I disappear into the dining area that’s reserved for the LaClaire family and their guests.
“What’s up with the goofy grins?” I say as I pull out a chair.
“We’re just happy for you, that’s all,” Bryant says.
“What makes you think I got what I want?” I run a hand down my cheek. This morning, I definitely got what I wanted. Ellie blew my mind in more ways than I could ever have imagined. She’s unlike any woman I have ever met.
But is it the real thing? Can love really happen so fast?
“It’s written all over your face, dude.” Neal lifts his glass of water to his lips. “Are you going to tell us everything or what? We’ve been waiting all day.”
“How about we order first?” Lance picks up the menu. “I have a feeling this is going to take a while.”
“I’m not hungry,” I say.
“Looks like someone’s filled with love.” Neal clasps his hands on the table. “Go on, tell us how it went.”
I clasp my hands behind my head. “Fine. I’ll tell you what happened.” There’s no point in torturing them.
“Was she as hot as in the photo?” Lance drops the menu.
“She was hotter in real life.” I pause a little too long because someone clears their throat. “She’s not just beautiful on the outside. She has a beautiful soul.”
“Wow,” Derrick says in disbelief. “I never thought I’d hear you say something like that about a woman. You didn’t seem that interested in a woman’s inner beauty.”
I run a hand through my hair. “Yep, I’m kind of surprising myself these days.”
“Looks like our mission is accomplished, then.” Neal puffs out his chest. “Am I right, Caleb?”
“Aren’t you guys jumping the gun a little? We just met for the first time. We’re not headed to the altar or anything.” Without my permission, an image of Ellie with a veil in front of her face appears in my mind, and snatches my breath. I reach for Bryant’s grape juice and drain the glass, but my throat is still dry.
“Trust me, if she’s the one, it’s only a matter of time. You know how fast it happened for some of us.” Lance picks up the menu again. “When it’s meant to be ––”
“It’s meant to be,” they all say and urge me to say more.
I tell them about the unforgettable time I spent with Ellie, our simple date that had such a huge impact on me.
“So,” Neal says. “Are you guys actually dating now?”
I don’t really know how to answer that question. After the letters, the texts, and the kiss, I’m still not one hundred percent sure where we stand. Maybe I want Ellie to tell me. “I’m honestly not sure.”
“Don’t tell me you’re waiting to jump into the sack with her first,” Neal says, feigning disappointment.
“No.” I rub my eyes. “I’m just being careful. I don’t want to rush things. She’s been through a lot.” I continue to tell them about everything Ellie had gone through in the past years with her late husband and caring for their son alone.
By the time I’m done, everyone at the table is silent. The silence is only broken by a waiter appearing to ask if we want to order anything else. Everyone shakes their heads. No one says a word.
“But she’s one hell of a strong woman,” I say to break the awkward silence.
“She sounds like it,” Neal responds in a low voice. He’s very familiar with the pain of loss, more than all of us.
“Raising her son alone can’t be easy. Poor her. Poor kid.” It’s Lance who speaks this time. He’s the one familiar with being chained to a wheelchair.
“No, it’s not easy. I could see the pain in her eyes. But she loves her son so much she would do anything for him.”
“A woman that committed to someone she loves is a keeper. Don’t mess it up, bro.” Neal pats me on the back. “You’ve got this.”
“I’ll do my best. But what if I fuck up? I’ve never been in this kind of situation before.”
“Love will help you figure it out.” Bryant glances at his watch. “And if you need anything, just give us a call.”
Derrick places both his palms on the table. “Since our job here is done, I guess we better get going.”
“What do you mean?” I frown at him. “Are you leaving tonight?”
“Don’t you think we’ve meddled enough in your life?” Bryant laughs. “We’ve been here long enough. The jet is ready for us, and our women are waiting in Boston.”
“Thank you for meddling in my life. I mean it. I wouldn’t have met Ellie if it weren’t for you guys. I’ll keep you in the loop.”
