Kimberly was skillfully tying her hair up in a ponytail when her mom called. Really? It's only 6am.
'Hey, mom.' She answered, shamelessly.
'Kim.' She couldn't tell what her mom's tone was. She guessed she was glad.
'Did you get my note?' Kimberly asked, worried.
'I sure did. Thanks for letting me know. I just called to say you can go ahead and go to your studio from there. I'll tell Sophie you had to leave early and I'll take her to breakfast at the diner and drop her off at the studio before heading out of town. You're going to be working early for the recital, right?'
'Right… I have to put up five fake pink walls for the second graders.'
'Then I'll see you then.'
Had she just heard that? Wow. Well, at least she had an extra pair of pants and shirt at the studio, so that it wouldn't be so obvious that she had repeated the same clothes. Sophie was very attentive to details.
'Thank you so much, mom. See you at 9.'
Hearing her mom plotting in her favor was actually worth a laugh. She would never imagine that a conservative and a little stuck up woman like Margie would ever cover for her one-night-stands. Except that Tommy Oliver was no one-night-stand. Was he a keeper? She wondered but she knew the answer. Yes, he was. She wasn't sure how it would turn out, though. Too much uncertainty for her taste. Kimberly was the kind of person who wanted to plan ahead of time. Her whole life had been traced carefully. It had also been a disaster in almost all means, she considered, except for her Sophie and her job.
She left the bathroom and watched him sleep. He had the bad habit of kicking the covers away and the sight of him made her grin. He slept angelically on the light blue silk sheets and wore his black underwear only. She mused at the thought of seeing that every morning, her heart filling with joy. Tommy might have sensed that she was staring at him, as he turned to her sight and his brown eyes opened slowly. He smiled. That sweet and sexy smile.
'Hey.' He said, simply.
'Hey.' She responded, approaching his bed.
'Are you leaving?' He asked with a sad face, raising his body on his left elbow.
She sat down and touched his face delicately while staring at his mellow eyes. They were full of love.
'No.' She whispered, leaning to kiss his lips softly. 'Mom just called me and she'll drop off Sophie around 9. I'll go to the studio from here.'
'So it means you can stay with me longer.'
She smiled.
'Yes. Wanna get breakfast soon?'
'Sure. Sounds much better than missing you sneak out of my room at six in the morning.' Tommy said in a quiet laugh, letting his body fall back to bed and placing his arms behind his head. Kimberly lay atop of him and rested her chin on his chest. She couldn't take her eyes off of him. For some reason it felt like she needed to look at him and save every detail of his face as if he would no longer be there in any minute. A weird feeling crossed her heart. She frowned at the bad thought as he asked:
'What's wrong?'
She smiled again. It wasn't worth thinking of anything right now.
'Nothing. Nothing could be more right, actually.'
He tenderly brushed a bang out of her face.
'You look very pretty now. Not that you're not always pretty.' He chuckled. 'Makeup?'
She nodded.
'I have to look presentable early in the morning in case some crazy mom decides to stop by. I don't want to look like I only had three hours of sleep.'
Tommy laughed louder now, humor spread all over his face. It was hilarious to see her worried about what people could think.
'What's wrong with that? You could say you had insomnia… which is partially true.'
There he goes again. The same devilish look on his face. He had been totally naughty the whole night, she mused. He had showed her his darkest and most seductive side when he wrapped her around his arms and never let her go, covering her with pleasure as they made love countless times, on the floor, on the bed, and even on the small kitchen table.
'Mr. Oliver, don't start what you cannot finish.' She said playing with her fingers on his chest.
'Who said I can't finish?' He said seductively rolling on top of her. 'Want to shower?' He said, kissing her earlobe.
'Yeah…' She smiled and meditated on all the hot things that had happened in his shower.
Tommy and Kimberly walked towards the lobby of the hotel.
'I'll miss you.' He said, discretely kissing her lips.
'Me too. See you at 8sh?'
'Sure. Where...'
'Tommy?'
