by C. T. Oliver
“Sure.” I move the flank over to the cutting board and start to carve.
“Pen and Blu are about fifteen minutes away,” she says excitedly.
“I can’t wait to meet Pen! Maybe she’ll take some of my suggestions for books!” Ben hollers from the sink.
“Dude, we’re right here, you don’t have to yell,” Cory rolls his eyes as he pours the noodles into a colander.
“You’re getting hot water on my basil!”
“It will be fine,” Cory yells back.
“I’m telling Amelia!” Ben glares at Cory. For a second, I think I see fear in my brother’s eyes at the idea of being in trouble with Amelia.
“Guys! It’s fine. Cory please divide up the noodles in the bowls and Ben please set the table,” she says firmly, but in her sweet tone. For the life of me, I don’t know why I have a face splitting grin on as I imagine Amelia handling our kids.
“I call dibs on the icing bowl!” Cory hollers.
I stand behind a squealing Amelia as a dark gray BMW X5 pulls up to the side of the house. A very polished guy dressed in form fitting khakis and a white button up shirt steps out from the driver’s side talking a mile a minute. A petite girl with shimmering charcoal hair and rich olive skin comes out from the passenger side, rolling her eyes and laughing while holding onto a light brown dachshund about the same size as Larry.
Amelia runs out the sliding glass door. “It’s about time you bitches got here.”
“Please, don’t start showing hospitality now,” the guy says, opening up his arms for Amelia.
“Be nice, we have guests,” Amelia admonishes as she reaches up to give the guy a hug. A ping of jealousy runs through me that has me stepping forward to introduce myself.
“Wow! She’s stunning,” I think Ben whispers as I make my way to Amelia.
“Hi, I’m Craig.” I wrap an arm around Amelia’s waist while offering my right hand.
“I….I….Hi!” The guy looks at me with sparkling eyes.
Amelia laughs looking between the man and I. “Craig, this is Blu Richman,” she narrows her eyes at Blu, “Blu, Craig.” The man continues to stare at me.
Without a response from Blu, Amelia turns to the girl standing beside Blu. “Craig, this is Penelope Alosi,” Amelia gestures to the girl who has the biggest grin on her face, “Pen, Craig.”
“It’s very nice to meet you, Craig.” Pen looks over to Blu not holding back her giggles. “Breathe, Blu.”
Ben steps out of nowhere. “Pen, I’m Benjamin Jacobs and I’m a huge fan of World’s Books,” he says with a goofy look on his face.
“Thanks, I like it,” Pen smiles shyly. She looks to Amelia. “You think he’ll snap out of it?” she looks over at Blu who is closely examining Cory.
Amelia shakes her head. “Hi Mozart, did you have a nice ride here?” Amelia scratches the dachshund’s head and receives a small bark in return.
Amelia looks over at Blu who is still speechless and sighs heavily while shaking her head. She turns in her heels and heads into the house. “Whatever, let’s have dinner.”
“Finally! You’ve probably over cooked the broth by now, Shorty,” Cory hollers and turns to Pen. “I’m Cory by the way.”
“Pen,” she says warmly and then looks over at Ben with a shy smile. Interesting.
Pho is perhaps the best noodle soup I have ever eaten. It is now my favorite noodle soup dish of all time. The intricate broth is full of cinnamon, ginger, onion, and other spices combined to enhance the beef broth that accompanies the rice noodles nicely into the unique homely comforting dish. The fresh herbs and sprouts only add another layer of flavors and texture to the dish that has me drooling while I’m eating it.
Cory is now on his third bowl and doesn’t look like he’s going to slow down anytime soon. A sheen of sweat covers his face and he has not said a word to anyone in the last thirty minutes as he eats bowl after bowl.
“So, how has the surf been?” Pen asks Amelia while eyeing Cory nervously.
“It’s great! I’ve only been out once, though. Pooped me out.” Amelia pushes her bowl away and leans back into her chair while rubbing her stomach. She reaches down and scoops up Mozart to feed him some leftover beef from her bowl.
“You surf?” Ben asks with eyes wide open.
