Enrique laughed.
“We have a chance, brother. We should take the chance to be around them,” Tres said. “What have we got to lose?”
“Our self respect?”
“You lost yours a long time ago,” Tres said. “I seem to remember a photo of you with fuchsia hair and daisy duke shorts on the cover of Out Front.”
“I’m protecting your self respect,” Enrique said. “As your older brother, I have this obligation.”
Tres laughed.
~~~~~~~~
Friday Afternoon — 4:45 P.M.
“What do you think?”
Aden held the ring out for Noelle and Nash to see. Nash’s bruises were beginning to yellow but his smile was bright. Noelle took the ring from him.
“It’s beautiful Daddy,” Noelle squealed. “Is it big? I read in Cosmo that girls like big diamonds. Is it old? It looks old but new too. I think she’s going to love it. I would love it! I do love it!”
“It’s new and old,” Aden said. “It’s an antique setting but a new diamond. The original diamond was small. I thought she’d like something a little bigger. Do you like it?”
“It’s pretty, Dad,” Nash said. “Really pretty. You’re going to give it to her tonight?”
Aden nodded.
“Are you getting dressed up?” Noelle asked. “You should shower.”
“You guys seem nervous. Are you nervous about going to the Zoolights? Are you worried the bullies will be there?”
Noelle and Nash shook their heads.
“Then what?”
“We don’t want you to …” Noelle looked at Nash.
“Screw it up,” Nash said.
“Screw what up?” Aden asked.
“We want Sandy to be our Mom,” Noelle’s eyes filled with tears. “We need a Mom and we love Sandy.”
Aden hugged them to him.
“She’s funny and nice and pretty and nice and makes great cookies and cakes and muffins…” Noelle started.
“And brownies.” Nash added.
“And brownies,” Noelle said. “We think she should be our Mom.”
“I’ll do my best,” Aden said.
“Go shower!” Noelle said. “You’re almost out of time.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Laughing, Aden went to shower. As the warm water pounded down on him, he realized he was nervous. He’d never wanted anything as badly as he wanted to spend his life with Sandy. Tonight was a chance to make that dream come true. He only hoped he didn’t screw it up.
~~~~~~~~
Friday evening — 5:20 P.M.
“You know Aden thinks he’s going on a date with Sandy,” Jacob said to Jill.
Jill shrugged. She gave him a thermos filled with hot chocolate. He put it into the backpack he was packing for the Zoolights.
“It’s not very fair to spring the girlfriend tribunal on him,” Jacob said.
“You survived it.” Jill wrinkled her nose at him.
“Just barely. I have a scar right here.” He pointed to a spot on his ribs. “Tanesha stabbed me.”
Jill laughed. He kissed her nose.
“Tanesha is going to the Zoolights with Heather. Blane has to finish something at the clinic. He’s going to meet them later.”
“Well, be nice,” Jacob said. “You and Sandy are scary enough on your own!”
“Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!” Katy ran toward Jill. “My tights are stuck!”
Katy’s tights were twisted around from going to the bathroom on her own. Jill straightened Katy’s tights then pulled a sweater over her head.
“Daddy has your gloves and hat,” Jill said to Katy.
Katy threw herself at Jill.
“I’ll miss you, Mommy,” Katy said. “Can just us go sometime?”
“I don’t see why not,” Jill said.
Jacob helped Katy with her coat. Katy ran across the loft to the door. Jill helped her with the door and turned to kiss Jacob good-bye.
“Be gentle, okay?” Jacob asked. “Aden’s a good guy and he adores Sandy. He’s really her…”
“What do you think is going to happen?”
“Girlfriend tribunal,” Jacob said.
“Some psychic.”
Jill kissed him. She squealed when she felt him psychically stroke her behind. They kissed again then he followed Katy out the door.
Leaning against the door, Jill let out a breath. Tonight was going to be… hard.
CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
Some moments are more important
Friday evening — 6:00 P.M.
“Gorgeous flowers,” Valerie said when Aden walked into the Castle kitchen.
