by J. Lea
The following day Connor and I took my parents on a trip, and we spent our last day resting and talking in the backyard. The only thing that would make this trip even more perfect would be having Ava with us, but Connor and I needed to do this on our own. The next time we’re visiting my parents, Ava is definitely coming with us to meet them.
A few months later
“D o you have everything you need?” Mom asks.
She and my Dad are currently visiting us. They flew in last week, and they’ll be staying for a couple more days.
“Yes, I just need to grab my keys.”
It’s Connor’s birthday, and I managed to buy him a gift this year – a sports watch. The one he has now is old and doesn’t work that well anymore. I really hope he likes it, Phoenix said it’s perfect for Connor.
Connor already left a few minutes ago; he drove his family to Mi Vida. Even Carlos insisted on coming. Mom and Dad are coming with me, Amber will be joining us later.
We managed to restore the club after the fire, despite the substantial damages to the structure. Insurance money helped a great deal. Business is even better than before, and I’m happy for Connor and Phoenix. Their dream is back on track.
I’ve abandoned my aspirations to work in health care again and moved on to a different career. After the incident with Dana, Connor couldn’t let me out of his sight, so he asked me to help with the club’s bookkeeping. At first, I was hesitant since I had no experience in accounting, but then I enrolled in an accounting course which turned out to be a complete success; I didn’t realize I was that good with numbers. I still help Dolores take care of Carlos. He has his good and bad days, but he’s sticking with the dietary plan and doesn’t complain about daily walks anymore. As far as Dana is concerned, she has been sentenced and is now in prison, serving her time.
Like every evening, Mi Vida’s parking lot is packed. The bouncer smiles as he sees me approaching, nodding his chin in greeting.
“How fancy,” Mom says in excitement as we walk inside. “So modern. Look, Trent, there’s Dolores waving at us. Shall we go say hi?” Dad nods, kisses my cheek, and they head toward Dolores.
I scan the room for Connor, but he finds me first. He wraps his arms around my middle as he places a kiss on my neck.
“Where have you been hiding?” Goose bumps start rising along my skin as his lips slide up my throat, his warm breath caressing my skin. Turning around, I kiss him back.
“Even if I were hiding, I have a feeling you’d be able to find me anywhere.”
“Always,” he agrees.
“I have something for you.”
“Oh, really?” he asks, reaching to my backside. “Here?” he raises an eyebrow squeezing my ass. I tilt my head back, laughing. His teeth find my earlobe, and soon, his tongue joins in.
Swatting his chest, I roll my eyes playfully. “Not that, silly. Well, that, too, but it’ll have to wait until we get home.”
“You got me a present?” he singsongs, his arms tightening the embrace.
“Yes.” I pull the box with a bow on the top from my purse.
“You bought me a watch?” he asks. I suck at wrapping presents so I didn’t even try.
“Do you like it? I know you said you need a new one. I didn’t know what else to get you.”
“It’s perfect, thank you.” He opens the box and slides the watch on his wrist after removing the old one. Looking content, he lowers his lips to mine. His kiss is passionate, all-consuming, one of those kisses that makes my blood boil and leaves me wanting more. Connor groans, biting my lip. “You up for a quickie? We’ll be back before anyone notices we were gone.”
“Oh, get a room you two. You’re making me sick.” Amber feigns annoyance, pretending to gag, but she is smiling, excited to see me. Phoenix is right by her side.
“Amber.” With a squeal, we rush into a hug.
“You look good, Ev.” She whistles her approval as she examines me from head to toe.
“I could say the same for you.” She’s wearing a black skirt and a tee that spells DIVA across her chest. The sexy high-heeled sandals emphasize her long, lean legs, and her hair is pulled back in a ponytail. She’s dressed surprisingly conservatively. And her make up is more subdued than usual.
It’s been over three months since I’ve seen my best friend. And I missed her every minute of every day.
“Happy birthday, Connor,” she singsongs, a little tipsy from the look of things. She hands him a gift bag. “A little something”– she winks– “so you don’t get bored in bed. Even though it seems you have no issues in that area so far.”
Connor pulls a present out the bag, and judging from the explicit images depicted on it, it’s a sex toy. “So the passion in and out of the bedroom never fades,” he reads out loud. “Thank you.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me, chuckling. “This’ll be fun.” He puts the present back in the bag. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“No, she’s good.” Phoenix says.
“Yeah. Something strong,” says Amber at the same time.
Phoenix scowls at Amber, she narrows her eyes at him.
“I’ll have a tequila.” It’s like she is challenging Phoenix. “And make it a double.”
“The hell you are.” Phoenix looks pissed off.
“You can’t tell me what to drink.” With hands on her hips, she makes a point.
Okay, what the hell is going on between these two? Connor and I look at each other dumbfounded.
“Seriously, woman, you’re driving me crazy,” Phoenix says through gritted teeth.
“Good. Because you’re pissing me off.”
