Out of The Box Regifted

by Jennifer Theriot

  His face immediately lights up, and he smiles at the mere mention of her name.

  “I thought you’d never fucking ask. We’re...wait what do you say when you’re in a relationship, and you don’t fuck around? It starts with an ‘m’.”

  I laugh, “You mean monogamous?”

  He shakes his head, “Yeah yeah that’s it. Monogamous. We’re monogamous. She’s the fucking most beautiful girl in the world and I swear to God, I don’t even think about other chicks anymore, Olivia. My fuckin around days are gone.”

  “Oh Todd that’s awesome! So she’s cool with you leaving and going out on tour? Have you two talked about it?” The realization that they’ll actually be leaving soon, makes me sad, and I’m sure it’s noticeable in my face.

  He smiles that classic Todd smile, “Yeah, I actually think she does trust me. Hell, I fuckin trust me, and that’s really sayin something. I just know that she says she’ll be here when I get back, which makes going out on the road that much easier, so we’ll see. My dad always used to tell me ‘when ya know, ya know’ and I swear to God, I know.”

  My heart’s beaming with happiness. “So you have Kyra, and Tommy has Emily. I swear this is almost too good to be true.”

  He has a look of apprehension on his face, which worries me. “Wait - why are you looking at me like that? Everything is okay with them right?”

  He messes my hair up and laughs. “Everything’s fine Olivia, chill. They’re serious; actually really serious. Really, really fucking serious.” He moves in closer to me and whispers in my ear, “Look I’m not sure I should say anything, but I’m pretty sure Tommy wants to ask her to marry him. It’s that fuckin serious.”

  I gasp and I put my hand over my mouth in surprise, “Marriage—seriously????”

  He puts his finger up to his lips and whispers, “Yeah, something like that. Shh! Shit girl. You gotta keep this on the QT, Olivia. Tommy would fucking shit if he knew I told you.”

  “Are you using my line again?” I ask, as I lightly slap him on the arm.

  “Yeah, something like that, girl. Anyways, he talked to me about it and said that he pretty much fell in love with her the first time he saw her, so I guess you’re a pretty damn good matchmaker. For Tommy to fall in fucking love just like that, blows my mind. Hell, he’s the pickiest guy in the world. Hey look, don’t say anything, but I think he plans on talking to Mr. H sometime this week. He wants to marry her before we leave. Don’t know what the big fucking rush is, I mean she’s not pregnant or anything. Let’s just hope Em’s on the same page. I’m pretty sure she’s diggin Tommy, because I actually heard her tell him she loved him at the club the other night. I mean, I wasn’t eavesdropping or anything…”

  I burst with excitement, “So possibly another wedding in the near future huh? This just keeps getting better and better by the day. These damn Harper men are forever romantics, aren’t they?”

  “Pftt! Yeah, they’re quite the fuckin Romeo studs, aren’t they?” Todd laughs.

  Emily shows up later in the day and I’m pleasantly surprised, because Tommy said she had studying to do, so we didn’t expect to see her. She walks into the den; dressed in jeans and an oversized sweatshirt, and clad in red converse tennis shoes, with her hair up in a messy knot. Immediately Tommy’s face lights up, as she walks over to me.

  “What a nice surprise! Tommy said you had studying to do and probably wouldn’t be able to come. I was so disappointed, but now I’m happy. They’re making me stay on the couch today for some unknown reason. I think I have the ‘day after my birthday’ syndrome.”

  She gives me a hug, “Aww, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I do have a huge paper due, but I don’t care. After last night, I figured a progressive party was something I couldn’t miss, plus I wanted to see everyone before they left. Besides, I love your family days. They’re positively addicting.”

  Lainey can’t help but notice how affectionate Tommy and Emily are towards each other. “Mom, aren’t they just the cutest couple? I mean geez, Tommy’s so in love with her, just watch the two of them. Every time she says something, his eyes light up.”

  “Yeah, young love is great, isn’t it?” I ask.

  We have a wonderful family day and as usual, I’m sad and melancholy when we have to pack the kids up, and head to the airport. After we’ve dropped them all off and head back home, Ash reminds me that he’s blocked off his calendar entirely for the next week to spend time with me.

