First and Only Page 4

  “I’m glad you’re doing something you feel so passionate about.”

  “What about you? Where have you been for ten years?” Adam props his arm up on the back of the bench, resting his head on it.

  “I’ve been just trying to find myself, you know?”

  “I know exactly what you mean.”

  We both stay silent for a few minutes, enjoying the Chicago lakefront. Finally, I break the quiet. “You never called. You never tried to reach out to me.”

  Adam bites his bottom lip. “I know, Mandi. I know.”

  “I can’t say much, because I didn’t reach out either. I attempted to a few times, but it was hard to reach you, and when I knew how to, I just didn’t know what I would say,” I admit. It takes every ounce of me to spill that information to him.

  “I called you once. You didn’t answer. I never tried again after that. I didn’t want to disturb you. I thought you’d be happily married with little Mandis running around wild.”

  “How would you have disturbed me? We were best friends, and then when we went off to college, we were nothing to each other.” I would’ve been happy to hear from Adam, just like I was so happy when he walked into Mickey’s Bar and surprised me. It was such a good surprise.

  “Anyway, it’s been way too long. But we’re here now. That’s all that matters. I don’t want to lose contact with you again.”

  Adam always knew how to bring flutters to my stomach. “How’d you get my number? I’m dying to know.”

  “You really wanna know?” he asks.

  “Yes!”

  “I called Mickey’s Bar and sweet-talked it out of him.”

  “Out of all the things I came up with, that was not one of them. Smart move.”

  “I know.” He spreads his arms behind the bench. He’s so full of himself, always has been. Maybe that’s something I’ve always loved about him—he’s so confident and self-assured.

  ***

  Adam and I turn off from North Lake Shore Drive onto my street, Erie Street. We’re close to my apartment building. I can spot the big oak waving its branches by my place.

  Adam clears his throat. “What are you doing tomorrow?”

  I sigh, trying to think ahead to my plans. “I’m going to lounge around my place, possibly get some writing down. Fingers crossed.”

  “Let’s go out.”

  As we continue walking, both of us keep our eyes ahead. “Like a date?” Once the words slip from my mouth, I instantly regret it. He obviously meant as friends.

  “Yes, a date. Would that be too weird?”

  His question makes my heart pound in my chest. Is this really happening right now? I definitely feel like a crazed teenager again. “I’ll have to check my schedule.”

  “I’m being serious,” he says, turning to look me in the eye. “Would you want to?”

  Wow. I thought he was kidding… “I would love to.” Yep, there goes my face turning bright red. It’s now a permanent thing when I’m around Adam. “Where would we go?”

  “Then it’s a date.” We both smile, still staring into each other’s eyes. It only took him twelve years. “It’ll be a surprise, Mandi.”

  CHAPTER 4

  SITTING DOWN IN FRONT of my laptop, the Word document isn’t blank anymore. The words are coming out naturally and quickly.

  I shiver. The snow is coming down fast, and I still have a mile to walk to get to work. The restaurant is bound to be slow tonight. No one in their right mind will be driving in this wintery mess. There’s almost a foot of snow already. This winter is going to be a tough one. I wish I could call it a night and stay in, but I don’t have that luxury. The bills need to be paid, and I’m already behind on my electric and heat.

  The walk goes by quicker than I thought it would. I open the door to Carrie’s Café, stomping the snow from my boots and shaking off my winter coat.

  “Did you walk? It’s terrible out there.” Carrie shivers at the sight of the weather. Even though she’s my boss, I’ve always considered her like a sister to me. She wouldn’t have minded me taking the night off, considering the storm outside, but I can’t afford it.

  “I always walk.” I make my way to the employee lounge and hang my coat up. Carrie follows behind me. “I can’t believe how much snow we already have.”

  “This is going to be one of the worst winters to date.” Carrie takes a seat, putting her feet up on the table.

  I go to the bathroom and put on my uniform. When I come back, she is lying on the couch, about to fall asleep. “I was only gone for a few minutes and you’re already passing out?”

