Separate Like Stars

by Diana Kane

  “I’m in,” she squeals.

  “Ssh,” I quickly quiet her. “She thinks we’re having a typical dinner and movie night tonight.”

  “Sorry,” she says as she glances down the stairs. “I’m excited and it doesn’t even involve me,” she beams. “This is just what she needs.”

  “What do you mean? Is everything okay?” I ask as a list of possible problems fly through my mind. Are there issues at du Pays? Is Olivia unhappy? Is she having financial problems?

  “I only meant that she works too much. I keep telling her to have a little more fun, but I don’t think she listens.”

  “She does work a lot. Maybe I should come up with something else.”

  “What? No! She’s gonna love this! Honestly, as long as it involves you, she won’t care what you do,” Patti assures me.

  “Are you sure? I can come up with something that’d be more fun.”

  “I’m positive. Besides, I think she’ll love whatever it is that you’ve planned. Come on, let’s set this plan in motion before you have time to change your mind,” she says as she takes the envelope from my left hand and leads the way downstairs, giving me little choice but to follow her.

  *****

  “Hey, Jordan! You want your usual afternoon tea?” Steven asks as I approach the counter with the gift bag packed with peanut M & Ms, red vines, microwave popcorn and the third clue in the scavenger hunt clutched in my hand.

  “Actually, I was hoping I could ask for a little assistance. I’m doing a bit of a scavenger hunt for Olivia. Back in the day, this used to be the video store she worked at. I was hoping I could leave this here for her,” I request while I hold the bag up so Steven can see it.

  “Absolutely! My shift ends in a couple of hours, but if she hasn’t been by before then, I’ll let Grace know what’s going on,” he assures me with a smile.

  “Thank you so much,” I say as I double check that the right clue card is inside the bag.

  The site of our second first date. Underneath the seat of your latest defeat.

  “Want something to go?” he asks as I pass him the bag.

  “No time,” I inform him as I pass $10 over the counter to him. “Thanks a million. I’ve gotta run if I’m going to get everything ready before she finishes up at du Pays.”

  “I can’t accept this,” he says as he tries to slide the money back across the counter to me.

  “Yes, you can,” I argue as I turn to walk away. “I’m really sorry Steven, but I’ve gotta go,” I explain as I dash out the door. I should have charted my path a bit better before leaving du Pays. I’ll be backtracking to the park to tape the next clue underneath the picnic table. At least this town is still small enough that it shouldn’t present too much of a problem.

  I didn’t want to admit it at the time, but I knew after I tried to kiss you that night that I was falling for you again. At least I remembered to pick up a roll of tape during my stop for the bag of goodies I just dropped off at the coffee shop.

  “David! I need a favor,” I exclaim as I quickly approach the bar at DC’s. A glance at the clock suggests that it’s taken me half an hour to drop the bag at the coffee shop and tape the next clue under the bench. How can that be? I wonder as I glance at my watch and see that it has only been 15 minutes.

  “Bar time,” David informs me when I look back up at the clock in confusion. “Whatcha need?” he asks as he leans against the bar with a towel pinned under his left hand.

  “I’m doing a scavenger hunt for Olivia. One of the clues will lead her here. Can you please make sure she gets this?” I ask as I hold up the wine bag that holds a bottle of sparkling cider.

  “Is it a good idea to give her a bottle of wine?” he asks, his voice laced with skepticism.

  “It’s sparkling cider,” I inform him. “What kind of person do you think I am?”

  “Not the kind that would knowingly risk her girlfriend’s sobriety, which is why I asked. I can make sure she gets it. I’ll be here until 11 at the earliest.”

  “Thank you,” I manage as I pull out the envelope.

  I might have said it meant something different to me than it did to you, but I was scared and knew when I said it, it wasn’t the truth. I realize my compulsive checking of the clues is consuming precious time, but my desire to not screw this up is making me take the precautionary step. Two more clues to get into place, and a lot of legwork to go, but I’m still optimistic that I can have everything ready before Olivia catches up to me.

  *****

  The girl I used to be thought she was offering to give up everything for you. The woman I am wants to give everything to you, the card reads as I stand in front of Olivia’s couch, the scrapbook we made all those years ago staring up at me from the cushion. There’s still plenty of room in here for new memories, a Post-it note underneath the envelope that I taped to the first blank page reads. I fight the urge to thumb through the memories we’ve created thus far, knowing I still have one more clue to place and a whole lot of work to get through.

  We spent plenty of nights here, but we were never separate like stars, the final clue reads. I leave my bag by the door as I quickly head upstairs to Olivia’s bedroom and the bookshelf where she keeps her copies of all my work. I grab the copy of Alteration and flip the cover open, not finding the note that I penned to her all those years ago.

