~21~
Edna, a new friend
Sunday came too early, I usually have a sexy man sleeping next to me, waking up to his kisses, this morning I have a little man, who is adorable as can be waking me up. I was on my side and apparently, someone felt it was time for me to wake up as I felt these little hands moving the hair off my face and whispering in my ear.
"Bomber, time to get up, you not allowed to sleep long in the day. Wake up bomber, yooohooo bomber."
I wanted to laugh but I had to see how long he would keep this up so I kept still, he started playing with my eyelashes, and then lifted my eyelids. I tried to keep as still as could be, I jumped up roaring like a lion. It was a comedy of errors from that moment on.
When I jumped up roaring with my hands up in the air, it knocked him backwards, falling into Carlos who was sitting behind him holding 2 cups of coffee. Carlos had to throw the cups on the floor to avoid burning Marcus. The cups broke coffee spilled all over the place with Carlos falling on the floor.
It was hysterical Marcus climbed on top of me laughing, Carlos got back on the bed and got on top of my legs, and they started to tickle me. I was laughing so hard I was crying. We played like that for about 20 minutes.
My sides were hurting from laughing and tickling by the tickle monster as Marcus called himself. I don't think I've ever had so much fun in bed before, well not the goofy kind of fun anyway. Ha ha ha. We all got out of bed and I grabbed the broom and towels to clean up the cups and coffee. Carlos came over to help; I told him it was under control.
I finished cleaning and made my way to the kitchen, Carlos said breakfast would be ready in about 10 minutes, so I went into the bathroom, washed up grabbed a cup of coffee and sat at the breakfast bar and watched my drop dead gorgeous man make breakfast while my sweet little buddy watched too.
"Carlos, what do you have planned for today?"
"Nothing leaving it open for what you wanted to do why as he was putting toast in the toaster."
"I need to go see my dad and that's really about it."
"We can go to the hospital together and go out to eat after that," Carlos said.
"That sounds good, where do you want to go for dinner?"
"Erini, It's been a while since I've been there."
"Carlos, is it a dressy place?"
"Not really but nobody wears jeans."
"OK just so I know what to wear, I mean it's not like I don't have anything in my closet."
We ate our breakfast, Marcus was telling us how much fun he had, and he couldn't wait until next time.
"Bomber, do I get to spend all the day with you?"
"Well sweetie, I don't think so; your mom and dad will come and pick you up today."
"Oh, when do I have to go?"
"I'm not sure when they're coming, they didn't say."
"Oh but not this minute right"
"You got it; they might have come home late and may still be sleeping."
"So what can we do for then?"
I sometimes have such a hard time trying to figure out what he's trying to say, there are a few words here and there that he cannot fully pronounce.
"Well I have to go and take a shower and get dressed, I need to go see my dad at the hospital. He is sick so I want to make sure he is doing better today. We won't leave until your parents come and pick you up.
I took a shower and did what I needed to do and, I helped Marcus wash his face, brush his teeth etc., then he changed then packed his little bag. We all sat on the couch watching TV when there was a knock on the door.
Carlos got up to answer the door, it was Alicia and Michael, Marcus ran over to his parents hugging them both. He was so excited to see them. They came in. I asked how their evening was, they told us about their night at the restaurant. They thanked us both again.
Michael asked Marcus how his time with us went, well he started and there was no stopping him, I had created an album on my iPad with all the pictures and sent it to Alicia and I sent her the video of Marcus dancing that was priceless.
"Bomber, Batman I had awesome time, thanks for letting me spend all the day and night with you, it was much fun. Can we do again?"
Carlos told Marcus as long as it was OK with his parents, then we would do it again but after the holidays. They stayed for a little bit then decided it was time to head home; Monday was going to be a busy day for all of them. Marcus gave me a kiss and hugged me so tight, he hugged Carlos and they walked out the door, we waved as they got in the elevator.
We went back inside the apartment, grabbed our things, headed to the hospital to see my dad; the drive to the hospital was mainly about Marcus and what a joy he was to have with us. I am quite sure that he is talking his parent's ears off.
We arrived at the hospital and went to daddy's room, as always I hesitated not knowing if my mother was there or not. Val and her family were in the waiting room along with Connie, Lula, and Marylou.
Alex and Vince were on duty.
We all said hello, I asked Val who was with daddy, she said the nurses were taking vitals; our Mother had gone home when Val arrived so she could take a nap and shower. Apparently, she went home to cook also, she had been bringing food for daddy as well as the Rangeman guys.
Carlos was talking to the guys, he told them to go take a break since he was here. Connie and Lula had already seen daddy so they sat around talking for a little bit. Lula was getting ready to leave; she said she had to go get ready for a date.
"What date Lula with who come on spill the beans, I can't believe you were just going to leave without telling me."
"I met a guy the other day, he's in town for about 6 weeks, he's from Michigan. He is with the FBI and doing some work with State Police and Trenton PD."
