Julian

 

The aerial view of Dubai was a beautiful sight to behold. But not more breathtaking than the woman sitting next to me. Just when I thought she might back out of our flight, she proved me wrong, adjusting in her seat, ready for takeoff. We were making progress. Desiree had loosened up, and now I wanted to shake her completely of the restraints she held on to. Her face lit up as we passed different iconic destinations. Palm Island, The Burj Al Arab, and Union Square were among many of the destinations we flew over.

We’d flown eight miles before landing on a helipad. We settled, and I shut the engine down and helped Desiree out of the aircraft. We walked across the rooftop to a BMW and within minutes were on the move again. I found it interesting that Desiree didn’t ask many questions about our journey’s end. I turned the dial and locked the position when I found a classical music station. I could feel Desiree’s beautiful eyes on me. I didn’t need to look at her directly to feel the magnetism that drifted from her like a lakes stream.

“Don’t do that,” I said.

“Excuse me?”

“Unless you want to get arrested for indecent exposure don’t look at me that way.”

Desiree seemed to freeze without considering my warning quick enough. I pulled the car to the side of the road and parked it, then turned to her. My hand reached out, gliding up her neck to grip the back of her head.

“Bella…” I said, the single word, cautionary. Desiree blinked and turned her gaze toward the front window.

I love you.

The thought sailed through me in a comfortable stride. My heart rate kicked and my hold on her tightened. Inquisitive eyes turned back to me, and I released her. Shit. I put the car back in drive and pulled onto the road. The remainder of our trip was silent as I mulled over emotions I’d never felt before. I pulled into an area that no longer contained luxury high-rises and paved streets. About a mile down the uneven road I made a right into the parking lot of a community kitchen.

“This is Forward Kitchen,” I said; offering Desiree an introduction of the place. “They cook the best food I’ve ever eaten in Dubai, but this isn’t a place you’d come to order, eat and pay. There are no prices on the menu. You pick what you like, they cook it for you, and you give a donation that will pay for the meal of the person that comes behind you.”

A small smile shadowed around Desiree’s lips.

“So when we eat, someone has already paid for our meal. It’s like a pay it forward eatery if you will.” I said.

“That’s an interesting concept,” Desiree decided.

“It’s meant to be a helping hand to someone who needs a home cooked meal.”

“What happens if that person can’t pay it forward?”

“It’s not the rule, just the suggestion, which is why it’s set up on a donation system.”

Desiree took her seatbelt off. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

We exited the vehicle and made our way inside. The doorbell chimed as we entered and smells of cooked foods assaulted us.

“I think my mouth just watered,” Desiree said.

“And to think,” I drew her into my arms, “I thought that only happened because of me.”

Desiree laughed. “Not this time, handsome, not this time.”

 She gave a playful shove and walked away, my instinct reached out for her again, but I remembered we were in public and decided against it. Still, my fingers lightly touched her elbow, and she looked back at me. I slid my hands into my pockets and stepped in line behind her. I scanned the community kitchen needing to place my attention elsewhere, but I could still feel her gaze.

“Mr. Rose is that you!” Lacey, a young volunteer, jogged to me. “It is you! Welcome!”

I bent as Lacey threw her arms around my neck, and we hugged briefly.

“Lacey this is Desiree Stevens. Desiree, Lacey Bartholomew.”

“How are you Lacey,” Desiree held her hand out and Lacey accepted it gleefully.

“I’m well, how about yourself?”

“Same here,” Desiree said. “How long have you been a volunteer?”

 “Oh, about eight years now.”

“Wow, that’s a long time.”

Lacey smiled showing off a set of braces. “I love being down here, the people are so friendly and it feels good doing something to help out.”

Desiree was shaking her head with a wide smile leading her lips.

“Mr. Rose has been donating every year and most of the time we’re able to see him by live video.” The teenager gushed.

“Is this your first-time meeting Mr. Rose in person?” Desiree asked using a formal address in reference to me. Lacey shook her head lively. Desiree looked from me to Lacey. Appreciation, adoration and something else showed across her face. What was that, love?