Wearing a Claire Martins gown, Valerie was checking on Honey and MJ when she saw Aden. Aden kissed her cheek in greeting.
“Shall I put them in water?” Valerie asked.
“Oh, sure,” Aden said.
Pulling a vase from the top shelf, she began snipping the ends of the flowers and putting them in water.
“What’s wrong?” Mike asked.
Mike came into the kitchen wearing a tux. Valerie looked up at Aden with the same question on her face.
“Oh…” Aden leaned against the counter. “I thought I had a date with Sandy and it turns out she wants to ‘talk’ to me.”
“The old talk thing,” Mike said. “Sorry man, that sucks.”
Valerie looked from Mike to Aden.
“Do you know what she wants to talk to you about?” Valerie asked. She began tying Mike’s bow tie.
“Afraid to ask.” Aden shook his head. “I keep hearing your Mom in my head.”
“What does Mom say?” Valerie kissed Mike’s lips when she was done with the tie.
“She says that some moments are…”
“More important than others,” Valerie said with Aden. “Why do you think you’re hearing that today?”
“I thought it was because I was going to ask Sandy to marry me,” Aden said. “Again. I’ve got the ring this time.”
“Maybe you have to do something more important than that,” Valerie said.
“Like what?”
“It’s hard for guys, but women like to be understood,” Valerie said.
“…need to be understood,” Mike added.
“Right,” Valerie said.
“I’m an active guy,” Mike stated the obvious. “I like doing things, creating things, making things happen. But sometimes you’ve got to sit back and listen. It’s hard.”
Valerie smiled at him. Mike kissed her nose.
“But very worth it,” Mike said.
Aden sighed.
“You’re over thinking this,” Valerie said. “I saw Sandy when she came in. She’s not mad or upset. If anything, she’s anxious, nervous. I bet you’ll have your talk and your date.”
“I hope so,” Aden said. “Wow, don’t you look nice.”
Honey wheeled into the kitchen wearing a gorgeous green gown. MJ followed her wearing his full dress uniform. His Green Beret was folded under the shoulder mark of his jacket. They were going with Valerie and Mike to a Christmas Ball. Sam and Delphie were planning to meet them at the party.
“Do you think I’ll be all right in my motorized chair or should I get the lighter one?” Honey asked.
“Whatever you feel most comfortable using,” Valerie said. “Did Heather do your make up?”
Honey nodded.
“She does an amazing job,” Valerie said.
Valerie gave Aden the flowers and vase. She kissed his cheek again.
“Off you go,” Valerie said.
“Good luck, man,” Mike said.
Mike shook Aden’s hand. MJ patted Aden’s back as he went up the stairs. He heard Valerie laugh and Honey say that they were leaving. By the time he reached Jill and Jacob’s loft, the Castle was silent. Everyone was out for the night. Except Aden, Sandy and Jill.
Jill opened the door before he knocked.
~~~~~~~~
Friday evening — 6:10 P.M.
Denve
r Zoo
“Holy crap, that man is fine.” Tanesha whispered to Heather.
Heather had pointed out Tres to Tanesha. Tres and his brother, Enrique, were deep in conversation with Jacob.
“You think he’s here for you?”
“I doubt it,” Heather said. “He looks like he and Jacob have business.”
“Can we go ahead?” Nash asked Heather.
“Yes, but stay together,” Heather said.
Nash and Noelle ran forward to look at the light spectacle. Every year, the Denver Zoo created animals and sculptures out of tiny colored lights. In the misting snow, the Zoo was a fairyland of vibrant color in the dark winter night.
“Heather, do you know Tres? His brother Enrique?” Jacob’s smile told her he knew exactly how well Heather knew Tres. “This is Blane’s wife, Heather Lipson and her friend Tanesha.”
“Nice to meet you,” Tanesha said. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
Enrique raised an eyebrow to Tanesha. She confirmed his eyebrow with a nod. Heather took Enrique’s hand to shake it. He kissed her hand. Heather giggled.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Enrique said.
