by Marie Jem
“You look stunning. This dress is beautiful on you,” he said, looking me over with admiration. “Shall we?” he asked, holding out his arm for me to hold. We made our way into the restaurant and were escorted to our table by the hostess. “You have great taste in restaurants. This is one of my favorite places to dine,” he said.
“Food is a big part of my life. I have a passion for great tasting food,” I said, as we both laughed.
“So, Claire,” he started, his eyes glued to mine, “tell me a little about yourself, aside from the fact that you’re beautiful, funny, and sweet. Tell me something I don’t already know,” he requested.
“How sweet of you to find me to be all those things, but I’m hardly beautiful. Funny and sweet, maybe,” I replied as he smiled big, exposing his dimples. “Well, I’m in my early twenties, born and raised in California. I have a master’s in healthcare administration from USC. I like to dance, do yoga, meditate, sunbathe, and read. My father is an attorney and my mother is a psychiatrist.”
“Very impressive, Claire. I like to dance too, by the way. Maybe we could go dancing together sometime,” he offered. I wouldn’t mind going dancing with him one bit.
“So, aren’t you going to tell me about yourself now, Dr. Blake?” I winked.
“Oh, okay, my turn. Well, you see, I’m just some average Joe who goes around changing flat tires of beautiful women’s cars. I hardly work or do anything other than sleep and play video games,” he joked. “All right, I was born and raised in New York, Manhattan, to be exact. I did my undergrad at Cornell University, went to Yale for med school and did my residency at the University of Pennsylvania. I specialize in craniofacial reconstructive surgeries, mostly. I have a passion for making a difference in people’s lives that were born with a facial deformity or acquired it from an injury or accident. My father is a neurosurgeon and my mother is a radiologist. I have a younger sister, Melissa. Do you have any siblings?” he asked.
“That’s very impressive, Alex,” I said. What an amazing man, I thought.
I told him about Kyle and Calvin and how my parents were planning on having one more child after me, but ended up with two for the price of one. We finished eating dinner and Alex asked if I wanted to take a walk on the beach. I thought that was a wonderful idea.
“May I have the check, please?” I asked the waitress.
“Dr. Blake has taken care of the check this evening,” she replied as she smiled at Alex.
“Alex!” I reprimanded, “This was supposed to be my treat for the tire change, remember?”
“There is absolutely no way I would allow a lady to pay for dinner,” he replied. “Let’s take a walk on the beach.” He grabbed hold of my hand and we headed out and walked down the pathway, which led us to the beach.
“Thank you for dinner, Alex. I really wanted to treat you this time,” I said.
“Another time, maybe. Or, in another life,” he replied.
He held my hand while we walked on the beach and talked about his life in New York and how different his childhood was than mine. He came from such a crowded city and I lived my entire life in the Valley. He stopped, and turned me to face him, “Claire, I hope we can do this again. I really enjoy your company. You have a way of brightening up my day with a simple text message or a joke. It’s been a while since I’ve met a woman I can’t stop thinking about,” he said.
“Yeah, I don’t blame you, Alex. I can’t stop thinking about myself, either,” I replied.
He laughed. “See, that’s exactly what I mean.”
He held me tight and looked into my eyes without looking away. I felt myself blushing because I knew what came next. The kiss. Yes, I was right. He leaned down and his soft, warm lips pressed against mine so slowly, sending a tingle down my spine. Then his kiss became more intense, more powerful, and more passionate. I couldn’t stop, and neither could he. When I felt myself getting weaker in the knees, I pulled back a little. “Is everything okay?” he asked, his eyes a deeper blue in the moonlight.
“Uh…yeah, everything is fine. You just caught me off guard there,” I confessed.
“I couldn’t help myself. Your beauty is intoxicating. I really don’t want this night to end, Claire. Can I see you tomorrow?” he asked.
I told him about my move and how I needed to pack my things, so I would be busy. He offered to help, “I can help you move, that is, if you want me to. I can even help you pack. Whatever you need, Claire, just let me know.”
