Crystal Caress

by Zuri Day

  “Shh.” She placed a finger on his lips. “It’s okay. I understand. Had the positions been reversed, I probably would have reacted the exact same way.”

  They hugged for a moment, her head resting against his chest, his hand caressing her silky locks, only the sound of their heartbeats breaking the silence.

  “Teresa.”

  “Yes?”

  “What was happening earlier?”

  She looked up at him. “What do you mean?”

  “When I came home. The candles, music, that sexy jumpsuit you were wearing...”

  “Oh, that.” She broke the embrace and headed out of the room. He followed her. “Nothing special,” she said over her shoulder. “I cooked you dinner.”

  “What?” Atka stopped in his tracks.

  Teresa turned around. The genuine surprise on his face elicited a chuckle. “Don’t looked so shocked.”

  “You don’t cook!”

  “I did today.”

  He walked past her and into the kitchen. After another skeptical glance, he walked over to the cutting board and removed the foil hiding what was beneath it.

  “You cooked steak?”

  “Not just steak, darling, chateaubriand.”

  “Really cooked it, like you bought it raw from a butcher, seasoned it and put it in the oven yourself.”

  “Yes!” She laughed, moving to join him in the kitchen. “It’s probably dried out by now, having rested well past the recommended ten minutes.”

  Atka reached for a steak knife and sliced off a piece. He placed the meat into his mouth, closed his eyes and chewed. His eyes opened slowly. “You cooked this.”

  She smacked him on the arm. “Yes, Atka! You’re acting as though I performed open-heart surgery.”

  “Until now I felt the likelihood almost the same.” He cut off another piece. “You said dinner. What else did you fix?”

  “Baked potatoes. They’re in the oven, and probably dried out, too,” she said with a pout and a toss of her ponytail.

  “Ah, baby. I’m sorry.” He walked over to where she stood by the island, and gave her a quick kiss on the nose. “Will you forgive me?”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “Tell you what. We’ll heat up everything. I’ll fix a little au jus to bring the steak back to life, and your dinner will not only be as good as new, but will be even more appreciated.” He kissed her lips. “How does that sound?”

  “Considering I haven’t eaten since lunch, it sounds like a plan worth executing.”

  “Is it a plan that might make you consider slipping back into that jumpsuit you had on?”

  Her look held a twinkle.

  He glanced at her, batting his eyes and pursing his lips. “Please, papoota.”

  “That expression probably saved you from many a spanking.”

  “You know it.”

  She kissed him. “I’ll turn on the oven to heat up everything, and then go change.”

  “No, I’ll do that. You go get sexy.”

  Later than planned, the two enjoyed Teresa’s romantic dinner for two. Both went back for seconds and then shared dessert. After that, they went upstairs and enjoyed each other. And went back for seconds again.

  Chapter 24

  The next day, Teresa went for a walk to clear her head. Just as she rounded the bend that led back to the condo, her cell phone rang.

  “Good morning, Mom!”

  “From the sound of your voice, it’s a very good morning!”

  “It is.” She hurried to the building and went inside. “I’m just getting back from a morning run.”

  “Ah, getting out in the fresh air always makes us feel better. I’m glad to hear it, dear. I was concerned after our last conversation and was hoping you’d call me back. Given what was said about Atka, I assumed he was quite upset.”

  “You assumed correctly. He walked in ready to drive me to the nearest hotel. Oh, excuse me, not the nearest...the fanciest.”

  “Oh, my.”

  “He was furious.” She filled Jennifer in on what had occurred. “After reading the article I turned in, he was very apologetic. We kissed and made up and now all is right with our world.”

  “I thought your world had tilted on its axis.”

  Having removed her running shoes, Teresa walked into the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and plopped onto the couch. “When I read that horrid article they published as mine, it almost did.”

  “I’m not talking about the paper.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “About the cooking class Terrell said you took.”

  “Ha! Very funny, Mom.”

  She laughed, too. “How did it go?”

  “Believe it or not, I had so much fun. Not only that, but afterward I talked to the chef and ended up taking her contact information. All this, before yesterday’s paper came out.”

  “Have you heard from anyone, or contacted them?”

  “No, but I’m going to call Gloria when we get off the phone. I was too angry to call last night after reading the article, and too confused first thing today. But during the run, Mom, I gained clarity, and I refuse to work for a paper where I don’t get respect.”

  “You’re quitting the paper?”

  Teresa imagined what her mom was thinking. Drakes didn’t cower. Drakes didn’t run. Drakes didn’t quit.

  She took a breath and steeled herself against what would surely be a sound argument against doing so. “Yes, Mom, I am. My mind is made up.”

  “Good for you.”

  “What?”

  “Ha! I know that wasn’t the response you were expecting. But Ike and I were discussing this last night and we both felt that was what you should do. It was all I could do to keep him from calling with this strong suggestion or calling Benny with some even stronger ones.” Both ladies laughed at this comment. Ike Sr.’s persuasion skills were legendary. Many a businessman had fallen prey, and made him a very wealthy man.

