A Dream to be Loved Kandi Jaynes

by Kandi Jaynes

  Kate looked at it, "No thank you." Before she could say more Kelsie dropped her napkin and leaned to get it, knocking Kate sideways and into the lipstick. She looked at the red stripe on her shoulder.

  "I'm so sorry," Kelsie said.

  "It's alright," replied Kate reaching for her own napkin.

  "Oh no, don't get lipstick all over the linen napkin. You should go wash it off in the ladies room."

  Kate laughed, "What difference does it make? People use these to wipe their mouths all the time. They get lipstick on them then."

  Sue stepped in, "Yes, but this stuff doesn't wipe off. You'll have to wash it."

  "Okay, where's the ladies room?"

  "It's over there," Kelsie answered, "I saw it when we came in."

  Kate walked in the direction Kelsie pointed and saw the sign. Sue was right, the lipstick didn't remove easily. It took a few minutes to get it off. She combed her hair and made sure her dress was still covering everything it was supposed to, then went back to the table.

  She was almost to the table when something caught her eye. Glancing over she saw a man seated at the bar. He smiled and raised a glass to her. Kate smiled back wondering if he knew her and she simply didn't recognize him in the dim light. She stepped around the plant that hid her table and looked directly into Drake's eyes. She was so stunned she nearly tripped.

  Drake stood as she approached, his eyes slowly taking in every inch of her. "You look incredible," he observed in a deep husky tone. Taking her hand he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  Kate just stared at him for a moment too shocked to react, then glanced around. "Where are the others? What are you doing here?" She knew the answers, but her mouth voiced the questions anyway. "I can't believe they did this." Drake pulled her chair out and she sat down. "Was this their idea or yours? Or was it a collaborative effort?"

  "We'll discuss who you can be mad at later. Here they left these for you." he pulled three envelopes from the pocket of his jacket. Kate noticed he was very well dressed. The charcoal-gray jacket was tailored well for him. It emphasized his broad shoulders and tapered waist. It also seemed to deepen the color of his eyes.

  Kate took the envelopes he handed her and opened the first one as he took his seat. It was a birthday card typical of Sue. Cute and to the point. At the bottom she had written: I want one just like him for my birthday. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. Love Sue.

  "Like that leaves anything out," mumbled Kate as she shoved it back in the envelope.

  "What?"

  Kate handed him the card. "It's just Sue trying to be funny." She opened the next one from Missy. This one also had a hand written message at the bottom. Please don't be too mad, we love you and want you to enjoy your birthday. Love Missy. She let Drake read it also. The last one, obviously from Kelsie, she opened slowly not sure she wanted to read it. Kelsie was apt to tell her something she didn't want to hear right now. Before completely removing it, she started sliding it back into the envelope.

  "Aren't you going to read that one?"

  She peeked over the card and saw Drake's inquisitive expression. "Yes, I'll read it." Remember the drawing, was all that was written inside this one. Kate stuffed it back into the envelope then tucked it into her purse, blinking back the prickly feeling in her eyes. Drake gave her the other two. She could tell he was curious about the last one, but didn't ask her about it.

  Wanting something to hide behind she picked up the menu, perusing it slowly.

  "Would you like some champagne to celebrate your birthday?" Drake asked.

  She glanced over her menu. "No thank you, I try to stay away from alcohol."

  When the server came over, they gave their order. Salads were brought out shortly and she and Drake talked lightly while they ate. The meal was delicious. When all the plates were cleared, Kate was trying to decide if she should have dessert when the server placed a small beautifully decorated cake in front of her. One lone candle stood in the middle, the flame lightly flickering.

  Drake took her hand and looked into her eyes. "Make a wish, Kate."

  She closed her eyes, not having any idea what to wish for. There was a wish trying to form in the back of her mind, but she refused to give into it. It was beyond the realm of possibility and she was not going to set herself up for that fall. She wasn't going to let herself wish for anything that involved Drake. She couldn't think of a thing. She had already gotten her wish when she moved into her house, and didn't think she had the right to wish for anything else.

