A reward for all the wonderful comments and the wonderful support each of you gives me.
This date is going to cover a few (more than two) chapters...just more "getting to know you" stuff from Erik and Christine.
I want to address a couple of questions.
(Phantomforever) - It will be revealed, as time passes, why Erik has had no female companionship over the last five years - despite the fact that he doesn't think anyone would want him. This Erik is different from any other Erik I have ever written; you will soon find out why...well, in several chapters.
(terbear and Angelofmusic2316) - We will learn a little more about Rafe and Meg's relationship...but they are not my main focus. And Rafe is short for Raphael.
MAN OF SORROWS
CHAPTER 17
Sunday morning dawned bright and beautiful and Erik and Christine each did their own thing.
Erik found his way to church, a non-denominational place of worship outside of the city. He had been going there ever since arriving in New York several weeks ago.
Christine hadn't been much of a church goer since her parents had passed. It wasn't that she blamed God, she just didn't know what to say anymore.
She actually wound up sleeping until about 10:00 and then started on the picnic lunch. She made chicken salad, deviled eggs, and a vegetable tray with dip. Croissants were her favorite, and she knew where to get them, which just happened to be a block from her apartment.
"Hi ya, Mr. Pascarillo." Christine greeted as she picked out the softest and largest croissants.
"Christine, it's been a while since I've seen you."
Mr. Pascarillo owned the small bakery and had been running it for thirty years with the help of his wife, Thelma.
"I will take these four lovely croissants right here."
She handed him the bag of goodies and smiled broadly.
"You look exceptional this morning, my dear…big day?"
Christine knew she must have blushed six shades of red.
"Yes, actually, I have a date."
Thelma had been heading into the bakery from the back door when she heard the news.
"Oh my! This is very good news!" Thelma gleamed.
"Anyone we know?" Tony added.
"He's the owner of the new gallery that just opened up on in Manhattan."
The older couple exchanged glances that told Christine they were more than pleased with her choice.
"A man with class for a classy woman…I look forward to meeting him."
Christine wasn't sure if Tony would ever get the chance to meet Erik, but she certainly hoped so.
"Whatchu mean, you…we are both wanting to meet him!"
Thelma's Italian accent got thicker as she chastised Tony for his lack of vision and Christine smiled at the banter they shared as husband and wife.
They both waved at her as she went out the door, their argument on pause only for a brief moment, and then they started up again.
She finished packing the picnic basket and then took a shower. She paid particular attention to the shine in her hair, and decided to wear it loose, once again.
She had caught Erik admiring it on a couple of occasions and certainly wanted to see that look of approval in his eyes again.
She dabbed a bit of cologne on her neck and behind her ears, and a touch on each wrist. She hoped he found her scent as pleasant and sensual as she found his.
The glint in his eyes when she mentioned dessert had her thinking he had a sweet tooth, so she made brownies and chocolate chip cookies last night, after she and Meg had finished their shopping spree.
She finished with everything and sat on her couch getting more nervous by the minute – wondering if he had changed his mind and decided not to waste his time on a woman like her.
Stop it, Christine. Erik is a gentleman and would have called if he had to cancel, it's only 12:54, he said 1:00 – give him time.
She was still twisting her hands together nervously when the buzzer sounded, causing her to jump a mile off the couch and then laugh at her own stupidity.
She checked her hair and makeup in the mirror beside the door as she pushed the intercom button.
"Hello?"
"Hello."
His smooth baritone sounded like liquid gold and Christine felt herself slipping under his spell already.
"Come on up." Was all she could manage as she pushed the button allowing him to enter the building.
It only took a minute for Erik to advance up the stairs and knock on her door. He was so nervous and was getting more nervous with every moment that passed.
When the door opened, Erik swept his eyes over her frame and smiled.
"You look beautiful, Christine."
He brought her hand to his lips and she felt the color creep into her cheeks. She loved how her name sounded on his lips…like a line from a poem.
Her skirt hugged her female curves deliciously and Erik found his eyes roaming lustfully up her form. He followed her into the apartment and couldn't keep his eyes off the sway of her backside. She had a wonderful figure, feminine and full in all the right places.
He saw her reach for the picnic basket, and grasped it before she could.
"Allow me." He purred.
She turned to smile at him and his eyes wandered to the creamy stretch of her neck and the teasing swell of her breasts. He swallowed hard and subconsciously ran his tongue over the hungry surface of his lips.
He had to put some distance between them, so he smiled and headed toward the door.
Now, it was her turn. Erik wore blue jeans that hugged his well-toned legs and shapely backside. He wore a deep blue, collared polo shirt and boots; and, of course, he smelled heavenly.
She had expected Erik's Volvo, but she got a horse-drawn carriage instead.
"Oh Erik! I've always wanted to ride in one of these!"
Erik smiled and was thankful that he had thought of it. He helped her up into the seat and then sat down next to her.
She took that very moment to cuddle up to him and was rewarded with his arm around her shoulders.
"Erik, do you believe that people are destined to find each other, no matter what the circumstances are?"
Erik lifted the corner of his mouth in a thoughtful smirk.
"Not so much destined, as designed."
Christine felt her heart flutter with a charge of excitement.
Erik allowed a full smile to grace his mouth before he explained.
"My belief system is centered around a God Who knows the inner desires of my heart and has already charted a course that will lead me to His side; however, He has also allowed me free will – and I am apt to make the wrong decisions and stray from that chartered course."
Christine heard the deep conviction in his voice and longed to be a part of it
"I believe there are certain people designed to be together; a perfect fit, if you will."
Christine considered this for a moment and then posed a question that caused a dark countenance to rest upon him.
"Is there only one chance, Erik…or do you believe God has designed several options for each person to choose from?"
He didn't look at her; but instead, watched the passing scenery with aloof familiarity. He seemed to reflect on her question with great thought.
He finally smiled rather resignedly, "I pray that He does."
Christine wondered how a man, who seemed so sure of his place in God's world, was so unsure of himself as a man; it was quite disturbing. She discerned that it had something to do with what happened in his past – some of which he hid behind the mask.
"I believe in my heart that He does." She whispered.
Erik smiled and gently touched his hand to her cheek, sweeping his thumb along the soft surface. His eyes lifted and a genuinely happy smile played about his enticing lips.
"We're here."
TBC