When Anakin arrived home, Padmé was already sound asleep. He let her sleep and decided to cut back on his nighttime drinking in the hopes to get some midnight attention.
Like the day before, a fantastic breakfast greeted him the following morning.
"You don't really have to go so far each day to get me French croissans, Angel."
"I don't mind at all. In Boston, we don't have French croissants, and I also need to do some more to move."
"I see that every moment I spend with you is the finest thing that could have ever happened to me. The only thing that gives my life meaning is you.
"I'm here, and I'm not leaving. Is there a problem?
"Well, imagine our surprise when we ran into Pat last night. She appears to be after me. What should I do?
"Nothing Ani. We leave New York in a few days."
"I don't want you to think..."
"No, I don't think so; you have my trust. Ignore it. What are your three plan for today?"
"Club A, and hopefully without Pat, after 48 Lounge... and you?"
"Today, we're going to Mastro's Steakhouse, and afterwards, we're going to Satine's since she created the cakes."
"We still have time for..."
"…..love? We do, my fiance."
Physical love was the expression of her emotions. Even though they couldn't make up for what they hadn't experienced in seven years, the prolonged separation they had endured made them feel like they had to catch up. Those years were permanently lost. Maybe they would have been the best years, but they were resolved to just reaffirm their relationship—including the physical aspect—and make it stronger. It was surrender for her, not a need for release.
They took shower and while she was getting dressed, she asked him what he was going to do until the evening. He said he wants to go to his mother's house to have lunch with her.
"Is a particular Irene coming with you, as she did before?"
"You're aware of it?"
"Ani, we are living in a small world. So what date was that?"
"My mother once brought this Irene to our monthly dinner because she believed that after almost two years, I could have forgotten about you. Even out of etiquette I didn't talk to her since I wasn't interested in her. My mother found it humiliating, but she understood it. What she said about me was that I am gay."
"Yes, if not precisely in those terms."
Anakin laughed. Many people believed he had changed sides over those seven years because of the lack of his social life. He was once approached by an ex-MIT classmate who informed him that it was a pity that all attractive men were gay. Although he laughed at it, the rumor kept circulating.
"I'm leaving now, let me kiss you a hundred times..."
"Not enough, I love you. Enjoy your time.
"You too, and...I love you even more."
She moved. They chose the Porterhouse Steak since Mastro's Steakhouse had outstanding steak; of course, they couldn't eat it all. The eyes were initially far too large.
Sabé, Dormé, and Padmé were interested to see the interior of the apartment that Kenobis purchased. At 49 West 70th Street, it was on the second floor of a lovely home. There was a kitchen, a dining area, a living room, three bedrooms, each with a bathroom, and a guest bathroom. The house was older but in good shape and entirely renovated, which was typical of the neighborhood. Although the apartment was not inexpensive, Satine's mother and uncle, Ben's parents, and Ben himself did not live in poverty.
The friends were ready for visit and brought several gifts for the little Serena, who was subsequently taken home by a nanny. Serena was a cute young child who resembled her mother. She arrived at Padmé immediately and only wanted to play with her.
"You look good carrying a child, Padmé."
"I am aware and would like to have a child of my own; nevertheless, the wedding must come first. How long are you two allowed to remain in Boston?"
"Ben will be off for a few days."
"I also take a vacation; three days exactely. We take a flight to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon."
"WE?" Satine was taken aback.
"Yeah...well, girlfriends, Cody will be going to D.C. with me tomorrow. Stay with me and we'll come to Boston together."
"WOW."
"I can only say, I'm speechless." Sabé wondered.
"You're once again speechless. If you get married or move jobs, having a quick wit becomes less necessary."
"Should I inquire about a date with Rex?"
If it makes you happy, do it, Padmé."
"In earnest? Should I? I can do it, I have no problem doing it."
"Yeah do it, I have a boyfriend I don't have, an on-off relationship that's more off than on, current status is off, and today I'm breaking up with this weird relationship. Even I have no idea what that is. What can happen to Rex, except that he says no.
"He's not going to say no, the way he was looking at you the whole time on Sunday, the way he was dancing with you."
They discussed a wide range of topics over coffee and cake, and Dormé was assured that they would bid each other goodbye at La Guardia Airport. Ben won't have any court appearances on Thursday, according to Satine, so they can come together for lunch instead of splitting the day in two.
The friends said goodbye in the late afternoon, and Padmé left for her house.
Anakin was still there when she arrived, but he was clothed and prepared to leave. In his gray -blue suit, white shirt, and blue tie, he looked once again stylish.
That evening, he wore the black oxfords because he enjoyed wearing them. Anakin considered himself to be more of a conservative nature, which he was, since he believed Rex and Cody would return to dressing as their status needed No matter where he appeared, though, all eyes were on him first.