CALEB
After my brothers leave, instead of going to my place, I decide to spend the night in the presidential suite of the hotel, a suite reserved for family only.
As soon as I enter, I check my phone again. Nothing from Ellie. Trying not to go crazy, I jump into the shower. The first thing I do once I walk out of the bathroom is pick up my phone again. Still nothing.
I’m desperate to give her a call, but I’m fucking terrified to hear that maybe our date didn’t impact her as much as it did me.
At midnight, I can’t take it anymore, so I send her a text. I keep it simple.
I had a great time with you. Love, Caleb
It’s late and she’s probably in bed, but the simple act of sending the message relieves me of some of the pressure building inside my chest.
She responds within minutes.
I had a wonderful time, too. It’s late. Why are you still awake? XOXO Ellie.
I write back with a smile on my face.
I was thinking of you. I’d love to see you again. Very soon.
She doesn’t write back immediately, but I know she will. Thank God I don’t have to wait days for letters coming by post.
I lie on the bed, hands clasped behind my head as I wait for her message. When my phone finally beeps. It’s a simple question.
How soon? E.
I bury my hand in my hair. If I had it my way, I’d want to see her right away. But I have to respect that she has a son who’s dependent on her.
You tell me. Tomorrow? The day after tomorrow? Two days after tomorrow? Whenever you want. I’d love to kiss you again.
As soon as I send the message, my doorbell rings.
I’m frowning as I go to the front door, wondering who would be coming up here so late. I didn’t order room service.
When I open the door, my heart clenches.
“Surprise.” The woman in front of me opens the coat she’s wearing to reveal that there’s nothing underneath. “I’ve missed you.”
I shake my head and push a hand through my hair. “Jane, I’m sorry.”
“Sorry about what exactly?” She pushes past me to enter the suite. Once inside, she turns to face me in all her naked glory. “Sorry that you ignored me earlier in the restaurant?”
“I didn’t ignore you.” I do my best to keep my eyes on her face instead of below her neck. “And you shouldn’t be here.”
“Why not?” Her smooth brow wrinkles. “This is what we do. When you spend the night here, we always get together.”
I approach her and reach for both sides of the coat. “Not anymore. We’re not a couple.” I close her coat to hide the temptation, then take a step back. “I’m seeing someone.”
Jane stands there, eyes wide with surprise. “You can’t be serious. You don’t date, Caleb. You just fuck. Wasn’t that what you told me, three years ago? You said you don’t do relationships.”
“I guess people change. I changed.” I squeeze my eyes shut. “I’m in a relationship now. I’m really sorry.”
“Well, in that case, fuck you.” She tightens the belt of her coat. “And fuck your hotel. I quit.” With that, she walks out of my suite and I return to the bedroom.
The old me would never have been able to resist Jane. Of all the girls I fucked in the past, she’s the one I slept with the most. But we never dated. I had made it clear from the start that I didn’t want mo
re and she was okay with it.
I do feel terrible that she gave up her job because of me. I make a mental note to call her in the morning, after she has hopefully calmed down. If she doesn’t want to work at this hotel, I’ll offer to give her a position in one of my other hotels or restaurants.
I find a text message waiting for me in the room, assuring me that I have made the right decision to keep my dick in my pants tonight.
Day after tomorrow. Maybe I will let you kiss me again. Movies?
I throw myself onto the bed and write back.
Sounds great. I can’t wait.
God knows how I’ll be able to focus on a movie with Ellie by my side.
ELLIE
For our second date, Caleb insisted on picking me up instead of me meeting him somewhere.
The moment I walk out of the house, I find a black stretch limousine parked on the curb.
Last time it was the expensive restaurant, and now it’s a limousine. He’s really going all out to impress me.
If only he knew that he didn’t have to try so hard. Since our first date, I’ve been unable to get him out of my mind. At random times of the day I found myself daydreaming about us being together again.
