Jade
THE WEEKS FLEW by with the renovations at the new Summertime Sweets and the beach house. Our days were filled with the work, but our nights and free time were filled with us. Life was peaceful. What added to that peace was not only Damien and Courtney returning to California, but Blaze and Reece returning to New York, as both of them needed to go back to their respective careers.
Blaze called to say they’d be back for the party on the weekend of the Fourth, which was next week. It was never a good time for me because of Jimmy. Tommy knew this and gave me my space, but texted me every so often throughout the day to let me know he was thinking of me.
The Saturday of the party arrived. I left early for work, leaving Tommy with Daniel, who we picked up yesterday. I had some last-minute things to do for the animal rescue event tomorrow and I wanted to double and triple check the desserts Reece had ordered, to make sure they were up to his specifications. Reece could be a true asshole when it came to food, but in all honesty that was his business, and he took anything pertaining to food and wine seriously.
I was just about to head over to the new shoppe location when my phone rang. It was Blaze.
“Hey, sweetie, what’s up?”
“Jade, listen, I’m sorry to do this to you on such short notice, but the party needs to be postponed.” Her voice was tight.
“Oh boy, what happened?”
“I’m not sure, but I can't believe he has me doing this. I don't understand why he didn't have his secretary call everyone? You know, I would have called you regardless, but he asked me to do it for a personal touch…it was his damn party, he should be apologizing for this fiasco, not me.”
“Blaze, slow down.”
“I’m sorry. I just don't get how a man like him could forget a business trip and then proceed to catch a plane to Europe and text me his instructions, or should I say order me to call the entire guest list!” Now she was screaming.
“Do you need any help?”
“Could you let Viv know? Oh, and Tommy and Daniel, of course.”
“Sure… Oh shit!”
“What now?” Blaze’s annoyance was heard loud and clear.
“What about the desserts? I made enough for over 100 people.”
“I forgot about those. Wait! Isn't the rescue event tomorrow?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m donating them on Reece’s behalf. If he says one word about it, I'll handle him. No reason for all of those delicious treats to go to waste.”
“Thanks, Blaze.”
“Don’t thank me. It was Reece’s pleasure.”
We both laughed harder than we had in months. Much of the tension between us was due to her current love interest, but Blaze was, and always would be, my best friend for life. Before hanging up, she explained the party would be rescheduled for the last Saturday of the last weekend in August. She knew my grand opening for the new Summertime Sweets location was happening on Labor Day weekend, and she said Reece didn’t want his party to interfere with the success of the new place. I knew better. He didn't want to be in direct competition with it. He always had to own the spotlight and for good reason, he paid high dollar for it.
After hanging up, I felt some relief knowing I could avoid Reece until the end of the summer. I quickly called Tommy to let him know not to head to Reece’s home for the party, due to the cancellation. He didn't answer. His phone went straight to voicemail. I left him a message to call me back.
I then called Daniel to inform him of the change, and he thanked me and said Tommy had some errands to run before tonight, so he would let him know when he got back. He also said he would relay the message to Kim, but I told him I had that covered already.
Since the party was canceled, I now had an extra hundred or so desserts on ice. I boxed a few to bring home with me. I called Kim and told her of the change. She said she spoke to Blaze and had already left Daniel a message suggesting they could have dinner together at the club and invited me and Tommy to join them.
Interesting…Kim and Daniel were still possibly going to meet up.
I thanked her, but I explained that I made plans of my own for Tommy and me this evening.
I ended my call with Kim, went over the checklist for tomorrow, and headed out the door to pick up Tommy for an evening that would top Reece’s summer party any day.
I pulled into my driveway as Kim was pulling out of Tommy’s with Daniel. I smiled, while she rolled her eyes and Daniel grinned. Out of the car, I noticed Tommy’s vehicle wasn't there.