"Where did you meet him?"
"He came into the office, Carl was showing him and his State Police contact around, and later that day he called me."
"Wow Lula, that's great, I can't wait to meet him. I will won't I?"
"Yes, well let's see how the date goes first."
"OK, hey thanks for coming to see my dad, I appreciate it."
"No problem, skinny white girl, I love your pops, he's a nice man. I'll see you later."
Lula left and the nurse came out saying they were finished. Carlos and I went in to see him, he looked much better today, I was so happy to see color on his face. Daddy asked how our weekend was with Marcus, and I told him all about it and showed him the pictures.
"Daddy, when are you getting out of here?"
"End of the week pumpkin, then straight to rehab."
I looked at Carlos and back at daddy.
"Frank, we are leaving Friday so we won't be here. Billy will be here and go with you to the rehab facility to get you situated. It's a good facility, we have a great working relationship with the staff there. Billy has already made the arrangements and there will be guards posted outside your room at all times."
"Ranger, you're a good man. That is not necessary, i will be fine."
"Sir, with all due respect, it's not open for discussion. The guys being here at the hospital has been their decision, whether I make the arrangements at the rehab or not, they will take it upon themselves to be on watch."
"You're all good men, thank you. Now, I want you both to go and enjoy your trip don't worry about me, I am in very good hands."
"Daddy, we'll stop by and see you every night until we leave, you need to get some rest now you're sleepy."
"Pumpkin, I love you."
I kissed my dad as I was walking out; Carlos bent down to my dad to hear what he was saying. We started to say goodbye to Val, Albert and the girls but Lisa went nuts when she saw Carlos; she was sleeping when we arrived. Lisa ran out to Carlos wrapping herself around his leg saying Los Los.
Carlos picked her up and she was grinning from ear to ear wrapped her arms around his neck and was not about to let go. It was so sweet. Val told Lisa it was time to see Gramps before he fell asleep, so Albert took Lisa and they walked in to see daddy, giving us the opportunity to leave without her going crazy.
We were walking down the hall hand in hand, we saw my mother. I was going to ignore her but she stopped and put her hand out to us. She spoke to Carlos directly. The ice queen thanked him for having Billy be so attentive and for allowing the guys to keep watch. She walked away towards daddy's room.
Carlos and I looked at each other, I shrugged my shoulders, and we continued to make our way out of the hospital and head home to change for dinner.
"Carlos, what did daddy say to you?"
"Babe, if it was something you were supposed to know, then he would have told both of us right?"
I stood dead in my tracks and glared the best Burg glare I could, he had a smirk on his smug face.
"Carlos Manoso, you are an absolute ASS you know that?"
He looked at me with a smile walked back over to me and grabbed my hand.
"Come on sunshine, you'll find out in due time."
I huffed wanting to let go of his hand but he wouldn't let me, each time I tried to pull away, he just grabbed on tighter and laughed. We got in the car and made our way home; once we got home, we both took showers and started to get ready for dinner. I decided on a black and aqua dress that had a little bit of lace on the top and some lace at the bottom of the dress, it was sleeveless with a high neck line so I didn't need a necklace; I wore black pumps with black diamond earrings.
Choosing clothes for Carlos has become a lot of fun, I picked a deep blue blazer with a blue shirt and grey pants; he was going to look yummy. Honestly, after he gets dressed, all I want to do is rip the clothes off him and forget about the outside world.
I said hi to Rex, gave him a grape and we headed out. Tonight was going to be a relaxing evening because next few days were going to be crazy busy with work and making sure everything was cleaned up before we leave for our trip.
Carlos was holding my hand during the drive and playing with my ring finger, oh my gosh wait, he's not popping the question tonight is he? Is that what him and daddy where whispering about? Nah, it's too soon. I don't think either one of us is ready quite yet.
"Babe, you seem distant, where are your thoughts?"
"I was thinking about my mother, she was actually pleasant to you at the hospital, do you think it was genuine or just a put on?"
"A little of both, take it for what it was babe."
"Carlos?"
"Yeah Babe"
"Lester will be going on his mission while we are on vacation and it's going to be a while before I see him, I know that you wanted us to go on this trip alone, is there any way he can come with us for a few days?"
"Babe, I'm sorry he can't. With me out of town, Tank will need him and he has to fill in for you remember? It is also important that he be at his home base and available should he need to be called on sooner."
I understood the reasoning but it made me so sad, I was not feeling too great about this mission for Les, I have no idea what is involved, it feels off.
"Carlos, I have an uneasy feeling about this mission, are you sure it's not anything horrible?"
"Babe, Tank, and I have both gone over the order with a fine tooth comb and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. We had a strategy meeting with Les and the guys and we all came up with a clean sweep, we took every scenario we could possibly think of."
I held his hand tighter and looked at him with worry.