Unsure of herself, Heather smiled. Tres shook Tanesha’s hand in greeting. The adults followed the children through the Zoo.
“When is your baby due?” Enrique asked.
“Our baby is due in March,” Blane said. He kissed Heather’s cheek and placed his hand on her belly to greet the baby. “Sorry, I’m late.”
Enrique shifted to let Blane stand next to Heather. Blane looked from Heather to Enrique. Blane furrowed his brow then shrugged.
“The lights are very pretty, aren’t they?” Megan, Jill’s oldest sister, asked. “Hi Blane.”
“Gorgeous,” Tanesha said. “I haven’t been to the Zoolights in … well, ever. I’ve only seen them from City Park.”
“I haven’t either,” Heather and Blane said in unison. They laughed.
“These animated ones are amazing,” Tanesha stopped in front of a monkey created out of tiny pink lights. The monkey was swinging in the tree. “That’s some special talent.”
“Have you seen the Zoolights before?” Blane asked Tres and Enrique.
Enrique shook his head.
“I came last year on a date from hell,” Tres said. “It was traumatic.”
“What happened?” Megan’s partner, Tim, asked.
“I’d rather not discuss it.” Tres gave a dramatic sniff. “Some things are better left in the past.”
They laughed.
“They’re feeding the seals!” Katy squealed. “Come on!”
~~~~~~~~
Friday night — 6:17 P.M.
The Castle
Jill and Sandy were seated on a couch facing the front windows. The gas fireplace cast a dancing light on them. After polite small talk, Jill poured red wine for herself and Sandy. She got some sparkling water for Aden and sat next to Sandy on the couch. Aden sat in an armchair next to the couch. They stared out into the night. Realizing he couldn’t see Sandy’s face, Aden moved the arm chair until it was across from the couch. Uncomfortable, they sat looking at their wine glasses.
“This is weird,” Sandy said. “I’m sorry. I’m sure you’re wondering what’s going on.”
Aden nodded.
“Seth asked me to talk to you. He told me if I didn’t tell you, he would,” Sandy said. “I couldn’t bear that.”
“I don’t understand why Jill is here,” Aden said. “If you have something to say, why not just say it?”
“I know,” Sandy said. “Jill’s here for me, not for you. I need her… help.”
Sandy looked at Jill and Jill hugged her.
“Are you worried I’ll attack you or…”
“No,” Sandy said. “I’m worried I won’t be able to do it.”
Sandy’s face reflected the mixture of feelings she felt – sadness, anger, fear and the black numbness that went with this entire episode.
“Maybe you should start at the beginning,” Jill said.
Sandy glanced at Jill. The friend’s eyes held until Sandy nodded.
“My father left …” Sandy started.
“When you were a baby,” Aden completed her statement. “Sandy what is this about?”
“My father. Me.” Sandy’s eyes begged Jill for help. “My father is my biological father. My step-dad was my real dad.”
“Sandy’s father never had any money,” Jill said. “Because he just walked out, the courts assigned him child support and alimony.”
“They always do that,” Aden said.
“Yeah, well, he didn’t believe he should have to pay it...”
~~~~~~~~
Friday night—– 7:15 P.M.
Denver Zoo
Feeling out of sync with Blane’s world, Enrique walked behind them. With the kids up ahead, the adults laughed and talked. The very air had a festive feel that left everyone a little giddy. Heather stopped at a vendor where Blane bought her some hot chocolate. When Enrique caught up, Blane offered to get him some.
Such a simple gesture. Yet, very Blane. Enrique smiled and Blane ordered for him.
A small girl, Jacob’s daughter, ran up to Blane. A little boy stopped right next to her. She hopped on one foot then another until Blane noticed her. Laughing, Blane picked her up so she could see the menu. Without thinking, Enrique picked up the boy. It had been a decade since he held a warm bundle in his arms. The little boy wanted a brownie. Laughing at the vibrant children, Enrique set the boy down. The child grabbed his brownie then ran off to share it with his little friend. Blane smiled at Enrique and gave Heather her hot chocolate.
