"Yeah. Sure. I'll be there," Jerrod said.
"You can bring a date," she said. "If you want to."
"He's not seeing anyone right now," Roger added as Jerrod whipped his head to the left and shot a glance at Roger.
"Perfect. See you both there," she said as she started to walk away from the table . "Roger knows where I live," she added over her shoulder.
"Thanks, pal," Jerrod said as Nikki got out of earshot. "I didn't even know Blake."
"But you know Nikki and she needs your support. Are you really going to disappoint an attractive young widow by no-showing at her get-together?"
"No."
"It's settled then. We're going to Nikki's on the twenty-eighth."
Jerrod was finishing his meal when he got a car burglary report detail on the radio. He went to the cash register to pay his tab and Nikki took his totaled check from her server's apron.
"Seven dollars and forty-two cents, Deputy Gold."
Jerrod took a ten from his money clip and handed it to her. "Keep the change."
"Thank you, sir. Very generous."
"You're welcome."
Nikki lifted her eyes upward to the low ceiling above the register. "Look, mistletoe."
Jerrod looked up at saw several sprigs of the hemiparasitic holiday decoration tied together with a red ribbon and attached to the ceiling with a thumbtack.
"Did you know a single girl isn't allowed to refuse a kiss from a man while they stand under the mistletoe?" she asked as the corners of her mouth moved up to form a sly grin.
"Um," Jerrod said as he looked around the restaurant to see if they were being watched... and they were. "How about a hug?"
"A hug would be okay," she said.
He gawkily moved around the register stand and opened his arms for the hug. She stepped toward him and pulled her arms around his waist as he placed his arms around her shoulders. The ballistic vest he wore under his uniform shirt stifled any physical sensation as she pressed her body against his and held him tight. His hands felt the toned muscles of her back and he inhaled the entrancing fragrance from her neck. As they separated, her sly grin had turned to a full smile. Jerrod felt his face warm as a smile grew on his face as well.
"Merry Christmas, Jerrod."
"Merry Christmas, Nikki."
CHAPTER 25
Sunday, December 28, 1986
It was already dark when Jerrod parked his Toyota at the curb near the address Roger had given for Nikki Verdugo's home. She lived in a small two-story condo complex on the southern edge in the City of Willowmere. Nikki's blue Pontiac 6000 was parked in the carport.
He pulled up the collar of his thin jacket against the already bitter cold winter wind. He had been told she lived in Unit Three toward the back of the complex and found the door.
"Welcome, Jerrod," Nikki said as a huge smile emerged. "Glad you could make it. I was starting to worry."
"Sure. Thanks for inviting me."
She wore a royal blue silk blouse and tight white Levi jeans. Her hair and make-up were the perfect accent to the already naturally beautiful woman.
"Come in," she said. "You'll know some people here already."
Jerrod stepped into the large condo living room -- still fully decorated from Christmas -- and scanned the faces of the people who turned to look at the latest arrival.
Roger Collins waved from the large sectional sofa. Budweiser in his right hand. Seated next to him was a gorgeous blonde woman -- who he assumed to be his wife.
Two men -- who he recognized as CHP officers assigned to the Mesa Field Office -- stood near the entrance to the kitchen.
He had no idea who the rest of the eight or nine other adults in the room were.
And there were no children.
"I'd like you to meet someone," Nikki said as she took his arm and led him toward the kitchen. His eyes met those of the two young and handsome CHP officers as they approached them. They were both under-dressed in t-shirts and jeans,
"How're you guys doing? CHP, right?" Jerrod asked as he looked each, in turn, directly in the eye.
"Good," one of the officers said. "Yeah, CHP." He had short-cropped yellow/orange natural hair the color of Cheez-Whiz with an equally cheesy mustache.
The other one -- taller, dark hair, and a cleft chin -- just nodded his head.
"Excuse me, gentlemen," Nikki said as the officers parted to allow access to the kitchen.
