One Week and One Day Later
The last week had been a surprising challenge. I wanted to romance her hard and fast, showering her with flowers, taking her to the best restaurants, kissing her until she couldn't think straight. But I resisted. Kissing her until she couldn't think straight certainly hadn't worked in my favor last time, and she despised my inclination to 'throw money at things', so even if I wasn't sure that was a fair description, I certainly was going to respect her opinion and avoid doing it.
Not being affectionate was the hardest part. We'd be taking Mateo out for a walk, or talking on the couch, or having a meal together, and I was constantly distracted by my urge to hold her hand, to grab her and kiss her soundly, to tell her how much I loved her. I'd already decided the wisest choice of action was to let her set the pace. She'd done it before, I recalled fondly, thinking about being 'cleared for kissing'. As hard as it was, I was going to follow her lead.
Seeing Michael on Black Friday had thrown us both for a bit of a loop, but we got past it. As he walked away I walked up behind her, put my hand on her shoulder.
"You okay?" I'd asked.
"Yeah," Jane replied. "I'm okay."
Later, during Mateo's nap, I brought it up again.
"Listen, I know you weren't fine earlier. I get it. I just want you to know you can talk to me. About anything."
She shook her head vehemently. "No, really. I'm fine."
I sighed. "Jane, I know you only agreed to a first date, but if we want this, us, to work long term, we need to be able to talk about things like this. When I decided to divorce Petra, I was willing to pay her an extra ten thousand dollars to make her go away faster. I did that because it was hard for me to look at her. Even though I'd been sure our marriage was dead for over a year, seeing her still dredged up a lot of hurt, and pain, and anger. Especially anger. So you don't have to hide your hurt from me. I get it."
Jane sniffed, a small tear starting down her cheek. "I just expected to marry him, you know? And even when he was supposed to just be a friend, he was always there. My family still talks about him in the present tense. I just thought, especially after that stupid, drunken kiss, that maybe he would be around forever. And he hates me, and I'm not sure if that's even fair because I should be mad at him. And I know we can't ever be real friends, I know he'd always want more, and with how he treats you, it would just be wrong for everyone."
I gently rubbed her arm. "Well first of all, I heard that kiss was both epic and the best kiss ever. It was important to you, just like him. You don't need to talk it down for my sake. I don't expect you to have forgotten the connection you used to have. It's okay. I-" I paused, almost letting an I love you slip out. "I'll always be here. To listen, to talk to. Whatever you need."
Jane was quiet for a moment, I assumed evaluating what I'd said.
"Was it really hard, when you left Petra? It never looked like it bothered you."
Well that wasn't the response I'd expected. "Yes." I replied honestly. "It really hurt. For a long time. Sometimes it still does. I was looking at my December calendar, and for some reason one of the dates made me feel like I was forgetting something. When I realized it was Petra's fake birthday, I was angry. But the more time that passes, the less angry I get. The more time that goes by, the less it will hurt."
Jane nodded, smiling at me. "Rafael." She paused. "Thank you. It means a lot to me."
I wanted to hold her hand, wanted to kiss her until she forgot about him. But that wouldn't have been right. So I waited.
The morning of our date was a nightmare. I was awoken at four because a drunk VIP was insisting his five thousand dollar a night suite meant he wasn't beholden to pool hours. I dropped a ten pound weight on my foot while lifting in the gym, the hot water heater for my penthouse had apparently died during the night so my shower was a frigid ice bath, and when I got to my office I was informed that Petra couldn't make an appointment because she couldn't stop vomiting. So in addition to convincing someone to get married here, I had to worry about my ex wife and pending children.
I worked feverishly through lunch, trying to get everything done. Just after two my phone buzzed.
Can't wait for tonight.
I smiled, replying.
Neither can I.
The rest of the day seemed to go better. The VIP's pride was assuaged with a lie about the pool hours, the wedding decided to book with us, and Jane couldn't wait for our date.
I carefully selected a flattering but not obscenely tight shirt and my usual fitted dress pants, and threw pajamas and a second outfit in a small bag. I looked at the clock, noticing I still had thirty minutes. I quickly looked over the cheat sheet Jane had emailed me about the people I'd be meeting tonight. I was going to impress her.
I pulled up to her front door exactly five minutes early. I grabbed the bouquet of camellias off the passenger seat, and walked up to the front door. I knocked, then waited. A moment later Jane answered, looking bemused. "You haven't knocked in months!" She said, laughing and reaching for the flowers.
"Ah, but this is a first date. So I had to knock, and because it's a first date these flowers aren't for you." I winked at her.
"You brought flowers for someone else to our date? This is going to be the worst date ever." She teased.
