What a New Year's Eve

by R. E. Laurel

  “Saw that,” Teresa said, giving her index finger a scolding shake.

  “Can’t help it. It’s been far too long since I had fresh homemade cookies.”

  “I’ll be in here all afternoon so they’ll be a lot more tomorrow. Maren, how many do you need today?”

  “I called to make sure how many would be there. Not a lot which is wonderful. I’ll pack up ten dozen boxes.”

  “Don’t skimp. You know I’ll be making more.”

  “I’ll stay and help you, too.” Belinda chimed in, grating orange peels.

  “Take your time. We have it covered,” Teresa coaxed as Maren removed boxes and place the colored wax paper on the bottom.

  “What are we going to do?” Victor wondered, grasping the boxes from her to open then tear the paper off to place inside while Maren stacked cookies inside.

  “I go to the youth center every year to deliver cookies to the children there. There are only going to be eight there today which means they’re home, I hope, and not on the streets messing around.” Maren explained.

  “Why would you want to do that?” Victor questioned loading cookies in a box and closing.

  Maren paused with her task wondering whether she heard him correctly. Her hands remained on the top of a box as she studied his profile. He was so intent on helping her that he failed to notice she stopped. She did a quick glance at her mom and Belinda who was watching. Obviously, they heard him too.

  “I do it because it makes them smile. They laugh and love it.” She turned to give him her full attention.

  “I still don’t understand why to go to all of this trouble just to make some children happy,” he scoffed.

  “Victor!” She angrily snapped, her tone of voice caught his undivided attention.

  “What?”

  “How can you be so uncaring? I mean that was such a heartless and cruel thing to ever, ever say about any child! Have you ever been so alone, not knowing when you will eat the next meal? Go to school in old clothes, have an empty stomach. Knowing at home your mom, dad or even the parents are struggling to get food on the table or pay utilities so that there is heat or electricity.”

  “Um.”

  “Or worry about being bullied at school? Have you ever thought about that?” She relentlessly demanded.

  “Where I am from those thoughts never cross my mind.”

  “Just where are you from?”

  He faltered with his answer before stating, “The Hamptons.”

  “And you expect me to believe that with you managing the men’s department?”

  “It doesn’t matter to me if you do or not.”

  “You are going with me to watch the faces of these beautiful children. Your heart will systematically melt. Mark my words.”

  “I was planning on going anyhow.”

  Maren rolled her eyes. After everything she just said with the hopes of talking him into going, he easily complies.

  “Get dressed,” she glanced out the window at the snow squalls blowing through. “We’ll take my car. That one you drive would be like a toboggan on ice skates.”

  “I hardly think so. I’ll follow you,” he returned, walking where he laid his clothes to tug them on. “After you my lady.” He picked up the bags containing the boxes before sweeping his arm, motioning her before him.

  “I’m going home afterward,” Maren reminded her mom.

  “Hey, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Belinda politely reminded, gaining another glare from Maren.

  Victor grinned, obviously, Belinda knows the secret Maren carries. He still found it unbelievable that she is a virgin.

  “We’ll see you tomorrow!” Teresa called out to their retreating backs. She turned to Belinda, “Well, what do you make of them?”

  Belinda licked off a beater, thinking about that question, “Honestly? I have no idea. She’s definitely interested in him.”

  “Can’t say I blame her,” Teresa replied with a shake of her head.

  ***

  They followed a paved curving drive, arriving at the old one-time red brick elementary school building, now renovated into a youth center. She shut off the engine and was about to get out when he pulled next to her and motioned to stay. She watched as he got out of his car and hurried to open the door for her.

  “Thank you,” she complimented as he followed her behind where she opened the hatchback. His eyes widened at the many gifts inside.

  “I went to elementary school here. Progress moved in and decided to build a super school and combine the children. But at least it’s being put to good use.”

  “What are those for?”

  “The children.”

  “Why?” He was really dumbfounded.