Connor leans into me, whispering into my ear. “I think you and Amber need some alone time. I’ll grab a beer with Phoenix, okay?” With a nod, I smile at him. That’s exactly what I was thinking.
“Come on, man.” He pats Phoenix’s shoulder. “Let’s leave the ladies to talk.”
“Fine,” he agrees, but he is scowling at Amber. She huffs and turns away from him.
I wait until they’re out of earshot before I speak. “What’s going on between you two?” They’re acting really weird. She flew in a couple of days ago but spent every moment at his place, I haven’t gotten so much as a text message from her.
“Nothing.”
“Bullshit. You never drink, something’s obviously wrong.” Despite always working nights in a strip club with booze overflowing left and right, she never drinks more than one drink per night. She says alcohol makes people weak, and she needs to feel in control at all times.
“Fine,” she says with an eye-roll. “Phoenix wants us to be exclusive. He doesn’t want me to take my clothes off for money and wants me to stop hanging out with other men.”
“Wow.” I didn’t expect her to say that.
“Yes, wow.” Sarcasm is heavy in her voice. “That motherfucker. How can he ask me something like that? I told him right in the beginning that our relationship is purely physical and that sex is all he’s ever getting from me.”
“And?”
“There’s nothing more to say. We had a horrible fight over it an hour ago. I wanted to leave but he stopped me and we had angry sex. Angry, wild, dirty, rough sex. The best sex I’ve ever had.” Sighing, she looks like she’s lost.
“I don’t see a problem here. He likes you.”
“I …” Amber opens her mouth then closes it. Like she doesn’t know what to say. “He said we need to talk after the party. He doesn’t know I’ll be gone before that.”
“What?” Stunned, I blink my eyes. “You’re leaving? Already? But we barely even saw each other. I thought we’ll have more time.”
“So did I, but things changed. Please, don’t tell Phoenix or Connor. I don’t want any drama.”
My shoulders drop with sadness. “I’ll keep my mouth shut if that’s what you want. But, Amber, I think you’re making a big mistake.”
“I’ve made up my mind already.” She shrugs, but doesn’t look too certain.
&nb
sp; Before I could talk her out of it, an annoying, squealing sound resounds from the speakers. Connor’s voice fills the place, we all turn to the stage.
“Hi there.” Connor waves at everyone, smiling. “Another year has passed, and I want to thank everybody for coming. I really appreciate it. But that’s not the real reason I invited you here tonight. Well, maybe part of the reason,” he jokes. “Everyone who means something to me is here today, my family and friends. I love you all.” Searching through his pockets, he continues, “But there’s one special person here.” His eyes land on me, making me melt. “Everly, can you come closer, please?” He’s still checking his pockets, but looking at me. Turning to Amber to see if she knows something I don’t, she just nods at me. Ugh, I hate being the center of attention.
“Go,” Amber encourages. “Don’t leave your man waiting.” Pushing me gently, she makes me move.
I straighten my dress nervously, and walk toward him. My heart is racing and my palms are sweating. What the hell is he doing?
“There’s something I want to tell you.” His velvet voice speaks into the microphone.
“Can’t you do it at home?” I ask and I can feel my cheeks turn pink.
“No,” he chuckles.
This reminds me of his birthday one year ago when he’d written a song for me and sang it right here. I’ll never forget that day. It was the beginning of something beautiful.
“I actually wrote down some words, but can’t find that piece of paper anywhere. It must have fallen out or something. Well, to hell with it. I know it by heart anyway.” He jumps from the stage, walking toward me. “I’ve told you what I feel for you a thousand times, Everly. But it still feels I don’t say it often enough. I love you.”
Everyone’s eyes are directed at us, dreamy and gleaming.
“I love you, too, but can we do this somewhere else?” He knows how embarrassed I get with people staring at me. It’s his birthday; he should be the center of attention.
It’s like he didn’t hear me or he ignores me on purpose. “It was a beautiful summer day, a day like any other. But boy, was I wrong. That day changed everything. I was sleeping when a bell woke me up. Annoyed, I went to open the front door, and for a second, I froze, thinking I was still dreaming because an angel was standing in front of me.”
He doesn’t pay attention to anyone else, but I don’t miss how women and some men, sigh dreamily. Connor is looking at me like I’m the only person in the room. I always loved that about him, it makes me feel special and cherished.
“So breathtakingly beautiful. You have no idea how hard it was, watching you every day, talking to you and laughing, constantly reminding myself that you were an employee, my friend, even though I wanted you to be so much more.”
My eyes tear up. It’s incredible how this man can awaken emotions in me, that are so strong it literary hurts. Emotional I press a palm to my chest, feeling my heartbeat thump so hard it might explode with love.
“There were times I almost gave up on you, but I’m glad I didn’t because all my efforts finally paid off. A year ago, on this exact day, you agreed to go on a date with me and made me the happiest man alive. I started believing in love and happy endings once more, something I thought I could never have again. I’m so grateful to have you in my life, baby. I didn’t just fall in love with you. I fell in love with your beautiful eyes, that sexy birthmark above your lip, the smile that burns brighter than the sun, and your stubbornness.”