  She laughs, her eyes still closed. “Wake me if anyone even shows up.”

  “Need anything before I go out there?”

  “Yes, can you shut that light off?”

  I let out a giggle and do as she asks.

  I follow through with my regular routine—what I always do when I come into work. I tie the apron around my waist and tuck a pen and notepad inside. I make my rounds to the tables, wiping them off and making sure the condiments are stocked up and filled.

  “Lauren!” a familiar voice yells from behind me. “I didn’t know you were on the schedule to work tonight.”

  I look back and see Tommy, the cook. “I’m always working, Tommy. You know me.”

  “You’ve got your hands full tonight. There’s a big crowd out there,” he says sarcastically, making me grin. He’s the fun one around here, always cracking jokes and being a wise-ass. You can never take Tommy seriously.

  “No rest for me tonight.”

  “Where’s Carrie? Did she give up already?” Tommy takes a seat at the bar, minus any liquor.

  I lift up the bar top and start cleaning. “She’s passed out on the couch. She told me to wake her if anyone shows, but I’ll just let her sleep. She needs it.”

  “I agree with you just this once. That girl is always on her feet, bossing us around.”

  Can Tommy be emotional for once without adding a joke at the end? “You always have jokes, Tommy.”

  The bell rings above the front door. Shocked, Tommy and I look to see who it is. A tall, handsome man walks through and takes a seat. He takes off his coat, throwing it in the booth in front of him. His hazel eyes meet mine, and I can’t help but stare. He’s the most breathtaking man I’ve ever seen. He’s definitely not a local; probably just trying to get out of that nasty weather.

  “You’re up, Lauren.”

  ***

  My doorbell rings, bringing me back to reality. I check the clock. I’ve been writing all through the morning and some of the afternoon. I save the document and close my laptop. As the doorbell rings again. “I’m coming.” I run to the door, feeling bad for making whoever it is, wait so long. I swing the door open. “Adam.”

  “Expecting someone else?” His face is bright, lighting up the afternoon day even more.

  “I’m not back in this world quite yet. Come on in.” I stand to the side, inviting him to enter my apartment.

  “I’m taking it you finally figured out what your story was going to be about.” He walks into the living room and looks at some of my pictures before finally taking a seat.

  “I did. I’ve been writing all day. I forgot it wasn’t real life until the doorbell rang.” I pluck my coffee off my desk and take a seat next to him. “Want some coffee or something to drink?”

  “No, thanks.”

  “I just have to get dressed and then I’ll be ready to go. Where are we going, anyway?”

  He laughs, shaking his head. “Not telling.”

  I scrunch up my nose. “Then how in the world am I supposed to figure out what to wear?”

  “Put on a pair of jeans and shirt and call it good.” His dimples make me stare. I will never get over how much I adore his smile. His short, curly brown hair and hazel eyes, his face structure—nothing has changed. Not one bit.

  ***

  As we drive in Adam’s black BMW rental car, the anticipation is killing me. I want to know whe
re he’s taking me already. I hate surprises. I’ve always been that way and that aspect of my personality isn’t changing anytime soon.

  The weather is almost perfect, except for a small bit of wind. We turn down North Fairbanks and then onto North Ontario Street. Where is this man taking me? A minute passes, and Adam turns onto North Lake Shore Drive. I sneak a peek into the Chicago Harbor. It’s exhilarating this time of the late afternoon.

  We pull into the parking lot to Navy Pier. The pleased look won’t leave my face. “What are we doing here?”

  He turns off the car. “Remember in high school we had an assignment together in English to write about a Shakespeare play?”

  “How could I forget? We sat in the library for hours procrastinating. I ended up doing most of the work.” I unbuckle my seat belt, my eyes never leaving his.

  “Besides that. I remember how much you loved it, how interested you were in it.” He remembers. That was so long ago, and he still remembers. “I thought we would catch a play from Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.”