  “Liv I know you’ll be working some, but I want you to know I’m yours all week. I thought we could head over to your storage unit one day, and give you some time to go through your things, and see what you want to bring back to the house. The house is yours now. Anything you want to change or re-do, you can. Let’s just make it ‘our home’. You just tell me what you want.” Smiling encouragingly, he puts his hand on my arm. “Look I don’t want to put pressure on you to do this, but if you want me to go with you…” He winks and gestures with his hand, “I’m at your service.”

  “That sounds perfect. I’ve been dreading going through everything, but I actually think I’m ready now. I gotta admit having you all to myself all week, sounds divine. But how did you manage to be off work for a whole week?”

  I’ve had mixed feelings about asking him exactly what he does in his line of work. He seems to set his own schedule and while I think it’s fantastic, my curiosity is piqued.

  “Actually what is it you do for a living? I mean what’s your job?”

  He laughs and rubs the top of my leg, “I’ve already told you I do security consulting. It’s the kind of work I can’t discuss freely with you, but I can set my own schedule, as projects permit.”

  I decide to push a bit further. “So do you work for yourself, or a company? Is it a government job?”

  I can tell he’s not going to reveal much more. “Okay Miss Twenty Questions, sometimes I do work for the government, it just depends. I have my own company called Paradigm Consulting, but that’s really all I’m at liberty to say, honey. I can tell you though that what I do is legal and legitimate, if that’s your next question. You have that uncertain look on your face, and I want you to know that everything I do is above board and legal. I can read your thoughts, you know.” He winks and by the look on his face, I think he’s pretty much told me all he’s going to tell me about the career of Ash Harper, for now.

  ***

  The next day at work, Sarah’s back from Market in Dallas and opens the shop with me. She squints her eyes, with pursed lips and points her finger at me, “So, what’s this little rumor I hear missy? You’d better spill it.”

  I proudly display my ring and tell her what Ash did for my birthday. She makes me give her a blow by blow of the evening, and gets teary eyed when I tell her the way he proposed.

  With her hand on her hip and her head cocked to the side, she playfully teases me, “Olivia, you’re killing me girl. You actually make me believe romance isn’t dead.”

  “Sarah believe me, before I met Ash, I did think romance was dead. But now, I’m convinced prince charming does exist. Ash is the most romantic man I’ve ever in my life met. He’s just...”

  She laughs, as she puts her hands on my shoulders, “PERFECT. He’s just perfect, isn’t he? I swear to God, every woman in this town would give her eye teeth to have him. He’s been a hot commodity here for years. He dated a few women, but nothing serious.” She makes a pouty face, as she dusts one of the shelves. “Does Ash have a twin out there somewhere you could fix me up with? I AM single you know… don’t forget about me. I’m not too picky either. At our age, you learn to be less picky.” She chuckles, as she puts her long red curls into a knot, secured with a pencil and turns the light on in the stockroom, “Let’s get to work. I gotta stop thinking about romance.”

  I think about what a great person Sarah is, and wonder why she doesn’t date more. I suppose she’s pretty much married to her business, which leaves little time for a relationship. We haven’t really talked
a lot about her personal life, other than her telling me about her husband and their divorce. While I’m pretty sure she is still bitter about it, I’m certain that if the right man came along, she’d jump at the chance to date. I’d love nothing more than to see her happy and in a relationship. Hmm, I think I’ll see if Ash knows anyone we can fix her up with. So far I’m batting a thousand in the hookup department. I laugh to myself as the term ‘love broker’ could very well be included on my resume.

  ***

  While I’m at lunch, my phone rings. It’s Todd’s ringtone and I laugh as I answer.

  “Hey what’s up?” In the background I hear noises and his voice, but he isn’t talking to me.

  “Ohh baby slow down, goddamn. You’re gonna make me fuckin blow. Ahh shit watch the piercing. Oh fuck yeah just like that, don’t stop. Aww just like that fuck, yeah baby. Fuckin A. Pull my pants off and get my phone outta my back pocket. Ohh yeah baby that’s it. So, so fucking ass good.”