"Stephanie, I promise you that he will be fine. He will come back to us, Santos is a goofy guy and can be a pain in the ass but he is good at what he does, he is in the top 5 of a list of men."
"Who are the other four, or can't you tell me?"
He looked at me, not sure, if he wanted to answer.
"I can tell you. There is a list of 30 men who are the elite all 30 men are equally talented and experts in their field. Everyone on the list is alive and well."
"Carlos, if you can't tell me that's fine."
"No, Babe, it's OK but remember it stays with you. This is the list of the top men in order.
Me, Les, Kinsey, Tank, Manny, Bobby, Ram, Cal, Hal, Woody, Billy, Zip, Brett, Ramon, Miguel, Binkie, Zero, Vince, Alex. Junior. If I were running this, I would break the list down to three tiers. 1-5 being tier one, From Bobby to Junior would be tier two, the remaining 10 tier three. The men on tier two are equal."
"You're on the top of the list?"
"Yes I am Babe."
"Wow, is that why you and Les are getting promoted? I was wondering because you both seem young to be promoted to those positions."
"Yeah they have taken into consideration the amount of time Les and I have served as well as our missions. It really is just their way of keeping us quiet so we don't talk."
I couldn't believe that this gorgeous hunk of a man who is one of the sweetest, loving, caring, and romantic men I have ever known in my life is on the top of a list of 30 most elite men of the military in the entire world.
"Carlos, I'm in awe of you. I can honestly say that I am not worthy of you nor can I even consider myself your equal knowing you're number 1 on the list of the best in the world."
"Stephanie, you most certainly are my equal and I never want to hear you say or think otherwise, I am extremely fortunate that I have the best of the best on my team. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am the one who is not worthy of you."
I looked at him and I know that the love I have for him was pouring out of me, I have never in my entire life had someone tell me that they were not worthy of me. How did I miss the love that this man has had for me the past few years? I held on to his hand as tight as I possibly could and never wanting to let go of him ever, I am the luckiest women in the entire world.
My world could crumble and it wouldn't matter as long as this man is beside me thinking to myself while I kissed his hand.
"Babe, I'm the lucky one and if my world was to crumble, I wouldn't care either as long as you are by my side."
"Filter out of order again?"
"Yep sure is, better get that checked sweetheart."
I was stunned; he called me something else besides Babe, wow.
"Sweetheart seriously"
He smiled and kissed my hand. I love how he has opened up to me, never thought he would get this far.
"Babe, how about this, plan on Wednesday night you and I take Les out to dinner, we'll go to Settimo Cielo, then we can have a few of the guys meet us there for drinks, will you have time to plan it?"
"OK, I will take care of it. Who do you want me to ask?"
"Whoever you want, they will have a big get together for him before he leaves, probably a strip club or something like that so we can keep this one small."
"Yes sir!"
We arrived at Erini, the valet came around and opened my door helping me out of the car, Carlos came around, and we walked inside, with Carlos slightly behind me. He took my coat and checked it in, following the hostess to a room with a few tables and a fireplace.
Our server came to the table, introduced herself as always eyes glued to Carlos, I don't think she knew I was at the table. She put our water glasses down on the table, looked straight at Carlos, and asked what he wanted to drink.
This is what I hate about having female servers; they completely ignore me the men don't do that, even if they are interested they don't show it. I swear this one was going to rip her clothes off. Carlos turned to look at me and gave the server a stern look telling her to ask me what I wanted first.
She looked at me as if seeing me for the first time. Ugh, I just wanted to smack her. I ordered a Deep Blue Sea Martini and Carlos ordered an American Blonde Ale beer. I gave her a glare as she turned and walked away.
"Babe"
"What! I hate when these bimbos act like I am not even here. I hate female servers for this exact reason. When we have male servers, they don't ignore you now do they?"
"You're right and you have a good reason to be mad."
The bimbo brought the drinks, she walked over to Carlos practically sitting on his lap and served him his beer by putting his glass down nicely. I am surprised she didn't want to help him drink it. She came over to me keeping her distance from me, and put my drink down hard enough that it spilled on the tablecloth and on my dress.
I started to push my chair back, Carlos stood up and helped me off my chair while wiping my dress with a napkin. The bimbo had no clue; she actually looked at me as if it was all me.
"You stupid bitch, I said under my breath."
Carlos looked at her and gave her a death stare, she did not apologize, help to wipe the table, nothing. The manager came over to our table, told the bimbo to go into the kitchen. He immediately took my arm and guided us to another table.
The hostess came over asking me to follow her to the ladies room, she wiped off the drink with paper towels and took out a spray bottle out of the cabinet, before she used the spray she assured me that it was safe for the material. She sprayed the area where the drink spilled walked me to the dryer and pulled the front of the dress under the dryer.
