Running from Romeo

by Diane Mannino

  This will be my last email for today. You know you make it very difficult for me to get any work done.

  xxxxxxx,

  Emilia

  __________

  From: Logan Prescott

  Subject: More than just willing and able arms

  Date: Sunday, November 11, 2012, 4:00pm

  To: Emilia King

  Emilia,

  Love, whether newly born or aroused from a deathlike slumber, must always create sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance, that it overflows upon the outward world.

  xxx ∞,

  Logan

  __________

  From: Emilia King

  Subject: Master of Literature

  Date: Sunday, November 11, 2012, 4:03pm

  To: Logan Prescott

  Logan,

  Is Google your preferred search engine? While I don’t doubt your literary knowledge, I find it hard to believe you can quote any book at the drop of a hat, including “The Scarlet Letter.’

  I’m really going now.

  Good night.

  xxx more than ∞,

  Emilia

  __________

  From: Logan Prescott

  Subject: Want to bet?

  Date: Sunday, November 11, 2012, 4:07pm

  To: Emilia King

  Emilia,

  I’ll never tell unless you torture the truth out of me. I’d be willing to let you try on Saturday.

  Hope your essays go well.

  Good night, baby.

  ∞ and forever,

  Logan

  29

  I AM IN MY FAVORITE JEANS, a new black cotton Roxy sweater and my heart locket necklace, sipping a margarita in the kitchen, when I first realize what Logan might have in mind for tonight. Bryn is on the phone with Josh finalizing their plans for the evening. She’s in her dark rinse skinny jeans, a cream cashmere sweater and high heels. She looks fabulous as always and I can’t help but wonder if I will ever have an ounce of her style. She rolls her eyes, taking a sip from the bottle of Corona that she holds as she ends her call. She slams her cell on the counter.

  “Men are so frustrating.” She hisses.

  “What’s the matter?” I ask with concern.

  “Oh, he wants me to come to his place and just hang out tonight.”

  “And, what’s the problem with that?”

  “I want to do something. We did that last night. It’s Saturday before break and I want to have some fun. You sure you can’t come out with me?” She pleads.

  “Bryn, you know I have plans. I told you I was all yours last night but you bailed on me.”

  “Yes. Well, I didn’t give it too much thought. We should have gone out together last night. Now I’m stuck hanging at Josh’s place two nights in a row.”

  “Poor you.” I tease. “You have this boy that’s crazy about you and wants to spend time with you. You’re barking up the wrong tree.” I giggle.

  Just then Bryn’s cell rings and Josh’s picture lights up on the front screen of it. She grabs the phone.

  “Hi.” She whispers.

  She listens attentively and she’s soon grinning from ear to ear.

  “Okay, honey. I’ll see you soon.” She hits the end button and places her phone down.

  “I see your plans have changed.” I smile at her.

  “Yes. He wants to go to Elsie’s and maybe Tonic to dance.” She smiles and takes a gulp of beer.

  I giggle. “I’m sure you have that wrong. He wants to go to Elsie’s and Tonic?”

  Bryn laughs. “Well, I suppose those words aren’t exactly correct. He said he’d go.”

  “That’s so sweet.”

  “Sweet? More like possessive.” She giggles and then continues. “He knew I was going to go out with or without him. So, I guess he figured if you can’t beat them, join them. I’m sure he wants to keep an eye on me. He knows how I am after a few drinks.”

  “Good point. I’m sure he prefers buying you the orgasm and blowjob shots instead of someone else.” I giggle.

  “Exactly.” She pauses for a moment. “Speaking of that what are you and Logan doing tonight?” She smiles, deliberately at me.

  “We’re going to Montecito to hang out.”

  “Sounds terribly boring. Why don’t you both come out with us? We can all go dancing.” She beams.

  “Even if I wanted to, I can’t change plans on him now. He’s going to be here any minute to pick me up.”

  “So, you’re just going to hang out all night?”