  Finally, instead of wishing for something more, she decided to be thankful for what she already had. She opened her eyes and blew out the candle.

  Drake smiled and served the cake. Then he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small box. It was wrapped in gold paper and tied with a white ribbon. "Happy birthday, Kate." He held it out to her. She hesitated a moment, then carefully took the package.

  When the wrapping was off she opened the little white box to find a velvet jewelry case inside. Kate held her breath as she pulled the lid up. Tucked inside was the locket she had told him about one night while they talked in front of the fireplace. She didn't wear much jewelry, but had fallen in love with this locket the first time she saw it. It had been in an antique shop in Pierceton. "I can't believe you remembered," Kate whispered, "I'm surprised it was still there." She blinked back the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. "You shouldn't have. I know it was expensive, that's why I didn't buy it myself." She tried to steady her voice. "I don't think I can accept it."

  "Yes you can, because I won't take it back. I want you to have it. It is very beautiful, it's only fitting that belong to someone as beautiful as you."

  Kate blushed. "That's nice of you to say but...."

  "Kate." She was trapped by Drake's penetrating stare. "You really are oblivious, aren't you?"

  Her brow furrowed. "Gee, thanks."

  "I mean you really have no clue as to how beautiful you are, do you?"

  Tears tried to form again. "Please don't tease me," she whispered.

  He took both her hands in his. "Kate, I'm not teasing, I'm speaking the truth. How can you not truly see something that you look at everyday?"

  The server interrupted at that point and asked if they would like anything else. Kate asked for a box for her cake, claiming she was too full to enjoy it. She smiled at the waiter and thanked him for the meal and the cake. He flashed her a smile and told her to come again soon.

  When the young man left the table, Drake smiled and shook his head.

  "What?" she asked.

  "You turn that poor boy to mush with just a smile and accuse me of teasing you when I tell you how beautiful you are." He leaned back in his seat. "I suppose you're going to tell me you didn't notice the man at the bar, either."

  She looked confused. "I saw him. I wondered if maybe he recognized me from somewhere. I deal with a lot of salesmen and tool reps from Fort Wayne."

  Drake laughed. "What he recognized had nothing to do with tooling." He pushed his chair out. "If you give me your claim check, I'll get our coats."

  Kate gave him the small tag out of her purse. She carefully removed the locket from its box while she waited. It was a small silver heart with a single rose engraved in it. Kate loved antiques. She could look at something and dream up entire histories about where they came from and the people who once owned them. As soon as she saw the locket she had pictured a young girl receiving it from her one true love. Family and hard times, however, had kept the two apart and the locket was all she had to feel close to him. She had worn it for many years, until she had finally died of a broken heart having never married. The locket had then been taken and sold in a pawnshop by her spoiled sister who had always been jealous of her. From there it had changed hands many times, being bought and sold by people who couldn't see the love it once held.

  Kate giggled. She must be spending too much time around Missy. Her sense of drama was getting out of control. She set the locket in th
e box and unclasped the pearls she wore. She was about to put them in her purse when the waiter came back with a small stand containing a silver ice bucket with a bottle of champagne in it.

  "I'm sorry you must have the wrong table, we didn't order this."

  "I know, Miss. It's from the gentleman at the end of the bar. He also said to give you these." He handed her a single red rose and a note. Kate leaned around the plant and peeked toward the bar. The man who had waved at her earlier smiled and held up his glass in a silent toast. Kate straightened in her seat and unfolded the slip of paper she had been given. It read; Any man who would leave such a beautiful woman sitting alone deserves to lose her. If you ever decide to find a man who will give you the attention you deserve I can be reached at this number. Phillip.

  Chapter Nine

  Kate gaped at the note. Surely these had been sent to the wrong table. She was about to look over at the bar again when Drake returned. He sat down draping the coats across his lap. "Did you change your mind about the champagne?" His expression was curious.

