There was a loud ringing filling the room. It caused Luke and Penelope to stir. Light was shining thru the curtains. Luke turned and reached for his phone.
"Hello" he said half asleep
"Hi mijito!" We're here to take you and Penelope out to breakfast."
"Where here?"
"In the lobby".
Luke looked at the clock – it was 8am, he sighed.
"Abuela" Luke said a bit annoyed. Penelope had woken up and turned to look at him.
"What?" Flor asked
"Penelope and I are supposed to sleep in".
"You're vacationing in New York".
"Part of being on vacation is sleeping in" Luke said
"Come on, the last time you came to visit was four years ago. We want to make the most of this visit especially since you brought Penelope. One way is by taking you both out to breakfast".
Penelope had been listening, she nodded with a smile.
"Alright abuela, we'll go. Give us a half hour and we'll be down there."
"Splendid! You're on the clock so no dancing in the sheets." Flor said and hung up.
"Is she serious?" Penelope asked
"I don't know."
"Let's not find out. We better get moving."
"Yup" Luke said
They got out of bed and Luke kissed her. In turn she quickly gave him another kiss. Each one took a turn washing up in the bathroom. Penelope did her make up in 10 minutes. Then they got dressed, made sure to leave the housekeeper a tip and went downstairs. They made it down at 8:25am, seeing Flor and Ricardo sitting on a love seat.
"Good morning" Penelope said
"Morning you two" Ricardo said
"You made it" Flor said with a smile.
"Of course, abuela"
Penelope laughed a little and grabbed a hold of Luke's hand.
"So where are we going?" Penelope asked
"To a diner just across the bridge. It shouldn't take to long to get there". Flor said
"Let's get out of here, I'm getting hungry" Luke said
"I second that" Ricardo said
"Ay estos hombres" Flor said as she laughed.
Ricardo gave her a displeasing glare. They walked out of the hotel and took the subway. Ricardo led them to the diner. On the way Penelope noticed a dress shop window display. Flor saw that Penelope stopped shortly, to look at the dresses.
"Penelope do you have a dress to wear tonight?" Flor asked as they followed the men into the diner next door.
"Nothing comfortable enough to dance in."
"Well maybe after eating we can pop into that store and maybe leave the guys here."
"Okay" Penelope said happily
Walking into the diner it had a 50's family inspired feeling and motif. All were seated at a booth and given menus. Within two minutes a woman who looked to be in her 60's approached them.
"Good morning, I'm Ann I'll be you server today. What drinks can I get you all started with?"
"I'll have a coffee" Flor said
"I'll have one too please" Penelope said
"Coffee please" Luke said
"Orange juice for me please" Ricardo said
"Alright I'll be back with your drinks" the server said.
They began to look over their menus.
"How did you two sleep?" Ricardo asked
"Very well" Penelope said
"I very much look forward to sleeping in on Sunday" Luke said
"I thought that was your plan today"
"It was Ricardo but we didn't get to do it much with this surprise breakfast which is very lovely" Penelope said
"Yes it is even if we have to wait longer to sleep in" Luke said
"Ay mijo, you never complained before" Flor said
"Well that was before my wonderful alluring chica came into my life" Luke smiled at Penelope and she returned his affection.
The server returned with their drinks and handed them out.
"Okay, ready to order?" asked the server
"Yes, I'll have a veggie omelet with toast" Flor said
"I'll have a Belgium Waffle plate with scrambled eggs and bacon" Penelope said
"I'll have the meat lover's omelet with hash browns. Chica, would you like to share a bowl of fruit?"
"I'd love to handsome" Penelope said
"Plus, a bowl of fruit" Luke said
"I'll have a stack of pancakes with a side of bacon" Ricardo said
"Alright I'll get this started for you" the server said as she collected the menus.
"This is a really cute place" Penelope said
"Yeah, abuela and pops always brought me here. I have fond memories of many days of ice cream sundaes"
"As he enjoyed those we usually had pie or milkshakes" Flor said
"What were your favorite flavors Luke?" Penelope asked
"Always vanilla ice cream with either strawberry sauce or hot fudge topped with whipped cream sometimes with nuts."
"Mmm… vanilla ice cream with strawberry sauce sounds delicious".
"Maybe if there is time we can come back here and eat sundaes" Luke said
"Yeah let's see if we can" Penelope said
Shortly after the server brought out their food.
