Tate (9 page)

I just looked at her a moment - that face, even more beautiful in the moonlight - and thought, and then I prayed as I took her hand.

“Maisie, there are so many things I want to say right now, but I’m gonna be mindful of you, and all that you just shared, and whoa myself up just a little. I know, at least I think I do, that you won’t jump into anything quickly.” She nodded and I continued. “This is one of those things I need to say, but I hesitate.”

“What is it?”

“I already told you that I had my security people find out a little about you. I’ve learned quickly that once you become a public figure you never know who’s around. You get all kinds of new friends because of who you are. But I didn’t delve into your background for that reason at all. I wanted to know you, and you weren’t giving anything away. It wasn’t to pry. I wanted to know why you seemed so lost.  I
had
to know, Maisie. Everything about you was tugging at my heart.”

“And when you did start allowing me in, a little at a time,” I continued, and she smiled, “I wanted to know how to proceed so I didn’t screw up. After I got here, I called Carlene. I don’t think she told me anything too personal. She just told me to tread lightly and slowly, so that’s what I’m trying to do. I just want you to know that I cared enough to ask, but it’s important to me that you know it wasn’t snooping.”

We were still holding hands and I felt a light squeeze. “She told me. Carlene said she shared ‘the basic 411’ with you, and I know that means she told you about Kitty.” I could see her thinking, struggling to go on. “All my life, I just wanted a place to belong. When I was young, Granny was my happy place, and then Carlene, and then my sewing machine.” She paused and seemed as though she was going to cry. Suddenly, she closed her eyes and shook her head, as if to free the feelings. “And then it was Blake. You’ve made me realize that I need to leave the past behind, and move forward – finally.”

She took the step between us, and stood on her tiptoes. I leaned down and she pressed her lips gently to mine. “Thank you,” she whispered against them before I kissed her back.

“Maisie,” I whispered her name. Before I let her go, I pulled her just a little closer to kiss her once more.

We walked back to the crossover and grabbed our shoes. Neither of us said a word until we entered the hotel. “Would you like to go to the bar and have a drink?” I asked.

“That’d be nice.” We dusted the sand off our feet, slipped our shoes on and headed to the bar. An hour later, I walked her to her door.

“Thank you, Tate. It was a great day. First I got to see and hear you sing. It was a beautiful, special song. Then I got to meet Andy and his beautiful daughter. All that topped with getting to know each other better. It was extremely special.”

“I agree. I’ll see you in the morning. Thank you for being here with me, Maisie.”

“Call me when you wake up. Good night, Tate.” She went in and the door it closed behind her.

I just stood there for the longest time. I’d never met anyone who made me feel what I was feeling in that moment.

***

Maisie

Lying in bed, my mind raced, filled with thoughts of these moments in my life that had come along so unexpectedly. When Tate asked me to join him in Florida and I heard myself agree to go, I wasn’t sure what I was doing. It was all so surprising, but something about him made me feel comfortable, safe, and… HAPPY. He excited me in ways I hadn’t felt in so long that it was thrilling. The day Carlene told me he’d called to talk to her, I told her that Tate had awakened feelings in me that I didn’t know I even wanted to feel ever again.

“I’m just scared…”

“Of letting go of the past. Scared of what happened with Blake,” she said, interrupting me. “Maisie, sugah, you’re young. You can’t hold on to that pain forever. It’s time for you to open your heart, to feel again. Maybe Tate isn’t the one. Maybe he’s just the one who leads the way. Maybe he’s the one for now. Hell, maybe he
is
the one. Get to know him. Anything is a possibility. Maisie, you my dear are lovely!”

“Carlene.” She looked at me with a knowing smile, like she knew what I was going to say. “I’m kind of hopeful that he is the one.”

Chapter Four

Tate

At six the next morning, I couldn’t wait a minute longer. I dialed, and a sleepy voice answered.

“Hello?” she said, and I heard the rustle of sheets.

“You said to call you when I woke up, but I waited and waited and then, I just couldn’t wait any longer. Get ready, we’re going out,” I told her.

“This early?” she asked, but the tone of her voice gave her away. I could visualize her smile. “Really, Tate? It’s 6:06!”

“I’ll give you ‘til seven. If you get ready before that, knock on my door.”

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“I’ll tell you when we hit the road. Comfy clothes and shoes. Hurry up. Get ready!” I laughed. In all honesty, I just needed to get off the damn phone. Her sleepy voice – thinking about her lying in bed – was driving me crazy.

Finally, we grabbed coffee and donuts from the breakfast bar. I’d rented a convertible and we hit the road with the top down, heading northwest.

“Ok, we’re on the road. Now where are you taking me?” she requested.

“Well, since you’ve never been to Florida, I
know
you’ve never been here!”

“I’m going to Disney World!” she said, raising her hands in the air, followed by a big laugh - another side of Maisie Bolden that I hadn’t experienced.

We arrived at the park around eleven. It appeared that it was a slow morning because we got right in. I felt like a little kid. I hadn’t been there since I was twelve, and I was ready to show Maisie a good time.

