Aquarius - Mr. Humanitarian: The 12 Signs of Love (The Zodiac Lovers Series)

by Tiana Laveen

  Fancy…

  “Yeah, that sounds great, Aiden. What time do you want to meet up?”

  “Let’s see.” She heard what sounded like shuffling papers. “I can probably get outta here around 11:45 and it will take me 20 minutes to get there, so we’re lookin’ at around 12:05, 12:10 tops.”

  “Okay, I can meet you there at 12 and get us a table. You know what? I should probably call in and make a reservation.”

  “Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. All right, beautiful, see you at noonish.”

  When he disconnected the call, she looked at her phone for a moment, then tossed it back into her pocket. She continued her jog, her mind flooded with memories of their lovemaking, and what he’d whispered to her before he’d left to go to work.

  “I love the time we’ve spent together. Let’s make it a habit…” And then he’d winked and walked out the door…

  Addison sighed. She’d massacred everything on her plate and her gut ached as a result, a sign of pure gluttony, but the food had tasted too delicious. She recalled her mother’s warning many years ago that happy women overeat when nice men they like take them on dates, wine and dine them, and love them up. Funny, she never overate with her ex-husband, but now she thought maybe Mom’s old wives tale was right. She’d devoured her salad and showed her salmon who was boss.

  She tried to ensure that when she looked into the man’s eyes as he spoke, she didn’t come across as silly and love-struck. Aiden talked about all sorts of things in great detail, and often her mind wandered as she focused on his lovely lips, or how good his hands felt all over her body.

  I’m such a damn pervert. Why can’t I stop thinking about last night? He just fucks so damn good! His dick… shit! What a thing of beauty. Okay, that’s enough! Concentrate, Addison… But I can’t. For God’s sake, we talked for over an hour after sex. Who does that? The man had talked about his job and brother, and asked me questions about my family… What sky did he fall from?!

  “And you know, so, that’s basically how it goes.”

  She nodded in agreement even though she had no idea what the hell he’d just said.

  “You have no idea what I just said.”

  At her gasp, he burst out laughing. She couldn’t help but do the same.

  “I’m so sorry, was it that obvious?” She winced, feeling quite shitty now that she’d been cold busted.

  “You’re going to have to learn how to play that off better. I, for instance, can nod, give direct eye contact, and answer questions without the person before me even knowing that I have completely checked out.”

  “Well, if there were awards given out for drifting away along another train of thought but still looking in the know, I suppose you’d win. Anyway, I’m sorry. I did hear bits of what you were discussing, like the new offices being built.”

  “Yeah… so tell me…” He tossed his napkin on the side and folded his hands along the table. “What’s on your mind?”

  “I was just, uh, thinking… It was nothing. You know what though? I want to run an idea past you.”

  “Shoot.” He reached for his glass of water and took a sip.

  “I want to create a series of fitness instruction tutorials and provide it on Patreon for people with various physical disabilities.”

  “Hmmm, interesting. Tell me more.”

  “See.” She leaned in close to the table, eager to lay her ideas out before him. “There isn’t a lot out there for people who, say, have a spinal injury, just had a C-section, or finished physical rehabilitation but still want some low impact exercise that is effective. I know that swimming and whatnot are ideal exercises, but for those who can’t get out much or can’t afford to pay for a gym membership or have a pool, I thought developing low impact exercise regimen for them would be beneficial. It’s not a get rich idea, just one I’ve had for a while that I think would help. Working in the hospital before I got married originally gave me the idea. I’ve had many speech therapy clients who came to me after an automobile accident telling me how much they’d like to be more active. Every time they try though, they seem to hurt themselves and then they just give up.”

  “That’s a great idea, you know that?” he said after a contemplative pause.

  He’d given her his seal of approval.

  “You think so?”

  “Yeah, I do. I say go for it.” He glanced down at his watch, then waved the waiter over for the bill. “Look, I have to get ready to go. There’s a meeting at work in a bit but thank you for lunch, especially since I asked you at the last minute.”