"Jane? Que está en la puerta?" Who is at the door? Alba asked, walking into the room. "Ah, Rafael. Trajiste flores!" You brought flowers!
"For you." I said, handing the camellias to her. "Thank you for watching Mateo for us. I promise to get Jane home at a reasonable hour."
She laughed, taking them. Jane rolled her eyes. "I'll see you tonight, Abuela. We have to go. Thanks again!" She said, hustling us both out the door and into my car. "So, did you read my email?"
I smiled, starting the car. "Check under your seat."
She looked perplexed, but reached around until she found the stack of flashcards I'd made. "Are these?"
"I made flashcards for tonight. I've been studying for three days. I'm ready. Let's get you that advisor."
The date did not go quite as well as I had hoped. We entered the spacious room, and Jane scoped it out.
"She's not here." Jane said, disbelievingly. "Maybe she's in the bathroom?"
But she wasn't. We stayed the entire party, and she didn't show up. I charmed Jane's friends, especially that awful one-Wesley? But Jane spent the party watching the door.
Finally people started to depart. Jane drained her second glass of wine. "I guess she's not coming. I'm sorry I wasted our second first date."
I smiled at her. "Hey, it's okay. We still have brunch tomorrow." I gently grabbed her hand and held it in mine. "And no time spent with you will ever be a waste to me."
Jane smiled, still holding my hand. "Thank you, Rafael. You're sweet. And yummy."
I barely held back my laughter. "And you're in rough shape for a girl that's had two drinks. Come on, let me get you home."
Jane giggled, leading me out to the car. We got in, and started for home. "What were you like in high school?" She asked suddenly. "Handsome football player? Running your way through all the cheerleaders?"
I laughed. "Varsity tennis. That's what got me into weight lifting, an exercise related chronic knee injury. And no, no cheerleaders." She narrowed her eyes. "Okay, very few cheerleaders. Where did that come from?"
Jane looked out the window. "The party made me think about my high school reunion. Neither went like I envisioned. Which made me wonder about what you were like in highschool."
"I'm sorry about your reunion." I said softly. "I should have been there."
"It's okay." She replied. "If we're still together, you can make it up to me at my ten year reunion. But brunch better be good tomorrow."
"Brunch will be incredible. Try not to get sloppy on first date part two." I teased her.
"I am not sloppy!" Jane cried indignantly. "I'm maybe a little tipsy. Maybe."
We pulled up to her house, and I opened her door like a gentleman. "Thank you, sir." She smiled at me, before leading us into the house. It was dark, everyone must have turned in early. Jane paused. "Do you want to split some ice cream with me?"
"Sure. What do you have?"
Jane searched the freezer. "Mint marshmallow or Chocolate caramel cookie." She looked at me seriously. "There is a right answer."
I took the chocolate caramel cookie from her hand. "I'll take this one. You can have that joke."
"Hey!" She exclaimed before modulating her voice. "We can share that one."
"Okay." I said with a grin. Jane came and sat with me.
"So what's the plan for tomorrow?" She asked, digging into the carton with her spoon.
"It's a surprise." I tried to get a spoonful, but Jane blocked me.
"No way! Tell me what's going on and then you can have some."
"I'm not telling you anything." I found myself grinning. I spent a lot of time smiling now.
"Then no ice cream for you." She said, lightly rapping my knuckles with her spoon. She scooped the last bit out of the bottom and popped the spoon into her mouth.
For one second I imagined crushing my mouth to hers, stealing it with my tongue. I imagined running my hands through her hair, over her body, covering her with kisses and touches until she called out my name. But once again, I restrained myself.
I came out of my reverie when I felt her head leaning against my shoulder. I looked at her. Jane was asleep. I smiled at her, ran my thumb lightly over her cheek, her lip. Then I leaned back, and enjoyed slowly drifting off to sleep with her beside me.
I woke up to a deliciously warm body pressed sensually against mine. I could feel her rhythmic breathing, could smell her enticing scent. I wrapped my arms tighter around her, imagined spending all day in bed with her. Slowly I cracked open an eye. It was surprisingly light out. What time was it? I checked my watch.
"Jane... Jane! We have to get up! Or appointment is in twenty minutes!" I said, rubbing her arm.
"What?" Jane said, groggily. "What time is it?"
"It's almost ten! Quick! You get changed, I'll get Mateo."
We both jumped up from the couch, running to her room. There was a note in Mateo's crib.
Thought you guys looked tired, took Mateo to the park. -Xo
"Ah, I must have forgotten to tell her about your surprise today!"
"It's okay" I assured her. "It will be just as good with just you there."