I dragged my gaze from Desiree to Lacey. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you in person, Lacey.” Desiree continued to watch me as I smiled warmly. “Are Donald and Casey here today?”

“Yes! I’ll get them.”

Lacey disappeared through the back. A child no older than four ran across the room straight for Desiree. He threw his arms around her legs and held on tight. Desiree gasped and pulled his arms back bending down to a squat. The little boy smiled up at her and tossed his arms around her neck instead. Desiree laughed delightedly.

“I guess he likes me,” she said.

“Trust me, Bella. It’s easy to do.”

Our eyes connected for another minute before Lacey came back out with Casey and Donald in tow.

“Hey!” They chorused, each pulling me in for a hug. “I knew one day you would bless us with your presence. To what do we owe the honor?” Donald said.

“Aaah, the blessing is all mine,” I prompted. “I happened to be around the way, and I wanted to introduce you to my Arabian queen, Desiree Stevens.” Lacey, Donald, and Casey gasped then squealed with excitement. Desiree’s cheeks flamed, and I grinned.

“You got married?” Lacey squealed.

“No, that’s not what he meant!” Desiree said.

“Oh, come now,” I said. “Marrying me wouldn’t be so bad…” Another electrifying moment passed between us, and it was hard for me to pull my eyes away.

“That’s not what I meant,” Desiree said, “I mean—” she faltered. They all looked from me to her then finally noticed the child still hanging around Desiree’s neck. Lacey giggled while Casey bent down to them.

“Antonio,” Casey cooed. “You have to let go of the nice lady here.” Antonio didn’t budge. Casey glanced to Desiree. “I’m sorry. He’s not usually like this. His parents were in a car accident over the weekend, and they have no family here but their regulars at the kitchen.”

“Do I know them?” I asked.

“I don’t think so, but they’re progressing by the day and we’re looking for them to be discharged within the next week.”

“So who’s looking after him while they’re in the hospital?” Desiree asked.

“One of us is taking turns every day to watch him,” Donald spoke up. “But I think he’s set his sights on you Ms. Stevens, or should I call you Mrs. Rose.”

Again, Desiree’s face flamed.

“Ms. Steven’s would do just fine,” Desiree said.

“For now,” I added.

She peered up at me but spoke to Donald.

“Would it be possible for him to hang out with me until his parents are better?” Desiree pulled back taking her fingers lightly through Antonio’s black silky hair. “Hey Antonio,” she said. The little boy met her eyes. “Would you like it if we hung out together until your parents come home?”

Antonio lit up like a Christmas tree. “Yes!” he yelled. Desiree laughed and stood to her feet.

“Can that be done?” she asked.

“I don’t see why not,” Donald said, “You’ll be with Mr. Rose here, and we all trust Mr. Rose.”

Desiree looked to me with hopeful eyes. “Do you mind if I speak to you for a minute?”

Casey reached for Antonio. “Come, give Ms. Stevens and Mr. Rose some privacy.”

They all shuffled off, and Desiree pulled me outside.

“I’m so sorry. I know we’re not here for this and I understand if you can’t obligate to this.” She glanced at the closed door then back to me. “I don’t know why, but I feel responsible for this kiddo. I need to do this, you understand, don’t you? If his parents are still in the hospital when our stay in Dubai is over, I can take a commercial flight back; it’s totally okay.”

How many times can we say, we met a beautiful person whose kind on the inside and out? Desiree could’ve peeled Antonio off her, ate her meal, and left this place without another thought. But she was willing to put everything to the side for the sake of caring for a child who she’d only known five minutes.

“I would never think of leaving you behind. If Donald says it’s fine, then he means it, and I couldn’t turn down that kid if I wanted to. Nor you.” I pulled her in for a hug; affection restrictions be damned.

“Julian, I don’t want to delay your business or travels, I know you’re an important man. I don’t mind taking a commercial flight home. I’d feel awful if you missed anything because of me.”

“If this is your attempt to get rid of me, you might as well give it up. Haven’t you realized by now, that I always want to be with you.”

Desiree’s arms tightened around my waist, and I kissed her on her temple. “Come on, let’s eat.”