by R. E. Laurel
“Again I’m so sorry about last night and your mother,” Maren apologized. Her voice made Victor look up from the Times crossword puzzle. They sat with legs stretched out twined as they sat at each end of the couch.
“I wish you could have seen your face, better yet hers,” he chuckled. “But when I laid my eyes on you, man I am one lucky man.”
“I’m nothing special.”
“You are special. You are the special lady in my life.”
“Well, I feel the same way about you. I still can’t believe you are with me.”
“Gorgeous, you hit my heart hard. You were yourself, not trying to make an impression on me hoping to catch my attention, he explained. “What made you change your mind?”
“People can change. I had already agreed to return to you before your mother accosted me with her scathing words. I still find it hard to believe how a parent can be to their child.”
“That was mild.”
Maren clenched her teeth while doing an uncontrollable shiver trying to imagine the lady’s wrath. Shaking it off, she asked. “I have Christmas Eve. Are you interested in joining us?”
“I would not miss it.”
“Oh, just look at that.” She nodded to the television screen. “I would love to see those.”
“Aurora Borealis?”
“Mm-hmm. They always fascinated me but only got to see them in videos.” Looking outside at the darkness, she realized how late it was. “I really need to get going. Mr. Whiskers is going to be one pissed off cat.”
Victor dropped the newspaper onto the floor and proceeded to crawl towards her. “Do you really have to? I enjoy you next to me at night.” He laid on his side against the couch, rubbing his hand up and down her leg as he waited for an answer.
She touched the side of his face, noticing a bit of a roughness on his jaw from a needed shave. “Yes, I do. Thank you for a wonderful day and night.”
Shifting, his arm wrapped around her hip giving her a hug. “If you have to.” Stretching his long length, he pressed a kiss on her lips before getting up and then helping her to stand.
He waited as she retrieved her clothing. Reaching out, he grasped the handle of her purse, his other hand clasping hers as he walked her into the elevator.
“When will I see you again? I realize that you’re busy,” she asked, leaning against him to look up at his handsome face.
“I am working on a special project that has been keeping me extra busy. I will let you know but anytime you want to talk just call me. Okay?”
“I will and you do the same?” She hopefully asked still uneasy with not seeing him.
“You bet your sweet ass.”
The door slid open to reveal the young couple in a deep kiss, much to the delight of those in the lobby. Someone clearing his throat caught their attention. Slowly they pulled apart to look at everyone watching. The concierge grinning.
“I’ll see you,” Victor said, watching her walk away.
Maren practically skipped to her car. Driving away she failed to notice a lone figure standing nearby watching her.
***
Maren entered the back door to a loud Mr. Whiskers patiently sitting at the door. Dropping her purse and then coat while kicking off her shoes, she hurried to the kitchen where he ran next to her to sit next to his bowl.
“I’m sorry but I swear that I never intended on staying away from you this long.” He glared at her like she had been gone for a month but quickly forgave her when she got some food for him. He rubbed against her legs while purring his thanks. “You are welcome.”
Entering her parlor room, she turned on the mini lights everywhere bringing the rooms to a soft glow. Then she turned the tree on before reclining on the couch to quietly sit and reflect on the past day and a half. She felt so different, so much alive and she couldn’t wait to be with him again.
Her phone began ringing. Recognizing the tune she answered, “Hi handsome.”
“Just making sure you’re safely home.”
His rich voice causes a shiver of pleasure to course through her. “This is insane,” she muttered.
“What is?”
“These feelings that just the sound of your voice does to me. How can this be?”
“Gorgeous, it’s happening to me too. We are meant for each other. There has been a reason why we never cared to get involved with anyone else. I thank God every day for bringing you into my life.”
“So have I. Believe me, so have I,” her voice softened.
“What are your plans for tomorrow?”
“I’m going to get items for Christmas Eve. It’s thirteen days away but those days will fly by.”
“Let me know if you need anything. Are we done decorating your house?” He wondered.
“Just a few small things I still need to display. I can get at them.”
“I had fun despite fighting with a twelve-foot tree.” He laughed.
“You did a great job. Hey! You need your place decorated. That’s what is missing.”
“No gorgeous. I’m fine. Hi Stan,” he added.
“You have company. We’ll talk later?”
“Yep. He just buzzed to be let in. Love you, gorgeous.”
“I love you, too.”
Victor ended the call as he let Stan in his apartment then turned to return to the living room.
“Love you, gorgeous?” Stan repeated. “Are you two back to talking?”
“She spent last night with me.” Victor stretched his long legs in front of him as Stan sat on the leather recliner.
“Oh, so that explains why the mother was pissed off.” Victor’s eyebrows rose up. “Oh yeah, she returned to the office really peeved. What the hell was going on? She kept muttering something about she is such a gold digging slut.”
“Let’s say that we walked in and was met with a luscious figure only wearing my shirt a tie and panties. Bright red lips and a seductive look that would make any other lady I know very jealous.” A huge smile curled his lips at the mere memory of her.
Stan released a long whistle. “Just your description is hot.”
“She is.”
