Restoring Us

by Fabiola Francisco

  “I don’t want to cause any problems,” I say, unsure as to why I’m agreeing.

  “Nonsense! You never cause any problems. I know John will be happy to see you, too.” Her warm smile lights her face, crinkling the skin around her eyes. “But only if you’re completely comfortable coming.”

  “Sure,” I say nervously. “I can go straight after work.” I’ve always loved going to visit Sophie and John. They feel like family, and I can’t find it in me to turn down her invitation. If Ethan won’t be there, it should be a relaxing evening.

  “Wonderful! I’ll cook your favorite.” She winks. I absolutely love Sophie’s lasagna. I’m sure that’s what she’ll make.

  “Thank you,” I say, hugging her goodbye.

  I return to where Stacy is sitting to get back to working on those portfolios and finding new artists.

  “So… who’s Ethan?” Stacy asks with her eyebrow raised in question.

  “A friend,” I answer too quickly.

  “If he’s a friend why wouldn’t he be at dinner? Sorry! I’m being totally nosey. You don’t have to answer that.” She blushes. Stacy really is a sweet girl.

  “He’s my ex-boyfriend. That was his mom,” I say without giving away any more details. The last thing I need is for my coworker to pity me because I had cancer once.

  “She seems nice. Spunky.”

  “She is. I love his parents. We’ve known each other since we were little kids, so I have a good relationship with them. Now back to work.” I end the inquisition about Ethan and my background.

  The rest of the day goes by quickly as I busy myself with learning the ropes around the gallery. A few other patrons walk in to look at the exhibition, and one of them buys another piece from Morgan’s collection. I’m ecstatic that I’ve sold two pieces on my second day.

  I get home feeling amped from excitement. This job is perfect! My apartment is perfect! I feel like I can breathe easier than when I first arrived. In just a few short weeks, everything has fallen into place.

  I bounce on the couch next to Katie, all giddy.

  “You’re happy today.” She eyes me suspiciously.

  “Yes! I sold two paintings today!” I squeal.

  “That’s amazing! Congrats! We should celebrate. Why don’t we go out to dinner?” She matches my enthusiasm.

  “Sounds great actually. Pick a place.”

  “Miss Annie’s? It is your go-to place for celebrations.”

  “It is, but I could really use a cocktail, and you know she doesn’t serve any.”

  “Let’s go to Wicca, then. You haven’t been since you moved back, and they have amazing Cosmos,” she says, salivating. Their Cosmos are delicious.

  “Okay. Let me freshen up and we’ll head out,” I say, walking to my room to change out of my work clothes.

  Katie and I walk into Wicca and are led to a table quickly. Wicca is a fusion restaurant with eccentric flavors from different European countries. We would come here often when we were in college.

  The restaurant is a big open room with dim lighting coming from hand blown glass lamps that look like teardrops hanging over the tables. The exposed brick walls showcase black and white photographs of European cities. They remind me of the photos I took while I was away. I should try to expose those somewhere. Maybe I can see if the owner is interested in some.

  We pass the bar at the entrance with wooden stools lined along it and bartenders mixing drinks. I take notice of the people sitting at the few high top tables near the bar area munching on appetizers as they reel in the bar atmosphere.

  We take a seat at a square table with a crisp white tablecloth and small tea light candle in the center, and the host gives us each a menu. I settle on the mussels in white wine, my favorite here. Katie orders seared ahi tuna placed over savory polenta.

  We’re drinking our Cosmos and chatting about different things.

  “So what’s the deal with Tristan?” I ask Katie, prompting her to spill about him.

  “Oh, nothing really. He’s an old friend. He asked me to accompany him to the gala and I agreed.” She smiles with mischief.

  “An old friend?” I cock an eyebrow. Katie laughs and rolls her eyes.

  “Yes, we went out on a few dates. He’s cute and he’s sweet, but neither one of us wants a serious relationship. You know me. I’m too young to settle down.” She winks.

  “Is his age of your approval?” I mock her.

  “Very funny. He’s thirty-two.” She rolls her eyes.

