by Alison Mello
It looks as though we will have to have a later “Lunner” than I was thinking. But I am happy to rearrange my plans for her.
I watch over Poppy as she sleeps, listening to the laughter of the children and soft lapping of the waves. We are practically in paradise and there isn’t anyone else I’d rather spend it with.
“I love you,” I whisper into the warm, sunny air. I tilt my head back to see a couple playing volleyball, teenagers probably two years younger than Poppy.
I think of how fun it would be to play with them, to be on a team with Poppy. Just as the thought enters my mind, I hear, “Let’s beat them.” Looking down at my once sleeping angel, I meet bright hazel eyes.
“Really?”
“Today, I feel invincible with you.” Her words fill me with an unhealthy amount of pride. I place a hand on her cheek and without reservation, I duck down and place a kiss to her warm lips.
Poppy hums with appreciation, sliding her hand into the hair at the back of my neck. She continues the kiss, moving at a slow, sensual pace.
Oh, how I love this woman.
My heart is beating out of its chest. I am so overwhelmed with my emotions, I can hardly stop myself as I jump to my feet. I could demolish a tank with Poppy’s words and her kiss.
I grab Poppy’s hand and we make our way up to the couple who instantly notices us. “Mind if we join you?” I ask.
***
I take Poppy to the Stray Dog for dinner, a rustic hamburger joint. It is practically tradition to go to the Stray Dog after enjoying a day at the beach in New Buffalo.
We each get a burger with fries and chat mindlessly about silly topics. Poppy remains carefree the rest of the night, laughing lightly and smiling sweetly. It ends up being the perfect day.
We are now sitting in her apartment parking lot, neither one of us moving. I didn’t want today to ever end.
“Today was amazing, Reid. You didn’t have to do all of that…” I lean forward across the console to lose my fingers in her hair.
“I’m glad you had fun, Poppy.” She closes her eyes at the sound of her name, letting out another hum of satisfaction. She subconsciously leans her head into my touch, placing a kiss to the inside of my wrist. “Poppy, will you please officially be my girlfriend? I promise more days like this, and even though there may be times when we argue and fight, I will never stop loving you.”
Poppy lets out a breathless laugh but nods her head, giving me another kiss. “Of course. I don’t deserve you.”
“You’ve got that backwards,” I mutter. Poppy and I could go on and on, debating who doesn’t deserve who, but the night is coming to a close and I’m afraid it’s time to let her go. With one final kiss, Poppy exits the truck. And unlike last time, where her shoulders were hunched, Poppy walks into the building with a little pep to her step.
And I drive home with the biggest smile on my face.
I just won the lottery.
Chapter 14
It’s Permanent
Poppy
June 20, 2016
“Just buy him new equipment for his grill. I’m sure he’ll love it,” Rachel says, sipping her Peppermint Mocha. I casually wipe down the tables around her, talking softly.
“Rach, I’m serious. Help me decide.”
I have been scrambling for ideas as to how to pay Reid back. Or, how to thank him. Every time we get together, he always has an elaborate plan laid out for the night. Whether it’s watching movies with a four-course meal he had prepared, or taking a walk in the park followed with stargazing, he has everything planned to the minute.
Is that something soldiers are taught at boot camp? To always be punctual?
“Poppy. Being with you is enough for him.” I turn to Rachel again, having forgotten about the table underneath my damp towel.
“I know…but I want to do something kind for him.”
“Make him dinner and don’t let him lift a finger. Return the favor.” I let out a sigh in silent agreement.
I will dedicate an entire night to only treating Reid. I can do this.
***
The white wine pasta sauce boils slightly on the stove top while the noodles’ water is practically jumping out of the pot and onto the counter. I lower the heat a smidgen and check the bread in the oven. A powerful waft of garlic passes over my nose and I hum in satisfaction.
I raise a glass of my white Riesling and take a sip, hoping to calm my nerves.