"Oh yes I've missed this" Luke said
They all began to eat their food. In between they would talk of past family vacations and what it was like to live in New York City. Penelope was eating some of the fruit as Flor began to speak.
"Ricardo, Luke I would like to take Penelope next door to the dress shop. If you don't feel up to it you can stay here and drink coffee. What do you think?"
"Go for it. Chica you look gorgeous in any dress you wear and I'm not going to stop you. Especially since I get to enjoy it".
"We'll go ahead and stay here" Ricardo said
"Okay, you ready mija?"
"Yes!"
Then the men got up so that Flor and Penelope could get out of the booth. Luke offered his hand to help Penelope get up from the seat.
"See you in a little while" Penelope said then kissed Luke on the cheek.
Flor and Penelope walked away and the men sat back down on the booth.
"You two look good together" Ricardo said
Luke smiled widely.
"So mijo, what future do you see with Penelope?"
"Well pops for me she is it. I want marriage and family with her. I love her just as much or more than I do myself."
"In my opinion that's the way it should be. It's the way I'm with your abuela. There is time we may not agree about things, that's to be expected. A marriage is made up by two imperfect people who regardless of that work together, forgive each other, are understanding and show their love for on another."
"I truly desire to have that".
"And you can mijo it's a lot of work but well worth it. From what I can see of Penelope she's the type to do that and be all in".
"Yes, she is" Luke said with a smile
Meanwhile at the dress shop…..
"What's your favorite color mija?"
"I love all colors but for a dress to dance in a deep blue or vibrant red".
"Okay, how about one that's fitted on top and flows at the bottom?"
"That would sound perfect! Are you going to get yourself anything?"
"It depends, I'll have to see what they have".
They continue to look thru the racks.
"Flor, how long have Ricardo and you been married?"
"We just celebrated 32 years last month".
"Congrats! What's the secret?"
"Speaking in terms of Ricardo and I it's been the willingness to do the work to have a marriage. We know we each have faults, we work together, forgive on another, understand each other and above all show love to one another."
"I would work as hard I could to have a marriage that has all that. I want a man to make me feel like his one and only, loved immensely and is crazy about me."
"Does Luke make you fill like that?"
"He's the first to make me feel all of those emotions. At first I was a little scared but now I'm not. My choice is not let him go."
"He shouldn't let you go either. From what I've seen and all the conversations you're the best thing that has happened to him."
"After everything that he has been there he deserves the best".
"You both do" Flor said
Penelope had about five dresses to try on. While in the dressing room she didn't like the first three. The fourth one was black with a bit of sequence on the neckline.
"No, you need color" Flor said
Penelope tried on the fifth one, a pink lace dress. Then went to show Flor.
"That's not too bad but it doesn't do anything for you."
"Yeah better keep looking" Penelope said as she went back into the fitting room.
Flor went back toward the racks of dresses. She came upon a navy-blue dress style that was fitted at the top and flowy at the bottom.
"Here try this one on mija" Flor handed the dress to Penelope over the door of the fitting room. About tow minutes Penelope came out to show Flor.
"I think this is the perfect one" Penelope said
"I couldn't agree more. Here is a flower you can pin in your hair and every woman has to have a fan when out dancing."
Flor handed her the fan and Penelope opened it.
"Has a subtle seductiveness to it".
"Among other things" Flor said
"Did you find anything?"
"Yes, this blouse and these silver earrings".
"Those are beautiful".
"They have more, go change and I'll show you where they're at." Flor said
After changing Flor took Penelope to the jewelry area. There was bangle bracelets, chandelier and stud earrings and costume rings with a variety of colored rhinestones. Flor could see Penelope looking at everything.
"Wow this is all great!" Penelope said
"Well first let see what we could use to accessorize your outfit. Maybe some stud earrings that are simple like these." Flor held up a pair of stud earrings that were clear colored rhinestones.
"Oh, nice plus I could do my hair up".
"Okay, I think we're ready to go and pay" Flor said
They walked to the cashier, payed for their finds and walked back to find the men in the diner. Both Luke and Ricardo noticed Penelope and Flor walk in towards them.
"All finished ladies?" Ricardo asked
"Yes, we found some great stuff" Flor said
"Can we see it?" asked Luke
"Newbie, you'll have to wait till tonight!"
"Here let me help you with the bag" Luke said and accepted it from Penelope
"Thanks, mi amor".
