by Savina Joyce
“Shut up, Chloe. Let me take his order.”
Ines headed back to the table where Dean had the menu facedown. “So are you ready to make that order?”
“You're right. Same as always. I just want a hungry man breakfast. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns.”
“I see your order hasn't changed.”
“Not at all and just the size of a hungry man now.”
Ines laughed. “You still want that red grapefruit juice?”
“You remembered. Even after all these years.”
“A waitress always remembers her regulars.”
Ines busied herself, putting in his order and taking his juice to him. She had another table come in that she had to manage. When she brought Dean his check, his hand closed over hers.
“I know that you're working, but is there a chance that you're free this afternoon? I've been gone for so long that I might need a guide to get acclimated again.”
“Normally I would say no to weirdos trying to spend time with me after work. But since you’re a weirdo that I'm familiar with, I suppose I could show you around.”
“If I recall correctly, the diner closes at seven?”
“You are right, I guess I'll see you then.”
Ines was excited to see what became of the pony boy from her childhood. Now he was back, looking like quite a man. Based on the pages he'd written in his legal pad, he also had a story brewing. But writing it here meant it could be about their town. She couldn't wait to get off work and spend some time with him and see where it went.
When Ines got out of work, she saw Dean waiting for her, leaning against the telephone pole.
“Hey stranger.”
“It's amazing how you still look like your shift just started. By the end of my work day I look like I've been run over.”
“Why if I didn't know better, I would think you were flattering me. Don't worry, I respond well to flattery.”
Dean laughed. “Oh, I remember. I was thinking I could take you out for some diner food after I walk you home to change. I imagine you don't want to go out to eat in your work clothes.”
“That's a good idea. I was kind of hungry. I don't get much time to eat during my shift.”
“Great.”
Dean slipped an arm through hers as they walked through town. It felt right for them to walk together like this. He never asked where she lived now, so she just gently led the way to her apartment around the corner. She could have stayed on her family’s land. They owned a ranch outside of town, but she liked to be in the middle of things. Well, as in the middle of things as she could be in a small town. Ines had a small apartment above a bookshop. It was the perfect place really, because there weren't a lot of neighbors. At night it was pretty quiet. Plus, during the day she could go visit the bookshop.
When they reached her door, he stopped.
“Would you like to come up while I change?” she asked.
“If you like. If not, I can wait for you here.”
“Don't be silly. Come upstairs.”
Ines unlocked the door and led the way upstairs. She was suddenly nervous. She hadn't had a man in her apartment. Ever. She dated once in a while, but it usually didn't end well. Those dates never got the invite upstairs. Now, here she was seeing Dean after years of no contact, leading him upstairs.
She reminded herself that this was nothing serious. She was just showing an old friend around. She showed him around. It didn't take long in a one-bedroom apartment. When the tour was over she left him to his own devices while she went to grab a shower and change.
She tried to keep her mind off of him when she was in the shower. When she came out of the bathroom, she scrambled to get to her room so he wouldn’t see her in her towel. She thought she caught a glimpse of a raised eyebrow but tried not to give it a second thought.
She opened her closet and stared dumbfounded. She had nothing to wear for dinner. She settled on her favorite pair of skinny jeans, some high-heeled boots, and a tunic. Casual was best. He was dressed casually and Ines didn’t want to seem like she was trying too hard. She threw her hair in a no-nonsense bun, swiped on some lipstick, and was ready to go.
“I'm ready if you are.”
She heard a sharp intake of breath. Dean stood and just stared at her, open-mouthed.
“Is everything okay here?”
“Looks like I'm not the only one who grew up.”
February Fourth
Sylvia & Jacob
Sylvia smoothed her apron for what was probably the 58th time today. She couldn’t help it. She wanted to look perfect when that big beautiful man came in. She really needed to stop referring to him like that. Based on his order she knew that his name was Jacob but he would always be that big beautiful man to her. He came to the bakery infrequently, but she always looked forward to his visits.
He must have done some sort of security, because every time she saw him he had a tightly fitted black T-shirt tucked into not tight enough black slacks. Not tight enough for her taste, anyway. And he seemed very serious. But not in a haughty, overconfident way. More in a reserved kind of way. At least that’s what Sylvia liked to think. The man never made small talk, and he never dallied. He would buy a pastry and a bottle of water and be on his way.
Normally Sylvia didn’t trust anyone who didn’t drink coffee, or at least tea. But she was willing to make an exception for Jacob. If only Jacob even knew she was alive.
He was never rude or dismissive, but he just didn’t seem all that interested. In his visits to the café, Sylvia had never seen a ring on his finger. He’d never come in with anyone else, and he never ordered for anyone else, either. Even if he did work security somewhere, you would think one of these days he might want to bring someone else coffee
Her mystery man was always dressed spotlessly, and although she checked diligently, so we had never seen even a hint of any pet hair, As much as she would like to learn, she didn’t know anything about him. He didn’t even have a regular order. He just kind of looked around the pastry case and chose whatever he felt like that day. It was hard to gauge. She couldn’t even try to lure him with his favorites if he didn’t have any. But all that was going to change today. Sylvia had made up her mind that today was going to be the day that she spoke to him. She hoped he’d be in today. But she’d been taking extra care on her hair and makeup all week, just in case. But since they were coming up on midweek so he had to be there soon.
