Unwanted Fate

by A. Gorman

  I’m sitting at the table with several of the first graders I helped teach play basketball and they say, “Ooh, Ms. E.” I have no clue what’s going on until they point behind me. I turn around in my seat and see Patrick walking toward me with another bouquet of roses. He has a thing for white. I stand up, meeting him half way.

  “Hey, I thought you were getting off at two?”

  “No, you’re getting off at two. I’m here because I wanted to give you another birthday present.”

  “Babe, you’ve given me enough.”

  “I have some more.”

  I’m about to say something else and Kelly interrupts me, “Boys, girls, and staff, Mr. Matheson is here for a small presentation. Mr. Matheson, the floor is yours.”

  He winks at me and walks to where Kelly’s standing, and I walk slowly over to him before he talks.

  “As you know, today is Ms. Emily’s birthday, and I didn’t exactly know what to get her for her birthday—”

  “Patrick—”

  “Ms. Emily, that’s not polite.” He winks again. “As I was saying… I didn’t know what to get her so I thought I would do something for her that I know that she would be proud of. I’m here to donate one hundred thousand dollars to the center in the honor of Emily Janes.” What the…no freaking way. “And these flowers are for her.”

  He hands me the flowers and kisses me on the cheek. The children are hooting and hollering, not only for the funding, but for the kiss as well.

  “I don’t know what to say besides thank you. Thank you so much, Patrick.”

  “You’re welcome. You still have another gift too,” he murmurs.

  “This is all too much.” I feel overjoyed and overwhelmed.

  “Nothing is too much when it comes to you,” he whispers in my ears, causing a shiver to run through my body

  “I’m a very lucky girl.” I beam.

  “No, I’m the lucky one. I love you, gorgeous.” His breath tickles my ear and another shiver racks my body.

  “I love you too,” I whisper.

  Patrick hands Kelly the check, tears stream down her face and I know that Patrick overwhelms her as much as he does me. Patrick’s compassion is showing, and I hope that it’s enough to get him to see his dad—one step at a time.

  When we arrive home from work, Patrick pounces on me and makes sure that I get the rest of my birthday spankings. Then, with the extra rose petals and candles, Patrick decorates the bedroom and bathroom again, making me feel special all over again. When he finishes, he picks me up, and gently lays me on the bed, slowly making love to me until we’re both moaning each other’s name out in pleasure.

  He makes me feel like no other man has before. His actions and words reach deep inside my soul, making me feel everything he says and does. I love him…and I want to be with him the rest of my life, he is my forever.

  As much as I enjoy lying in Patrick’s arms after making love, I know that it’s time to get dressed for the gala. Last year when I attended, I felt so out of place next to millionaires, CEOs, and investment brokers. I felt like I was trying to fit in even though I was the one that was doing the “dirty” work for these people, but I don’t mind. I love what I do.

  This year, I feel like I belong because I am the one that is one on one with the people the center’s service. Being on Patrick’s arm doesn’t hurt either because he makes me feel like I am priceless.

  “Babe, I’m going to get showered and dressed. You know it’s going to take me forever.”

  “Okay. I’ll be in there to shower with you in a few,” he says kissing me on the temple.

  I reluctantly get out of bed, making my way to the shower and turn it on. As I wait for it to warm, my mind drifts to our trip to the dress shop to pick out the dress Tuesday night.

  “Welcome to Bella Bella Couture, how may I assist you?” the sales consultant asks Patrick as we enter the store, completely overlooking me. Not a good move. Patrick notices and winks at me.

  “Hello, we are looking for a dress for my gorgeous girlfriend for a gala we are attending Thursday. She would look stunning in a paper sack, but we need something a little more upscale.” Her cheeks flush with embarrassment and she gives me a half smile.

  “We have designs that would be perfect for a gala. Please follow me, miss. Sir, you can have a seat in the waiting area.” She points at an area with oversized, comfy looking chairs. “I’m Ginni by the way.” She offers me her hand and I give it a small shake.

