Ch. 6
Sorry for the delay with the update. I took some time to spend with family over the holiday
"Ok, That makes four interviews basically confirming our client's innocence from four totally different perspectives. It sure paints a well rounded perception of innocence even with the majority of our case being circumstantial. This is going to be a piece of cake." Mac began placing her notes in her case as she looked up at Harm.
"I can't wait to see the look on Singers' face. She really thought this case was going to get her some attention with all those high ranking Annapolis fellows being involved. I bet you we get the charges dropped before opening statements." They both laughed as they began leaving the building.
"I will say it did help coming down here to take care of this personally...It was a really great idea Harm, especially since you really know your way around. We got so much accomplished, not to mention the gift of relaxation you have made possible." Harm was opening the car door for Mac as she looked into his eyes.
"I wish I could kiss you right now."
"Well, now that we're finished with work and officially off the clock why don't we get the weekend started?"
"Sounds like an idea I can get behind. Mac, I need to stop for some essentials. Let's run to the drug store real quick."
"Hang on...Let's think this through. I really don't want to be running back and forth all weekend. What's on the agenda?" Harm got into the car and looked over at her. He started the engine and began to make his way off the campus and towards town.
"Tonight we're going out, tomorrow we'll do a nice brunch somewhere then we have a yacht chartered for the day. Sunday is still open though. Any ideas?"
"I think we should enjoy the area and what it has to offer but I want to make dinner for you."
"Really? I'm going to get a chance to experience the secrets of Sarah Mackenzie huh?"
"If you play your cards right you might get more than just a few secrets." Mac looks seductively into Harms eyes as she grabs his hand and raises it to her mouth for a sweet kiss on the inside of his wrist.
"What are you suggesting, Mac?"
"Let's go to that big box store. I'm sure we can get almost everything we need there. Then we can head back to the condo to get ready for tonight."
"Sounds good. I do have one additional stop to make but it's down on main street by that deli we were at earlier."
"Oh, that's perfect, we might need to go back there for a few of the ingredients I need. I want to make this special meal my mamani used to make with me. It's like the ultimate comfort food. I think you will really enjoy it. Every time I make it I feel like she is right here with me. I don't have many great memories as a child but my mamani would cook with me every chance she got. She taught me so much in the short time we had together. I thank God everyday for the opportunities she opened for me just by teaching me to speak Farsi. She taught me about the koran and the true doctrine of the muslim faith but she never forced it on me. We never really practiced within any specific faith but I always believed in the idea of an omnipotent entity out in the great universe. You know, something out there protecting and guiding me. It was the only way I got through some of the things that happened. I guess in a way it gave me hope that it would get better."
"Mac, you amaze me! When I think about some of the things you've shared with me I get so angry. I want to find those people in your past and just beat the living shit out of them. You've overcome so much to become this amazing woman. I can only pray that I will be allowed to witness all the great things that are still planned for you by that omnipotent entity that's had your back all these years." Mac looked into his eyes and could see true admiration and maybe those eyes held what looked suspiciously like...what might be forever in them. 'This day definitely has worked out better than it started.'
"Thanks Harm, I would love for you to be around for those things too. I look forward to anytime that involves the two of us together."
"Me too." They held hands on the drive but didn't feel the need to say anything else. They enjoyed the comfortable silence until they arrived at the store.
Both Harm and Mac walked into the store. Mac grabbed a cart and Harm lovingly placed a hand upon the small of her back. Mac led them to the section of the store that housed the toiletries. Walking through the aisles both Harm and Mac begin dropping items into the basket that they would need. Shampoo and conditioner, body wash with exfoliating beads and a loofah are Mac's items from this aisle while Harms drops in an all in one bottle of Axe in a clean shower scent. Mac turns back and grabs an extra loofah that looks a little more manly.
"What's that for Mac?"
"For you, Flyboy"
"I just thought I would share with you and borrow your loofah."
"Look Mr. Rabb, just because I love you doesn't mean I'm going to let you invade my loofah. That's sacred ground Harmon." Harm just stared at her, a look of wonder and happiness mixed with a goofy grin. "What are you grinning at you big goof?"
"Mac, do you mean it? Do you really love me?" Mac looks at him and immediately starts wondering what he is talking about. 'What did I just say? Please tell me I didn't accidentally say this...I wanted it to be special when I said it for the first time. I can't believe I said that just as a matter of fact. Well, I can either back pedal and potentially ruin the weekend or I can own it and see where it leads. Here goes nothing.'
