectionately, he says, “Logan was just telling me how you sold him a board and a wetsuit.”
I realize now that maybe leaving these two alone was a bad idea. Quickly I look at Logan, but his expression gives nothing away. I wonder what he told my father about his first visit in Spyder.
Logan holds his hand out to take mine. I take it and stand by his side.
“Did he now?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Our table is ready, sweetheart. I’m just going to the restroom before we sit down.” My dad smiles and leaves Logan and I alone.
I glance at Logan. “Why do I feel like it was a bad idea to leave you two alone?”
He sips his beer and slides his hand around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
“You look beautiful in this dress. I think I like it as much as the dress you had on the other night.”
I blush. I know he’s referring to the French Maid costume. “I hope you didn’t tell my dad about that too.” I murmur.
“I was hoping you were going to wear it tonight.” He smirks. “But you look just as irresistible in this one.”
/> “You sure you still want me to meet you and your dad later?” I ask, taking a sip of my beer.
He blinks at me. “Of course I do. Do you not want to come?”
“I was just making sure.” I smile at him.
“So, what time should I come back and pick you up?”
“You don’t have to do that. I’m sure my dad won’t mind dropping me off.”
“Just call me if he can’t. Can I get you two another beer before I go?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’d like to make a good first impression and if you’re carrying me that might not go over on your dad so well.” I giggle.
He smiles. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. You’d make a great first impression on your feet or not, especially in this dress.”
Pulling me close, he leans down and kisses me on the lips. “I’ll see you later, beautiful.”
At that moment my dad walks up. Stepping back from me, Logan puts his hand out to him. My dad takes it and they shake, smiling at each other.
“Sorry I can’t stay. It was a pleasure meeting you, Tony.” Logan warmly smiles at him.
“Nice to meet you too, Logan. I look forward to surfing with you soon.”
“Emilia.” Logan smiles and kisses me tenderly on the cheek. Then he turns and heads out of the restaurant.
My dad turns to me. “I approve, Emilia. He seems like a nice, young man. And, he surfs. That’s always a plus in my book. Shall we go and eat?”
I laugh and shake my head. If my dad only knew that his surfing abilities might not come up to par. Well, maybe Logan is a quick study.
It’s just after nine o’clock when my dad moves his Jeep up the long driveway that leads to the Prescott’s house in Montecito. He whistles when he pulls to the front and parks.
“What did you say Logan’s last name is?” He asks.
“Prescott.”
“As in Prescott Hotels?” He looks at me quizzically.
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you mention that?” He scratches his head.
I shrug. “I don’t know. I didn’t really think about it.”
“Another plus for him.” He smiles.
“Dad.” I scold.
“Hey, doesn’t hurt that he’s well off.” He pauses. “I’m kidding, honey. Well, sort of.”
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