  “Their smiles. Their laughter. What else could it be?”

  After she loaded his arms and hands with bags of the gifts, Victor still managed to open the double glass door for Maren, following behind into the wide corridor. The floors were an endless trail of white. The walls were painted a nasty celery green where hand-made posters hung here and there. Echoes of children’s laughter and bouncing balls penetrated the vast emptiness. They followed the sounds, their wet shoes from the snow squeaking their resistance on the shining wax floor.

  With a huge smile, Maren entered the gymnasium where the tiny group ranging in ages of eight to twelve were having a game of one on one basketball. Rachel, one of the superintendents, met them. She gave Victor a long look as she got nearer, her blue eyes shooting Maren a look of wonder.

  “Maren, great to see you and who is this?” Rachel eyed Victor.

  “Oh Rachel, I couldn’t wait to get here. This is Vic, my...”

  “Boyfriend,” Victor interjected through a smile.

  “Oh!” Rachel raised her eyebrows at the innuendo, turning her attention to Maren. “Lovely,” she added with a wink.

  Maren pressed her lips together. “No, he isn’t that.” She knew she sounded lame but how could she say no after his confession and he’s giving her such a shitty grin which erupted his adorable dimples. “Well, okay,” she relented.

  “It’s none of my business,” Rachel laughed out. “Anyhow, they’re anxiously waiting for you. Give a shout out.”

  “Hey, guys!” Maren called out.

  “It’s Maren!” Sarah, a bright-eyed blond little girl shouted, getting the others to join as they ran towards her, arms outstretched.

  Maren bent to place her packages on the floor as they rushed her in a huge circular embrace. Her joyous laughter easily blended with theirs. Voices called out their greetings of, where have you been; how are you doing; we thought you forgot about us.

  “I’ve been busy. I’m doing just fantastic now that I’m seeing all of your smiling faces. I’d never ever forgotten about you all. Believe me when I say that,” she answered.

  “I’m so happy you’re here,” one little boy finally squeezed in among the salutations. His equally dark eyes seriously looked at her.

  Maren knelt down to look him in the eyes. She placed a finger beneath his chin to steady his face as she spoke. “Joey, I told you all I’d be here today. I would never say anything and not do it. You know that ” she softly reminded.

  He nodded and gave her a big smile before wrapping his arms around her neck in a death grip. Happily, she returned his hug with one of her own. “I brought you all some cookies, just baked this morning and each some gifts.”

  “Miss Wilson, who’s the dude with you?”

  She looked at the ever serious, watchful Sam. He was the eldest here today. At the age of twelve, he managed to witness too much in his young life.

  “Sam, he’s a friend of mine. His name is Victor. Victor, this is Sam. He has decided to make himself a bodyguard for me.” She introduced and explained with a smile.

  Victor extended his arm. “Pleasure to meet the protector of my girl and Sam you have quite a difficult task ahead of yourself,” he added with a chuckle.

  Sam eyed the large hand waiting for a handshake then
looked to Maren. “Is he for real?”

  Sam placed his hand in Victors and grinned, “It’s my pleasure to protect her.”

  Maren nodded, not missing the intended words from Victor. His girl?

  It took only five minutes for the children to show trust in Victor. He laughed with them, had them laughing and easily gained their respect. That alone was a feat that Maren took a few visits to achieve and she was impressed with how he talked to them, not at them. He was just a natural. He even joined in a quick basketball game of ‘Horse’.

  “Amazing,” she said to Rachel. She kept her eyes on them as she removed the presents and placed them on the lowest seat on the bleachers.

  “What is amazing?” Rachel asked.

  Maren looked at the short blond as she helped remove the presents. “At how well they took him into the fold, so to say. It took me at least two more visits to get the older ones to come around.”

  “I’m going to guess he is a man and the older boys don’t have a father in their life. Just have a dad that comes around now and then, mostly then.”