“Yeah, Amelia taught me when we first met and I’ve been addicted ever since. I’m not hardcore like she is, but I think I can catch a few waves.” Pen shrugs with a bright smile on her face. Ben looks on with a dreamy look in his eyes.
“Blu, what about you?” I ask Blu, who finally spoke up fifteen minutes after coming into the house. After getting a good stare at me, then Cory, and then Ben.
“God no! And freeze my nuts off? No thanks. Besides, they don’t welcome me in their ‘surf camp’.” Blu rolls his eyes as he uses air quotations.
I chuckle as Amelia glares at her friend. “He’s scared his makeup will run. Beside, how was I supposed to know it was an all women camp? Full of hippies who eat granola and don’t shave anything.”
“Don’t hate because I’m prettier than you. The hate of those women is enough.” Blu places his neatly folded napkin back on his lap and goes back to his bowl. “God, girl! I have always loved your cooking. You don’t cook nearly enough.”
Amelia offers him a friendly warm smile. “You still planning on going on your ‘mission impossible’?
“Of course, I have to see what the competitors are doing.”
“It’s not even the same clientele or market. You just want an excuse to go around and get pampered,” Amelia smirks.
“It’s a legitimate business strategy!” Blu barks back, startling Larry who is nicely tucked in on Cory’s lap.
“Man, can you give me a cut while you’re here?” Cory mumbles around a mouthful while patting Larry’s little body with his wide hand.
“God yes!” Blu looks adoringly at Cory making everyone in the room burst into laugher.
“That was delicious, baby. Thank you.” I lean over and place a kiss the side of Amelia’s head. Draping my right arm on the back of her chair, I feel her lean closer. Blu and Pen have been keeping a close eye on Amelia and I, paying attention to every move we make. I give them a smile to let them know I am here to stay. Blu eyes me a little closer, then nods and flashes me a crooked grin.
“You’re welcome. I’m glad we finished all the broth and noodles. I was a little worried we’d have to eat it for days.”
“Shorty, you always underestimate me.” Cory sits back and lets out a contented sigh.
“I think Amelia sees the good in people and is still holding out hope you’re not a pig,” Ben drawls and takes a sip of his scotch.
“Oh my gosh! We still have dessert. I hope you have room after the three pounds of pho you just ate,” Amelia states.
“Yum, chocolate log cake.” Cory has a goofy smile and wistful look on his face.
Chapter 17
Dessert is passed around as Craig and the guys get to know Pen and Blu. I can tell Blu is still a little blindsided by the guys’ looks. They are a very handsome group of men. I notice Pen is being a little quieter than her usual shy self. I have even caught her looking over at Ben a few times. Hmm, interesting.
“Blu, how can someone get an appointment at Mode?” Ben asks, leaning back in his chair.
“The trick is to know the owner.” Blu gives Ben a wink. Now that he’s over being star struck, Blu is more his playful self. “But if that fails, then get any appointment you can and keep it.” Blu flashes his charming smile.
“I’m impressed with your clientele list.” Ben raises his glass towards Blu.
“Mode does okay. It’s because we cater to both old fashion barber style for men and new high end spa treatments for women.” Blu is a modest professional businessman when talking about his brainchild. Looking at him you wouldn’t think he is capable of building the most successful salon in Portland. His clientele consists of movie stars, athletes, politicians etc.
�
��Weren’t you featured in BusinessWeek last year as the place on the west coast for the successful look?” Cory asks, with a raised brow.
“Oh God! Don’t remind me,” Blu moans. “As a result of that feature we lost thirty percent of our female clientele because they thought Mode was like some barber shop quartet. That was the worst! Totally lost twenty-three percent of the profit margin that year.”
Ben’s eyes light up. “How did you make up for the loss?”
“We got picked up in Glamour magazine and them beezies started trippin’ over their Louboutin tryin’ to get an appointment to get their who-ha waxed. I’m sorry boys, but that’s where the money is.” Blu sits back with his Armagnac in hand.
“Yup, I’d pay for that,” Cory nods in agreement with a mischievous grin on his face.
