Welcome to New Haven

by Dawn Doyle

  The ceiling was covered in colours of the sky with twinkling lights dotted about to look like stars.

  As the waiter led them to their table, they saw the pathway they walked on was flat, grey, cobble type stones that weaved through the restaurant. The lights were low as lamps adorned the posts of the fencing that surrounded each table.

  The whole place looked just like a huge garden that had been sectioned in separate eating areas. Large, leafy plants surrounded and climbed trellis’ that arched over the individual spaces, and potted shrubs lined the pathways.

  Once the waiter got to their table, Alex and Holly both gasped.

  Holly had reserved a booth, but she’d never expected something so beautiful. The booth was a semicircle with bamboo and decorative grass walls, giving them privacy, joining a pagoda style roof that was adorned with lots of tiny twinkling lights interlacing the ivy that was woven through the wood.

  The archway into the booth was a wooden trellis, with white and pink silk oriental lilies, in planters at their bases. Long white drapes with dark green tie backs framed the arch, and the round table had a matching cover.

  The curved seats and backs were soft, dark green material that was made to look like a freshly cut lawn, but felt like velvet.

  They took their seats, and the waiter gave them their menus.

  “Can I get you any drinks?” He asked. Alex and Holly both ordered sodas and the waiter left them to look over the menus.

  “This place is amazing!” Said Alex in awe.

  “It’s really beautiful. I didn’t know it was this nice. My Mum said it looked pretty, from what she saw.”

  Alex brought his right arm around Holly, with his hand gently gripping her waist.

  He stroked her chin with the other.

  Holly mirrored him, but with her hand on his chest. She could feel his solid muscles beneath her fingers.

  “Thank you for doing this.” He spoke gently as he gazed into her eyes.

  “You don’t need to thank me, Alex.” She replied in a whisper.

  “It’s just…after yesterday; I didn’t think you’d still want to go out.”

  He ran his lips across her cheek, tingles running down her spine from the sensation.

  “Nothing would stop me, Alex. Nobody is going to ruin our time together…ever.” She took a deep breath as Alex’s lips travelled to her jaw.

  “That’s good to know.” He whispered into her ear before pressing a light kiss on her neck.

  Holly had to press her thighs together in attempt to stop the fire that was starting there.

  “Excuse me…um…your drinks.” Said the waiter who seemed a little embarrassed to walk in on their intimate moment.

  “Are you ready to order, or should I give you a moment longer?”

  “Erm…” Holly said as they quickly opened their menus. Holly looked to Alex to order first. She had asked him out after all.

  She liked the ‘role reversal’ they were having, and no pressure for the stereotypical ‘guy does everything’ that a lot of people still adhere to.

  “Mediterranean stuffed peppers please.” He ordered.

  “Same.” Said Holly.

  The waiter took their menus and excused himself. They took no time in resuming their embrace.

  “You ordered the same as me.” He smiled.

  “If you like it, it must be good.” She said as they remembered Alex ordering the same as her on their first date.

  Alex let out a moan as his mouth descended upon hers.

  Holly fisted her hand in his shirt as their tongues tangled together. Alex cupped the back of her head and gently gripped her hair with his fingers. The sensation flowed through Holly like electricity.

  A sharp current zapping down to her centre. She pressed her body to his, as his other hand tightened on her hip before stroking further down to her outer thigh.

  They were still moulded together when they were interrupted again.

  “I’m sorry, um…here’s your food.” Said a quiet voice.

  Holly and Alex pulled away, but kept hold of each other.

  “Oh, thanks.” Blushed Holly as Alex tried to suppress a grin.

  The waiter hurried away, and they chuckled as they untangled themselves.

  “At least he let us know he was there.” Laughed Alex.

  They managed to finish their meal and dessert, of lemon cheesecake. They even got some sort of control over themselves so as not to embarrass the after further. Holly paid the bill, and she wouldn’t let Alex pay for anything.

  “I asked you out.” She said adamantly.

  “Excuse me, miss?” the waiter called, stopping them before they left. “I’m sorry, I can’t accept this.”

  It was the tip Holly had left.

  “Why not?” She asked.

  “It’s too much.” He said, shyly.

  Holly and Alex had both left generous tips, especially after what their servers had witnessed.

  “Let’s call it payment for medical expenses.” Alex said, and they walked away, leaving the waiter with no doubt as to what he was referring to.

  “Thanks.” The waiter called back, and Holly just waved.

  “Next place now!” Said Holly with a glint in her eye.

  “Where?”

  “Crazy golf!” She laughed, making Alex laugh too.

  They arrived at Mercer Island Crazy Golf center and got their clubs and balls.

  Alex knew what Holly was up to when he was up to take his turn.

  She had stood behind him, watching his ass.

  Two can play at that game.

  He gazed longingly at her beautiful rear when she got into position. He even put her off by sneakily pinching it as she took her swing.

  That’s how the game played out

  Alex stepped up behind her, to help with a shot. His arms around her and gripped the club with her as his body pressed into her back. Holly let go of the club, turned and threw her arms around him and kissed him deeply.

