by Kelly, D.
“Holy crap, your what???? Did you say your boyfriend? When did that happen? Hell yeah! Boyfriends the same weekend, and with best friends, too! This is going to be so much fun!”
Laughing at Jess, I finish filling her in, “Boyfriend since last night. He really wanted a commitment before we had sex; it was sweet and thoughtful, really.”
“I bet you were super glad Connor thought to pick up those lambskin condoms for you.” I blush from head to toe and Jess raises one eyebrow, questioning my reaction.
“Um, yeah, about that, we didn’t exactly use them. I feel safe with him, Jess. I don’t know how to explain it without sounding crazy, but think about past life theories and soul mates finding each other in each life. Daniel found me, here and now, and we have a connection that is unlike any other. Since I know he gets tested and I’m on the pill, I just wanted to feel him, all of him, and before you go getting all crazy on me, he tried to talk me out of it. We talked about all the things that could go wrong with it but I still wanted it with no condoms and he agreed.”
Jess envelopes me in a huge hug. “You must really like him then. It’s not like you to be careless, but if you’re happy then I’m happy.”
“Oh, Jess, you have no idea how happy I am. We talked and talked and talked, we have so much in common. I feel like Thursday is never going to come quick enough. I hate that he lives two hours away. You’ll get to see Connor at least a few times a week, but my only time with Daniel will be on the weekends when he isn’t working.”
“Well you know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, or maybe in your case, the orgasms stronger.”
We both laugh at that as I continue to fill her in on the details of our conversations and a little about the sex itself. Finally, I tell her what I said as I was falling asleep.
“You told him you think you might love him? Kate, oh no! What did he say?”
“He didn’t say anything so I’m hoping he just didn’t hear me. I mean, it would have scared him, right?”
Jess taps her fingers on the couch as she thinks. “Well, maybe, or maybe he feels the same way and is glad that you came out and said it first. Or maybe he chalked it up to you falling asleep and thought you were just talking in your sleep, or he didn’t even hear it. I wouldn’t worry, Kate. Regardless of what he did or didn’t hear, that boy is head over heels for you. I could tell when you came downstairs this morning; he had the look in his eyes of a man that only wants you. You guys had such a familiarity about you. I kept trying to put my finger on it today and couldn’t. Maybe you’re right about that past life thing because you two just seem to fit. If I had walked up and didn’t know you, I would have thought you guys had been together for years. It’s a good thing. I’m so glad it’s working out and you’re happy. You’ve been too sad for way too long and I really love seeing the smile on your face that you have right now. I’m going to go take a shower, call Connor, and go to bed. I didn’t sleep much this weekend and my first class is at eight tomorrow. How about you?”
I look at the clock; it’s nine thirty already. “I’m going to go get ready for bed. Daniel was supposed to call earlier but Mike came by. I guess he needed to talk so Daniel said he’ll call me when he leaves. I don’t want to seem desperate, so I guess I’ll just put the phone by my bed and if he calls, he calls. I don’t have class until ten so I’m not worried about him waking me up.” Jess gives me another hug and heads upstairs. I clean up my mess, grab my phone and head upstairs, too.
As soon as I finish changing and hit the bed, I get a text message. When I see *your boyfriend* light up on the screen, I smile.
*Mike got drunk and poured out his heart and soul finally! I think I helped him I hope I did at least. It may be awhile before he passes out can I call you tomorrow?*
I’m glad he’s there for his friend, but I’m disappointed I won’t hear from him until tomorrow. I don’t want to seem clingy, though.
*Love that you are such a good friend. Take care of Mike. I look forward to talking to you tomorrow. P.S. Jess said she’s staying at Connor’s this weekend so we have the place to ourselves. Maybe I can make you scream my name this time*
I sit back and smile at myself. At least if I can’t talk to him I can tease him.
