LILY
BNR848
Disclaimer: The publicly recognized characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plots are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
CHAPTER 25
The front desk called announcing James Mulrooney's arrival. Kate warned everyone to behave; especially the twins. When the doorbell rang she gave everyone a stern look before answering.
"You must be James, please come in," a welcoming Kate announced.
Rick introduced himself and escorted James into the living room as Kate proceeded to get Lily. The awkward silence was broken by Charlie saying hello. When Lily walked into view he was speechless. He had thought she was beautiful, but he was mistaken, she was breathtaking. The dress she wore appeared painted on and he could simply not take his eyes off her. He recovered his composure and stood to meet her.
Lily smiled when she saw him. He wore a dark blue suit, she was sure had been tailor-made, a blue shirt and matching tie. He took a step towards her, softly asking if she was ready. She nodded as James took her coat from her arms and held it for her.
"It's been a pleasure meeting you all, Merry Christmas," James added politely.
"You two have a wonderful evening," declared Kate as she walked them towards the door.
When they entered the elevator James turned to Lily, adding, "You look beautiful."
"Thank you," she replied.
"I'm so sorry for the mob. It was sort of an impromptu thing, and the fact I had a date… Let's just say my family likes to torture me," added Lily.
James laughed, held the elevator opened and walked her towards the waiting car.
The short ride was pleasant. He talked about Nancy and Henry and all the shopping they'd done. Lily apprehensively asked about Mass. James asked if she was Catholic, explaining Mass was spiritually comforting and physically exhausting.
"I'm sure someday I'll have to atone for this, but Mass is a workout. It's an hour routine of repetitive sitting, standing, and kneeling, interrupted by a short walk for communion," he stated.
She placed her hand over her mouth to squelch the unintentional giggle while reprimanding him for making her laugh at a holy ritual. But, the short narrative had put them both at ease.
The restaurant was elegant and romantic. Nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge, its location provided a sweeping view of the river and the skyline. There was simply not a bad seat in the house. The tables were spread out, offering an air of privacy. The softly lit interior also allowed for a spectacular view of the evening stars.
"This place is beautiful," Lily added.
The evenings four-course, fixed menu made it much easier to order. James started with calamari and Lily went with salmon sashimi. James ordered a bottle of white wine and they continued their conversation. By the time they brought out the main course they were running out of small talk. James put down his fork and took a breath.
"We're sort of running out of polite conversation. How about we come up with five or six questions. Nothing too deep. That way, we avoid the dreaded silence." James suggested.
"I'm game. First question, what's your favorite food?" Lily asked.
James proudly announced macaroni and cheese. He could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He remembers his mom making it for him, sometimes adding diced hot dogs to it. Although he now preferred the homemade kind with lots of fresh imported cheese, the magical blue box would always be an acceptable stand-in.
"How about you? What's your favorite food?"
"My mom and I have an affinity for Thai food. When she was elected to the State Senate she spent a lot of time in Albany. Whenever she came home she would make sure to spend time with us individually. We had girl time. We made a list of some of the best Thai restaurants in the city, and each visit we crossed one off. It became our thing." Lily added reflectively.
The least favorite food question was easy. James proclaimed Brussel sprouts the worst food on earth, while Lily decried liver topped her list; with reindeer a close second. James had laughed, remembering her rebuff of the reindeer soup. By the time the double chocolate mousse soufflé arrived, they were laughing and easily talking.
They had recounted their most embarrassing high school moment, best vacation, best birthday and favorite movie. He relished watching her enjoying the decadent dessert, pretending to eat from the small dish. They ordered coffee and while they waited, he asked one more question.
"Alright, here's one last question. Worst date, ever?"
"Well counselor, seeing how it's still early, and all the evidence isn't in yet, I can't honestly render a verdict," she added with a smirk.
"I'm wounded Ms. Castle, deep, through my heart, wounded," he responded while grasping at his chest and closing his eyes.
The server approached with a silver decanter and two cups. They sipped their coffee and laughed.
All of a sudden she realized she'd been enjoying herself. There was no forced conversation, no controlling the rolling of her eyes, and no rush to the bathroom to call a friend to rescue her with a phone call. In actuality, she was disappointed the evening was coming to an end.
It was well past eleven when they walked out. The night air was cold, as the temperature had dropped substantially. He noticed Lily rubbing her hands and placed his arm over her shoulders. He held his breath, awaiting the slightest reaction but received none. He exhaled as they walked to the waiting car.
The twenty-minute drive was quiet. The streets were sparse of traffic, with most people already home awaiting Santa's arrival. As they approached her parent's building she bit her lip. When James reached for the door handle she reached across, placing her hand over his.
"Would you mind if we took a drive through the park? It's so peaceful this time of night."
James smiled, instructing the driver to drive around Central Park. He had long ago stopped believing in Santa, but this gift had been a welcomed surprise. James leaned over, telling the driver to take his time. When he sat back, he turned to Lily.
"I've been dying to do this all night," declared James in a husky whisper, as he placed his right hand on Lily's cheek, leaned in and kissed her. As their lips parted, he sighed adding, "Merry Christmas Lily Castle."
She smiled and kissed him back.
Soon the kisses intensified. She felt like a teenager, making out in the backseat of a car, but she didn't care. His lips felt warm and inviting and the gentle way he caressed her face melted her heart. Way too soon they were back in front of her building. With the engine idling the driver made no attempt to announce their arrival. They sat, James, embracing her, her head comfortably on his shoulder. Their restraint betraying the hunger in their eyes.
"You know, sooner or later I'm going to have to go inside."
"I vote for later," lamented James, as he turned and kissed her again.
The kisses were growing more passionate and his resolve was wavering. He pulled himself away from her and vigorously rubbed his face with both his hands. He took a deep breath, flung open the door and exited the vehicle. He extended his hand and walked her inside.
"I know tomorrow is Christmas and you have plans with your family, but I'd like to see you. Even if just for a minute. You name the place and time, I'll be there." It was uttered as a plea.
"Actually it's already Christmas…" Lily added with a smile, as she reached up and kissed him.
"Merry Christmas, James," she murmured in his ear.
"If you do that again, we're going back in that car," gritted James.
She laughed and leaned her head against his chest sighing. "Tomorrow's tough. Everyone arrives around eleven and it's generally family chaos. My father spends all day in the kitchen making Christmas dinner," explained Lily.
"How about before dinner? I can meet you in the park, wish you a proper Merry Christmas." James added as he leaned in and placed another kiss on her lips.
"Why don't you guys come to dinner? Trust me, four more people is nothing. We've had as many as twenty people over." Lily could not believe the words that had just left her mouth. She had just asked the poor man to a family dinner; Christmas dinner. What the hell was she thinking!
"Sorry, I didn't mean to put you on the spot. I'm sure you already have plans. But, I'll meet you in the park by the Alice Statute around two," she added with a soft smile.
"Does that mean, I'm disinvited to dinner?" he inquired with a disappointed look.
"You mean you'll come? You and your family?"
"It's not going to take much convincing. What time?" he asked.
"I'll call you. But we usually eat around six," Lily added with a smile.
"You sure your parent's won't mind?"
"Positive," she replied, as she punched the code for the elevator.
He watched her get in the elevator, wishing her a good night as the doors closed.