The silent CHP officer -- Head-Nod -- glared at Jerrod as he passed.
In the kitchen, a woman -- average height and solidly built with dark brown hair -- stood facing away in front of the sink.
"I'd like you to meet someone," Nikki said to the woman.
She turned and dried her hands on a dish towel. Jerrod noted her attractive freckled face and deep emerald eyes.
"This must be your sister," Jerrod said to Nikki without looking at her.
The woman smiled.
"Jerrod Gold," Nikki said. "This is my mother, Bernice Souza."
"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am," Jerrod said as he pushed his right hand to her.
The grip of her damp hand was strong and the texture rough.
She laughed and didn't let go of his hand. "I'm no 'ma'am,' young man," she said with a slightly accented voice. "Just call me 'Bernice.'"
"'Bernice' it is," Jerrod said.
Nikki asked: "Would you like something to drink, Jerrod? A nice, cold Heineken, perhaps?"
"Sure."
"I'll get it" Bernice said as she moved to the refrigerator, pulled a familiar green bottle from its six-pack container, and removed the cap with an opener.
"A little bird told me that was your favorite beer," Nikki said.
"I little bird named 'Roger?'" he asked.
"Maybe," she said.
Cheez-Whiz and Head-Nod moved out of the kitchen entrance again without being asked as Jerrod and Nikki walked together to the living room.
Nikki introduced him to several people standing in small cliques. He met some of Blake's family -- his brother, two aunts, an uncle, and a few cousins -- who thanked him for coming to the celebration.
"Can I lose this jacket?" Jerrod asked Nikki.
"Sure," she said. "I'll toss it in my bedroom. Go say hello to Roger."
She took his jacket and placed it over her arm. Jerrod watched Cheez-Whiz and Head-Nod leer at her as she ascended the open staircase. As she left their view, they both looked back toward him. Jerrod cracked a smirk, but got no response.
"Jerrod," Roger said from the sofa. "Sit down. Let me introduce you to someone special."
Roger turned to the woman. "This is my wife -- Kim."
"Very nice to finally meet you, Kim," Jerrod said. "I've been to your house a few times for poker games, but for some reason we've never met. You have a beautiful home."
"My pleasure as well, Jerrod," she said. "I get out of the house with the kids on those Tuesday nights so you boys can have your fun."
"I don't know if losing ten bucks every other week is 'fun,''', Jerrod said. "But I'll get the hang of the game someday."
"Not likely," Roger added.
"Thanks, pal," Jerrod said.
Nikki came back down the staircase and Jerrod watched the CHP officers again from their post at the kitchen entrance. They muttered something between themselves as Nikki walked back to Jerrod's side.
Jerrod asked Nikki: "Where are your daughters tonight? I'd like to meet them."
"They're at a neighbors house for the night," she said. "We went to mass today and visited Blake's...." Her voice trailed off and she excused herself to the kitchen. Jerrod watched her as she hugged her mother.
"Still tough for her," Roger said. "Even after a year."
Nikki came back from the kitchen and stopped to talk with Cheez-Whiz and Head-Nod. They both laughed at something she said and she flashed her fabulous smile.
The party started to break up when Blake's aunts and uncle announced they were leaving. Then Bernice and the cousins said thei
r goodbyes.
Jerrod enjoyed his third Heineken while talking with Roger and Kim. Cheez-Whiz and Head-Nod had moved to the dining table.
Roger was in no condition to drive when he got ready to leave.
"Give me the car keys," Kim said as he put on his brown suede leather jacket. He fished the keys out of his pants pocket and handed them over without protest.
Jerrod shook Roger's hand and got a hug from Kim as they left.
"Sweet people," Jerrod said.
"They really are," Nikki added.
Nikki walked to the dining room. "Party's over, boys," she announced to the two CHP officers. "Thank you so much or coming. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it."
Cheez-Wiz stood up, but Head-Nod stayed in his seat.
