“William, I think becoming an architect is a great idea. You’ll create buildings people will live, work, shop, and eat in. The possibilities are endless! I realize I don’t know you very well, but I believe you’ll be happy with whatever you choose to do, as long as you follow your heart.”
A smile stretches his gorgeous lips. “I believe I will too,” he agrees. “So, what do you say, do you want to visit foreign lands with me?”
Again, I’m not sure whether or not he’s serious. So I scramble for something with which to busy my trembling hands. I wish my heart wouldn’t beat so fast, and my head wouldn’t feel so light. I peer over at William. He doesn’t seem fazed at all about what he just said to me. He’s pulling apart his bread and stuffing his face with it.
All right, he must have been kidding. I won’t think about his invitation again, at least for the rest of the evening . . . or maybe for the next few seconds. I really don’t know how to respond. Okay, I have an idea. I reach inside my picnic basket. From it, I retrieve my absolute favorite dessert and remember this is my passion.
“I’ve almost forgotten the best part of the meal! Now close your eyes!” I declare. “I’ve been workin’ on this new recipe. I plan on entering it in the State Fair at summer’s end. I’ll feed you a bite, and then you’ll have to honestly tell me what you think.”
I slice through the moist chocolate cake, sliding a knife down through alternating layers of peanut-butter and fudge. After the piece gently falls onto my pretty blue plate, I am ready to share a spoonful of decadence with William.
“All right, open your mouth,” I say, while carefully slipping a little taste of heaven into his mouth.
His closes his eyes. I’m having trouble reading whether or not he likes it. He takes his time chewing; torturing me in the process. What does he think? Does he just like it or love it?
Finally, he opens his eyes and smiles. “This has to be the best thing I’ve ever tasted. What do you call it?”
“Whew, I’m so relieved. I was scared to death of what your reaction might be. Actually, I’m having trouble with the name. Do you have any ideas? It has to be something catchy if I’m to win a prize.”
“I’m guessing it has peanut butter, chocolate fudge, and there’s something crunchy, sort of cakey, too. It tastes unbelievable. I’m sure you could call it Crunchy-Munchy and win. Maybe if I had some more, I would be better able to help you with a name.”
I serve him a plate of dessert and enjoy one for myself. It really is good. In fact, I could eat it all day long.
~ * * * ~
Time is flying by way too fast. I have just shared my vision of my future restaurant with William, telling him that naming it is easy. I will call it Desirez’, which means desire, as in ‘what do you desire’ in French. I heard the word somewhere and it has stayed with me. I think it shows the passion I have for food.
Desirez’ will serve French cuisine with an American flair, and as I explain this to William, he understands, or at least he acts like he does. I mean, like, he is really concentrating on the ground, nodding his head. When he finally does say something, I am impressed how he brings Desirez’ to life, describing the incredibly innovative architectural touches he would add.
~ * * * ~
Our afternoon date is almost over. Twilight is here and the valley below sparkles with pin points of light.
We’ve been in a heated discussion about how to cheat the Rubik’s Cube, but I abruptly change the subject, “Lightening bugs are one of my top five things I enjoy about summer.”
“I’ve forgotten how some of the more simple things in life can be the most memorable,” he says, and his eyes focus on the flashes of light bouncing over grassy slopes.
Although I don’t want our date to end, I’m aware it’s almost over, but William’s first to say the words, “It’s probably time to head back. The last thing I would want is your father coming after me for keeping you away too long.”
“Don’t worry about ol’ Shep. He’s just thrilled to have me out on a date. Though, I’m sure I’ll be interrogated when I get home. He’ll want to know everything,” I say and immediately realize I’ve given away too much information.
“Does he quiz you after all your dates?”
“He hasn’t exactly had much opportunity.” Great, I can’t believe I just revealed this about my pathetic dating life. I try salvaging my dignity by adding, “We live in a small town. I wasn’t kidding when I said most of the guys in town are like my brothers. We’ve grown up together; it’s kind of weird to imagine dating any of them.”
“Well, I hope you tell your father about how much you enjoyed your day with me.”
How cute, William looks so hopeful!
“We’ll just have to wait and see,” I say while batting my flirty lashes. “Our date isn’t over, yet.”
“No, I suppose it isn’t.”
He stands up from the blanket and reaches his hand down to help me. I take it and manage to land on my feet. We watch as the stars fill the sky, and I am frozen to the spot. William slides his arm around my waist. Whew, I’m not sure how they got in there, but lightning bugs are buzzing around the inside of my entire body.
How exactly is this date gonna end?
“Wow, look at the lightning bugs over there,” I say nervously, turning away from him.
But suddenly, his gentle hand turns me around. I’m facing him now, but I can’t look him in the eyes. I am such a complete nerd. Now, he’s encircling both his arms around my back, and as he pulls me closer, a tingle runs down to my toes.
“Delilah, I was just wondering . . .” he whispers, allowing his lips to travel from my ear to my mouth, and his kiss is sweet as a sugar plum. A shiver dances up and down my spine. I try not to jump. Wait, what was he about to say?
Although I am trembling, I wrap my arms around his neck and tighten my embrace. I believe my feet have left the ground. I am floating in air . . . until he backs away, and I return to earth.
