Whiskey Nights

by Fabiola Francisco

“I want a veggie quesadilla. Oh, and guacamole.” I give him my best smile.

  He shakes his head, amused, “Whatever you want.”

  My phone rings while Jake is ordering our dinner, and I smile when I see who’s calling.

  “Hey, Sav!”

  “You sound happier.” I scrunch my eyebrows together, confused. Oh shit!

  “I am,” I say carefully.

  “Is there a reason for that?”

  “Um . . .”

  “You bitch! You haven’t called to update me.” I close my eyes and try to keep from smiling.

  “Sorry! In my defense, things have been hectic.”

  “Ha!” Savannah scoffs. “Jake wasn’t too busy to call me.”

  I turn and glare at him. Jake raises his eyebrows, confused. “Well, Jake didn’t tell me he called you.” He smiles widely.

  “Savannah?” he mouths. I nod and deepen my glare.

  “Sorry, Sav. I really am. I was going to call. I really have been busy with Brian in town and all. Besides, it’s only been a few days since we got back together.”

  “Tell me everything.”

  “In front of him?”

  “Yes! It won’t be news to him, since he experienced whatever you’re going to tell me.”

  Jake laughs as I give Savannah all the details of the past few days. She squeals loudly in my ear when I tell her we’re going to move in together and then asks me a million questions I still don’t have the answers to. Parker must be at an away game.

  “Well, I’ve got some news for you as well!” Savannah’s voice comes out clear through my speaker.

  “What?” My curiosity is spiked. Different possibilities run through my mind.

  “Parker and I are also moving in together.”

  “That’s amazing! Congrats!”

  “Thanks! I’m really excited. We’re looking for homes in Roswell.”

  “Guess he finally convinced you to live with him,” I laugh.

  “I wasn’t opposed to it! I just wanted us to adjust to our new lives so we wouldn’t solely depend on each other.” She defends her motives.

  “I know, Sav. I’m just joking. I’m really happy for you. I can’t wait to see pictures. Send me lots of pictures of the homes you see!”

  “I will.”

  Just then our food arrives. “Our food just got here. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good! Tell Jake I said hi and I’ll call him tomorrow.”

  “I will. Love you, Sav. Thanks for calling and checkin’ up on me.”

  “Are you getting sentimental, Beth?” Savannah laughs.

  “Whatever. I was just saying thanks for being a good friend. I can take it back.”

  “Yeah, right,” she laughs harder. “And you’re welcome.”

  We hang up and I sit on the floor of the living room. I love eating like this, laid-back and informal. Jake places the bag of food on the coffee table and takes a seat next to me.

  “Savannah’s going to call you tomorrow. Thanks for the head’s up that you spoke to her. You always get to her before I do.”

  “I was excited. When she called to see how I was doing, I spilled. She almost made me deaf with her yell.”

  “Tell me about it. She almost did the same to me when I told her we were going to move in together.”

  “She and Parker are looking for places?”

  “Yeah. She said they’re searching in Roswell. I’m sure she wants to be closer to the bakery.”

  “Makes sense,” Jake takes a bite of his burrito.

  We eat in peaceful silence and drink our whiskeys. I want this everyday.

  “Where are we going to live?” I finally ask. His smile fills me with love.

  “As long as I get to do this with you every day, I don’t care.”

  “Good answer but not enough.”

  “Baby, wherever you want. Do you want to stay at one of our places or find something new? Do you want something bigger than a one bedroom?”

  “I’m not sure. I love my apartment and yours. Yours is bigger, but so manly.” Jake smiles. “Seriously, I don’t need pinks and purples, but maybe a more neutral décor?”

  “We can redecorate. Neutral sounds good. I do like your couch.”

  “You have a king bed.”

  “Is my closet big enough for the two of us?”

  I scrunch up my nose. “Oh, no.”

  “New place?”

  “New place,” I agree. “I like this neighborhood though.”

  Jake’s apartment is central and close to lots of restaurants and bars. Southern isn’t far and the bakery is nearby too.

  “Tracy is a realtor. I can talk to her tomorrow.”

  “That would be great! We can give her a wish list and see what she comes up with.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Maybe we can have dinner with her and Justin this week.”