After about 5 minutes, everything was clean, and no indication that anything had spilled on the dress. I thanked her for her help told her how much I appreciated her quick thinking, she apologized for what happened, she walked me back to our new table.
I thanked her again, the manager was still apologizing to Carlos when I got to the table, he helped me sit down and apologized to me, saying that he will be happy to take care of the dry cleaning bill or even replace the dress in case it is ruined.
"Thank you so much for your offer, everything is fine, the dress is not ruined, your hostess did a wonderful job cleaning off the alcohol it's as good as new. Please don't worry about it."
"Mrs. Manoso, my sincere apologies, please allow me to take care of your dinner tonight for the inconvenience and embarrassment that has been caused to you."
"Gregory, that is kind of you but not necessary, the dress is fine and we have a new table, all I ask is for another server." Carlos said to the manager.
"Mr. Manoso, I insist on taking care of your dinner this evening and of course I will send over another server take care of you. Thank you for your understanding; I don't know what came over her."
"Oh believe me, it happens all the time where ever we go, the women just lose all control, it's never been to this extent but I'm used to getting ignored when we are together, they lose themselves in his good looks."
"If I may say, Mrs. Manoso, please do not underestimate yourself, you are quite captivating yourself, I can't see how anyone can ignore your beauty male or female."
"Thank you Gregory, that is very sweet of you."
"Devon will be taking care of you, he will be right out with your drinks, and my apologies once again, please do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything at all."
Carlos and I both thanked Gregory he left. I cannot believe that stupid bitch did that, I want to trip her so bad maybe when she walks by with a tray I can do it. No that is too evil it would ruin innocent peoples dinner.
"Babe, what are you plotting?"
"Me? Not plotting a single thing Mr. Manoso."
"Yeah and you expect me to believe that, your blue eyes are doing an evil dance."
Carlos and I laughed, God I love this man. Devon came to the table saying a "Deep Blue Sea Martini for the lady and American Blond Ale for the gentleman." He asked if we needed anything else, Carlos said no.
"Mr. and Mrs. Manoso, I will be back with complimentary appetizers shortly."
"I'm going to have to eat like a bird this week to make up for today and Wednesday night dinner, otherwise I won't fit into my bathing suits."
"Babe, you have nothing to worry about you haven't gained all the weight you were supposed to and you look amazing."
"Thank you."
Devon came back to the table with two plates; he put them in the middle of the table and described them.
"This is our Meze Platter, Hummus, olives, feta cheese, stuffed grape leaves, roasted red peppers, and pita bread. This is our Crab Cake and Goat Cheese, fried goat cheese, and crab cake with fresh cranberries."
Both plates looked delicious, I took a bite of the fried goat cheese and couldn't help the moaning that came out of my mouth, I told Carlos to taste it so I put some on my fork and fed him, he said he liked it better when I was eating it. The Meze platter was delicious; I loved the stuffed grape leaves, oh who am I kidding I loved everything that was in front of me. We managed to polish everything off, but I kind of think I managed to polish it all off.
Devon came back asking how everything was; I laughed and said we didn't like anything. He smiled saying I can tell. We ordered our dinner, Carlos ordered the blackened breast of chicken with a tropical fruit salsa and coconut rice, I ordered baked stuffed shrimp that was stuffed with crab cake, mashed roasted garlic and haricot verts, which is another type of green bean.
Carlos ordered wine with our dinner and I excused myself to go to the ladies room. I took care of things while walking back to our table, I heard a huge crash ahead of me. I stopped to look and it was the bimbo, she had a tray full of food as she tripped falling flat on her face.
I tried so hard not to laugh so I acted like I was coughing, I walked quickly back to our table and sat down hiding my laughter through a cough. I was dying to crack up hysterically.
"Babe, what did you do?"
"What are you talking about? I didn't do anything."
"I don't believe you for one split second, you have a shit eating grin on your face."
"Carlos, I promise, I didn't have anything to do with that, I was coming out of the ladies room when I heard the crash, I stood watching, that's all I am guilty of, honest."
Devon came to our table with our glasses of wine and a smirk on his face. All the while Carlos was looking at me with a raised eyebrow. I just kept saying I had nothing to do with it he really didn't believe me. Devon put the glasses down whispered in my ear, "I took care of our friend." I didn't know what he was trying to say. Then he looked at Carlos and me with a huge grin on his face.
"Mr. Mrs. Manoso, our apologies for the noise and accident from one of our servers, she tripped, I hope it didn't disturb you."
"Oh no, that was you?" I said.
He laughed and walked away. Carlos looked at me while the two of us laughed so hard we had watery eyes. I slapped him on the shoulder.
"You didn't believe me when I told you it wasn't me, smart ass."
"My humble apologies beautiful lady"
We toasted to Devon and took a sip with me giggling behind my glass. Now that was the best payback ever, I wish Lester was here to record it. We enjoyed the time talking about our upcoming trips, Carlos asked me if I bought one piece or tiny bikinis for the trip, I told him he had to wait and find out for himself.