I was really looking forward to this date, but now as I watch the limousine, I feel the blood drain from my face. He has made such an effort and I’m dressed casually in skinny jeans and a blush pink stretchy top that Cindy talked me into buying. I can’t help but feel underdressed.
I consider going back inside to change into something else, but the door of the limousine opens and Caleb steps out.
A soft sigh escapes my lips. He’s wearing jeans too with a plain, white t-shirt. I should be fine.
I walk down the path toward the gate, which he opens for me.
“You look amazing.” His eyes wrinkle at the corners as he smiles.
“Are you sure I’m not underdressed?” I ask, just to make sure. I have no idea if he has something fancy planned for tonight.
“You are perfect just the way you are.” He kisses my cheek and I inhale sharply from the rush that races through me at the memory of our first kiss.
“You really didn’t have to hire a limo,” I say as I get inside. Everything around us is pure luxury, polished wood, soft leather, and even a bottle of Dom Pérignon chilling in a silver bucket. It’s like in the movies.
“You’re worth it. And don’t worry, I didn’t have to hire the limo. It’s mine.” He taps the window between us and the chauffeur, and the car starts moving.
“Who are you exactly?” I clutch onto my bag to keep my hands from reaching out to touch his stubble. I’m already imagining how it would feel on the palm of my hand. I used to love doing it to Tim.
“What do you mean?” He lifts the champagne from the bucket and pops it open.
I shrug. “I don’t know. I just have this feeling that you’re not one of us.”
He chuckles. “Maybe I’m not. Maybe I’m some kind of alien or something.”
“Oh, that would make sense.” I laugh out loud. Sitting next to Caleb, talking to him, and laughing at each other’s jokes feels so natural. It’s hard to imagine that we’ve only known each other a couple of weeks.
He watches me for a long time, still holding onto the champagne bottle, white smoke spilling from the opening. “I love the way you laugh.”
I touch my lips with my fingertips. “Thank you. I wish I had more to laugh about.”
“If you can’t find more to laugh about on your own, I’m sure I can help you with that.”
“I’d like that.” I pause. “What are we watching tonight?” It’s been years since I went to the movies and I can’t wait to see what movie Caleb chose. He said he’d surprise me.
“I have no idea,” he says, spilling champagne into a flute. He hands it to me.
“What do you mean you don’t know?” I eye him over the rim of my glass. “What happened to you choosing a movie for us?”
“I changed my mind.” He fills his own glass. “You’ll help me choose the movie.” He takes a swig of his champagne. “I thought it would be more fun that way.”
I nod. “I guess so. But I haven’t gone to the theater in a long time. I might choose a crappy movie.”
“You’re not the only one. I haven’t been to the theater in a while too. How about we ask the person at the counter to decide what we should watch?”
I drink more champagne, relishing the fizz on my tongue. “You want us to watch a movie based on someone else’s taste?”
“Don’t you think that would be fun?”
“Actually, why not? I think it’s a great idea.”
“Great. I can’t wait to see what lies in store for us.” Caleb raises his glass. “To a beautiful evening.”
“To a beautiful evening,” I say, tapping my glass against his. Our gazes hold for a few seconds. I’m the first one to look away, too terrified of what I might do if I don’t.
Twenty minutes after Caleb picked me up, I turn to him with a frown. “Where are we going? We’ve driven past two theaters.”
“I have other plans.” He winks.
“We won’t watch a movie anymore?” I don’t mind if his plans for our date change. After years of being in control of everything in my life, it’s a relief to let someone else take the wheel.
“We’re definitely going to watch a movie, but in a different kind of cinema. It’s a surprise.”
“Good.” I peer out the window into the darkness. “I love surprises.”
A few minutes later, I grin as the limo pulls into an open-air cinema on the edge of town.
“Oooh! I like this twist.” I’m breathless with excitement because I’ve never been to an open-air cinema before.
“I thought it would be a better experience, especially since it will only be the two of us.”