  I’m in complete awe. You not only remembered something I loved from when we were teenagers, but you brought me somewhere to bring my love alive. Reading them is great, but seeing a play unfold in front of my eyes is always way better.

  “Really? This is going to be amazing, Adam.” I hop out of the car, ready to get this show on the road. “What play are we seeing?”

  “Romeo and Juliet.” When the title leaves his mouth, my jaw drops. I’m even more excited now. That’s my favorite play.

  What I love most about Romeo and Juliet is the tragic romance. I remember lying in bed dreaming of having an impossible love. Thank goodness my family wasn’t fighting with Adam’s like the Capulets and Montagues. I would’ve loved having a confidante like Juliet had in her nurse, though. In some ways, I envied her. Clarissa was my best friend then, but I couldn’t talk to her about the one thing that was always on my mind: Adam.

  We walk along Navy Pier, through all the festivities. People are laughing, kids are playing around, and everyone there seems to be having a great time. We stroll down toward the middle of the pier and into the two-story building of the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Adam hands the lady our tickets, and we make our way into the theater.

  The room is elegant, huge ceilings, lights surrounding the center stage.

  I follow Adam down the few steps to find our assigned seats. With our luck, they are right in the front row. Perfect.

  The lights go down, and we focus on the stage. As the curtain rises, the first act bursts into action with a brawl between servants on the streets of Verona. I’m absorbed in the drama and incredible actors.

  During intermission, Adam and I make our way to the food court out in the lobby. We’re both quiet with each other. We’re more used to hanging out as friends. This is a different path for us, and don’t get me wrong, I am having a wonderful time.

  Adam orders us popcorn and sodas. I add chocolate covered pretzels to the counter, craving their salty sweetness.

  As we finish our food and return to our seats, Adam asks, “What did you like best about the first acts?”

  “Everything. Absolutely everything.”

  “If you had to pick one thing…”

  “The love Romeo shows for Juliet is enviable.” There’s a sparkle in Adam’s eyes as I say this.

  The lights go down and the curtain goes up. Time for the next act.

  ***

  Two hours pass and before I know it, it is the final scene. Juliet sees Romeo and realizes he has killed himself with poison. She drops a gentle kiss on his lips, but the poison doesn’t kill her so she buries Romeo’s dagger in her chest and falls dead by his side.

  The play comes to an end and as the crowd stands clapping, tears run down my face. I swipe them away as the lights come up. Adam looks at me and asks, “Are you crying?”

  “The ending always gets to me.” I laugh and he joins in then snags my hand and leads me out of the building onto the Pier. The sun has gone down and been replaced by a full moon. Families gather for photos overlooking the lake.

  A man plunges into me, forcing me to stumble backwards. “Watch it, sexy lady.”

  I spot Adam’s face. He’s not too impressed. “Let’s go, Mandi.”

  I follow his lead, but the man won’t give up. “Mmm, I would tap that,” he says to his nearby friend.

  Adam stop and releases my hand. Oh, no. This can’t be good.

  “What was that?” He steps close to the tall, greasy scum.

  “Your lady has a nice, round ass. It’s a compliment.” Once he smiles, his teeth are crooked.

  “Watch what you say. You don’t talk to a woman that way.” He steps closer, his fists balled.

  The dirty man steps up to the plate. “And what if I don’t? What are you going to do about it?”

  Adam only smiles and steps back, sending his fist flying accurately into the man’s face. He falls flat on the ground, shutting up completely. “Now, apologize to her.”

  The man stays on the ground, not moving, blood gushing from his nose. “I think you broke my fucking nose, punk.”

  “Punk? I think you’re mixing your words up. You owe my lady an apology.”

  I stand way behind, not wanting to get anywhere near them. It’s sexy to see Adam getting all defensive over me. He sure as hell knows how to surprise me.

  “Dammit, man, I’m fucking sorry.” He holds his nose, trying to stop the blood.

  “To her, not me!” Adam yells, frustrated.

  The disgusting man eyes me. “I’m sorry, ma’am.”