  “Makes sense,” Maren agreed before she put her fingers to her mouth, emitting an ear-piercing whistle. When they looked at her, she swung her arm in the air, motioning to come over to her. It wasn’t long until another bombardment of children ran at her. Victor brought up the rear watching her. Her face glowed with happiness and joy as she handed out presents and the boxes of cookies. Remaining silent he listened to the excited chattering of the children as they sat on the floor to dig into the packages. He laughed out at the squeals of enjoyment mingled together. Again he was amazed when a simple scarf, hat and glove set made them happy and tears erupted at new winter coats.

  His gaze remained fixed on her; at the expression of contentment; delight; happiness and he caught it. The sheer pleasure of giving instead of receiving made her happy too. She was making perfect memories for someone who needed help and she loved it. She wasn’t looking for acknowledgment of what she did, just knowing that she could do for others was enough.

  Two hours later they both received hugs from everyone along with I love you being stated to both of them. Turning away, Victor held his arm out waiting for Maren to slip her hand at the crook. He slowed his steps to keep up with her shorter stride. His chest rose and fell with the sigh of contentment.

  Maren looked up at him, seeing a smile play on his lips. “Well, what did you think?”

  “You are correct. Their faces are all a person needs to see. I think you are a marvelous lady,” he stated, stopping to gaze into her shimmering dark eyes. “You positively glow. Do you know that?”

  “No.”

  His hand cupped her face to hold her still as he dipped his face closer until his lips barely brushed against hers, feeling the smile as he kissed her again. His lips lingered, lengthening the touch. Pushing further, he eased his tongue into her hot mouth and receiving a wild desirous kiss in return. Moving slightly away he couldn’t miss the softness in her eyes.

  “Would, would you want to come to my place for a light supper?” She managed to say with his mouth still so near hers.

  “I’d love to.”

  CHAPTER 11

  Maren didn’t know how the hell she managed to drive home with Victor following her. That kiss left her trembling. She jumped when her cell phone rang. Pushing the button on the dash of her car to answer, she saw Belinda’s name.

  “Hello.”

  “My but that’s a breathless greeting,” Belinda snickered.

  “Wasn’t going to answer. I’m driving.”

  “Hi to Victor.”

  “He isn’t with me. Something the matter?”

  “Yea. He doesn’t look like you scared him away. What’s with you two? Your mom and I couldn’t resist noticing the electrifying spark between you two.”

  Maren smiled. “I don’t know what’s with us two. We’re still getting to know each other.”

  “Have sex. That should do it,” Belinda laughed.

  “Haha. I’m sorry but I can’t just meet someone and have sex the same day to see if we click. It’s all from the heart, the feelings, the...”

  “Yea, whatever,” Belinda interrupted having hearing the same lecture from her thousands of times. “I’m reminding you that you’ve known him two weeks. I’ll not keep you any longer since you’re driving. Talk later?”

  “Of course.”

  Maren drove to the back of the house. Glancing in the rear view mirror she saw the blue Chevrolet Cruze pulling behind. She pushed the button on her visor to open the garage door. He was instantly at her door to open and help her out, carrying a brown grocery sack in one arm.

  “You’re going to spoil me,” she laughed as he took her hand in his to walk with her to her house. She pushed the button inside the garage door, closing it.

  “Just protocol. I guess I did learn a few things from my father.”

  Maren caught the controlled anger emerging through the spoken word and wondered what that was all about.

  They entered through the back door into the mudroom and hung their coats and put your boots and shoes. He followed her to the kitchen, watching the sway of her hips beneath her sweatpants. Her ponytail bounced with her steps.

  And he smiled.

  What the hell is going on with him? Here he is in Concord Hamlet in the state of New York with snow falling and with an intriguing lady when he could be on a beach in the Bahamas soaking up the sun. There he could be with any woman barely wearing any clothes and who he could have. Ah, the keywords are an intriguing lady. She is nothing like any of the others he ever met. He placed the bag on the counter as Maren retrieved cups from the cupboard.