"Umm, look Harm, I say that in my head so often that it must have just slipped out. I'm not going to deny my feelings any longer but if you're not ready for me to…" And that was all that she could get out before he smashed his face into hers and initiated a very passionate kiss. Mac, realizing they were still in the middle of the shampoo aisle, slowly began to back away offering little nibbles along his lower lip. Looking into each other's eyes the unspoken words over the years seemed to just flood through them.
"I love you more than all the sand on that beach we had lunch on Mac and I don't want to deny either of us the pleasures that we have begun to experience with each other today ever again."
"You know Harm I really never thought that we would confess our love for one another in the middle of the shampoo aisle but I guess that only goes to show that we need to relinquish that control we both love so much and let life happen every once and a while. Harm started to push the cart down the aisle and looked at Mac with a smile.
"I think I could get on board with that! What do you say? Shall we finish up. I am looking forward to seeing you in that dress I bought you for tonight."
"I am definitely on board with that!" Mac and Harm continued through the aisles. Razors, shaving cream, lotions, bath oils, toothbrushes and toothpaste, all made their way into the cart.
"Hey Harm, I just need to grab a hair brush. Do you need anything else?"
"Yep, How about I meet you in the produce section?"
"Sounds good. Can you grab some sunscreen Harm? I don't want you to burn tomorrow?
"You're not worried about burning?"
"Well, I'm worried about skin rays affecting my skin but I don't really burn. My skin tone seems to love the sun. It just soaks it up and adds to my olive tone."
"Well I know I am looking forward to soaking up you, soaking up the sun. Haha haha! I will catch up with you in the produce section, ninja girl!" Harm makes his way to the sunscreen display that is set up in the middle of the aisles and begins to look at all the options while Mac grabs a hairbrush and heads to the other side of the store that houses the grocery sections. Harm grabs some waterproof sunbum because he likes the coconut smell spf 45. Then he spots some of that yummy smelling tanning oil. 'Oohh, this stuff smells like coconut too and I can't wait to rub this all over a certain marine. Now where are the condoms?' Harm finds the aisle that houses a few different items that may prove useful tonight. He grabs a box of the ultra thin condoms, [12 pack] and then grabs a warming massage oil that is safe to use with condoms. 'That should do it...I hope!'
Meanwhile…
Mac is slowly walking through the produce section trying to remember everything she needs to grab. 'Ok, The Tachin needs barberries but I doubt they will have them so I can just substitute dried cranberries for those, I also need an onion for the chicken. Then, the Shirazi salad will need some cucumber, tomato, lemon, and limes, parsley, cilantro, dill and mint. Oops can't forget the red onion. I need to pickle those so I can't forget the vinegar. I think I will make a Sharbat for us to drink too so I better grab a few more cucumbers and another bunch of mint. I think Harm will like that too'
"Hey Mac, How can I help?" Mac brought her fingers to her lips and thought for a bit.
"I need some chicken so why don't you pick something out you will be ok with. Then meet me in the baking aisle" Harm gave her a sweet little kiss while he slipped his purchases into the cart so that Mac wouldn't see what he added. Mac just smiled as she walked away…'He thinks he's slick' Harm starts to head to the meat counter when he turns suddenly.
"Mack what kind of chicken and how much?"
"Skinless breast, and just enough for us to eat so maybe 2 large breasts. You decide." Mac then continued on her way while she gathered up the remaining items she would need. Apple cider vinegar, olive oil, basmati rice, eggs, and plain yogurt. Mac starts heading to the baking aisle and begins to look for the spices she needs. She bends over to have a closer look at the different types of cinnamon when she senses Harm in close proximity. Harm drops the things he grabs from the meat counter into the top of the cart and sneaks up behind her putting both his hands on her hips pulling her back into him for the briefest moment of impropriety. Mac stands up quickly and leans back into him resting her head on his shoulder.
"Harm, you're going to get us kicked out of here. Behave sailor!" Harm kisses her temple and turns her around.
"I'm sorry I couldn't pass up an opportunity like that. Don't worry I looked around first." Mac laughs and smiles at him.
"Oh, that makes it alright then I guess. Did you ever think that maybe there are cameras in here?" Harm looks up and all around. Then shrugs his shoulders.
"Let them look. I have the most beautiful woman in the world letting me hold and kiss her." Harm releases her. "Have you got everything?
"Almost, I was hoping to find some saffron and persian cinnamon but I haven't had any luck. Maybe I will find some at the deli with Mrs. Loenstein. If not, she will have something I can substitute for them. I just need a bag of sugar and then we are pretty much finished. What else did you grab with the chicken?"