  “It’s not like my schedule is filled to the brim,” she joked, rolling her eyes.

  “It will be soon enough, and I’ll have to beg you to pencil me in,” he teased as he got to his feet.

  “Never that. I will always find time for you.” She winked at him and could have sworn his complexion deepened. The waiter arrived and Aiden settled the bill.

  “All right, let’s get out of here.” After helping her with her jacket, he took her hand and they walked out of the restaurant. She leaned into him, wanting to ask if he wanted to hook back up later, but thought better of it.

  Go slow, Addison… Don’t rush this good thing.

  “Aiden, you seem to give pretty good advice so let me ask you something else.”

  “I’m going to start charging you by the minute. You’re just using me like some pocket psychic.” She burst out laughing and squeezed his arm. “No, go ahead. What’s on your mind?” He smiled so sweetly at her. They approached their cars parked side by side.

  “I know of a professional camera lady, a college friend of mine who could shoot my workouts so that they look proficient. I could even sell the DVD version on Amazon for the older or old school crowd but to really make them look professional, I need a bit of a loan.” She sighed, then took a deep breath. “That means I’d either need to go to the bank, or call my father. The bank will look at me and laugh. I haven’t asked my parents for anything, especially after my marriage blew up in my face.” She hung her head, reliving the whole trauma all over again.

  “Put your pride aside, Addison, and ask your parents for the money. From what you’ve told me about your Mom and Dad, they want you to succeed. You’re lucky to have them.” He unlocked his car door and opened it, but remained standing there, an almost unreadable expression on his face. The man had spoken extensively of his brother, but little of his mother.

  “What do you mean by that?”

  He shrugged nonchalantly. “I mean what I said… you’re lucky to have them. Not everyone has good parents.”

  “Like you?’

  “We’re not talking about me. I was just answering your question. Look, I have to go.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Then he went to start his car, pull away and drive off. She stood there by her own car, but it suddenly felt unbelievably cold. The warm spell from his touch and kiss had suddenly blown away, leaving a chill behind.

  I know I don’t know him like that, but damn, Aiden, what was that about?

  Something about the man seemed closed off, and it wasn’t the first time she caught wind of it. It was almost as if he simply could not open himself wide open for view. She’d tried to enter his private thoughts as they laughed in bed after some of the most unbelievable lovemaking she’d ever experienced. But, every time, he blocked her, waved her off, and changed the topic. He’d done it more than once, refusing to allow her to swim in deeper waters within him. She was thus banished to the shallow end of his pool, the kiddie section, to bob about in three feet of water.

  Oddly enough, it seemed he wanted to know every little thing about her. In fact, if she were a betting a woman, she believed the man actually encouraged people to spill their guts with him. He was truly the type of fellow who wanted to help—while keeping a distance. Aiden undoubtedly enjoyed facilitating people, ushering them into a better life, hence his chosen occupation. He was a humanitarian to his very core, but when it came to his own life, well, those
doors appeared dead bolted, padlocked, barricaded with boards and wrapped in never-ending, unbreakable chains…

  I was born on the day of love…

  Actually, the origins of Valentine’s Day are much more sinister, but whatever…

  Aiden looked at the calendar and picked up the phone. He’d been working late. The office was practically vacant, with the exception of the cleaning crew and Todd, who stayed late most nights to avoid being home with his wife and children. The phone rang a couple of times, and then, she answered.

  “Hey, how are you?” came her sweet voice.

  “Good. What are you up to?”

  “I’m actually getting the rest of my underwear placed in the drawers. The mystery box of Wonder Woman briefs finally showed up.” She chuckled, causing him to do the same.

  “Mystery solved. Look, I won’t keep you but I just wanted to know what you were doing on Valentine’s Day? You wanna go out?”

  “Now why would I miss spending Valentine’s Day with such a sweetheart?” she teased.

  “It’s also my birthday.”

