My Dream Man (15 page)

After an amazing night of lovemaking, Greg and I woke to the alarm blaring. He had an important meeting followed by visitors from another branch. And I had a big day too. I had to do something I wasn’t looking forward to: say goodbye to Anna Myszkowski.

On the way to her place I stopped at the Polish bakery and got an assortment of pastries. I found myself getting so emotional I began to cry as I paid for them at the register. The old man looked confused as he rung me up and took my money, but he didn’t say anything, for which I was grateful.

I knocked on Mrs. Myszkowski’s door and waited. When she answered I put on my best smile, though I knew it was just a mask for the sadness I was feeling inside. “Guess what I brought,” I said, holding the bag so she could see it.

She looked like she was going to launch into one of her cigarette jokes, but just didn’t have it in her today. “Thanks honey. That was sweet of you.”

I rolled her to the usual spot, then set the food on the counter. “So what’s with you flying the coop? You sick of me already?” I joked. I hoped humor would lighten the mood. I wished something would, otherwise I might cry again.

“Quite the opposite my dear. But this is for the best,” she said. “My son comes over and does what he can, but he’s right. I need help more often. I’m getting too old to live alone.” She seemed resigned to her fate.

“You think they’re going to have nurses as cool as me there?” I asked.

She smirked. “I doubt it. They’ll probably force feed me broccoli and threaten to suffocate me with a pillow if I complain.”

I laughed. “It can’t be that bad. It’s your own little place, right? The nurses are just around to help out?”

“That’s right. It’s my own apartment. A little bit smaller than the house, but some of my things will fit.” She sighed heavily. “My daughter-in-law said there will be lots of people there to make friends with. And maybe even a cute man or two.” She rolled her eyes. “Can you believe the gall she’s got?”

I was about to comment when she continued.

“My Alex loves her though. Treats her like a princess.”

The daughter-in-law sounded like she had a strong personality. Maybe she and Mrs. Myszkowski were too similar and that’s why they clashed, or maybe Anna was just annoyed and needed to vent. “Well if there are people to make friends with, I’m sure you will,” I said. “Maybe you should hold seminars on how to get and keep your man.”

That brought a smile. “I could make some side money. A late blooming career change.”

“I’d come to them,” I said. And on the last word my voice cracked.

Mrs. Myszkowski squeezed my hand. “For you there would be no charge.”

I wiped away a tear that escaped. “I’m going to miss you, you know.” I sighed, trying to pull myself together. “How about I stop by during the holidays to say hello?”

“Sounds good,” she said. I went about my business of getting her vitals and recording them in my computer. When I finished I said, “Thanks for everything Anna. You’re not just a patient, you’re a friend.”

She pursed her lips and nodded. “I’m honored to have that title bestowed on me. I consider you a friend as well.”

She rolled to the door and opened it for me. “See you soon,” she said.

I waved at her and smiled. “Yes, soon.”

Afterward I went home and cried like a baby. I had no idea why I had such a powerful reaction to losing a patient. It wasn’t like she died. She was just going away.

Later, while eating dinner with Greg and his dad I tried to explain. “She feels like a relative to me, you know? Like a great aunt or even a grandmother. The kind you look up to and learn from. So it kind of feels like I’m losing a family member. I know it doesn’t make sense.” I shook my head, laughing at how melodramatic I was being.

“Of course it makes sense. You care about people Sam. Nothing wrong with that,” Mr. Varo said.

Greg reached over and took my hand in his. “You’re still going to see her. I’m sure you’ll enjoy spending time with her at her new place. Heck, I’d kind of like to meet her, too. Maybe I could tag along sometime.”

“You’d do that?”

“Of course.”

“And just think, pretty soon you two will be on vacation in the Emerald City. You’ll have a blast. Lots to look forward to,” Mr. Varo assured me.

“You’re not upset I’m taking your place this time?” I asked him.

He shook his head. “If you’ve seen one rainy day you’ve seen them all. Plus, some of those roads were a little tough to walk on. Felt more like climbing a mountain.”

Greg turned to me and grinned. “Dad didn’t like that he had to work so hard to get from place to place.” Then he turned back to his dad. “You did say the locals looked fit. Now you see why.”

“They were in shape,” Mr. Varo agreed. “But I prefer walking on flat ground like we have here in the Midwest.”

“If you say so,” Greg said.

Greg invited me to stay over, so we lingered at the table chatting about Washington State before cleaning up and heading to Greg’s bedroom.

“I’m going to take a quick shower,” Greg said. “I’ve had a long, stressful day. I’ll be back soon.”

I pulled him close. “I wish I could shower with you. My day has been stressful too.”

