Tripped Up Love

by Farley, Julie

  “Henry, what’s all over you?”

  “There’s a note about it in my backpack.”

  Heather went right to his backpack and found a note from his teacher.

  Mrs. Meadows,

  Henry attempted to tattoo himself at center time. I asked him why he did it and he said he was practicing for college. Thought I’d let you know and sorry I didn’t get to him sooner to stop him from writing all over himself. I moved him a step on our behavior chart as one of our rules is writing only on paper.

  Thanks.

  Karen Smith

  “Henry! Why did you do that in school? Go into the bathroom right now and wash it all off.”

  “I just wanted tattoos like Peter, Mom. It’s no big deal.”

  Heather secretly thought it was cute that Henry was trying to emulate Peter, but she couldn’t let on and let him think it was ok for him to break the rules at school.

  4:15 Heather: Henry got in trouble for tattooing his arms in school today. Thanks!

  4:17 Peter: That’s not good. Sorry but I’m flattered! Remind him I waited until I was in college. By the way, we’ll find a dress when we’re in New York.

  4:18 Heather: I’ll still have my boot on.

  4:19 Peter: We always manage. I’m looking forward to waking up next to you.

  Heather had butterflies in her stomach at the thought of waking up next to Peter. The butterflies flew away quickly as she saw a bug crawling through Gracie’s hair.

  Chapter 20

  The week flew by for Heather. Between doing laundry and checking hair for lice, she had no time to think about New York. She did manage to get a manicure and half pedicure. Jenny forced her to do something for herself and use the gift certificate she had for the local nail salon. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to use it, she did. It was that she didn’t want to sit there and see five other moms from school who would sit and ask her questions. Facebook was bad enough, but gossip at the nail salon was even worse. This time, Heather only ran into one mom. She invited Heather to go out to a bar with her sometime. She told Heather she would be happy to help her meet a new man. Obviously, she had not looked at Heather’s Facebook page and seen the picture of Heather and Peter. That was a relief because Heather knew her face would betray her and she would give away so much more in her expressions. Heather was suddenly happy she hadn’t spent any time trolling bars or looking for a boyfriend. She felt lucky the universe had thrown one at her.

  Saturday morning finally rolled around, and Peter arrived to take Heather to the airport. Heather was teary leaving the kids. They had stayed with her mom or Hank’s parents for this same amount of time, but she had never gone away. And plus, she was a white knuckled flier. That was an understatement. She figured she was going to die and never see the kids again. In her mind, it was a foregone conclusion the plane would crash. She had written a note with her last wishes and stuffed it in her nightstand. She told Jenny where it was. Jenny acknowledged it dutifully and rolled her eyes. Peter had no idea Heather was afraid to fly, but he was about to find out. She was afraid to take anything to relax because she was going to be too busy when she got to New York. They had the banquet that night. Heather hoped Peter wouldn’t mind if she got a Bloody Mary at the airport.

  Heather said her last good byes to the kids and her mom, and they were off. Peter took her bag and helped her into the car.

  “I like your new boot. Do you have to wear it all the time?”

  “Not in bed…”

  “That’s nice,” said Peter as he put his hand on her knee.

  “You’re shaking.”

  “Yeah, well, I haven’t told you something. I HATE to fly.”

  “Are you serious? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I was afraid to. I’ll be fine. I just didn’t want to take any meds because I want to enjoy our time together and not be drugged up.”

  “Ok. As soon as we get to the airport, we’ll get a drink, and I promise to keep you completely distracted during our flight.”

  That sounded interesting to Heather. Peter parked the car in short-term parking, and they walked into the terminal. Standing at the ticket counter in a pair of skinny jeans, orange Tory Burch ballet flats, a fancy white t-shirt, a turquoise geometric necklace and a very large Tory Burch tote, was Aiden. Heather was not expecting Aiden, but she pretended not to miss a thing.

  “Hi Aiden. Are we checked in?” asked Peter.

  “All set. I got Heather the window seat behind us so we could work on the plane.”

  “No. Heather and I will be sitting together.”

  “But you need to prepare your speech.”