A female's voice called his name behind them. Kimberly turned her head to the tall blonde whose eyes were stuck on his. Kimberly sensed her tension and it was obvious that she was deeply connected to Tommy.
It was her. Stunning. Super attractive.
'Patricia? What are you doing here?' Tommy smiled politely.
'Sorry but I couldn't wait any longer.'
'This is Kimberly. Kim, this is Patricia.'
The two women greeted each other with a quick nod as Patricia moved on.
'I tried your cell phone yesterday but I couldn't get a hold of you. Taylor is hospitalized back home.'
Tommy's eyes widened with panic.
'What happened?'
'He was playing with a neighbor by a tree and… there were bees. You know we've always thought he was allergic. Turns out that he is super allergic. I had to come to Chicago when dad's client decided to refuse our proposal. Dad called me last night but I couldn't go back. Not until I have this deal done.'
Tommy's eyes darkened.
'Are you serious, Patricia? This deal is more important to you than our son?'
Kimberly walked away to give them some space and pretended to get some touristic ads at the reception desk. She could hear everything, though.
'Tommy, let's not start it, ok? I need you to go back. I'm begging you. I know this conference is important to you and so are your meetings' Kimberly could feel Patricia's eyes on her. '…but you know that going back won't kill your business…'
'Patricia…' Tommy's voice called impatiently. 'This is not about my business.' He took a deep breath and looked down. 'I'm leaving now and I'll keep you posted. Have a nice day.'
'I'm sorry…'
'Just don't…' He said as he placed his hands on his hair.
Patricia got the clue and left, eyeing Kimberly deeply.
Tommy sat down at a couch as he seemed to plan what he would do next. Her heart wrenched. She knew something was wrong. She had felt it in the morning.
'Tommy…' She called his name tenderly, as she sat down.
'Ss.. Sorry you had to see that.' He said defeated, not managing to look into her eyes.
'It's okay. You don't have to apologize.' Her gentle hand rested on his shoulder.
'I need to cancel the whole event today.'
'I'm sorry. But Taylor will be much better once he sees you.'
Tommy turned his eyes to her.
'I apologize for having to leave you like this…'
Kimberly touched his face and interrupted. She had to be strong. For him. For her love.
'Don't. I'd do the same for my daughter and you damn know that. Go see your son.'
'Will do. I don't trust her father with him. He's a cold son-of-a-bitch just like her.'
He took a deep breath and eventually stared at her. If only she could absorb all the tension and worry those beautiful brown eyes were carrying. She wished she could take it all away, but she knew it wasn't possible. That's what being a parent meant. You are the only one responsible for your child.
'Keep me posted, ok? Let me know if you need anything.' She managed to say after all.
'I will.' He kissed her tenderly. And as fast as a comet he left the room, taking all his warmth away with him.
… … …
Kimberly was standing on a ladder when her mom arrived with Sophie. She was hanging pictures of her little ballerinas on the ceiling as part of their rehearsal.
'Hey, mom. Hey, baby, how are you?'
'Mommy, mommy. Can I take ballet for toddlers?'
'Hum… aren't you too big for a toddler?' Kimberly asked smiling as she went down to kiss her daughter.
'Please!'
'Isadora, is that a problem if this big girl is in your class?'
Isadora smiled.
'Not at all. Actually she can help me with the little ones, right, Sophie?'
'Yay!' Sophie said, running into the room.
'She is so YOU.' Isadora commented.
'Yeah, I know.'
As the kids had their classes, the reception of the studio became a lot quieter. Margie came closer to Kimberly. It was obvious she had sensed the distress that washed over her face.
'I thought things were right, Kim.'
Kimberly couldn't hide this from her mom. She spilled out about everything. The perfect night she had with him and the way his ex wife approached him, stealing all the good moments away. Kimberly was very concerned about his son, Taylor, but she wished she hadn't experienced a scene like that. She couldn't have imagined Tommy as upset and angry like that. He was an adorable person and it would take a lot to make him lose his temper. That made her hate Patricia instantly. She told her mom about the details and how her feelings about the whole 'divorced man with a kid' situation were actually reasonable. Her mom nodded, understanding her feelings, though she didn't seem convinced.
