by Zoe York
I brought my eyes to Millie’s, caught momentarily in the green and gold flecks I saw there.
“She said she was sorry, but that Kayla would grow to understand, and then she left.” I sighed, then took a sip of my water. “I haven’t heard from her since.”
“What about your parents, or hers; are you all still close?”
“Yeah, my parents still live next door to hers, and Kayla spends time at both of their houses. She’s the only grandchild for both, so they spoil her to death. We go to my parents every Sunday for brunch, so she sees them at least once a week, sometimes more.”
“That’s wonderful, that she gets to be close to her grandparents, and I’m sure it helps you a lot, that they’re all so close.”
I nodded as I thought about last Sunday, when we all celebrated Kayla’s birthday together. She got to have her party with her friends, and then another with her family. She’d been over the moon, and even though I sometimes worried that we were all spoiling her too much, while we all tried to make up for her mother leaving, I couldn’t regret making my little girl happy.
“I don’t know how I would have made it without them,” I admitted. “Whenever I have something going on at school, they help me out by watching her, and anytime she wants to go shopping, or get her nails done, my mom and Julie’s, are always happy to take her.”
“And, have they heard from Julie?” Millie asked gently. “Her parents?”
Shaking my head, I replied, “No, at least not that they ever told me, although I haven’t asked in months. They felt just as abandoned as we did, and I know they’ve wondered where they went wrong. They were always very close, especially Julie and her dad, and he was just as baffled as I was when she left.”
“That’s terrible, I’m so sorry for you all,” Millie said, then looked up at me through her eyelashes. “Do they also babysit when you go on dates?”
I fought back a grin at her question, knowing she was trying to find out if I’d been seeing anyone since Julie left. I liked that she wanted to know. I hoped that meant she wanted to see more of me, because I sure as hell wanted to see more of her.
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “I haven’t dated anyone since Julie.”
“Really?”
“Really,” I replied, then I turned her hand in mine and brought her palm to my lips. I kissed her there once, a soft brush of the lips, then placed her hand back on the table. “But, I’m hoping that will change. Maybe they can babysit Friday night, while we go to Prime Beef?”
A beautiful smile blossomed over her face, and she gave a slight nod.
“I’d like that. Let me check our schedule and see what I can do.”
“Do you have an event?”
“We always do. Our only day off is Monday, but, I can always take a break for dinner,” Millie said, and although I was disappointed that I wouldn’t get a full date with her, I loved the fact that she was willing to rearrange her schedule to fit me in. “It helps that Prime Beef is right across the street,” she added with a laugh.
“Okay, great. You check your schedule and see if you can swing it, and I’ll check with my parents and see if they can take Kayla.”
“Sounds like a plan,” she said, and I fought back regret when she rose from her seat. “I’d better get back.”
We walked back to Three Sisters hand in hand, Millie talking happily about the menu she’d prepared for a bridal shower they were catering that evening. All too soon, we were at her door and she was turning to me, her face flushed with pleasure, as she said goodbye.
“Thanks for going with me today,” I said, reaching out to tuck a long lock of hair behind her ear, my heart racing when she turned her cheek toward my touch. “I had a great time, and can’t wait until Friday.”
Her face went soft at my words, and I noticed her eyes were trained on my lips.
Although it had been almost fifteen years since I experienced a first kiss with a woman, I knew the moment was right, so I took a step closer, one hand on her waist and the other cupping her cheek. Millie’s eyes fluttered closed as I bent my head, and a soft moan escaped her lips when I brushed mine against hers.
She tasted of caramel and cream, and when I ran my tongue lightly across the seam of her lips, she opened for me, and I accepted her invitation.
The kiss was sweet, with just a hint of reckless, and I knew when she sagged slightly against my chest that it was time to pull away. With what felt like the strength of twenty men, I did just that, then dropped one more kiss on her lips before taking a step back.
I knew I’d keep a picture of that dreamy look on Millie’s face with me forever, and when I walked to my truck, there was a spring in my step.
Millie
I floated through the storefront, across the kitchen, and into the office in the back I shared with my sisters.
It was a good-size room. Big enough that you could fit three desks, some bookshelves, and a couple chairs. My desk was the smallest, since most of my work was done in the kitchen, with Tasha and Dru having full-size desks, which were always put to use.
While Dru’s was completely covered, and cluttered at all times, Tasha’s was organized and always clean. Dru had an old oak desk with decorating magazines, a large organizer, and swatches all over it, while Tasha’s had a modern feel, with chrome finish and smooth lines.
My desk was shoved up against the corner with a small purple chair tucked under it. It was white and feminine, and held only my recipe cards, cookbooks, and notes full of ideas.
Tasha and Dru had been talking about the wedding reception we had this upcoming Saturday, but when I walked in their heads turned to me and their conversation stopped. Dru’s lips turned up into a grin, and Tasha slapped her hand on the table, causing me to jump out of my daze.
“You didn’t take him to your apartment,” Tasha complained.
I chuckled softly. “You knew that wasn’t going to happen.”
“A girl can dream…”
“Something happened though,” Dru said, still grinning. “I’m thinking the only thing that could put that dazzled look on Mills’ face is a big, sloppy kiss.”
