Believe In Love

by Mota, Janet A.

  “Amber, are you working later?” Claire asks.

  “I open the store at ten and work until six. The mall is closing at six.” I respond and smile over at her.

  “Great. Can you, Evan and Mia come over for our family dinner?”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.” I say and I am completely flabbergasted with the kindness this family is showing us.

  “Of course honey. We want the three of you there. Plus, I am pretty sure Dylan would be very happy as well.” I can feel my face redden again. I hate that. I look at Miranda and she winks at me. She picks up a stack of trays and heads to the car. Claire walks up to me and motions toward a set of chairs. Both of us sit. She pats my knee. “You are very special. I don’t know anything about you but I can tell how much my Miranda loves you. She never has anything bad to say about you, even in high school. My son is completely taken with you. I can see why though. You are extremely beautiful but I have a feeling it’s beyond that. Dylan is a reader of character and has great instincts. He wants you, Evan and Mia in his life. Therefore, you are a part of this family.” I look down and blink the tears away. I refuse to let them fall. She pats my knee again and I look back at her. “I am here for you if you need a shoulder to cry on. Andrew and I would like to get to know you much better and will be here when you are ready to tell us about who you are. You are welcome in our home any time.” She smiles big. “Now let’s go finish up. You have to work while the rest of us lazy asses get to sleep in.” She winks at me and I laugh.

  “Thank you for the invitation and we’ll be there.” I say and she nods her head.

  I finish helping her with the food and go collect Evan and Mia. “Hey guys. Are you ready to head home?”

  “Hi Amber. Yes, I’m exhausted. I can’t remember the last time we had so much fun.” Mia says with a yawn. She extends her arms to Andrew. “Thank you so much Mr. Morgan.” She quickly hugs him.

  “It’s Andrew and you are most welcome. I’m glad you had fun.”

  Evan reaches out his hand to Andrew next and thanks him. We head over to Claire and Miranda. Hugs are exchanged and then Dylan walks us to our car. Evan turns and gives Dylan a handshake and bro-hug. Mia gives him a quick hug and jumps in the car.

  “Thank you for tonight. I had a wonderful time.” I say.

  “So did I. I’m really happy you came.” He smiles at me. “Now go get some rest. It’s not fair you have to work.”

  I shrug. “That’s life.”

  He gives me a peck on the lips. “See you later.”

  I get into the car and drive away. Once we are on the main road, I tell them about dinner at the Morgan’s for tonight. They love the idea.

  “They are a great family. They are so open and loving. Dylan is awesome. I’m glad you are with him.” Evan says.

  “It’s so new but I’m going to give it a shot. But know this, you two always come first.” I say to the both of them.

  “Amber, you have done everything and anything for us. It’s your turn now. We know that you will always be there for us but we want to see you happy too.” Mia says.

  “I’m so proud of the two of you.”

  Chapter 11

  Settling In

  Dylan

  It has been four days since I’ve seen her and it just sucks. I’m back at work and she has been closing the store every day this week. She doesn’t get home until ten every night. I’ve spoken to her on the phone every night this week and that’s been fun. She’s shy and flirting is just something she has no idea how to do. It’s so refreshing to talk to someone without a hidden agenda or only thinks about seduction. When I flirt with her, she just thanks me or stays quiet. Her shell is thick and it’s going to take some work to break it down. That’s okay though. She’s worth it. I also know that when those walls come down, her love will envelope me and never let go. I never believed in love at first sight. I always thought that love had to be earned until I met her. It was an instant attraction and an instant need to protect her. Is it too soon to be falling in love with her? I have no idea but I know that I am. Every part of me is alive when she’s with me. I am instantly full of happiness just speaking to her. I long to touch her and kiss that beautiful mouth. I just want her by my side. When she looks at me, my heart skips a beat. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.

  I am getting ready to leave the office. As I am gathering my laptop and docs, there is a knock on my door.

  “Come in.”

  “Dylan.” My secretary, Judy and her daughter Grace, step inside. Judy is in her mid-fifties and such a sweetheart. Judy is intuitive and a pit bull when it comes to the people she loves. Somehow I got on her ‘people she loves’ list. Grace, on the other hand, is a conniving piece of work. I don’t understand how a bitch like her comes from such sweetness. I met Grace at the Christmas party and I was instantly uncomfortable. She clung to me and ended up following me around all night. There is something about her that makes me very aware of my surroundings and on edge.

  “Yes Judy.” I say. I nod at Grace. She bares her teeth at me in what is supposed to be a smile.

  “I need to ask you a personal question.” Judy says and comes in a little further. Grace follows right behind her.

  “Sure. Sit down.” I sit back down in my chair and wait. Both women sit in the chairs in front of my desk.

  “My oldest daughter is getting married on Saturday. I want to know if you would accompany Grace to the wedding.” Judy asks with a sheepish grin. I am stunned. Did I just hear her correctly? Hell no! Grace is a barracuda and I don’t trust her.