  I realize Todd probably didn’t mean to call me and I immediately hit end. ‘Eww!’ I thought, that was totally embarrassing. Arghh. No visual on that please. In a few seconds, my phone rings again then again and again.

  “Hello?” I apprehensively answer.

  “Olivia whass up?”

  “What the heck’s going on? I think you called me by mistake.”

  He’s cracking up laughing, and obviously I’m clueless.

  “What’s so damn funny? I don’t get it.”

  “Haha Olivia did you think I ass dialed you?”

  “Well, yeah something like that. Eww that’s just gross!” I yell and I hear Kyra in the background; she sounds pretty mad. “Give me the damn phone Todd. NOW! I mean it.”

  I hear him laugh, as he hands her the phone.

  “Olivia? Oh My God I can’t believe he just did that. That’s just disgusting. Todd’s being a total dick and it’s not what you think. Nothing’s going on, really. I’m studying and he’s just playing around with you. I swear, I’m gonna kill him.”

  Relieved and laughing I respond, “Don’t worry Kyra because I’m gonna kill him too. Geez!”

  “Geez is right, Olivia. He is SO on my shit list.”

  After a moment’s pause, I hear Todd laughing on the phone again, “Sorry babe I just couldn’t resist it. That WAS pretty funny and ya gotta admit, it sounded pretty real huh?”

  “Yeah it was believable and something I definitely never want to hear again, you creep. You’re really a creep - that was bad. Really bad.”

  “Haha, but I gotcha. Anywho, just wanted to give you a head’s up that Tommy just called his dad, and wants to meet him for dinner tonight to talk about him and Emily. You may be doing dinner solo, so just wanted to pass that on.”

  “Well, you have a hell of a way of doing that dammit. You’re so on my shit list buddy.”

  “I’m honored to have finally made it to your shit list. Been tryin to get there for a while, ya know. Seriously Olivia, I’m at Kyra’s and she’s studying, so I guess I’ll letcha go. No more phone sex, I promise.” He laughs.

  “Thanks for the head’s up… pun intended.” I cackle.

  He laughs hysterically, “You’re too funny girl. Head’s up…I get it. You rock. Catch ya later baby.”

  Soon after my call from Todd, I get a text from Ash. ‘Having dinner with Tommy tonite. Hope you don’t mind. Call you later. You ok on your own? ILY! A’

  I immediately text him back. ‘Yes, ok on my own. Will be waiting for you. ILYB! O. aka soon to be your OH.’

  I’m excited and can’t wait to hear the news. I just hope Ash will be okay with it. Tommy and Emily have only been dating a few months, but after all, Ash told me he fell in love with me right after he met me and that for him, it was love at first sight. I stop on my way home and grab some takeout.

  After I’ve eaten, I wander impatiently through the house, waiting for Ash to get home. I wonder if Tommy’s told him about the proposal, and I think back to the night Tommy first saw Emily; the way he looked at her when I introduced them, and what an adorable couple they make. From the first moment they met, Tommy was a different man. He’s so happy and at peace when he’s with her. How could he help but to fall in love? After all, what’s not to love? She’s perfect match for him, and I truly hope things work out.

  I hear the front door open, which jars me out of my thoughts, and Ash strolls in. Walking into the kitchen, he drops his keys on the counter and sets his brief case on the floor. He loosens his tie, as I hand him a glass of wine. The look on his face is something I can’t read. Is he happy? Is he upset? I have no idea, but he looks tired.

  He sets his wine down, gives me a kiss and I look up at him, “Did you have a good dinner?”

  “Yeah dinner was good…interesting but good.”

  “Interesting? What on earth do you mean by that?” I ask.

  He takes a deep breath, “Well, it seems that Tommy wants to ask Emily to marry him.”

  I act surprised, “Oh my God really? Are you serious?”

  “Yep. He definitely wants to pop the question.” He’s rubbing his eyes and I’m curious about his thoughts.

  “What are you thinking Ash? You are okay with this, aren’t you?”

  He turns his head to the side, pops his neck, and closes his eyes. “Let’s just say I can’t fault him. He told me that he fell for her the first time he saw her, and as you know, love at first sight is pretty much how I felt the first time I met you but...”

