Chapter 27 - Moving Forward #2
/Ranger's Point of View/
At Stephanie's request, the night after our date was movie night with the guys. When we couldn't agree, Stephanie showed her peace keeping skills and I insisted everyone write their movie choice on a slip of paper and Stephanie drew one out of the hat. I was sure we'd be watching Ghostbusters, but I was wrong.
We spent an evening watching The Italian Job. The movie theater seating in the media room meant I couldn't pull Stephanie against me, but I did hold her hand and rub my thumb over her palm.
The rest of the week went smoothly as well as the weekend. The guys went out partying Saturday evening, but Stephanie and I stayed in. She cooked me dinner with the condition that I also try her dessert. The Italian chicken dish was amazing as was the chocolate mousse. I could have eaten more. I'm amazed at how much change she's embraced and the fears she's conquered.
On Sunday after a late brunch, I asked Stephanie, "trust me?"
She looked at me like I was out of my mind for a moment, but simply nodded.
"Get dressed for an afternoon outside. Dress comfortably with athletic shoes."
I thought Lester and Bobby were going to choke. Telling Stephanie to lace up athletic shoes a year ago would have been met with obstinacy, but Stephanie smiled and replied, "being mysterious, Batman?"
From the corner of my eye, I could see Stephanie's eyes grow wide as we turned the corner to the zip line adventure park.
"You're taking me flying of sorts?" She said with a smile.
"Yep," was my simple reply.
"I've wanted to do this but no one wanted to join me. Well, I didn't ask around the office, but none of my friends wanted to go."
"You've grown so much while I was away. You blow me away. This seemed fitting for the new you."
I could tell she was bouncing in her seat as I scrambled around the car to get her door before she got out herself. My grandma always insisted that doors be open for a lady, and I wasn't a slacker.
I have never heard Stephanie squeal with as much excitement as she did that afternoon. The look of pure joy on her face at the end of each zip line was addicting. On the last three stints, I went first just to be able to see the sheer joy on her face and her eyes sparkle. As an added bonus, I was able to unhook her. They wouldn't let me hook her in for safety reasons, but I'd do anything to be able to maintain physical contact. I realized physical touch might become an addiction. I didn't care though.
At the end of the course, Stephanie threw herself in my arms.
"Thank you. That was beyond amazing!" She exclaimed.
"You're welcome, Babe," I replied before kissing her in a way that might not be totally appropriate in public.
We went back to the house and spent the evening relaxing in the hot tub with the guys.
Early Monday morning, I gave Tank and Bobby a ride to the airport before heading into the office.
Lester had taken their car back to the office and would be staying there the rest of the week.
The day was routine. I worked on catching up on paperwork and took a monitor shift before catching a ride-along with one of the roving patrols to get a feel for the city.
At 1700, I went in search of Stephanie. She seemed to be up to her eyeballs in paperwork and schedules.
"Laugh it up. Tables seem to have turned," Stephanie let out with a frustrated sigh.
"How can I help, Babe?"
She took a deep breath and looked around. "If you could input these schedule changes into this archaic computer system, that would be helpful."
I chuckled. I hated the system as well, but I'd do anything to help.
We spent the next hour fighting schedules, computers, and logging reports. Just after 1800, Stephanie snapped her laptop shut.
"I'm famished," she offered. "Interested in something from the break room or would you prefer to pick something up on the way home?"
"Actually, I asked Mira to have a to-go dinner ready to go with us when we were ready." I think I shocked her. "What? She offered. It is part of her job description."
"I guess so. I've just never asked," she replied with a soft smile. "What's for dinner?"
"Don't know."
"Bet you just said something healthy." She had me there.
Ten minutes later we were on our way back to the house. When we got home, Steph set the table while I unpacked our dinner. Mira had done well. I suspect she'd been talking to Ella. Dinner consisted of grilled chicken and sautéed vegetables with a side of fettuccine Alfredo. For dessert, there was pineapple upside down cake. She had definitely been talking to Ella and was trying to win points with Steph.
The dinner was outstanding. It might not be as good as Ella's but I am partial. I can acknowledge and accept that.
Stephanie moaned throughout dinner and you'd have thought the pineapple upside down cake was orgasmic.
"What? I haven't had pineapple upside down cake in quite a while," she pouted.
"No complaints from me, Babe."