“Since you’ve never been here before, is there something you want to see first? We’ll start there.”

With a shy smile, she replied, “Cinderella’s Castle.”

We walked down Main Street, and even with my long legs, I could barely keep up with her. The excitement she felt was contagious.

“The closer you get, the more beautiful it is!”

“Stop a moment!” I shouted out to her. “I forgot the most important thing of all!”

She turned to look at me. “What is it?”

I grabbed her hand and pulled her into one of the shops. “Mouse ears!”

The walls were full of them. I tried on a few of the traditional style – black with the Mickey emblem – it took a while to find one that sat just right on my big head. Maisie grabbed a headband style that had a red and white Minnie Mouse bow, and already had it on.

“Are you really going to wear those?” she asked as we left. There was a big grin on her face.

“What? You don’t think they look good?” I asked, putting a pout on my face.

“I think they are adorable!” she giggled. “Just didn’t see a cowboy wearing them! The castle. Come on,” she said, grabbing my hand.

When we reached a spot close by, she stopped and stood in awe. “Magical says it all. It’s like it transports you to another world – a happy place.”

“This
is
the happiest place on earth!” I laughed.

“Yes, it is.” She turned to look at me and took my big’ol hand in hers. “Yes, it is, Tate.” She stood quietly in awe. If the look on her face had any indication of how the day would unfold, it was going to be great. I stood beside her and looked as well.

“Words can’t really describe it, can they?” a voice from behind us said. We turned to look and found a young man dressed in a khaki and navy Disney uniform.

“Majestic,” Maisie replied.

“Lucca,” he said. I noticed his mouse ear badge stated he was from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“How’d you end up here?” I asked.

“Student, Sir. Would you like me to take a picture of the two of you in front of the castle? It is ‘majestic’,” he told Maisie, with a smile.

Maisie nodded and handed him her phone. She stood close to me, barely reaching my shoulder. I slipped my arm around her and let it rest on her hip, pulling her a little closer. The young man snapped several pictures, and I picked Maisie up and stole a kiss as he snapped one more.

“Tate,” she whispered as I put her down.

“Thank you,” I said as he handed her phone back to her.

“It was my pleasure. May I help you with any plans for your day?” he asked.

“We’re just kind of flying by the seat of our pants,” I laughed.

“If there’s anything we can assist you with, just ask any cast member.”

“Thank you, Lucca,” Maisie said, and then added, “Magical Lucca!”

***

Every attraction we visited was a wondrous experience - Disney World for the first time, whether as a child or an adult is, as they say, magical. When we were on the ‘It’s a Small World’ ride, Maisie sang along. When we experienced the Mad Tea Party she giggle-screamed with delight. On Space Mountain she just plain screamed – I assumed fear - and I loved it all.

Later, we stumbled upon Gaston’s Tavern in the Enchanted Forest. It looked like an old pub and we decided to check it out. A young man dressed in a costume of a white shirt and red vest piped in gold, wearing a type of fedora, welcomed us and guided us to the counter where we scanned the menu.

“I believe if you go to a place such as this you have to have their specialties. We’ll each have the pork shank and the cinnamon roll,” I said, placing our order.

“Oh wait! Let’s go crazy and have two Lefou’s brews!” Maisie laughed.

I noticed the girl behind the counter watching us as though she was trying to figure something out, and I prayed she didn’t. We found a seat and Maisie took a sip of Lefou’s brew that left her with a mustache from the foam. “Nice,” I said and quickly leaned closer to lick her lips, sneaking another kiss.

We talked about all the things we’d seen so far – fun, excited conversation. Finally, Maisie excused herself to the restroom, and I remembered Lucca’s words about assistance. I quickly ran to the counter to ask for help getting a dinner reservation at the Crystal Palace.

“Tate Morrow?” the young woman shrieked. “I figured it out!”

“Shhh,” I laughed, putting my finger to my lips. “Can you help me get in to the Crystal Palace? Reservation for two?”

“Sure!” she squealed. “Oh my goodness, I can’t believe it’s you!”

“Shhh,” I laughed again. “Hand me a menu or something and I’ll sign it for you, but keep it under wraps, OK? My friend will be back any second so give me a bottle of water, please.”

As Maisie approached, she saw me. “I came to get a drink and she recognized me. She promised she’d keep it a secret if I’d take a picture with her. Will you take a picture with her phone?”

“Sure!”

No one was around, so I quickly scooted to sit on the counter and leaned over so she could get closer, while Maisie snapped a couple of pictures.

“Favor, Angie from Flagler College,” I said, reading her nametag. “I know you’re gonna tweet and plaster that picture all over Facebook.” She nodded with a big grin. “Will you wait a couple hours and let us try to enjoy our day before you do? I don’t get to be a kid very often,” I laughed.

“I’ll wait,” she smiled.

I winked at her and took Maisie’s hand as we walked away.

More rides, more places to visit and enjoy, and I noticed, though all of it, that Maisie was still on a magical Disney high. I looked at her and smiled as we stood in line to ride Splash Mountain.