  “I’d like that.” I move closer to him and lean into his side. Jake holds me close to him and kisses the top of my head. I’ve never been so happy.

  “So, would you let me put those metal balls in you?” Jake smiles playfully.

  “No.”

  “But . . .”

  “No,” I repeat.

  “Don’t you trust me?”

  “I do.” I kiss him and bite his lower lip and smile. “You can put something else in me.”

  He groans and turns us over so he’s on top. The cold tiles pressed against my back are cooling. I guess he isn’t too worn out from earlier today after all.

  “What time is the game?” Jake asks me.

  “One o’clock. Are we almost there?”

  I’m excited to be there for Nico’s first football game. Nico made sure to call me often enough so I wouldn’t forget and asked for Jake to come as well. The past couple of weeks have been hectic between apartment hunting and work picking up with fall and classes starting.

  “Yes. We’ll be there with enough time to find Brian and Tess before it starts.”

  “Good! I want to make sure Nico sees me before he starts playing.”

  “Just you?”

  “Yeah,” I look at him like he’s grown two heads. “I’m his aunt.”

  “I taught him how to perfect his throw.”

  “Your point?”

  Jake sighs and rolls his eyes. Whatever, Nico and I are a team.

  Jake was really excited when Nico asked for him to come for the game. He was adamant that we would be there. As if I’d miss Nico’s first game of the season. I make it a point to go every year since he started playing, even with this being the first time I was fully responsible of the bakery.

  I practically jump out of the truck before Jake puts it in park. I call my brother to see where they’re sitting and make my way towards the bleachers.

  “Jesus, Beth, slow down.”

  I see Tess waving at us, and I make my way towards them, excusing myself to the people already sitting down so I can get to the seats they have saved. I give Tess a hug and kiss my brother on the cheek. Sienna crawls onto my lap when I sit down and hugs me.

  “Hey, baby girl.” I kiss her forehead and look out at the field for Nico. He smiles when he sees us and I wave. Jake gives him a thumbs-up, and Nico walks over to his coach.

  “Hey, Sienna,” Jake says, and Sienna blushes.

  “I know the feeling, sweetie,” I whisper to her.

  Brian, Tess, Jake and I catch up before the game begins. Sienna tells me what she’s learning in school and the difference between first grade and kindergarten. She says she loves her new teacher and there is a boy in her class that is really cute. What the hell? Isn’t she too young for crushes? I laugh when Brian scowls at Sienna’s confession, and I know he’s thinking the same thing I am.

  Once the game begins, we’re all focused on Nico’s team. We cheer when they score or make a great play and cringe when they don’t. Jake gets really into it, and I need to silence him a few times. He needs to remember this isn’t high school or college, and people here don’t know h
im like they do in Tuscaloosa.

  “Uncle Jake,” Sienna’s voice comes through the noise of the crowd and I freeze. I can’t even look at Jake for fear I’ll see him freaking out.

  “What did you say, sweetie?” I ask her.

  “I called for Uncle Jake.”

  “Umm . . .” How do I explain this to her?

  “Mommy and daddy told me that’s what he’ll be.”

  I look at Brian, wide-eyed.

  “How else do you explain relationships to a six year old? I told her if you two got married one day he would become her uncle.” No pressure.

  Jake laughs and I turn my head to him.

  “Yeah, sweetheart?” is all he says.

  “Is Nico using what you taught him when we visited grandma and grandpa?”

  “He sure is. He’s really doing great.”

  “Good. He was nervous he wouldn’t throw just like you.”

  Jake chuckles. “He’s doing better than I did at his age.” Sienna smiles at Jake and I melt.

  It’s like it didn’t even faze him that she just called him uncle.

  “Oh, and Sienna, you can call me Uncle Jake whenever you want.” He winks at her and she smiles proudly.

  I reach for his hand and lace my fingers with his. I lean in and kiss him on the cheek.

  “Thank you,” I whisper. He winks and I swear I just blushed like Sienna. What a flirt.

  “How’d I do, Jake?” Nico runs up to him with a proud smile and ignores me. What the hell?

  “You were amazing! More practice and you’ll be the best quarterback in your division.”

  “Yes!” He jumps up and down and starts talking to Jake.