He said he hoped tiny bikinis with strings because it would be much easier to rip them off me; one-piece material is difficult to rip apart. I asked him how in the world he knows that, he looked at me and winked.
He reached over to me, kissed me on the cheek, and whispered in my ear.
"I can't wait to get you alone in Barbados Babe."
Whew, I got all tingly and very hot, I must have turned red because he laughed at me and gave me a wolfish grin. We continued to talk I said how much fun it was with Marcus and we laughed at him dancing.
Devon and another person came with our dinner, the guy handed my plate to Devon as he put it in front of me doing the same with Carlos. The other guy walked away with the tray, I looked at my food and told Devon it looked wonderful.
"Mrs. Manoso, do you happen to have your phone with you?"
"Yes I do, why?"
"I have a video I'd like to send you, I will send it to you via airdrop, you'll see a request all you have to do is accept it."
"I have no idea what air drop is or where I can find it on my phone."
"Devon, the phone name is Stephanie Plum. Babe hand me your phone."
I took out my phone and Devon walked away, I asked what airdrop was, he explained it was a way to transfer photos and videos without actually having my phone number. Cool. A few minutes later Carlos did what needed to be done and gave me my phone back.
"Do not look at it now; wait until we are in the car, understood?"
"Yes sir!"
We ordered dessert, a pumpkin cheesecake with a cream pie, but what was cute was the apple designed in shape of a swan or something like that, it was so pretty. Carlos and I shared the dessert would you believe he actually ate more than I did. Yep he sure did.
Devon brought over the check, Carlos looked at it calling Devon back to the table and questioned him as to why they only charged for drinks. Devon said the meal was on the house but they have to charge for drinks. Carlos took out cash from his wallet; he put $400.00 in the check holder and put it to the side.
"Babe, would you like an after dinner drink? We can go and sit over by the fireplace if you like."
"Mr. Manoso, are you trying to get me drunk?"
"Nah, I don't need to get you drunk to have my way with you."
I said that I would love to, he told Devon we wanted two glasses of Grand Mariner Cordon Rouge and that we would be sitting by the fireplace. Devon said he would take care of it. Carlos took my hand and walked me to the love seat. we sat down on comfortable leather chair, he put his arm around me.
"Carlos Manoso, have I told you lately how much I love you?"
"I don't get tired of hearing you say it, that's for sure."
"Well I love you Mr. Manoso and I always will."
"I love you too Stephanie, I never imagined it would ever be like this, are you happy?"
I always wonder why he asks me if I am happy, do I tell him how happy he makes me. I cannot remember. Does he think that he's not making me happy enough?
"Carlos, why do you always ask me don't I tell you that you make me happy? Do you think I am not happy?"
We were facing each other at this point I put my forehead against his while holding hands. We stayed that way for a bit I looked at him, cupped my hands around his face, and looked into his smoldering dark chocolate eyes.
"Carlos, everything that you do for me, the way you treat me, the way you support me and the way you love me makes me incredibly happy I wouldn't change my life for anything. Well maybe Daniel Craig or Johnny Depp, ha-ha... Seriously, I am very happy, I'm sorry if I don't tell you enough. When I wake up in the mornings and you're not in bed, I worry that it's all been a dream that i'll be the old Stephanie Plum."
As I looked at him, I felt the tears flowing on my face, he wiped the tears with his thumbs, kissed me, our foreheads were back together, and we remained that way for a few more minutes. He took my face into his hands so that we were face to face.
"Stephanie, when I wake up and you're not in the bed, I too think that it was all a dream when I think of how close I came to losing you, not just to Morelli but to cancer, I don't know what I would have done. Probably signed up for the missions that had no guaranteed of safety or even return, because my life would have never ever been the same without you in it."
I was crying again and Devon came with our drinks, he apologized for interrupting but he had a question to ask. Carlos said to go ahead with his question.
"Mr. Manoso the total of your new bill is not even $50.00 why are you leaving so much cash?"
I smiled and looked at Carlos.
"I told Gregory that it was not necessary for him to take care of our meal and since he insisted on doing so, I wanted to reward you for doing an outstanding job and for taking care of us. Now go, I'm trying to get lucky here."
Carlos smiled and Devon laughed.
"Mr. Manoso, thank you for your generosity, I appreciate it, and it was a pleasure to serve you this evening. I look forward to serving you both again."
"Mrs. Manoso, you are a woman of grace, please forgive me being forward but you are a beautiful woman your grace and personality brings out even more beauty. I pray that I am lucky enough to find a woman with your grace and beauty."
"Thank you Devon for the kind words, I appreciate it. I hope you find the happiness that I have."
We sat back against the love seat and toasted to a wonderful evening and I sipped my drink, as the great and wise Marcus would say WOW, WOWIE, and WOW. That drink is smooth as silk going down, whew it delicious.