They all walked out of the diner
"Okay mis ninos, we'll see you tonight. Remember be at our house at 6pm."
"We will abuela, bye".
"Bye". Penelope said
Ricardo and Flor walked away. Luke and Penelope head to the subway stop.
"Might as well stop and drop this off at the hotel since it's on the way to the Empire State building" Luke said
"Perfect idea" Penelope said
After a 20-minute ride and a short walk they arrived at their hotel. Went up to the room, dropped off the bag and took time to freshen up before heading out. Once again they took the subway to get to their destination. They arrived at the Empire State building at 2:15pm and bought tickets to go up to the observation deck. The line wasn't bad at all for a Friday afternoon. It took about 45 minutes to get up the observation deck on the 102nd floor. Once there they took in the view of the skyline.
"It's so clear up here" Penelope said
"Yeah. If you look out that way you can see the bridges that connect Manhattan with Brooklyn and the other suburbs. Over there is the Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty. This is basically the view and what the Empire State building is".
"Now I can say I visited it" Penelope said
Luke smiled and hugged her.
"Mmm… I love this".
"Tell me what exactly you love so I make sure to keep doing it." Luke said
Penelope smiled and began:
"Having you next to me, sharing embraces and shows of affection, how you're open to me, treat me like the most important thing and everything else you do".
Penelope looked up into his face, leaned in and put her lips over his. They continued to softly exchange kisses.
"Get a room!" Said a teenager passing by.
It broke them out of their bliss.
"That's an idea! Let's head back before we me up with my grandparents."
"We need to get some lunch."
"Okay let's stop at the store and just pick whatever we like and take it back to the room". Luke said
They walked into the store and found snacks and pre-made sandwiches and salads. After paying they head to the hotel and to there at 3pm.
"That was good" Penelope said
"Yeah it was, how about we take a nap or we could watch tv until we need to start getting ready for tonight." Luke said
Penelope was lying on the bed while Luke was sitting in the armchair.
"Well come over here my knight, I want to sleep with your arms wrapped around me. It's one of my favorite things".
Luke got up and went to join her on the bed. He opened up his arms and Penelope snuggled into him.
"I love you chica".
"Te amo también".
They both fell asleep and woke up at 4:45pm.
"We better start getting ready" Luke said
"I'm going to go take a shower".
"Want company?"
"No because, then we'll be late" Penelope said as she walked into the bathroom and closed the door.
While she was there Luke pulled out what he was going to wear. He settled on dark blue jeans and a black button up shirt. Shortly after the shower had been turned off. Penelope walked out wrapped in a towel, hair up in a bun. Steam had come out when she opened the door. Luke saw his beautiful girlfriend. Looking at her up and down ravenously, noticing the water droplets on her clavicle and chest. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Penelope noticed him starring, she walked past him to her suitcase. Leaned into him closely and said in her best sultry voice
"Shower is all yours".
She couldn't resist teasing him, as she turned to her luggage. Luke turned around hugged her from behind, burying his face into her neck and placing opened mouth kisses to her neck. Penelope let out a small moan.
"Newbie, I'd love to continue this but we can't be late to you grandparents."
Luke let out a groan of frustration.
"Fine but later your mine."
Penelope turned in his arms, quickly kissed him and went to finish getting ready. All the while Luke wet to go shower. After he got out Penelope was sitting on the bed strapping on her shoes. He was dressed in his black pants and deep blue dress shirt. He joined Penelope on the bed to put on his shoes. She got up.
"What do you think?" Penelope asked
"You look wonderful, the dress is perfect."
"Thanks, you always look handsome."
"Okay chica let's get going" Luke said as he got up. Penelope grabbed her purse then Luke grabbed her hand and headed down to the lobby.
They went to the front desk to have a taxi ordered and waited about 10 minutes which was pretty good. Once in the care they were taken to Brooklyn. Arriving with five minutes to spare at Luke's grandparents house. After paying for the taxi they went towards the front door of the house to knock.
"Hey kids" Ricardo said after opening the door
"Hi pops" Luke said
"Flor they're here come on let's go".
"Coming amor mio" Flor said
She was dressed in a lavender dress that matched Ricardo's colored dress shirt.
"Oh, Penelope you look beautiful".
"Thanks Flor so do you" Penelope said
"You both look beautiful" Luke said
"I can't agree more mijo"
"Oh, Ricardo" Flor said then kissed him on the cheek.