  “I’m sorry. What?”

  “Grace has had a hard time in the man department in that last couple of years. She doesn’t want to attend her sister’s wedding alone but doesn’t want to ask any of her loser friends to accompany her so I told her to come here and that we would ask you. She’s so excited with the thought that you may be her date.”

  “Although I think Grace is very nice, I must admit that there is no chemistry.” I look over at Grace and speak directly toward her. “I don’t feel anything for you and I don’t think it is right to go out with someone when I don’t intend on anything ever happening.” Grace snarls at me but I continue. “Besides, I’m spoken for and not available.”

  “I’m so sorry. I wouldn’t have asked if I had known.” Judy stands. “Please forgive me.”

  “Judy, I’m flattered and I know you didn’t know. I’m sorry and I hope there aren’t any hard feelings.”

  “Of course not, sugar. That girl of yours is one lucky lady.” She says as she retreats to the door. “Come on Grace. Time to go.”

  Grace gives me a nasty look as she stands and goes to the door.

  “Thank you. Have a wonderful evening.” Judy says.

  “You too.”

  I stare at the door as it closes behind them. What in the hell was that? I wouldn’t date that girl if my life depended on it. I quickly grab my stuff and head out the door.

  ****

  It’s six o’clock when I get home. I take off my coat and suit jacket and throw them on the back of the couch. I loosen my tie and head into the kitchen to get something to drink when I hear my cell phone chirp. I fish it out of my suit jacket and see that I have a new text message. I smile when I see that it’s my girl. This is the first time she’s initiating the texting.

  Amber: Hi. Guess what?

  Me: Hi. What?

  Amber: My manager came in and relieved me for the night.

  Me: That’s great!

  I click on the phone icon and call her.

  “Hello.” Her sweet voice comes over the phone.

  “Hi gorgeous.” I say and she giggles.

  “Hi.”

  “So, why was your manager feeling generous?”

  “She saw all the nights I’ve been working and decided I needed a break so she came to relieve me. She’s nice that way.”

  “Well, I’m glad to hear it. You on your way home?”

  “Yes.
”

  “Good. Change into something comfortable and tell Evan and Mia to do the same. I’m talking sneakers comfortable. I’ll be there in twenty minutes to pick you up.”

  “Dylan, it isn’t necessary to take us out. I can cook.” She tries to argue.

  “Nope. Tonight you are relaxing. See you soon.” I quickly hang up the phone and I don’t give her the chance to protest anymore.

  ****

  On my way to Amber’s, I decide to call my dad. I haven’t spoken to either of them all week and decided to check in.

  “Hey dad.” I say when he answers.

  “Hey son. How’s it going?”

  “Everything is good. I’m on my way to pick up Amber, Evan and Mia. Amber has been working so hard so I’m taking them out.”

  “Good.” He says but doesn’t respond. That’s unlike my dad and I immediately feel a twinge of panic in my gut.

  “Is everything okay?” I ask.

  “Yes. I just have a few concerns when it comes to Amber.”

  “I thought you liked her.”

  “I do son. Very much so but I am afraid of what life is going to be like for you if you continue to see her. She hasn’t told us what happened that she is raising her brother and sister but you two haven’t been alone once. Dylan, I respect her but you and her need to have some alone time to see if there’s chemistry. You are so young and I don’t want to see you get strapped into a life you didn’t sign up for.” I hear him sigh.

  “I understand where you’re coming from. I do but I’m not going to give up on her just because she got the shitty end of the stick. She’s gotten that her whole life and she’s not getting it from me. I really hope you and mom don’t do that to her either. She’s a remarkable person and I can tell you that there is definitely chemistry. Please trust me to know what I’m doing.” I pull into Amber’s driveway.

  “Enough said. I trust you and we adore Amber. Go have fun and I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Thanks dad.”

  ****

  Grace

  I am humiliated. How dare he turn me down? He has some nerve saying that we don’t have any chemistry. Of course we do. Sparks flew between us at the company Christmas party. We danced and he hung out with me the whole time. If there was no chemistry, why did he want to hang out with me? Oh no. I will not roll over and let some bitch take what’s rightfully mine.

  “Mom, who is this girl that Dylan is dating?”

  “I don’t know. Today was the first time I’ve heard of her.”

  “Well, she can’t be that special if he never talks about her.” I say and mom looks at me.

  “Now Grace, leave it alone. Dylan is dating someone and that is the end of that. He was kind enough to tell you and not lead you on.”

  “Whatever.” I roll my eyes.

  “Don’t do anything stupid, honey. You’ll regret it.”

  I am going to find out who this girl is and I am taking back what’s mine. Dylan may think that I’m not what he wants but he’s just blinded by this new girl. I’ll show him and teach this girl not to take another girl’s man. Stupid bitch. You are going to pay for stealing him. I will not give him up without a fight.