  “I’ve done this enough times to know what to say. I’m sitting with Heather on the flight.” Peter squeezed Heather’s hand to reassure her. “If we’re all checked in, why don’t we go to the bar and have a drink before we leave?”

  “Ummm…well, ok. We don’t have much time,” said Aiden.

  “We have just enough.”

  Peter held Heather’s hand as they walked through the airport. They got to the bar, and Peter ordered three Bloody Marys. Aiden acted put out and had a puss on her face the whole time. She fumbled with her iPhone, busy texting someone.

  “So, Heather, are you worried about leaving the kids?” asked Aiden, taking a break from her phone.

  “No. My mom’s with them. They’ll be fine.”

  “Good. Have you spent much time in NYC? You’ll love Peter’s place.”

  “I’ve spent a fair amount of time in New York. It’s one of my favorite cities. And I’m sure I will like anywhere Peter brings me.”

  “Aiden, will your parents be picking you up at the airport?”

  “Yes, my dad will swing around and get me. I’ll meet you guys at your place an hour before the banquet.”

  “Thirty minutes before is perfect. No need to rush.”

  Peter rubbed Heather’s back as she sat on the stool at the bar.

  “What’s your plan for the day, Peter?”

  “We have an appointment at Barney’s and then lunch and relaxing.”

  Heather loved the sound of that. She would do anything with Peter in New York. She loved going to New York but knew they wouldn’t be able to do much on such a short trip. Heather’s Bloody Mary was making her feel a little bit at ease. They finished their drinks and made their way to the gate, ready to board.

  Heather sat at the window, and Peter sat right next to her in first class, of course. Aiden sat down behind them with a huff. Peter was determined to keep Heather’s mind off of the flight. He held onto her hand with his right hand and massaged it gently. With his left hand, he drew little circles on Heather’s inner thigh in just the right spot that would make the flight attendant take a second look. He started to tell her about his childhood and growing up in Portland, Maine. He told her all about learning to sail and loving the waves. Peter told her how he used to sit on the porch and count the waves, the seventh always being the biggest. He told her about applying to Notre Dame because his grandfather had gone there. Peter told her Janie followed him there two years later. Peter explained that he followed Janie to Richmond ten years ago. Peter talked and told her stories about his life and rubbed her hand and tickled her thigh. He lulled her into a sense of security and made her ready to act out that scene in When Harry Met Sally when Meg Ryan had an orgasm in the deli, only Heather would not be acting.

  Heather listened and held onto the armrest next to the window so tightly her knuckles were white. The tighter she held, the more comfortable she felt. Comfortable wasn’t the right word. With Peter next to her, rubbing her thigh, her body was tingling and she wanted to make it to New York just so she could touch him some more. Heather was finally wearing jeans. She could put her boot on over them, and she had her favorite skinny jeans and green polka dot shirt on with a little blue blazer. She was ready to head to Barney’s, lunch or wherever the day took her.

  Before Heather knew it, the fasten seatbelt sign was on, and she could see th
e skyline in the distance. Heather always felt better when the plane was landing because it seemed normal for a hunk of metal to go to the ground. They landed peacefully and were the first to deplane. Peter had a cart waiting for them to help Heather through the airport. LaGuardia was so much larger than the Richmond airport, and he knew Heather would have a hard time with it.

  Aiden was definitely feeling snubbed. She took a seat in the back of the cart, forcing either Peter or Heather to sit with her. Heather sat with Aiden and used the time to ‘get to know her’ a little bit better.

  “Do your parents live nearby?”

  “They’re about twenty miles from the city. I’ll take the train in tonight.”

  “That’s great you get to see them too.”

  “Yeah, if I’m not staying with Peter in the city, I stay with them.”

  “How long have you worked with Peter?”

  “About six months. It’s great to work with a published author. I’m hoping to learn a lot from him that will help me get my book published.”

  “I’m sure you’ll learn a lot. Peter’s been kind enough to offer to help with my book.”

  “You’re a writer?” asked Aiden with her eyes getting bigger and bigger.

  “Yes. I’ve written a memoir. I’m just about ready to have it edited and send it out to publishers.”