“Ooooh,” Tasha exclaimed, scooting forward on her chair and clapping her hands. “Do tell.”
“You guys,” I began, then sighed and spun in a circle, letting my dress flair up, much like I had after my first kiss in high school. “He’s … amazing.”
“She’s smitten,” Tasha said, then pushed back and spun her chair in a circle.
“I think you’re right,” Dru agreed, her eyes soft on me. “The girl’s in deep smit.”
Tasha chuckled and I shook my head.
“He teaches Shakespeare and Austen to teenagers … He talks about his daughter like she’s a miracle, and he kisses like a dream,” I gushed, then fell in the overstuffed floral chair that was in front of Tasha’s desk with an exaggerated sigh. “I’m in trouble. I really, really like him, and I don’t even know him yet.”
“Why does Millie get all the luck? Perfect boobs, the ability to make people weep with her talent in the kitchen, and now? She’s caught the eye of a swoony, dimple-having, glasses-wearing, romantic, who’s great with kids.” This Dru asked Tasha dramatically, before turning to me and saying, “We shared a womb, you know … you could have left something for me.”
I rolled my eyes at my gorgeous, funny, and equally talented twin.
“Pulease,” I replied sarcastically. “The one thing you’ve never lacked, my dear sister, is confidence.”
“True,” Dru said with a shrug, then her expression turned wistful. “But I wouldn’t mind a dreamy stranger walking in off the street and sweeping me off my feet.”
“Maybe if you worked less than eighty hours a week, you’d meet someone,” Tasha said, and I knew she was right. We’d been so focused on building our business and following our dreams, that we’d forgotten to live our lives.
“Maybe it’s time,” I suggested as I sat up in the chair. “We’ve talked about making so
me of our part-time employee’s full time, and hiring more part time. I know this is our baby and we’ve put everything we had into making it work. But, now that it is working, maybe we should loosen the reins a little and take some time to actually enjoy our success.”
“I am enjoying it,” Dru grumbled, sticking out her lower lip at the thought of having another person taking over the control that she held on to like a lifeline.
“I know you are, honey, but just think about how nice it would be to do something on a day other than Monday. Take in a movie, or maybe go on a dinner date…” I suggested, and knew I was busted again when her eyes narrowed on me.
“Mr. Adorable Dimples asked you out to dinner, didn’t he?” she accused.
I nodded slowly.
“So, this isn’t so much about us enjoying our lives, but about you fitting time into your busy schedule to get Dimples in the sack.”
I could feel my face flush as I stammered, “No … uh, it’s not that. You know I’m thinking of all of us, not … just me … and I don’t want that ... errr, at least, not yet.”
“Calm down, Mills, you know she’s just messing with you,” Tasha said gently, shooting a glare at Dru, before admitting, “You and I both know she’s right. It’s time to grow a little bit and take a little time for ourselves. As much as we love what we’re doing, we’re all exhausted. Plus, if we had a full team, we’d have to turn away less clients. It’s a win/win, Dru.”
“I’ll think about it,” Dru said, which essentially meant she was giving in.
“Yay!” I cried, jumping from my chair and bounding over to lean down and hug my twin. “I’ll talk to Claire about coming on full time when I ask her to cover for me Friday night.”
Claire was my hardest working part-timer in the kitchen, and I knew she’d be a perfect sous chef. She was my first hope for a full-time employee.
“This Friday?” Tasha asked. “Where’s he taking you?”
“Prime Beef,” I replied, too happy to notice Tasha’s scowl at the mention of the restaurant across the street. “I figured I can get almost everything done before four, then head upstairs to get ready and let Claire finish up. Then, maybe I’ll ask Jackson up for dessert.”
“Whoa!” Dru exclaimed, wiggling her eyebrows at me. “Dessert, huh?”
“Bow chica wow wow,” Tasha sang, then started laughing.
“Shut up,” I hissed, hating that I was blushing once again. I hated that I was so much more conservative and easily embarrassed than my sisters, even as a grown woman. “I mean actual dessert. I thought I’d make him my Lemon Crème Brule.”
“One bite, and he’ll never leave … I guar-an-tee,” Dru said sweetly, allowing my subject change and having my back, as always.
Jackson
“Why do I have to go to Grandma’s tonight? I want to stay home and play with Jess. I’ll see them on Sunday.” Kayla had been complaining since we got home from school, which had made trying to get her packed up, and myself ready for my date, extremely difficult.
I looked at my daughter, hoping what I was about to say next was the right thing. We didn’t keep secrets from each other, unless it was something I thought she was too young to know, so I took in her scowling face and made a decision.
“Dad’s got a date tonight, so Mama and Papa said they’d watch you. They said something about popcorn and movie night; I know you’ll love that,” I said, watching her closely as I spoke.
Because she had my undivided attention, I saw her scowl deepen and eyes narrow.
“A date?” she bit out, sounding more like Julie than ever.
“Yes, sweetheart, a date. I’m taking Millie out for dinner at Prime Beef.”
“Millie, from my birthday party?” Kayla asked, her hands going to her hips as her lower lip jutted out in a pout.