  They got a few coughs and ‘ahem’s from other people who were playing.

  They just couldn’t stop touching or kissing each other that by the time the game was over; they were ready for a cool down. They still had a few hours before they needed to go home so Holly made a suggestion.

  “Would you like to go for a walk through the park?”

  “Anything with you.” He replied.

  Holly was pleased, and she drove them back along the I-90, to Seattle and carried on to one of the big public parks, north of where they lived.

  The park had a huge flat area with jets and in the centre, a three-tiered fountain that was lit up at night. Four pathways met at the jets, and the area was surrounded by wooden benches and triangular flower beds where the paths joined.

  Huge trees covered other seated area alongside the walkways and there was also a children’s play area,

  “I came here to read, sometimes.” Holly said as they got out of the car. “Before I started school, I’d sit over there…” she pointed to a tall, thick, willow tree. “…And read my books or finish assignments. Weather permitting; of course.”

  It was funny how the weather in Seattle was very similar to Liverpool. Unpredictable and mostly wet.

  “Did you come here much?” she asks as they walk hand-in-hand. There were still quite a few people about, as it wasn’t dark and that made it ‘safer’ for them to be alone in public. There was less chance they’d have a repeat of Five Oaks, there.

  “Not really. Too public. Ben, Dev and I would come here as kids with our parents though.”

  Holly knew that Alex meant it was too public because either Stacey would easily spot him or, possibly, one of her friends would tell her, and she would show up.

  They carried on walking until they reached the fountain, and they sat on the bench, Alex’s arm around Holly’s shoulders as she leaned into him. Her head on his chest.

  The water shot up in different patterns, and the lights changed colour.

  Holly opene
d her bag and searched for two quarters.

  “Here.” She said, pressing one of the coins into Alex’s hand. “We should both make a wish.” She said, and they stood.

  Due to the water jets, it was impossible to get to the fountain without getting soaked.

  “I hope I can throw that far.” Holly said with a snort.

  “Ok.” Alex said as he closed his eyes and made his wish. He threw his coin, and it landed in the bottom tier of the fountain.

  “Yay!” cheered Holly. “My turn.” She closed her eyes and Alex stroked her cheek. “Mmmm.” She breathed. She took a deep breath and then concentrated.

  I wish that, no matter what happens, Alex is safe from Stacey. She can’t cause him harm, or pain, and her stalking days are over. I wish we’re together always.

  Holly pulled her arm back and threw her coin. It went high up in the air, and she thought she’d miss altogether.

  Until…it landed.

  In the top tier of the fountain.

  Her eyes widened, and her mouth popped open in surprise.

  “Wow that was awesome!” Said Alex as he picked her up and spun her around.

  As Holly’s feet touched the floor, Alex kissed her quickly. He gazed into her eyes. He cupped her face and ran his thumbs across her cheeks.

  He wanted so much to tell her how he felt. He’d told her that he loves her many times since the day before, when Stacey had turned up at his house. But, he wanted to tell her that wasn’t just it.

  He wanted her forever.

  He wanted the whole white picket fence thing.

  Something that had never crossed his mind before, yet there he was…wanting that, and more, with her. The girl who had come into his life just a few weeks before, had only held a full conversation with him four days earlier, shared their first kiss on Thursday, became a couple on Friday and now it was only Sunday!

  He wanted to tell her everything, yet he didn’t want to scare her incase she found it overwhelming.

  She had told him she loves him too, but did she want the same thing? Was it possible for people, their age, to know what they wanted for the future?

  Yes, was his answer to that.

  He knew, deep inside, Holly was the other half go him. Even his parents could tell that!

  “What are you thinking?” Holly whispered, bringing him out of his dreamworld.

  “Just the future.” He replied, not giving anything away.

  “And?” She narrowed her eyes. Holly wasn’t letting him leave it at that.

  “With you…” He smiled. “…But I can’t say anything more because my wish won’t come true.”

  “Yes it will.”

  “I’m still not saying…just in case.” He said as he tapped her nose with his finger tip before returning his hand to her face.

  He’d wished to be with Holly, always, and that whatever had happened with Stacey, wouldn’t happen again.

  He wanted Holly safe.

  As Alex was busy staring at Holly’s gorgeous face, he felt her hands leave his waist and then they were inside his shirt, roaming over his muscular torso.

  “Sorry, I can’t help it.” She shrugged a shoulder and grinned.

  ”Don’t be sorry. I like it.” He whispered before their mouths met, again.

  “Whoa, yeah!” they heard a shout from across the park.

  They must’ve looked as though they were getting pretty heavy.

  “Good call on the public place.” Alex panted as they parted lips.

  “I thought it would be safer in public.” She said as she blushed.

  Alex definitely knew what that meant. Five Oakes on the blanket, in the hangout room, Holly’s bedroom, they’d gotten close to doing more when they were completely alone.

  “Let’s go to a café.” Holly took Alex’s hand, and they walked back to the car.

  She drove to a late night Starbucks and went inside. Holly gestured for Alex to take a seat whilst she ordered. No sooner had he sat down when he saw a guy who looked about twenty, step up behind Holly and say something to her.