“Well, if we’re both going to get clean maybe a bath would be more entertaining. Good thing I booked us a room with a jetted tub for two in Seattle.” He smiled, then kissed me on the forehead before leaving.

Once he shut the door I lay on the bed and closed my eyes. I didn’t want to think about my depressing day. I wanted to focus on positive things instead, like the fact that I was actually dating the man of my dreams, and that we were going on vacation soon.

I began fantasizing about being in the tub with him. I could picture him sitting opposite me, his body slick with water and his face shrouded in steamy mist. Within a few minutes the daydream had me all hot and bothered. I was anxious for Greg to return and make love to me.

It was tricky to have sex at his place, especially when his dad was home, but we’d learned to be quiet. Probably a skill we’d have to use in the future if we had kids together. But I was getting ahead of myself. Kids someday. But not soon. We needed lots of time just for the two of us first.

I returned to visualizing Greg in the tub. I imagined him pulling me onto his lap and me giggling as the bubbles tickled my skin. I could feel his lips pressed against my neck while his hands held my hips, guiding them back and forth.

I opened my eyes when I heard Greg come in. He was wearing his pink robe, and as he came closer I breathed in his fresh, clean scent, like the sandalwood shower gel I’d given him.

He saw the look on my face and without saying a word knew what to do. The robe dropped to the floor and he climbed on top of me. Sensing my emotions were rattled from earlier in the day, he caressed me gently, slowly but surely taking me over, helping me get lost in his touch.

When we had both been satisfied, I felt whole in his arms. I fell asleep knowing everything would be okay.

On Greg’s suggestion, I’d packed long sleeve tees, sweaters, and comfortable walking shoes for the trip. And I packed my umbrella since it was known to rain a lot there. I’d take rain in November over snow any day. Except on Christmas. Then I wanted snow.

Greg called a cab to pick us up, and as we stood waiting, I felt a surge of adrenalin run through my veins. I wasn’t a big fan of flying, but I didn’t want to appear childish, so I didn’t tell him about my fear. I figured I could have a drink on the plane and that would mellow me out.

A few minutes later our cab arrived, and we got situated and were on our way to the airport. Once we were on the plane, Greg leaned in and said, “Don’t laugh, but I get a little freaked out on the plane. I may grip your hand if there’s turbulence.”

“I won’t laugh,” I said. “I’m actually afraid of flying too.”

I paused, considering what a pair we made. “We may not be the best people to comfort each other. Two sweaty-palmed passengers.”

Greg gave me a kiss. “I’ll take your hand, dry or clammy,” he said, then fastened his seat belt. “And I’m ordering a beer.”

“You just read my mind. I’m ordering one too.”

“And Sam, you don’t need to be afraid to tell me things. I promise I’m not going anywhere. I’ll like you no matter what.”

I squeezed his hand. “Then I’m ordering wine.”

The flight attendant came with our drinks, and within a short time we were engaged in conversation, our fear of flying forgotten. Hours went by quickly, and before I knew it Greg was pointing out the window. “Look how beautiful that is.”

I took in the view. A snowcapped mountain rose out of a forested area. It was beautiful.

“We’re lucky it’s clear today. It’s usually too cloudy this time of year.”

I beamed at him. “I feel very lucky,” I said.

He smiled back. “Me too.”

On the ride to our hotel I took in the sights. The city was like a big landscaped park, with lush greenery woven throughout the concrete streets and tall buildings.

The car stopped in front of a posh hotel. “This is where we’re staying?” I asked Greg in disbelief. “It looks…expensive.”

“This is the place,” he said, then grabbed our bags and tipped the cab driver. “Little nicer than the hotel Dad and I stayed at last time.”

The modern lobby took my breath away. It was pure class without being snobby. The expansive room had dim lighting with earth tone sofas opposite a ribbon fireplace. It was decorated like an upscale house I’d seen in a magazine.

My jaw dropped when we got to our suite. The drapes were open and there was a sweeping view of Puget Sound. “Oh Greg,” I gasped. “This is incredible.” I walked toward the window and watched a sailboat drift by, and noticed the sunlight gave everything a golden glow. It was so pretty it could have been a photograph.

Greg came up beside me and put his hand around my waist. “I can’t believe it’s still sunny out. Guess it’s our lucky day.”

I turned to him. “Guess so.”

He pulled me close and kissed me. “You hungry yet?”

“Famished.”

“Good. Because I made dinner reservations.”

I raised an eyebrow. His planning skills were pretty impressive.

We unpacked our suitcases and changed into something nicer to go out to eat. As we walked up the sloped street I felt the burn in my calves. I didn’t mind though. I rather liked the idea of burning calories before a big meal.