“I better take you home,” he says, appearing rattled and running his hand nervously through his dark hair.
I don’t know how to respond. I want to pout like a baby and say I don’t need to go home! I want to remain in this moment for the rest of my life! A feeling of desperation has swept through me, but all I can do is nod and head for the car.
The ride home goes by too quickly. Unfortunately, there’s no denying it, the night has come to an end. I know I’ll have trouble falling asleep tonight. I’ll be thinking about William.
“Thanks for the picnic. Can I see you tomorrow?” he asks.
“Sure, I have to leave for work around 4:30,” I say and am reminded of the rules of my workplace. “Do you mind not telling anyone about us seeing each other? I don’t want to get fired.” Suddenly I hate my new job.
He leans over and brushes his lips lightly over mine. “Don’t worry, your little secret’s safe with me. I wouldn’t want for you to be fired. Dinner’s much more interesting now that I can watch you scramble around the dining room.”
“Aren’t you the funny one? We’ll see how much you enjoy dinner, especially after
I accidently spill a drink on your lap,” I tease and playfully swat his arm.
He moves out of the car and around to my side. I’m not exactly used to men opening the door for me. I like it.
“All right, I guess I’ll try real hard to not spill a drink on your lap,” I say.
Why isn’t he saying anything? And why is he staring at me like that?
At last, he kisses me briefly before saying, “Sorry, I can’t seem to control myself around you.”
I smile before strutting towards my front porch. Just before I reach for the door, I turn around and say in my most sultry voice, “Goodnight, William.”
“Goodnight, Delilah,” he says and watches as I enter my house.
Five
I’m gonna be late for work. It’s a race against the clock, and piles of clothes fling over my shoulder as I search for my blac
k skirt and hose. Truthfully, my room is a complete mess.
William Berringer . . . I can’t concentrate on anything else. Maybe I should call in sick to work and if I do, William could come over and spend the afternoon with me. We’ll sip fresh lemonade on the front porch and then…what am I thinking! I know this is a bad idea. I need to hurry.
My uniform hangs on me in a rumpled mess. I look pathetic. It’ll be all right, I’ll see him at the resort.
Oh no, there’s Lydia’s car horn. She can’t be here already. I hurry to my bedroom window and greet her with a wave.
After another couple minutes, I dash for her car. “Sorry I’m late. I lost track of time,” I say, hopping onto my seat.
“Just don’t make a habit out of it,” Lydia says teasingly. “So, you gonna be okay seeing William at dinner tonight?”
“Sure thing, jellybean.”
If she knew the truth, she’d see I’m better than okay! I’m thrilled at the mere thought of being in the same room with William! I wonder how long I’ll be able to keep my mouth shut around Lydia. What I really want to do is tell the whole world about my feelings!
Lydia and I barely make it to work on time. The wait staff has just entered the main dining room with their standard graceful flow. We follow, acting as though we have been here all along.
I look towards William’s table. There he is, staring my way with a pleased grin on his face. Over the course of the evening, we make a game out of giving each other seductive winks and smiles. But at the end of my shift, I’m saddened when I realize he’s gone.
I round my vacant tables and notice that sitting there, on one of them, is a small piece of paper. It’s folded into the shape of a rose. I look over my shoulder. Good, nobody’s around.
Cautiously, I open the note: “Urgent, meet me on your front porch at 11:00 tonight.”
It’s from William! What could possibly be so important?
~ * * * ~
Thank goodness, Lydia rushes me home. What a great friend, I don’t even have to tell her why I’m in such a hurry. As soon as she pulls up the gravel drive, I bolt, barely even saying goodbye.
Lydia puts her head out the window and hollers, “You feelin’ all right?”
“I’m fine, darlin’! Don’t you worry about me! See you tomorrow!” I yell, as I swiftly enter my house.
Shep must’ve gone to bed. Thank goodness.
Quickly, I change into jeans and a pink tank top with spaghetti straps. The outfit feels casual but sexy. Look out William Berringer.
I run to the front porch and wait and wait. What could be so urgent? Why does he need to see me tonight? Anxiously, I pace the entire length of my porch. At last, I see the glow from his headlights appear.
William’s here. A shiver rushes down my spine. He smiles, and my feet can’t remain bound any longer. I rush over! But before I reach him, he puts up his hand for me to halt, and I stop midstream. What’s going on here?
All of a sudden, he pulls the other hand out from behind his back…aw, roses! Even through the darkness, I can see that half are white and the other six are each a different color, reminding me of a cupcake covered with white icing and colorful sprinkles.
With a large stride, he moves closer to me. As soon as we are mere inches away, he barely touches his lips to mine. His face is still ever so close. If I were to simply lean forward, just a little, then maybe he would kiss me . . . but he doesn’t. I think he’s into torture, but then he hands me the first bunch of flowers I’ve ever received.
“They’re beautiful. Where’d you find them?” I say, gently running my fingers along each petal.
“It wasn’t easy, but I knew you were worth the effort.” He wraps his arms around my waist and holds me closer.
My face nuzzles into his shirt and I inhale deeply, taking in his scent. The little bit of cologne he wears still holds faintly on his skin.