Good…this would give me time for a shower and to pack up the car for tonight. Once dressed in my swimsuit, shorts, a loose-fitting tee, and my flip flops, I ran down to the kitchen to set up the picnic basket and then load the car with blankets and the boards. Closing the trunk which was filled with everything except the food, I heard Tommy’s car making its way up the street. I turned to see Tommy with the top down. His Camaro was filled with every seasonal plant imaginable.
He pulled in slowly, careful not to bang into anything.
“Hey, baby, I just got your message. What happened?” He said when he’d parked and climbed out with a bouquet of sunflowers in hand.
Tommy kissed me without touching me, his tongue did the talking and I reciprocated the gesture, but couldn’t stop myself from wrapping my arms around him while deepening our connection. Everything in his kiss gave me pause to rethink going out tonight. His mouth was warm, his tongue commanding. The more it danced with mine, the more I wanted it to lick other places on my body…places that were craving him…places that needed to be soothed.
He kept up his assault on me, as I softly voiced my demands. “If you keep this up, I going to need that tongue elsewhere.” We kissed more, consuming one another, our breathing escalating, our moans more prominent.
“If you want it, I’ll make it happen.” His smile was devilish, his voice promising.
“That’s very tempting, but since we have the entire evening to ourselves, I made plans for us tonight.”
“A plan that better include this, and more of this later,” he said, lightly nipping my lips.
“Without question,” I confirmed and kissed him again, then stopped, because the truth was, if we didn’t stop, the only place we were going for the evening was bed. Although enticing, I had something special to share with Tommy and what it was couldn’t be shared in bed. Well, part of it anyway.
Tommy’s eyes gleamed. His personality was carefree, his growing contentment since we’ve been together proved he felt at home…this was his life now and he wasn’t going anywhere.
For me, it was another exhale.
I took my flowers and headed up the stairs to put them in water and grab the food.
Tommy stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “Jade, did you want to tell me where we’re going?”
I turned back from the top of the landing. “It’s a secret.”
“Sure, that’s all well and good, but am I dressed for it?”
Tommy had jeans and a t-shirt on. Hot…yes, but hardly appropriate for what I had planned.
I descended the stairs but remained two to three steps away as not to get charmed by more of this man's mouth.
Leaning forward, I said, “Put on your board shorts.” Then quickly ascended the stairs, leaving him guessing.
With my flowers in water and the picnic basket in hand, I returned to the car to meet Tommy.
“Get in. I’m driving,” I demanded.
“Can't you give a poor guy a hint?”
“I could, but I won’t.”
I placed the basket and the sweatshirts in the trunk, and upon closing it, I was cornered. Hanging his head down between his arms, which tactfully fenced me in, as not to allow for an escape, he expelled the breath he had been holding. His body shuddered as his head shook slowly from left to right. He stood firm and didn’t move. He looked at me with purpose. Irritated no, but posed close enough to me physically to cause my heartbeats to pulse out of my chest.
“Okay, do you want to explain to me what this secret is all about?”
It was killing him not knowing what was going on.
Oh! This was going to be fun.
“Not really?”
“What?” His response was sharply dumbfounded.
“What I mean to say is that I want to take you somewhere, which I’ve already explained is a surprise, so if you agree to get in the car, I’ll give you more of a hint on the way.”
“Okay, I’ll play this your way, but what you have to tell me better be good.” His whisper left a hint of sexual play fueled by his growing annoyance in the space around us.
Pressing away, he walked backward, and then over to the passenger door.
“I mean it, Miss Stanton. It better be good.” No smile, no smirk, no nothing…
Don’t worry, Tommy…it will be. Breathe, Jade, breathe.
Seated, Tommy turned only his head to face me.
“Okay, one hint. Let’s go make a memory.”
That little hint earned me a warm and satisfied smile.
“Is this really yours? I mean I can’t believe you drive a 181?” Shocked wasn't a good description, looking at Tommy’s face…baffled came to mind.
