by Kirby Elaine
“Wow. Big family. Are you happy?”
“Yes. Marriage is definitely hard work but I love Michael more than anything. We’re two complicated individuals who happened to find one another in uncomplicated points in our lives so it’s a challenge. We’re learning it together which is a good thing. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Glad to see that you’ve been okay. I hope that this can be the start of me being a part of your life. I want to put forth the effort. I don’t want to replace your father, I could never. But a second chance to be your uncle would suffice.
“I’d like that. You were always my favorite uncle, you know.” I chuckled.
“Yeah I bet. Especially considering I was always your only uncle. But seriously, I want to try.”
“I do too. But as more than my uncle. My father has been gone for years, my father-in-law has recently passed; I’d love my kids to have a grandfather and I’d love to know you as my father.” I took a sip of my water as our food arrived.
“You have no idea how badly I wanted to hear that.” He said smiling and picking up his fork. Henry told me about his trips and his research as we enjoyed steamed chicken buns, pork ribs and polenta. It was odd that I was able to talk to him with such ease. I felt like we had never lost touch and silently prayed we never would.
Michael
I sat alone at the pool after the kids had gone in for lunch and had all ended up asleep on the couch in front of the television. My mind kept drifting of the dream of Alex crying and screaming in a ball on the floor. My arms outstretched but too far way to make contact. The sun was high in the sky and beat down on my bare chest. I too had been worn out by the earlier swim and my mind drifted elsewhere.
***
“Mr. Cruz, you have a visitor.” My assistant Ashley called over the phone’s speaker.
“Who is it?” I asked not expecting anyone.
“A Ms. Daar.” She replied. I leaned back in my seat and smiled.
“Let her in.” I hung up and adjusted my tie. It was a Friday evening and I was wrapping up things for the weekend, hoping I’d get to spend time with Liam and Jayda before spending time away the next week.
“You, Sir, are way too kind.” She walked through the door with a purpose. “Was this your attempt to impress me?” She drew closer to the desk. I stood and walked around.
“I don’t know. Did it work?” I had sent fifty boxes of her plain paper to the school on her bumper sticker. That and a printer/copier with a few months supplies of toner.
“It just might have. I don’t think you know how big of a deal this is. Our kids, those students who walk to school just to show up every day, they have nothing. What you’ve given us makes a difference. It lightens our load and in exchange gives us the time and resources to put more into their education.” A tear ran from her eyes. “It’s a big deal, Michael.”
“Well, consider it a gift to the kids and you teachers for doing all that you do.” I smiled and she stepped closer.
“Let me repay you.” Her face was serious with a small hint of desire lingering between her words.
“What did you have in mind?” I begged.
“Dinner, maybe a movie.”
“I can do that. Now? I’m starving.” I replied pushing down the screen of my laptop and grabbing my jacket from the chair.
“Sure. Why not?” She walked with me from the office and to my car. I held open the door and she stepped in graciously. I started my car and headed towards The Source.
We arrived at the restaurant and I couldn’t wait to get to know her more. She grabbed my arm as we walked from where I had parked to the front door. Her heat against my body had felt warm and inviting and my senses were being overrun by her touch, scent, and laughter.
“So who are you?” She asked sipping her chardonnay.
“What do you mean? Do you want a generic this is who I am, this is what I do? Or do you want to know why I sent your school all of that paper?”
“Both, I think.”
“I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Honestly. You are by far the most beautiful woman I have ever met and if that isn’t enough, you just have a way about you. Seriously, I’m thirty seconds from getting on my knee just so no other man has the chance.” I smiled being sincere.
“You’re crazy!” She laughed.
“I’m not laughing.” I got serious for a moment. “I have spent a good portion of my life seeking a woman that could make me feel complete. The spark in your eyes astounds me. You made me feel more for you in three minutes of silly banter than I have felt in years.”
“So propose.” She mocked.
“If you meant it, I’d do it.” I laughed. “I swear I would.” I held my hand to the sky.
“Do it!” She leaned in grabbing my hand from the air and bringing in to her chest. “You feel that?” Her heart was racing a million miles a minute. “Everything you see in me, it’s because of you. You shook my hand in the paper aisle and changed something in me. I raced out of the store just to have one more word with you.” I was silent watching her lips move against the rhythm of her beating heart. She had me captivated.
I couldn’t do anything else but pull her into me. I pressed my lips against hers and relished in the kiss as she teased my lips with her tongue. I wanted her. I wanted to know her inside and out. I wanted to know what it was like to belong to her and have her belong to me. I knew in that moment that she was going to be mine and I had to prove to her, that on the first date, I had fallen head over heels in love.
***
“Where have you been?” I asked wrapping my arms around my wife from behind. She rested her head back against me and sighed.
“I went to get my nails done and a little retail therapy.”
“I’ve been enjoying the kids. I forgot how much energy they require.”
“I know you have.” She released me and grabbed a mineral water from the fridge and headed towards the steps. “It’s good to see you with them. I didn’t realize how much I missed that visual.”