"Carlos, this is so good, I really like it. Do we have any at home?"
"No, but I can always get some."
"Oh no, please it will make me do things that I am not ready for."
"I'll make sure the bar is stocked at the house in Barbados."
"I love you Stephanie Plum and do you know how happy it makes me when I hear people calling you Mrs. Manoso?"
I smiled at him, put my head on his shoulder, and said softly, "I like it too Carlos, I love the way it sounds."
We were sitting quietly finishing our drinks and I told Carlos I could not wait to see the video that Devon sent me. We started laughing again. An elderly couple, oh maybe in their mid-70's came over to us the man asked Carlos if they could join us for a few moments.
Carlos stood up saying please do and he sat back down, they introduced themselves. Edna and Henry Middleton as soon as Mrs. Middleton said her name was Edna, I just sighed a deep sigh excused myself and walked to the rest room. I sat in one of the seats crying as thoughts of Grandma Mazur just flooded within me.
The door opened it was Mrs. Middleton, she came and sat next to me, saying that Carlos told her that I lost my grandmother whose name was Edna. She apologized, I told her it was not necessary for her to apologize she couldn't help having the same name.
She said for me to tell her one outrageous thing that my grandmother did. I laughed saying that it would be easier for me to tell her one normal thing she did because outrageous was her middle name. We both laughed. I wiped my tears, powdered my face, put on a little blush, stood up taking the arm of my new friend Edna, and walked out.
Carlos and Mr. Middleton were in a deep conversation when we returned to our seats; they both stood up.
"Everything ok Babe?"
"Yeah, Mrs. Middleton asked me to name one outrageous thing that Grandma would do, Carlos laughed at the same time I did."
"Babe, did you tell her it would be easier to tell her something non outrageous."
I laughed and shook my head yes, as Mrs. Middleton told Carlos, "Young man you know her all too well."
"Well the reason we wanted to stop by was to tell you how much we have enjoyed seeing the interaction between the both of you tonight. Not that we were peeping but we couldn't help but be drawn to you both." Mr. Middleton said.
"How so" Carlos asked.
"As we were watching you, at one point Edna and I both looked at each other, we were reminded of days so long ago when we were first married. We had known each other for several years but both of us were busy with other relationships that were not really going anywhere."
They went on to tell us their story about how they first met, the man Edna was dating was friends with Henry and they had met during a double date, the four of them became close the only reason they stayed with their respective partners was because of the friendship that the four of them had.
Henry and William were in the army they had signed up together both served in Vietnam, Henry had the task of escorting Williams' body back to the United States. William died while he and Henry were trying to save their platoon; they managed to get everyone out except for William and one other gentleman. It was such an incredibly sad story, the way Henry was telling it to us, I felt like I was listening to a story my grandpa was reading to me. They both received a purple heart; Williams' parents received the medal. The woman that Henry was dating did not want to wait for him any longer and moved on while he was still overseas.
Edna and Henry re-connected at the funeral for William and have been together ever since. It was at the funeral that they realized they had been in love with each other since they met but kept their feelings hidden because of their respective partners.
Edna asked us about our story, how we met, how long we have been married, she wanted to know it all. I told Carlos to tell them our story, he started by saying we aren't married, not yet anyway and proceeded to tell them everything from the beginning.
When Carlos told them about the deal we had made and sending me back to Morelli, Edna slapped him on the knee saying if she knew him better, she would have smacked him upside the head. Carlos took it like a champ. Carlos ended the story with the cancer scare and as I looked at him, I saw tears running down his face, as I stared at him I cried right along with him, I didn't want to embarrass him so I acted like I was playing with his face as I wiped his tears.
Edna and Henry looked at each other smiling and she took my hand and held it. Carlos finished the story, kissed me on the forehead, and thanked me. Henry looked at me and said, "That my dear was a loving thing you did there, not wanting to embarrass him by making it obvious."
They asked if we have spoken about marriage, Carlos told them we have, and we both know that is the direction we are heading, but we are a little gun shy at this moment. However, it was definitely going to happen.
Carlos asked if they wanted a drink, both said no and we talked for a while longer, Edna told Carlos that they would love to have us over for dinner or get together at a restaurant and we both said we would love that. Carlos gave her his business card, put my name, and cell number on his card. Henry gave us their contact information.
We all got up to leave, Carlos took the car keys from Henry, and gave them to the valet so they could get their car first. Henry took out some cash to tip the valet, Carlos told him not to worry about it. He will take care of it.
I hugged Edna and Henry, promising them that when we got back from Barbados, we would get together. Carlos gave the valet his keys.
"Now be sure to send Edna pictures from your trip, she has one of those smart fandangle phones. I cannot handle hers. I can barely keep up with my jitter bug phone."
