by Glynis Astie
He smiled mischievously at me. “You have to have celebration toasts with champagne.” He paused and frowned at the menu. “Even if it is technically sparkling wine from California.”
Now it was my turn to throw my head back and laugh. I mean, really LAUGH. I was in full on embarrassing cackle mode in public and I didn’t care one bit. I had started out the evening completely freaked out about the status of my relationship with Louis and was finishing it completely sure of the fact that I was in love with him. He had gotten to know me better in five weeks than other men had in years. He accepted me for who I was and helped me to appreciate my best qualities. Sure, neither one of us were perfect, but we were more than good enough for each other. The thought finally occurred to me: I didn’t give a crap what was wrong with either one of us. We were in this together and we were going to make it work.
Chapter Sixteen
The next week was a whirlwind of activities with Louis. He was able to move into his new apartment three days after he agreed to take it, but had very little to put in it. So we spent the week shopping for everything he would need to have a comfortable, yet functional, apartment. I was there to make sure it also looked nice. At least to me. Louis had his own sense of aesthetics and it was very...spartan. I planned to spend a lot of my time there and I didn’t want to feel like I was in an institution.
My packed schedule annoyed Kate to no end. She called me at work on Thursday to give me a hard time about being so busy.
“Sydney Bennett, how may I help you?”
“You may tell me when I’m going to see my sister again.”
“Kate! I’ve missed you.” I really did. We usually saw each other every couple of days. It was a foreign feeling to have four Kate free days.
“Well, whose fault is that?”
“I know, I’m sorry. It’s been a weird few days.” I yawned.
She laughed. “Not getting much sleep?”
“Not really. We’ve been spending our evenings in furniture, housewares and electronic stores. Louis is rather particular about his choice of television.”
“Boys and their toys. They think we spend too much time shopping for clothes, so it all evens out.” She cleared her throat. “Mom and Dad have been asking about you. When’s the last time you called them?”
I put my hand to my forehead and closed my eyes. “I actually can’t remember. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed right now.”
“I bet you are. Being in love and all...” She giggled. Of course I had found time to call her on Sunday night to tell her the big news. Kate and I had been waiting for a man as wonderful as Louis to come into my life for a very, very long time. She had to know we were in love as soon as I could possibly tell her.
I smiled. “I’m so unbelievably happy. It doesn’t feel real. I feel like at any moment it’ll all be taken away.”
“You’ll get used to it; just give yourself some time. And please, please do me a favor and call Mom and Dad. Otherwise they’ll keep calling me and asking if you’re alright.”
“I’m sorry! I’ll call Mom today.”
“You’d better, mon coeur!” She laughed.
“Ha, ha! I have to run, crazy girl. Give Nick a hug for me. I promise we’ll get together soon.”
“We hope so. Say hello to Louis for us.”
After lunch, I decided I had better call my mom before she drove Kate insane.
She picked up on the second ring.
“Sydney Bennett, where have you been?”
I chuckled. “I see you finally got caller ID.”
“That’s right. Your brother is helping us keep up with technology.” She laughed. “Your father needs all the help he can get.”
I giggled. “You’d better not let him hear you say that.”
“No kidding! Enough about your dad. How are you, Syd? How is the wonderful Louis?”
“Ah! I see you’ve spoken with Kate.”
“You bet. Kate and Nick gave us a nice rundown.”
“You act like you haven’t heard anything about him before! Don’t you trust my account of him?”
“We all tend to wear rose-colored glasses when it comes to the people we’re involved with. Your father and I only wanted to hear the opinion of someone who wasn’t, um, intimately involved with Louis.”
“Nice, Mom.” I shuddered. “Do you feel better now?”
“Somewhat. I’ll feel a lot better when I’ve had the chance to meet him myself.”
Panic settled firmly in my heart. “I’m afraid you’ll have to be patient. Unless you have a spontaneous trip to the west coast planned.” Crap! I shouldn’t have said that.
She sighed. “I’d love to come visit, but the store is simply too busy right now. Are you still coming home for Thanksgiving?”
“I was thinking about it.” I hadn’t spoken with Louis about his plans yet, but I didn’t want to leave him alone for a few days after he picked up his entire life and moved here for me.
“Well, I was thinking...” I didn’t like where this was going. “Maybe you could bring Louis with you.” Aaaah!
I paused to think about how to phrase my answer.
“Syd?” My mom sounded worried.
“Sorry, mom. I was just thinking. I...don’t know if I’m ready for you to meet him yet. Louis is wonderful, but things have been moving so fast and meeting my parents is a really big deal.”
“He met your sister, didn’t he?” It was obvious she felt insulted.
“That is nowhere near as big a deal as FLYING TO NEW YORK AND MEETING MY PARENTS.” I exhaled. “Plus, Dad’s a total loose cannon! He could easily cause trouble. Or at least embarrass me to death.”
“Come on, Syd. Don’t you think you’re being a tad overly dramatic?” Takes one to know one, Mom.
“I’m sorry.” I cleared my throat. “I’ve been, um, stressed lately. Louis...well, he asked me to move in with him.”