Leaning on the door, I answered. “Ah…That’s right, you've only seen me on my bike. Yeah, it’s mine. It’s vintage and it’s very practical for when I need to make large deliveries for the shoppe and for carrying my board. Besides, we’re going to need it where we’re going tonight.” My goofy, justified smile got me a slinky one from him in return, as Tommy turned to make certain our boards were secured in the backseat.
The trip from Beach Haven Crest down the island’s Boulevard to the town of Holgate was a short one. Yet, for me, and especially because Monday the Fourth was not so far away, the ride stirred a fight with my emotions; part of me was melancholy for the past, and part of me felt trepidation and excitement for the future. The combination placed my senses on high alert…the scent of the breeze off the ocean, the smell of sugary snow cones and funnel cakes drifted through the air. The sounds of small children’s joyful screams on the rides nearby and of the Beach Boy’s music playing in the distance. Palm trees decorated with white Christmas lights, the lines to get stamped-in for the local clubs, the traffic on the boulevard, couples kissing, and the people on their porches after a day at the beach reminded me why I missed Jimmy, and why I loved this place and wanted to share a piece of that love with Tommy tonight.
The lights faded, the people and the traffic lessened, the noise and the music drifted away as we approached the far end of the island.
“Jade, where are we going? It’s desolate down here,” Tommy voiced concern.
There was nothing to worry about, and once I parked the car on the beach and we climbed over the dunes in front of us, he would understand. Tommy grabbed the boards, the bag with the towels and change of clothes, and I took the picnic basket. As we both reached the top of the sand, Tommy looked to me. His eyes filled with gratitude and something more.
“Thank you for this, baby.” He stated when he discovered the surprise.
I took Tommy here to join a few of the local surfers who’d hung out with my brother. It was a tradition for them every year since his death to honor him by doing a few of his favorite things. One was night surfing, and two was watching Endless Summer on the beach, a classic surfing movie. I found it hard in years past to come, but this year was different.
Tommy found a spot for us on the sand and helped me with the blankets and the food. One of the guys who met him the night of my accident came over to talk with him. I sat myself down and relaxed. I was slightly chilled and decided tonight should be for Tommy. I would sit this one out and watch as he surfed with the guys in memory of my brother. The money raised each year for this event, which goes on each night surrounding the 4th of July holiday, is donated to the center where Daniel works.
The boys, including Tommy, headed out on the water. The lights from the boards or from the apparel they were wearing, glowed. The ocean took on a magic all its own. I sat wrapped in a blanket mesmerized by how beautiful the waves looked in the dark.
Some surfers continued to stay out on the water, while others, including Tommy, ran in to be with their dates. Tommy reached the blanket, shook out his hair, and grabbed a towel from the overnight bag to dry off. Once done, he wrapped the towel around his waist, removed his shorts from underneath, and replace them with the sweatpants I brought for him.
“That was incredible! Thank you for this.” Leaning down, he gave my lips a quick peck.
Completely dressed, he sat down next to me, immediately pulling me into his lap, as I wrapped the large blanket around me, now, around us. The movie Endless Summer started on the screen set up on the beach, while Tommy and I kissed, holding each other close.
Neither of us said a word for quite some time. We were content to just be in each other’s arms, here on the sand, taking in the movie, enjoying some delicious wine and dessert foods, snuggling and not worrying about the universe around us.
Once all of the surfers had left the ocean and sat down to watch the movie, I thought this was a good chance to give Tommy his gift.
“Tommy, this is for you,” Kissing the side of his face and placing the small teak box in his hands.
Tommy looked at the box and then to me and back again.
“Open it. I hope you like it.”
He carefully opened the lid and removed the leather rope bracelet with 3 beads dangling on the knotted tail.
“I don't know what to say. I love it.Thank you.” He wrapped his arms around me, then he loosened our embrace to hold the gift between us, running his thumb over each bead. Maybe he was contemplating the meaning, or maybe he wanted to admire it more.
