The following day, mid-morning, Paulina finishes her workout and heads to her locker to find a note sticking out of her gym bag addressed to 'Cupcake'. She scans the area to ensure she is alone before reading. Ready for the next chapter. Let's enjoy a night out continuing our story. Meet me tonight at Tops - 730pm.
She smiles being mindful of this big step for them to be seen out in public as a couple. Paulina recalls their kiss they shared before she left the penthouse and responds to Jake via text: I will see you tonight, sweetie.
"Paulina?" Her name is called out bringing her back to the present. She turns to find Sofia; this is someone who used to be in her life daily.
"Hi. How are you?" They hug quickly and a bit awkwardly. These ex-sister-in-laws have not communicated for some time.
"I'm good." The black-haired young woman is curt before moving into a difficult topic. "I'm sorry to hear about you and Joe."
Paulina nods, "Yeah… You know how it's been for us the last few years or so."
Sofia steps closer, "I'm actually surprised you didn't pull the trigger a while ago." She returns to what she saw before approaching Paulina, "You do look happy."
"I am. I really am." She glances down at the note in her hand.
"Well, that's what matters. Let me know if you need for someone to watch Dante. I'd love to spend time with that little guy."
"Absolutely!" She shuts the door to her locker. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I do need to get going."
"It was nice seeing you. Take care."
As per the dinner invitation, Paulina arrives in a plum purple maxi dress with an apron neckline design, drawstring waist, and flowy skirt with a mid-thigh side slit. Her hair is long with some wave to it allowing bounce as she walks towards Felicia.
"Hi honey!" Her friend goes in for a receptive hug. "Your date is already here."
Paulina grins with excitement and surveys the restaurant before she is escorted by Felicia to a corner table for two secluded from most patrons. "Enjoy your meal."
Jake pulls out her chair; however, before Paulina sits, he leans into her for a quick peck on the cheek. "You look amazing." He whispers against her neck noticing how much her leg is exposed from that side slit.
Tantalized by his breath lingering on her skin, Paulina eventually obtains the strength to take her seat. They stare at one another ignoring the world around them.
"You ready for this?" Jake asks with a wink in his white open collared dress shirt and grey classic tailored slacks.
"I am." She takes a drink of water spotting the famous watch on his wrist, "It's been fun keeping it just between us, but honestly I'm ready. You?"
"It's time to tell the town we're together." Their hands touch before the waitress arrives to take their drink order.
"I think some people are already suspicious anyways…" He kisses the top of her right hand, "And. If they weren't before, they are now." Her hand rests on his cheek.
"Chris knows." Jake states as he continues his flirtatious moves with her delicate hands.
"You told him?" She inquires softly before slowly sipping her white wine.
Jake nods no. "He's a reporter, an observer. He knew something happened in that cabin. We came back happier people."
Paulina accepts this truth, "Well, I told Felicia, so I guess we both had to confide in someone." His flirtation is causing her eyes to get heavy revealing her detailed makeup. She clears her throat, "How are the girls?"
"Growing. Very chatty."
"Oh yeah." She ponders the importance of first words and hopes to hear them for herself. "I think we all need to spend more time together."
Jake interrupts, "As a family…"
She nods, "You, the girls, Dante and myself. Maybe go to the carnival next week."
"That's a great idea. More cotton candy…" Jake lays his cloth napkin on his lap, "We do need to take another trip to Chicago to finalize the house plans."
"How soon are you thinking? I know we want to start construction immediately." Paulina prepares the perfect bite of her pan roasted halibut with almond butter and white asparagus. "Wanna try?"
Jake intently watches each slide presented in front of him from her constructing the ideal mouthful to her lips wrapping around the fork… hoping for the same. She catches him and feeds him awaiting his moan of tastiness.
"I need to be in Oakdale for a board meeting early next week. We could tie the trip to Chicago with that. Maybe leave Saturday." Jake cuts into his crisp braised pork shank. "Did I tell you Lipchitz got back to me?"
This news perks Paulina's interest. "What did he find out?"
"Good news. Looks like the girls will be two on November 20." He drinks from his wine glass. "We could get with the attorney when we are in Chicago."
Their chairs are near each other to share a dessert Felicia delivers as a chef special. It starts with a simple touch: Jake removes the excess caramel sauce from the corner of her mouth with a kiss that grows passionately contacting those luscious lips. It is their first public kiss with Felicia in the background smiling.
The following day is clear with no humidity. Rachel places the pitcher of iced tea at the table as Paulina walks out of the pool house after Dante's weekly swimming lesson.
"How's Dante doing?
"He's really impressing me given his age. Most likely won't need me beside him much longer." She sits across from Rachel realizing this may be more than a quick chat.
Sipping on the cool drink, Rachel continues the prosecution questioning. "And how was the trip to Chicago?"
Paulina answers very politically while starring off into the pool, "Great weather. Really good food." She pauses, "Spending time with Remy was just what I needed."
Without missing a beat, Rachel inquiries about the man in Paulina's life. "And Jake."
"Jake?" Paulina is caught off guard refocusing back on Rachel.
"You went with Jake, didn't you?"
"Crap." Paulina says to herself. "Did I tell you that?"
"Paulina!" She snickers, "Why are you being so secretive?"
"Do you blame me?" She exhales heavily and takes a gulp of the refreshing iced tea.
"I know you. I know something is happening between you two." Rachel reaches across the table. "You can tell me."
"We are friends. Best friends." Rachel's discerned look beckons for more information. "We've been talking… really talking." She stutters her way thru, "The talking and the listening." She sits up straight, "You know, it feels so natural with Jake. I…I can't let go of him, again. I never wanted to before. He's in me; he is apart of me and I'm apart of him."
"A lot of time has gone by. Jake isn't the same man he was when you two were together years ago." Paulina is a bit shocked from Rachel's comment. She respects this mother figure and her approval means a lot.
Keeping her hands on the cool glass, "It's been important for both of us to take our time. Just explore this thing without others pushing their judgment onto us."
Tilting her head empathically, "I do understand and I won't say a word. It's your news to share." Rachel squeezes her arm, "It does sound like you've made up your mind."
Without any hesitation, she answers "I have, Rachel. The tie between us never broke. He sees me with all my flaws, quirks and huge heart." She stares out towards the pool, "All in all, this is about me. He may be my light, my strength… but I would have come to this same result."