Aragorn lies by my feet, his warm fur barely making contact with my skin. It creates a comfort. He can sense my anxiety, for his eyes follow my every movement like a hawk.
A timer goes off and I quickly remove the pasta from the heat and drain the water into the sink. Once that’s done, I pour the sauce over the noodles and thoroughly mix.
This is my most popular dish. When in doubt, I always resort to White Wine Cavatappi, with garlic bread and salad on the side. I convince myself that one day I will branch out and try new recipes. But I’m afraid of my company not taking a liking to the meal.
What if it’s awful? Will their views on my cooking abilities reflect how they look at me? But I also know I have the ability to create something simply wonderful. I love cooking, but the results always frighten me.
The door buzzes as I place the bowl of pasta on a trivet in the middle of the table. My nerves multiply nearly tenfold as I look at the door. Aragorn lets out one warning bark as I walk over to buzz Reid in.
As he makes his way up to my apartment, I finish setting the table, placing the toasty bread and chilled salad on either side of the pasta. I fill the glasses with the wine and set the bottle on the counter as Reid opens the door.
I turn to him, my apron fanning out as I do so. I clench my hands in fists as I stare at Reid.
He’s dressed in khaki pants with a maroon button down shirt tucked in. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, giving him a relaxed appearance. His eyes are bright as they look over the table and then me.
I am wearing a simple white dress with a lace skirt that meets my mid-thigh. The quarter sleeves have a button at the end that I leave unattached, providing me a morsel of comfort. I quickly untie my apron and drape it over one of the chairs. My hair is falling out of its poor bun and I decide to let it loose.
Ever since the beach, when Reid let my hair down, I have had the sense that he prefers it loose around my shoulders. Even though I’m more comfortable with it up and off my neck, I do as he likes.
“No,” Reid says, catching me off guard. I flinch at the word, looking at him with wide eyes. His eyebrows have come together as he looks around my apartment. “What have you done?” he asks, stepping forward.
He doesn’t like it. What have I done wrong? Reid doesn’t like to be waited on and spoiled. He wants to do the spoiling and pampering. Have I made him uncomfortable?
When I take a step back, Reid freezes his advance and his eyes grow as wide as mine. “Oh, Poppy…” he whispers, shaking his head. He sucks in his bottom lip and looks at the floor. “Do you not know what today is? When I agreed to spend today at your apartment, I figured it was because you were too shy to be celebrated in public…” My mouth falls open as I try to figure out what he’s talking about.
Then my eyes fall to the small gift bag in Reid’s hands. It is littered with printed multi-colored confetti and bold letters. Happy Birthday.
Today is my birthday…June 21.
Tears well in my eyes as I look up at Reid. He lets out a sigh and places the bag on the table, walking toward me. His warm hands cup my cheeks as he stares into my eyes. “You are unbelievable, Poppy Evans. You slaved away on your birthday, for me.”
But I didn’t know it was my birthday…
“I’m sorry,” I say. I am completely oblivious to the world around me.
Three days ago, Reid had asked to see me today. Yesterday I agreed, coming up with the idea of treating him to a home-cooked meal at my apartment. I didn’t even take notice of the date. My birthday is hardly celebrated;
it has become just another day of the year.
Reid came in tonight thinking we were getting together to celebrate…
“Don’t apologize. Let me call the Chinese restaurant and cancel the order. I’m excited to try this pasta.”
He ordered Chinese? How is he so naturally selfless?
After a kiss to my forehead, Reid pulls out his phone and takes a seat at the table. He quickly cancels the order and apologizes for the confusion. I sit beside him, watching as he hangs up and frowns at his plate.
“Your birth is definitely something to be celebrated, Poppy. The fact that you have forgotten your birthday…that’ll never happen again.” Reid grabs my hand and lifts it to place a kiss to my knuckles. I shiver at his touch, simply staring at him as he does the same to me.
“I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” I whisper, grabbing my glass of wine to take a sip.
