Four hours after we left Eric’s house, we returned loaded down with bags. After getting ice cream, we shopped at this Taj Mahal of a grocery store. It was incredible. There must have been a dozen buffets serving everything from sushi and subs to pizza and pasta. There was even a bar to make your own trail mix.
We ended up buying several things to munch on later – cheese, olives, and some Italian meats. Eric also bought two steaks to grill, but after all I’d eaten I couldn’t imagine being hungry enough to eat a steak.
I checked my phone and saw several texts from Jackie and a voicemail.
How’s it going?
Everything alright?
Text so I know you’re good.
Call me.
I held up my phone. ‘Do you mind if I call Jackie?’
Eric shook his head, and I walked to the backyard and sat on the green Adirondack chair nestled in a cozy corner and surrounded by black-eyed Susans. It was early evening and the pale glow of the moon was beginning to show.
‘It’s about time you called,’ Jackie said. ‘I was worried about you!’
I recounted my day to the sound of several gasps from the other end.
‘What? He bought you a $2,000 ring?’ Jackie asked.
‘Yes. I obviously didn’t want him to, but he insisted. He said he enjoys pampering me.’
‘Maybe he should give Bruce lessons,’ Jackie said. ‘His idea of pampering me is holding the door open when I’m unloading groceries. Anyway, you’re good, right? I don’t have to worry.’
‘No, I’m good. I’m going to spend the night. In the guest bedroom, of course.’
‘Of course,’ Jackie said in a voice that didn’t sound convincing.
I shifted in the chair. ‘What? You don’t think I will?’
‘I don’t know. Maybe. Don’t you think he might be expecting something? I mean, he just spent a boatload of money on you.’
‘No, he’s not like that.’
‘Well, okay. Good. What’s up for the rest of the night?’
‘We talked about playing some basketball but I think we’re both a little tired so we might just watch a movie. I told him how I love black-and-white movies and he suggested watching one together.’
‘Okay. Call me when you get home tomorrow. And have fun!’
A ladybug landed on my thigh. In many cultures, ladybugs are signs of good luck. I picked it off and gently placed it on the grass.
When I walked inside, I found Eric sprawled out on his leather recliner. ‘Everything okay with Jackie?’
‘Yep, she’s great.’
‘You two are really close, aren’t you?’
I nodded and sat down on the sofa. ‘How about you? Do you have any close friends?’
‘Not really. I mean, I have friends, but nothing like you and Jackie.’
I yawned.
‘Are you tired?’
I leaned back on the couch. ‘I definitely don’t think I’m up for creaming you at basketball.’
Eric laughed. ‘Been practicing, huh?’
I smiled. ‘Dang right. I hate losing.’
Eric got up from his easy chair and walked over and sat beside me. ‘I’m tired, too. Let’s watch a movie instead.’
Eric turned on the TV. ‘What’s that channel with all of the old black-and-white movies you like?’
I told him and he found the channel.
‘My absolute favorite,’ I shouted. ‘Casablanca.’
Eric laid down the remote. ‘Casablanca it is. Here’s looking at you, kid.’
I laughed. ‘Of all the gin joints, why’d she have to walk into mine?’
‘We’ll always have Paris,’ Eric said, flipping up the footrest and leaning back.
‘I’ve always wanted to go to Paris,’ I said.
‘I’ll take you there. And maybe we can visit the beaches of Normandy. That’s one place I’ve never been.’
I snuggled next to him, resting my head on his shoulder, and he slid his arm around me.
I don’t remember dozing off, but two hours later I woke up to see the film credits rolling on the TV screen and Eric asleep. I didn’t want to wake him, but I had to go to the bathroom. I managed to slip away without him waking.
I washed my hands and looked in the bathroom mirror. The person staring back at me was someone I’d forgotten. She was happy. For the first time in a long time she was enjoying life and having fun. All because of Eric.
I heard Eric call my name, and I walked out of the bathroom and nearly bumped into him in the hallway.
‘Sorry I fell asleep,’ Eric said.
‘No worries. I fell asleep, too. I woke up when the movie was over.’
‘Can I get you something to drink?’
‘A beer would be great.’
I followed Eric to the kitchen and we grabbed two beers and the cheese and crackers and other finger foods we’d purchased earlier. We carried them into the living room and spread them on the coffee table.
‘Growing up,’ Eric said, ‘I was never allowed to eat in the living room. My parents didn’t allow me to eat food anywhere but the kitchen or dining room.’
‘Really?’ I picked up a piece of cheese and plopped it in my mouth.
Eric stabbed an olive with a toothpick. ‘How about you?’
‘My mom didn’t care. As long as she had her booze I could do just about anything. When I was little, I loved building tents in the living room. I’d drape a blanket or sheet over the furniture and use pillows to keep it in place. Mom would let me eat in my tent.’
Eric jumped up. ‘Let’s build a tent.’ He sounded like an eight-year-old.
‘Are you serious?’ I jumped up, too.
‘Why not? I’ll get some blankets.’
Eric returned with a couple of blankets. ‘You show me what to do.’
For a few minutes, I felt like a child again. I took one of the blankets and spread it over the two sitting chairs next to each other. ‘Move the hassock in front of the two chairs then stretch the blanket to the hassock and anchor it with pillows from the couch.’
Eric did as I instructed. I picked up the other blanket. ‘Let’s drape this one from the couch to the chair nearest you.’
When we were done, we crawled inside.
‘We did it!’ Eric laughed.
‘I think I’ll keep you for my tent-making partner,’ I joked.
He leaned towards me and lifted my chin. Our noses almost touched and I felt his breath on my upper lip. ‘I’ll be your partner any day!’ Our lips touched and my insides turned to liquid. The kiss was everything I’d imagined and more, filled with passion and urgency. I hungered for more and he followed my lead. I felt the blankets fall down and cover us. But I didn’t care. Eric was doing things to me I’d only dreamed about. He was making me feel things I’d never felt before. And there, at that moment, blanketed by his warm kisses and tender love, I felt like I was in heaven and I knew I’d never be the same. I wanted this guy more than I’d ever wanted anyone in my entire life. My head said, No, it’s too soon. But my heart said, Yes. Don’t stop. No one has ever made you feel this way. Enjoy it.
I went with my heart.