by Nella Tyler
“Fuck you,” I retorted as I walked up next to him and he laughed.
“Seriously, though, how’s it going?” he asked when I started my reps, this time in a genuine manner.
“It’s…going great,” I replied, “Almost too great?”
“Oh, forget that shit!” he hissed, sounding almost angry, “Mazie is a great girl, and you’re one lucky son of a bitch. The only thing that could go wrong is if she wakes up and wonders why the hell she settled,” he burst out laughing again before settling back down and becoming serious again, “Honestly, though, I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, man,” I offered and fell into thought. Eventually, after some goading, Garrett got me to admit that there was something besides Mazie on my mind.
“I think that’s awesome! Why the hell do you have to think about that? Jump on that shit before he changes his mind!” Garrett reacted after I explained that I could potentially be taking over the business from my father.
“I don’t know,” I answered, “I mean, I’m not sure I want to lock myself into a company for the rest of my life.”
“Well, that’s dumb,” he retorted, “You’ve only been dreaming of this opportunity for the entirety of your life.”
“Yeah…I know,” I answered, trying to appreciate what Garrett was trying to tell me but it was around that time that reality was starting to sink in. The absolution of staying in one place forever was daunting. Where Garrett saw money and stability, I saw the potential of imprisonment.
It was a strange feeling though, because, for the first time in my life, I wasn’t sure that taking over my father’s company was actually what I wanted.
Mazie
I couldn’t believe how great I was feeling. Although I didn’t want to leave Dexter, the thought of returning to him gave me something to look forward too.
Plus, it wasn’t as though I was lamenting the plans I had to spend the day with my parents.
My father was supposed to take the day off, but when I got there, my mother informed me that my father had something to do this morning.
That wasn’t a surprise to either of us, and so we settled with a cup of coffee and started to talk.
“So, what’s new with Dexter?” my mother asked, almost as though she couldn’t wait another second to hear the news.
“He’s great! I can’t believe that everything worked out the way it did…and Dad…”
My mother burst out laughing, “Yes, he was pretty proud of himself. Let me tell you.”
“Well, he should be because he gave me a wonderful gift.”
“Your father might not always physically be around, but Mazie, he always did his best to look out for your best interests.”
“I know,” I simpered proudly, “So, do you guys really think that Dexter and I…”
“Honey, your father and I have been joking about that possibility ever since you were kids. You always had chemistry. We just didn’t want you to think you had to, so we were careful never to say anything to you.”
“Really? You always wanted us to get together? I wish I’d known,” I replied.
“That’s a hard question. We didn’t want you to get together for any other reason than we thought you would be happy together. However, we always figured if it was meant to be, it would happen, and,” she reached across the table to grab my hand and beam brightly, “it did.”
I squeezed her hand but let out a giggle.
“Mom, we’re not engaged or anything yet. We’re still testing the waters.”
“And that is very mature of you, but I have a feeling things are going to work out between you. After all, it seems that ever since you two got together, things have been looking up for both of you.”
“Yeah, it does seem that way, doesn’t it?” I replied, moments before we heard my father come through the door.
“How is everyone?” he asked, cheerfully, coming to both my mother and I to give us a hug and a kiss.
“We’re good,” my mother answered, “It’s about time!” she teased, causing my father to look in my direction for some elaboration.
“Don’t worry, Dad. I just got here.”
“That’s no excuse,” my mother continued as she got up to put her coffee cup in the sink and my father took his normal seat at the table.
“So, at the risk of telling you something you don’t know, what do you think about Dexter becoming a partial owner of the company?”
“Relax, he told me what happened,” I replied, watching my father huff a sigh of relief. “I think it’s great! Whatever he decides, I know he’ll do well.”
My father shook his head in agreement but his voice was stern as he asked, “Not to pry, but I’m curious, what does Dexter think about the offer?”
“He’s not sure,” I answered honestly. “As far as I know, he hasn’t made a decision yet.”
“Well, I know he’s a great businessman, and I am sure that whatever he decides, it will be in his best interest. I think he has gotten to a good place with his father and that’ll help him be objective. At least, I hope.”
“So, what do you think? Just out of curiosity?”
“I think he should take it. I think he would do wonders for the company, but I also think that he would also benefit greatly.”
I beamed and nodded, happy that my father and I could talk about business in this fashion. While the business wasn’t my forte, we had found common ground and something told me that was important to my father.
“Thanks, Dad,” I replied.
He seemed genuinely confused, “For what?”
“For just, being there for me.”
“Always,” he replied with a grin.
Even though it was said almost in jest, there was no doubt in my mind that he was telling the truth. That confidence made me even surer that if Dexter did decide to take over the company, he would truly be taken care of.
Dexter
I awoke the following morning to the strangest sensation. At first, I thought it was Mazie, but after waking up a little more, I realized that was illogical.
When I finally opened my eyes, I was startled by the eyes of a cat staring right at me, meowing in my face.