  Chapter 12

  Arcade

  Amber

  Dylan rings the doorbell and I call out for Evan and Mia. I answer the door and there he stands in all of his glory yet again. He’s wearing jeans, sneakers, a black sweater and a black jacket. His five o’clock shadow is so damn sexy. I want to run my hands down his face. His hair is really short so it always looks the same but it’s so soft. I shake the thought away and smile.

  “Hi gorgeous.” He says and leans in. I kiss him quickly. “You ready?”

  “We are.” I say as Evan and Mia appear at the door. They say hello and out we go.

  We all climb into his car. I am in front with Dylan with Evan and Mia in the back. His car is awesome and I love it. It’s a brand new black Dodge Charger. Inside has black leather interior. I run my hand along the seat and Dylan smiles at me. He turns on the radio.

  “Where are we going?” Evan asks.

  “It’s a surprise but I can guarantee you’re going to love it.” Dylan says and winks at me.

  A short drive later, Dylan pulls into Chandler’s Arcade and Mini Golf. I hear whoops and hollers coming from the backseat. Dylan laughs and I watch him. He turns and high-fives Evan. He parks the car and we jump out. Evan and Mia practically run to the ticket stand.

  “I hope this is okay with you.” He says.

  “It is. I’ve never been here so I’m looking forward to it. Please excuse how bad I will be at the games.”

  He laughs. “Come on gorgeous. I’ll teach you.”

  ****

  An hour later and a round of mini golf later, Evan and Mia announce that they’re hungry. We head inside. I tell Evan and Mia to grab a table and I go with Dylan to get pizza. The pizza stand is one of those that has pizzas ready to go so we won’t be waiting very long. We are waiting in line to order when I feel his warm hand grasp mine.

  “Are you having fun?” He asks.

  “I am but I always have fun with you.”

  He smiles. “Good to know. By the way, you are a really good mini golf player.”

  I giggle. “Beginner’s luck.”

  He brings our joined hands up and kisses the back of mine. “You looked amazing out there. So sexy, strong and confident. I had to resist touching you and it was very difficult.” I can feel the heat rise up my neck and into my cheeks. He groans. “You have no idea what that blush does to me.”

  I look away. I have no idea what to say to that. “I’m sorry. I can’t help it.”

  “Don’t be sorry gorgeous. It’s sexy and it turns me on.”

  It’s our turn to order our pizza. Dylan orders and I take out some money to pay. “Put it away.” He says.

  “No Dylan. You paid for our admission.” I argue and he grabs my hand.

  “I’ve got it. Please put it away.” He kisses my forehead and I don’t argue anymore. I shove the money back into my pocket.

  “Thank you.” I say and he smiles at me.

  “Always my pleasure.” I take the pizzas and Dylan brings the drinks to our table. Mia had already collected napkins and plates for us. We sit and eat.

  ****

  “Girls versus guys!” Mia exclaims as we come to the air hockey table.

  “You’re on!” Dylan says.

  Mia and I head to our side of the table. “Do you know how to play this?” I ask her.

  “Not a clue.” She says and giggles.

  “Then why did you challenge them?” I’m staring at her now. “I’ve never played this.”

  “Sis, we can take them.” She says and I just laugh.

  “Prepare to get your butt handed to you.” I mumble and she rolls her eyes at me.

  Evan raises the plate in the air. “Ready?”

  Everyone nods and the game begins. Mia and I start off terrible. The guys get five goals past us. We finally get the hang of it and we go for the jugular. Before we know it, we have everyone around us cheering us on. I laugh at the support and steal a glance at Dylan. He’s smirking at me. When he catches my eye, he blows me a kiss and winks. Does he really think he can distract me with that? He hits the plate toward the goal and I block it to win the game. Everyone around is cheering and it is downright loud. Mia and I hug. She lets go of me and looks toward the guys.

  “Girls rule and guys drool!”

  I start laughing really hard. Evan runs over to her and puts her over his shoulder and starts running around the arcade. People are laughing and cheering as he does this. Dylan comes over to me and he’s laughing too. We watch the two of them and continue to laugh. Evan gets back and places Mia on her feet.

  “Okay ladies. You won. Good job.” Evan says.

  “I agree. Since you won, you ladies can pick dessert.” Dylan says.

  Mia and I look at each other and back at the guys. In unison we say “ice cream”.r />
  “Come on Evan. Let’s get it.” Dylan says and they walk away.

  Mia and I find an empty bench and sit. “I’m happy for you.” She says. I look at her confused. “You are finally having some fun and that gorgeous man over there is why. He really is a great guy. Please don’t be afraid to pursue something with him. Evan and I like him a lot and we want you to be happy. My opinion is that he’s your happiness. Allow it for yourself. You deserve it.”