I look over to see a blush on Pen’s face, always the shy one. “And you’d also pay for a wholesale sized tan in a bottle, too,” I deadpan causing Ben to sputter into his scotch.
“Hey! She said she used sunblock, but she just tans easily,” Cory pouts.
Craig chuckles and pulls me closer to him. Warmth washes over me from his body heat and contentment settles in my heart. I noticed earlier Blu and Pen watching closely as Craig put his arm around me. It seems Pen approves, from what I can tell, with the little cute smile on her elegant face. Or it could be that smile is directed towards Ben. Blu on the outside seems to like Craig, but I’ve never been able to figure out what Blu is really thinking. I’ll have to ask him.
I shower and throw on a romper nightie while Craig and the guys clean up the kitchen. When I step into the bedroom, Craig has turned down the bed and is nicely situated in the middle. He changed out of his clothes and is just in his boxer briefs. He is leaning against the headboard with his head back, eyes closed. The soft light of the bedroom gives his beautiful lean body a nice glow, contrasting against the white sheets. Larry is curled up in a ball on his lap and snoozing away.
He opens his eyes and has his arms out when he hears me coming towards the bed. “Come here, baby.”
“Are you okay?” I settle in his arms, leaning my head on his pecs I grab Larry and place him on his own pillow near his beloved hippo.
“Yeah, I missed you that’s all.” He nuzzles his nose in my hair and takes in a breath while rubbing up and down my back.
I smile looking up at him. “You’re silly I was in your arms all evening.” I try to play it cool, but I did miss him when I was getting ready for bed. It’s embarrassing, but that is how I feel.
“Not the whole evening,” he pouts his lips a little making me giggle.
“You enjoyed dinner, yeah?” I run my right hand up and down his sculptured abs and trace the V on his hips to where it disappears under the waistband.
“Of course. I think you’re going to have to make that for me at least once every two weeks.”
“You’re going to get sick of it.” I cuddle as close as I can to him.
“I can’t imagine that ever happening.”
I close my eyes to enjoy being near him.
“Amelia?” he asks after a period of comfortable silence.
“Hmmm?”
“Can I ask you something?”
My body tightens. I know what he wants to ask me. The image of his worried face at the shooting range has been in the back of my mind all day. “Yes.” I know deep down I’m ready to talk about my family with Craig, but still, the idea of actually doing it gives me mixed feelings.
“How come Tim is a friendlier teacher to you?”
My body releases the tension and I let out the breath I’m holding. I shrug, absently tracing a finger on his chest. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I know Emily and can tattle on him.”
He chuckles. “Tell me about Emily.”
“Oh! She’s the cutest, completely the opposite of Tim. She’s tiny, blonde, quiet, but you can’t let that fool you. Emily can keep Tim in check with just a look.” I laugh picturing the couple.
“They weren’t able to have children, so when I came along, they pretty much adopted me,” I say in a quiet tone. “They’re really all my father has left that he considers family. He and Tim talk more than he and I do.” I turn to stare at the wall. “But that’s okay, at least he’s still able to confide in someone,” I shrugs.
“How often do you talk to your dad?” Craig asks in a gentle tone.
“Not nearly enough,” I answer sadly. It’s as if Larry can sense my mood, he wakes and waddles over to me, laying his head on my lap to offer comfort.
“Okay, here’s my next question,” Craig says in an excited tone.
“You’re full of questions tonight,” I playfully smirk at him trying to change the mood. I scoop Larry into my arms. Larry is getting round.
“I just want to get to know you better,” he smiles and pulls me closer to him.
“Okay, shoot.”
“What is your most embarrassing moment?” Craig asks with a sneaky smile on his face.
“Hmm,” I take a second to think about it. I gasp when the moment hits my mind, and I can still feel the embarrassment come over me again as heat travel up my cheeks. “Oh no.”
“It’s a good one, tell me,” Craig is trying to keep his wide grin from spreading across his face, but failing.
“Okay, then you have to share yours. I want to have something on you, as well. I might need it as blackmail,” I say sternly, but can’t stop the smile on my lips.
“Deal,” he chuckles.