  “So after you give your notice, then what?”

  “I’m going to play it by ear. One of the things I’ve been doing while here is looking at alternative writing options online. The blogging community has really caught my eye. Of course, I’ve known about blogging for years, and know a lot of people who have blogs. But I never gave it serious consideration until now.”

  “Interesting. Tell me more.”

  “You can work from anywhere, write what you want and build a platform. Some have gone on to be highly successful. The Pioneer Woman, for example. She’s a rancher’s wife who loves to cook and raise her children. She began blogging about her day-to-day life. The blog became so successful that she now has her own cooking show on TV.”

  “That’s fabulous!”

  “Isn’t it? And there are at least a dozen other examples of how blogging has changed lives, created careers, even stars. While taking that cooking class, I began to think about what I know and love, which is fashion, society, travel, shopping, stuff like that. Take Drake Wines Resort and Spa, for instance—the wines, the history, the way it’s become a vacation destination. I could do several blogs on that place alone. I think if done correctly, there’s a market for an upscale blog that will cater to women across the country and around the world. Not only those who are affluent, but those who aren’t but still like to read and learn about the finer things of life.”

  “I do want you to consider something.”

  “What?”

  “Your dad asking you to come back into the business. You know how he is, and you know that he will. I’m not saying you should. I’m just saying be prepared for a—”

  “Strong suggestion,” they said together, and laughed.

  “What about Atka’s family? Are
you feeling better about what’s happening there?”

  “A little,” Teresa answered honestly. “But it’s still tough. What you said about being happy has stayed with me. I’ve used that comment as my gauge when deciding what to do. Given what happened at the paper, would I be happy continuing to work there? No. Now, I have to ask myself if this spoiled girl, used to constant validation and affection from a circle of friends and family, can be happy in Alaska if Atka’s the only one here who loves me. So far, I don’t have an answer. I really don’t know.”

  “There’s no need to rush things. In time, I’m sure an answer will come.”

  “I’m sure, too, Mom. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, honey. I love you.”

  “Love you back.”

  Later that day, Teresa called Gloria. The conversation went much as she figured it would. Gloria had not been in agreement with what Benny did, but at the end of the day had to go along. Teresa’s resignation was not met with surprise. She offered to give a two-week notice. Gloria assured her that wasn’t necessary. The call ended cordially. Teresa picked herself up, dusted herself off, and two days later had used a popular blogging tool and content-management site to set up her site. After input from Atka, Jennifer, Terrell and Monique, she narrowed down the names and chose Tip Top Taste with Teresa Drake.

  Working on the blog was like an anchor that helped to right her life. She called the chef, who was not only excited at the prospect of being featured in a blog, but whose clients were the very women Teresa wanted to meet to write for and about. One of them, a feisty redhead named Dianne, had left New York society for the Alaskan outback and an oil mogul she met online. To soothe her ache for the city, she’d opened an upscale boutique. They met for lunch, became fast friends and Teresa’s elite circle widened. She extended her stay. By the end of her second week in Alaska, she felt plugged-in and productive. When Atka suggested a short getaway, she was all-in.

  “So tell me again. Just what are the northern lights?”

  “One of the most spectacular shows of nature that you will ever see. I can’t explain it scientifically, but know that it has something to do with gases colliding between the earth and the sun. I saw them for the first time when I was four or five years old. The family had traveled to Fairbanks the previous day and were all hunkered down in a two-room cabin my parents had rented.”

  “Your entire family?”

  He nodded. “Yes, all of us.”

  “Wow.”

  “Sometime in the middle of the night, my mom woke me up and said we had to go outside. I remember her placing pants over my pj’s and outfitting me with coat and gloves, all while I was half asleep. When I stepped outside and looked up at the sky, I was transfixed. There were these bursts of colors—purple and green and orange—like a rainbow but way bigger and ten times as cool. My dad laid out blankets. We lay down and stared at the sky like it was a movie. The colors moved and changed shape. The stars peeked in and out. We were there for three days, and every night, as soon as the sun went down, I started bugging mom. ‘Are we going to see the colors?’ Since that time I’ve witnessed the northern lights dozens of times. But they were never more glorious than that first time, that night lying on the blankets with my whole family...under the stars.”

  “That sounds beautiful, babe.”

  “It is.” He reached over and grabbed her hand. “Almost as beautiful as you.”

  Even though the aurora borealis, or northern lights phenomenon, was visible in Anchorage, Atka opted for a road trip to Fairbanks, a six-hour drive away. He’d also chosen a ride in his SUV over plane travel, wanting Teresa to get a chance to see the beauty that he’d grown up with his whole life, and maybe imagine a life beyond bright lights and designer boutiques.

  He glanced over as Teresa shifted her body to look out her side of the window. “Alaska is beautiful, I can attest to that.”