  “Yes.” I say and I’m lost in my thoughts for a moment.

  “Emilia?” She asks.

  “Yes.”

  “You okay? I was asking you about your plans and you just sort of spaced out.”

  “Oh. Sorry. I just sort of realized that maybe Logan is hoping tonight’s the night for…well, you know. What do you think?”

  “I’m sure.” She smiles at me.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes. I’m sure he hopes that every time he’s with you. He’s a guy, isn’t he? You want to know the top three things guys want from a relationship?”

  “Sure. You know how much I love your wisdom on men and dating.” I tease.

  “Hey, just speaking the truth.” She smiles at me. “So, the top three things for guys are sex, sex, and more sex.” She giggles.

  “Bryn, where do you get your information? Cosmo? I’m sorry but my very favorite tidbit is still that guys are like gum.” We both burst into a full-fledged laugh attack.

  “Don’t knock Cosmo, I learn a lot of useful information from that magazine.” She smiles and then turns serious. “So do you think tonight might be the night?”

  “I don’t know. I want to and then I don’t want to. Is that crazy?”

  “No. That’s perfectly normal. You’re taking it slow which is what you need to do. What you’ve been through doesn’t help make your decision any easier. I know you told Logan but did you tell him everything?”

  I shake my head. “I told him enough. So you think I should keep taking it slow?”

  “Emilia, I know it’s hard but try not to overanalyze it all or worry about it. You’ll know when the time is right and if you two are really meant to be, he’ll wait for you to make that decision.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” I smile, slightly at her.

  “Can I give you another tip?” She asks.

  “Of course. Is this another Cosmo piece of advice?”

  “No, just common sense.” She smiles. “Were you planning on wearing what you have on?”

  “Yes. Is something wrong with this?” I say confused, looking down at my outfit.

  “You look gorgeous. I just wouldn’t change into that French Maid costume unless you’re planning on getting down and dirty.” She giggles.

  My mouth drops open. “Bryn, you have such a way with words!”

  “Just telling you like it is. You are smoking hot in that outfit. I’m sure all Logan could think about was having sex with you when you wore that getup. I’m right, aren’t I?”

  I giggle, remembering Halloween night when I made dinner and wore the rather risqué attire.

  “See.” She smiles. “So, I wouldn’t recommend wearing that tonight unless you’ve reached a definitive decision.”

  “Thank you for yet another piece of Bryn’s endless sagacity.” I hug her tight. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  She raises an eyebrow at me.

  “I mean it…sincerely.” I smile.

  She giggles just as there’s a knock on the front door. Bryn stands and starts to walk towards the front door.

  “Why don’t I just tell Logan you’ve had a change of plans? You’re coming dancing with me, instead of hanging out.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.” I giggle. I jump up and walk quickly past her, opening the front door.

  “Hi.” I say, my voice a bit too high-pitched, trying to act like we weren’t just talking about him.

  “Hi, baby.
” He replies, ignoring my obvious discomfort. He leans down and kisses me softly on my lips.

  “I just have to grab my bag.” I say as I quickly turn and take my bag from the front table.

  I look towards Bryn. “Bye, have fun tonight.”

  “You too.” She winks at me.

  I return to the front door and Logan takes my hand in his as we walk towards his car. He’s looking his usual gorgeous self in a pair of faded jeans and a grey cashmere sweater. He catches me smiling up at him.

  “You seem to be quite cheerful tonight…how many margaritas have you had?” He smiles at me.

  “Just happy to see you and I only had one. Well, one and a half… keeping count?”

  “I need to know these things if you’re going to live up to your promise of not passing out on me tonight.” He says as he opens the passenger door.

  I giggle as I slide into the car.

  When he moves into the driver’s seat he pauses a minute before he starts the engine. Feeling his eyes on me, I turn to look at him. He smiles at me and I smile warmly back at him.

  “Did you have a good week?” He asks.

  “It was rather long and boring. You?”

