Page 44 of Be My Summer

I didn’t bother with the breakfast nook that overlooked the city. I had a better view. At the island. Watching Saul work his way around the kitchen.

He stopped by the fridge and removed a bottle of champagne and orange juice in a glass jar. The weird shape made it easy to pour into the flute Saul placed in front of me.

Pop!

Clink.

The champagne bubbled, filling the glass to the very tip.

“Enjoy.”

I placed the glass to my lips and sipped while watching him pour himself a healthy serving of champagne with a splash of orange juice in a shorter, wider dish.

Saturday morning was blissful. After breakfast there was more exploring–his place and our bodies. A shower followed. Shopping after tired us both out and left us hungry. We ended the evening at dinner.

By nightfall, we were in front of the television with glasses of wine to our lips as Saul played hit after hit. My hips and hands swayed to each beat as I recalled almost every word. It wasn’t until Saul joined, wrapping his hands around my body that I realized this was exactly what my life had been missing.

I hadn’t entertained a man in four years. My waiting wasn’t in vain. I knew exactly what I wanted and I decided to stop entertaining men who couldn’t offer it. Saul wasn’t one of those men. He’d come in swinging, hitting everything that came his way.

Sunday, we laced up a pair of skates and spent hours on the floor. By the time we made it back to Saul’s place, we both needed ice and a hot bath. We soaked our bones and talked until our mouths were sore. I rested my head on his pillow Sunday night dreading the reality of Monday.

CHAPTER EIGHT

“I think twelve seats at our table is enough. It’s not like any of them bringing a plus one. Nobody wants these lames,” Joshua claimed.

He hadn’t said much of anything throughout the entire meeting, but felt the need to toss in that line. Our mother was finalizing the details of my father’s dinner. It was only a week away.

“Lames?” I chuckled. Ignoring his ignorance, I turned toward my mother. “Twelve will be enough. There are eleven of us, plus my date.”

“Date?” Christian questioned, turning his mouth up.

I nodded.

“Someone has been keeping him busy for the last month. I hardly hear from him these days. She must be special.”

“Very special,” I informed my mother.

“Who is she? Tribecca isn’t all that big, little brother. I need to make sure I haven’t had the pleasure o–”

“You haven’t,” I assured Christian. “Next question, Mom.”

“Seriously, you’re seeing someone?” She asked.

“You’re asking a question you know the answer to.”

“I guess it’s no surprise you’re dating someone. I’m just– I don’t know– you’re bringing her to your father’s dinner. That’s a huge step.”

“She’s a huge step,” I admitted.

“I hope she’s nothing like the–”

“She’s nothing like anyone who just came to your mind. Nothing like them.”

“Good then. I can’t wait to meet her.”

I nodded with a sigh. “You’ll love her. She reminds me a lot of you.”

“Then she’s a keeper.” She chuckled.