Unforeseen, page 10
“I just want to know a little about her. I don’t need to know all her personal details. I just want to know one thing about her, then maybe tomorrow two more things.”
He chuckled softly before responding, “OK, then, I know just the story to start with. On our first date, I took her to one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. I’d put money aside for weeks in order to pay for it. It had taken her so long to finally agree to go on a date with me that I wanted to make it special.
“When the waiter came to take our order, I was shocked when all she wanted was the mac and cheese off the kids’ menu. She could’ve ordered lobster tails, or filet mignon and instead chose a dish off the kids’ menu,” he laughed, shaking his head.
“Honestly, that sounds like something I would do,” I giggled. “Although, I would probably go for the grilled cheese.”
“I don’t know where things stand between us, but I’m not willing to let you go. Please stay for another day. We can explore the city, and have dinner tonight since I messed it up last night,” he asked.
“I would love to, but my tickets are for today. I have to go,” I said, suddenly wishing I could change my flight.
“You can change your flight. I bought the added travel insurance when I booked the tickets. We’ll just tell them that something came up with your work, and you need to stay another day.”
“Well, OK, then. I guess you have us for another day,” I agreed, curling my mouth into a half smile, and giving Blake a peck on the cheek. “Just promise to not shut me out if something gets hard.”
“Deal,” he sighed, pulling me in closer. I was at least confident to see where the day would take us.
Cassidy
JUST AS BLAKE had promised, he took Kaity on a Fifth Avenue shopping spree which included a stop at the American Girl store, where she picked out a brand-new doll and matching wardrobe. And, since I was along for the ride, I decided to take a detour myself and ended up perusing the aisles of Saks Fifth Avenue where I snatched up a pair of shoes and matching handbag. When in New York, right? For lunch, we’d stopped for corn dogs and falafels at two of the city’s most iconic food trucks.
Before heading back to the hotel, we made a final stop at the infamous Serendipity where we indulged on frozen hot chocolates and ordered a few other sweet treats to go. Blake and I took a seat at a bistro-style table for two while he gave Kaity several quarters to play a claw-style arcade game across the room. He was already spoiling her rotten.
“This is one of my favorite movies ever,” I sighed, remembering the film that shared the restaurant’s name.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen it,” Blake admitted.
“How is that even possible? It’s like only the most romantic movie ever made!” I said, exuberantly.
He chuckled, turning toward me, a grin wide across his lips. “What’s so funny?” I asked, shaking my head.
“You just don’t seem like the hopeless romantic type, that’s all. I pegged you for more of a traditional comedy girl. You know, like, Animal House, Old School, and Wedding Crashers?” he said jokingly.
“Well, those are all fine movies, but don’t forget my profession. I’ll always be a romantic at heart, even if I don’t believe in my own fairy tale,” I said, sadness in my voice.
“I’ll turn you into a believer yet, Carpenter,” he whispered, almost inaudibly.
“Do you believe in serendipity?” I asked, staring at the flashing sign in the window.
“Not really,” he confessed. “I guess I’m more of a realist. I believe that everything in life happens for a reason, and we need to take action and go after things that we want before it’s too late. The last year has definitely taught me that,” he said.
“Hmmm,” I sighed. “Maybe if you watch the movie, you’ll change your mind. I really can’t believe you’ve never seen it. We’ll definitely have to correct that sometime.”
“That sounds like a great idea. It only means you want to spend more time with me,” he said with a smile. “After last night, I wasn’t so sure that was the case.”
“Today’s a new day,” I said, reaching out and squeezing his hand.
“You’re right about that. What do you say we have dinner tonight? Just the two of us?” Blake asked as he continued holding my hand. “I’d like to try again after last night. Let me cook for you?”
“What about Kaity? I believe the child care service the hotel recommended is only available during the daytime.”
“I’m sure my folks will watch her. They already have my kids. They really took to her yesterday.”
Hesitating for a moment, I finally agreed to let him ask them. “It’s all set. Mom agreed to watching all three kids so we can have dinner tonight,” Blake said, ending his call. “She said we could drop Kaity off now if we’d like.”
“At their house?” I questioned, surprised that he wanted to take me to his parents’ home.
“Yeah, is that OK?”
“I just–I just don’t think I’m ready to meet your parents, Blake. I mean, I’m sure they’re lovely people, but this is all just moving really quickly for me. That’s all,” I said, panic beginning to set in. I hadn’t met another man’s parents since I met Steve’s family all those many years ago. Since then, it’d been a step I’d been unwilling to take.
“It’s OK, Cass. You’re right. I shouldn’t even have mentioned it. Why don’t I take you back to the hotel and you can get ready for dinner? I’ll drop Kaity off before I come back and pick you up?” Blake suggested.
Taking a minute to let it all soak in, I finally agreed to his plan. “I think that sounds great. Thanks for being so understanding,” I said with a half-smile.
Realizing we were alone together for the first time without any kids as a buffer, I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. I wasn’t sure why I was so anxious about spending the evening with Blake as he was only making me dinner.
“Can I pour you a glass of wine while I get dinner ready,” he asked as I hopped up on a kitchen stool.