  “Um, hello a ‘Hi, Aunt Beth, I’m so happy you came to see me,’ would be a nice way of welcoming me.”

  “Hey. Sorry. I was just excited to see Jake.”

  “This is bullshit,” I mumble to myself. Jake laughs and tells Nico something.

  “Sorry, Aunt Beth. You know you’re my favorite aunt. I just got excited to see Jake and talk about the game with him.” Nico hugs me, and I smile at Jake knowingly.

  “I’m glad you’re excited about the game and seeing Jake. You stink, by the way.”

  “I know! Isn’t it awesome?” I laugh. Boys will be boys.

  Brian wraps an arm around me and smiles down at me.

  “When did they grow up?” I ask him.

  “No fuckin’ clue, sis. No way in hell Sienna is dating until she’s in college, though.”

  “I second that motion.” We both laugh as we watch her play with a little boy whose brother is teammates with Nico.

  “You guys gonna stay the night?”

  “I have no idea. I’ll have to ask Jake.”

  “Alright. You know you have a room in our house.”

  “Thanks, Brian.”

  Jake and I decided to spend the night when Nico begged us to have dinner with them. He and Sienna jumped up and down when we said we’d stay over, and Sienna started to make a fort in the living room.

  Three hours later, the kids have finally fallen asleep and I help take them to bed. I tuck them in, and Nico stirs when I pull the sheets over him.

  “Aunt Beth?” Nico asks.

  “Yeah, buddy.”

  “I like Jake. You can marry him.” I have to hold in my laughter. Nico is something else. He is mature for a nine-year-old boy. I’m glad he gave me his blessing to get married.

  “Thanks, love.” I kiss his forehead and leave his room.

  I find Jake sitting on the bed in the spare bedroom and walk in closing the door behind me.

  “These kids are exhausting,” I say as I sit on his lap.

  “They’re adorable.” Jake kisses my shoulder. “I’m glad we came.”

  “Me, too. Nico admires you.”

  “He’s a great kid. He has potential if he works hard.”

  “I know. I still can’t believe he didn’t say hi to me. Now I know how he felt when I brought you to my parents’ house.”

  “He loves you.”

  “Yeah, whatever, I’m supposed to be his favorite person.”

  “You may need to share that title,” he jokes.

  I sigh dramatically. “I guess if I need to, you’d be the only other person I’d share his affection with.”

  “Let’s go to sleep, baby,” Jake says in my ear. I shiver at the feel of his hot breath on my skin and stand to undress.

  Once we’ve changed our clothes for pajamas, I lie in bed next to my love and tangle my legs with his. “Goodnight, babe,” I say into the crook of his neck.

  “Goodnight, darlin.’” I smile against his skin and close my eyes.

  I wake up before Jake does and sneak out of bed. After going to the bathroom, I make my way downstairs to the kitchen.

  “Good morning,” Tess says quietly.

  “Hey.”

  “You want coffee?”

  “Please,” I say.

  “Thanks for having us,” I tell her when she hands me a mug. I fix my coffee to my liking and sit on a stool at their kitchen island.

  “Our pleasure. The kids were so excited to see you two. I’m happy Jake came along.”

  “I am, too.” I smile at Tess. I’ve known her for years, ever since she and my brother met in college, and she quickly became a part of the family. “Nico gave me his blessing to marry Jake.” We both laugh, and she shakes her head.

  “What am I going to do with that son of mine?”

  “I don’t know. I love that kid. He was half asleep, but he gave me his blessing.”

  “He loves you like crazy. If he gave you his blessing, then he must really like Jake.”

  “That’s true.” I giggle and Brian walks into the kitchen.

  “What are you two gigglin’ about?” he says as he makes a beeline for the coffee.

  “Girl stuff,” Tess responds.

  “I would rather not know.” He kisses Tess sweetly and smiles at me. “You guys have fun yesterday?”

  “Yes. Sienna’s fort was hardcore. We cleaned it all up.”

  “Sounds good. You guys wanna go have brunch before you drive back?”

  “Yeah. Can we go to that place Nico and I love?”

  “I don’t think Nico would let us try any other brunch place,” Brian says.

