His question catches me off guard. Does it make me happy? “Hmm? Well honestly, when I’m on air it does. I love being the one that viewers see, updating them on current events in their community. It brings a sense of importance and meaning.”
He laughs at my statement. “I’m sure you’re important to people, but not because you give them the news.”
I chuckle with him. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
We drive in silence for the time being as I glance out into the dark sky. I know there’s more I want to say just as I imagine, he has plenty of things to say to me. I peek out at him, watching as he drives us north toward my home.
His strong hands grip the steering wheel, hard, twisting each inch with his hands. He catches me staring from the corner of his eye and I turn away blushing.
“What’s on your mind Dylan?”
I spit out the fasting thing that comes to mind. “Congrats on the second restaurant. The food really is amazing.”
He snickers low in his seat. “That day in the restaurant, you took me by surprise. I didn’t even know what to say to you. I never expected to see you again after…our time together.”
“I didn’t expect to see you either. We both were in shock that day. In fact, I had just come from a horrible interview and it completely bombed. I had met, my friend, Juliette for long awaited luncheon and she recommended your place.”
He faces me with a huge grin on his face. “I’m glad she did.”
I return his smile with mine. “I’m glad she did, too.”
At that moment, he grabs hold of my hand, and brushes his fingers across mine. Butterflies scatter throughout my stomach as I breathe, telling my body to cool down and relax. The feel of his touch on my skin sends flashes of memories across my vision.
I clear my throat, forcing myself to stay focused on the task at hand. Major’s hand keeps hold of mine for the remaining of the drive. Nearing my town, I feel saddened that it’s time to leave soon.
“Which exit is it?”
“Oh, it’s the next one. Then drive about a half a mile, take a left, then a right at the light.”
Major drives in silence as he follows my driving directions, before pulling onto my street. I motion toward the apartment building coming up toward us.
“It’s this building right here, on the left.”
The car pulls up to an empty spot at the curb and Major lets go of my hand to shift the vehicle into park. We sit in silence for a brief moment as I gather my thoughts, not knowing what to say next.
That deep, rugged voice whispers next to me. “I’ve missed you.”
Major surprises me what the words that came out of his mouth. I stare at him with shock as he takes off his seat belt to inch closer to me.
“I want to see you again. Don’t run away this time, Dylan.”
His display of raw emotion scares the hell out of me but instead of running, I stay put. “I don’t want to run anymore.”
At that moment, his faces beams with joy and he returns back to his normal position. “So, when can I see you again? How about tomorrow night?”
My eyes widen at this sudden eagerness. “Tomorrow? That’s not a good night. How about next weekend?”
“That’s fine. Can I get your number so we can chat during the week?”
I laugh at his display of a teenage boy. “Sure.”
I give him by number just as he texts me his. I hear the faint chime of my cellphone’s ringer coming through my purse.
I unbuckle my seat belt and reaching out for the handle, I whisper, “Thank you for the ride.”
He grabs hold before I can open the door. “Now hold on a moment.”
I pause, waiting for him to say something.
“Don’t I get a birthday kiss?”
A smile spreads across my face as I sense him inching closer. I lean my body toward him just as his hand cups my cheek. My eyes travel down to his lips and I tremble slightly just as our lips touch. A spark suddenly ignites between us as we mold into one another, forming a bond between not just our bodies, but our souls. Major pulls me closer, pressing my lips harder on his as our kiss becomes frantic.
Our lips dance and swirl along the beat of our hearts, pounding against our chests, forming a melody of lost loves, finding each other again. Heat fuels my body as my breath hitches. I push further into him, crawling over the middle console. His hands grip my waist, squeezing tight as our lips frantically kiss. He moves away from mine, as he plants kisses all over my neck.
I gasp with a soft moan as the feel of his lips along my heated skin send sensations all over my body. He pushes up as I feel the bulge poking from underneath his jeans. I bend backwards, laying my back against the steering wheel, allowing him to kiss my chest.
The roaring sound of the car horn startles us both as I jump in his arms. “Shit! That scared me.”
We both laugh at the sound of our displeasure. The sudden noise brings me back from the high of his touch, as I maneuver back toward my seat.
I let out a deep breath, cooling myself as I peer at Major. “I think it’s time I head inside.”
He nods just as I open the door, letting all the cool air into the vehicle. Just before I shut the door, I pause, offering him a warm smile. “Goodnight Major. Happy Birthday.”
He winks at me, “Goodnight Sunshine.”
I giggle as I shut the car door and head toward the front entrance of the apartment building. Just as I enter, I turn to see Major speed away and into the quiet streets of Stamford. I walk up the two flights of steps, unlocking my apartment door, to see Mom crashed on the sofa. I kick off my shoes and tiptoe to Crew’s room.
Inching the door open, I peek inside the room, to see him snuggled in his bed. I shut the door and head toward my room. I glance out the window, wondering if I can still see Major’s car in the distance.
The streets below are empty but there’s one thing for sure that’s different tonight.
From this point on, everything changes.
7
Swan Lake
I step around the room, picking up tossed dirty clothes off the floor, and place them in the hamper. The sound of the shower stops and I hear the shower curtain be pulled, as the rings glide across the metal bar.