*Sweetheart, I thought it was just your sounds and your touch, but even your words in print make me hard. I can’t wait till Thursday*
Since Daniel isn’t going to call tonight, I get ready for bed, and before I know it I’m out like a light. Somewhere in my dreams I hear a ringing, but I’m too far into a deep sleep to wake up and check my phone. I wake up at seven to sunlight streaming through my blinds; I guess I forgot to close them last night. The message light is flashing on my phone and I vaguely remember hearing it ring last night. It must have been Daniel. I can’t think of anyone else who would have called that late.
The display on my screen says I have one missed call at two thirty in the morning from Daniel. I listen to the message, but have to listen to it again three times to make sure I heard it correctly.
“Hi, sweetheart. Sorry to call so late but I really wanted to hear your voice. I can’t sleep and I blame you and your last text for that. Also, spending the night with Mike, hearing him finally open up about stuff really put things in perspective for me. I started thinking that since we didn’t talk today, you might be worried about something you said. I just wanted you to know that I think I’m falling in love with you, too. Goodnight, gumdrop.”
I jump up out of bed and run my phone to Jess; she’s already up getting ready for class.
“It’s too early for you to be up and looking this excited. What happened?” Jess is staring at me like I’ve lost my mind. I put my phone on speaker and have her listen to the message. She jumps up and down with me like we’re little girls again and gives me a big hug. “OH MY GOD! Kate, I’m so happy for you and so jealous! What a message to wake up to! I can’t believe he called you and you were asleep!”
“Well, he texted me and told me he wasn’t going to call because Mike was drunk and was going to crash at his place, so I figured it was safe to go to bed. I thought I heard my phone, but you know when you’re dreaming and noises integrate themselves into your dreams? That’s what happened, but I’m sort of glad because I wonder if I had answered the phone if he would have said those things.”
“I don’t know, maybe. You’re right, though, maybe it is a good thing you didn’t answer. I made some coffee if you want some. I have to get out of here or I’m going to be late to class. I’ll see you tonight. Maybe then you can explain to me why he calls you gumdrop.” I laugh and shake my head at her No way am I telling that story.
I lie back down and decide to text Daniel since I don’t know what time he goes to work in the morning. I assume since he works construction it’s probably the butt crack of dawn.
*Good morning, boyfriend, sorry I missed your call. I loved your message, and yes, I remember saying that and was hoping I didn’t scare you away. I’m so glad I didn’t because I miss you already. I wasn’t sure when you start work so I didn’t want to call. I go to school at 10 today. Hope you have a great day*
*P.S. I think I love you *
I guess I’m up now, time for coffee. I’m halfway down the stairs when I get a text.
*Good morning, girlfriend. Don’t be sorry, I’m glad you got to sleep. I had a hard time falling asleep without you in my arms. I’m usually at work by 6 and off by 6. Can I call you tonight?*
I sit down on the stairs and text him back.
*Absolutely. I need to hear your voice, although I can keep replaying your message if I want to hear the magic words. I missed being in your arms, too. It feels like home there*
About ten minutes later, I’m drinking my coffee and toasting a bagel when my phone rings. It’s Daniel and I’m surprised.
“Hey, sexy.”
“Sweetheart, that should be my line, but it doesn’t matter, I just had to hear your voice. I really missed you last night.”
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br /> “Me, too. I loved your message; it was the best wakeup call I could have ever gotten, thank you.”
“No thanks necessary, gumdrop, I should be thanking you. You do things to me I didn’t think were possible. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was we didn’t get to talk last night. Mike really needed a friend, and I’m so glad he finally confided in me. His timing was great, too, because now that I have you I was able to give him a real open perspective about relationships that I wouldn’t have been able to give him before this weekend.”
“I would have liked to talk to you, too, and I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed, but I’m happy because now I know that you’re not the kind of guy to ditch your friends for a girl. That’s the way it should be. I would never want to come between you and your friends. I’m assuming you told him about us?”
“Of course I did. He could see it on my face when he walked in the door. Listen, sweetheart, I have to get back to work. I just needed to hear your voice. I’ll call you tonight after work. Maybe we can have dinner together over the phone if I’m off before you eat. And, Kate, one more thing… I think I might love you.”