  I roll my eyes. “Adam, let’s go.”

  It takes a minute for him to walk away from the man. I look around at all the people around us then, as we leave, I look up at him. “Thank you.”

  “No need to thank me. No woman deserves to be treated like that.”

  Back holding hands again, we walk along the pier’s wood planks. Bright lights shimmer around us from the carnival rides and restaurants. I spot the Ferris wheel and look at Adam with a glowing face. “Want to go?”

  “Let’s do it.”

  I drag Adam to get tickets which he hands to the carney. We enter a red basket and fasten ourselves in before it starts to spinning. We are lifted into the air. Once we reach the top, I gaze out across the Chicago skyline. It’s magical, especially at night, all lit up and sparkling in the distance.

  I squeeze Adam’s hand as he says, “It’s amazing up here. I’ve never seen Chicago like this.”

  “I know. It’s so gorgeous.”

  We both stay silent, enjoying the magnificent view until Adam turns to look at me, forcing me to do the same. His warm hand caresses my cheek. His eyes are lit up like Times Square.

  He moves his face closer to mine. Butterflies fly fast through my stomach. Before I know it, our lips are locked. A luscious sensation builds through my body—one that’s unexplainable. I’ve been waiting for this moment for years, and it has finally happened.

  ***

  My apartment door flies open. Adam is latched onto me, his tongue exploring my mouth. There is a tingling between my legs. I’m getting wetter by the minute. The door slams as I rip his shirt over his head.

  Without taking our hands off each other, we head to my bedroom. Our clothes come flying off, and we fall to the bed as his lips devour my neck, my chest, and my stomach.

  He has some cool tattoos, including one on his forearm with the words Strength from Within in blue. On his chest, he has dog tags with his grandfather’s name in them; I remember the day he died and how sad Adam was to lose him. On his ribs, he has a cross. On his other side, he has tribal on his shoulder and down his arm. Wow! That’s so sexy!

  As his hands search my body, goosebumps rise on my skin, causing me to shiver with excitement. His fingertips glide lightly down my stomach, tickling me. He reaches there with his mouth. I can’t believe I missed out on this for so long.

  His tongue does wild things to me, and I moan. My finge
rs wrap around my sheets; my head lifts back. The things he’s making me feel there… with his sucking, licking, and teasing.

  His tongue veers up my stomach, making its way to my mouth. His lips lock onto me, and I taste myself, making me desire him more.

  Adam opens the foil packet, but before he slides it on, I wet my fingers with my tongue and reach for him. He moans, wrapping his fingers through my hair. I finally have access to explore the secrets that lie underneath his clothing. I’m more than satisfied with what he has to offer. It’s quite sensual and seductive.

  He pulls the condom down over his manhood. Before I know it, he’s sliding himself inside of me, thrusting with everything he has. We’re both moaning in pleasure as things get steamier and more desirous.

  It smells like sex. It tastes like sex. And it sounds like sex in here.

  Adam pumps in and out of me, finding his rhythm. My nails dig into his back, causing him to moan. Hearing that sound sends me over the top. His mouth finds my nipple. He takes it between his teeth, teasing and pulling. The things he’s making me feel! I’ve had sex before, but nothing can compare to this. He’s incredible.

  He pumps in and out of me faster. With every thrust, I want to scratch deeper into his back. Then he hits the right spot, and I moan out as my climax hits me, sending my body into a wild whirl of spasms.

  Hearing and feeling me, Adam lifts off into a frenzy—moaning out my name.

  He collapses on top of me, breathing heavily.

  Finally, he pulls me into him, drawing me into his embrace, his hands tight and secure around me. I cuddle up and fall asleep almost instantly.

  CHAPTER 5

  I AWAKE TO THE SUN peeking through the curtains and shining in my eyes. Adam’s arms are still wrapped tightly around me. It’s the best way to wake up in the morning.

  I quietly slide out of bed. Adam doesn’t move. I make some coffee and settle down at my desk—excited to write and see where Lauren’s story is going to take me.