  “About the same. I missed you, really missed you.” He leans over and gently kisses me. I can’t resist him. Shifting my body, my hands slip into his hair, deepening the kiss. His hand moves down my back and I hear him make a low groan. Suddenly he pulls back, gazing down at me.

  “I missed you too.” I whisper.

  He smiles with a sexy look in his eyes.

  “You still have time to change your mind about New York.” He softly strokes my thigh then starts the engine.

  When we arrive at the estate in Montecito, Logan offers me his hand as I climb out of the car. He leads me into the house and I can’t help but notice various lights have been left on. There are beautiful crystal vases, filled with fragrant white lilies scattered throughout the house on various end tables and coffee tables. As we near the kitchen, the sweet, heavenly aroma of the flowers is replaced by smells of Italian cooking.

  Standing near the range, is an attractive woman, in her fifties. She has long, strawberry blonde hair and luminous fair skin. She’s preoccupied, mixing something in a big stainless steel pot when we enter the kitchen area.

  When we get closer to her, she looks up and smiles. Her eyes are blue, sparkling when they meet mine.

  “Hi. You must be Emilia.” She smiles warmly at me, wipes her hands on the apron tied around her waist then reaches out her hand towards me.

  I shake her hand and return her warm smile.

  “You must be Mrs. Smith.” I say, excitedly.

  “Please call me Celeste.” She beams and her eyes crinkle kindly around the edges.

  She turns her attention towards Logan.

  “I have everything all set, Mr. Prescott.”

  “Mrs. Smith, you know I’d rather you call me Logan. Can you do me a favor and only address one Mr. Prescott?”

  “Only if you agree on one condition.” She pauses a moment and then says. “I know you need to be formal with me when your dad’s around but when he’s not would you please call me Celeste? Then I won’t feel like I need to be so formal with you.”

  “Sure. Everything smells delicious, Celeste.”

  She turns towards me. “Don’t let him fool you. He did most of the work. I just helped with the finishing touches. You know he’s quite the cook?”

  I nod as Logan watches me, intently.

  “Yes, he’s already impressed me with his culinary skills.” I smile, sweetly at him. “By the way, you make an amazing clam chowder.”

  “Thank you, honey.” She beams. “It used to be one of Logan’s favorites when he was a little boy. I’ll give you a copy of the recipe.”

  The conversation continues, but his eyes never leave mine.

  “I set up the table in the dining room so everything is all set there. I’m more than happy to stay. I could serve you two so you can really relax and enjoy the meal.”

  “Thank you for the offer, Celeste. But I think we can manage.”

  I swallow as his intense gaze sends that delicious thrill through my body.

  “Alright then, if you’re sure you don’t need me.” She smiles as she glances at the two of us.

  “Enjoy your evening, Celeste.” He affirms.

  “Yes. I think you two can manage on your own.”

  I glance away from Logan and look at Celeste.

  “It was so nice to meet you. Thank you for everything.” I smile, warmly.

  “Lovely to meet you, too. But I really didn’t do much. Thank him.” She waves her hand in Logan’s direction.

  She turns and heads out of the kitchen. “Buon appétito.” She calls out.

  “Is this what you were up to all day?” I glance around the kitchen at the various delectable dishes that sit on the granite counter.

  “I had a lot of help. I hope you brought your appetite.” He smiles.

  “Everything looks and smells delicious. Is all of this for just the two of us?”

  There’s a large bowl filled with mixed baby greens, grilled eggplant, roasted bell peppers and goat cheese. Next to that salad is a large plate with buffalo mozzarella cheese, vine-ripened tomatoes and basil.

  On the stovetop there’s a pot with tomato sauce and another larger pot. Then there’s something else baking in the oven that smells divine.

  “Just us. How about some champagne?” He says as he pulls out a bottle of Perrier-Jouet from an ice bucket that sits on the counter. The beautiful bottle has white flowers painted on it.

  “Champagne? Are we celebrating something?” I ask, confused.