Everyone laughs at his final remark, and I can’t help but to laugh with them. It’s true, I can be stubborn sometimes.
“But most of all, I fell in love with your personality, and everything you are. You’re funny, down-to-earth, beautiful, tender, smart, and I’m glad you’re sharing it all with me. It’s hard to describe what’s in my heart so I’m just going to have to show you.”
With the corner of my eyes, I notice my Mom’s eyes are glistening with tears, Dad’s arms lovingly around her shoulders. Dolores is smiling, standing behind Carlos’s wheelchair, her hands resting on his shoulders, Ava is sitting in his lap. Amber is jumping up and down with … excitement?
Connor nervously grins, taking my left hand in his, kissing it.
“What are you doing?” I whisper so only Connor can hear me.
Without saying a word, he gets down on his knee, his eyes locked with mine the whole time.
“Baby,” he breathes, smiling nervously. With a shaky voice, he continues. “A while ago, someone said that love is freeing, and almost as important as oxygen.” Looking at Dolores, she nods at him, encouraging him to go on. “Now I know what that person meant by it. Everly, because of you I can breathe again. You’re my oxygen, my everything. You’d make me the happiest man alive if you became my wife. Will you marry me?”
“No way!” My hand flies to my mouth in surprise. I didn’t expect that.
Baffled, he blinks at me, people around me are getting confused. “You won’t?” His voice shakes.
My eyes bulge. Oh, my god, did I say that out loud? “No. I mean yes.” Closing my eyes, I shake my head to gather myself, heat rising to my cheeks. “I didn’t mean to say that out loud. It came out wrong. I was just stunned.”
“So is that a yes, then?”
“Yes.” I smile. “I want to marry you.”
“Whew, you scared me for a second there.” Ava runs to us, holding a midnight blue velvet box in her hand. Grinning, she sits on his knee, giving him the box.
“Daddy and I picked it out together,” she announces proudly and waits for Connor to open it. And when he does, I’m lost for words. It’s perfect. Made out of white gold, it holds a beautiful gemstone. Gemstone is surrounded by a heart on each side, connected into an infinity sign. And it’s even engraved: You have my heart. I thought I was emotional before, I’m a crying mess now. I can’t contain myself, nor do I want to – I start bawling my eyes out in front of everybody, the tears are clouding my vision.
“It’s so beautiful,” I breathe as I try to wipe the tears from my eyes. Connor takes the ring out of the box with shaky hands.
“Will you marry me?” he repeats the question, his voice still shaky with emotions.
“Yes, a thousand times yes.” His mouth finds mine in all consuming kiss. “God, I love you so much.” When we come for air, Connor slips the ring on my finger, and it’s a perfect fit.
Ava squeals with delight. I can barely hear the whistling crowd, the claps and the cheers, I’m in my happy bubble with Connor.
“I love you,” he murmurs against my lips.
“Y ou ready, man?” Phoenix slaps my shoulder, giving me a gentle squeeze.
“More than ready.” I nod as I button the last cufflink, then put on my vest and my jacket. Standing in my bedroom, I count down the minutes to the ceremony. It feels like I’ve been waiting for this moment forever. Who would have thought I’d tie the knot once again? Two years ago, I didn’t even think about dating let alone marriage. The only thing on my mind was Ava and her wellbeing. But so much has changed since then. I’m glad I found my soulmate and I’m happy my daughter will have a woman in her life, someone she can look up to, beside me.
Dolores has been running around like crazy, arranging the last details. I haven’t seen Everly since yesterday. Amber kidnapped her and took her to a girl’s night out including manicures, pedicures, massages, peelings, and other girly shit. She told me they’d be back in time for the wedding. They better, or there’ll be serious consequences.
We’ve decided on a small, intimate ceremony with family and closest friends. It’ll take place on the beach, our favorite spot.
“Knock, knock,” Dolores says before poking her head in, Ava skipping in behind her.
“Wow, Daddy, you look so handsome.” She walks to me, and I squat down to wrap my arms around her, squeezing her hard.
“And you look like a real princess.” She looks so grown up in her frilly empire waist dress. The top is silver and dotted with tiny sequins. There’s a big
grey bow knotted at the high waist, and the bottom is all white ruffles, falling to her knees. Her hair us up and she’s wearing a silver tiara.
“Everly picked it out for me,” she says proudly and spins around to show me the whole dress. Dolores watches her with tenderness.
“You look great, Dolores.” I get to my feet and kiss her cheek. She chose a navy blue long mesh dress with cap sleeves and a lace bodice.
Even though Everly organized the whole wedding, Dolores helped with everything. Everly’s parents offered to help but they live too far away, so we didn’t want to bother them.
“Thank you. But I feel silly all dressed up.” She runs her hands down her dress.
“Don’t.” She should be proud of herself, looking younger than she is.