“She’s really an important part of my life. You’re going to love Poppy. She’s quite sassy,” he gushed. Dominick took out a picture of her and showed Sally. Poppy had beautiful dark hair and blue eyes like Dominick’s.
“She is really beautiful, Dominick. She has your eyes,” admired Sally.
“Thank you, Sally,” said Dominick. He put the picture carefully back in his wallet and kissed Sally ever so tenderly. “I wanted you to know about the other girl in my life.”
“Do you still keep in touch with the mother?” asked Sally.
“No. She didn’t want to be reminded. It wasn’t easy for her. Last I heard, she moved to Canada and has a family there now.”
“Canada? That is not far from New England. So, tell me about Poppy,” encouraged Sally. She was curious about Dominick’s daughter and found herself excited at the prospect of meeting her.
“You really want to know? I’ll tell you a funny story. This Christmas past, we all spent at Poppy’s parents’ house. They have a grand house and had a fantastic Christmas tree. Their cat Comet has a head this big,” said Dominick as he held up his hands and demonstrated the size of its big head.
Sally’s eyes widened. “Whoa.”
“Yes. Massive head, that cat. Anyhow, Poppy was opening presents and saying how she thought she was too old for these dolls I had bought her from America. What was I thinking? But she loved the flat iron for her hair so she could have hair like the dolls. Then all of a sudden, Poppy starts shrieking because Comet, who comes and goes through the pet door as he pleases, had caught a rabbit. Comet was running around the house past us, the presents, and even up the stairs with his own present, blood dripping everywhere on the carpet. Then Poppy shouted, ‘This is the worst bloody Christmas ever!’ Poppy started laughing as we all keeled over from what she had said, because it was true.”
“That is hilarious.” Sally laughed.
“What’s crazy is poor Comet disappeared shortly after that. And Poppy has wanted another cat ever since they had to pull up all the bloody carpet.”
They both laughed. “Do they have hardwood floors now?” asked Sally.
“Yes, why?” asked Dominick. Then he thought for a moment what Sally meant by the question. “Oh, how clever. Well, perhaps I will ask Poppy’s parents if they feel enough time has passed for us to get Poppy a kitty for Christmas.”
Dominick smiled and put his arm around Sally as they watched the sunlight sparkle off the Charles.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The rainy night Dominick had to go back to South Africa was not as difficult for Sally as the first night he left. Nude, Dominick stood Sally up against the daybed, the knee of her casted leg propped onto the mattress. He entered her cunt from behind while they stood, his rod pushing into her welcoming body. His strong arms held her as he kissed the back of her neck and shoulders and sweetly fucked her.
He caressed both of her breasts as he thrust his cock into her pussy over and over and whispered her name into her ear. Her body responded with slick and silky warmth. He held her hips and rocked with such steady thrusts until she moaned his name repeatedly.
His manhood filled her entirely to the brim. Dominick kissed Sally’s neck and squeezed her breasts. He pulled lightly on her nipples and turned Sally over so he could look into her eyes as he fucked her.
Sally loved having Dominick’s strong shoulders and body above her. She grabbed his ass while he thrust inside of her. “You feel so good,” Dominick told her. Sally felt an intense building of urgency as Dominick steadily increased his pace and the power of his thrusts until they came together, hunched over onto her bed.
They showered together one last time, but Sally felt she was sure to see Dominick again in December. She even let him sign her cast, which she was glad would be removed in a few days. He wrote in French on it that he loved her and would see her soon. “Kimmie is going to be mad that I let you sign it but didn’t let her,” confessed Sally.
Dominick left for the airport for a red-eye departure and arrived at 10:30 p.m. for his midnight flight. When he got to the terminal, he was disappointed to see the flight had been delayed. He walked up to a counter agent and asked, “How long until the midnight flight to Johannesberg?”
The agent looked up the information on her computer. “I’m sorry, sir. Due to the adverse weather, there is at least a three-hour delay. Would you like a complimentary pillow?”
“No, thanks,” replied Dominick. He considered going back to Sally’s apartment, but he did not want to wake up Sally so she could get back to her writing. She hadn’t written the whole week he had been there, since they had been making love morning and night.