“It’s okay, Alex, I got it. My parents are going to help me pack and move. I will let you know if anything changes, though.” I said sincerely.
“Just don’t hesitate to ask for help. Even if it’s packing and moving, I would be more than happy to help just to spend some more time with you,” he replied genuinely.
“Thank you, Alex. What you can do now is walk me to my car, so I can head home and rest up for my busy day tomorrow,” I said.
He put my hand into his and escorted me off the beach and to my car. “Drive safe, Claire. Please call me to let me know you made it home safely.” He leaned over and gave me a goodnight kiss that made my heart skip a beat.
I replayed the kisses in my head on the drive home. He had such soft lips. I wondered if all plastic surgeons had soft lips. I made it home and parked my car in the parking garage and walked over to my condo. Inside were endless boxes of my belongings that I had packed during the week. There was still so much more to pack. I didn’t even want to think about moving and unpacking. It was going to be very exhausting.
“Hi Alex. I made it home safe. Thanks so much for a lovely dinner,” I called to let him know I had made it home in one piece.
“Hey, I was just about to call you. I miss you already. Don’t forget to ask for help with your move, okay? I wasn’t just saying that to sound nice, you know? I’ve put in some time at the gym. I’m strong enough to carry a few heavy boxes, don’t you think?” he joked, making me laugh.
“Yes, I can tell from your solid muscles that you will be able to carry a few heavy items for me,” I know he heard my smile. “Okay, Alex, I’m going to hit the sheets now. Can I talk to you tomorrow?” I asked.
“Please call me tomorrow, or I will suffer from depression and end up in a psychiatric ward and your mother will have to treat me,” he joked.
“Okay, okay, I will call you tomorrow, I promise. Just don’t kill yourself,” we both laughed.
“Goodnight, gorgeous,” he said.
“Goodnight, Alex,” I replied.
It wasn’t fair. He was so sweet, the perfect gentleman. There was no way he would stay with me. He would soon get tired of me and run off thinking I am crazy, like James, my ex boyfriend. All men were the same and they only wanted one thing. I didn’t want to get hurt again. Maybe Alex was different. Maybe I’d have the courage to tell him my story. Maybe he would understand. Or maybe he wouldn’t. Maybe he would run off like James did or think I was a liar.
With those thoughts, I surrendered to sleep but was awakened from the same nightmare. The white van appeared closer as I ran toward it to pass it. I was running as fast as I could, running away from the shadow of the one chasing me to possibly hurt me. I ran faster, trying to pass the van as quickly as I could, but the door slid open as a pair of hands reached out to grab me. This time I awakened before the shadow caught me. I was soaking wet with sweat, so I had to change my pajamas. When will this nightmare end? I was afraid to sleep most nights because of that repetitive nightmare.
I tried to go back to sleep, but it took hours. I somehow drifted off to sleep after six in the morning, but was awakened by my mother’s phone call. She couldn’t make it to help me finish packing because she was called in to work. My father had to finish working on a case that was coming to an end. I let her know not to worry or feel bad and that a coworker offered to help me. She sounded relieved. “Oh, honey, that’s great. At least someone will be there helping you out. I love you, honey. I have to go. A patient needs me desperately today,” sh
e said before we hung up.
Less than fifteen minutes later, my cell phone buzzed. It was Alex, “Good morning, beautiful. I hope you had a good night sleep. Please tell me I can come help you today,” he pleaded.
“Yes, please. That’s actually perfect because both of my parents have to work today, so I’m going to need some manpower,” I said.
“That’s great! I was hoping you would ask me to help. I’ll be there in less than an hour, just give me your address,” he replied.
I gave Alex directions to the complex and started to pack, awaiting his arrival.
<><><>
Alex called me as he pulled up to the gates outside the building.