She saw him approaching the door and stood up a little straighter. Today was the day. All the other workers at the bakery knew that Jacob was Sylvia’s special client. They didn’t even give her a hard time about it anymore. She heard a few titters of laughter behind her, but no one said anything. They were a nice bunch. They actually thought the way she pined after him was cute. Sylvia didn’t think he was cute. She was a grown adult. It shouldn’t be this hard to talk to a man.
“Good morning, what can I get for you today?”
“Let’s see. You have a lot of good stuff here today. I think I’ll take a chocolate chip muffin,” Jacob said.
“Good choice. They’re still warm. I took one myself not too long ago.
“Well thanks,” Jacob said while Sylvia grabbed his muffin.
Today was supposed to be the day. You know what to do, she thought to herself.
“So, it’s Jacob right?”
He raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Yes. How do you know?”
“Well, you have been here a time or two. I definitely would remember you.” Sylvia hoped she sounded more flirty than creepy. It had been a long time since she’d done this sort of thing.
“I’m sorry, I don’t believe I know your name.”
“It Sylvia.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Sylvia.”
This is as far as she had thought it through. She wasn’t quite sure where to go next. How does one ask a man on a date? She supposed it was just like ripping off a Band-Aid; you just kind of had to do it. When she
reached across to hand him his pastry, she said, “So Jacob, I don’t mean to be forward. But I was wondering if you’d like to grab a drink sometime?”
Jacob looked stunned. He just stood there with his hand outstretched, ready to grab the muffin bag, staring at her with his mouth open. For moments, Sylvia stared back at him, then began her rapid fire, trying to cover her tracks. “I mean, if you’re not interested. Or if you’re seeing someone. Or you’re married. I don’t know. If you just don’t want to go. You could say no. You should probably take your muffin.”
Sylvia shoved the muffin into his hand and fled. She headed through the kitchen and out the back door where she sat with her head between her knees, taking deep breaths. She’d never been so humiliated in her life. She wasn’t sure what to do. She heard the door creak. Sylvia looked up to see Jacob standing there. How could he have gotten back there? Who had let him behind the counter? Would this humiliation never end?
“Sylvia, I’m sorry if I caused a scene back there,” Jacob said.
It wasn’t fair. Not only was he disinterested, but he was also sweet. Sweet was the last thing she needed when she was humiliated.
“I didn’t mean to react like that. You just caught me off guard. It’s not every day a pretty lady asks me out on a date.”
Sylvia groaned and put her face in her hands. Now he was calling her pretty. She felt like he was looking for any way to get out of this.
“That’s very kind of you to say, but I understand. You’re not interested in me. I get it. I’m just some bakery attendant and you are clearly important.”
“Now, I’m sure I’m no more important than you. I really was just taken by surprise. And if it wasn’t for you in this bakery, how would I stay fed? I would surely waste away.”
“I doubt that you would waste away,” Sylvia said with a laugh. “Not a big man like you.”
“You just asked me on a date and then called me fat?”
“No. I would never. You’re beautiful.” Sylvia slapped her hands over her mouth. She couldn’t make more of a mess of this if she tried.
“Relax. I was only joking. Well, a little bit. But this has to be a hidden camera show. First you asked me on a date, now you call me beautiful. I might die. Is this heaven?”
“Just ignore me. Hopefully I’ll just fall into a pit back here.”
“If you do that, how will we get to go out for drinks tonight?”
“Well, that would be a challenge.”
“Excellent. So you want meet here? Around seven?”
“I think I can manage that,” Sylvia said. She knew that she was blushing up to her eyebrows, and she didn’t care. She finally got a date with her big beautiful man.
February Fifth
Reginald & Crysta
Reginald was in trouble. More importantly, his title was in trouble. His family had decreed that an unmarried man could only retain the title of Count for five years. If, after such time he had not found a wife, he would be stripped of his title.
Social position was everything to Reginald. His wealth and status were just as much parts of his personality as any other part of him. His wealth and status were just as much of a part of his personality as his haughty attitude.
The only problem was that his five years were almost up. But he had an idea. There was an American actress coming to the area on a promotional tour for a romance movie. If she was as good as they said, she might just be the perfect person to play his wife. For all intents and purposes, they would be married. On paper. This would land her coveted roles and exclusive paid interviews. In return, Reginald would retain his title. It should be an easy proposal to win.
Crysta was overwhelmed by this beautiful country. It was her first trip to South America, and she hadn’t known what to expect. While she was really popular stateside, this was her first international movie tour. Her movie had generated a lot of positive buzz. More than she or the studio had anticipated. So here she was. Acting was her greatest passion. And she was always seeking out new opportunities to shine. She had made a lot of independent films before getting her big hit to critical acclaim. And now this was her chance. But she still felt like she could be more. Like she could be bigger. And the men She didn't know where to start about the men. They were all beautiful. She hadn't seen a single unattractive man since she stepped foot off the plane. Granted, most of the men she came in contact with were in the entertainment industry, but even the men working at the airport were good-looking. They had a mysterious look about them that she couldn't tear her eyes away from. But one of her rules was no romance. If she wanted to stay on top of her career aspirations, she couldn't afford to be distracted.