“Yup, you liked her, remember?” I asked hopefully, not sure how to deal with this new version of my child.
“You can’t go out with her … you’re married, remember? Besides, I didn’t like her. She’s stupid.”
“Kayla Ann Heeler,” I warned, my voice low and firm. “You don’t talk about people that way, and you certainly don’t swear. Your mom has been gone for almost a year now, don’t you think it’s time for me to move on, have some fun, be happy?” I paused, hoping she’d give me something, but when she just kept scowling, I frowned at her and said, “We have to go, but we’ll talk about your behavior later. Now, go get your bag and meet me at the car.”
“Whatever,” my normally sweet, angelic girl said under her breath as she whirled and stomped off toward her room.
I stood there for a moment, watching after her and running a hand through my hair in frustration.
I deserve a little happiness, don’t I? It’s not the end of the world for a man to go on a date with a beautiful woman, enjoy some steak, and hopefully get to kiss her luscious lips again, right?
With a sigh, I turned to gather my things, then went to the door and paused, cocking my head to the side as I listened for movement.
When I didn’t hear any, I bellowed, “Kayla, let’s go!”
“Fine!” she shouted back, then I heard her door slam and her footsteps pounding down the hall as she came toward the door.
“You’re really asking for it,” I muttered as she moved past me and out the door.
She didn’t reply, just got into the backseat and sunk low in the seat. I couldn’t help but chuckle at her belligerence as I locked up and rounded my truck. Kayla only ever sat in the back seat when she was in a snit about something. It was one of her passive aggressive ways of letting me know she was mad at me.
I turned up the radio, since I knew the short drive would be filled with angry silence. When we arrived at her grandparents’ house, Kayla jumped out and ran up the steps, disappearing into the house without saying goodbye.
I left the truck running, but got out to go say hello to my mother-in-law and let her know that Kayla was in a mood.
I knew she’d already figured that out when she stepped out onto the porch and asked, “What’s up with Kayla?”
I waited until I was a few feet in front of her before replying gently, “I told her I was going on a date tonight.”
The look on her face was sad, but understanding.
“I’ll speak with her, Jackson,” she said softly, then looked like she was trying to figure out what to say next, when she added, “It’s time, son.”
My heart clenched as the love I had for this woman filled me and I leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek.
When I pulled back, I asked, “Have you heard from her?”
My mother-in-law shook her head sadly.
“I’m sorry, Ruth. I’m going to hire someone to find her, so I can get her served with divorce papers.”
I watched her eyes fill and felt her pain right in my gut.
“Please,” she whispered. “Let us know if you find her.”
“I will, Ruth. Of course I will.”
She nodded, wiped her cheeks, and managed a smile.
“I’ll talk to Kayla, you go and have a good time. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Ruth. Love you.”
“Love you, too, Jackson,” Ruth said, and I stood there until she shuffled back into the house and shut the door.
I hated Julie more in that moment than I had in months. I didn’t understand how the woman that I’d known, the woman I’d married and had a child with, could turn out to be someone so totally different than I thought.
Pushing thoughts of Julie, Ruth, and Kayla from my mind, I got back in my truck and headed to Three Sisters Catering to pick up Millie. Although, Kayla and her unusual behavior kept inching its way back into my thoughts.
I prayed she wasn’t still harboring hope of Julie coming home and us being a family again, but even as I thought it, I knew that was it, and my heart sank.
I’m going to have to break my daughter’s heart all over again.
Fucking Julie.
Milli
e
I was watching by the window, without trying to look like I was. I didn’t want to appear too eager, or like I was waiting for Jackson with my nose pressed against the glass of our storefront.
So, instead, I was half hiding behind the door to the back, watching like a creepy stalker.
I saw him pull up, park, and hop out of his truck. As he rounded the front, he wiped his palms against the side of his slacks, then pushed his glasses up his nose.
He’s nervous.
I took a deep breath, a small smile playing on my lips, calm now that I knew he was feeling exactly the same way as I was, and walked fully out into the storefront and to the door.
Jackson’s head came up as he caught my movement and he broke into a happy grin. He opened the door as I approached and held it so I could walk out past him. My arm brushed his hand as I passed, and I felt a tingle of anticipation run through me.
“Hi,” I said softly, a little shyly.
“Hi,” he replied, his tone also soft.
We stood there for a moment, on the sidewalk in front of my business, grinning at each other and taking the other in, then Jackson took my hand in his and brought it to his lips. When he brushed them against the back of my hand, my belly fluttered, and I allowed myself to enjoy every second of that moment.
“I can pick you up from your house,” Jackson said, his hand still holding mine. “I didn’t even think of it before, but I hope you didn’t have to go home, then come back here to meet me.”
“Actually, you are picking me up from home,” I replied, a small laugh escaping unwittingly at his confused face as he looked back in through the window. “Upstairs,” I clarified. “There are four studio apartments up there. Dru, Tasha, and I all live in them, and use the fourth for storage. They aren’t big, but it works for us, at least for now.”
“Oh, wow, that’s pretty cool,” Jackson said, his head falling back as he looked up at the window that led to my apartment. He brought his head back down to catch my eye and asked, “Are you hungry?”
