Something New & Unexpected

by Sarah Matthews

  By Friday, I was nervous, but excited and ready to see Steve. It’d been extremely difficult not seeing him, but he would never know. It was one thing not being able to see him because I was three hours away. It was completely different when I was home and couldn’t see him. While it was my idea, and a good decision, I didn’t want to do it again.

  Most of the day I functioned basically on autopilot, helping Jo put the finishing touches on the nursery, but by three I was getting anxious. Around 3:30, we headed to Indy.

  “So, is Steve going to be there since he stayed there last night?” she asked, while we were sitting at a red light.

  “No, he and Casey are helping Alex with his car, but he told me that there will be another key at the front desk for me.”

  “Oh. So we’ll have the suite to ourselves for a couple hours?”

  “Yep.”

  “I still can’t believe you’re staying in one of the penthouse suites,” she said, in amazement.

  “I know,” I replied, as the light turned green.

  “Not to get all nosy, but can he actually afford that? I mean, he’s also taking you to the Eagle’s Nest, and that in itself isn’t cheap.”

  “Yeah, he can.”

  “How?”

  “Well, his family’s pretty wealthy.”

  “What?” she asked, in surprise.

  “Yeah.”

  “What do his parents do?”

  “Well, his dad, Gabriel, is one of the top neurosurgeons in the country, and his mom is a best-selling author.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. You actually have a couple of her books.”

  “Which ones?”

  “The Last Summer and Never Forget I Love You.”

  “Wait a minute. His mom is Bryce L. Thomas?”

  “Yep.” I smiled at her.

  “Wow,” Jo responded, still a little shocked. “I would’ve never guessed that was his mom. He doesn’t act like he’s from a wealthy family at all.”

  “I know, and that’s one of the things I love most about him. He just wants to live like a normal person.”

  “So, how long have you known?” she asked, after a few minutes.

  “Since our first date.”

  “Does anyone else in the apartment building know?”

  “I’m not quite sure. I’ve never asked.”

  “So, have you met his parents yet?”

  “No, but I’ve met his brother and his girlfriend.” I chuckled.

  “What happened?” she asked, knowing there was an interesting story.

  I told her as we got closer to the hotel.

  When we finally made it there, I found a parking spot and we grabbed my things then went in.

  “Welcome to Embassy Suites,” the receptionist greeted us, with a smile, when we reached the front desk. “Can I help you with something?”

  “Yes, I believe there’s a key waiting for me.”

  “What’s your name?”

  “Beth Smith. But it might be under Elle.”

  “Oh, right. Just a moment.” Her lips turned up, knowingly, then she walked away.

  “Okay, what was that all about?” Jo whispered, when she walked away.

  “I have no idea,” I whispered back.

  “Okay, here you go,” the receptionist said, coming back, still smiling.

  “Thanks so much,” I replied, taking the key.

  “My pleasure and enjoy your stay.”

  “Thanks.”

  Walking away, Jo and I headed for the elevators. Once in the elevator, I hit the button for the top floor.

  “What was with the receptionist?” she asked.

  “I have no idea. The only thing I can think of is that they know Steve pretty well.”

  “Oh, that’s probably true.”

  Once we reached the top floor, we headed down the hall to the suite. Seeing the name of it, Jo looked at me and I just giggled softly.

  “No, just a coincidence,” I told her, and she nodded. “But they do stay here quite often,” I added, opening the door.

  When I went in, I was completely speechless. The suite was amazing, but I felt as though I had stepped back in time. While the big framed pictures and paintings on the cream walls and the TV on the wooden entertainment center were, or looked to be, modern, the décor of the kitchen area took me back at least a couple decades, with its dark cabinets and matching marble topped bar, and white laminate flooring. That was even truer of the living area, with its brown tweed carpet and décor.

  “Can I come in,” Jo asked, with a bit of a laugh.

  “Oh yeah, sorry,” I apologized, and moved further in.

  When I did, I saw the dining area. It was next to the bar, but it was further back and had walls on three sides of it, giving it a more intimate feel. Like the living area, there were pictures and paintings on the walls, except for the one with the big window. The wooden dining table and chairs, and their décor, however, were more modern, including the chandelier that hung above.

  “Oh, it’s okay,” Jo replied, closing the door behind her. “Oh, wow,” she said, looking around.

  “I know.”

  Seeing the couch she started to chuckle.

  “Whoever decided on the furniture and décor must have been real into the fifties to seventies.”

  “I know,” I laughed, setting my purse on the dining room table, and heading to the bedroom. “Hey, I’ll be right back. I’m just going to go use the bathroom, then we’ll get started,” I added.

  “Okay.”

  Entering the bedroom, I looked around. It was contemporary and modern. The king size bed had a bedside table on either side of it that matched the armoire and the desk and chair that set across from it. The outer wall was a sliding glass door, and a comfy, black leather chair set in the corner on either side of it. Across from the sliding glass door, and to my right, was the bathroom.

  Going in, I looked around. It had a calming tone, with cream walls and white tile flooring. On one side was a full-size tub and shower, with the toilet separated by a wall. On the other side was the vanity, which had a brown and white marble top and two sinks. It also had white drawers down the middle with an open space under each sink. Above the vanity was a mirror that covered the entire wall.