  “So he’s perfect for you. That’s seven years older,” I tease.

  “If you decide to go to the gala, you’ll meet him,” she bites back, reminding me I have a decision to make. “By the way, have you spoken to Matt?”

  “I spoke to him yesterday after work. I told him that he’s a wonderful friend and that I only see him as such. Not sure how he took it, but I can’t lead him on, especially with how I still feel about Ethan. Matt is nice, but I don’t have feelings for him, and they won’t develop either,” I say, thinking about the disappointment I heard in Matt’s voice when I told him that I wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship. Talk about awkward.

  “Well, at least you’ve got your emotions sorted. That’s a start. You know I think you should follow your heart, right? I’m your best friend, and I would only say this because I am, but maybe you should really consider what you feel for Ethan instead of pushing it away. People make mistakes, but he’s sorry.” Katie shrugs her shoulder apologetically, but I know she isn’t sorry for speaking her mind.

  “We’ll see. I’m having dinner with Sophie and John Thursday evening. She came by the gallery today. She was my first sale. She was looking for a piece to donate for a silent auction for a charity event,” I say quickly, avoiding eye contact.

  “Oh.”

  “Oh? That’s all you’re going to say? You’ve never been shy about sharing your thoughts before.”

  “That’s nice. Will Ethan be there?” She asks carefully.

  “No. They just want to see me.” I defend my decision to have dinner with them, but it’s more rationalizing it for myself than for Katie. She just told me to give Ethan a chance, so why am I trying to prove to her dinner with Ethan’s parents is okay to do. I’m the one that needs that mental reassurance—some kind of excuse to make it okay.

  “Good. You’ve always been close to them. They’ll be happy to spend time with you, especially without the tension of you and Ethan in the same room. I swear I could feel it yesterday when he came over. You two just need to have sex already. Speaking of tension, have you decided to go to the gala?” She asks with her eyebrows raised expectantly.

  “If I do, it will only fuel him to keep coming around.” I sigh heavily.

  “Well I say you buy a hot dress, strut your stuff, and make him suffer a bit. Give him some blue balls with your hotness.” She laughs at her own joke.

  At that same moment my phone beeps with an incoming message. Katie looks at it curiously and impatiently while I check who it is. I sigh at the irony. “Speak of the devil. He’s asking about the gala. Apparently he won’t leave it alone.”

  “Of course he won’t. It’s Ethan we’re talking about. The boy will fight to get whatever he wants. And you’re top on his list.” Katie raises her eyebrows stating the obvious. “Give me your phone. I’ll respond for you.”

  “No!” I yell too loudly as she grasps the phone from my hand and begins typing a message.

  She hands me back my phone after sending the message, and I read it.

  I’ll go with you, but we aren’t sleeping together. I’m not one of your whores. It’s just a date, and I plan on having fun with my friends.

  I gape at Katie. “Seriously? ‘Not one of your whores’?”

  “What? I got the point across, right?” She asks, shrugging her shoulders. “Unless you want to end the night with a bang!” She winks as I stare at her in annoyance. “What? Too far?” She laughs.

  “Just a bit. I thought I was g
oing to leave him high and dry. You know, blue balls and all.”

  “Yes you are. When he sees you on Friday, it’s going to be impossible for him to not want you more than he already does. Now let’s discuss your birthday! It’s a month away, and we’re celebrating!” She quickly jumps from one topic to another like a five year old in the world’s biggest toy store scanning through all the toys.

  My stomach flutters with nerves at the thought that now I am most definitely going with Ethan to the gala. The sight of him in a tux and looking his relaxed self makes my desire for him greater and my wetness begin to spread. He’s not the only one that’s going to find it impossible to behave. I can just imagine his emerald green eyes light up with delight and the dimples that frame his perfect smile. I’m so screwed. Okay, I need to focus on this conversation and forget thoughts of Ethan for now.

  “What do you have in mind?” I’m somewhat afraid of the suggestions Katie will give. She’s the wild one.