She smiled at me. I was distracted by her sweetness, by her soft lips, her warm eyes. I left the room so she could change her dress, and we were in the car five minutes later.
"So what is this surprise?" Jane asked, teasingly.
"Wait and see." I responded, grinning.
We pulled up in front of our home.
"What's this?" Jane asked.
"I'm thinking about making an offer." I replied.
"I don't understand. It doesn't look like your kind of house." She responded.
That's because it's for us, for our family. "It's kind of half way between your house the Marbella. I'm not asking you to live here with me because I know that this is just our first date, but... I do want your opinion." I looked at her earnestly. She looked a little choked up. My heart was in my throat.
"I love it. So much."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Good. Because we have a showing right now."
"What?" Jane replied. "Really?"
"Yes. The realtor is inside. Let's go." I couldn't stop my face splitting grin. She was considering it. She didn't look scared or uncomfortable, just excited.
We exited the car and walked to the front door. It swung open almost immediately. "Rafael!" The realtor almost yelled, clapping me on the back. "Good to see you again. This must be Jane."
Jane smiled politely. "Jane, this is Don. He's a good friend of the family."
Don smiled back. "So you two get looking!"
We walked through the grand entryway, towards the kitchen. "Rafael, look at the kitchen! It's huge! And the living room is even bigger!" Jane whispered excitedly. "Look at the woodwork in the dining room. It's amazing."
"You seem to like it." I replied quietly. "How do you feel about carpet versus hardwood? I think I'd like to rip the downstairs carpeting out and have it replaced. And I'm thinking the kitchen needs to be redone. Possibly the walls painted, too."
Jane nodded. "I think hardwood would be gorgeous, but obviously it's up to you since it's your house!"
I gave her a sheepish smile. "I'm actually pretty terrible at interior design. If I buy this place, I was hoping you, your mom, and Abuela could help me decide on the renovations."
Jane laughed. "If you're sure that's what you want, I bet they'd love to help."
She didn't look suspicious at all. Good. I looked at the door to the room I wanted to surprise Jane with, then distracted her by pointing out the in law suite.
"There's two bedrooms, a kitchenette, two bathrooms and a living room. For if your family ever wanted to stay over?" I finished, lamely. She smiled. I grabbed her hand and started moving towards the stairs. "Let's check out upstairs."
We looked at the four smaller bedrooms, which were still spacious. Jane gasped at a green room with a jungle theme and enormous windows.
"Can you imagine Mateo in here?"
I squeezed her hand. "I can."
Jane lightly touched the wall as she left the room. "Rafael!" I heard her shout excitedly a second later. "The bathroom is an aquarium!"
I smiled, following her. The shower and bath were made of glass, and the entire room was covered in blue tile with fish decorations. It was hideous, but a child would love it. Mateo would love it.
"Admit it. It's pretty cool." Jane said with a straight face.
I laughed. "Mateo's going to love it."
We moved in to the master suite. It was palatial, with a sitting area and fireplace, a massive oversized bed, two walk in closets, and a spa bathroom.
Unfortunately, the entire thing was pink. The walls, the ceiling, the chandelier, the carpet, even the fireplace façade. Jane walked in, staring at the place. She walked to the bathroom threshold, and started laughing uncontrollably.
"Rafael, there are three pink chandeliers in this bathroom. The jacuzzi is heart shaped!" She was bent over, holding her knees, convulsing with laughter. "There's a mirror over the tub, and a pink bidet."
Tears were streaming down her face. "So we should probably renovate this love nest." I said, grinning. "So what's your final verdict?"
Jane finally got her laughter under control. "I love it. I really, really love it. I do."
"I do, too." I grabbed her hand. "Let's tell the realtor."
For one second I thought she was going to kiss me. I wanted to kiss her. But she didn't. "Okay." She said, pulling me out the room and towards the stairs.
Don was waiting for us at the bottom. "So?" He prompted, with a smile.
"We'll take it." I answered, looking at Jane. "Let's go in with the offer we discussed earlier."
"It's a strong offer." Don nodded. "I'll let you know."
We walked outside the house, and Jane stopped me. "Rafael, what does this amazing house cost?"
"That's the best part." I smiled. "I'll be renting out the penthouse, so I'll actually be making money by living here. It's a financially strong decision."
Jane's smile returned. "You're ridiculous."
We got into the car, exhilarated. I couldn't stop smiling. Jane's eyes lingered on our house as we pulled away. But the best part of all was the feeling of her hand tightly holding mine as I drove.
A/n: I had the worst time writing this behemoth. I'm so ready for them to start fooling around! So ready that I've already written chapter four around it. And chapter six.