  “Alright, you ready?” I asked, coming from the bedroom.

  “Yep,” Jo said.

  “What do you wanna do first?”

  “I was thinking your hair, and then your makeup, then your dress. Is that okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  While she got everything she needed, I took off my shirt, so I didn’t have to worry about messing up my hair later. A moment later I headed back into the bathroom.

  “Wow, this is really nice,” she observed, coming in, and putting my things on the vanity.

  “I know.”

  “So, is Steve coming back here to change before you guys go to dinner?”

  “No, since he’s already at the apartment, he’s just going to get ready there.”

  “That makes sense. What time is he coming back?”

  “Well, our reservation is at six, so I think about five-thirty.”

  “That means we don’t necessarily have to rush too much.”

  “Exactly.”

  After Jo got everything set out and the curling iron plugged in, she started running the brush through my hair to get the knots out. I closed my eyes and just relaxed. She used her fingers to gather my hair. Once she had it in her hands, she pulled out some of my bangs. Without putting it in a ponytail holder, she took the rest of it and made a loose bun in the back. Once she had it the way she wanted it, she used two bobby pins to keep it in place. Before she did anything else, she grabbed the stronghold hairspray and sprayed it a couple times. Putting the hairspray back down, she grabbed the curling iron. After making some loose curls with my bangs, she loosely pinned them back and sprayed them.

  “So, what do you thin
k?” she asked.

  “I absolutely love it,” I replied, with a smile.

  “Good, I’m glad.”

  “And you think it’ll stay?”

  “It should. I used the stronghold hairspray, and it’s the kind that won’t make your hair stiff.”

  “Okay, and thanks.”

  “No problem. Ready for makeup?”

  “Yep.”

  Since my dress was black, Jo went with the same colors I normally used. The only thing she did differently was add just a touch more eye shadow than usual, just enough to bring out my eyes. The last thing she did was mascara, and that made my eyes pop even more. Once she finished, she backed away.

  “So?”

  I turned my head, looking and my lips began twisting up.

  “I love it,” I replied, turning back to her. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  After a few minutes, we headed back in the bedroom to put my dress on.

  Before putting on the dress, I slipped on my new bra and underwear then rubbed lotion on my legs so they would be soft and smooth. Just as Jo zipped up my dress, there was a knock at the door and she went to answer it. After straightening it a little, I followed her.

  When I came out of the bedroom, she was already walking back toward me, grinning; holding a single white rose in one hand and a small black gift bag, with tissue paper, in the other.

  “These came for you,” she told me, stopping in front of the dining room table, and handing them both to me.

  Setting the bag on my lap, I brought the rose to my nose and closed my eyes. The smell was sweet and I started to smile.

  “I’ll get something to put that in,” Jo said.

  “Okay,” I answered, going over to the table, still smelling the rose.

  When she came back with a small, thin vase, I handed her the rose and reached in the bag. Pulling out an envelope, I opened it and pulled out the card. Opening it, the corners of my lips turned up as I read:

  Elle,

  I saw these and immediately thought of you-simple, but absolutely beautiful! I hope you like them. I miss you and can’t wait to see you.

  I love you,

  Steve

  Without a word, I handed the card to Jo and looked back in the bag. Taking the small black, velvet box out, I opened it and bit my lip slightly. Inside was a pair of small dangle, diamond earrings.

  “Those are beautiful,” she admired them, as she put the card back in the envelope then in the bag.

  “I know,” I agreed, holding back tears. “Will you help me with them?”

  “Sure.”

  Taking the small box, she took the earrings out and set it back on the table. After they were in, we went back in the bedroom and she helped me put on my shoes and made sure everything was the way it was supposed to be. Once I was completely ready, she started putting everything up. Before she left, she got my small black clutch purse and the surprise gift I got Steve out of my suitcase and put them on the bed, then proceeded to take about a half a dozen pictures.

  After thanking her and saying, “Goodbye,” I realized it was just a little after five. I decided to sit out on the balcony while I waited for Steve. Before going out, I went in the bathroom and put on my perfume, looking at myself one more time. Happy with my appearance, I grabbed my wrap off the bed and headed outside. It was a beautiful evening. The sun was just beginning to set, giving the sky a beautiful orange hue; and although it was March, it was just cool enough that I only needed my wrap. Moving further onto the balcony, I realized just how beautiful the view was, especially with the sun setting.

  As I admired the view, I heard the door slide open and turned around. Seeing Steve, I began to feel a little lightheaded, but grinned. He was tanner than usual because of his week in Florida, and it made him even sexier, especially being clean-shaven. His darker skin also made his eyes even bluer. His hair was shorter than it was the last time I saw him and was gelled down. The tips were completely bleached from being in the sun. His navy blue, button up, long-sleeved dress shirt fit him perfectly, and showed off the contours of his upper body extremely well.

  “Hi,” he greeted me, with a smile, coming out onto the balcony.

  “Hi,” I responded, almost inaudibly, still overwhelmed, as he came toward me.