"I'm heading home too, Nikki," Jerrod said. "I'll grab my jacket while you say good-bye to these nice gentlemen."
"Okay," Nikki said. "Last door on the left."
"Thanks," Jerrod said.
Jerrod climbed the steps, but lingered in the hallway and listened as Nikki thanked the young officers again and ushered them to the door.
He went into the bedroom to find his jacket. Two scented candles burned on the nightstand of the immaculate, artfully decorated, and noticeably feminine bedroom. At least ten pillows of different shapes and sizes adorned the king-size bed.
With his jacket in hand, Jerrod walked down the staircase and stood in the living room. Nikki had herded the two officers to the doorway and Head-Nod looked over her shoulder at Jerrod.
Jerrod raised the palm of his left hand, bent his fingers in a waving motion, and watched Head-Nod's eyes widen as he mouthed the words: "Bye-bye, dipshit."
Nikki gave Head-Nod a final thank-you and closed the door.
Jerrod watched Nikki as she leaned her back against the door. Jerrod interpreted her gesture in two ways: One -- What a great party. I'm glad this day is finally over. Please have a pleasant drive home; or, Two -- What a great party. You don't get to leave just yet. We're grown adults and we're finally alone... and I'm blocking your exit.
"I don't think those guys liked me too much," Jerrod said.
"Oh, they're harmless. Just regulars at the restaurant. Nice guys, really."
"They're probably looking for a pay-phone right now to call CHP dispatch and report a DUI in a silver Toyota 4x4 pick-up heading to Valle Verde."
"They wouldn't do that," she said.
"Mind if I just hang out here for a few minutes?" he asked.
"Sure."
Jerrod sat on the sofa and Nikki sat down next to him.
"I'm sorry I upset you earlier," he said.
"It's okay. Those emotions come and go all the time. I can't control it. Anything can set it off."
"I'm still sorry," Jerrod said he rubbed his bare arms with his hands.
"Cold?"
"Yeah."
"Lean forward."
Jerrod leaned forward and Nikki pulled a multi-colored crochet blanket from the back of the sofa back. She placed it over him and got in under the blanket herself.
"Better?" she asked.
"Much better," he said as he took in her intoxicating scent.
An intense silence followed as they looked into each others eyes.
"I haven't been with anyone since..." she said softly.
"Shhh," he said as he reached his arm around her shoulders and she placed her head on his chest. "Nothing has to happen."
More silence.
"You may be right," she said.
"About what?"
"Those two cute CHP guys."
"What about them?"
"They probably have a roadblock on the PCH right now waiting for you."
"Maybe I should take the backroads home," he said.
She pulled her head up. He looked deep into her brilliant emerald eyes and watched her mouth as it formed a coy smile.
"Or you could just stay here tonight," she said in a whisper.
She closed her eyes and they kissed for the first time.
CHAPTER 26
Jerrod awoke to the light knock on the bedroom door.
"Mom?" the little girl voice asked. "The door's locked. Are you alright?"
"Oh, shit," Nikki said in nearly a whisper as her eyes sprung open and she sat up in bed. "I'm fine, honey. I'll be right out. Okay?"
"Alright, Mom," the little voice said.
"Go downstairs and I'll be right there."
"Okay, Mom."
Jerrod sat up and rested his back against the headboard. As he cleared the sleep from his eyes, he looked around and found the previously immaculate bedroom had transformed into the aftermath of an EF-3 magnitude tornado. The plethora of bed pillows were scattered around the room. Her blouse and jeans and bra with his shirt and pants and socks marked a trail from the bedroom door to the bed. The comforter had fallen to the floor. The blankets and sheets were twisted nearly into a knot.
"The girls are home," she said.
"I deduced that. I used to be a detective."
"I have to check on them," she said before kissing him deeply. "Want some coffee?"
"Yeah, sure."
Jerrod watched as Nikki stretched her arms and yawned. After a few moments, she lifted her fully exposed and naturally sculptured body from the bed. She stopped and braced herself briefly by placing her hand on the bedpost.