  “But?” I ask. I sense there is something he’s not sharing.

  “But, I just want him to be sure this is what he wants, and that he’s not doing this on a knee jerk reaction, because they’ll be apart for months. With the band going out on the road, this won’t be easy by any means. What if they’re gone for a long time? What if the band really takes off, and he’s thrown into the spotlight? There’s a lot of ifs, ands, and buts in this scenario, as I see it. But I’m just trying to look at it objectively.”

  I smile and give him a hug, “Well here’s my two cents. I’d tell you what you’ve told me, which is that they have to work things out. I think Emily’s perfect for Tommy and I’m pretty sure she’s head over heels in love with him, and obviously he feels the same. They’re the ones who will deal with the ups and downs of a relationship. You’ve told me before that I needed to let them work things out, so why don’t we just let them do that? Honey, they’re adults and I don’t think either one of them would get married, unless they were truly in love and committed to each other. Besides, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and look at Tommy’s dad. He’s a pretty special and level headed guy, I think.”

  He winks and picks me up, “Yeah, Tommy’s dad is a special guy, who happens to be head over heels in love with a very special and sexy lady. Still the fact remains that Tommy’s fast tracking it, and wants to marry Emily before they go out on the road. I forgot to tell you that part. He asked if they could get married here, if she says yes.”

  I put my hand to my mouth in amazement, “Oh Ash - what do you think? My God, I think it’s a great idea!”

  He shakes his head, “I’m still just trying to digest all of this, ya gotta give me a little time. He wants to take her to Navy Pier and propose on the ferris wheel.”

  I put my hands on my cheeks, “That’s so romantic! Please tell me you gave him your blessing.”

  “I did and I also asked him to come over tomorrow night and have dinner with us. He wants you to be on board as well. After all, you are gonna be his mom soon.”

  Just the mere thought of that remark makes me smile. “Ash, I am on board. He doesn’t need my approval.”

  My remark makes him chuckle, as he playfully shakes my shoulders, “Of course he does hon, our family’s about to blossom and it’s important to him that he’s got both our blessings. That’s just how he is.”

  “Has he gotten a ring?”

  He looks at me with a proud pappa look on his face, “Yeah, he actually went shopping one day by himself,
found what he believes is the perfect ring, and bought it. He had it with him and showed me. It’s small—nothing ostentatious by any means - but perfect for Emily. She’ll love it, trust me. He did a great job.”

  I think to myself of how simple Emily is, and how a small ring just fits her personality. I’m sure she won’t want a big over the top wedding, and I’m saddened by the fact that her parents aren’t in her life to share this with her. I wonder who will walk her down the aisle. The fact that her mother won’t be here, to help her plan the wedding or watch her get dressed, just breaks my heart. I can’t imagine a mother just up and leaving her child in someone’s care, but I surely can’t pass judgment. God knows if Alan had done to me what he did when the kids were younger, I don’t know what I’d have done. I look out the window into the vacant lot next to the house, and try to visualize the wedding. He puts both arms around me and kisses my forehead.

  “Never a dull moment with us, Liv.”

  I look up into his dreamy eyes. “Happy moments are perfectly fine with me, and I live for them. We’re so lucky. Give me a happy moment any day, and I’m a happy camper.”

  His hand lightly spanks my bottom, as he laughs, “Well, then whatcha say we go make a happy moment for ourselves?” He winks that oh so sexy wink and he’s got me.

  “That sounds wonderful, just give me a minute. I need to get coffee made for tomorrow.” While I’m at the sink filling the coffee pot, he comes up behind me, puts his arms around me and plants soft kisses my down my neck. “Let’s make love here.”

  I turn around, astounded, “Right here? In the kitchen?”

  He steps back and opens his arms, “Sure, why not? It’s just us silly. Ever done it in the kitchen before?”

  “Heavens no. Have you?” I ask, curious to hear his answer

  He winks, gives me a sexy look and I think by the look on his face, I already know the answer.

  Playfully he pats my behind and eagerly looks me in the eye, “So? What are you waiting for? You game?”

  Teasingly I respond, “Sure - I’m game, but only if it’s your game.”