  Birmingham has one of the most delicious restaurants I have ever been to. Magnolia’s is a Birmingham staple. The food is amazing, the mimosas are mixed perfectly and the atmosphere is open and welcoming. It’s perfect for both adults and children. As if on cue, Nico and Sienna come down the stairs.

  “I’ll go wake Jake up,” I say and place my empty mug in the dishwasher.

  I tiptoe into the room and lean against the closed door to watch Jake sleep a minute. He’s mumbling something in his sleep that I can’t decipher.

  “Jake, wake up.” I walk over to the bed and gently rock him. “Baby, come on.”

  Nothing. No movement. He’s such a deep sleeper.

  “Jake,” I say more firmly. “Wake up.” I rock him harder this time.

  I hear Nico excitedly tell Sienna we’re going to brunch at Magnolia’s, and then his bedroom door closes. I shove Jake one more time and nothing. He leaves me no choice. I kiss him with all the passion I can gather, forcing his lips apart and thrusting my tongue into his mouth. His hand grips my hip, and I let out a muffled moan. Mission accomplished. His other hand holds my head in place before I can break away and he continues to devour my mouth.

  “Auntie Beth!” The door swings open and I jump away from Jake.

  “Yeah, sweetheart?” My breathing is coming fast, and I notice Jake’s body shaking. Asshole.

  “We’re going to brunch!”

  “I know. I was just waking Jake up so he can get dressed. He never wants to wake up on time.”

  “Oh, you can pour cold water on him. I’ve heard that always works.”

  “I may have to try that.”

  She smiles her gorgeous, little girl smile and closes the door behind he
r after she tells me to hurry up. Jake’s laughter rips through his chest, and I hit his stomach.

  “I can’t believe you!”

  “I-I’m sorry,” he lets out, as he catches his breath. “Your lips on mine were too tempting. I may need that cold water poured on me.”

  I reach down and cup his cock. “You definitely need some cold water because I’m not taking care of that right now and neither are you.” I get out of bed and grab my clothes. “We’re going to brunch like you heard Sienna say.”

  “Perfect. I plan on having you for lunch later today.”

  “That better be a promise you can keep, bartender.”

  “Oh, I intend to.”

  We head out to brunch once we’re all dressed and ready. Nico and Sienna wanted to ride in the truck with us. Those two kids stole my heart a long time ago, and it fills me with joy to witness them welcome Jake so openly. Even more, I love watching Jake interact with them. It proves to me even more how great he is with children. He’s definitely more comfortable around my family.

  This trip has been amazing. Jake and I continue to get stronger each day. We are meeting Tracy again this week to see a new apartment that just became available near Jake’s building. It would be the perfect location and the pictures she sent us are amazing. It has most of the things on our wish list. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Both of our landlords were nice enough to let us out of our leases since we’ve been great tenants for the last few years. It couldn’t have worked out more perfect. I was kind of shocked. Soon Jake and I will be starting a new chapter in our lives together.

  After brunch, I say bye to my family and try not to tear up when the kiddos hug me. It’s always difficult to leave them, but I’ll be back soon. I try to visit them a few times a year, and I’m sure I’ll be able to stick to that. Once in the truck driving back, I notice Jake’s huge grin.

  “What’s got you so happy?” I ask him.

  “Just thinking about something Nico told me.”

  “Which was?”

  “It’s a secret between guys.” I roll my eyes.

  “Seriously? I’m going to start getting jealous.”

  “Don’t be, darlin,’ It’s a good secret.” Jake kisses the top of my hand and continues to smile to himself.

  I sneak out of bed quietly and decide to just have coffee once I arrive at Sweet Delights. Jake had a late night yesterday since Southern had a live band performing, and I don’t want to wake him. They were a great group, and I can see them becoming the next hot band. Lacy and I stayed for most of their act, but I left when I couldn’t stop yawning. At least today is Saturday and the bakery is only open half a day, so I can relax the rest of the afternoon. Ever since we moved in together, Jake and I have fallen into a wonderful routine. I love coming home on Saturday afternoons and cuddling with him on the couch while he watches the football games. We had found the perfect balance in decorating our home. That last apartment Tracy showed us when we returned from Birmingham in September was the right one for us.