My mom gasped. “Already? Aren’t things moving a little quickly?”
“Hence my stress. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before and I don’t want to blow it.”
I could tell my mom was choosing her words carefully. “What do you plan to do?”
“I already told him I’m not ready and he’s fine with it, but it’s left me a little shaky.” I sighed. “He seems so sure of everything.”
“And you’re not?”
“Yes and no. I’m in love with him. I’m sure of that. I’m just still having trouble trusting…well, believing it’s all real.”
“Has anything happened to worry you?”
“Of course not. It has nothing to do with Louis.” I exhaled slowly. “It’s all me and my buttload of crazy.”
“Stop saying such things! You’re not crazy; you’ve just had a few bad experiences. Give yourself some time to get used to this.”
“I’m trying, Mom. So, I think we can agree that meeting my parents right now is too much.”
“Fine. I understand your concerns. I won’t pressure you.” Her disappointment was clear.
I felt relieved. “Thanks, Mom. I greatly appreciate your understanding. I’m sorry to say I must get back to work. I love you.”
“You’re not off the hook yet, Syd. Your father wants to speak with you too.”
Uh oh. This sounded ominous...
“Duck! Why has it been so hard to find you lately?”
“Hey, Dad. I’ve been helping Louis get his apartment set up.”
“How is Linus?” I knew he was using the wrong name on purpose. He loved nothing more than pushing my buttons.
“Louis is fine, Dad. He’s adjusting to life in California.”
“And how are you adjusting to life with Linus?”
I laughed. “Enough, old man. I’m quite happy, Dad. Didn’t you get enough info from Kate?”
“Your sister was helpful, but the only one who can properly evaluate this guy is me. So when are you bringing him home?” He waited expectantly.
“As I just told Mom, I’m not ready ye
t. Maybe we can come in the spring?”
“Not soon enough, Duck. I’m afraid I’ll have to put your mother on a plane and come out there to meet this Frenchie.”
Was he kidding? “Dad! Please tell me you’re kidding.”
“Not kidding. You’ve never behaved like this with any of your other boyfriends. I need to go over a few things with him.”
I put my head in my hands. “Dad, please don’t mess with me right now. I’m ridiculously tired and may actually lose my mind.”
He laughed. “Chin up, Duck. I’ll give you another month to plan a visit. Then we’ll discuss this further...”
I realized it would never matter how old I was, my dad would always try to keep me from getting hurt. He was only worried about his little girl. “OK, I’ll think about it. I love you, Dad. I have to go back to work.”
“I love you too, Duck. Make sure you call more often.”
“I will. I promise. Bye, Dad!
Before I knew it, it was Friday. I was very thankful for this because I craved sleep in a big way. Between shopping, unpacking, setting up furniture and spending, um, quality time with Louis, I hadn’t slept much. I had to say his apartment was gorgeous – thanks in no small part to me. I was rather pleased Louis had finally compromised and allowed me to contribute a bit of my taste to his apartment. Otherwise it would have been completely...albino.
All the furniture was light wood and the couches were cream colored as were all the linens. (I did mention his penchant for the monochromatic, right?) After a little prodding, I was allowed to hang a few photos and paintings and to add a few splashes of color - a vase here, a throw pillow there. The apartment was a perfect blending of our styles and had been a good test of our ability to work together.
After we put the last piece of furniture together, we ordered pizza and gleefully ate it at Louis’ new dining room table. After my third piece, I thought I was going to keel over.
Louis grinned. “You were hungry, mon coeur. I have never seen you eat like that!”
I stood up and patted my stomach. “It’s one of the many things I’ve been hiding from you.” I giggled. “Are you scared?”
He pulled me into his lap and laughed. “Completely terrified.”
I reached up and kissed him. “I’ll try to tone it down.”
He started to run his hands down my back. “I think you might feel a little better if you took your pants off.”
I kissed him again. “You think so?” I whispered in his ear, “How would this help me?”
His hands wandered further down and ran over my behind. “You will feel much less restricted.”
I bit my lip. “Maybe you can help me with this...restriction.”
He stood up quickly and carried me into the bedroom. As he laid me down on the bed, my heart began to race. He slowly removed my pants, kissed his way down my legs and drove me wild with desire.
“I don’t think you will be needing your shirt either.” He held me in his smoldering gaze as he unbuttoned my shirt and slipped it off.
“Really?” I rasped. “And why do you need your clothes?”
“I would feel much better without them, but you have very rudely not offered to remove them for me.”
I knelt on the bed. “Let me remedy that for you.” I slowly unbuttoned his shirt, kissing my way from his neck to his navel.
“Sydney, the things you do to me.” He pulled me down on top of him and kissed me until I felt it in my toes. It was so easy to get lost in him and I enjoyed every moment of the voyage.
Much later that evening, we were lying in bed talking. I was blissfully wrapped around Louis, inhaling his intoxicating scent.
“What do you feel like doing this weekend?” Louis asked me as he twirled a few strands of my hair around his finger.
I yawned. “I don’t know. Something relaxing. This week was rough.”