He pulled out this flip phone that had the biggest buttons on it I couldn't help but laugh, I apologized and Edna said, "no need to apologize my dear, I laugh at him all the time."
We hugged again, Carlos told them to drive safely, and we would be in touch after our trip. Carlos tipped the valet with a $100.00 bill, which brought a huge smile to his face, and Carlos helped me in the car, the valet walked to with Carlos to his side thanking him.
"Ricardo Carlos Manoso, you are such a sweet and loving man, you know that?"
"Babe, I'm a bad ass remember?"
"Well you my sexy man are my sweet and loving bad ass."
He kissed me and we drove towards home, we talked on the way home about Edna and Henry, how sweet they were.
"Babe, does it bother you or make you sad when people call you Mrs. Manoso or think we are married but we're not?"
"No, I know that you and I have a love that will last a lifetime whether we are married or not. I don't want us rushing into anything because of what society or other people think."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes no doubt in my mind, when you are ready to ask I will know it's time and I will be ready."
He took my hand and kissed my ring finger a few times holding my hand the entire way home. We got home at 10:30 Brett was at the front desk he walked up to us and said that Michael had called him asking we stop by their place as soon as we got home no matter what time it was.
I panicked, Carlos asked if everything was OK, Brett said yes as far as he knew. We quickly walked to the elevator and made our way to the 4th floor we knocked on the door, all sorts of things were going through my mind, was he sick, did something happen, what could it have possibly been. I was almost to the point of shaking.
Michael opened the door, saw the scared look on my face and told me to calm down nothing was wrong, everyone especially Marcus was fine. I let out a sigh of relief and a huge breath that I had been holding. He told us to come in and we went inside the apartment.
Marcus came running over to us, wrapped his arms around both our legs, and looked up at us with huge dancing eyes.
"Bomber, you are goshus, I missded you and Batman all the day."
"Honey, why are you still awake, you have a busy day tomorrow, it's your first day of school."
"I not able, I watched TV and mommy said I felled sleep a long time, now I wide wake."
OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS KID AND THE WAY HE TALKS, I yelled to myself. Carlos picked up Marcus and put him on his shoulders as we walked to the couch, Michael and Alicia were laughing at how whipped we were with this kid.
"You guys scared the crap out of me, when Brett said to come up no matter what time; I was thinking something was wrong."
"Bomber, you not allowed to say bad words, does Batman bunish you when you talk bad words?"
"Sorry sweetie, but I was scared, I thought you or your mom and dad were sick because it's so late."
"I not sick bomber, see I feel awesome, mommy and daddy too feel good and awesome. I was sad all the day coz I wanted to see you and Batman."
He cracks me up, he is so serious when he talks I love when he says all the day, I just want to pick him up and kiss him a million times.
"So Mini B, tell me what you did all the day, did you have a good day besides fall asleep?"
"Bomber you knowed I was with you all the night and day until mommy and daddy came to pick me up. I came home tell mommy and daddy about all the fun you and batman gave me the last day, I showed them my clothes, my jewewee that you gave to me, I wear it see."
I smiled at him as he went on and on about his day.
"What you and Batman do? Is your daddy feel better, he sick in hospital?"
"Daddy is much better sweetie, I saw him we stayed for a long time and came home, then Batman and I went out to dinner at a restaurant, we had a good time, met new friends and we came home."
"You make new fwends, bomber, what about me?"
"Marcus, you will always, always, always be our friend, remember that, it doesn't matter how many other friends we meet or have, you will always be our important and best friend, got it?"
"I sure gots it bomber, best fwends for always"
He lunged at me, hugged me tight, and said something that made me cry.
"Bomber, I WUV you lots and lots for always ever ever."
He looked at me, stepped back with hands on hips looking at me very serious.
"Happy tears Wonder Woman, only happy tears member."
"Yes I member, Mini B, honey you have to go to bed, it is really late now listen, tomorrow I will see you in the morning before you go to school. Mommy will text me when you guys get ready to leave, then when you get home from school come up to my work area and tell me all about your day at school all right?"
"Yes bomber, I follow it."
I was clueless as to what he meant, assuming he understood. I kissed him goodnight and hugged him, he fist bumped with Carlos, got a hug and ran off to his bed, yelled from his bed, "night bomber, night batman, sleep tight, dream sweet."
We sat and talked with Michael and Alicia for a little bit, they said how anxious he was waiting for us, he napped for 4 hours, he was on his 3rd and 4th wind. I laughed at that analogy because he did have energy.
Carlos asked Michael if he was nervous about his first day at work and he nodded yes, Carlos told him not to be nervous, he will do a great job and that he is not going to be alone, none of the team ever goes out alone. Michael said he was looking forward to working directly with Hector this coming up week he really likes Hector.
"By the way Stephanie, you do look goshus."