They walked out to the care and made the short drive to the place. Pulling up to park Penelope noticed the name of the dance venue: Latin Fire
Once inside they found a table and ordered drinks. The place was filled with the sounds of merengues, bachatas, cumbias and slow romantic songs.
"Come on Pen, let's go dance" Luke said as he stood up and held his hand to her. She stood up and let him lead her to the floor, then took her into his arms.
"You remember?"
"Of course, I don newbie".
They start to dance bachata, then another and a merengue before returning to the table. Their drinks were waiting for them. Savoring the delicious concoctions while Ricardo took Flor to dance. All spent the next hour and a half dancing and having drinks. Ricardo's being non-alcoholic since he was driving. Everyone was at the table when the DJ announced, now we're going to slow it down a little. That's when Ed Sheeran's song Perfect started playing. Penelope smiled, turned to Luke, grabbing his hand and getting up. Once on the dance floor Penelope put her arms around Luke's neck, he put his around her waist and started slow dancing. She was smiling brightly at him.
"What?" Luke asked
"Just thinking"
"About?"
"You"
"I like the sound of that" Luke said happily
"You're my Latin fire"
"Oh, mamacita only for you".
They got lost in the song, following the ending they returned to their seats.
"Well abuela I think it's time to call it a night. We're getting up early to be at comic con when it opens."
"That's fine mijo"
"We can drop you off at the hotel that way you don't have to catch a taxi." Ricardo said
"Are you sure? We wouldn't want you two to going out of your way".
"Yes, it's not a problem at all Penelope".
"That would be nice, thanks pops" Luke said
Twenty minutes later they were pulling up to the hotel.
"Thank you so much for the fun night" Penelope said with a smile
"I second that! So, we'll see you on Sunday before we fly out".
"Mijo that sounds perfect. I'll make lunch". Flor said
"Good night" Penelope said
"Night, see you on Sunday" Luke added as he and Penelope got out of the car.
While on the elevator Penelope turns to Luke
"I love your grandparents."
"They love you too chica. Especially since you make me happy".
"We make each other happy and I hope that continues."
"It will forever because I'll do whatever it takes to make sure it does" Luke said then leaned down and kissed her.
The elevator dinged and they walked to their room. Luke swiped the keycard and allowed Penelope to enter first.
"I'm glad we were able to go out dancing. There aren't many places back home besides with cases we don't really get that much time."
"Me too. Do you want to get the first shower?" Penelope asked
"You don't want it?"
"I wanted to start getting things ready for tomorrow."
"Alright chica, I shouldn't be too long".
He walked into the bathroom, once Penelope heard the shower start she quickly started unpacking their costumes. She didn't want Luke to see them until tomorrow morning. Pulling them out form her luggage along with two black garment bags. She placed the costumes and all the accessories in the bags then zipped them up. She couldn't wait to show off her costume to Luke and to see him in his. Penelope was turning down the bed for the night when Luke walked out of the bathroom. Once again with only a towel wrapped around his waist. He stood in front of her.
"So, hermosa did you get everything done?"
"Yes" She said as she caressed his chest
As she passed over his heart, Luke stilled her hand and held it there. Then he leaned down and kissed her.
"Showers all yours"
"Okay and don't think about peaking at our costumes. If you do no more baking sweets al natural".
"You wouldn't".
"I would."
"That's one of my favorite things. You, me creating delicious sweets without a stitch on. Adding heat to the kitchen."
Penelope could see his eyes darken, his intense look and feel his hold on her hand tighten.
"I enjoy it too and don't want to stop doing it."
"Okay chica I promise we'll still do it."
Luke released his hold on her. She picked up her pajama and headed to take a shower. Ten minutes after Penelope came out in her pajamas and her hair damp. He was already in bed, sitting against the headboard. Watching a sports recap on low. Penelope got into bed and moved to cuddle into Luke. He then wrapped his arm around her.
"What time do you want me to set the alarm for?" Luke asked
"They open at 8am and we're close by so 6:30".
Reaching towards the nightstand Luke got his phone and set the alarm. It was 10pm and the local news started. After watching the most important news Penelope started kissing Luke's neck and shoulder in response he turned and fussed his lips to her. They began to make out. As the need for air became too much they pulled themselves away yet still held each other.
"We better get to sleep."
"One more kiss" Luke said
Penelope gave him a sweet tender kiss. They laid down and feel asleep.