"Well while I was there looking at my choices I thought that since you're making dinner then maybe I could make breakfast. So I grabbed some organic chicken maple sausage. I want to grab some potatoes on the way out."
"Well I have eggs already because I need them for dinner. We can have eggs, sausage and potatoes. Do you want to grab some coffee?"
"Sure why not. I think I saw one of those fancy coffee makers that makes it by the cup so we will need to get those special cups that go into that fancy machine though. How about I go find the coffee and you grab the potatoes and we can meet up front to check out?"
"Harm, don't grab anything fancy! Coffee is just coffee, ok?" Harm flashes one of his flyboy smiles at her as he walks away.
Mac heads to the freezer section to grab some nice breakfast potatoes and on the way she sees the ice cream. 'Oooh, dessert'...grabbing a cherry, goat cheese confection that looks absolutely sinful she turns back and heads to the front. Walking by the bakery she grabs a short loaf of sourdough and a few cheese danish that she knows are Harm's favorite. 'That should do it.' Harm sees Mac waiting and drops the good ol' Foldgers cups into the cart.
"Mac, why don't you go ahead and grab the car and bring it up to the loading area while I pay for this. Then we can get help from the baggers to load up quicker."
"I was going to help pay for all this though."
"No way, not a chance. I'll meet you out front, ok?"
"Well, if you're sure. I'll be waiting!" Harm finished checking out and grabbed one of the boys to help him load everything up.
"Nice car Mr...Wow...uhm...even nicer driver Mr." Harm just chuckled. The bagger finished up and Harm gave him a tip. "Have a nice weekend Mr." while he winked at Harm.
Mac looked over at Harm, "where to?"
"Head over to the deli so you can look for your spices. I can walk to the shop I need to go to from there."
"Where are you going?"
"It's a surprise." Mac gives him a look that shares her lack of love when it comes to surprises.
"Harmm, you know I don't like surprises." Harm smiles and says.
"I promise you will love this one."
Mac pulls into a parking spot and tells Harm to come in and find her when he's done. They head on in different directions. Harm makes his way down to the flower shop that is just a few doors down.
"Hello sir, what can I do for you?" Harm gives a small smile to the gentleman behind the counter.
"Good Afternoon, I would like to order a dozen roses, every color you have. Then I will need a dozen red roses. Do you still offer delivery late in the day?
"Yes sir, we deliver until 10pm on the weekends. Where will these be delivered to? Harm gave him the address of the condo and shared that the bouquet that was to be delivered to the condo was the colorful bunch and he would like them there within the hour. "And the red roses are going where?"
"Does O'Briens pub still have dancing on the weekends?"
"It does Sir, It's a bit different now though, they have different types of music throughout the night. There is a poster over there that tells you who and what is playing when, if you would like to look. I would advise that you make reservations though sir. That is our most popular spot on a Friday night. Can I call for you?"
"That would be great. I need a table for two. The name is Rabb"
"Am I to assume that the red roses will be delivered to the restaurant?" Harm just looked at him as he started talking to the man on the other end of the line. "Hey Charlie, do you have 2 top available tonight? Come on Charlie, work some magic. I really need this favor...GREAT! The name is Rabb. Yes, and thanks again."
"You have a 7:30 reservation. Who is playing tonight?" Harm is looking at the poster now and says someone named Imakindove Bennet from 7-9, then DJ Love. What kind of music is that?" The salesman chuckled.
"Oh he's great. He is a Tony Bennet impersonator and then the DJ Love fellow is more for the younger folks that dance into the night." Harm raises his left eyebrow and thinks 'a little slow dancing followed up with a little grinding...sounds perfect.'
"Here is my credit card and thanks for all your help." After the sale was complete he made his way into the deli to find Mac. Harm finds Mac looking at the spices once again. "This dish you're making sure has a lot of spices."
"That's what makes it so amazing."
"What have you got there?" Mac shows him her little shopping basket.
"I found some rosewater, the saffron and the persian cinnamon I needed. I swear this place is amazing. I only wish Mrs. Loenstein was around so you could meet her." Harm grabs her basket and heads for the checkout counter.
"Are you all set? We need to get a move on so that we don't have to rush to get ready for our evening." Knowing that they needed to get home so he could get her into the tub before the roses arrived. He wanted to walk in with the bouquet while she was in the tub relaxing. "Our reservation is for 1930 and I want you to have time to soak in the tub and relax a bit more."
"What a glorious idea Harm." Harm and Mac walked out with the last of their purchases and made their way back to the condo, both lost in their own thoughts of the wonderful possibilities the evening will bring.