Page 69 of Lessons in Love
I drop another silver dollar into my mind’s jukebox and “Best Day of My Life” starts back up. I’ll be putting it on permanent rotation on my phone, changing my ringtone, and buying tickets to see American Authors as soon as I get home. “I thought you were in love with that asshole.”
“I had a stupid crush on him, but I fell in love with you.” That sweet pink is back and it’s not from the hot water, but from me. Yep, this guy. I even pop theP. I’m owning that shit. That sweet pink is mine. All mine, and I’ve never felt happier about being pussy whipped. If it means I get to wake up next to Virginia every morning and go to bed with her each night, I’m in. I’m the whippiest of whipped.
I could say this is where I lifted her into my arms and carried her to bed, making sweet love to her on her birthday. You know, me as her gift. I’ve been told I’m quite the catch, after all. But that’s predictable. So I kiss her once, then again. And then her fantastic tits, because holy Jack fucking Daniels I’m kissing Virginia Ryan’s tits.
But we’ve waited this long, so we soap up and wash our hair, then I make her come so hard that Barry calls up to make sure she’s okay. That’s a lie, but it sounds more impressive than she practically collapsed in my arms from losing control of all the tension she’d been carrying.Hrm. . . maybe that does sound pretty damn good and since it’s the truth, that’s the story I’m sticking with.
By eleven, I have her waiting on the bed with the lights out. I light the candle and walk into the bedroom singing Happy Birthday really fucking loudly. I sound terrible, so I have a theory that if you sing at the top of your lungs people give you a pass on the sound of your voice.
Sitting on the end of the bed, I hold the cupcake forward, and say, “Make a wish, Virginia.”
She blows out the candle. “You’re here. I don’t need anything else.”
Leaning forward, I kiss her. Her hands cup my face, she kisses me again, and then says, “Actually, I do have one wish.”
“What’s that?”
Her request is my specialty. We’ve moved into the main part of the apartment and she’s sitting on the other side of her bar—topless because that was my end of the deal. It was only fair since I’m shirtless and pantless. Since we’re dealing with fire, she let me wear my boxer briefs. I toss the bottle into the air and catch it behind my back, whip it around and turn the cap, filling the glasses quickly. One twist. Two. When the orange garnishes are added to the whiskey, I get the lighter. “You ready?”
She nods excitedly, her eyes wide as she lifts up to get a good view. “It’s so sexy how you handle those bottles.”
“Wait until I handle you.”
“I’ve waited my whole life for it.”
“You know I’m a sure thing, right?” I ask, reminding her again. Lowering the lighter to the drinks, the fruit oil lights just how it’s supposed to. Virginia squeals in delight, and I pop my imaginary collar. Two quick puffs and the flames are out and I hand her drink to her. “Taste the smokiness. It magnifies the liquor, which is why you should always drink the good stuff.”
With her eyes closed, she savors the cocktail. I used to think cocktails were aphrodisiacs. They’re not. She is. Fuck, I’m hard. I think I’ll savor her all night long.
Dean Martin begins crooning “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” I hold my hand out to her. “Dance with me.”
She takes it and I walk around, joining her in the living room. Pulling her close, I try to get as much of her body against mine. Snow is still falling outside, but inside—it’s warm and cozy.Leading with one hand, and the other on her lower back, we begin swaying to the music. She asks, “Will you go with me to the holiday party? We can party hardy.”
“Did you just make a punny?”
“I did,” she replies proudly.
“Well how can I possibly say no to that?”
“You can’t. Can you get a tux on such short notice?”
“I own one, so I’m good.”
Looking up at me, she says, “Why do I feel like there’s so much more to learn about you?”
“Good thing we have a lifetime ahead of us.”
“Be careful, Mr. Richard. I’m starting to see hearts in your eyes.’’
“I don’t want to be careful anymore. Careful lost us time. I don’t want to lose anymore with you.”
Her forehead drops to my chest and she sniffles, so I ask, “What’s wrong, V?”
She sniffles again, and then says, “You. This. It’s all so perfect.” Looking into my eyes, she grimaces. “I left tonight to spite you.” I don’t say anything. I can tell she needs to get this off her chest. “I was going to meet him to hurt you.”
“What happened?”
“I got two blocks away and realized I didn’t want to see him. I wanted to see you. So I was going to walk to Brooklyn, but I got caught in this gusty area and lost my hat. And I didn’t have gloves because I had thrown them at you. I found a diner open and sat there warming up. I think I had three cups of coffee, but really I was thinking about what was happening between us.”