I take in a deep fortifying breath. “Okay, it was my freshman year in college. I was in chemistry class taking a quiz, so of course the whole classroom was silent. It was spring and I had major allergies so I had to sneeze.” I turn my face to hide it against his chest. “When I sneezed, a loud fart came out with it. In the totally silent classroom—I had to finish the rest of the term knowing everyone in that class knew I let one rip.” I’m mumbling into his chest, hoping he didn’t hear. He heard. Craig’s chest is shaking against my cheek as he tries to hold in the laugher.
“Okay, mister, your turn!” I lean back from his chest to see his eyes brimming with tears from his laughter. “It’s not that funny!” I try to hold back my own laughter. “I was so mortified I couldn’t finish the quiz.” I sit back from him and hug Larry like a shield blocking the embarrassment. Even though I can now laugh at the memory, I’m still humiliated.
He laughs and reaches out to pull me back to him. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. But I was right, it was a good one,” chuckling to himself.
I roll my eyes at him and place a kiss on his cheek. “Yes, I suppose it’s a pretty good one. Your turn. And it better be good, too. Don’t hold out on me.”
“Okay, so I had to do a presentation for my property law course. When I get nervous I tend to have to pee, so I went to the bathroom before class.” Craig reaches over to pick up Larry as if needing him to hide from his embarrassment as well. “Well, I nailed the presentation and felt so proud of myself. At the end of the class, you get the instructor’s feedback right away. On mine I got a zero for professionalism and in the comment section it said, ‘Truth and justice was served.’ I looked down and saw my fly was wide open and my Superman boxers were hanging out,” he pouts, petting Larry to avoid looking me in the eyes. “They called me Superman for the rest of that course.”
I bite both my lips together to keep the torrents of laughter from escaping. “I haven’t seen you in any colored boxers.”
“Well now you know why.” Craig places Larry back on his pillow with his hippo.
I snuggle closer to him. “Well, I think that mine was way more embarrassing, but yours is up there.” Hmm, I wonder. “How is it that both our embarrassing moments happened in class?” I feel him shrug and turn to look up at him. “Okay, my turn. What is your deepest and darkest secret that no one knows about?”
Craig groans and takes both hands to cover his face. I laugh, reaching up to gently pull his hands away. “No, no, no hiding from me. You kno
w, since I’m asking this means that I’m willing to offer you mine, so give it up, Craig.”
“Okay, but this is between you and me.” Craig holds out his pinky, “Promise?”
“Goodness, yes!” I curl my pinky around his.
“Okay, when I was in high school, well—mom still does it for me now, too,” he pouts his lips thinking. “Well anyway, I really like sandwiches. I especially love them when my mom makes them because she cuts them into Mickey Mouse shapes.” Craig waits quietly while slowly looking up at me for my reaction.
I have the biggest smile on my face. “Babe, that is the cutest thing ever!”
“Well, here’s the embarrassing part. I loved them so much my mom made them for me in high school, too. I would eat my lunches with my teachers in the classroom so my friends wouldn’t know. They all thought I went off campus for lunch because it was the cool thing to do.” He scoots down to rest his face on my shoulder as if hiding from me.
“Babe, I don’t think that’s embarrassing. You probably loved them because your mom made them for you.”
He shrugs. “Maybe, they’re just my favorite.” He turns to look up at me with a sexy grin on his lips. “Okay, your turn.”
His smile makes me squeeze my thighs together to dull the ache. “Hmm, okay. This is my deepest secret that no one and I mean no one knows about. Not even Pen or Blu.” I give him a stern look that only makes him more excited. “I love romance novels. Like, love them, love them.” I look at him as tilts his head to the side to think about what I just told him.
His eyes widen. “What kind of romance novels?”
“Sexy, steamy ones.”
“With sex scenes?” he asks, excitement sparkling in his eyes.
“Yes,” I answer warily.
Craig has the biggest smile on his face. “Okay.”
“Okay?” I furrow my brow.
“Yeah, okay. Actually, I think it’s hot.”
“What?” I shake my head to clear my thoughts so I can understand him.
“Yeah, baby. I can’t wait to see you put the things you’ve read into action.” He wiggles his brow up and down making me break out into giggles.