  “Shit! Where is it?” I wonder aloud as I search for her other copy. Lexa nudges me as I frantically scan the shelves again and again, coming up empty every time. “This isn’t happening,” I whine as I look over and pet an impatient Lexa, finally spotting the copy of Alteration on her nightstand. “Thank god,” I exclaim as I take the few steps towards the side of her bed and place the last clue inside the cover. “Come on girl, we’ve got work to do,” I call to Lexa as I jog back down the stairs. It’s been an hour. Realistically, I know I should be fine. But I want everything to be perfect, which means I need to hurry.

  *****

  I can’t find my wallet. Could you check upstairs to see if it fell out of my bag? I message Olivia as I start the shower. I’m surprised and relieved that I somehow managed to finish everything before she called to tell me she was leaving work.

  On it. I should be out of here in the next half hour. Of course, I stink and need to shower, she messages back followed by a photo of Oscar the Grouch in his trash can. I chuckle as I climb into the warm stream of water, quickly wetting down my hair before applying a generous dollop of shampoo.

  “Ouch,” I exclaim when the text alert going off somehow facilitated me getting shampoo in my eye. “Damn,” I curse as I attempt to rinse the offensive foam from my burning globe.

  Game? What are you playing at? I see after carefully leaning out of the shower and drying my hands.

  You really wanna use your hint already? I inquire before stepping back into the warm stream.

  No! I’m already on my way to the second spot, thank you very much, her response reads. How many are there?

  I could tell you, but wouldn’t you rather play the game? I know I need to finish my shower.

  You’re in the shower! You can’t tease me like that when you’re expecting me to focus on something else.

  I’m not teasing, I respond and attach a shoulders up selfie with the streaming water in the background.

  Can I see from the neck down? she immediately replies followed by a red devil.

  Only winners get prizes. Guess you better get to work.

  Working on the next clue now. I hate to admit that I actually need to think about this one.

  You’ll get there, I answer before setting the phone down and resuming my shower.

  *****

  Where are you?, the message from Olivia comes in about an hour and a half later.

  I’m waiting for you. Do you give up? You’re so close, I mercilessly tease before continuing to unpack our provisions for the night.

  Never! I still need to shower and figure out this clue. I just got home. Will message soon. />
  I smirk as I set my phone down and look around me. The tent is up, the fire is ready to be started, our blanket is spread out with a compliment of pillows, and our snacks for the evening are ready to be prepared. With little else to do but wait, I lay back and enjoy the quiet and fresh air, the serenity of the moment disrupted by my phone ringing.

  “Hey, mom. Everything okay?”

  “Everything is fine. Is this a bad time?” she asks, making me realize my greeting was probably a little curt.

  “Sorry. I’m just waiting for Olivia.”

  “Impatiently waiting, from the sounds of it.”

  “A little. I put together a surprise for her. Now I’m anxious to see how it’s received. What are you up to?”

  “Not a whole lot. We decided to have an impromptu barbecue tonight. Your uncles are on their way with Dee and Sally.”

  “Crap. I’m really sorry—.”

  “It’s okay. It was last minute, and from the way you said you put together a surprise, it must be something.”

  “Just a short scavenger hunt leading her back to our camping spot. I’m not even sure if she’s enjoying herself, but she only has two clues left.”

  “You’re worried she’s not enjoying it?”

  “A little,” I admit as I pull the phone away from my ear and see the text from Olivia letting me know she’s down to the last clue. “She should be on her way here according to the message she just sent me.”

  “I’ll let you go then. I can promise you that she’s loving it. You created something specifically for her. Relax and enjoy your evening. We’ll get together soon.”

  “Absolutely. Give everyone my love. Love you, mom.”

  “I love you too,” she says before hanging up.

  I get to my feet as I take one final look around me. Things are as ready as they’re going to be, given I don’t have time to make any changes. The real question is whether I want to resume lounging on the blanket or hide somewhere that will allow me to see her reaction. Come on Jordan. You don’t have time to sit here debating the merits of each decision, I warn myself as I waste another minute making up my mind. Finally settling on establishing a more romantic vibe, I light the junk mail that I wadded up and placed under and around the small bits of kindling to get a fire going. I’ve just placed the first skewered marshmallow near the flames when I spot Olivia’s silhouette approaching in the distance, my heart doing a massive flutter knowing that I’ll be able to wrap my arms around her soon enough. I watch her as I quickly assemble the s’more, hiding it between my hand and my side as she approaches.

  “I found you,” she says through a triumphant grin as she approaches the fire.

  “You did. However, one could argue that was kinda the point,” I tease as I continue reclining on my elbows as I watch her reach the edge of the blanket.

  “Do I get a prize?” she asks as her tongue brushes over her lower lip and her eyes slowly examine me from head to toe. My heart isn’t the only thing that flutters when she looks at me that way. It’s a look that I’ve seen many times before and my body still knows how to react to it.

  “Yes, you do,” I answer as I contemplate tossing the s’more into the fire and stripping before the chocolate becomes a muddy puddle in the ashes and the crackers are charred beyond recognition. Instead, I slowly raise the campfire confection and offer it to her, earning a throaty laugh in response.