  “The scenery grows on you. Believe it or not, so did California. I was partial to Northern over Southern because of the cooler temps and hilly terrain. But I liked it there. Of course, you had a lot to do with why I had such a good time. You and your family.” She nodded. “I’m sorry you’re not receiving the same warm welcome.”

  “I like Max and Anna. They’re nice. Your dad was reserved but friendly.”

  “He’s quiet like me.”

  “The sister next to you—”

  “Vera.”

  “Yes. I kinda like her. I think her sarcasm is a cover for a smart, sensitive young lady. The brother in Juneau, well, I guess we’ll see. Those clearly against me are your mother and older sister, Panika.”

  “Don’t say it like that, Teresa.”

  “How should I say it?”

  “They’re reserving their opinion.”

  “Oh, is that what it is. Again, we’ll see.”

  * * *

  Fairbanks was amazing. After arriving at the cottage, all talk of Atka’s family was left in the SUV. The two lovers enjoyed a light show courtesy of the universe. It was the most spectacular display in the heavens Teresa had ever seen. She would never look at any Fourth of July finale the same way again.

  On Sunday, while driving back to Anchorage, Atka’s mother called. He clenched his jaw while listening to her, even as he tried to keep his face placid for Teresa’s sake. They spoke in his native tongue, and when the call was over he was silent for a long moment.

  Teresa took the plunge. “Want to tell me what that was about?”

  He sighed. “Mom wants me to come over.”

  “Alone, right?”

  He glanced at her. “How did you know?”

  “Because she’s a mother. I’ve got one of those, too.” She reached over and took his hand. “It’s all right, Atka, really, it is. I’m sure they’re wanting to talk to you one-on-one, the same way my family did after meeting you. I can use the afternoon to get some things done.”

  “Are you sure you won’t mind being dropped off at the town house?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Should we have dinner beforehand?”

  “No. I’ll take the opportunity to discover another part of Anchorage. I’ll go online and find someplace for a nice quiet meal.”

  “Okay.”

  They reached the penthouse. He pulled into the driveway. “Are you sure, Teresa? I can call my mother and let her know we’ll both be coming.”

  “And I miss out on all she’s got to say about me, all that you’re going to share with me as soon as you come back? Never!” She leaned over and kissed him. “Enjoy your family.”

  She got ready to get out of the car. He stopped her with his hand. “Teresa.” His eyes bore into her, scorching her soul.

  “Yes?”

  “I love you.”

  She nodded. He waited. Continued silence. He released her hand. She closed the door and began walking away. He began backing up. Suddenly she turned, ran over to his side of the car and tapped on the window.

  He stopped and let it down. “What is it, papoota?”

  “I love you, too.”

  Chapter 25

  An hour later, Atka was back in his Jeep and forcing himself not to peel out of his parents’ driveway. He’d hoped that after explaining about what happened with the article and how the original had read much differently, his mother would change her negative opinion of a woman she barely knew. He thought that when he invited his mother over for dinner, and assured her that Teresa would fix a delicious home-cooked meal, she’d warm up and at least try to get to know her. He believed that when he admitted he’d fallen in love with her, the fog of judgment would shift, his mother would look into his eyes, see the swells of happiness there and agree to give Teresa a chance. He was sure that when his dad pointed out how close-minded she was being, his mother would cave in.

  That
wasn’t what happened.

  When he walked through the door, Teresa was off the couch and beside him in an instant. She made a big show of checking him over.

  “Well, I don’t see any big scratches or signs of bloodletting.”

  “Sometimes I would prefer physical punches. My mom’s words can sear your soul and scar your heart.”

  “That bad, huh?”

  He nodded and took her hand. Together, they walked to the couch and sat down.

  “Want to talk about it?”

  “Honestly, there’s really nothing worth sharing. My mother has it in her head that you’re all wrong for me.”

  “She doesn’t even know me!”

  “Something I’ve pointed out to her more than once.”

  He placed his arm around her and squeezed her to him.

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Ask Dad to try to talk sense into her. He admitted to barely knowing you but liking the young woman he met. Give her time, papoota. She’ll come around.”

  Teresa sat up and looked at him. “How will she come around when she won’t even come around me? And how long is this shift in her attitude supposed to take? I have friends with ma-in-law horror stories. I don’t want to join their conversation.”

  His smile was slight, almost invisible. “Was that a roundabout proposal?”

  “Atka, I’m serious.”

  He reached for her hand. “I know you are. I told my mother that I loved you, and that she was just going to have to get used to it.” He looked into her eyes. “And I was serious, too.”

  He meant these words, and Teresa believed him. They worked during the day, made love at night. Teresa and Atka shared an evening with his brother Max and his wife, and another with her new friend Ryan and her husband, Jake. On evenings like those, it was easy for Teresa to forget that she hadn’t been embraced by all of Atka’s family. On others, like tonight, when Atka was quieter than usual, she knew his mother’s displeasure was sorely on his mind.

  She walked out on the balcony where he sat watching the sunset.