I felt at this point I should explain.
“I noticed you wear several of them already.”
“Yeah, I started buying them years back on some surfing excursions. You know, to take a piece of paradise with me. I noticed you wear them too, plus, a sailor’s knot.”
“Everyone at the Jersey Shore has worn one at one time or another,” I said, deflecting away from my bracelet’s true meaning; I made light of wearing it.
“Maybe they have, but you don't display yours as a souvenir.” Tommy looked down at the rope at my wrist, caressing it briefly as he looked up for me to confirm what he was thinking.
Resting my head on his shoulder, I explained.
“Well, I definitely don't wear it for the purpose of wiping my brow in the heat as many sailors did. I’ve had it such a long time. Jimmy and I bought them together. Perhaps at first, I bought it for what it was intended to represent…good times and good fortune. But now…”
“It’s not?”
Thinking some more, I realized, or Tommy did, that it still represented those things, even more so tonight.
Looking at this beautiful man—a man I had denied my feelings for, yet felt them from the start, a man with each passing day and experience I’ve come to trust, a man…I’m falling in love with, I answered his question.
“You know, it’s funny. I thought I’d say it was a memorial to my brother, and as siblings, that’s true, but it’s not exactly how I see it anymore. It’s the fun of summers past. It’s truly good times, not so much great fortunes, but fortunate to have had the opportunity to live here, around an amazing backdrop with best friends and family and to be able to get up each morning and work here and enjoy what I do…” I stopped, although there was one more thing it represented.
“And…”
“Even though you didn't give me the bracelet, it’s a symbol to remember the person you're with even if they're far away.”
He smiled because he understood. He knew the sailor’s story. It meant leaving the shore and their loved ones behind, but not forgetting them while they were gone. For us, it wasn't the physical separation. The bracelet represented the emotional. It symbolized the strength we have around us. The support of others when the darkness becomes too much to bear.
“Now… are you going to tell me about the beads you chose for my gift?” He asked.
Sitting up on my knees and taking the tail end of the bracelet, I explained the meaning of each one. I knew he would understand why I picked these specific beads for him.
“This one, the Coco-wood bead, represents finding one’s inner treasure. You came here in search of more than just a girl and a beach house; this bead honors that. This one, the green one with the etchings, is the emblem of the Green Sea Turtle. This turtle is one of the oldest creatures on earth. This bead symbolizes a long life and the guardian spirit “Aumakua.” If you're ever lost, it will guide you home. The last one with the orange wash of color and the blue waves is for the future…kind of. This bead represents Banana Beach and Cape St.Francis, from the movie. It’s a place I’ve never surfed and don't be mad, but I asked Daniel if you surfed in South Africa and he said you never mentioned it, so I took a chance on this bead. This bead is for our tomorrows.”
Tommy’s hand covered mind. He was still, reflective, and intense as the Atlantic was right now. He took my face and guided my mouth to his. His kiss was slow, savoring…loving, and when it broke, he stood up and held out his hand for me to take, pulling me to him.
Still not saying a word, we packed up and left for home. Leaving everything in the trunk and the backseat to remove tomorrow, Tommy took my hand again, still not speaking, but leading me into the house, through the first floor, up the stairs, and to my room. With the bedroom dark, the surfaces were bathed in the outside glow of muted light, casting long exaggerated shadows on the walls.
“Our tomorrows…that’s what you said, right?” His question confirming, almost demanding.
I nodded.
Tommy’s tone was serious. His lip-line flat, his jaw engaged, his eyes intense—studying on me, he seared into my body what he craved—he wanted to make me his.
“Well, Jade, it looks like our tomorrows start now.”
Without a word, I reached my hand up, holding the side of his face, and placed a delicate kiss on his lips. Pulling away slowly—my mouth first and then my hand, I stepped back for him to see me…for me to bare all completely—to be with him fully, with no more reservations.