  “I was thinking we could ask your parents if we could have a party there. We can invite everyone. There are still people who haven’t seen you since you got back and have missed you. Oh! And I have the perfect band! Magnolia Thunderpussy.” I stare at Katie, blinking over and over again, trying to figure out if I’ve really understood her. She looks back at me waiting for a response.

  After several seconds, I say, “Really? Really, Katie?! Magnolia Thunderpussy?”

  “What? They’re a great band. The name rocks. If I were a porn star, I’d want that to be my porn name.”

  “Or a stripper,” I say under my breath.

  “God no! Porn star is a much more reputable career choice.” She crinkles her nose.

  “I’ll be your agent and book you your first film. What theme do you want? Naughty librarian hitting on the students? Oh no! You’re the student screwing her teacher. You do love older men after all.” I smile widely.

  “Perfect!” She says sarcastically, and we both laugh.

  “You must have one hell of a pussy if that’s your porn name,” I say between laughs.

  “You have no idea.” She winks back at me.

  Lord, I love this girl but don’t want to hear about her pussy. “We’ll plan my birthday soon. I’ll talk to my mom tomorrow.”

  We finish our meal and head back home, laughing and chatting like two teenage girls.

  I ask Katie about Ethan having a tattoo, but she’s not sure if he does. I swear what I saw peeking out of his shirt looked like one. He never mentioned wanting one before. I can’t help but wonder what it is and look at it myself. It was so mysterious, hidden under his sleeve, but wanting to come out and play at the same time.

  ∞

  It’s Thursday afternoon, and I’m getting ready to head over to Sophie and John’s house to deliver the painting and have dinner. My hands are shaking from nerves and anxiety as I’m wrapping the painting with protective paper. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been over to their house. Last time I was there it was with Ethan.

  “Don’t worry, babe. It will be okay. I’m with you,” Ethan said. We were going to his parents’ house to visit them a few days after I had gotten diagnosed. I was nervous they would see something wrong with me. I wasn’t ready to tell the world yet. Ethan and my parents were the only ones who knew about the cancer at this point. I knew I’d have to tell his parents and Katie soon, but I was still digesting the news myself.

  “I know,” I nodded distractedly.

  “I love you, no matter what. I know you’re scared. I’m scared, too, because I don’t want you to give up. I want you to fight against this. I’ll be right here holding your hand. You’re strong and beautiful, and I’m not done with you just yet.”

  That was the last time we had dinner there. After that day, preparations came about for the operation and treatments.

  I arrive at his parents’ house and take a few calming breaths. It’s just Sophie and John. Caroline, their housekeeper, opens the door and leads me to the great room where John and Sophie are, grabbing the painting in the process.

  “Ava, darling, how are you?” John greets me.

  “I’m well. Thank you. How are you?” I respond, taking a seat on the leather couch next to Sophie.

  “Wonderful. So happy you came tonight. What would you like to drink?” I notice Sophie drinking champagne. The bubbles fizzing in her glass are inviting me to try it.

  “A glass of champagne would be perfect.” I relax into the couch.

  “Great choice. It’s delicious and refreshing,” Sophie says, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “I’m so happy you came, too. I was afraid you would cancel at the last minute.” She frowns.

  “I wouldn’t. I’m happy to see you both. It’s been a change adjusting back to Chicago, but I’m getting there. The new job is fabulous.” I offer a genuine smile. John returns and hands me a glass of champagne. “Thank you.” I sip the delicious liquid as the bubbles tickle my throat.

  “And I hope Ethan hasn’t been a pest. He’s just so excited you’re back,” Sophie confides.

  I smile tightly unsure of how to respond. He’s most definitely been a pest, but I won’t tell them that. “No, he’s been fine.” A white lie won’t kill anyone. I’m sure his parents would get on his case if they knew.

  “You let us know,” John pipes in seriously. “The last thing we need is him running you out of the city again.” I can sense this is a tense subject around here.

  “Don’t worry, John. He’s been respectful and understanding.” He nods, taking my word.

  “I heard he stopped by the other day,” Sophie whispers in my ear and winks, and that was the end of the conversation. I can’t believe he’s been talking to his mom about me.