"My legs are shaky," she said.
Jerrod grinned.
"You're an animal."
Jerrod grinned bigger.
"Where's my robe?" she asked herself as she looked around and headed to the adjacent bathroom. She came back out into the bedroom wrapping herself in a bright red silk robe. She tied the sash into a neat bow.
"Which daughter was that?" he asked.
"That was Marty. I'll be right back. Stay here."
"Okay," he said as he watched Nikki quietly unlock the bedroom door, crack it open, and peak into the hallway."
"The coast is clear," she whispered over her shoulder.
He laughed.
She put a single finger to her lips. "Shh."
He covered his mouth with his hand.
"Animal!" she said as she turned away and tiptoed out into the hallway and closed the door behind her.
Jerrod sat up in the bed. He replayed in his head the slow sequence of events and build up of wonderful tension that led to them being together that morning:
He likened that tension to the quiet ratchet of a wind-up alarm clock as its spring is pulled into a tighter and tighter spiral by the deliberate twist of its key. Click-click-click. Their first introduction. Click. The subtle flirting. Click. The unnecessary glances. Click. Her "protected" status. Click. The innocent gestures and touches. Click-click. The small-talk. Click. The convenient mistletoe. Click. The party invitation. Click. Waiting for the two CHP officers to leave. Click. Alone at last. Click-click. Her intoxicating scent. Click. And the their first kiss. Click-click-click.
The clock spring had been twisted to its limit. When it was finally released, its energy exploded into a frenzied night of passionate and pleasurable and satisfying lovemaking.
Nikki returned to the room after about five minutes with two steaming cobalt blue coffee mugs bearing the gold logo from Sophie's Diner. She placed one cup on a tall-boy dresser next to the door and locked the door.
"Afraid someone will barge in?" he asked.
"Yes," she said as she gathered the second cup and walked to the bed. She feigned tripping on a decorative pillow laying on the floor. He gasped as she lunged forward and acted as if the hot liquid would spill on his bare torso. She pulled back at the last moment and didn't spill a drop.
"Do you practice that move?" he asked.
"I actually do. On 'A-Holes' and bad tippers at the restaurant."
Jerrod laughed as she handed him his cup and she walked around the bed. She left her robe on and climbed back into the disheveled bed. She placed her head on his chest.
"Your heart beats very slow," she said.
"It wasn't beating slow last night... or a few hours later... or then again this morning," he said.
She looked up at his face. "I thought mine was about to beat out of my chest and I was going to have a heart attack right there in bed." She rolled her head back, closed her eyes, and stuck her tongue out the corner of her mouth.
He laughed and she sat up in bed.
"Do I get to meet the girls or should I just rappel out from the window to get home today?" he asked.
"I don't know yet. I've never had anyone..."
"It's okay. No rush. No problem."
She sipped her coffee and stared at the wall.
"If this was just a one-time thing, Jerrod, I understand."
"Why would it have to be a 'one-time thing?'"
"My kids. Roger told me..."
"Roger's got a big fucking mouth."
"Please keep your voice down. I'm sorry I said anything. Don't get mad."
"I'm sorry. And I'm not mad," he said quietly. "I don't know what I am."
"Take it slow?" she whispered.
"Sure. Slow."
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation.
"Mom?" a different little voice said through the door.
"Yes, honey," Nikki said.
"Lilly?" Jerrod whispered.
Nikki nodded.
"Mom, I'm hungry."
"I'll be right out. I need to talk to you."
There was a pause. "Is this going to a 'bad-talk?'" the little voice asked.
"No, honey. Not a 'bad-talk.' Go back downstairs. Okay?"
"Okay, Mom."
Nikki kissed him again. "Duty calls."
"Mind if I shower before I get back into yesterday's clothes?"
She laughed and then transformed her expression into a playful scowl. "You didn't come to my party prepared to spend the night?"
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