The darkness in the room gave me courage, as he regarded me intensely.
I slipped out of my bottoms, allowing them to drop to my ankles. I stepped away from the material, as I reached for the strings of my top and released them, allowing it too, to fall away. Exposed, but not unsure, I stepped forward into Tommy’s waiting arms…wrapping mine around his shoulders, I kissed him deeply—more deeply than I had before. I pressed against his body, while my hands dropped from his neck to his waistline.
Unhurried, I wanted to savor every second with him. I removed his pants, sliding them down, as I lower myself onto my knees, to his arousal. His breathing escalated. Through a strained groan—his desires were revealed. Taking him into my mouth made me wet and emboldened. My fingers gripped his thighs; his hands pulled back my hair, so he could watch.
I rocked back and forth, my mouth taking every inch of his hardened flesh. My warm tongue slid across his erection, causing his thrusts to be more deliberate. To slow him down and make our connection last, I pushed away, ever so slightly, releasing him, and then taking him in my mouth once again.
Tommy moaned, and in a split second my body was being lifted over his shoulder and dropped playfully onto the bed.
Close enough to kiss, but just far enough away to see his sexual grin… “Baby, now it’s my turn,” he said, lowering his head down to my stomach, as my legs dropped open exposing my most intimate parts.
His jaw grazed along my midsection, causing my body to squirm. I wanted him to take my sex—to own it, to soothe it…to have me. I forcefully curled forward— my arousal meeting the harsh licks of his tongue. My skin flushed, my breathing quickened.
“You have no idea how beautiful you look right now.” Tommy’s eyes pierced mine, before taking me in his mouth, again.
I gasped at the assault his tongue performed on my clit. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold on. I tried, but it was no use. My legs tightened and trembled, sending shockwaves throughout my body, spinning me out of control. I fell deeper and deeper under Tommy’s spell. My hands gripped the bedsheets as I pushed hard through my climax, screaming out his name, screaming through my orgasm.
The tingling pleasure between my legs slowly waned, but only briefly…
“I’m not done with you, yet, baby,” he said, covering my body with his, as his cock took over for his mouth.
Tommy’s eyes darkened, his thrusts demanding, his mouth covered mine—making me taste the remnants of my sex. Our kiss breathy, our mouths wanton, our tongues more deliberate as our arousals grew. My hands went from the sheets to his shoulders. I met each of his thrusts, with my pussy clenching around his erection.
“Tommy…” I whimpered.
“You have no idea what you’re doing to me, Jade.” He exhaled powerfully.
Taking my nipple between his teeth, he lightly bit and teased the hardened nub, while moving his hand to my hipbone—holding me there, not allowing my body to move as his body rocked between my legs.
Our breaths escalated, proving we both needed to come. We were at the edge. One step closer—both of us, ready to fall, together. And, as we did, he took me in his arms, holding me there, holding tight…this man, my shelter from the storm.
***
The sound of smoke alarms and the smell of burnt ‘something’ drifted up the stairs and into my bedroom. It wasn’t the ideal way to wake up after a night of intense sex with the man who wanted to buy my brother’s house. But he was the man who quite possibly in this short time changed my mind about learning to love again.
Click, crack, squeak, and swoosh were the sounds of Tommy jumbling with a breakfast tray, crashing into the door, and entering the room to greet me that morning. I sat up, modestly wrapping the cool cotton bedsheet over the front of my body, as Tommy nearly fell over when he came to an abrupt halt in the center of my bedroom.
“Don’t be alarmed,” He said ominously, as he held a tray with items resembling food and coffee on it.
I giggled at his expense and pointed in the air.
“As opposed to listening to it.” I was starting to get a headache from the howl of warning bells that were not only sounding near the kitchen but outside my bedroom door, because the smoke tagged along with Tommy up the stairs.