  “You were born on Valentine’s Day? Cool! That means you’re an Aquarius…”

  “Oh, come on, you’re not into that stuff, are you?” He grinned as he swiveled around in his seat.

  “I do read my horoscope actually. It’s fun!”

  “All right, well, how am I supposed to be?” He grimaced, ready to hear this load of fairytale bullshit.

  “Well, you guys born under the sign of Aquarius can be complicated to understand. You make great friends, but can be reserved. You’re dependable but like your space. I can see you being an Aquarius. Yeah, I mean, you’ve definitely got some of the tell-tale signs.”

  “Okay.” He rolled his eyes. “Enough of that crazy mess. So, I wanted to go out to eat then maybe we can—”

  “Wait a minute there, partner. It’s your birthday, too… not just Valentine’s Day. You need a little special something, and I am really good at these sorts of things.”

  “These sorts of things? Please don’t go out of your way or anything, Addison. I don’t know exactly what you mean but I can tell you that—”

  “So that means I will be planning something for you. Quiet. Let me do all of the preparations, okay?”

  “Nah, you don’t have to do any of that.” He said the words but deep inside he was curious as to what she’d come up with. In fact, he felt a bit of a thrill at knowing she might have a special surprise for him.

  “I insist. Besides, every time we go out, you wine and dine me and never accept my offer to help pay. It’s time you got treated for a change.”

  “Hmm, okay. Well, can I tell you what I’d like to do since you want to make this more about my birthday than Valentine’s Day?”

  “Of course.”

  “I want us to have dinner at my place. Watch a little television together, just chill. I’m not hard to please, just simple stuff. I heard you can give some pretty nice massages so I’d like to have one of those, too.”

  “You’ve got it. What time would you like me there?”

  “I’ll text you the info. I’m on my way out the door.” He stood from his seat and stretched.

  “That’s fine. Chat with you soon, birthday boy!” And then she disconnected the call.

  Aiden grabbed his computer so he could continue some work at home and waved farewell to Todd.

  “See ya tomorrow, man!”

  “Bye, Aiden. Yeah, see ya.”

  Todd may be miserable about the woman he’s going home to, but I can’t wait to see my girl tomorrow… Girl? Did I really just call her my girl? I guess I did. Would you look at that?!

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Bringing Joy to the Birthday Boy

  He couldn’t help himself…

  The entire living room, kitchen, and bedroom were flooded with red and white glowing candles, low playing love songs, and Valentine’s Day paper cut-outs and decorations from the local party shop. He knew it was his birthday and that Addison was coming by soon, but there was something special about today, something he couldn’t quite explain. He couldn’t and wouldn’t be satisfied with receiving and not giving—after all, he got immense pleasure from sharing joy, especially with someone as special as Addison. There was a vibe in the air that made him stir-crazy, one that forced a need to blend the two holidays into one.

  Maybe it was the frantic movements of all the guys he’d seen earlier in the day rushing into the drug stores to purchase last minute large heart-shaped boxes of assorted chocolates, sickeningly sweet ‘I Love You So Much’ cards, a dozen red roses from a stranger on the corner, and overpriced perfumes from the locked counters at the department stores. Perhaps it was the memory of him and his brother sitting around their big, round kitchen table drawing crayon pictures for their mother with choppy red and pink lines on bright yellow paper, drowning in the smell of freshly poured glue, and glitter spreading all over the place. He smiled as that memory worked its way within his mind.

  I’d forgotten all about that… She loved those cards we gave her.

  Just as the thought entered his mind, his cellphone rang. He looked at the caller ID and swallowed.

  He finally answered on the fourth ring as he headed to his stove to stir the pot of sauce. “Hello.”

  “Heeey, baby.” Mom’s voice was chock full of alcohol-induced emotion. “Happy bir…birthday…”

  “Thank you, Mom.”

  “I uh, tried to call you earlier today but you didn’t answer.”

  “Yeah, I was at work…real busy.”