“I was wondering if you wanted to go out for a drink? Maybe find a couple of babes.”
“Sure, let’s go. You can find a babe. I’m fine.”
Already knowing that Stan told her he was going to see if Victor wanted to go out for a few drinks, she patiently waited outside of the apartment. Shuffling her feet, she wished they would hurry up. She was getting cold. At Stan’s car leaving the garage with a passenger, she grinned. Retrieving her phone she made a call.
“Hurry up. We’re doing this now.”
***
The next morning was beautiful with the sun sending glistening sparkles off of all of the snow. Maren dressed in jeans, a blue sweater, thick socks. Pulling on her snow boots, she slipped into her coat and tugged on a beanie cap. With Mr. Whiskers following her around, she paused.
“I promise. I’m coming right back.”
Slipping on a dark pair of sunglasses, she went into the cold. Thankful for older brothers, she walked on the plowed driveway. The mounds of snow on the edge stood a good seven feet tall. A new coating fell sometime overnight adding another inch. Pausing, she looked at her yard, loving the beauty of the untouched snow.
Driving to the neighborhood market, she took a detour past the building she wanted. She parked across the street, amazed at the activity going on. She got out. Waiting on the few cars, she crossed sidestepping two men carrying a long box.
“Things getting done?” she asked, straining to read the company name on the box.
“Yes, ma’am.’
“So what kind of boutique is it again? She wondered, slowly following them onto the sidewalk. They stopped in front of the door.
“Clothes.” The one man answered before moving inside to close the door behind.
She rolled her eyes. “No shit. This store should have been mine,” she muttered wishing that damn brown paper wo
uld fall down from the windows. Tugging her hat lower on her head, she carefully returned to her vehicle, stepping over ice patches hidden beneath the snow.
Finally, she arrived at the grocery market. Entering through the sliding doors, she shuffled through her purse for the list. Her hands grasped the handle of a cart and she was off among the crowd of shoppers.
“Why did I come now instead of late night?” she complained, coming to a standstill behind a couple of elderly ladies facing each way in the aisle and decided to get caught up with each other. “Excuse me,” Maren politely interrupted. Through the huffy looks that she received, she pushed past them.
“Isn’t that the Wilson girl?”
Maren slowed, slightly turning her head when she heard her last name. Shrugging it off she hurried to get this job she deplored done, grocery shopping. She looked at her list and back at the shelves and noticed curious looks she kept receiving.
Nah, I’m just getting paranoid, she thought, but still, the furtive glances she kept receiving were beginning to nag at her. Doing her best to ignore them she stood in line to check out and again her name is mentioned. In her hand, she held her debit card to swipe. The cashier checked the name and then looked her in the face with a huge smile. Maren warily returned one.
“Is there a problem?” Maren asked.
“I have been wanting to tell you about your friend Mr. Neal. He called this morning ordering fifty turkeys for our needy families along with the trimmings.”
Maren’s mouth opened from the stunning news, then, “How did you know he is my friend?”
“Your mother was here at the time, overheard his name and mentioned that you were dating him.”
“Mother’s are wonderful,” Maren declared through clenched teeth.
“Did you know that he also did this at Thanksgiving? He’s such a caring man. You’re lucky. I remember him since I checked him out that day.”
A sincere smile curled her lips and chest swelled with pride at him being so giving. Shit, she must have changed him!
“Thank you.”
“Tell him that we all appreciate his kindness. I think he even mentioned buying toys for many children, too. That’s what the manager told us.”
Maren left the store with a huge smile. She was speechless. Amazed with the news. Nothing, no one could bring her down. She remembered his first time at the Youth Center and wondering why she would want to bring gifts and cookies to them. Checking the time on her phone realized she was late for her lunch date with Belinda.
“Hi. So sorry I’m late. I had a time at the market.” Maren apologized as she approached their usual corner booth where Belinda waited for her.
“Hi. What happened?”
“People are looking at me in a strange way and then I find out Vic bought a lot of food for food banks. He also did it for Thanksgiving!”
“That’s incredible!” she breathed. “How did the plan go?”
Maren briefly hid her face behind her hands. Her chest rose and fell from the sigh before she dropped her hands to look at Belinda. “Oh shit, Belinda. I’m sitting in a chair where I’d be the first thing he sees when he comes home. Shirt hanging open, a tie..”
“Tie! That’s a great additive,” Belinda interrupted.
“Hold on. Only wearing my panties. So I’m like, sitting there with what I’m praying is a seductive pose and I hear the elevator coming up.” She paused to let the visual set in.
“Then what.”
“I hear a woman’s voice.”
“What! Oh no!”
“His mother is with him. Yeah, can you believe it! The same lady that was here talking to us.”
Belinda gasped, eyes wide feeling the shock that Maren had to have felt. “No freaking way. What did he do?”
“After getting his senses back, he rushed at me to shield me with his coat and ushered me to his bedroom.”
“And?”
“He loved it.” She giggled as Belinda finally joined her.
They sobered as their food was placed in front of them.
“I ordered again. I know what you like.”
“It’s fine.”