“I didn’t realize how empty I’d been without them.” I followed.
“I forgot to ask. How did things go with Henry?” I got comfortable waiting for all the details of their conversation.
“It went well. We’re going to work on our relationship.” She smiled. “I expected it to be harder or even awkward, but we still connect really well. And I think I’m still in shock with this whole thing.”
“Understandable. It’s surreal.” I undid the buttons on my shirt as Krish stood and began removing her clothes. She shook her head.
“I just want a quick shower, Michael.”
“I can be quick.” I said standing and removing my shirt. “As quick as you need me to be.”
“Michael.” She looked longingly at me pushing against my chest as I backed her into the bathroom.
“Don’t play coy now, Mrs. Scott.” I grabbed her wrist and swiftly but gently tucked her arm behind her back.
“And don’t think that I won’t make you hurt, Mr. Scott.” Krish chuckled and yanked from my grasp taking my ripeness into the palm of her hand.
“Feisty!” I bit my lip and took her wrist again. I twisted her arm behind her again, this time I escorted her to the counter and watched her grin in the mirror.
“You could have at least let me finish undressing.” She struggled.
“I can help with that.” I let go of my grip on her wrist and turned her to face me. I finished the zipper she had started on her jeans and eased her pants over her thighs. She gingerly stepped out of them and I could feel the heat radiating off of her. I allowed my fingers to trace the outlines of her lacy high cut panties until I couldn’t resist the urge to touch her. Her desire pooled between her legs as I lifted her to the counter. I spread her legs out before me and pulled the thin fabric aside.
“What are you waiting on, Michael.”
“I’m contemplating.” I smirked tracing her heat with a finger.
> “Contemplating what?” She scooted back and stared me in the eyes. Her blue eyes were so lustful it made me weak not taking her right away.
“How I want to take you.” I chuckled before pulling myself free from the constricting shorts and briefs. “I could use my mouth, my fingers, my…” I looked down and stroked myself with the hand that wasn’t teasing my wife.
“If you don’t take me now, Michael…” her voice trailed off and a moan escaped her perfect lips. I drove my finger inside of her before taking it and tracing the outline of her lips before taking them against mine. She tasted heavenly.
I teased her further before driving inside of her. Her back arched. As I repeatedly stroked her I caught my reflection in the mirror; a broken man being put back together with every second that I rode my wife to finish. I looked at her back in the mirror. Her dark skin and darker hair complimented the rhythm of my strokes from the nape of her neck to the elegant small of her back to the small crease of her ass. I listened to her repeated moans, her calling my name in quick succession as her damn broke. And when I kept stroking she held on tight, maintaining her composure as I finished, pulling out of her and covering her thighs in my satisfaction. She threw her head back with a laugh.
“Now you have to wash me up.” She smirked.
“My pleasure.” I smiled back. I turned on the shower as she sat watching me.
“I love you.” She said like it was a new revelation. How did those three simple words heal me the way they did? I walked back over to her and pressed my bare body against hers. She took my lips and settled hers gently on them. “You’re everything, Michael.”
I didn’t want to but I let go. I was hurting. I was a mess inside and my wife knew this and she continuly worked to heal me. She kissed my lips and then the tears running from my face.
“I love you, Krishna.”
“To infinity?” she asked.
“And beyond.” I swore.
Krishna
I ignored my phone buzzing on the nightstand; I didn’t want to be pulled from Michael’s embrace. Having him back and focused was a beautiful thing despite the fact that I knew his emotions changed like the day.
“Are you going to get that?” Michael rolled over away from me taking the comforter with him. The air in the room was crisp and I stretched before grabbing my phone that had started on its second round of buzzing.
“Charlie, it’s too early. What’s up?”
“Too early? It’s nearly noon. Get up; come to brunch with me in Baltimore.” He sounded too chipper and to me the day was still too young for that much energy to be pulsing through his veins.
“I was kind of looking to spend the day with Michael. We haven’t had much time since things have settled.” I looked over at my husband. His eyes were closed but I doubted he was sleep.
“Well, bring him along, I’m going out of town for a while and I was looking forward to seeing you before I left.”
“I’ll see if he’s up to it. We have to get you a girlfriend, Charlie.”
“I don’t need a girlfriend, I have you.” He ended the call and I turned to Michael, laying back down and cuddling up beside him.
“You’re going to make me spend time with you and your friend, aren’t you?” Michael groaned under his breath.
“Only if you want to. He’s going out of town, wanted to see me. Plus, you wanted to meet him anyway.”
“Fine! Get ready. I’m hopping in the shower.” Michael pecked my lips and rolled out of bed leaving his warm impression on the sheets. I grabbed my phone and texted Charlie.
***
By one-thirty we were pulling up to a farm to table brunch bar in Baltimore. I had never been but Charlie swore by it citing their chicken and waffles as the best thing he’d ever tasted. Michael looked casually stunning in his khaki slacks, sandals and crisp white linen shirt. I had opted for a blue sundress because Michael loved the way blue fabrics played with my eyes. He guided me in front of him and up the small steps into the restaurant.