Dominick didn’t want to spend the next several hours wandering the airport. He checked his bag and took the Blue line back to Government Center for a quick drink at Faneheuil Hall. He ordered a beer at a bar.
“Dominick?” a familiar voice asked him from behind. Dominick grasped his beer and hesitated to turn around. A tap on the shoulder, however, made him look behind him. It was his cousin.
“What the hell are you doing here?” asked Gabriel. He gave Dominick a hug.
“Um, I wanted to surprise you,” said Dominick. “I’m only here for a few days.”
“Hey, that’s great. You should have called. Any time is good, man.”
Dominick nodded and looked at his watch. “Shit. I forgot my suitcase. Can I meet you back at your place?”
“I’ll just go with you,” offered Gabriel.
“No, I need some time to unwind, if you don’t mind,” requested Dominick.
“Sure,” said Gabriel. He figured the jet lag was affecting Dominick’s adjustment again.
Gabriel ordered a drink while Dominick took the blue line back to Logan airport. Dominick found the same counter agent, Janet, and told her that due to the delay, he needed to leave in two days. Janet wrote her phone number on the envelope of Dominick’s reissued ticket. He reacquired his suitcase and took a taxi back to Gabriel’s place.
Dominick texted Nadia that he had to stay longer in Boston.
Gabriel went back to the apartment to get things ready for Dominick. Shortly after, Dominick showed up and the two walked down the Hill to the bar across from MGH. Several women were hitting on the good-looking Italian bartender.
“Do you live in the North End?” one of the women asked.
The bartender served their drinks and replied, “Yes.” He kept an air of mystery, which kept the drink orders and questions coming.
“He’s getting all the action tonight,” noticed Gabriel. “Hey, if you were a woman, would you think he’s hot?” he asked Dominick.
Dominick smiled and took a swig of his beer. “I don’t have to be a woman to admit he’s hot,” replied Dominick.
Another older male patron heard Dominick and responded, “You have good taste.” His face was ruddy from alcohol.
Gabriel and Dominick looked at each other and laughed.
Dominick began his confession. “Gabe, I have to tell you something.”
“What’s that?” asked Gabe as he downed a beer.
“You see, I have been seeing somebody and I really love her.” Dominick swallowed hard. “I didn’t want to upset you.”
“Will you just spit it out, damn it?” interjected Gabriel.
“I’m in love with Sally,” said Dominick. And before he knew it, a bottle shattered over his head, and the hot bartender yelled at Gabriel to get out of his bar.
Chapter Twenty Eight
Gabriel felt torn. He couldn’t believe Dominick had fallen for Sally. He should have seen it coming. Now it made sense why Dominick had acted incognito. He regretted hurting Dominick as he stumbled back home to the Square.
So many feelings rushed through Gabriel. He felt like he didn’t know what to do with himself. Should he confront Sally or just leave her and Dominick alone? Gabriel realized he had no hold over Sally. She was a free woman.
Gabriel thought of the ocean again. Was he
having a grass is greener moment? His feelings for Sally were real. Obviously, she had still felt something for him, too. Yet how could she have just moved on so quickly to a secret relationship with his cousin? Then again, Gabriel had broken Sally’s heart badly, and he knew he would not get over his fear of commitment anytime soon.
How did he not pick up on the signs of attraction between Dominick and Sally?
“Sometimes you have to let go of the one you let go,” Dominick had told him. Gabriel felt like a fool again.
He had to text Dominick an apology. He couldn’t blame Dominick for falling for Sally. She was sweet and successful, not to mention beautiful and smart. Gabriel realized he should have cherished Sally from the beginning. Instead, he had acted like a coward and broken up with a good woman. Consequently, both he and Sally had suffered.
Gabriel knew he might never be ready to make a commitment to any woman. As precious as Sally was, Gabriel realized he had a wandering heart and spirit. Sally deserved better than that. She deserved to be the happiest woman in the world.
