Jake
While Sailor’s in her room grading papers, I wave my hands in the air to clear out some of the billowing smoke coming off the gas grill on the terrace.
I’m cooking her steak because I guess that’s what I do now. I think about one woman only, day in and day out, and have this overwhelming desire to make her as happy as possible.
I missed Sailor like crazy over the weekend, and it took all my strength not to take Maddie over to the condo to see her. I decided Sailor and I both needed space to see if our connection was simply a strong attraction or something more, and at least for me, it’s more, and I’m hoping she feels the same.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, so I close the lid on the grill and pull out my cell.
Elliott: I had my mom fix up Sailor’s bedroom. I thought I should let you know before you saw it and questioned her about it.
Me: OK. Why did you do that?
Elliott: One, the room looked like shit. She deserves better if she’s going to live with us. Two, I still feel like I owe her for the past.
Me: We’ve been over this. She chose to drive you and Rebecca home that night. It was an accident.
Elliott: Just don’t give her shit about the room. It wasn’t her idea.
Me: Why would I give her shit about it?
Elliott: What are you up to this evening?
Me: I’m cooking Sailor dinner. Since when do you care what I’m doing?
Elliott: I have to go.
OK, that was weird. I shove my phone in my back pocket and check the steaks again. I want a look at this room now, but I’m too worried I’ll screw up dinner.
I told my mom about Sailor this weekend and how I was going to try to cook for her today. She insisted I let her make one of her specialty dishes for us, which is a cold pasta salad. I didn’t turn her down since I’m not the most experienced cook.
Taking the steaks off the grill, I walk inside and find Sailor sautéing string green beans. I’d told her what I was fixing, and she took it upon herself to help.
“You couldn’t let me do it, could you?” I ask.
“Nope. Helping is in my nature.”
“I believe it. After seeing you on the job, it would have to be. I don’t know how you do it. Maddie is a handful, and she’s a good kid. One good kid.”
Sailor snickers. “I do have a few who are already testing my patience.”
“I can’t picture you angry at any of them, but you can tell me about it over dinner. Let’s eat.” Since it’s raining today, we sit in the dining room.
I ask her questions about teaching, but I can’t stop thinking about Elliott’s messages. Something doesn’t feel right about him decorating her room. It’s got my nerves on edge and so does a question I need to ask her.
“I was wondering if you’d go to a party with me in a couple of weeks,” I say.
“What kind of party?”
“I don’t think you’re gonna want to go, but I believe it would be good for you if you did.”
“Whose party, Jake?”
“It’s Thatcher’s engagement party. I can’t believe he’s settling down before me. It’s shocking.”
“I don’t know.” Sailor bows her head. “I haven’t seen him or his friends–our old friends–in years.”
“No one is going to judge you, so I think facing this fear would be good for you. You’ll see you have nothing to worry about. Besides, I need the hottest date in the city, and that’s you.” I flash her a grin, hoping like hell it’ll win her over.
She twirls her fork in her food. “I said it was a time of change, so as long as you’re with me, I’ll try.”
“Awesome, and thank you.”
“Is Elliott going, too?”
“He said he doubted it, but you never know with him. It always depends on his mood and if he can leave the hospital.”
She nods, still staring at her plate. “Do you want kids?” she asks unexpectedly.
“I never gave it much thought until I started caring for Maddie. It would scare the shit out of me, but I think I’d like to have them at some point. What about you?”
“I want at least two, but like you said, it would be scary.”
“You’d make an amazing mother.”
“Thank you, but teaching kids and raising them are not the same thing.”
“You’re a kind, nurturing person. That’s what matters. Um, I forgot to tell you that Elliott messaged me.”
“Oh … what did he want?”
“He told me about decorating your bedroom.”
“Um, yeah, it was a nice surprise. You’ll have to see it. It’s beautiful.”
“That was generous of him. I’m guessing you two talked this weekend then.”
“We did. We discussed some of what happened years ago so that we can move on like you suggested.”
I nod. “That’s good. Was anyone else over this weekend, like Nicole?”
“Nope.” She holds up her fork. “Oh, wait, my friend Carrie was here Saturday, and we went shopping. I bought more clothes. You would’ve teased me for sure if you saw all the bags.” She grins, and it eases my nerves.
“I wish I could’ve met her, and I’m glad you and Elliott worked shit out. I want you to feel comfortable here.”
“I’m comfortable when I’m spending time with you.” Reaching across the table, she grasps my hand. “It feels easy and natural. It makes me happy.”
“That’s good to hear, and the dishes will have to wait. I have a strong urge to kiss you for being so damn sweet.”