  "No, I didn't order it."

  Noticing the rose and paper in her hand, he asked, "What's that?"

  "I think the waiter must be confused and have the wrong table."

  He reached out and took the note Kate held toward him. "I think he had the right table." He gave it back to her. "I should thank Phillip for pointing out my mistake. Leaving you alone is not one I'll make again."

  Kate picked up her locket and unfastened the clasp.

  "Here let me do that for you." Drake set the coats on his chair and stepped behind her. She stood up and pulled her hair out of the way. When he was done he kissed the tiny dimple at the base of her neck, causing a slight shiver to chase down her spine.

  After helping her into her coat, he carefully lifted her hair from under the collar. She gathered her things from the table and turned to leave, but Drake stood in her way. He slipped his fingers under the lapels of her coat gently pulling her close and whispered, "This is for Phillip." just before his lips closed over hers.

  When he lifted his head her cheeks felt flushed. She wasn't used to such public displays. "Why would you kiss me for Phillip?" She asked slightly flustered.

  "So he'll know not to wait by the phone for your call." With a possessive arm at her waist, he guided her from the room.

  Drake opened the door when they reached the car but didn't let her immediately get in. Kate gave him a curious look. He smiled. "This is for me." The kiss in the restaurant had been nice, but it didn't compare to this one. His hands slid inside her coat and around her waist, pressing her against him. It was a deep drugging kiss that left her breathless and dizzy.

  She was glad for a place to sit when she settled into the car. She lay back against the headrest deciding this was by far the strangest evening she had ever experienced.

  They chatted casually on the ride back. Kate relaxed, thinking she would soon be home. As they approached town however he passed the turn to her house. She eyed him suspiciously. "Where are we going?"

  "It's still early. I thought we'd stay out a little longer."

  It wasn't long until he pulled into a parking lot. Kate tensed, "I'm not going in there! Not dressed like this, and with you."

  "Come on, it'll be fun."

  "For you maybe, but not for me."

  Drake got out and opened her door. When she didn't attempt to get out, he reached in and scooped her out of the car. She clung to him until her feet were firmly on the ground. She recognized many of the cars in the lot.

  "Don't make me go in there. Why are you doing this to me?"

  Drake looked into her eyes. "I'm not doing this to you. I'm doing this for you." He kissed her softly. "Sweetheart, somehow you've gotten the wrong impression about yourself. I want to help you see what other people see. You are an incredible woman although you refuse to see it, and you try to keep other people from acknowledging it. Maybe if I can help you see what I do, you'll let me in."

  He led her to the door of the all too familiar hangout. Saturday night was a popular night at Pete's and from the look of the cars at least half of the shop was here tonight. Drake held the door and firmly guided her through it. She was standing with her back to the room, facing Drake.

  "Can't we do this some other night?"

  "No." He slipped her coat off her shoulders and hung it on a hook, followed by his own.

  "Hey, Drake!" She heard Steve yell from the pool table. Other familiar voices followed but she was too nervous to turn and look.

  "Hi, Drake," this voice wasn't quite as friendly. "Are you going to introduce us?"

  "I'm surprised to see you here," came another less than friendly voice. "I thought you were occupied elsewhere these days."

  Kate's brows drew together. She wondered why they seemed upset with Drake.

  "Yeah, you wouldn't be dealing from a different deck now, would you?" Smitty didn't sound happy at all.

  Drake smiled down at her, and with a lowered voice said, "If you don't introduce yourself soon I could end up in the dumpster out back. They've already threatened the life of any man who mistreats their favorite tool crib attendant and they seem to be under the impression I'm cheating on her with you."

  It was obvious nobody realized who she was. None of them had ever seen her dressed in anything but jeans and work shirts, or with her hair down.

  "They really threatened you?" she asked in disbelief.

  "Yes. They didn't know it was me at the time. They were talking about the flower guy, but there was no question about their intentions. Well, there was one question."