  “Yes. You don’t know?” He tries to suppress a smile. He peels off the gold foil wrapper.

  “Let me think.” I pause for a minute. “No interruptions from drunk roommates?”

  He shakes his head as his lips twitch into a slight smile. He continues to open the bottle of champagne, pulling off the wiring around the top.

  “Okay so not that. Oh, I know. We’re celebrating me not passing out on you tonight.” I giggle.

  “No. But now that you mention that, maybe you should just stick to one glass of champagne.” He pops open the cork.

  “You know I didn’t change my mind. I’m not going to work for you if that’s what were celebrating.”

  He pours the bubbly into two crystal champagne flutes and then without taking his eyes off mine, walks towards me. He hands me a glass and then returns the bottle to the ice bucket.

  “Give up?” His eyes sparkle with amusement.

  “I suppose.” I pout because I can’t guess what we could possibly be celebrating.

  He holds his glass out towards me. “How about I give you a little clue?”

  “Yes.”

  “I knew you would do me good in some way, at some time; I saw it in your eyes when I first beheld you: their expression and smile did not – did not strike delight to my very inmost heart so for nothing.”

  “So, let me see. It’s the lovely quote from Jane Eyre that was on your gift card when you sent me this beautiful necklace.” I say as I touch the locket.

  Logan gazes at me, his eyes soft and warm.

  “Are we celebrating when you first beheld me?” I giggle.

  “It’ll be two months on Monday since you interviewed me.” He holds his glass towards me. “Here’s to our first two months and hopefully many more.”

  I melt. He really remembers the day we first met? My heart beats so loudly I wonder if he can hear it. What a sweet, thoughtful gesture.

  Smiling up at him, we clink our glasses and sip the champagne. He leans down, caresses my cheek and kisses me gently on the lips. I immediately feel myself respond to his touch, his lips. He pulls back and looks down at me.

  “As much as I’d prefer to continue with this right now, we have all this food and we need to at least eat some of it. Mrs. Smith would be quite upset if we didn’t even make a slight dent in it.�
�

  He kisses me again passionately and then suddenly pulls back again. I am left with my head spinning. I smile to myself thinking he’s right about me not being able to keep my promise of not passing out.

  “Are you trying to make me swoon?” I look up at him from under my lashes.

  He smiles. “Come. Let’s eat. Maybe you just need some food in you.”

  The dining room is set for two. We sit at the end of a very long and beautiful mahogany table that probably holds about twenty people. There are several candles and they are all lit, giving the room a romantic ambience.

  Besides the mixed greens salad with bell peppers and eggplant and the Buffalo Mozzarella salad, there’s a pasta dish with sausage and tomato, Eggplant Parmesan, and grilled garlic and rosemary lamb lollipop chops.

  “It all looks amazing, but I don’t think we’re going to make even a slight dent in all of this food. Maybe Mr. and Mrs. Smith should have joined us. As well as sixteen other people.” I giggle.

  “No, I want you all to myself tonight. I promised no interruptions and I’m a man of my word.” He pauses a minute. “Pinot Noir?”

  “Thank you. Incidentally, that champagne was heavenly.”

  “I’m glad you liked it.” He says as he pours the wine into the crystal goblet.

  I watch as he pours my glass and then his own. He smiles at me and I can’t help but think I’m the luckiest girl in the world. Not only is Logan drop-dead gorgeous, he’s smart, sweet and an amazing cook to boot.

  “Penny for your thoughts.” He says.

  “I was just thinking that you’re quite talented.”

  “I’m glad you think so.” He smiles.

  “I’d like to make a toast.” I smile as I hold out my glass towards him.

  He holds his glass up and waits, gazing into my eyes.

  “To a lovely, interruption free evening.” We both smile as we clink our glasses together.

  I sit looking at all the food, not knowing what to try first.

  “Please eat.” Logan says between bites.

  “Oh, sorry. Everything looks so good. I don’t know where to begin.”