Page 20 of Love's Bloom
“Yes. When it’s time, you can toss a salad I picked up in a package. One of the pre-mixed ones from the store.” He got out a bottle of wine and two glasses, then poured some wine into each glass.
She and Homer followed him out to the porch. With a sigh, Homer flopped down on the floor beside her chair.
David clinked his wine glass against hers. “I’m glad you could come tonight. With my work schedule, I’m a stay-at-home kind of guy. Right now, I want to sit with you and watch the sunset.”
They were quiet as they sipped their wine and observed the sky change colors before darkening. The fact that they were content to sit like this meant a lot to Misty. Having grown up amidst chaos, peaceful moments like these were precious to her.
David turned on the porch lights and lit the gas grill.
Misty followed him into the kitchen and watched as he seasoned the chicken pieces and then carried them out to the grill.
“When the chicken is done cooking, you can put together that salad, if you will,” he said.
Happy to do something for him, she said, “No problem.”
###
Later, Misty let out a sigh of contentment as she finished her meal. David had surprised her with a homemade barbeque sauce that he’d spread on the cooking chicken, giving it a delicious taste. And the romaine salad was a tasty addition to the simple meal.
“I’ve got ice cream for dessert,” David said.
Misty shook her head. “Maybe later. Right now, I’m full.”
“Okay, then. Movie time.”
Misty followed him into the living room, where a large leather couch faced a brick fireplace and a television mounted on the wall above the mantel. She sat on the couch and waited while he signed in for a movie, and then they both leaned back against the cushion to watch.
The fast-moving story and action of the superheroes were amusing.
When David moved closer to her, she didn’t mind. But when he put an arm around her and pulled her closer, she fought the urge to push him away.
He sensed something was wrong and turned to her with a frown. “What’s wrong?”
Misty shivered. “I’m just sensitive about feeling trapped by anyone.”
“Good God! Is that how you think of me? As someone trapping you?” His look of hurt stung her.
He moved his arm away.
“No, no. Wait. Believe me, it’s not you. But with what’s gone on in the past, I’m still trying to get over that feeling.”
He stared at her with understanding. “I promise never to hurt you.”
Her eyes filled. “I know that, but that old fear sometimes surprises me.”
“Whatever it takes, I’ll help you through it,” said David. His voice was full of kindness, and Misty knew why he was so successful growing things and making plants and flowers thrive under his care.
She leaned her head against his shoulder, enjoying the feel of his broad shoulder beneath her, shoring her up.
He looked down at her with a tender expression. “You’ll be safe with me.”
Again, she fought tears but was determined not to show it. She’d been raised to be strong, to survive in a way her mother hadn’t been able to.
They continued to watch the movie.
Aware of how close she was to David and how strong he was, Misty could hardly tune into the onscreen adventures. She’d thought she’d handled surviving Vince’s abuse well. Now, she knew it would take more time, but David gave her hope she’d overcome the demons of her past.
After the movie ended, David said, “Are you ready for that ice cream?”