  "Which was?"

  "Whether Smitty got to go first or last."

  In a voice soft enough for only Drake to hear, she said. "So if I don't say anything they will beat you to a pulp, and if I do let them see who I am they will think you are a really great guy."

  "Right."

  Kate narrowed her eyes and tapped her chin looking as if she were weighing her options.

  Drake gave an exasperated sigh. Taking her by the shoulders, he spun her around to face the crowd. Kate looked nervously at her coworkers who all gaped at her in turn.

  Drake spoke first. "I don't think I really need to introduce her. I'm sure you all know Kate."

  Kate felt a deep blush slowly burn across her face as they stared.

  "Wow!" After Smitty vocalized that one short word, a chorus of whoops, hollers, and wolf whistles broke out.

  Things started to calm down until Steve yelled, "Hey, you never told us you had legs."

  "Let me guess," Kate said. "You thought I just floated around on my broom all day."

  They all laughed. "What he means," Terry corrected, "Is that you never told us you had legs like that."

  Kate looked down. "They're just legs."

  Laughter again. "No, those are not 'just legs'. Those are legs."

  "Let's find a table." Drake placed his hand in the small of her back. They crossed the room and settled in a seat near the pool table.

  Steve held out his cue, "Wanna play, Kate?"

  When many of the guys gathered around, she realized this dress was not designed for bending over a pool table. It was bad enough so much of her was showing already. They didn't need to see it hiked any higher.

  She smiled. "Not tonight, thanks." She stood up and glanced at Drake. "I'm going to get something to drink." Drake followed her to the bar and they both ordered a soda. She took a sip and was going to return to the table when Smitty caught her around the waist and sat her up on the bar. He bent, leaning his forearms on either side of her, so he could look her in the eye.

  "If you'd consider dumping the suit," he nodded toward Drake. "I'd consider losing the tattoos."

  "Really?" She played along. "That's the best offer I've had all evening."

  "She's with me Smitty," Drake said. Not that he looked genuinely worried. Kate had told him about the relationship her and Smitty had.

  "Not really," Kate said. "It was either have dinner wi
th him or be stranded in Fort Wayne with no ride home." She glanced in Drake's direction. "Doesn't the fact I have to be tricked and lied to by long time trusted friends before I'll go out with you tell you something?"

  Drake leaned on the counter. "Yes. It tells me you're as stubborn as you are beautiful."

  She glared at him. "I can find someone else to take me home you know." She cocked an eyebrow. "As a matter of fact I still have Phillip's number. He would probably come and get me."

  Drake grinned. "I'm sure he would if you called him, but you no longer have his number."

  "Yes I do. It's in my coat pocket."

  "No it's not. I took it out when you were distracted in the parking lot." Kate's chin dropped.

  "Who's Phillip?" Smitty asked.

  She closed her mouth and smiled at him. "He sent me champagne and a rose at the restaurant. There was also a note with his name and phone number on it."

  Many eyes turned to Drake. "I went to get our coats and Phillip tried to steal my date."

  "Man, that's pretty low. I would never try to steal her behind your back," said Smitty. "I'm not opposed to doing it openly in front of you, though." He turned back to Kate. "So, how 'bout it, darlin'? I'll take you home."

  "Sorry, Smitty, I get that privilege." As the other men went back to their activities, Drake excused himself and walked toward the men's room, leaving Kate and Smitty to talk.

  Smitty looked at her more serious now. "So what's really going on tonight?"

  "It's my birthday." He already knew about the birthday tradition so Kate filled in this year's events for him.

  "He's a great guy, Kate. What are you so worried about?"

  "Smitty, he's a VP. A suit, as you so eloquently put it."

  "You know what that tells me, along with what I've seen of him at work?"

  "What?"

  "That he's smart and ambitious, and that he has very high standards. He doesn't settle for less than the best. Which is why he likes you. You are definitely the best."