Page 105 of Ripped & Shipped
While Ella Mae goes back to her room to grab her things, Duke comes to ask me if I want to hang out with everyone today. I explain to him that I’m taking Ella Mae out alone. Duke’s the one person who truly tried to include Ella Mae last night, but it was a losing battle, so he gave up and just enjoyed himself—as he always does. When I explain today’s plan, he nods and a knowing smile crosses his face.
“Moving in for the kill?” Duke asks.
“She doesn’t know how I feel yet, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Sort of. But I get it. She’s a little skittish. You have to pace yourself. A day alone is a good call. And tonight will be all kinds of romantic. You’ll be able to play off that. Maybe you’ll get your moment.”
“Maybe. I’m a patient man, though. And she’s worth waiting for.”
Duke grins. “You can outlast the best of them. I have a good feeling about this for both of you.”
“Thanks, man.”
Ella Mae comes back onto the porch. We say goodbye to Duke. Once we’re in my truck, I tell her I’m leaving the decision as to what we’ll do with our day up to her. We start by grabbing bagels at a shop Ella Mae finds on Yelp. Then she decides we’re going to the zoo for the morning. She insisted she had to feed a giraffe. So, I made sure that happened. And, yes, I took photos for her to post.
After the zoo, we were pretty hungry, so we took the Connector, a local public streetcar, to Findlay Market in the historic Over-the-Rhine district. We grabbed lunch at the market. We got back on the Connector and rode to Fountain Square where they have roller skating.
By the time we arrive back at the rental house, it’s late afternoon, and we are happily wiped out. We laughed, talked, and sat in comfortable silence throughout the day, and I feel more convinced than ever that I want to pursue something real with Ella Mae. She seems content to stay in the friend zone, or whatever zone we are in. She used the wordfriendno less than ten times today.
We are friends. But if I have anything to say about it, we will be much more than that, and soon.
We shower and change into our outfits and Ella Mae meets me in the living room. We’re driving over with the other couples in the house to the Anderson Pavilion, an impressive glass two-story building that faces the river. The upstairs houses a carousel. Downstairs has rooms for events.
Ella Mae has on a long red dress with thin straps. Her hair is pulled up with tendrils of curls falling down and framing her face. I have on dress slacks, wingtips, and my white cotton dress shirt. My tie is black to match my pants.
When Grant parks his SUV, I help Ella Mae out of the backseat and loop her arm in the crook of my elbow.
I lean in, and in a low, private voice, intended just for her, I say, “You are beautiful.”
In a conspiratorial voice, she answers me. “You say the sweetest things, Soldier. And you’re looking so dapper. I have to say, you clean up nice.”
I smile. I’m still talking so only the two of us can hear. “Well, if things go well, maybe I’ll even let you touch my beard before the night’s out. I put some of that oil Laura gave me in it.”
“I can smell it from here,” she nearly whispers, looking up into my eyes.
She reaches over and places her palm on my face and slowly runs her hand along my jawline. “See, I don’t have to behave to touch your beard. And I don’t have to wait either.”
I’m speechless. No words form. I have no witty comeback on the tip of my tongue, no clever thing to say to her. Somehow, I manage to walk the two of us into the reception. Heads turn when we enter. Ella Mae catches the eye of nearly every man in the room.
Needless to say, the night goes far better than yesterday evening did. My friends are all busy with their spouses, we eat around two large tables, but the conversation includes everyone. Ella Mae makes an effort to include herself. She tells everyone what we did all day, and they smile at both of us. A few people ask her questions. It’s not great, but it’s a start.
It’s good to see Brooks and Gabriela so happy together. They do a first dance, just like they would at a wedding, and then the dance floor opens up.
“Want to dance?” I lean in and ask Ella Mae.
“Only if you promise I get cake afterward.”
“You can have both our slices,” I say as I pull her chair out and extend my hand.
She takes it and we make our way to the dance floor. The DJ playsIf I Ain’t Got Youby Alicia Keys. I couldn’t have ordered up a more perfect song. I pull Ella Mae into my arms and she slips right in place. Her hand in mine, the other looped up around my neck.
Maybe it’s the mood of the evening. It could be the faking. I couldn’t care less what it is that makes Ella Mae do the next thing she does. She takes her fingers and toys with the edges of my hair near my neck. Then she leans in and kisses my jaw, right on top of my beard. I’m watching her. She won’t look at me. Instead, she nestles her head under my chin, right next to my heart, and we dance smoothly and slowly until the song ends.
When the music changes to an uptempo song, Ella Mae brings it. I’ve seen her feed. I’ve even checked out her dance videos with Mabel. And I knew she could dance, but knowing it and seeing it are two different things. We dance every fast and slow song for over an hour.
Finally, Ella Mae says, “Time for me to collect on that offer of cake, Soldier.”
“Let’s grab two slices and take them outside,” I suggest.