  “I can’t wait to introduce Heather around tonight. I’m hoping it will give her career a jumpstart,” said Peter from the front seat.

  “Have you read her work yet, Peter?”

  “No, but I have every confidence in her.”

  “Hmmm.”

  They arrived at baggage claim just in time. Aiden’s dad was waiting there for her. She hopped off and grabbed her bag that had come around on the carousel and was off with a curt, “I’ll see you later.”

  “Guessing I’m not her favorite person.”

  “I don’t know that Aiden has many favorite people. I, on the other hand, think you are my favorite person.”

  Heather rolled her eyes. “You hardly know me.”

  “I know you are beautiful. I know you are interesting. I know you are smart. You have three fabulous kids. You are a klutz and really good in bed - and the shower.”

  “I guess you know everything then.” Heather smiled. She knew this smart, gorgeous guy didn’t mind spending time with her or her kids. That was more than any almost 40-year-old widow could ever hope for. She hoped she could make this last for a little while.

  “Ok. I have a car here that’s going to take us to Barney’s so you can find a dress and all the accessories. I cheated and told them about how big you were and your coloring so they already have things picked out for you.”

  “And how big did you say I was?” Peter rolled his eyes forcing Heather to follow with a quick compliment. “That was so sweet, Peter. I’m going to feel like Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty Woman. You didn’t have to do this though.”

  “I know, but I thought it would be hard to find a dress in Richmond. Janie’s always going on about the poor selection. Thought this would be easier and a little bit of fun.”

  The car was a black Mercedes SUV, and it took them right into the city. Heather was starting to get hungry and was sure Peter could hear her stomach growling. She was determined to do this shopping thing quickly as it was not her favorite to begin with. The concierge at Barney’s whisked them up an elevator and to a private dressing room. Peter sat on a leather couch and Heather started trying on dresses. She perused all the dresses and asked to try the green one first. Green was her favorite, and if it fit, she would have a winner. The lady helped her into it. It was a floor length strapless gown. The top was gathered around her breasts and the rest was fitted perfectly with a ruffle starting below her knees and going to the floor. There was a slit, a long slit, on her good leg no less.

  “I think you found it, Ma’am. This may be the quickest appointment ever. Try this ballet slipper on with it.”

  The lady handed her a silver ballet slipper with simple rhinestones on it. She also handed her a classic diamond necklace and matching earrings. Heather gasped, and the lady told her they were really only cubic zirconium, but good cubic zirconium. Heather was set, and they opened the door for Peter to see. He stood up and walked over to Heather, took her arm and twirled her around.

  “Gorgeous. We’ll take it all. Just need a little handbag for the outfit.”

  “I have one right here.”

  “Perfect. Can you have it sent to my apartment?”

  “Absolutely, Mr. Adamson. I will do it right away.”

  “And the make up person we talked about?”

  “She will be there at 5:30.”

  “Thank you.”

  Heather had never had her makeup done by a professional other than the Clinique lady at Dillard’s. She was embarrassed Peter was going to so much trouble for her but excited to feel a little less like a widow of three and more like Cinderella.

  The car was waiting out front for them. The driver must have had the agenda already because he sped off without a word. Peter grabbed Heather’s hand.

  “Thank you so much. That was way more than I needed.”

  “It is my pleasure. I’ve never done that for anyone, and it felt great.” Peter saw the twinkle he loved in Heather’s eye. He vowed to keep her clothed in green and real diamonds instead of costume jewelry. He thought real diamonds might freak her out a little too much this early. They had only known each other for three weeks after all.

  “It’s all going to look great with my boot.”

  “That’s part of our story. You can tell everyone how I came to your rescue over and over again all night.”

  “So you like looking like a hero, do you?”

  “Absolutely.”

  The car stopped at a place called Sarabeth’s. Peter climbed out and helped Heather out of the car. She was so hungry. They were seated at a corner table immediately. Heather took the menu right away and was ready to devour almost anything…even a hamburger. Actually, that sounded perfect. Peter ordered a bottle of wine, and when Heather ordered her burger, his eyes bugged out of his head.