  “Emily.”

  “Any color you prefer over another, Ms. Emily?”

  “Blue, she looks indescribable in blue,” Patrick offers from the waiting area.

  My heart beats double-time with his confession to Ginni and she smiles at me with a slight hint of jealousy on her face.

  “Any particular shade?”

  “No, I like all blues, so let’s see what you have. I would like something classic, not really form fitting but not layers of bulky fabric.” She nods at my requirements and gets to work looking through the rows and rows of dresses in the showroom.

  I feel like I’m prepping to go to prom all over again. She hangs dress after dress on the rack for to me look at and decide if I want to try it on, but before I decide if I want to put it on my body, I look at the price tag. Sticker shock. No way am I going to be able to afford a few of these on the rack so far.

  “Emily, stop looking at the tags. You’re to get a dress that fits you and your personality. My treat.” I look at him. I don’t want to yell at him across the store, so I go with it.

  “Thank you.” I blow him a kiss.

  I try on dresses from Prada, Gucci, Vera Wang, Donna Karen, Ralph Lauren, and other brands that I’ve never heard of before. When I put on the Ralph Lauren dress, I know I’ve found my dress. The way it fits my body and makes me feel in it, screams to me buy this dress. I walk out to show Patrick and he has to adjust his position in the chair when I seductively sway out of the fitting area. The floor length, sweeping airport blue jersey dress—embellished with delicate ruching and an elaborate crystal brooch at the shoulder and slit up the left side to mid-thigh— makes me feel like a queen going to a ball.

  “We’ll take this dress,” Patrick says after clearing his throat.

  “You look stunning, Ms. Emily, and the fit looks as if it doesn’t need to have any adjustments made. It’s like the dress was made specifically for you.”

  “I have to agree.” I carefully take off the dress and give it to Ginni to remove all of the tags and steam the garment, so it’s perfect for the gala. I eye a pair of strappy black Michael Kors sandals and I have to touch them.

  “Try them on, if you like them, get them.” I look around to make sure Ginni is nowhere close.

  “Patrick, I can’t ask you to buy these for me too. I’m going to feel like I owe you.”

  “This is where you need to justify spending, I understand. Please don’t. If I were worried that you were using me for my money, we wouldn’t be here. I want to take care of you and treat you. I enjoy doing these for you because you aren’t materialist and don’t ask for much. This is something you want and I’ll happy obliged and buy it for you.”

  I stand in shock, unable to say anything for a few moments. “Thank you.” I hug him tightly, not wanting to ever let him go.

  “Hey, I thought you would be in the shower,” Patrick says in my ear as he comes up behind me, hugs me, and caresses my breasts.

  “I was thinking about our shopping trip Tuesday. You really do spoil me, you know that?” I turn in his arms, placing my hands on his firm chest.

  “I do, and I enjoy every moment of it too.” He kisses my nose, teasing me.

  “I love you, Patrick Matheson.”

  “I love you more, Emily Janes.” Sigh, this man makes me melt into a gooey mess.

  This woman…I want to give her the world and I am going to try my damnedest to do just that. Funny she brought up our shopping trip to the dress shop. The sales consultant was so jealous of Ems a
nd I might have been a bit of an asshole to rub my need to spoil Emily in her face. She pissed me off when she over looked Emily and looked straight at me when we walked in the door.

  “Gorgeous, I hate to rush you, but we need to get going. The traffic will be hectic around the museum at this time of day.”

  “I’m almost finished,” she yells from the bathroom.

  I stand before the floor length mirror, adjusting the blue tie that matches Emily’s dress and my three piece black Hugo Boss suit. Even though most of these guys will be in tuxedos, I feel more in charge in a suit, and this suit fits me impeccably well. I see Emily walk out of the bathroom in the mirror’s reflection, so I turn to take her in and feel weak at the knees. She looks like a goddess. My goddess; I notice she’s wearing her queen bracelet she received for her birthday.