“Sure, I’d love some,” I answered as he opened the small wine cooler in the corner of the room.
“Red or white?” he asked, pulling both a bottle of Moscato and Merlot from the shelf.
“White, please,” I answered, as grabbed the bottle, popping the cork. “What’s for dinner?”
Assuming he was preparing something like spaghetti, I was taken aback by his response. “Steak with a mushroom tequila sauce, twice-baked potatoes, and grilled asparagus with a lemon butter glaze,” he said, smiling.
“Aren’t you fancy? Where’d you learn to cook all that?” I asked, surprise in my voice.
“Actually, I taught myself,” he said, exhaling sharply. “After Alyssa and I were married, she still had a year left of school before she finished her law degree. We didn’t have much money so I watched a lot of cooking shows so we didn’t have to live off Ramen. I learned how to cook fancier dishes on a dime.”
“You’re just full of surprises. What other hidden talents do you possess?” I asked, truly interested in learning more about him.
“I know how to load a dishwasher,” he laughed.
“Wow, you cook and do dishes? Tell me you can do laundry, and I think you might just be the perfect man.”
“I can, but sometimes I mix colors with the whites,” he cackled.
“You’re such a rebel,” I giggled.
“What about you? Do any cooking?” he asked.
“I can hold my own in a kitchen. After all, I did live with Brooke while we were in college, and that girl can’t cook to save her life. I, honestly, don’t know how Rich survives,” I laughed. “Although, when I was a girl, my mom and I would spend most of our time baking. Every year before Christmas, we’d spend an entire weekend baking all sorts of goodies from cookies to caramel corn to pies of every flavor. Kaity even baked her first apple pie this year.”
“That sounds like a perfect family tradition,” he said, with a bit of melancholy in his voice.
“It is pretty perfect. Except for the fact that I’m usually working the extra pounds off my hips until St. Patrick’s Day.”
“I happen to like these hips just the way they are,” he said, coming up behind me and placing his arms around my waist. I leaned back into him, enjoying the comfort of his embrace. “You know, I failed to get anything for dessert. Do you think you could come up with something,” he whispered.
“Oh, I just need a few simple ingredients to make my specialty brownies. I can usually find them in most kitchens,” I said, hopping off the stool. “As long as you have flour, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder,” I added, ticking the items off with my fingers.
“That wasn’t exactly the dessert I was hoping for, but brownies do sound delicious. I should have all those ingredients in the pantry,” he said, nodding his head.
“Great, I’ll get started then,” I said, looking for a mixing bowl.
As we prepared our dishes, we both had plenty of elbow room to cook in the large kitchen, but Blake used every opportunity to brush up against me.
“Excuse me,” he said, pressing against my back as I stirred the brownie batter. “Do you need any help over here?”
“No, I think I got it,” I smiled, turning toward him.
“I think I’ll be the judge of that,” he said, reaching behind me to stick his finger in the bowl.
“What–what do you think you’re doing?” I asked, as he wiped the chocolate over my lips.
Instinctively, I began licking the chocolate from my lips. “Uh uh, that batter was for me,” he said, guiding my lips toward his. I moaned as he cradled my face between his palms, not even caring that there was now chocolate all over the side of my face. Our tongues clashed together for what seemed like several minutes until I was nearly seeing stars. I wasn’t sure if it was from lack of oxygen, or just from the effect that Blake was having on me.
His mouth still on mine, Blake picked me off the ground and gently placed me on the counter. Feeling his arousal hard on my belly, I wrapped my legs around his waist. Just as he began lifting the hem of my shirt, my nipples hardening from the closeness of his hands, the oven buzzed alerting us that dinner was ready.
“Fuck,” Blake groaned, pulling his lips away from mine. “I guess I should take the potatoes out of the oven before they burn,” he added, dropping the hem of my shirt.
Exhaling, I dropped my head back in frustration. “Yeah, I guess that’s a good idea.”
He chuckled, seemingly proud of his ability to leave me hot and bothered. “Why don’t you go get washed up. I’ll put the brownies in a pan and stick them in the oven. Dinner will be ready when you come out.”
“Why do I have to clean up before dinner? What am I six now?” I laughed, forgetting my face was covered in brownie batter.
“The chocolate,” he laughed, pointing at my face. “I may have gotten it all over your face.”
“Oh, right,” I said, smiling. “I’ll be right back then,” I added, hopping off the counter. I wasn’t sure, but I thought I heard Blake let out a quiet groan as I walked toward the bathroom making sure to add a little sway to my step.
“I know what you’re trying to do, Carpenter,” he yelled.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Mitchell,” I sassed before shutting the door.
“So, I wanted to tell you this last night, but then things didn’t go as planned,” he said, opening a bottle of red wine to pair with the steaks.
“It’s in the past, Blake. Don’t even worry about it,” I said, trying to reassure him. “What did you want to tell me?”
“Well, I’ve actually decided to move to D.C. Rich asked me to come and work with him since they’ve been short-staffed at the Post since Brooke has been spending most of her time at their place in Michigan,” Blake explained. “Besides, I think it would be a good move for me. It’s an assistant editorship, and I don’t see that in my future at the Times anytime soon.”