A little teenage boy asked Blane to explain to him what a ‘whore’ was. In this simple question, Enrique saw how full Blane’s world had become. When Enrique had been the center of Blane’s world, Blane would have melted in the face of the question.
Tonight Blane laughed. He repeated the question to his wife and her friend. The three had a heated discussion about what the word meant. Their conversation spilled over to the other adults. Tres got involved. Jacob expressed an opinion. With a glint of irony dancing in his eyes, Blane asked Enrique. Enrique felt the wise eyes of Blane’s wife and her friend watching to see what he would say.
“Sometimes people feel very insecure. When they feel insecure, they lash out at other people who seem to have it all.” Nervous, Enrique paused to catch his breath. “It’s a horrible, destructive term used to belittle great people, make them feel small, as small as the person who says the word.”
It was the warmth from Blane’s wife’s smile allowed Enrique to take the next breath. He felt as if he’d passed a test or won an award in her beautiful smile. Blane turned to the boy. While Enrique calmed himself, Blane and the child worked through the last of the boy’s confusion.
Jealous? Was he jealous? He’d expected to be insane with jealousy. This little pregnant girl had snared his Blane. She held his hand, laughed at his jokes, and at the end of the night she would go home with him.
Gazing in the distorted Zoo restroom mirror, he felt a little like the Grinch whose heart grew two sizes that day.
Blane was happy. Everything about him echoed a depth of happiness that Enrique had never seen in Blane before. Something inside Enrique loosened or let go. He wanted Blane to be happy. If this girl made him happy, that’s what Enrique wanted for Blane. Enrique let out a breath.
And, in this moment, Enrique knew something he’s avoided for years. Enrique loved Blane deeply, wholly and without question. He would never love another being as much as he loved Blane.
What was he going to do?
~~~~~~~~
Friday night — 7:35 P.M.
The Castle
Aden’s face had become so pale. His lips were set in a grim line. His eyes were round and dark.
“What are you thinking?” Sandy asked.
“This is the most horrible thing I’ve ever heard,” Aden said.
“Listen, it’s not
Sandy’s fault,” Jill said. “She didn’t have a choice! What was she going to…”
“I know, Jill. I know,” Aden said. “I know.”
“Oh,” Sandy and Jill said in unison.
“If there’s more, I’d like it if you would tell me, Sandy,” Aden said.
“There’s a lot more,” Sandy said.
Jill opened another bottle of wine. She refilled their glasses and brought Aden another bottle of sparkling water.
“I have some crackers and cheese. Would you like some?” Jill asked.
“Sure,” Sandy said.
Aden took Sandy’s hands while Jill was in the kitchen. He kissed her lips then stroked her hair. Steeled for this entire conversation, Sandy could only give him a slight smile. Jill returned with some fancy crackers and cheeses. She set it down. Feeling Aden and Sandy’s eyes, Jill laughed.
“Should I get the Pringles? I have a secret stash. Around here, they tend to eat only this fancy crap,” Jill said. “What do you say – sour cream and onion or barbeque?”
“Both?” Aden asked.
Jill laughed. She returned with a couple tubes of Pringles. Settling in next to Sandy, they were ready to begin again.
“I was eight the first time…” Sandy started.
~~~~~~~~
Friday night — 7:45 P.M.
Denver Zoo
When Heather came out of the bathroom, Enrique and Blane were talking, just talking. They were far enough away that Heather couldn’t hear what they were saying. Tanesha touched Heather’s hand to slow them down. The women stood watching Enrique and Blane.
Although Enrique and Blane never touched, they seemed deeply connected. Blane would raise his eyebrows and Enrique would laugh. Speaking rapid Spanish, Enrique would fire off a statement and Blane would laugh. The men went back and forth in an intimate dance of conversation. Tanesha nudged Heather and they walked to the men.
Blane looked up when she was close. He kissed her cheek as he always did and greeted the baby with a hand on her belly. Taking her hand, he was one hundred percent available for Heather. Tanesha made a joke and Enrique laughed.
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