How could he not be happy for Dominick and Sally? Gabriel decided to help the closest people to his heart rather than hurt everyone involved. After all, Dominick and Sally complimented each other perfectly, and he had heard somewhere that true love should know no bounds.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Sally felt extremely nervous about getting her cast removed. The little saw had a dull blade that would not cut skin, but the loud sound frightened her. The orthopedic doctor demonstrated on his hand the safety of the saw, but Sally still closed her eyes while he slowly cut open the fiberglass cast. The doctor wore goggles and gloves, and he carefully removed the cast.
“Just one signature? And in French?” asked Dr. Smith.
“Yes,” admitted Sally.
“Usually people get their casts signed all over. Do you want to keep this?” he asked about the cast.
“Um, sure,” decided Sally. She wanted to keep the message from Dominick. But she couldn’t help feeling embarrassed by her hairy leg and the gross layer of peeling skin. Oh, if only I had a razor and a loofah!
At least the doctor acted like he didn’t notice her hairy leg as he felt her ankle. It felt stiff and sore to move it around, and her foot felt a little tingly and half-asleep. The doctor took another X-ray and came back with the results.
“It looks good, kid. A callus has formed here.” He showed Sally the X-ray. She saw white buildup where her hairline fracture had been. She said a little prayer of thanks. Dear God, thank you for helping me heal. Please let me walk again.
“But I want you to walk for at least a week or two with this.” Dr. Smith showed Sally her next contraption. “This is a walking boot. Just bear a little weight the first day and then as much as you can tolerate. It will help you with the transition to walking.” And he helped put the boot onto her foot.
“Do I still have to use the crutches?” asked Sally. She hated them, even though she had gotten more skilled at using the medieval-like walking devices. Couldn’t they have designed something better?
“I’m afraid so, but just for a bit until you get your balance back. You can then use one crutch when you feel you’re ready,” explained Dr. Smith.
“Should I get a cane?” asked Sally. She wondered if asking so many questions sounded strange, but she really needed to walk again for Kimmie’s wedding.
“You can if you want to, but it isn’t a requirement,” replied the doctor.
“What about an ankle brace?” asked Sally. “Sorry for all the questions, but should I wear certain shoes?”
“You may want to wear an ankle brace if you plan on walking a lot or hiking down the road. But you can expect it will take a while until you can run again. I recommend physical therapy for a faster recovery. Here is a card to a great therapist here at the hospital.” He gave her a card from his white pocket. “As for shoes, a good sneaker should be fine. You need a good arc for your foot. Some people prefer high tops for more support. I wouldn’t recommend flip-flops,” joked Dr. Smith.
“Right,” agreed Sally. She got up and tried walking a bit with the walking boot and the crutches. Her recovering foot felt a bit numb and heavy, but she was glad there wasn’t much pain
“How does it feel?” asked Dr. Smith.
“This is a bit easier than with the cast,” said Sally. She still wanted to ditch the crutches.
“Good. Just wear that for a week or so and then you can try walking without it. Take your time and if it swells, take some ibuprofen and practice RICE. You remember what that means?”
“Elevate and ice it, right?”
“Yes, and I want you to take it easy in this heat. You can remove the boot to shower.”
“Oh, that is good,” said Sally. A naughty memory of her and Dominick fucking in the shower flitted through her mind.
“Do you have any more questions?” asked Dr. Smith.
“No, that’s all. Thank you, doctor,” replied Sally. She felt so relieved to be free of her ugly cast, which she threw into a bag from the doctor. But she was not yet free of the crutches.
Sally called the physical therapist and started the next day, as they had had a cancellation. She arrived early, filled out the paperwork, and got started. Her therapist’s name was Mindy, and her sweet raspy voice made Sally feel comfortable.
“I want you to take this band and pull your toes toward you,” directed Mindy. She had Sally repeat the movement many times along with other exercises that involved flexing, stretching, and balancing. Mindy also worked on posture and proper gait.
Sally’s foot swelled and throbbed at night, especially the first week. By the end of the week, she was only using one crutch before she got rid of the crutches altogether. She happily donated them to the thrift store on Charles Street.