“Here, it’s edible. I’ll be right back.” He awkwardly and almost hesitantly placed the tray at my feet and scurried out of the room to shut down the noise.
Leaning forward in slow motion and examining the tray more closely before taking a bite, I conceded the toast was edible and the coffee was actually quite good. I turned with toast in one hand and a cup in the other to await my sexy chef’s return.
It wouldn’t be long now…peace and quiet replaced the siren’s blare.
Right on cue.
“See I told you it was edible.”
“It’s more than edible,” I said, gingerly placing the cup and the unfinished piece of toast back on the tray.
“Then why aren't you eating it?”
“Because breakfast in bed should be enjoyed by both of us.” I lifted the sheet so he could join me. “Get in.”
Climbing in next to me, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.
“Mmmm…I like the way you think.”
After settling back against the pillows, our bodies wrapped around each other and our free hands intertwined, we talked about the evening spent together.
“Do you really like it,Tommy?” I asked fiddling with the beads on the bracelet I gave him.
“I love it, baby. No one has ever given me something so thoughtful or so planned out.” A comforting smile formed his expression and peace settled in his eyes.
I fidgeted with his fingers, what I was about to say was uncomfortable for me.
“Thank you for last night…I mean thank for taking care of me and sharing the evening making memories with me.”
“I love that you asked me to.” Tommy brought my hand to his lips, as he stilled and looked into my eyes.“You never have to thank me, Jade. It was easy for me to care for you. I was crushed to see you hurt. If I can steal your hurt, I always will.”
“Always?” It was a question, but a definitive tone of confusion in my question needed to be clarified.
“Yeah, always.”
“How do you know?”
“How do I know what?”
“How do you know that all of this…” I repeated the same gesture as Tommy, pointing back and forth between us, “isn’t just because you set a challenge for yourself to meet someone new?”
“The same way you knew to put our tomorrows at the end of this bracelet.”
Checking the time, I knew I needed to get up, so I stretched and asked if he’d like to join me for a tradition that Viv and I started after Jimmy died.
“I have a commitment that I keep every year at this time and wondered if you’d like to join me?”
“Sure, what is it?”
“You’re agreeing before you even know what it is?”
“Yup, now what are we doing today?”
“I volunteer at the local animal shelter and today starts their summer adoption event. It tends to be the biggest one of the season, so would you like to join me to help these precious babies find homes?”
“I don't know how much help I’ll be, but I’d love to join in any way I can.”
“Good, so let’s shower and head over to my shoppe to bring the desserts I made for the volunteers and the selling table. I have more now because Blaze graciously donated the ones I prepared for Reece’s party last night.”
Tommy smiled, nodded, and off we went. First, we stopped at Summertime Sweets and then we doubled back to pick up Viv to head over to the event, which was being held on the bay.
We arrived just as the event was in full swing. Many of the volunteers were manning the tables, while others were holding the adoptable animals on their leashes. While a few more were tending to the crated cats and bunnies in the adoption bus.
Viv kissed each of us before she walked away to help with the refreshment table. Tommy decided his talents would be best used to help with the larger dogs that needed walking and to photograph the families with the pets they adopted.
He not only volunteered his time, he donated the film and the development of the photographs from the event that would be mailed to the families at a later date. My heart was full as I watched him from the food tables. His tender touch as he spoke to each animal, who at times appeared frightened by all of the commotion an event like this could bring, and from a past that betrayed them, brought tears to my eyes. He wasn't doing this to score points with me. He truly cared and enjoyed the day as much as I and the many volunteers who came here did.
As programs came to a close, we cleaned up. Tommy asked if we could head back to the house and pick up Daniel for dinner. He felt bad that he had left Daniel at the beach house while he was gone all day, but Daniel understood as he was spending the day with Kim and catching up on some paperwork he needed to complete before heading back to the center next week after the 4th of July celebrations.
I agreed, and we asked Aunt Viv to come along as well, and this time, she happily accepted.