“So, did you know that you are the talk of the town?”
“I am? For what?”
“Seems news has gotten around about you dating a billionaire.”
“What?” Maren questioned, leaning closer.
“Your mom tells the customers.”
“Go back. Billionaire?”
“Yep. You didn’t know?”
“I never really thought about that. I was too concerned about the personal aspect of our relationship. Did you really say, a billionaire?”
“Um, perhaps I need to shut up and let him decide to tell you.”
Maren’s brows furrowed, darkening her features. “No that’s fine. He did tell me that he owns fifty-ish stores but I just never ever imagined what his net worth would be. We never discussed anything like that.” She released a fast breath. “I wish mom would stop talking about my private life to people. She was at the market this morning too and blabbed it all.”
“Once we’re done, let’s do some shopping. I need to get done,” Belinda suggested.
“What do I get a man who has everything?”
“Let me take a picture of you in that steampunk outfit. We can sexy you up.”
“Sexy me up?”
“Yea and then get it printed in poster size for him. Or, a shirt that says Property of Maren.” Her voice faded at the stoic gaze she received.
“Let’s google it,” Maren suggested, reaching for her phone. “Look at these cufflinks.” She showed Belinda a pair of porcelain cufflinks with a black heart above crossed arrows. “I like these.”
“I like the picture idea, too.”
“Me too actually.”
CHAPTER 26
The following few days, Victor was in Concord Hamlet daily but didn’t want Maren to know. He was busy with the finishing touches on the store. He and Belinda were sitting behind the check out counter. The pair of old-time brass cash registers were just put in. They were authentic but also had been upgraded to make calculating easier.
“The Shoppe to Stop.” Belinda hopefully suggested with a smile which quickly faded at the slow shake of Victor’s head. “Come on, that’s my fifteenth one.”
“That is stupid, Belinda. That ranks up there with The Whatever You Want Shoppe that you thought about. I want the name to reflect on what she loves the most.”
“My Victor Hands Off?” She snickered which quickly faded with his get real look. “She loves vintage items and steampunk items. She loves anything old as in antiques.”
“Vintage and Steampunk Boutique.” Victor rattled off, “Right to the point.”
“I like it and I know she will too.” Belinda agreed.
“Good. I’ll get the sign ordered asap.”
“She still has no idea that you’ve been in town for the past seven days?”
“No, but we talk daily. I need to get this done. Her birthday is next week. I’m hoping to have it ready by then.” He explained, “What?” he asked when Belinda gave him a look of total amazement.
“Wish I could meet someone to give me a shop.” She laughed as Victor joined her. “We will be baking more cookies on the nineteenth at her home. She’s going crazy getting her house prepared for Christmas Eve. She loves this holiday.”
“Tell me. Do you know that I had to fly out to a meeting regarding the clothing for this shop? I return and my apartment is a big green jungle of pine swags and little white lights. The swags have red bows on them, and let’s not forget the decorated tree.”
Belinda wrinkled her nose, “Yeah, I helped her. You have a beautiful place.”
“I should have known that you were involved.” He laughed. “Well, I have a lot to do, people to call and places to go. I sure hope she likes this.” He glanced around the inside at the display cases that had items already stocked.
Vintage jewelry a mixture of costume to no names
, even expensive were all under glass in their own category. Their stones glistened with the aid of lighting. Naked mannequins standing around in groups waiting for their clothing to arrive. The wooden oak floors gleamed from their fresh polishing. The vintage section is to be filled with styles from the fifties and later. A few winter items arrived and he had the employees he hired tagging them. They were now waiting on the next season light and airy clothing.
The steampunks section showed exposed steam pipes running along the ceiling and walls. The antique stream trunks arrived and placed. A few sat on the end, opened to show the inside. The varied choices of Steampunk jewelry of gothic design were uniquely interesting. So many different kinds of men, women, vintage, gothic and keys. Who would have thought a simple key could become such a unique piece of artful jewelry? e.
“Keep up the good work everyone. Belinda, I hate that I have to leave again for a few days but I need to meet with father this time,” he explained, gathering binders filled with orders still to come.
***
Maren began the ritual of baking her cookies. Many others she knew had theirs baked and frozen, but she liked waiting as close to the holiday as she could. Turning on the television to a Christmas music channel, she began getting everything arranged while waiting for Belinda.
She grinned at the memory of the photo shoot. Laughing out loud, she muttered, “I sure hope he appreciates and likes it.”
Belinda loudly announced her presence, carrying two armloads of bags with more baking items. She plopped them onto the island as she took in a deep breath. “I am here.”
“So am I.”
Maren spun to face that male voice. “Vic! I thought you were away on business!” she squealed, leaping into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and legs around his waist.
“Hey!” he shouted, catching her in his arms.
“All I’m saying is it looks like you two have done that position before,” Belinda smugly commented as she cleared her throat. “I’ll go into the next room for a few minutes. Don’t let me stop you. Bye.” Grinning, she back out of the kitchen.
“Oh, Belinda. Get back in here!” Maren demanded, feeling her feet return to the floor.