We were escorted to a table in the small dining room. I sat and watched as Michael explored the room with his eyes. He sat.
“He’s late.” Michael sat looking disapprovingly at me.
“Actually, I’m right on time.” Charlie looked at his watch before extending a hand. “Charlie Jenner. Nice to finally put a face to the name.” Michael stood and accepted his proffered hand.
“Likewise. Michael Scott.” Michael gestured to the seat he’d been occupying and took the one closer to me. Before Charlie sat he leaned down and hugged me planting a gentle kiss on my cheek. I could hear Michael’s blood boiling. I took his hand that sat atop the table.
“I have to say, you’re not at all what I pictured.” Charlie commented as he waived the waitress over. “Yes, can we get three orders of the chicken and waffles, three waters and three mimosas.”
“Make that two mimosas, I don’t drink.” Michael cut in.
“Oh right, addiction, sobriety, that whole shebang.”
“Yeah, that whole shebang.” Michael bit his tongue and looked in my direction. I shrugged and smiled at the waitress as she left the table.
Michael
This man was one minute from having his face caved in but I remained civil because my wife had a death grip on my hand. I gave her a reassuring glance and pulled my hand from beneath hers to text my brother. Vet Charlie Jenner for me. Email me the results. I don’t like this SOB and it’s been less than five minutes.
I had earlier talked to Liam about this guy and he had assured me that he seemed to be harmless. But anytime I allow a stranger around my family, I take the extra precaution to vet them and make sure there are no ulterior motives.
“Put your phone down, we’re at the breakfast table.” Charlie laughed. I threw Krish another glance.
“Do you know who I am?” I asked “I’m having a hard time believing that after several months of friendship with my wife that you are clueless as to the family you’ve linked up with.”
“Everyone knows who you are, Michael Cruz.”
“Scott.” I defended.
“Cruz. Scott. Same difference. Yes, I know who you are. I can assure you I have nothing but good intentions with your beautiful wife, sir.” The sarcasm spilled from his lips.
“What exactly are those intentions?” I asked, ready to leap across the table.
“Honorable. She’s a smart woman. Her dedication to her work is changing lives right before our eyes. She’s an excellent business partner and a phenomenal friend. I don’t meet many people I click with. You know what I mean?” He said. I could hear in his voice that he was backing off of his antics. And good for him because he wasn’t going to last much longer if he didn’t.
My phone buzzed. You got the spelling on that last name right, Bro? Not finding anything. I put my phone away and joined back into the conversation as the waitress returned with our plates in hand. The rest of bunch and gone by uneventfully and the meal was as amazing has promised. But I had to know more about the guy that my wife had left the country with, the guy spending time with my children and family.
After double checking my email in the car, I put the car into drive with an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“What’s wrong?” Krishna asked obviously catching my mood.
“Nothing, I just don’t feel right about this guy.” I returned her glare. “What do you really know about him?”
“He’s a good guy, Michael. But of course if it involves another man, he must be after more than my friendship.” She laughed sarcastically.
“It’s not about him being a man.” I rebutted.
“But it is. You don’t think I know how you operate? My brother was in town for all of two hours before you had your people look in on him.”
“It’s the business I’m in, Krishna.” I huffed. “You want to get close to my family; I have to know who you are.”
“So do you have Charlie under your microscope yet? I bet you have someone pulling him u
p now and compiling a neat little file on him.” She barked.
“I do. So what? If he has nothing to hide, he’ll check out. It’s that simple.” I replied.
“I bet it is. And when he checks out, you’ll look for another reason to get rid of him.”
“If he checks out, and that’s a big if, I’ll welcome him with open arms. Until then I’ll keep one eye open.” I pulled onto the highway. “End of conversation.”
Krishna
I was pleased to see Michael falling back into his roles as father and brother but I couldn’t help but notice the look in his eyes. And when I had tried to discuss what was going on with him he reassured me that everything was fine and it was all a part of the natural healing process. And of course I understood, it made sense but a month had passed and his birthday had bought about another round of unreadable emotions. But I didn’t say anything. Instead, I planned our usual family dinner and flew his sister and family in from Texas to share in the festivities.
“I’m so glad you could make it.” I hugged Leah and took her bags from her leaving them at the door. “Michael is next door helping Liam with a fabricated car issue so I could sneak you in.”
“Glad to know. What do you need help with?” She pulled her dirty blonde hair into a messy bun and pulled up the sleeves on her light sweater.
“The caterer will be here in an hour, Jayda should be back with the balloons any minute now. And Alex is picking up the cake. I could use help setting up outside. I wanted to have the campfire going when it cooled off tonight.” I led the way to the backyard. I loved that the season had just changed and the leaves were beginning to follow suit.
After setting everything up outside, I had a glass of wine and Jayda had arrived. We spent a few minutes spreading the balloons around the room before the caterers arrived and began setting up the buffet. Alex had come and gone a few times over the course of an hour and had been amazingly helpful considering the newborn strapped to her chest.