Chapter Thirty
By the time she tried on her dress for Kimmie’s wedding, Sally walked without a limp. The dress fell just a bit long without heels, so Sally had the beautiful lavender dress altered.
Kimmie’s wedding took place at her parents’ church in Braintree. Kimmie used to attend there as a little girl and was surrounded by familiar people from her younger years. The bride felt even more ecstatic about getting married to Mark, who had doted on her during their brief engagement period. Mark had showered her with gifts from Hermès and redecorated Kimmie’s posh apartment. Naturally, they would keep her prime apartment on Charles.
“You look stunning,” said Sally to Kimmie, who wore a beautiful, sleeveless satin gown with bead trim and a Cinderella skirt. Kimmie’s hair fell long and straight. Her make-up artist and hairstylist had gifted her with free wedding day services. In return, the ladies cherished the wedding reception favors including personalized gift bags of lingerie and lotions. The three-tier wedding cake consisted of yellow cake with raspberry swirl and buttercream frosting.
“Thanks, Sal,” said Kimmie. She hugged Sally, her maid of honor. Kimmie’s model friends looked stunning as well. Sally could only imagine how beautiful the photographer’s pictures would turn out.
The music began and Sally walked up the aisle alongside Mark’s best man. They whispered hello to each other for the first time, which made Sally smile even more while they walked down the aisle. Sally tried not to cry upon seeing how beautiful Kimmie looked coming up the aisle.
Mark, on the other hand, was a ball of mush. He wiped a tear away and smiled proudly at his model wife. They exchanged their vows and cited an Elizabeth Barrett Browning sonnet, which began, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…”
After the vows, bride and groom kissed and the audience blew bubbles as they exited the church. Kimmie stopped at the top of the steps and Sally got in place along with the other bridesmaids. Kimmie turned around and yelled, “Ready, girls?”
Sally and the other bridesmaids squealed as Kimmie threw her bouquet of purple irises over her head. The flowers soared through the air and flew right by Sally’s shoulder, and another bridesmaid named Anna cau
ght the bouquet. She screamed with delight. Kimmie shrugged her shoulders at Sally, and they winked at each other.
Sally made sure to follow behind Kimmie as she got into their black limousine with Mark. Kimmie did not have a long train, which made it easy on Sally. Wedding or no wedding, saying good-bye to her best friend as she left for Paris for a whole two weeks was hard!
“I love you, Kimmie. Be safe and have a wonderful time in Paris,” gushed Sally as she waved good-bye to Kimmie, already inside the limo.
“I love you, too, Sal!” And bubbles floated in the air as the bride and groom waved good-bye from their limousine marked Just Married headed for Logan Airport.
While in Paris, Kimmie and Mark soaked in the rays by the fountain near the Eiffel Tour during the day, which became a bit scandalous by night. One woman flashed a man in an attempt to lure him to her services.
At the mall, employees sized up Kimmie immediately and picked out outfits for her to try on. It was so effortless, Kimmie just kept repeating “Merci.”
Kimmie mailed Sally a postcard depicting the Champs-Élysées and allowed herself a waffle cone of chocolate Häagen-Dazs ice cream, which she shared with Mark.
Kimmie and Mark rented a car for a day and travelled to Deauville, a lovely port. They got used to driving on the opposite side of the road, but the roundabouts threw them for a loop. In Deauville, Kimmie bought some presents for Sally. First, she purchased some Chanel perfume. Then, she chose a green jewelry box with a pewter lid hammered with a bird design. She and Mark ate a three-course meal at a divine restaurant. Upon receipt of the tab, they were each given a chocolate truffle dusted in cocoa powder. Afterward, they watched a local artist paint the little boats docked at the port trimmed by little triangle flags in French colors by the restaurant.
Toward the end of their whirlwind honeymoon, the newlyweds took a train to Normandy. They swam in the ocean by the little colorful cabanas and the tall cliffs. They made love in a gorgeous hotel by the water before heading back to Paris where they stayed in an apartment they rented above a Vietnamese restaurant on a street leading to the Arc de Triomphe.
Beacon Hill Beauties (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 9