We arrived at a swanky steakhouse. “Now I know we’re in a seafood destination, but I’ve read great things about this place, so I thought we’d give it a try.”

I perused the menu and ordered a petite filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes. Greg chose the same, and selected a bottle of wine. As we ate our salad he said, “I have a bunch of fun things planned this weekend before the conference starts on Monday.”

I clinked my glass to his. “I’ll drink to that,” I said.

“Brad is arriving on Sunday. He’s sharing a room with another co-worker at a different hotel. And I’ve got a couple other friends coming from companies out of state.”

“This is big time, huh?” I knew it was. I just wanted him to tell me about it.

“Yeah. It’s pretty major. People fly in from all over the world for this.”

The waiter showed up with our food. “And my sweetie is a speaker,” I said, smiling. “You nervous?”

“A little,” Greg admitted.

“I admire your honesty.”

“See? There’s nothing to it.”

“Okay, okay, I get the point. I promise I won’t hide my fear of flying from you next time.”

He smiled for the thousandth time, but it might as well have been the first. I would do just about anything to see that smile.

By the time we finished splitting dessert I was pooped. The flight had taken a lot out of me. Several glasses of wine didn’t help either. Walking back to our hotel was tricky. The steep downhill angle of the street seemed much more precarious this time. Thankfully they’d installed railings to hang onto on the side of the buildings in case someone lost their footing. Since I’d worn heels it was either use them or Greg would have to carry me.

Back in our room we sat by the fireplace with the drapes open and watched the city lights twinkle. The jetted tub beckoned, but we were both too tired, and within a short time we went to sleep.

The next morning Greg was in an upbeat mood. He took me to the original Starbucks for breakfast, and then we took a stroll through the market. It wasn’t sunny like the day before, but it wasn’t raining either. It was cloudy with intermittent light sprinkles.

“I have a little trip planned for us today,” Greg said.

“Really? Where to?” I was surprised. I didn’t know we were going anywhere else.

“We’re taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island.”

“Sounds romantic,” I said.

Greg’s face lit up. He knew he did good.

After taking a cab to the ferry, we boarded and found a spot near the railing so we could keep our eyes peeled for killer whales. Sightings were apparently fairly common, even in winter. It was colder on the water, so I snuggled up to Greg and he wrapped his arms around my waist.

We stood quietly together, listening to the sound of the waves lapping against the boat as we watched the city shrink in the distance.

“Sam,” Greg said.

He released me and I turned to face him. His eyes were especially tender. They held my attention like they never had before.

“Will you marry me?” he asked.

 My heart leapt in my chest. There was only one response. “Yes!” I shrieked with excitement.

Greg took my face in his hands and kissed me. It was the most soulful, passionate kiss we’d ever shared. It set my body ablaze. Not even the cool ocean air could dampen the heat between us.

“I know it’s been a whirlwind, Sam. But it feels like I’ve known you forever. And if there’s anything in this world I’m certain of, it’s that I love you,” he said.

“I love you too,” I said, teary-eyed and overcome with emotion.

He reached in his coat pocket and pulled out a small black velvet box. Then he popped the lid open and presented me with a vintage style engagement ring. “This is for you. It was my grandmother’s.”

“Oh Greg. It’s beautiful.”

He took it from the box and slipped it on my finger. “And now it’s yours,” he said. His eyes were a little glassy too. He looked as if he were about to cry.

“Thank you. I love it. I’m so…” I broke into happy tears, and he began kissing me again.

I noticed over his shoulder a trio of old ladies standing nearby, smiling. One of them had a little black dog on a leash and he barked, almost like he was congratulating us. I smiled back at them, no words necessary as they had witnessed everything.

I would never forget them or anything about this moment.

I held out my hand, admiring my ring. “I can’t believe it fits. No need to even have it sized.”

Greg smirked. “I had it sized already. Right after I spoke with your dad.”

“You mean, you asked my dad’s permission? Old school style?”

“Yup. At your mom’s birthday party.”

Recognition hit. “So that’s what that was about. Mom, Tabby, and I were wondering. You’re all kinds of adorable. You know that?”

“I am, huh? I may have to make you prove that to me later.”

I gave him a look that made it clear I had no problem with that.

He took my hand and said, “Come here.” Then we walked to the front of the ferry and he pointed at the island coming into view. “Look at those beautiful houses on the beach surrounded by the forest. I wouldn’t mind having one of those.”

“Me neither,” I agreed. Luxury homes dotted the shore, each with their own stretch of rugged beach strewn with trees. It was breathtaking.

The rest of the afternoon I spent milling around the quaint downtown area with my soon to be husband.

Life couldn’t get any better than this.