I backed up quickly, which startled Mazie awake.
“Mittens!” Mazie grumbled, still half asleep as she reached over me to pull the cat toward her. “Don’t wake people up like that; it’s not nice.”
I snickered, thinking about commenting on her choice of the word people, but lost my chance when she spoke to me.
“Sorry about that,” Mazie offered, “All he ever wants to do is eat.”
I chuckled and turned towards her, “It’s okay. I just…didn’t grow up with pets.”
“Really?” she sounded genuinely surprised, “We always had something in the house.”
“Yeah, I think my mom wanted something, but my dad always talked her out of it.”
“That’s a shame,” she replied sadly but cheered her voice as she joked, “Mittens here isn’t a really good example, but normally, pets are great companions.”
“I could get used to it, I guess.”
“Sorry, I should’ve warned you. I’m so used to it, I didn’t even think to warn you.”
“Plus, we were a little busy last night,” I added, raising my eyebrows suggestively, which earned me a seductive kiss.
“Are we still going out with Garrett and Laura tonight?” Mazie asked when we broke away.
“Yeah, I think so. Garrett wants us to try this bar in Philly,” he rolled his eyes. “The place is gonna be packed but he’s buying, so I guess we’ll suffer through it.”
“The things we do for our friends,” she joked.
The night started out great, with no major incidents, which was surprising, considering who we were going with.
I didn’t know Laura that well, but as it turned out she and Garrett seemed to either hit it off, or want to kill one another; we’re still not sure which.
However, at one point, after Garrett
left to order another round, we heard shouting and I knew before I even turned around that it was Garrett.
“Aww fuck!” I exclaimed as Mazie, Laura, and I got up to go see what was going on.
We found Garrett nose to nose with some guy, with each of them about to punch the other one any minute.
Without thinking, I stepped between the two of them and lightly pushed them apart.
“Fellas, come on…relax. It’s New Year’s Eve. This is fun. Don’t do something stupid.” The last thing I wanted was to get in another damn fight, especially not with Mazie here.
“He hit on my girl,” the man exclaimed.
I glared at Garrett, but before I could say anything, a voice called out as Garrett was yanked away from us.
“That’s bullshit! He’s my man, and I don’t care what your girlfriend said, there is no way he is gonna be goin’ after that flat-chested bimbo when my hot ass is up in here,” Laura exclaimed.
I glanced at Mazie, whose shoulders rose in confusion as Laura traded places with Garrett, who seemed stunned.
“Who you calling a flat-chested bimbo!” the man, who was obviously drunk, exclaimed.
“So sorry you couldn’t tell. No wonder you two get along,” Laura hissed, pressing herself closer to the man, whose eyes ignited with rage. “You gonna hit a girl, tough guy?”
“No! No! Guys,” I exclaimed, still trying to keep calm, “No one is going to hit anyone. It’s not worth it. Please, let’s just stop this, okay?”
The man grumbled something but eventually turned around while Mazie grabbed Laura and pulled her back.
Soon, I found that I was standing there, with my back against the bar, alone.
After breathing a sigh of relief, I headed back to my table where Mazie and our friends were already back to talking and laughing as if nothing had ever happened.
However, when Mazie saw me, she immediately pulled me aside.
“Thank you,” she insisted, her eyes wide with sincerity.
“Sure, no problem.”
Before I could even get the words out, though, she was bombarding me with a hard, passionate kiss.
“What was that for?” I asked with a grin when we pulled away.
“That was because you are so hot when you take control of the situation and keep your cool. It’s impressive.”
“Well, thank you,” I answered before we returned to the other two, who seemed to be having some strange version of their own moment. Though, again, neither Mazie or I could be completely sure.
Thankfully, the night continued without incident, and when the countdown to midnight was complete, we shared a New Year’s Eve kiss.
The now familiar taste of her was still so intoxicating that my mind reeled, causing me to be momentarily unable to control my emotions.
“I love you,” I blurted out, nearly regretting it when Mazie backed away, as though surprised.
However, after the words sank in, Mazie wasted no time leaping toward me and wrapping me in a tight hug.
“I love you, too,” she exclaimed and again eased herself up to press her lips firmly against mine.
Mazie
When I awoke, the first thing I noticed was the lack of my cat and the second thing I noticed was the lack of Dexter.
Before I could fully understand what was going on, however, the alarm on my phone blared, jarring me fully awake.
It took me a moment to realize that I was in Dexter’s house. Yet, after a few seconds of silence, following me quickly shutting off my alarm, the night before finally came back to me and I beamed.
A few moments later, I recognized the scent of coffee and cooking breakfast wafting into the room, making my stomach growl.
With renewed purpose, I leaped out of bed, ran through the shower, and got dressed before going downstairs.
“Wow! You got dressed fast,” Dexter observed, handing me a cup of steaming coffee.
“Thank you,” I replied, pulling it close to me, “Yeah, well, you were gone, so I didn’t have much of a reason to stay in a strange bed.”