  “You’re breathtaking, Emily. I don’t know if I want to share you with anyone else.”

  “You better, especially after all the time I took to get dolled up. I really don’t think you have any room to talk, Mr. Sexypants. That suit.” She bites her lip. “Fits you perfectly in all the right places and I better not see any old ladies pinching your ass.”

  “This ass is for your hands only.”

  “Good. I’m ready to go if you are.”

  “I am.” I let her walk in front of me so I can stare at her fine ass as it sways, causing me to have to stop and adjust myself. She makes me completely unsustainable when it comes to her and her body.

  We get to the garage and I help her in the car, making sure her gown is in without catching it in the door. Before I get in, I take off my jacket and hang it up in the backseat. I don’t want it to wrinkle on the drive nor do I want to sweat since it’s hotter than hell outside.

  The drive to the museum is uneventful, but as we pull in front of the museum to valet the car, the line is a lot longer that I thought it would be. I debate on parking the car myself, but I don’t want to make Ems walk in this heat. Fifteen minutes later, the keys are in the hand of the valet and we are walking in the building, her hand in the crook of my arm.

  “Wow. This looks astounding.”

  I look at her and say, “That’s only because you’re here, making it gorgeous.” Our eyes meet and she looks at me stunned that I would say something like that. I don’t know how she isn’t used to my praises of her, and they are the truth. I see no other woman as mind blowing as her.

  “Thank you.” She kisses me on the cheek.

  The gala is taking place in the Skyroom and we eventually make our way there after making small talk with people I know from business dealings and golf. I made sure to introduce Emily to everyone I talked to so she doesn’t feel left out or out of place. She has an amazing way with people, and it floored me when she told me she felt out of place last year. I’m making sure that she doesn’t feel that way this year.

  The Skyroom in decorated in tons of silver and white, and the décor reminds me of something I saw from the Great Gatsby. I’m waiting for Leo to jump out in full costume. We walk around the room, and Emily introduces me to the executives at the Community Centers of Reno. After talking, the CEO and I realize that we play golf at the same time every Sunday. How we haven’t connected before now is beyond me.

  The emcee of the gala takes the stage and thanks everyone for attending, and then asks everyone to take their seats because dinner service would soon commence. We finish our small talk and head to our seats. The table happens to be close to the stage and I hope this placement means good news for Emily.

  Kelly and her husband Scott, two of the center’s AmeriCorps volunteers and their dates join us at the table. The conversation is light and amusing throughout the meal. I notice that Emily isn’t eating as much as she normally does and I wonder if she’s nervous.

  “Feeling okay, gorgeous?”

  “I have butterflies. We are so close to the stage. What if I am chosen? What do I say? I’m afraid I’ll look like a fool.”

  “Ems, if you win, you’ll win with grace and will know what to say when you get up there.”

  “I’m glad someone has confidence in me.”

  “Always.” I kiss her on the temple and she sighs.

  The waiters remove dishes from tables as people excuse themselves from the table to go smoke or to go to the restroom. Emily excuses herself and I help her up from her seat. I watch her as she disappears around the corner with a smile on my face.

  “She’s going to freak out, isn’t she?” Kelly asks as she sits down next to me.

  “I think she will after the fact. She’ll tell them how she feels, and those words will leave them speechless. Then they will get their checkbooks out.”

  “I hope you’re right. I wanted to thank you again too.”

  “It’s my pleasure. I met Emily because of the center. I want to make sure that you have enough to provide for all.”

  “Thank you. Here she comes. We’ll talk soon.” She pats me on the arm and goes to sit next to her husband. I stand up, helping Emily in her seat and sits down.

  “What was that about?”

  “She was thanking me again for my donation.” She smiles.

  “Kelly is going to thank you every time she sees you.”

  I chuckle. “That isn’t necessary.”

  “That’s how she is.”

  The emcee returns to the stage, stopping our conversation.