At least that was the case until she met Reginald.
Reginald was hosting her at a luxury boutique hotel that he owned. Since they were staying in an area where he had great wealth and influence, he wanted to make sure that he was the main one to welcome her. And just one look at him told Crysta that this was going to be more of a welcome than she was ready for. He was tall and lean with a chiseled jaw, brooding eyes, dark hair, and olive skin. He looked like he should be on the poster for a romantic lead. Not a count in some foreign country. Who was she kidding? A count from a foreign land would be the perfect lead in a romance. Just not for her personal life. As he appraised her with the once over, Crysta found herself blushing. This trip could turn out to be more challenging than she expected.
Reginald was more than pleased when he got a look at Crysta. He had wanted to find the perfect woman to pose as his wife and when he saw her, he knew that the word perfect could never be applied to any other woman. He didn't even speak when he first saw her. She was startlingly beautiful. He expected a small diminutive woman. He wasn't sure why; he had looked at all of the packets his attaché had put together, but instead of his expectation, she was this bronzed goddess. She was at least five foot nine before the towering heels she was wearing. Her hair was a mass of small coils that seemed to shoot in every direction in the most alluring fashion. Bronzed skin and almond eyes were almost too much for him to bear. But she wasn't tall and thin like he expected of most actress types to. She was curvaceous, dangerously so. A man could get lost in those curves. He would have no trouble at all convincing anyone in the world that he'd fallen in love with this woman at first sight. It probably happened every day.
Reginald considered it for a moment. Surely a woman as exquisite as this one would have suitors lined up at every turn. The only thing he'd asked was whether she was single. As far as he was concerned, and his staff was aware, if a woman wasn't married she was single. And in his many dalliances, no one had proven him wrong. But surely, someone is alluring as this would be a challenge. A challenge that he was more than willing to rise to. Now, to convince her. He wasn't sure if the straightforward approach would work unless they got to know each other better. So he had devised a plan. Ever the diligent one, he had advised his staff to arrange a dinner for this evening. Just the two of them, served by the hotel staff. They were more than happy to accommodate because it wasn't often that Reginald came in person. But he was thrilled to be on site and available to Crysta. He wouldn't be staying at the hotel itself, but he would be stopping in to visit her quite frequently. It was all part of his plan to show a courtship, and then when they did end up married it would be no surprise.
“It is my great honor to meet you Crysta. I haven’t seen any of your movies yet, but I've heard wonderful things.
“Why thank you, Reginald. And again, thank you for hosting me in your lovely hotel. I'm sure that you can correct the error in judgment, missing my movies. I think some of them might surprise you. A lot of them are very different from the movie I'm here to promote.”
“Perhaps we can schedule a screening and you can tell me which ones are the best?” he asked, raising an eyebrow in an enticing fashion. At least he hoped it was enticing. Based on her blush, it was.
“If we have time, that would be lovely.”
“I'll make sure to ma
ke the time.”
“I will let you get settled here,” Reginald said. “My staff will take care of everything for you. I will be staying here for the night and then retiring to my estate tomorrow. But before I do, I would like to invite you to dinner. Nothing out of the way, of course. I know you were traveling all day, but the chef here is exceptional and I've requested that he make his specialty for you today.”
“That sounds lovely. I'd like to take a nap and get settled beforehand.”
“Of course. I wouldn't want to rush you. But I'm very much looking forward to it.” The count smiled warmly and shook her hand before departing from the room.
Crysta went to her room where everything was already unpacked and waiting for her. She felt a little strange about having her clothing unpacked but she had nothing to hide in there. At least the staff was attentive. She looked out her window and saw amazing views of rolling in. The air smelled fresher here. More alive. She hoped she could squeeze in some time to see more of this beautiful country. But she had a dinner date to prepare for. She really wanted to take a nap, but she was a little nervous. Fortunately, her jet lag beat out her nervousness, and she fell asleep almost as soon as she sat on the bed.
She woke to the sound of a gentle tapping out the door. One of the hotels employees advised her that dinner would be served in thirty minutes before scampering off. Crysta didn't get her name, but she made a mental note to find out later. One of the things that she always made a point to do was learn the names of any staff at any establishment she stayed at. She knew the work that went on behind the scenes and how important it was to acknowledge the people who helped you on a daily basis.
Thirty minutes didn’t give her a lot of time to prep, but fortunately she was an over-packer. She had lots of outfits to choose from, but she chose a simple black dress. She wore some killer hot pink heels just for a visual effect. She didn't want Reginald to think she was trying too hard, but she also didn't want him to think she put no effort into her appearance. She fluffed her hair, washed her face, and applied a fresh layer of makeup so she looked like she woke up like this. The hotel was small enough that she didn't struggle to find her way. The dining area was beautifully intimate, but tastefully decorated. There were candles lit, and warm red and wood tones wherever her eye fell, with the occasional pop of navy blue. She found Reginald there, waiting for her. He stood as she approached with a sharp intake of breath.