My heart flutters. Those words are almost more beautiful than hearing ‘I love you’ because there’s longing and promise in them for things yet to come.
“Daniel, I think I might love you, too. Have a great day.”
Talk about a way to start my morning off right. Who knew just talking to someone could make you so happy? I reflect over my coffee about the last few years and realize how lonely I’ve actually been. I love Jess, and she’s a great sounding board, but I love to have someone else to talk to and share my thoughts and feelings with.
I make a mental note to do something really nice for Jess and Connor; I can’t imagine how boring I’ve seemed being solely focused on school. Besides, without them there would be no me and Daniel, and that’s something I’ll be forever grateful for. I also make a mental note to call Marc. I know he’s pissed at me for avoiding him lately and I do really miss him. The sound of my phone ringing snaps me back to reality. Shit, it’s my dad. What the hell does he want now?
“Hi, Dad.” I hope he can hear the indifference in my voice.
“Katherine, good morning, I have a conflict and can’t make the meeting we set up.” Of course he can’t, what’s new in the world of Joseph Moore?
“Oh well. That’s okay, Dad. Another time, perhaps.” I feel like I dodged a bullet. Today is going to be a good day.
“No, Katherine, I need to see you; it’s important. I have some things I need to discuss with you that really can’t wait. Can we have dinner one day this week or next week? I’ll make sure it takes priority over anything else in my schedule.”
I really don’t want to but it sounds like it’s important. I’m hopeful Daniel will start coming over on Thursdays from now on, or I can go to him, but I guess a Wednesday would work.
“Okay, Dad. How about next Wednesday, will that work?”
“Yes, that will work fine. Let’s say six thirty. I would prefer to talk in private, and since you won’t have time to drive up here, how about I pick up some Chinese food and come there?”
I’m so out of my element here. My dad has only been here twice in all the years I’ve lived here, and one of those times was to look at the place before we bought it. I really don’t want him here. This is the only place that I have that isn’t truly tarnished with some bad memory of him, but I guess I really don’t have a choice.
“Okay, that’s fine. I’ll see you then.” I wonder what the hell it is that he needs to talk to me about so badly. Fortunately, I don’t have time to sit around and think about it because I have to get ready for school.
The day flies by. Mondays are always crazy at school and the community center is even more of a mad house. The kids are always so worked up over their weekends and bummed to be back at school, it’s like pulling teeth to get them to do their homework. Finally, I’m heading out to my car to go home for the day when I get a text from Daniel.
*Text me when you’re on your way home, don’t forget we have a dinner date tonight*
I wish we had a real date where I could cuddle up in his arms and let him take all my stress away.
*Stayed later than normal, leaving school now. Have to stop off for an errand. Be home in about 20 minutes. I’ll text you when I get there.*
*Sounds good, drive safe*
I look at the clock and it’s already ten after six. No wonder he wanted to know when I was going to be home. He’s really planning this as a date, and he must be starving after such a long day at work. I pull into my garage at about six thirty. Just as I walk in, the doorbell rings. When I open the door it’s a pizza delivery man.
“Delivery for Kate Moore.” Boy, he is really something. I just start laughing.
“Hang on a sec, let me get my purse.”
“No payment or tip necessary. Everything has been prepaid by Mr. McCormick, enjoy your evening.” I set the pizza on the table, grab a plate and a beer out of the fridge, and call Daniel. He answers on the first ring.
“Hello, boyfriend, thanks for the pizza. It’s very sweet of you. Are you eating the same thing?”
Daniel chuckles. “I don’t think I will ever get tired of that greeting, and yes, girlfriend, I’m eating the exact same thing. I told you I wanted to have dinner with you, just because I can’t be there to watch you eat half of it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it together.”