When the limo comes to a halt, Caleb gets out and opens the door for me. I would have opened it myself, but I’m reeling from what he just said.
I take his hand and he pulls me out of the car. Our bodies touch for a second and my senses start to spin. I don’t know whether it’s the alcohol or Caleb’s intoxicating cologne, but I feel like I’m drunk suddenly. I also feel happier and freer than I’ve been in a long time.
I tip my head back to look into his face. “Why would you reserve the whole open-air cinema just for us?”
“Because I can,” he whispers. “And because we deserve it.” He taps the driver’s window and exchanges a few words with him. Then he steps back.
As the limo pulls away, leaving us behind in an open field, surrounded by night, Caleb takes my hand again. “Come on, let’s go find out what we’ll be watching.”
He takes me to the only building on the land. It resembles a farmhouse.
“Mr. LaClaire,” a woman with salt and pepper hair tied in a bun welcomes us inside. “I’m Mary Wilson. We spoke on the phone.” She shakes Caleb’s hand. “It was such a pleasure to prepare this evening for you.”
“Thank you for doing it at such late notice.” Caleb turns to me with a grin. “Mr. and Mrs. Wilson don’t mind that it’s just the two of us.”
“I think it’s romantic.” The woman clasps her hands under her chin. “We had our first date in this very cinema, forty years ago. Ten years after we got married, we bought the farm and the cinema.”
“Wow,” I say. “Now that’s romantic.”
“It sure was.” Mr. Wilson enters the lobby and pulls his wife close. “But tonight is about you, not us. Have you decided what movie you want to watch, Mr. LaClaire?”
“No.” Caleb tightens his hand around mine. “My girlfriend and I thought it would be a great idea if you could choose for us.”
I look away to hide the blush creeping up on my cheeks. He just referred to me as his girlfriend. Until now, I had not actually been quite sure what we are. Now I know and I have no objection whatsoever.
“All right then,” Mrs. Wilson says. “Go ahead and grab your snacks. Our son, Rob, will se
t up everything for you.”
“We appreciate that.” Caleb leads me into a room at the back, where I find all kinds of delicious candy and other mouthwatering snacks laid out on a buffet—chocolate-covered strawberries, sour worms, marshmallows, dried fruits and nuts, popcorn in various flavors, and so much more.
“This is amazing.” I giggle like a little girl. “I feel like I’m in heaven. There’s something for everyone here.”
“There certainly is.” Mrs. Wilson walks into the room, carrying two wooden, heart-shaped trays. She hands one to me and the other to Caleb. “It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.” She watches us filling our trays with goodies. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you two make such a lovely couple. How did you meet?”
We both turn to look at her.
“Someone signed us up for a matchmaking service,” Caleb says, his eyes on me.
“Is that so? Those services really work?” Mrs. Wilson’s eyes grow wide. “I thought they were only for people who are interested in—”
“No.” Caleb clears his throat to stop himself from laughing. “Not the one that matched us. It’s very reputable.”
“Well, that’s excellent. Someone actually brought the two of you together?”
“That’s exactly what happened.” I gaze deep into Caleb’s eyes, heat radiating through my chest. “My grandmother signed me up, and his brothers did the same for him.” I look back at the older woman.
“That’s just wonderful.” Mrs. Wilson beams. “Having someone to love is the most beautiful thing. If I didn’t have my Sam, I’d be lost in this world.”
After Mrs. Wilson tells us a little more about their romantic relationship and marriage, she finally leaves us alone to finish choosing our snacks.
Once we’re done, we return to the front of the farmhouse, where Mr. Wilson hands us two big blankets and flashlights.
We follow him outside and he takes us to a clearing that’s only a short distance from the outdoor movie screen.
“Enjoy the movie,” he says. “It’s quite romantic.”
When he leaves us, we spread one of the big blankets over the lawn and use the other to cover ourselves with. The evening breeze is quite chilly at this time.
Dear Mr. Maybe: The Matchmaker Series Page 5