  “That was an interesting morning. Is it always this way at your parents’ home?” Victor wondered. He sure didn’t miss the affection they showed to one another, something his home life lacked.

  “Mom will be a baking fool for the next four weeks,” Maren laughed, retrieving the kettle to add water inside and place on the gas burner.

  “Oh yeah, that was fun too.” He removed an iced sugar cookie wrapped in a napkin from the pocket of his jeans and took a bite.

  Maren released a light laugh. “How many did you eat?”

  “I lost count. Damn, they’re delicious. But I was talking about the attention your parents show one another. Is it always like that?” His brows drew down. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t ever recall his parents touching, hugging or even those quick kisses between them.

  “Oh yeah. Everyday. I’ve even almost walked in on them a few times.”

  “No damn way!”

  “Luckily they were laughing, you know, that knowing, naughty laugh between lovers. I high tailed it out of the house as fast as I could and quiet.”

  Victor remained silent, listening to her words. He sadly realized that no, I don’t know that. A sudden gloominess drifted over him.

  Maren watched him and caught the sad look. Tenderly she reached out, touching the side of his face wanting to wipe that expression away. She never saw him look like that. His hand caught her at the wrist, rubbing his thumb across her wrist he moved her hand towards his lips, pressing a kiss on the palm. A quick sigh escaped from him when he felt her arms wrap around his waist, giving him a hug.

  “I wish I could erase whatever pains you like that. I’ve never seen you look that way,” she whispered.

  “It’s fine. I’ll be fine,” he muttered, his smile returning.

  “You need a good dose of The Christmas Story. We’ll watch it once I get the hot chocolate ready. You go out to the parlor and I’ll bring the cups in.”

  “I can wait with you. I’m not used to be waited on like this.”

  “Nonsense. I don’t mind.”

  With a naughty gleam in his eyes, he leaned into her until her buttocks pressed against the counter. His hands braced on each side of her hips. “Being I have been wanting to do this all damn day.” He confessed as he lowered his face to hers his lips capturing hers. His kiss was long, tantali
zing, unrelenting. He felt hesitance in her arms as she slid them around his neck. Her kiss was, in the beginning, timid then fluctuating to a bit on the temptress side. Her response was stimulating. Her body intimately pressed against his sending enthusiastic thoughts flowing through him. She felt so good, tasted so good and he fell a bit deeper.

  The whistling of the tea kettle filled the air.

  “I suppose I need to get that,” she murmured with his lips barely touching her, hating to break the moment between them.

  Without saying a word, he moved away. Crossing his arms across his chest he quietly watched her move, appearing to wait for his drink when in reality his mind was twisting in a jumble of thoughts. Thoughts that were very foreign to him.

  This is fucking insane. In the short time that we have known each other, I already find myself constantly thinking about her. This kind of bullshit doesn’t happen in real life, he alleged with a sigh. The cup being waved in front of his eyes changed his train of thoughts.

  “Penny for your thoughts.”

  He took the cup from her hand and grabbed the grocery bag from the countertop. Smiling, he added, “Job-related things. Lead the way, gorgeous.”

  They went to the parlor taking a seat on the plush sofa, setting their drinks on coasters. She picked up the remote control for the television, turning on The Christmas Story, watching as Victor removed a tray of cut salami, an assortment of cubed cheese and crackers.

  “What is this?”

  “Since we don’t have any more cookies I decided to buy a snack for this afternoon.”

  Maren reached to release her hair from its clamp. Moving her head side to side brought the loose mass around her shoulders. Then she proceeded to glide her fingers through to help put it into some semblance of order.

  “Nothing like meat, cheese, crackers, and hot chocolate. It’s all good food for the soul.” Victor declared, his hands unwrapping the food.

  “I can make a meal of this.”

  “Same here. I love it...what the hell is he doing?”

  Maren looked at the television at the scene of Ralphie sticking his tongue onto the cold metal pole and laughed at Victor’s expression of total disbelief.