My vehicle was larger than Tommy’s, so we took it to get to a restaurant on the end of the island, off the beaten path. The place was crowded but evoked a much more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.
Once home, Viv said goodnight and turned in. Daniel and Tommy decided to sit out on the deck and enjoy the view, while I mimicked Viv and went to bed. Later, Tommy crawled into bed and settled next to me, nestling his body close and holding me tight. Exactly what I needed now that something painful and special needed to be done tomorrow, as always.
***
Like every 4th of July, I barely and reluctantly crawled out of bed to start my day. The holiday hadn’t been a holiday since Jimmy left. Three years without him, not hearing his voice, feeling his strength, enjoying his laughter…
Three years ago to the day, my brother made a decision that would destroy me…a decision that he could never take back.
I left the house heading for the rocks at Jimmy’s favorite surf spot on the island to leave him the only gift I could give him now…my heart and my tears…
“Happy Birthday, Jimmy…I love you.”
Reaching into the small bag I was carrying, I lifted out two cupcakes decorated in the colors of freedom. I placed both on the rocks in front of me and lit three candles, placing them in Jimmy’s cake. Closing my eyes, I made a wish and placed a prayer for him in the morning air.
I sat there as I always had for the last three years, watching as the early morning surfers arrived to start their day. Each of them were from here and knew my tradition. A mere nod, a small wave, and a shortened hello I received from most, as they allowed me my privacy. If that was even possible in such a public place.
I sat there for a few hours, this time telling Jimmy about Tommy and how I was falling in love with him. Telling him he could rest, knowing that I was happy. I was no longer chasing the sun to follow the moon as he put it.
As the tide rolled in, the cupcakes were consumed by the waves. Perhaps this year I’d be arrested for littering, but I doubted it. Besides, as the cakes floated away, the usual flock of seagulls circled and made a morning feast out of them.
I smiled and chuckled at the fight between the two large birds, promising that next year I would bring a tray for all to enjoy.
Leaving the beach, I pedaled over to the Summertime Sweets construction site. No one would be at the building today, but I just wanted to take a look in before heading to work. Progress had been made, up until recently. Now that the delayed permits were in, the renovations would begin to ramp up again, and hopefully, we would be right on time for Labor Day weekend.
I was just about to leave when I received a text from Tommy, saying he had a surprise for me tonight. That was odd. He knew I wasn't in the mood for any surprises today of all days. Hopefully, this wasn't going to turn into our first argument. With a busy day at the shoppe ahead of me, I didn’t have time to or want to think about any surprises even if they were coming from my neighbor turned boyfriend.
I arrived at Summertime Sweets current location to open up and get the orders lined up for the hectic customer pick up. Other members of my staff we preparing the coffee for our regulars, while others were constructing boxes for the last-minute cookie and pastry orders which came in every year.
The day was done and I went into the office to clean up some paperwork before heading home. Looking at my phone, I had a missed call and voicemail from Tommy.
“Jade, I hope you're done soon. I think I bit off more than I can chew at the beach house. Can you come straight here after work?”
Sitting there, I listened to the message again and again and again. Was I a fool? He wanted me to go there so we could talk? He bit off more than he could chew? None of this made sense. A nauseating lump formed in my throat and a hollowness in the pit of my stomach. Everything seemed fine. Then I started to think, everything seemed fine with Damien at one point too, and he screwed me over royally.
I scrambled to get home quickly to see what this bullshit was all about.
I parked my bike and headed up the beach house stairs. Tommy was yelling inside.
“Shit! Shit! Shit! How are we going to explain this to Jade?”
“Tommy?”
“Jade, baby, can you help me?”
Baby…I guess everything is not what I thought.
I rushed up the rest of the stairs and opened the door to Tommy’s place. Once inside, I saw the surprise and started to laugh.
“There’s nothing funny about this, Jade. Look at this place. Look at the new floors. I can't fix this. Don’t just stand there, help me!”