“Strange? I don’t think it’s that strange,” he admitted, jokingly, “I mean, you have slept in it a few times now, and you have certainly made yourself at home.”
“Sorry,” I answered, hoping it sounded more genuine than I felt.
“Sure you are,” he sneered playfully, “Sorry, I couldn’t sleep but I didn’t want to wake you, so I came downstairs and started breakfast.”
“There is no apology needed for that,” I replied as he returned to his stovetop. “It looks delicious!”
“Yeah, I don’t think I should give up my day job to become a chef, but I know my way around an egg.”
I chuckled as I sat down at the table, while Dexter plated our meal.
“Speaking of your day job, have you made a decision about it yet?”
He hesitated, as though I had asked him a question he wished I hadn’t, but finally answered after setting the plates down and taking a few bites of his breakfast.
“Um…no. Not yet. I was thinking of talking to my father about it, see if he has any insight,” he admitted.
“That’s a great idea!” I offered in-between eating and showering him with compliments.
“I don’t know how he’s going to take it…”
“I think you should keep the conversation going though, even though you don’t have an answer. You want him to know you’re taking it seriously.”
Dexter agreed but didn’t say much after that.
So, after he was finished, I decided to give him some parting advice.
“I know you’ll make the right decision,” I told him, “And I am proud of you, whatever you want to do.” I kissed him passionately, but when I broke away, I felt him grab my arm and spin me back, engulfing me in one more kiss before I left.
My work day was great. Of course, the other teachers still complained that the break was over and there were still the normal challenges. However, in my new state of mind, I couldn’t help but focus on the positives.
Despite the teachers’ begrudging return, my kids seemed excited to be back at school, busily sharing the experience of their holiday with their friends.
It was then that I realized I associated more with them than I did my adult counterparts.
I loved my life, and while work was still work, I was excited to be living my life.
Dexter was the reason for that, but everything else seemed to follow suit, causing my day to be absolutely wonderful.
However, even in my good mood, I still had a thought that at first gave me pause. Spending time with the children made me think about having children of my own, a subject that I usually tried not to think about.
Yet, having Dexter in my life made me want to think about it. At first, I tried to ignore the idea, telling myself it was way too early in our relationship to even have such a thought.
Although, as the day went on, I got used to the idea and by the end of it, I couldn’t help but think how perfect it would be for Dexter and me to have our own beautiful baby…one day.
Dexter
Watching Mazie leave, I couldn’t help but think about how happy I felt. By Mazie simply entering my life, she had given me a gift of happiness that I never knew was possible. It was almost scary to me how much she had come to mean to me in such a short time.
Already, I could never imagine my life without her in it and couldn’t believe that I had gone so long without her.
Ever since we’d decided to date, officially, my life had completely changed, all for the better and I never wanted it to end.
I watched her drive away until I could no longer see her car before returning inside to get dressed for work.
At the office, things were running at a slower pace, and as I said hello to people I passed, I could tell that many of them were hungover.
Normally, I wouldn’t even be here today, but that was the old Dexter. The new Dexter had a life ahead of him that encompassed the office but was not consumed by it.
Still, I couldn’t help but pity them and feel for their dedication.
Although, despite the happiness I felt, there was still a daunting task hanging over my head, and it scared me.
I knew I had to talk to my father about his proposition. I knew he had told me to take my time, but in the spirit of our new relationship, I wanted to keep an open communication about it. The first day of the new year seemed to be the most appropriate time to do that.
I knocked on my father’s door and was welcomed eagerly.
“Good morning, Dexter!” my father called, motioning for me to come inside.
“Good morning, Sir,” I answered, closing the door behind me. “You seem to be in a good mood this morning.”
“I’m pleased to see you. It shows initiative, and besides, I’m hoping that this is the last New Year’s Day I will be burdened with so much responsibility, so I want to enjoy it,” he chuckled. “It’s hard to believe now, but people keep telling me that I’ll miss it.”
“I’m sure you will,” I offered earnestly.
“How’s Mazie doing?” my father replied, taking me slightly off guard.
“I’m sorry?”
“Please, Dexter,” he narrowed his eyes and shot me a slightly offended look, “I know that you two have been seeing each other, and not that you asked, but I think it’s great. She’s a wonderful woman who is forging her own path. I personally don’t understand it but to hear Brent talk, she’s found her calling.”
“Yes, I believe she has. She loves what she does and…she’s great,” I replied, unable to help grinning proudly, relieved that my father chose to be kind.
“You two will have to come over for dinner sometime…or go out to dinner, whatever you want.”
“That sounds great, Dad,” I answered, genuinely meaning it. I knew when I told Mazie, she would be thrilled. Now that she was up to speed on my relationship with my father, she was extremely supportive. “But, I really want to talk to you about something. Business related.”
As I spoke, I dropped into the seat across from my father, hoping that the change in position would make me feel better about what I was going to say.