  “Do I get to eat that cookie off of your cookie?” she asks through a lopsided grin with a raised eyebrow.

  “It’s not a cookie,” I inform her as she takes it from my hand and helps me get to my feet. “And no, you do not get to eat it off of my cookie,” I say as she pulls me in with her free arm.

  “That’s a shame,” she whispers before brushing her lips against mine. “Guess I’ll have to be content with my s’more,” she adds after backing up just enough to take a bite of the treat. “Want some?”

  “No thank you,” I answer as I wrinkle my nose in disgust. Olivia laughs as her free hand clutches mine and she takes another bite.

  “What’s all this?” she eventually asks after slowly scanning the clearing.

  “Just the setup for our third official date. You planned the other two. I thought maybe I’d give it a try. I brought stuff for dinner and star gazing. I also picked up a new tent and an air mattress to sleep on.”

  “An air mattress?” she questions with an elevated brow.

  “It’ll be more comfortable,” I assure her as she finishes her treat.

  “You did all of this today?” she asks as she loops her arms around my neck.

  “I planned it after our talk the other night. I couldn’t sleep and wanted a way to prove to you that I do love you.”

  “I know you do. I’m the one that’s been waiting for you to realize and accept that fact. Are you telling me that you do?”

  “Definitely,” I whisper before lifting myself onto my toes and planting my lips against hers. The light press turns into a tease as I nibble at her lower lip, drawing a low growl from her. I pull her closer to me as my tongue begs for entry, the faint taste of graham cracker and chocolate meeting me when her tongue slides against mine. I can sense Olivia restraining herself as I abandon her lips and slowly work my way down her neck as my hands slip underneath her t-shirt and slowly glide their way to her breasts, her stiff nipples greeting my eager fingertips.

  “Jordan,” she pants as I feel her slip slightly against me.

  “Maybe we should sit,” I answer as I do the last thing I want to and pull my hands off of her breasts. I catch the flash of disappointment in her eyes as she leads me to the center of the blanket, and feel her eyes tracking me as I put another log on the fire.

  “We could have some dinner,” she suggests as I stand at her feet and gaze down at her. I shake my head as I quickly move to straddle her hips, pulling my shirt off once I have her pinned to the ground. Her eyes double in size as she hungrily licks her lips and stares at my chest.

  “I thought you wanted your prize,” I purr as I bury my face in her neck and nip my way up to the lobe of her ear.

  “God,” she gasps, “you have no idea,” she adds as she tries to flip me onto my back.

  “Oh, I have a very good idea,” I argue as I tug at her shirt.

  “Did you do all this just to get me into bed?” she asks as she helps me remove her shirt.

  “I don’t remember ever having to put a lot of effort into getting you into bed,” I remind her as I stare down at her.

  “It’s hard to say no to something you knew was always going to be so transcendent,” she murmurs.

  “We had a few hiccups here and there. Remember the first time we tried to have phone sex?”

  “Fine,” she says as her lids sag and she shakes her head. “It wasn’t always perfect, but it was always amazing. Now are you going to talk all night or do I get to have my prize?” she asks as she slides her hands up the legs of my shorts and forcefully grips my ass. “You’re not wearing any panties.”

  “Why bother putting them on when I never intended to wear them for very long?” I ask as I stand up and allow Olivia to peel my shorts down my legs. She allows them to drop around my ankles as she grips my cheeks and pulls me into her mouth, her tongue quickly sliding between my lips and teasing over my already sensitive nub. My knees buckle when she gently sucks it, causing her to stop and pull away. “Why’d you stop?” I ask as I gasp for air.

  “You’re going to fall. Come here,” she commands as she pats the blanket next to her. I stand immobile as I look down at her, well aware that I’m disobeying her wishes. She draws a smirk from me as she utilizes her biggest piece of leverage and quickly rids herself of her remaining clothing. “Please?” she quietly begs as she holds her hand out to me. I silently take it as I step out of my shorts and lower myself to my knees, slowly pulling myself on top of Olivia as our lips reconnect and our tongues collide. The kiss is hurried and hungry, the passion we’ve denied no longer content to be contained. I know
I was aiming for romance, but it doesn’t seem that either of us is looking to take our time, at least not yet. Needing to watch Olivia come undone, I reluctantly pry my lips from hers and hurriedly move down her neck, blazing a trail to her breast where I lash my tongue over her turgid flesh before roughly pulling it between my teeth. She squirms beneath me at the sensation, calming slightly as I shift my focus to her other breast, only too happy to pay it equal attention. She bucks her hips and moans as I suck on her stiff bud, allowing me to feel her excitement as a faint trace of her sweet aroma fills my nostrils.

  “You’re so wet,” I observe with a cocky grin as I look up at her and slowly creep down her body.