'Well, wait till you hear from him again, Kim. You know you will.'
Kimberly forced a smile.
'I know, mom.'
'Enjoy your day and don't think about tomorrow.' Margie kissed her daughter on the forehead.
'Thanks, mom.' Kimberly answered, hugging her in response. 'I don't know what I'd do without you. Sorry if I keep on not listening to you.'
Margie laughed lightly and kissed Kimberly again.
'Sweetheart, just promise me you'll be fine.'
'I will.' She said, not so sure of what she was promising.
'I'll pray for you both. My guts tell me he's going to be yours. Actually, he already is.'
Kimberly smiled at her mom and watched her leaving the studio. The sun was shining that day and the temperature was perfect, low 70s. Such a beautiful day, she pondered. But he wasn't there. Her eyes filled with dampness as she tried to change her thoughts and keep herself busy.
Tommy took a relieved breath when he saw Taylor smiling at the nurse and eating cookies on his hospital bed.
'Hey, buddy, what's going on?' He rushed to his son who promptly wrapped his arms around his dad's neck.
'Dad, I was caught by those evil bees!'
'I told you to keep away from them, son.' Tommy said smiling and kissing Taylor on the forehead.
'I know… If grandpa wasn't there in time, I'd have become a bee myself.'
'Ha ha. Don't say these things. Where is grandpa, by the way?'
'He must be sleeping on the couch outside, it's bigger than this chair. Plus the nurses keep me company. They give me candies and lots of smiles.'
Tommy laughed at his son's charm.
'Buddy, you're just six. Since when have you started getting friendly with nurses?'
'They're cool, dad. Here, have some candies.'
Tommy smiled as he watched Taylor, who seemed to be totally recovered. It amazed him how fast he was growing and how smart he was becoming. During his five hour drive to Springfield, his stomach seemed to burn with worry. What if something happened to Taylor while he was on his way? He would never forgive Patricia for having left him at the hospital. To hell with her clients and her stupid deals. It wasn't acceptable to leave a child with a grandparent in those terms. Taylor needed his mother. And his father. At least he was there to compensate the lack of good sense of Patricia. Taylor could feel that she had always been more distant. That was just her, it was nothing personal. But Tommy couldn't forgive her for that. Ever. He was totally done with her. No more 'good friends' talk. They were two strangers connected by a child.
Bad timing for all that, he thought during the whole trip. He had left the one who he most cared about, other than Taylor, but Patricia couldn't leave a few deals behind. His heart ached at the thought of his Kim. Memories of their last night were still so vivid, so clear in his mind. He could still feel her scent all over him. After shower he couldn't resist her and he made love to her all over again, slowly and tenderly. Her perfume got stuck on his skin, as if telling him that she wouldn't leave him. And he knew she wouldn't. She was still there, in his heart.
Taylor brought him back to reality as he showed him his scars. At least it was a great reality. He loved that boy more than anything in the world. He imagined a world with him, Kim, and Sophie. He couldn't be any happier if that were real. But could he make it happen?
Kimberly was heating up Sophie's lunch in the microwave while she said goodbye to the other instructor. Isadora said she had done a great job helping the 2 and 3-year-olds to make their first dancing moves. Sophie was happy because she had been elected the princess of the group by the little ones who gave her a crown.
Kimberly loved the moments she could sit down with Sophie and just talk about anything silly.
'So good to eat here with my princess.' Kimberly said, kissing Sophie on the cheek and sitting down.
'Can you see my crown?'
'I can see it. It looks great in you.'
'I actually got it for you, mommy.'
'Aw, that's sweet. But I'm too old to be a princess.' She said smiling as she mixed Sophie's veggies and beans.
'You're not. Let me…' Sophie placed the little paper crown on Kimberly's head. 'You look pretty.'
'Thanks, sweetie. Maybe I was the one who took after you.'