I step up to the bathroom door and knock softly. “Crew, you all done in there?”
My son’s voice echoes from the other side. “Yeah, mom. Just drying off.”
“Okay, I left your clothes on the bed for you. We have to leave soon, so don’t play around.”
“Yes, mommy.”
A small smile curves along my lips as I step into my bedroom and slip into a simple black dress. I glance at my reflection in the mirror and feel satisfied with my appearance. A nice, classy look for a children’s recital. With a dash of mascara and a hint of gloss, I press my lips together, giving them that plump look.
The blaring ring from my cellphone chimes from the bed interrupting my silent moment of self-appreciation. Juliette’s name flashes across the screen as I slide the green button.
“Hello.”
Juliette’s perky voice echoes from the speakers. “Hey, are you on your way yet?”
“We are leaving soon. Should be there in an hour or so.”
“Okay great! I can’t wait to see you guys. Cassie is really excited. She has her first solo tonight.”
My smile grows wide as I listen to Juliette’s voice fill with admiration and pride for her daughter. “I know you must be proud of her. And I’m sure everyone is going to love her performance.”
“Yeah, I know I will. Don’t forget to bring Crew’s pajamas and his toothbrush.”
I chuckle. “You act like I’ve never let Crew sleep over someone’s house before.”
“Yes, I know. But this is the first time sleeping over at my house.”
I step into the hall and peek in on Crew. “He’ll be fine. Listen, we gotta finish getting ready. See you soon.”
“Okay. Bye.”
I press t
he red button to end the call and step into Crew’s room. I watch as he struggles with his belt and decide to assist him.
“Here, let me help you sweetie.”
He huffs, clearly dealing with the annoyance of fastening the belt properly. “Thanks.”
I fasten the belt and stretch out, grabbing his tie. He looks straight ahead as I secure his bow tie. He slides into a navy-blue blazer and looks absolutely freakin’ adorable.
“You look so handsome.”
He stands with confidence, swiping his hands in his hair, and grins. “I look good, right?”
His posture and look immediately reminds me of Major and I can’t help but feel a pit in my stomach. Brushing it off, I laugh at his expression and squeeze him with all my love. “Okay, get your stuff and your bag for Cassie’s house.”
“Mom, do I have to stay with Cassie? Why can’t I come with you?”
He gives me the sad puppy dog look that I won’t fall for, at least this time.
I bend down to his level, meeting eye to eye. “Crew, I have plans after the recital. Grown up plans, so we’re sleeping at Cassie’s house. And I’ll come home right after my plans tonight, okay?”
He frowns, “Ugh fine.”
I pull him into another hug, pressing a kiss on his cheek. With hesitation, my fingers crawl all over his body, in search of the perfect tickle spot. Crew senses my intention and tenses his body. Just at that moment, I find the perfect spot and tickle him. Bursts of laughter cry out from his small mouth as he wiggles out of my arms.
We both laugh as he recovers from my tickle attack. I stand, smiling as we calm down from our moment of fun. A few minutes later, we leave and head for the train, ready for our trip into the city.
The train arrives and we find a quiet spot towards the back of the train. Crew sits beside me and immediately starts to play games on his tablet. I pass him headphones so he won’t interrupt any of the other passengers. He whispers a ‘thank you’ to me and I nod with a smile. The train pulls away from the station, making its way towards the New York City.
My nerves of the future start to creep up as my mind begins to wander. It’s been three weeks since Major and I have re-kindled. We’ve talked on the phone multiple times a week, and I’ve been to the city once to see him.
Of course, I didn’t get the courage to tell him about Crew, but tonight, I have to. I can’t put it off any longer. The longer I wait, the worse it’ll be and Major will never forgive me. Well, that’s if, he forgives me to not telling him for the past six years.
My eyes move toward Crew and I feel that similar pit in my stomach grow. I know I’ve done wrong by Major. I should have told him that night. To be honest, I don’t even know where to begin. I have the next couple hours to think of the right things to say.
Is there a right thing to say at this point? It could be too late by then.
My body fills with anxiety and at that moment, my cellphone chimes with a text notification. I glance down to see it’s only the man I can’t stop thinking about.
Major: Can’t wait to see you tonight.
A smirk spreads across my face as I read his message and I can’t help but feel worse.
My fingers type my reply and I hit send.
A few moments later, he responds.
Major: Any particular requests from the chef?
A slight chuckle escapes my lips as I reply.
Me: Anything that your heart desires
Major: Got it ;)
An hour later, Crew and I exit the train and make our way towards downtown. I glance around, making sure I have all of our things before I hail a cab. I raise up my hand and yell out. In an instant, a yellow cab pulls up along the curb.
“Come on Crew. Grab your stuff.”
Crew follows as I guide him inside the cab. We nestle inside and I shut the door. The driver looks back toward me, “Where to?”
“291 Broadway and Reade Street, please.”
The cab pulls away from the curb, and drives along the city streets. As we weave through traffic, I glance at my phone, only to feel the nerves kick in all over again.
I catch Crew staring out the window, mesmerized by the city’s tall skyscrapers. He turns to me with a smile. “Mom, when are we going to live here?”