“I will buzz you in, just park anywhere you find parking. I will meet you there,” I said and raced outside. Alex came in a big black Ford pick up truck. “I never imagined you in a truck, Alex. It makes you look kind of sexy,” I winked at him as he hugged me, lifting me up and spinning me around.
“Let’s get packing, Claire. I’m sure there’s a lot to do. I’m not sure if your furniture will fit in the back of this truck, but we will fit as many boxes as we can,” he planned as we made our way inside my condo. “This is a nice place you got here, you sure you want to move?” he asked.
“The new place is nicer, you will see. It’s also much safer because the garage is attached, not like this place which only has an underground parking garage.”
“I see. That sounds much better,” he agreed.
“I’m not taking my furniture with me. The kitchen has built-in appliances in the new place and I will slowly be purchasing furniture. I’m only taking my bedroom set and all of my small belongings. My parents are going to try to rent this out furnished, giving me a chance to decorate my new place myself. This used to be my grandmothers before she passed away. This is all her furniture, aside from the bedroom set.” I informed him.
Alex understood and helped me tape the boxes and carried them to his truck. I carried the lighter boxes and he carried the heavier items. After his truck was full, we headed to my new place. I used my gate remote for the entrance and finally made it to my new condo. Alex loved the new condo and agreed that it was so much more secure than my old place. We drove back and forth in his truck until all boxes were removed from the old place. I decided I would unpack slowly so that I wouldn’t exhaust myself. I gave Alex a tour of the new place and he loved the breathtaking views of the city.
“Thank you so much, Alex. You were such a big help today. I couldn’t have done this without you,” I thanked him.
“You could thank me with a kiss,” he replied, pressing his lips against mine. “Now let’s go eat something, I know you’re hungry because I’m starving,” he kissed me again as we left my new home and started for a place to eat.
It was so nice to spend time with Alex. We ate something light and had a cup of coffee as we got to know one another a little more. Alex wouldn’t stop telling me how much he liked me and found me to be exactly his type. I didn’t want to believe too much of it. I wondered if he said that to all of his dates. I had to warn him again not to visit me at work, so others would not suspect anything. “Alex, I am breaking all of my rules. I have never dated anyone from my workplace, and never planned to. Please be considerate of that and keep it on the down low,” I pleaded.
“I understand completely. I will only call or text you at work. As much as I would want to stop by your desk and plant a big kiss on your lips, I will hold back until the day is over and we are not at that hospital anymore,” he replied with a smile. “As long as I get to see you outside of work, I’m happy. You brighten up my day and put a smile on my face, which hasn’t happened in a very long time. I will abide by your rules,” he smiled. “Now, let’s get out of here and see if we can unpack any of your necessities,” he said.
<><><>
The remainder of the day was a blast. Alex and I were acting like two children alone in a brand new empty house, running around chasing one another. We hadn’t noticed the time, as it was almost midnight. We left the new place, having unpacked quite a bit and Alex drove me back to my old place and walked me to my unit. He made sure I got inside safely, closed the door behind him and put his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him. His body was so warm and I felt so safe in his arms. He started to kiss me on my forehead, making his way down to my cheek, then my neck. He made his way back up to my lips. His lips were so warm as if they were on fire. His kisses were so passionate that they made me weak in the knees. His hands moved to my breasts, caressing them as he kissed me with so much emotion, I started to push him away. I was afraid to let this go any further as I was starting to feel anxious. The more passionately he kissed me, the more nervous I became. He walked me over to the couch, still kissing me, fondling my breasts from on top of my bra until he moved his hands to the back and unclasped my bra. His hands were now caressing my bare breasts before they headed for my jeans and unbuttoned those as well. Next thing I knew, we were both on the couch, him on top of me. Oh no! I wanted him to stop. “No!” I had to tell him to stop. “No!” Fear had gotten a harder grip on me and I could take it no longer. “No! Stop it!” I screamed, as I pushed him hard until he was off the couch, standing there, with a horrified look on his face.