"Tell me how you know this location, Skywalker, OK. It costs a lot yet appears like brothel, all in red.
"I found it by surprise; they serve first-class steaks."
"Since there are no prices listed on the menu, it should be better that they do. However, because you are paying for everything today, it makes no difference. However, woe to you if I am still hungry afterward."
"Absolutely not. I was unable to consume the nearly two-pound porterhouse steak.
"Oh yeah, you order a little filet mignon to maintain your weight."
"Sure Rex, look, all these women are staring at me."
Rex turned and looked around the entire space.
"Shit Skywalker, you are being devoured by every woman in this room, including that old lady in the back corner."
"Older ladies have wants, needs, eyes and good taste too."
"Have you ever fucked an old lady like that one?"
"There, you may learn something new and get experience."
"Uh... and how was that, like... uh, how should I put it..."
"It was different, but instructive."
"You're kidding, Skywalker, I don't think so at this point."
"No jokes." In his chair, Anakin leaned and grinned.
"If I may ask, when was that?"
"Long ago...about twelve years ago, when I was still on learning...such things."
"Actually, I still find it difficult to imagine that—I couldn't."
"I would heartily recommend you."
"Cut that shit."
"Okay, but you initiated the conversation. I was only being honest."
"Damn you, Skywalker." Rex simply shook his head incredulously.
"Cody, why is your brother so upset?" Cody and Anakin laughed at his excitement.
"I don't see why he's so resistant.
"Now tell me you have also...no, no, is that really true?"
"What's wrong, brother, calm down."
"So if you two don't stop right now, I'll get up, go to the old lady and ask her for date."
Everyone turned to look at Anakin and Cody because they started laughing out loud.
"Before they kick us out, let's place our order right now."
"Like if we were at campus."
"Boys this good-looking are allowed to act childish."
"Let's leave that for 48 Lounge, it's not really noticeable, and the music is loud."
They ordered a small appetizer, a steak and a side dish, and at that point they were stuffed to the brim. To get to 48 Lounge, they called a taxi.
They left their coats at the coat check and made their way along the bar to the back of the big room where they sat down in the cream-colored sofas. Visitors' expectations would be more than pleasantly met by the dark violet light flooding the lounge.
The three of them quickly attracted the attention of the ladies looking for wealthy men since that is what they appeared to be, and it won't be long before one or the other young women asks for an autograph and is prepared to provide anything in exchange. Although Anakin was excluded from the autograph session, many of the women couldn't resist the urge to drag the Adonis in person from Olympus down to earth, at least for one night.
"What are we drinking tonight?" Anakin inquired once again as the bustle slowed and they were let to relax. How about saying no...?"
"Whiskey on rocks? How did I get on the wrong track with that?"
"Okay, I'll order you a Whiskey on the Rocks and I'll have—if you know what that is—the great-grandfather of all cocktails,"
"We know what an Old Fashioned is, even if we only ever drink whiskey on the rocks, but you seem bored in whiskey on the rocks. Same with Padme?"
"Asshole, alcohol is alcohol, women are women, and she's also... adventurous. Cody, give Dormé control so you could start to consume something different more often. And you, Rex, how about a date with Sabé? I'm certain she won't say no, I know it a hundred percent."
"How did you find out that?"
"I have my sources."
"Okay, but I'll chop off your head if I embarrass myself now." Rex made a call while removing his iPhone from his jacket pocket. On the second ring it said:
*You have dialed Padmé Naberrie's line. Unfortunately I am not available at the moment. Please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible.*
"Shit."
*Hey Rex, this is Padmé, sorry there's no answering box..., just kidding...*
*Oh man, I thought my whole evening was screwed.*
*No, how can I make it up to you?"
*Please give me Sabé's number.*
*Nothing better than that, YES-YES . I will text you. Bye.*
*Thanks, bye.*
There was a bing as soon as he cut the connection, signaling an incoming SMS. Cody and Anakin waited impatiently while grinning. Rex called the suggested number.
*Carrington.*
*Hi Sabé, this is Rex...uh, what are you doing on Friday night?*
*I'll probably get bored.*
*I want to remedy that, would you like to to go for dinner with me...somewhere...and then have a drink in a lounge or bar?*
*I would like that, but only if you really don't have a girlfriend.*
*I don't have girlfriend, I swear.*
*Thanks for invitation, but I'll see you tomorrow at noon, bye.*
*Bye.*
Rex put his iPhone back in his pocket and… "Are you satisfied now?"
Anakin and Cody just smiled.
Before the lounge's doors closed at midnight, the friends remained seated. More Wisky on the Rock was consumed by them, with Anakin sticking to an Old Fashioned. Rex was happy with himself since Anakin wasn't subjected to any unpleasant surprises that delightful evening.
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Greetings from Germany