His question catches me off guard for a brief moment. “Well, honey, stuff like that takes time. I’d have to get a good job, and find you a great school. Besides, what’s wrong with Connecticut?”
He shrugs, “Nothing, it’s just so small compared to New York. This place looks like way more fun.”
I laugh at his honesty, “Well, it’s not always fun. It’s such a big city you could get lost.”
His eyes grow wide. “Really? Did you ever get lost here?”
I nod, recalling the moment I first met Major. “Yup, as a matter of fact I did. Well, not really lost, but I was stuck here. You see, I missed my train back home and a nice man helped me.”
His face fills with awe. “Wow, I’m glad he helped you. You must have been scared.”
A small burst of laughter escaped me. “Yup, I was a hot mess. Almost cried that night.”
Crew smiles with assurance. “At least you weren’t alone. And you made it home safe. Now, I know not to miss any trains.”
We both laugh in unison just as the cab arrives at the dance studio. I pay the fare and help Crew out of the car. We make our way inside the building, already hearing classical music echoing from the halls.
The sight of Juliette comes into view as we step inside the studio. I call out to her and pull Crew further inside. Juliette sees us approaching and smiles with excitement.
She pulls me into a hug. “You guys made it! Just in time!”
She stands back, smiling at Crew. “Oh my gosh, you have gotten so big! And so handsome!”
He nods in silence.
I rub his hair. “Don’t mind him. He’s a little shy.”
Juliette smiles, ushering us inside. “No worries. I have two of them and another on the way. Come, let’s put your stuff down in the closet and then I’ll show you your seats.”
We follow close as Juliette brings us into the theatre area and we take our seats. The lights dim as music plays louder. A few moments later, the crowd quiets down as Juliette takes center stage.
A spotlight closes in as she greets the audience. “Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for coming tonight. I am very proud of these young dancers who worked extremely hard for this performance. So please, sit back and enjoy our rendition of Swan Lake.”
She exits the stage as the curtains pull apart, exposing a group of girls, posed in position, waiting for the music to start. And just like that, the music begins, and each girl moves with skill, passion, and talent.
Each performer is dressed in beautifully colored tutus and hair pinned up into perfect buns. Their tiny feet squeezed into pink ballet shoes, making each toe point stretch as far as they can reach. They twirl and spin, raising their arms with poise and musicality.
I glance over at Crew, to see him fully engrossed by the performance. I smile with ease, knowing he’s enjoying himself too.
My eyes return toward the dancers and I catch Cassie step out from the crowd of dancers. Her white costume bounces as she jumps and twists into a pirouette. She continues her solo as the audience watches with awe.
The recital continues for another forty-five minutes and as the last performance concludes, each audience member stands in ovation and claps with admiration.
I yell and cheer, happy for Cassie and Juliette. Crew claps along and tries to whistle with his fingers. I smirk at his eagerness and clap louder as all of the dancers, along with Juliette join the stage for the final bow.
The theatre lights up as Crew and I make our way backstage to congratulate the girls. Each dancer is cheering while I catch a couple hugging one another, clearly proud of their performance.
Juliette comes into view and I pull her into a hug. “You guys did awesome! I loved it!”
“Th
ank you!”
Cassie runs into Juliette with arms with open. I crouch down and squeeze her. “Cassie, I loved your dancing.”
She smiles, “Thank you Miss Dylan.”
I motion toward Crew, mentally telling him to acknowledge her. He huffs but complies. “You danced good.”
Cassie smiles and runs off to join her friends. Declan steps up behind Juliette, placing a kiss on her lips. I smile as the cute couple display a quick display of affection.
Declan greets me with a smile. “How’s it going Dylan?”
I shrug. “Same old thing. Nothing new. Hey, listen I wanted to thank you both for watching Crew tonight. I shouldn’t be too late but I’ll text you if I might be.”
Declan shakes his head. “No problem, we’d be glad to take him for the night while you do your thing. Besides, it’ll be nice to have another man around the house. Been around too many females lately.”
I laugh at his joke just as Juliette gives him that look and slaps his shoulder. Declan smirks and shrugs innocently and walks off to talk to a couple of the other parents.
Twenty minutes later, we all exit the studio and head toward Juliette’s and Declan’s house. It’s been a while since I’ve been here and each time, it takes my breath away. Juliette smiles at my excitement and chuckles.
I bring mine and Crew’s bags into the guest bedroom and head back down toward the living area. We gather for a few minutes, talking about the recital before my cellphone chimes. I glance down to see Major’s text.
I let out a deep breath, feeling sick to my stomach. Juliette steps closer and asks, “Have you told him yet?”
“No, but I will tonight. I have to. I can’t put it off any longer.”
She nods in agreement. “Especially if you want things to be peaceful. I’m not saying it’s going to be rainbows and unicorns because it’ll be far from that. But hopefully, he can come to terms with the reasoning behind your secrecy.”
I let out a deep breath. “I hope so.”
I give her a hug and say good-bye to Crew for the night. “I’ll see you when I get back. Be a good boy.”
Passion, Vows & Babies: Perfect Strangers (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 6