  Dinner is peaceful and delicious. I was right in assuming that Sophie made her lasagna. The conversation is light, speaking about work, my future plans, and my upcoming birthday. My mom had confirmed that morning that the house was available for us to use, and of course, I invite them to attend. I share with them Katie’s plan without mentioning the band name. I’m not sure I can say Magnolia Thunderpussy with a straight face, and I am sure John and Sophie would spit out their food in reaction to it.

  I am so happy I came over, but feel nostalgia wash over me at Ethan’s absence. It used to be so natural to be over here, having dinner together, but we were in love then. Well, apparently I’m still in love with him, with my confession to Katie the other night. That shocked me. The words just came out.

  I thought I was on my way to letting go of him, but he affects me like no other. The thought of him excites me. His smile mesmerizes me. His emerald green eyes ignite me. And his heart, his heart captivates me. I know that despite what happened, he is a caring person, but it broke me then and it will break me once again.

  Tomorrow night is going to be interesting, to say the least. With Katie’s help, I picked out a gorgeous winter white gown to wear with an off the shoulder, crystallized bodice that dips down my back, exposing my skin, and a flowing long skirt with a slit that runs up my leg and shows it off only when I walk. Like Katie would say, Ethan’s going to shit himself when he sees me.

  Chapter 15

  Ethan

  “Dan the Man in the house! What’s going on buddy? Still upset about your loss from Sunday’s game. I kicked your ass.” Dan walks into my office and plops himself on the chair in front of my desk and lifts his feet on my desk.

  “Get your feet off my desk.” I push them off myself.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. If I knew you were PMSing I wouldn’t have come to see you. Do you prefer for me to visit later, when you’re not moody or bloated,” he mocks. “Or maybe a slice of chocolate cake will make you feel better. I can run to the corner bakery and grab you one along with some tampons from the convenience store.”

  “You’re a real piece of work. Do you practice this shit before you walk in?” I snide.

  “Nope… It’s all natural. Coming to you live from Chicago. The people love it.” He smiles widely using his
announcer voice.

  I roll my eyes and focus on the work I was doing before he walked in. Maybe he’ll take the hint and leave.

  “So, you’re going to be an ass and actually work while I visit you?” He creases his brow.

  “Yes. Don’t you have work to do?” I press my lips together. I swear the guy is always roaming.

  “I’m waiting to hear back from marketing. Can’t do anything ‘til they send back my reports. You know they take forever. So what’s got your panties in a bunch?” He stretches his arms over his head waiting for a response.

  I sigh loudly to let him know how annoyed I am and then look at him. He’s smiling widely. “Don’t worry, I’m not hitting on you. I already told you you weren’t my type.”

  “I asked Ava to the Connell Energy gala on Friday.” I exhale. “So I’m a little stressed because I went over there yesterday after she hung up on me and it made things harder. I’m pussy whipped, what do you want me to say?” I cross my arms over my chest. Lord only knows what smart-ass thing he’ll say.

  “When it comes to Ava you’ve always been pussy whipped, buddy. So is she going to the gala?” His understanding surprises me.

  “I don’t know. Katie was trying to convince her”

  “The bitch was actually trying to help you?” His eyebrows shoot up incredulously.

  “Yeah. She said she is also going with one of Connell’s employees, but I think she used that as an excuse to help me out. And you know she’s not a bitch, Dan. Let it go,” I say, emphasizing his rancor towards Katie. He really hates being rejected. That was in high school, and he’s with Jess now. Seriously, the love of his life. He couldn’t have found someone better to put up with his shit.

  “Whatever. How are you going to convince Ava to go with you?”

  “I did what I could. I’m hoping Katie helps me out on this one. Ava’s going to do what she wants.”

  “Good luck with that then. I’ll see you later. Lunch date, stud muffin?” He winks in my direction and blows a kiss.

  “Yes, hottie. I believe you’re paying.” I wink back.

  “Seriously. Now you’re worrying me. Get laid,” he says as he walks out of my office.