“What is it?” she asked.

“You, that’s all. Just you.”

“It really is the happiest place on earth! I can’t believe I’ve never been here. Thank you for bringing me.”

“I think I should thank
you
for joining me. I’m on quite a happy high myself.”

As the ride progressed, Maisie anticipated the water splash before the plunge and curled into my arms, looking up at me, laughing. I couldn’t help but slip my arm around her and pull her closer.

When we got off the ride pictures of the passengers were displayed so that you could buy them if you’d like. When we looked, it was that moment with Maisie in my arms.

“I’m getting one. Would you like one, too?” I asked.

“Please. I want to remember this trip for a very long time.”

“Me too, Maisie.” Suddenly, I couldn’t stop myself. I wanted to kiss her, and I took a chance. I bent down to place my lips on hers. I felt them curl into a smile and I felt her rise on her toes to return the kiss.

“Thank you,” she said, “for taking me places I’ve never been, and some that I wasn’t sure I wanted to go again.” She stretched to kiss me again. I swear I wanted to pick her up and run through the park yelling, “Maisie Bolden just kissed me!”

“C’mon,” I said, and took her hand in mine. We took the Walt Disney World Railroad around the park to rest our feet for a while, getting off to explore where we chose. As we rode, I leaned close and whispered in her ear. “Maisie, the good stuff happens at night.”

I saw her look at me, and chuckled. “Cinderella’s Castle lights up and there will be all kinds of fireworks. Would you like to stay that late?”

Cautiously, she replied, “Whatever you’d like.”

“The gal at Gaston’s said there’s a Walmart just outside the park where we could go get whatever we don’t have with us. I’ll get a room with two beds if you’re OK with that idea. I’m not asking you to sleep with me, Maisie, I just want you to experience the park at night.”

Her hesitation was killing me. It wasn’t because I wanted to stay. I could tell her emotions were tugging her - that rope between holding on and letting go that she’d mentioned previously.

Finally, in the softest whisper of a voice she said, “I’d like to stay.”

“We’ll head out and get what we need after the parade. I’ll call for a room.”

A phone call and a short time later, we were back exploring the park. I was afraid that she’d be anxious or something, but she only seemed to enjoy the day. I bought her a stuffed Winnie the Pooh because she told me Pooh was her favorite character. It was almost as big as Maisie, and I proudly carried the damn thing all around the park.

When we arrived at the Crystal Palace for dinner, she was as excited as a wide-eyed child. I put the bear in the chair beside her and a Winnie the Pooh character sat down across from her, staring at the stuffed bear. With my phone, I snapped pictures as Maisie grinned. Finally, Pooh left and I took the seat he vacated. I wanted to look at that beautiful face - the pink cheeks spattered with freckles from the sun, the pink rosebud lips, and the blue eyes that seemed alive this evening.

At dark, we walked toward the magnificence of Cinderella’s Castle, Maisie’s hand in mine. A prince character walked by and Maisie looked up. The prince walked over to us.

“Oh, Mr. Prince, I mean this in the nicest, kindest way, but go away. Shoo!” She looked amused as he crossed his arms over his chest in question.

“Go,” she laughed, and looked my way. “I’ve already met my Prince Charming!”

He laughed, but made a disappointed face while I took pictures. He kissed her hand and walked away, leaving Maisie with a big smile on her face. She looked at me, and I couldn’t wipe the stupid smile off mine.

Finally, we found a place to sit on the curb for a good view of the parade. While we waited, we talked about the park, the experiences of the day, and her wonder at all of it, but nothing personal. I wanted to ask her a million things, but I didn’t. She only sat for a little while. When she saw Tinkerbell leading the parade, she dropped Pooh in my lap and was up taking pictures as the parade passed by. The fireworks began at ten and she was still taking pictures.

Finally, on the tram to the parking lot, she said, “What an amazing day. I have tons of pictures! I felt like a giddy child all day. It really is magical. Thank you.”

“No, Maisie, thank
you
. Seeing you experience so many things for the first time was the best thing I can imagine.”

“A lot of first experiences,” she said.

After our Walmart run, we checked in at the Dolphin Hotel. Maisie showered, and emerged from the bathroom wearing sweat pants and a Mickey Mouse t-shirt. Her hair was in a ponytail on top of her head. After I showered, Maisie was already in the bed with the TV on. I saw her watch me as I walked by, wearing a pair of gym shorts, pulling a t-shirt over my head. She looked away, and I smiled. I crawled in the other bed and lay facing her.

“Thank you, Maisie,” I said, after a while. 

She raised her head to get a better look at me. Finally, she said, “No Tate, thank you. I feel like I escaped from prison.” She said with a light laugh, but I knew what she meant. “This has been an amazing day, I’ve enjoyed it all. Thank you.”

“It was pretty amazing for me, too. I loved your reaction to everything we encountered. It was like seeing it through the eyes of a carefree child.”

“Carefree,” she repeated. “I don’t know how anyone could be here and not feel that way. It felt good to let everything go and have fun.”

“When was the last time you did?” I asked.