Don’t just stand there…
I smiled…that’s what Jimmy said the night we were moving him in. I closed the sliding door behind me and for once, it closed with ease. There in the corner, with white paint already on her white paws, was a dog from the shelter event. As I recall, Tommy had been talking to her and walking her most of the day yesterday. Though, I had no idea he wanted to adopt her.
“Come here, sweetie,” I cooed as I knelt down and held out my hand to the precious mostly tan Pit Bull with blue eyes and white paws covered in paint. Cautiously, she came to me with her tail wagging.
Once she realized she was safe with me, she basically plopped down onto my lap. Tommy joined us on the floor as we created a closeness to help this baby know everything was okay; her still wagging tail was a small sign she trusted us.
“This was your surprise?” I said, petting his newest member of the family.
“Yeah, I fell in love with her. I couldn't watch them cage her. I knew I had to do something, so while you were out I called the number for the shelter on the slim chance one of the staff would be in to feed the dogs. I caught one of the volunteers on her way out to an emergency. She told me the shelter supervisor was expected back shortly. She called me about an hour later and I went down to fill out the papers and took Lucky home.”
“Lucky?”
“Yeah”
Tommy didn’t explain the name or elaborate on Lucky’s past. I knew from volunteering at the shelter, many of these animals dealt with the harsh reality that not all humans were good, but instead of dwelling on it, I chose to help him make the beach house dog-friendly.
“So…will you help me?” A cringed expression formed on his face, knowing he took on more than he expected.
I looked at Lucky. Her goofy smile hit me as her head flopped backward to meet my acknowledgment of her. When I smiled back and carefully kissed her, the tapping on the floorboards from her tail started to increase.
“How could I not help you?”
“Where should we start?”
Standing, I walked Lucky over to the large beanbag Tommy had bought for her. She happily climbed in to rest. From there, I went to check the damage. I walked to over the area where the new black floor was splattered with paint, which gave me an idea.
“It’s pretty bad, baby.” Tommy’s hands rested on my shoulders as he nuzzled my neck. I smiled, warmth surged through my body…life was perfect.
“Nothing a little acetone can’t fix.” I ran back to my place since Tommy didn’t have any. When I returned I saw Tommy on the floor with Lucky, speaking to her sweetly and kissing the top of her head.
Tommy left Lucky with a bone while we cleaned the floors.
“Jade, you missed a spot,” Tommy said, looking at the trail of several dried paw prints on the floor. Tommy was dumbfounded.
“No, I didn’t,” I smirked as I put my idea into motion.
I poured some of the left-over paint that hadn’t spilled from the accident, into a paint tray. Placing the tray on the floor, I swiped a beach towel from the kitchen counter and directed Tommy to take a chair and sit.
He smiled and obliged.
“Put your foot in the paint. Only let the bottom touch.”
“What are you doing?”
“You’ll see,” I said, strategically taking his foot and placing it on the floor next to the paw prints. First the left, then the right, before cleaning up both his feet and moving on to the next phase of my project.
“Do you have a small paintbrush?”
Tommy nodded and brought me one. I took the brush and dipped it into the same paint can, meticulously making sure I had just enough paint on the bristles. Purposefully, I painted a starfish at the very top center where the feet and paw prints were. To the area, I added some whimsical lines to frame out the impressions on the floor. I searched the kitchen for plastic wrap and paint tape, leaving the paint to dry and Tommy to stand guard, so the active puppy in the house didn't barrel through and smear my design. Once dry, I taped the clear plastic wrap over the design. Tommy and I moved the dining room table over the area for now.
“There, once it’s completely dry you can spray a clear coat over it and have it forever.”
“This means you have to be pretty confident I’m not leaving at the end of my lease?”
Tommy turned me to him, studying my reaction to his question. He didn't wait for me to answer. He simply lowered his mouth over mine and allowed our kiss to speak for him.