  “You’re always workin’.” She sighed loudly. “You shoulda taken off for your birthday… had some fun. My Valentine’s baby.”

  “I’m off now, actually.”

  “That’s good. I know you and… shit, what’s her name? I guess it doesn’t matter since you said you two broke up… You uh, you got a new Valentine?” She chuckled. He had a feeling she didn’t care either way and was just making small talk.

  “I actually—”

  “You have a date with a pretty girl tonight?” The lady coughed so hard, it sounded like her lung was coming up, too.

  “Yeah… she’s on her way over, actually.”

  “Mmmm, what’s ’er name?”

  “Addison…”

  He closed his eyes and regrouped. Mom’s drinking had gotten pervasively worse in the last two months, as if that were even possible. He wasn’t certain what was driving the already raging habit into full throttle overdrive. She’d been drunk off her ass just about every night, and he’d had to leave work on trumped up excuses. He’d talked the police out of taking her away once again; in fact, he and one of the officers were now on a first name basis but he was sure his luck would soon run out. Everyone was tired of Mom’s shit. He’d given the landlord two months extra rent, asking him please not kick her out, and even that didn’t guarantee a promise from the man.

  Mom had been a good tenant until this year, so her history worked on her behalf, but how long would that last? He didn’t think things could get much worse over the years, but she’d managed to prove him wrong. Late rent when she had the money was a new reoccurring theme due to forgetfulness from her alcoholic haze. She also engaged in disorderly conduct with neighbors over the most trivial of things—people she used to be cordial with. Those relationships were now damaged beyond repair. And then, the latest situation: threatening bodily harm to her neighbors in repeated drunken stupors.

  Drunken stupors? It suddenly hit him. Mom was rarely drunk on his birthday. In fact, he only recalled one time when that happened, and in fairness to her, at the time she’d just found out her best friend had been killed in a motorcycle accident.

  He recalled one of his most beloved birthday memories. The memory unfolded like tiny, purple paper hearts fluttering from the sky…

  On his 7th birthday, he was sick with the flu. It sucked. He was going to miss being able to pass out the brownies with all the crunchy walnuts his mom had made, way before it s
eemed everyone had a nut allergy. A little girl named Peg was in his class and he’d made her a special card. Mom had even bought him a pack of stickers to decorate it with. But, Peg would never receive it…

  Mom kept him home and fixed him a big bowl of chicken soup, read him his favorite stories, and baked a large vanilla cake. He got to watch cartoons and plenty of movies; the action-packed ones were the best. She handed him a big box full of brand new toy cars and played Go Fish with him in between giving him nasty doses of medicine and pain relievers. Sometime during that day, she stood up on a chair peering down at him and opened her hands. Out poured pieces of shimmery confetti and little purple paper hearts. Before he knew it, the stuff was all over the place, covering his bed, his foot that poked out from the corner of his white sheets, and his hair. He laughed and clapped as she made a show of it.

  That was a Valentine’s Day he’d never forget. Mom was stone cold sober. She looked pretty, clean, smelled good, her hair combed. She spoke coherently and didn’t yell and scream. She took care of him and his baby brother. That day, she was a good mom. A very good mom…

  “Aiden, did you hear me, son?

  “Uh, sorry… no. What did you say?”

  “Where’d you meet her at?”

  “Work. Mom, I gotta go. Thanks for calling me and wishing me a happy birthday.”

  “Can you stop by sometime later today? Something is wrong with the bathroom sink.”

  “No, Mom, I can’t. My girlfriend is coming to see me, remember? Call the management agency. That’s what they’re there for. If they can’t help, then they’ll call someone who can. I’ll talk to you later.” When he ended the call, anger soared within him until his ears burst with hot steam like the pot bubbling on the stovetop. He gave the pasta sauce a few good stirs but couldn’t concentrate. Snatching his phone back off the counter, he dialed his brother.

  “Hey, I thought you had a date tonight, birthday boy?”

  “I do. Can you please stop sending Mom my way?!”