  “I hope everyone enjoyed dinner. I wanted to extend my thanks again to everyone here tonight. You in some way have touched the lives of the individuals that the Community Centers of Reno service. Without you, the centers are nothing.” She claps and the room joins in the round of applause.

  “Before we get underway with the honors part of the program, I want to remind you we have silent auction items waiting for your bids in the outer hallway. Items include one of a kind artwork to all exclusive weekend getaways. The description of what’s included in the auction is on the bidding sheet. May the highest bid be in your favor.” Laughs echoes throughout the room.

  “The honors of the night go to our top five corporate donors and personal donors. It’s rare to see someone’s name on both lists and I actually asked if it was a typo and learned it wasn’t. Now I’m curious. Patrick Matheson, CFO of CU Gold Company, please come up and accept the platinum donor award for CU Gold Company and the platinum donor award for your personal donation.” The room erupts in applause. I didn’t think I’d have to go up there.

  I stand up, buttoning my jacket as I walk up on the stage. The emcee shakes my hand and presents me with the awards, I stand on stage for photos and I turn away to take my seat and she stops me.

  “Mr. Matheson, not so quick, we’re curious to know why you pick the Community Centers for your donation.” She smiles, offering me the podium. Well, shit.

  I clear my throat and talk. “I didn’t know much about the Community Centers of Reno until the day I presented Project Hope with CU Gold’s donation. Instead of leaving after the check presentation, I stayed and interacted with the people that make up the Project Hope community. The caring and compassion I saw in the couple of hours there touched me and made me personally want to help more, and when I met the Project Hope’s Outreach Coordinator.” I look at Emily and our eyes meet.

  “I instantly knew why that center was so successful and served as many individuals as it does. Because of her and the center’s dedication to make a change in the community is why I personally donated. I encourage everyone in here that donates go to your local center and volunteer. Not only will the center appreciate your help, but you can also see your donation at work. I thank you for recognizing CU Gold and myself. I know CU Gold will stand behind me when I say it’s an honor to be a community partner with the Community Centers of Reno. Thank you.” I smile and the applause is deafening.

  I walk down the stage and as I sit down I notice Emily is patting her eyes dry.

  “Your speech was exceptional.”

  “Just the truth. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t
be here.” She kisses my cheek and we turn our attention to the rest of the honorees.

  I feel a tap on my shoulder during a pause in the program and turn to see a person holding a camera. “Mr. Matheson, can I get your picture for the gala website?”

  “Of course. Here or elsewhere?”

  “Here is fine.”

  I stand from my seat and ask Emily stand up with me. I wrap my arm around her, pulling her into my body for the picture.

  “On three. One, two, three.” The flash is bright and I see little orbs in my vision after the flash. “Perfect. You’re a stunning couple. Thank you, Mr. Matheson, Ms. Janes.”

  “Thank you.” I nod and we return to our seats.

  “I’m going to have to see if I can get a copy of that.” Emily smiles at me. “We have very few pictures together.”

  I pull my phone out of my pocket and click on the camera app. “I think we can fix that.” I wrap my arm around her and snap several pictures of us smiling. The last picture I take is of me kissing her on the cheek. Emily is a natural beauty and I’m thankful she’s mine.

  “Please send those to me.”

  I hand her my phone. “It probably would be better to email them to yourself. I’ll let you do it so you have the ones you want and like.” She looks at me shocked that I handed her my phone. I have no secrets.

  “Alright,” she says as she takes the phone and looks at the pictures. A few moments go by and she smiles, and I look down and see she’s looking at the pictures of her that I’ve taken since we’ve been together. She looks up at me, curious.

  “I had no idea you had pictures of me.”

  “I wanted something to look at when I was in long, boring meetings.”

  “Oh, I see.”

  “You’re gorgeous; I always want to stare at you.”

  “Your sweet talk will get you everywhere, Mr. Matheson,” she sasses.

  “I hope so.” I wink.

  “Testing,” the emcee’s voice echoes through the room. “We will get to the next round of recognitions in five minutes, thank you.”