Reid chuckles, dropping my hand. “Never thank me for loving you, Poppy Evans.” Reid picks up his glass and holds it out to me. “Happy Birthday, sweetheart.” I blush, clinking my glass with his.
Reid nearly devours the pasta, moaning a few times as he does so. He goes for three servings of the pasta, salad, and bread. I have never seen him eat so much, and it brings me pride to know I was able to provide for him.
After all that he has done, I wanted to give him something in return. Seeing him happily eat the food I prepared is fulfilling.
Reid hands me the bag and I give him a small smile, shaking my head. “Don’t say anything. Just open it.” I peek into the bag to see a sheet of paper. Pulling it out, I unfold it.
You are to take July 12th off. The day will begin with a prepaid massage, followed by a trip to the beach, where we will defeat another teenage couple in volleyball, and lastly I will treat you with a surprise of my own.
I look up at Reid and shake my head, a smile twitching on my lips. “Nonrefundable,” Reid insists, leaning forward so his nose barely brushes against mine.
“I love it. And I promise to have another day dedicated to just you…” I whisper, resting our foreheads together. Reid hums in approval, placing a kiss delicately to my lips. I never thought it possible for a man to be so gentle. Especially not after Gavin.
But Reid is. He handles me as if I am a porcelain doll and a wrong touch will completely break me.
My phone buzzes on the table and I peek out of the corner of my eye to see a message from my father.
Dad: Happy birthday, Poppy. Come over tomorrow to celebrate with Diane, Stephanie, and me.
A root canal sounds better than that.
I glance at Reid, a hopeful expression on my face. He must have seen the text, because he’s already nodding his head.
He will accompany me.
***
“Happy birthday, Poppy.” My father places a warm kiss to the side of my head, giving my body a gentle squeeze. I smile up at him, blushing before I step back toward Reid. He instantly grabs my hand, his eyes forever on Stephanie. I tighten my grip, causing him to peek over at me. I give him a small smile, which he returns with a peck to my lips.
“Come, you need to open your gifts. I know you’re on a schedule, so we won’t keep you for long,” my father says, motioning toward the living room. Reid drapes an arm around my shoulders, keeping me tucked by his side, even as we sit on the couch. He crosses his legs, his right ankle resting on his left knee. He leans back into the couch as if he owns it, while keeping his hold on me.
His eyes follow Stephanie’s movements; every little twitch, he’s watching. While I admire him for being so protective, I just want this evening to go smoothly.
We aren’t exactly on a schedule. However, I told my dad that Reid and I have plans, that way there is an end to this evening.
My father hands me a present wrapped in pink and white paper. I can tell by holding it that it’s a book. Peeling off the wrapper, I smile down at the title. It’s the third installment of a series I am currently reading.
I always thought he was ignoring me when I ranted about the characters…
“Dad…this is perfect,” I whisper, looking up at him with grateful eyes. And it truly is. I am in love with this present.
Next is Diane’s gift, which comes in a small silver box. Opening it, I see a pair of silver teardrop earrings. They are elegant and beautiful and will match the last fifteen she gave me. I smile again, giving my thanks.
Last is Stephanie. She hands me a pink bag that has white tissue paper stuffed inside. When I look in the bag, my heart stops.
“Happy seventeenth birthday, Pops,” Stephanie says, handing me a small handle bag that I’m sure her mother put together.
My father and Diane sit across from me on the loveseat, snuggled together. Stephanie has moved to sit by my side, a little too close for comfort.
I peek in the bag, my brows furrowing as I pull out foundation, both liquid and powder, mascara, and blush. I look at Stephanie, about to say thank you. However, she leans forward to whisper in my ear. “This,” Stephanie points to my face, “I just can’t handle. I figured I’d help you out.” Stephanie pats my shoulder, giving me her dazzling smile.
All of a sudden, a current of insecurities fill me. My face can’t be that ugly, that she felt the need to go to the store and buy me makeup to alter it, right?
Tears stream down my face as I peek up at Stephanie. She jerks her eyes to Reid before she mouths, “For him.”