  “I’m with my boyfriend.” He heard her say, and he felt a pang in his chest.

  God he loved hearing her say that.

  Holly walked over, with their drinks and sat down.

  “Hey babe.” Alex said before he planted a sweet kiss on her hot lips. “What did he say to you?”

  Holly smiled.

  “He asked if I were with somebody. I told him I’m with my boyfriend.” She grinned.

  “I heard that bit and I love hearing you say that.” He said in the low voice he knew Holly loved.

  “My boyfriend” She whispered, sexily.

  “Again”

  “My…boyfriend.”

  “Grrr.” He growled and pulled her to him.

  “I’ll be back in a sec.” Holly said as she got up and walked to the bathrooms.

  Holly went to the bathroom and when she was on her way back, she saw two girls near their table.

  What the fuck?

  She saw them flirting with Alex.

  “So? Ditch her and come with us.” One of them said.

  A tiny girl with a pointy face and straw-like dyed blonde hair.

  “Excuse me? What he fuck did you say? I wouldn’t go anywhere with you. I love my girlfriend, so do one!” Alex said to them, anger in his tone.

  They must have said other stuff to him whilst she was gone.

  “Hey babe.” Holly said as she walked to the table. “Problem…girls?” Holly was straight faced with a deadly glare aimed at the two girls.

  “Uh, no, uh” the pointy face one stuttered.

  “Well, you heard my boyfriend…do one.”

  The girls looked at Holly, and their faces paled before they turned and scurried away. Holly’s eyes followed them as they left the café.

  “So…what did they say?” She asked as she resumed her place cuddled into Alex’s side.

  “Um…they asked me who I was with, and I told them, my girlfriend. They said…uh”

  “They told you to ditch me.”

  Alex nodded and looked down.

  He didn’t want Holly to get angry with him, and he felt terrible about what the girls had said.

  “I’m not mad, you know.”

  Alex looked up, into her eyes.

  “You’re not? I thought you’d be pissed about what they said.”

  Holly wrapped her arms around him.

  “Them…yes. You? No way. We can’t help the actions of dick heads, like them. It’s how we react that matters, and I loved how you did.”

  Holly got closer to his ear.

  “It was very, very sexy.”

  “It was?” Alex swallowed as Holly nodded her head.

  “Mhmm” She said and sucked on his bottom lip between hers and licked across it before releasing.

  Alex let his hand fall to slide down Holly’s outer thigh.

  As he reached her knee, his thumb moved over so it was brushing the inside of her thigh slightly, with his palm on top. Holly stopped breathing as his hand moved upwards. He smirked as his hand stroked further and further, until he brought his thumb back towards his fingers and caressed around to her outer thigh again.

  Holly blew out a shaky breath, and Alex whispered in her ear.

  “Me encanta cómo te pones nerviosa.”

  “Me estás poniendo nervioso.” She replied.

  “You really are learning. I’m impressed.” He said with raised eyebrows in surprise.

  “You shouldn’t really.” She smirked. “I learned that the other day. That’s how I knew what you’d said.”

  “That’s how you learn, babe.” He brought his lips to her ear again.

  “No puedo esperar para aprender otras cosas, contigo.”

  Holly bit her lip and closed her eyes before taking a breath.

  “I understood ‘I can’t’ and ‘with you’ but not the rest.” Alex chuckled. “Tell me.”

  “Nope.” He grinned.

  “Tell me!” Hol
ly was trying not to smile as she was demanding a translation.

  “I’ll tell you, but not in here. And maybe…tomorrow.”

  “Alex!” She said, high pitched with frustration.

  “It’s eleven forty anyway, so we should head back.” He said with a frown.

  “You’re telling me…tonight mister.” Holly pointed at him as he laughed again.

  “I’d like to see you make me.” He replied as they left the café.

  “Oh, I can do that nooooo problem.” She threatened. Holly opened the car door for Alex and gestured with her hand. Just before he got in, she swatted his butt.

  “Hey!” He laughed.

  “That’s what you get, Mr. Valencia.” She said as she closed the door.

  “So, how are you going to make me tell you?” He asked as Holly pulled away from the kerb.

  “You really want to play that game, after what you just did to me in there?” she cocked an eyebrow.

  “I’d love to see what you do.” He chuckled.

  Holly was going to show him.

  Show him that he can’t get her in that state and not expect anything back.

  “Oh, you’re laughing now, but you won’t be if you don’t stop pushing my buttons, Alexandro.” She said in a sultry, yet threatening tone.

  “I love pushing your buttons.” He said as his eyes roamed up and down her body.

  What the hell was happening to them? They were behaving like sex crazed…teenagers!

  Not being bothered by anything sexual at all then they meet and POW! Suddenly they’re constantly hot for each other.

  Neither one was complaining though.

  “Oh you do, do you?” Alex just nodded in response.

  “Ok, have it your way.” She said simply as she pulled into a quiet side street. “Tell me what you said.” Holly turned her body to face Alex.

  “Nnnope.” He grinned.

  Holly leant forward and reached across, placing her hand on Alex’s leg. Her fingertips angled down his inner thigh.