“I saw a great sale online for tickets to Vegas.”
I propped myself up on my elbow so I could look at him. “Vegas? I didn’t know you were into gambling.”
He shook his head. “I am not. It seems like it would be fun.”
“Don’t even try to tell me you want to go see the shows.” He grimaced and stuck out his tongue at me, making me laugh heartily. “So, I guess you want to lounge by the pool and be pampered after such a hard week?”
He studied me. “The pool sounds nice, but I was thinking we could get married.”
I rolled my eyes. “You have a very interesting sense of humor.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I am not joking.”
My heart stopped. After the week we had, this is what happens next?
“Um...you are serious?”
“Absolutely.”
My mind was reeling. What happened to not rushing me? What happened to waiting for me to be comfortable? It had only been six weeks since I had met him. What??? Then a thought occurred to me.
“Are you going to ask me a question?”
He stared into my eyes. “I am not sure I want to ask you because you will probably say no.”
I literally had no idea what to say.
Louis pulled me to his chest. “Relax, mon coeur. Forget I said anything. I got caught up in the moment. Again. You are exhausted. Let us go to sleep.” He kissed me lightly on the lips and closed his eyes.
Like I was going to sleep after the most insane discussion ever! My mind wouldn’t stop spinning. Was he kidding? Did he think this was a good joke? Was he just messing with me? Was he really an asshole? Had I been completely taken in? What the hell was going on?
Suddenly, I had a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. The truth hit me like a ton of bricks. I had finally figured out what was wrong with Louis. He needed a green card.
Chapter Seventeen
I didn’t sleep much that night. Whenever I could calm my mind enough to fall asleep, I would have these bizarre dreams. One of them ended with our getting married and the minister saying, “I now pronounce you green card holder and wife.” Each time I would wake with a start and Louis would toss a bit, turn over and go back to sleep. Ah, to be that peaceful.
Finally, at seven in the morning, I couldn’t take it anymore. If I didn’t get out of Louis’ apartment, I was going to go crazy. I got out of bed, quickly brushed my teeth (Louis had proudly presented me with my own toothbrush the night before.), and got dressed. I was going to leave Louis a note, because I was a total coward, but he woke up as I picked up my purse and was about to leave the room.
“Where are you going, mon coeur? Are you OK?” His eyes widened with concern.
I froze. “I…can’t sleep. I thought I would go home and take a bath.” Thankfully Louis didn’t have a tub, so he couldn’t suggest I take one here.
He eyed me suspiciously. “You want to go home to take a bath. At seven in the morning on a Saturday.”
I nodded my head. “I need to meet Kate later this morning for breakfast. She’s really been after me lately for not being around. I thought it would be nice to take a bath before I met her.” Do I sound as stupid as I think I do?
He studied me for a moment. “Is this about last night? Are you freaking out about our discussion of Las Vegas?”
I laughed nervously. “Of course not. Why would it freak me out?”
“Come over here and sit down.” The expression on his face told me he meant business.
I moved slowly over to him and sat on the edge of the bed. He pulled me closer to him and took my hand. “If this relationship is going to work, you are going to have to learn to be honest with me. Stop worrying about how....crazy you think you are going to look to me.” He took my face into his hands and gazed deeply into my eyes. “I love you for who you are. You do not have to hide from me.”
I let out a shaky breath. “You say that now, but if I ever actually let you in...” I shook my head.
He laughed. “What do you think is going to happen? Do you think I cannot handle it?” He cocked his head to the side as he examined me.
He stroked my back. “I am not making fun of you. I am only trying to lighten the mood, which is what I think you need right now. You are taking things far too seriously. Whether or not you realize it, I have gotten to know you pretty well, mon coeur. In fact, I am sure I know you better than you think I do.”
“Really? And what do you think you know?” I regarded him quizzically.
He sat up and faced me. “You are hungry ALL THE TIME. You need to be fed every two hours or there will be serious consequences. You always want to choose the movie we watch and then you always fall asleep and snore through it. Romantic comedies are your favorite, but you are also addicted to murder mysteries, though you are always wrong about the identity of the murderer. You love Italian and Mexican food, but your absolute favorite is Greek. You love red wine and margaritas and hate white wine and all other hard liquor. All your desserts must contain some kind of chocolate or there is no point in having dessert. You buy yourself a new outfit every year on your birthday to make yourself feel better about getting older. You are completely self-conscious when you are wearing anything tight or short (or are naked), though you shouldn’t be because you are absolutely gorgeous. You put everyone else in your life first and often forget that you need things too. The first opinion you want on anything important is Kate, followed by a close second with Maya. I have absolutely no idea where my opinion factors in, but this is not important right now.” He stopped to draw breath. “Shall I go on?”
Wow. I totally wasn’t expecting that. I guess he has been paying attention.
“Am I to assume from your stunned silence you realize I am right? That I do know you fairly well?” He shook me gently by the shoulders. “I LOVE you. I am very sorry if I scared you with my ridiculous idea to go to Vegas.” He sighed. “But I really want you to hear me when I say this. Nothing you can say or do will scare me or will change how I feel about you.”