“By the way, what’s up with your message?” I whisper, and he looks blank, as if he has absolutely no idea what I’m talking about. “You wrote that you had something urgent to tell me . . . in the note?”
“Oh, that?” He looks down, as if embarrassed. “I just wanted to see you.”
“Oh, well, just don’t go making a habit out of scaring me half to death,” I say playfully, while nervously chewing my lower lip.
“I guess I didn’t think it through very well. I wrote the note in a hurry. You have no idea how long it took me to fold it up into a rose. Lydia almost busted me when I was putting it on your table,” he says, and right at this moment, I am lost in his gorgeous eyes, knowing he can see through into my very soul.
Mmmm, these flowers smell so sweet. William is so sweet.
“Would you like to sit on the front porch, for a spell?” I finally ask.
“Actually, I had better go back before my parents start questioning me about where I’m spending all of my time.”
“Oh, I suppose you haven’t mentioned me to them.”
“I am on strict orders from a certain someone to keep this relationship confidential. Remember?”
“Well, keep up the good work then,” I say playfully.
I can’t believe it! He hasn’t told his parents about me. I mean, I’ve told Shep everything, well almost everything, about William. Even though I asked him not to tell anyone about us, I figured he’d at least tell his parents.
All of a sudden, the excitement of our secret and forbidden romance isn’t as electrifying.
“Sweet dreams, princess,” he whispers and places his hand under my chin before gently lifting my head.
“Goodnight, William.”
I need to remind myself of the reason he’s even here tonight—just to bring flowers! The corners of my lips curve up, and I lean in closer. After all, how else am I supposed to show him I want for him to kiss me? He holds me tighter. I melt. This is the single best moment of my life.
When suddenly, the flowers fall from my hand and drop to the ground with a thud. We look down at the rumpled pile of flowers and hushed laughter erupts between us.
“Goodnight, Delilah,” he says with an amused grin.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, William. Thanks for the roses,” I say and wander toward my front door. Before walking through, I look back and whisper, “Good night.” And I blow a flirty kiss into the air.
He brought me roses! He brought me roses! I can’t believe he actually brought me roses! There’s a pink colored vase under my kitchen sink—my flowers will look perfect in it. I pour water into the glass vase and snip the ends of my roses. Ah, they smell so good.
~ * * * ~
The next morning, light pours into my room, and I am immediately reminded William will be here soon. There, on my dressing table, sits my beautiful bouquet of roses. William is so sweet. Just look what he did for me last night.
I have the whole day off. In just one hour, he will be here, and then we will go fly fishing. Secretly, I can’t wait to see him out of his refined comfort zone. Come to think of it, if I’m gonna look good, I better get a move on.
Within minutes, I hear the sound of his car, and my heart does a little flip-flop. I can’t wait to see him! But before I open the door, I pause so I can straighten my beige short-sleeved shirt and cut-off jean shorts. After taking in a large gulp of air, I step out onto the front porch.
Even in his somewhat “scrubby” clothes, William is breathtaking.
Before leaving, William and I load up our arms with the essentials for our journey: fly rods, net, blanket, and picnic basket. Our journey begins just outside my home. The trail weaves us around trees and along the stream, eventually leading us to a small grassy area near the water’s edge. I put down our things and watch as the wind rustles through leaves. A grin washes over my face. I am at peace.
“What’re you thinking?” William asks, as I pick out the perfect lure for the season and attach them to the lines.
“I think I’m gonna catch way more trout than you.”
“Haven’t you ever hear
d of beginners luck? I believe that could happen today.”
“We’ll have to see about that, now won’t we? Don’t think just because you’re a guy, fishing is gonna come naturally.”
“I definitely don’t think it will come naturally.”
We head into the water, and William whines a little before following me into the cool depths of the stream. While handing him the fly rod, I offer some good tips on how to fly fish. Our lines strike the water, and it only takes a few tries before William catches his first trout. I can’t help but laugh at the way he squirms like a little girl. He’s putting on a tough guy act, but I can tell he doesn’t want to touch the wiggling fish.
“You are such a wimp! You’re gonna have to man up, if you’re gonna hang with me!” I exclaim between fits of laughter.
After taking the fish off the hook, he allows the tiny little trout to swim away.
I can’t stop myself from wondering out loud, “How is it, you’ve managed your whole life without ever having handled a live fish?”
“I was never certain of that myself . . . up until now,” he says and heads for land. “I think I’ll hang back here awhile and enjoy the view.”
“I’m sorry for teasing. Come on, stay with me. I’ll tell you what, if you catch another fish, I’ll take it off the hook for you.”
“I’ll tell you what, how about we relax on this blanket, and I’ll let you snuggle up to me?” he says, and I giggle.
“You know, this water is awfully cold,” I agree.
The blanket is soft, and a breeze rolls over my body. William places his head close to mine. I can barely hear his breathing over the murmur of the stream.
“So this is what it’s all about?” he questions.
“What’s about?”
“I’ve heard the expression ‘Lazy days of summer,’ but have never experienced one.”
“How do you like it?” I ask, lacing my fingers through his.
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