I feel sick to my stomach as I throw the gift to the ground, hearing the glass of the foundation bottle break. But I don’t care. I jump to my feet and bolt out of the room, my breathing coming in short, raspy breaths.
I run out of the house, sucking in lungs full of fresh air.
Sobs run through me as I place my hands on my face. My face.
I scream in anger as I dig my nails into my cheeks and claw them. How could she do this to me? When was it ever going to be enough?
“No. No.” Reid yanks my hands away, ending my assault. He has pure rage brewing in his eyes, along with sorrow and sympathy. “Oh, sweetheart,” he whispers, gingerly touching my marked cheeks. Tears well in his eyes as he shakes his head, pulling me closer with his free hand.
“I can’t breathe anymore, Reid. I-I c-can’t do it anymore.” I shake my head, trying to rid myself of all the nasty thoughts that swarm my mind.
No one could ever want you.
You’re so ugly.
Everyone always leaves.
You are mentally ill.
It would just be easier if you ended it.
Ended it…
I push on Reid’s chest, needing him to step away from me. I feel my breathing pick up as I shake my head in earnest.
“I want it to stop, Reid. I want it all to end. I want it over!” I yell, not caring if the neighbors can hear us.
I hear a sniffle, and despite my best efforts, I find myself staring into Reid’s watery eyes. A lone tear has rolled down his cheek as he stares helplessly at me.
“What can I do? Please, sweetheart, tell me what I can do,” he pleads, stepping forward even when I flinch away. Reid pushes hair from my face, tenderly holding me.
“I want to be sure she’ll never do anything like this again,” I whisper.
Reid gives a firm nod, grabbing my hand and leading me back to the house, despite my attempts to flee. Once we’re back in the living room, I see they have hardly moved from their spots. My father is just bursting with concern right now.
Reid effectively tucks me back behind him, standing in front of Stephanie.
“I need you to listen to me right now. If you ever do or say anything to Poppy that so much as makes her blink back a tear, I swear you will regret it. You’re not the only one with a stash of secrets, Stephanie. I know plenty about you and I will gladly share them with—” Reid cuts off before he noticeably looks at Diane, whose mouth is gaped open in shock. “I don’t understand the thrill you get out of tormenting her, but it ends. Right. Now. Are we clear?” Reid ste
ps forward, his large stature intimidating as he looms over Stephanie. She looks up at him, eyes wide.
She nods her head slowly, not daring to look anywhere but at Reid.
Reid then turns to my father. “You should be ashamed of yourself for what you have let happen to your own daughter. She has deteriorated in front of you, and you did nothing to help her. But don’t you worry. I’m here now, and I will look after her…for the both of us.”
Reid bends down to grab the book my father has given me, and then grasps my hand tightly, leading me away from the three people who never cared about me. I struggle to keep up with him as he grabs the passenger door to his truck and holds it open for me. I get in and he slams the door shut before he runs over to the driver’s seat.
He backs out at a swift speed, the wheels squealing as he jerks the car into drive and zooms away from the house. The turns are jerky and the stops nearly have me flying out the window.
When we get to my apartment, Reid punches the steering wheel and looks over at me. His eyes are heated with anger and hatred. They skim over my cheeks for a moment before he bows his head, his fingers desperately grasping his hair and a bellowing scream escapes his lips. I jump at the sound as it eats away at my insides. He’s in pain…
“It hurts.” Reid pounds his chest, meeting my eyes. A tear drips from his chin. “You believe everything she says over everything I tell you.” I’m shocked by his statement.
Of course I do, I have listened to her tell me over and over again. It has become engraved into my very soul.
“I tell you the truth. I see you for who you are. You are the most beautiful person in the world to me, Poppy. And you still believe her. Why can’t my words touch your heart? Why do you let hers tear at it? And now, sweetheart, I fear it’s permanent.” Reid reaches over and touches my cheeks and I flinch at the pain.