“Well, I’m glad you realize I probably will eat at least half, and with as hard as you work, you’ll probably eat the whole thing, so if you were here we probably would have had to order two anyway. I must say, this might be the sweetest gesture any guy has ever made. I love that we’re together even though we’re not.”
“Me, too. I love hearing your voice. It’s been such a long day. I hate that we’re not close enough to see each other; I would love to curl up in bed with you tonight. So how was your day?”
“My day was good. It started off pretty exceptional with my new boyfriend telling me he thinks he loves me, I was busy in classes, had a great day at the center, Lauren talked my ear off about the rest of her birthday and her cotton candy and peanuts. She had a smile plastered on her face all day; it was so great to see. I did have a rather odd call from my dad today, though.”
I hear Daniel take a deep breath. I’m sure he didn’t realize I could hear that. I love how he’s already trying to protect me from the disaster of emotions that come with my dad.
“Oh, baby, I’m sorry. What did he want this time?” God, he’s sexy when he calls me baby.
“He can’t meet me the day we planned so he needed to bump up our meeting. He’s coming here next Wednesday so we can talk. Whatever he has to tell me must be important; I can’t remember when he last made a conscious effort to meet with me. I just hope it isn’t about business since graduation is right around the corner. I’ve really been playing into his idea that I’ll work for him to get through, but it’s the last thing I want for myself and it’s the last thing my mom wanted for me. She made sure I would be secure financially but not until my twenty-fifth birthday which is still a year away. I have enough money in the bank to make it through a few years, so I’m not worried about that, I just really wanted to avoid the confrontation until after graduation.”
“Well, there’s no need to stress out about it now. If he wants to talk business, just let him know you’re really overwhelmed getting ready for the end of the year and that you don’t want to talk until after graduation and put your foot down about it. I know how overbearing businessmen can be, but they can also appreciate someone who can hold their ground. If your dad really wants you to take over he should appreciate that you can be firm in your resolve. It’s a good trait to have in business, and point that out to him. Maybe he’s just reflecting on his mistakes, or maybe he’s getting married again, you never really know until you talk to him. Take a deep breath, gumdrop. Don’t think about him. Instead, think of all the ways I’
m going to make you come this weekend.”
“That is a nice change of thought isn’t it? Daniel, if I start thinking of all the things we could be doing, will be doing, I won’t be able to think at all. Then I’ll have to come to you for a release before Thursday and that would mean missing classes and jeopardizing my future. You wouldn’t want that. would you?”
He laughs at me. “Laying it on a little thick there aren’t you, gumdrop? If I’m being honest, I don’t want to affect your school work although I definitely wouldn’t mind you being here. We could break in my house this time instead of Connor’s.”
“Speaking of your house, I assume you got my address from Connor? That’s so not fair. You need to text me your address in case I want to surprise you next time.”
“Well, I wouldn’t want to have the unfair advantage, would I? I did get your address from Connor. I would have asked you for it, but I didn’t want to spoil the surprise.”
“It was definitely a nice surprise, and it saved me from cooking for one tonight since Jess and Connor are out. Besides, there’s nothing better than pizza and beer, except maybe cold pizza and beer.”
“I completely agree. Cold pizza is the best, especially for breakfast, but I don’t have a beer unless it’s football Sunday since beer-thirty is acceptable anytime of the day then.”
“I’ll have to remember to keep you well stocked in pizza and beer during football season. Speaking of which, who’s your team?”
“Definitely the Chargers. My dad used to take me to the games as a kid to see the Broncos and it killed him when I decided to root for the Chargers. There’s nothing better as a kid than going to an NFL game at the home team’s stadium to see a game. I have some really great memories. Hopefully, one day I can take my kids, but they’ll have to be Charger fans, too. How about you, Kate? Are we football rivals?”
“Nope, not at all. I actually don’t have a team. My dad was never into sports and my boyfriend in high school was a baseball player. I went to the high school games, and have gone to some games in college, but I just never followed a team. I like football, a lot actually, but I also like just watching a game without an attachment or a vested interest in the outcome.”