'You really look like a princess.'
'I wish I was one…' Kimberly said truly, not realizing what that could infer.
'You'd need a prince.' Sophie said, smiling.
Why is that conversation making me nervous? Kimberly thought.
'Well, that's going to be a little bit more difficult.'
'Because dad won't be back.' Sophie let out, eying her with attention.
Kimberly took a long breath. It was time Sophie knew the truth. Or part of it.
'No, he won't, Sophie.'
'I knew it. Grandma said he's in a special place. Very far from here.'
Kimberly's eyes widened in surprise. Her mom hadn't told her about this conversation with Sophie and it was very important. Margie was always trying to soothe Kim's pain by trying to fix her own mess.
'Did she?'
'Yeah. I don't know why he can't come to visit, but I know he can't.'
Sophie's eyes looked down and Kimberly hugged her.
'Wherever he is, he is happy you are his daughter.'
'Do you think he can see me?'
'Maybe he can.'
Sophie smiled and Kimberly couldn't believe she was talking to a 4-year-old that was so mature.
'Maybe Tommy can be your prince.' She suggested, looking down again. Kimberly didn't know what to say. Until Sophie smiled and stared at her. 'He's beautiful.'
Okay, she couldn't take it. She had to laugh at that! Sophie laughed and asked:
'What's so funny?'
'Nothing, sweetie. Just this… conversation.'
Sophie giggled again.
'Maybe I can make him a prince crown. Is he coming tonight?'
That's when it hurt. It hurt like a hundred knives stabbing her back. Or maybe when she fought all those creatures in the past… No, much more than that.
'Mommy?'
Kimberly gasped.
'No, he won't, honey. His son Taylor is in the hospital. He was attacked by bees.'
Sophie's mouth curved a perfect 'O'.
'Yep. That's why you have to stay away from them.'
'Poor Taylor. I bet he is sad. And Tommy is sad, too.'
'Yes…' Sad, I know what it feels like.
'Maybe I'll write them a get-well card!'
'That sounds great, honey.'
'Spell Tommy and Taylor for me, mommy?'
'Sure… here.' Kim wrote on a piece of paper and Sophie rushed out of the small kitchen, getting ready to get her crayons.
Kimberly's plate sat there, untouched. Nothing could make her eat today. As she was cleaning up after Sophie, her cell phone rings. Her heart beats fast.
'Tommy?' She says.
'Hey, love. I'm sorry I had to leave you like that.'
'I told you it's fine. How is Taylor doing?'
'Better. Being pampered and enjoying the nurses' attention.'
'Hum… Guess he's a flirt like someone I know.'
She could hear his laugh. She could imagine his mouth, those round thick lips that she had kissed so much.
'I already miss you, Kim.'
She took a deep breath.
'I miss you, too, Tommy.'
'I love you. You know that, right?'
'Yes. I do. I love you, too.'
'I'll figure out a way to make this work… I promise.'
'Tommy, not now. Take care of your son first.'
Silence on the other line. Had she been rude to him?
'I know you'll do your best. You always do, Tommy. You're just… wonderful.'
'So are you, honey.'
They exchanged a few other words and then said goodbye. Just what she had feared: in a snap of fingers, he was gone, taking all his warmth away. God, why had she fallen in love with him again? She knew it was useless to ask herself that question. She had fallen for him a long time ago and actually never stopped loving him.
'Back to work, Kim!' She told herself out loud, closing the kitchen door behind her.
The day went by very fast and she considered herself luckier. Her mom had always told her that the following day would be better than the last. She hoped she was right. The pain still lay restlessly in her chest.
Sophie fell asleep quickly at 8pm. Dancing all day could be that great! She had some time to catch up with some old emails and clean her kitchen.
She was almost falling asleep in front of her computer when her doorbell rang. She rushed to the door. Who could it be so late?
As she opened, her mind tried to put the pieces together what was going on. What was he doing there? She finally managed to open her mouth and only one word came out.
'Jason?'
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