I wasn’t sure why, but for a moment I was disappointed that even though Blake would be moving, he wasn’t really moving any closer to me.
“Rich also mentioned that they’ve been looking into adoption so that would take her away for even longer,” he continued, not seeming to notice my lack of excitement for his new position.
“Wait! My best friend has been looking into adoption and she hasn’t told me?” I screeched.
“Well, Rich started investigating it on his own, and didn’t tell Brooke until just a few days ago. He didn’t want to get her hopes up after all of their recent disappointment with the fertility treatments not working. I guess they have a meeting with a social worker in the next few days.”
“I’m an awful friend,” I sighed. “That would explain why she’s called me so many times lately. I was just assuming she wanted to harass me about the trip so I’ve been sending her calls to voicemail.”
“Well, knowing Brooke, I’m sure that was partially a reason for the calls, too,” Blake laughed, trying to make me feel better for ignoring her calls.
“You’re probably right. I guess I’ll give her a call when I get back to the hotel later.”
“Enough talk about our friends. I want to know more about Cass.”
“OK,” I said, squirming in the chair, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “I’ll do my best. What do you want to know?”
“Everything and anything. But I’ll start easy on you, tell me about your family,” Blake said, as he poured us a second glass of wine.
“Not much to tell really. My parents have been married for almost forty years. I’m an only child and still spoiled rotten,” I admitted with a sly smile. “Brooke’s dad and my dad were best friends in college, and that’s how Brooke and I met. She’s definitely my sister from another mister. We’ve pretty much been inseparable for as long as I can remember.”
“I think that’s awesome. I’ve never had a friendship like that,” he said.
“No? What about Rich? I thought you two had been friends for a long time.”
“No, not really. We’ve only been friends for just a few years. We met in grad school and I guess we just clicked right away. Don’t get me wrong, I love him like a brother, but we just don’t have the same kind of history as you and Brooke do.”
“Oh, trust me, that’s not always a good thing. She has more dirt on me than I care to admit,” I laughed.
“Sounds like a story there,” he said, raising his brow.
“Probably more than one, but I think those should be saved for another day,” I suggested. “We’ve covered my family. Now it’s your turn.”
“Changing the subject, I see. OK, OK, I won’t push my luck,” he smirked.
“Smart man,” I grinned.
“I’ll remember you said that,” he joked. “Anyways, my family . . . Mom and Dad have been married for forty-seven years now. I have an older brother, Kevin, who’s actually a little over ten years older than me. My parents had him when they were both really young, and then after a series of miscarriages they’d decided to remain a family of three. Let’s just say that I gave them the surprise of their lifetime.”
“I love that,” I beamed. “I’m sure they couldn’t have been happier with the news.”
“Growing up, I was always the apple of my mother’s eye,” he said, reminiscing. “I loved it, but Kevin didn’t appreciate it much–that’s for sure.”
“Sibling rivalry?” I asked.
“I think that’s an understatement. We don’t really talk to each other much–even now.”
“Really?” I questioned, not really sure if I should press the conversation further.
“He’s in California. He’s divorced and has three kids. I haven’t seen him since my wedding. He did call after Alyssa died, but it almost seemed like my mother forced him to do it,” he said, shrugging. “I don’t know. It is what it is, I suppose.”
He paused for a moment as if lost in his own thoughts. “Do you want more kids,” he asked, his question catching me by surprise.
“Is this where the questions get harder?” I asked.
“That wasn’t my intent, Cass,” he said, trying to reassure me. “Listen, you don’t have to answer anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
“No, it’s OK,” I paused, not really knowing how to answer his question. “Um, to be honest, I’m not exactly sure anymore.”
“I don’t understand,” he said, shaking his head.
“Well, growing up, I always wanted a big family. My mom and dad have such a perfect marriage that I just assumed all relationships were that way. Hopeless romantic, remember?” I said with a nervous laugh. “Even though Brooke was like a sister, it wasn’t quite the same. I always wanted that bond. I knew I wanted my kids to have that.
Then when Steve left me knocked up, everything changed. It’s ironic because even though Steve gave me a child, he robbed me of my ability to have a family. At least the family I’d always envisioned for myself.”
“You’re wrong, Cass,” Blake said, seriousness in his voice. “He didn’t rob you of anything, you just forgot how to believe. If you’ll let me, I want to help you remember how to believe again.”
It may have been the delicious meal, or the lit candles flickering between us, but in that moment, I truly wanted to believe. “I’d like that, too,” I whispered, nodding my head in agreement.
Blake
AFTER WE’D FINISHED dinner, Cass insisted on helping me clear the table and load the dishwasher. We continued into the living room, carrying the full pan of brownies for dessert. As I flicked the switch to the fireplace, Cass took a seat on the couch.
“Can I get you anything else? Another glass of wine, maybe?” I asked, as she pulled a blanket across her lap.
“Blake Mitchell, if I didn’t know any better, I would assume you were trying to get me drunk,” she tittered.
“Well, you can’t blame a guy for trying. If I remember correctly, the last time you were drunk, you did a little striptease for me.”
“Oh my god! I still can’t believe I did that!” she admitted, a flush creeping up her face.