  As he leaned down and kissed me, my head started spinning. After kissing me, he leaned in even closer and I could smell his cologne and it was so intoxicating.

  “You look beautiful,” he whispered, in my ear, before kissing the spot just below it.

  At the feel of his breath against my ear and his lips against my skin, I shivered and grabbed on to him. As my fingers touched his chest, I realized his shirt was silk.

  “You look pretty good yourself,” I whispered back, and I felt him shiver.

  For a long moment, we just sat and stood there, breathing each other in. Slowly pulling back, Steve looked at me again and kissed me sweetly.

  “I missed you,” he said, with his forehead against mine, when it ended.

  “I missed you, too,” I replied, sweetly. “And thank you for the earrings.”

  “You’re welcome. Do you like them?”

  “Very much.”

  After another long moment, he sighed.

  “We have to go or we’ll miss our reservation,” he said, more to himself than me.

  “Okay,” I replied anyway, while wishing we could just stay there.

  Sighing, again, Steve reluctantly, and slowly, stood back up and headed toward the door. As I followed, I noticed just how well his black dress pants fit him, too.

  “Hey, I’ll be right there. I just have to grab something,” I said, grabbing my purse off the bed, as he went into the main part of the suite.

  “Okay.”

  Going into the bathroom, I quickly touched up my lipstick, put it in my purse, then grabbed Steve’s gift.

  “Ready?” he asked, when I came out of the bedroom.

  “Yeah, and here.” I handed him the little black box, as I grinned.

  Opening it, his lips turned up. Inside were four tickets for two Cardinals vs. White Sox games. When he saw who the White Sox were playing, he let out a soft laugh.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Nothing,” he answered, closing the box, his lips twitching, as he leaned in to kiss me.

  After he put the box on the table, next to my earring box, we headed to dinner. We decided to walk since it was only down the street and it was such a beautiful evening. Making our way out of the hotel, I noticed the receptionists as we passed the front desk, and they had knowing looks on their faces. I looked up at Steve and he just smiled. Once outside, he quietly grabbed my controller and I looped my arm with his.

  When we made it to the restaurant, we had to go inside the hotel and up an elevator to get to it. Once there, we were seated within minutes. As we were escorted to our table, I could feel the restaurant slowly rotating, and I looked around. The entire dining area was surrounded by windows, so to be able to look out over the city as you ate.

  “Thank you,” I said, when Steve pulled out a chair so I could pull up.

  “You’re welcome,” he replied.

  When the hostess left, he leaned down and whispered in my ear before taking his seat across from me.

  “You’re killing me, you know that? You smell incredible and I just want to rip that dress right off of you.”

  At his words, I chuckled darkly.

  As we waited for our waiter, I gazed out the window at the sunset. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Yes, it is,” Steve said.

  I smiled.

  Within a few minutes, our waiter came and took our order. Throughout dinner, we talked about the past two weeks. He told me about his week in Florida, and I found myself very envious and amazed. By the time he finished telling me about all that happened, I was trying so hard not to laugh out loud. We also talked about Jo, and me helping her with the
nursery.

  By the time we finished, it was almost 7:30, and completely dark. I could see how beautiful the city was, all lit up.

  “You wanna go for a walk, or are you too cold?” he asked, when we made it back outside.

  “No, a walk sounds nice.”

  As we walked through the city, it was alive. There were people everywhere, most of whom were either coming out of The Fieldhouse or waiting in line to get into a bar, but to us it was as though no one else was around. We walked along at a slow, leisurely pace, and I leaned on Steve, with my arm looped with his. As we made our way along the path of the canal, I noticed there were less people. When we reached the bridge over the canal, we just stayed there for a few minutes. It was so beautiful, especially with the moonlight reflecting on it, and extremely peaceful. As I watched the wind slowly move over the water, I felt Steve move and I looked up at him. Without a word, he leaned down and kissed me, softly and sweetly. After we kissed, we slowly made our way back to the hotel.

  “Thank you,” I said, sweetly, as I went into the suite.

  “You're very welcome,” Steve replied, as I went past.

  After shutting the door, he walked up behind me and kissed me on the neck. I couldn’t help but smile and tilt my neck in encouragement. Unfortunately, when I did so, he backed away. Seeing the disappointed look on my face, he grinned.

  “Don't move, I'll be right back,” he assured me, heading to the bedroom.

  After he left the room, I went over to the dining room table and set my purse down. I slipped off the back strap of my heels, and took off my earrings as I thought about the evening. It had been perfect. Everything from the restaurant itself, not to mention the food, to the walk through the city and along the canal, had been perfect. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the last of my spring break.

  Closing the box, I sighed happily and began to take out the bobby pins. As I took them out, my bangs fell against the side of my face and I tucked them behind my ear. Just as I was about to take the first one out of the bun, I heard, “Don't, leave them in,” and I stopped.

  When I turned around, I saw Steve leaning against the doorframe, arms folded against his chest, lips twisted up at me with a warm look in his eyes, and I couldn’t help but look him up and down. He was still dressed, but his shirt was untucked and unbuttoned, with the sleeves rolled up, and he was barefoot.