  “It just sounds perfect right now.”

  “Well, if I knew you were going to get a burger, I would have taken you to Jackson Hole!”

  “I’m starved, and it sounds perfect especially since I will be too afraid to eat in my dress anyway.”

  “I’ll have something delivered to my place before the Gala.”

  Heather took a sip of wine and looked around. She had not felt this carefree and relaxed in a year and a half. She would have to remember to text the kids later, but if something was wrong there was not a thing she could do. It was a freeing feeling. Heather had no choice but to enjoy this weekend. She devoured her burger and was anxious to check out Peter’s apartment.

  Chapter 21

  Peter’s apartment was in the West Village. The car was waiting for them outside the restaurant again and took them to Peter’s building. The doorman greeted them and told him their things were already inside. The elevator stopped on the twelfth floor, and Peter directed Heather to the door on the right. Peter opened the door. Heather didn’t even have a chance to look around. As soon as the door closed, Peter grabbed her and started kissing her.

  “I’ve been wanting do to this all day.” He led her into a bedroom while he was pulling her blazer off. The shirt was quick to follow. Peter helped Heather lay down on the bed and asked her if she wanted him to take her boot off. Of course, she did. He didn’t stop there. Before Heather knew it, she was naked on Peter’s bed in New York City. It made her giggle. Peter was leaning over her, holding himself up with both of his arms.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Never in a thousand dreams did I ever dream I would be right here with you.”

  “And I’m assuming from the smile on your face that’s a good thing.”

  “It is.”

  Peter took his time devouring her. They had 3 1/2 hours before anyone
would be at the apartment to help them get ready for the Gala. Heather knew he, Peter, was the best dessert she could imagine eating at this point in her life. He tasted better and made Heather feel better than any cupcake she had ever had. Heather had more mobility than she’d had the previous times, and Peter was enjoying that. He pulled sensations out of her she didn’t know existed. Little did Heather know, she was doing the same to Peter. It all felt different to him probably because he actually had real feelings for her. The depth of his feelings caught him off guard. But maybe that was to be expected with someone as authentic as Heather. There was no doubt the sex was getting better each and every time, and Peter had not thought there was much room for improvement to begin with.

  Peter wished they had more time together in New York. He wanted to take Heather to his favorite spots. But he knew there would be more chances. More chances for exploring places. Right now, they just wanted to explore each other. They were lying side by side, facing each other. Peter brushed the hair out of Heather’s face so he could stare right into her eyes.

  Heather was thinking about how different sex was with Peter. He took his time with her. A wave of guilt rolled over Heather because there was no doubt she enjoyed sex with Peter much more than she ever had with Hank. Acknowledging Peter was better in bed than her dead husband seemed like a betrayal. She yelled at him for the garbage he was too dead to take out and now she compared the sex she had with the living guy and thought it was worlds better. Being a widow brought too many contradictions with it. Peter could see the wheels turning in Heather’s head.

  “What’s wrong, babe?”

  “Nothing really. Just feeling guilty because that was really good. Really good.”

  “Don’t feel guilty for your pleasure. I’m sure no one would want you to do that.” Peter said as he rubbed her stomach.

  “We’ve just moved really quickly. I haven’t had much time to think, which is a good thing. Three weeks ago, I didn’t know you existed. Well, I knew you existed because I had heard of your books and movies, but I didn’t know you could exist in my life. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a thinker. I have to think about everything before I can do it. I like to pretend I have control of life and every situation. I feel out of control with you, but in a really good way. I’ve been so absorbed in my daily life. In the monotony of taking out the garbage, making sure everyone is fed and healthy, and paying the bills with my dwindling bank account, I never thought about having a boyfriend. I never thought about bringing another person into our lives. I took my vows in 1995 and thought I would never sleep with anyone other than Hank. Yeah, I ogled the occasional superstar and thought about my hall pass, but that was it. And then he died and left me here to figure out the life I thought I already had planned. So, bear with me. I’m trying not to be crazy and worry or over think, but it’s also part of my charm.” Heather took a breath, a really deep breath.