I thanked her and we laughed. She thanked us again for giving them a night alone and that with everything from Michael losing his job to Marcus being sick, they had not had time to themselves. She thanked Carlos and me for everything we have done for them, for the apartment. She started crying then said something that I had never heard before. The doctor had diagnosed Marcus with failure to thrive, which was that he was not going to get better it wasn't until Carlos and I appeared that he suddenly was thriving, blossoming like a flower after being watered. That's how she described it.
Michael said that a pattern had started to form once Marcus decided to open up to us, his numbers increased, then after I left the hospital Alejandro and Marisol would visit him, he would ask them questions about us and his immune system just began to increase more and more. I was so sad at the thought of possibly losing him, which was not an option, what so ever. Alicia just went on about all that we have done and how they could never re-pay us. I told them that Carlos and I have this saying, NO PRICE, assured them they will never ever have to worry about paying any of it back, I was paying it forward.
"Alicia, for the last 3 ½ years Carlos has done so many things for me, I've blown up so many of his cars, that it would take me a life time to pay it all back. I am paying it forward even though Carlos won't let me use my money."
"Alicia, Stephanie has this ability to see things in people most of us can't, I bet when you first took a look at my guys, they scared the crap out of you right?"
"Um, well now that you bring it up, yeah, I did, it would have taken me quite some time to get used to them had it not been for Stephanie, I watched her with them and knew they were good guys. I know what you mean about her abilities."
"She took to my guys from the minute she met them, she didn't see Hectors tear tattoos, she didn't let Tanks size intimidate her, hell, she managed to talk Hal out of his own stun gun and stunned him so she could escape from this building."
"OK Carlos, did you have to bring that up? I thought we were past all that, especially poor Hal, every time he sees me he's reminded of it."
"Well anyway, Alicia, Steph stared me down the first day we met, she sees something in people, good or bad and she saw in Michael a good guy, sure he didn't look like my guys but she knew he was special and when she gets in that mode, there's no stopping her."
"Um you do know I'm standing right here."
"I have learned Alicia that to say no to her is detrimental to my health and others around me, but I'll be damned if she isn't always right and her instincts are on target. She knew that Michael was going to be a good fit with Rangeman, granted not the extent of his experience, we needed additional installation techs, one who is very good at his job and is considered one of the best in the field was staring me right in the face."
"I am proud to have you three a part of the Rangeman Family, we became a family when Steph walked into our lives, before that we were just guys with cold hearts, that wore black and had no light in our lives."
"OK enough of the putting Stephanie on a pedestal talk, I'm an average person who can read people, and I am not any more special than all of you."
"May I continue oh royal pain? Anyhow, just as you knew that my guys were good guys and you could relax around them through Stephanie, my guys do the same thing when they see how she takes to people like she did with Marcus and you two, they let their guards down. "
"My guys love Marcus, he is a breath of fresh air in this building and I bet you $20.00 that any time you need a baby sitter if the two of us are not available, you will have a lot of willing volunteers, trust me on that. They baby sit that damn rat of hers when she's gone, when there was a threat at her former apartment, one of my guys had Stephanie and another guy always had Rex in his little tank under their arm."
"OH MY GOD CARLOS that was 7 sentences and long winded ones at that good grief where did that come from?"
He grabbed me, smacked my ass, and kissed me on the forehead.
"She's a pain in the ass, but I can't help but love her."
"Boss, I just want to add to what Alicia said, thank you so much for this opportunity, I appreciate that you are willing to take a chance on me and the confidence you show in me, it means a lot to us. We don't have family, both our parents have passed away, Alicia's mom died giving birth to her brother, and he died a few days later. I have a sister but have no clue where she is. She started taking drugs after our parents died. she walked away from my life and I have never seen or heard from her. I honestly don't know if she is even still alive."
"You two and everyone in this building are the only family we have, so I won't let you down boss, that's a promise."
"I know Michael and thank you for that. OK miss word counter, we have a busy week ahead of us, we leave on Friday so we have to be up early tomorrow, no sleeping in for you."
"Oh Alicia, I wanted to ask you first, do you think it would be OK for me to ask Marcus to babysit Rex for me while we are gone?"
"What all does he have to do?"
"Feed him, clean out his cage and talk to him, I can show him."
"Yeah, that's no problem, I think it will be good for him, he will have something of yours while you're gone."
"I'll ask him tomorrow afternoon. All right you two have a good night and don't forget to text me so I can meet you in the garage before you leave to drop off Marcus for school."
Brett sent a text to Carlos asking if everything was OK with the Goldberry's he said yep all was well. We headed upstairs, I wrapped myself around my sexy loving man and looked up at him with such admiration and love.
"Yes Babe."
"Oh nothing, just thinking about how much I love you that's all."
"Good to know Babe, good to know."
He kissed me on the top of my head and we walked into our apartment, changed and went straight to bed. It was a great night.
Barbados, 4 days away…
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