“I-I-I’m sorry, Claire, I thought you wanted to, uh, I thought we were on the same page, I thought, I’m really sorry,” he said, confused.
“I apologize if I sent the wrong message, but we are not on the same page. I wasn’t expecting you to peel my clothes off before I even had a chance to breathe. Is this what you expect as a return for helping me move? Sex? Is that what you’re here for and what you’ve been after for the past week? If so, I’d like you to leave now. You’ve been pursuing the wrong girl,” I said as I secured my bra, walked over to the door, opening it to let him out.
“I swear, Claire, that’s not what I’ve been after,” he replied, shaking his head. “I just thought you felt the same way and just got caught up in the heat of the moment. Can you blame me for being so attracted to you? I’m not going to apologize for being attracted to you, but I’m really sorry that I crossed a line I did not see. I was just confused and misinterpreted things and I apologize sincerely for that. Let’s put this behind us, Claire. I promise never to try anything you are not comfortable with,” he promised.
“Let’s just call it a night, Alex. It’s really late, anyway,” I said as I opened the door wider and watched him walk out, turning back, looking at me with very sad and concerned eyes. “I’m so sorry, please forgive me. Goodnight.” He walked away as I watched him leave. I was so angry with myself, angry at the world, angry at the way things always turned out for me when it came to relationships. Why couldn’t I just be normal? Why me? Why did men come on so strong and couldn’t control their animal instincts? The unanswered questions in my head were eating me alive. I took a shower and threw myself into bed, crying into my pillow. My phone buzzed with a text message.
Hey, you ok? Just wanted to extend my sincere apologies and to answer your question, no, sex is not what I’ve been after. You’ve got it all wrong.
Hi, apology accepted. Things just started to go too far and I panicked.
I know you’re really tired. Could I call you tomorrow so we can just talk?
Sure, Alex. Goodnight.
Sleep tight.
I continued to sob into my pillow until I had no tears left. My head began to pound and my eyes began to burn. I somehow fell asleep. There were no nightmares to awaken from that night. I guess I was too exhausted to even dream, and I was very grateful for that.
<><><>
Morning came too soon. I didn’t feel like getting out of bed. My legs were sore from all the strenuous activities from the day before. My father called to let me know he would arrive shortly with my brothers to help move my bedroom furniture and entertainment system. I asked if he could give me a few hours, since I was so exhausted, it would take some time for me to get going. I decided to watch some televis
ion in bed to get my mind off things. Flipping through the channels, through endless boring shows and infomercials, I almost jumped out of my bed when I thought I saw Alex’s face on TV. It was a documentary about people who had ear reconstruction surgeries and facial deformity surgeries such as cleft palate repairs. Alex was interviewed, answering questions regarding the surgical cases.
I knew I had seen his face somewhere. I thought I had seen him in a magazine as a model, but I had been wrong. He was doing his job, answering questions about the benefits of the procedures and how it elevates the patient’s self esteem and improves their quality of life. I decided to give him a call.
“Good morning, Dr. Blake. Did I wake you?” I asked.
“Good morning, beautiful. No, I didn’t sleep much last night and woke up early, but I’m just hanging out in bed. How are you feeling?” He sounded concerned.
“I’m doing well, thank you. I’m just sore from yesterday. My legs are killing me,” I laughed. “I actually called you to ask if I could have your autograph, please,” I said.
“My autograph?” he laughed. “Why?” he asked.
“Because you’re a celebrity, Dr. Blake. I just saw you on a plastic surgery documentary,” I replied as he started to laugh.
“Oh no, I was hoping you wouldn’t see that,” he said.
“You know, Alex, the first day we met, I thought you looked familiar. I knew I had seen you somewhere, so I assumed I had seen you modeling in a magazine. When I was flipping through the channels just now, I came across this show and you showed up on my TV, I recalled where I had seen you,” I said.
Alex began to laugh, “Model, uh, no. Medical advice on television, sure, but never did any modeling. I’m very flattered that you would even consider that, Claire.”
