Page 94

Lexi/Jola

At five, I start to get ready. It takes me a while to decide what comfortable outfit for dinner out with a guy like Bruce is. I finally settle on ripped knee jeans that hug my curves, and a red wrap silk blouse with not too much cleavage. I pair it with red strappy heels. I use all the curl products to keep my hair curly and bouncy. My makeup is light, with red lipstick.

Bruce comes to my door at seven. My whole being is bubbling with excitement. I open the door to see him looking dashing in black pants, a navy blue shirt, and a Harrington jacket.

“Ready, Sprinkles.” His voice is toneless. What is he hiding?

“Yes,” I answer, smiling. He takes my hand and we head out to the garage. “Where’s Ice?”

“Just you and me, Sprinkles,” he says as he opens the front door for me to get into his truck.

“Really?” I ask, surprised he would take me out alone without any extra men.

“Smith, Wolfe, and James are behind, but you are riding with me.” he supplies, like he can read my mind

“And Ice?”

“Out on a date tonight.” My smile widens.

“That’s good. I hope he has fun.”

I settle in and buckle up. Our drive is quiet. I just spend time stealing glances at him and confirming that I’m utterly in love with him. A part of me fears the fact that I may have to walk away from him because of the promise I made.

We make it to the restaurant and go in through a side door, but the place is empty.

“Are they closed?” I whisper.

“No, Sprinkles.” The light comes on and I see a candlelit table in the center of the restaurant with servers smiling. “It’s just us.”

“What do you mean, just us?”

“I mean, we are the only patrons tonight.” My brow rises. Did he just pay for us to have dinner alone?

“Oh,” is the only word out of my lips. He helps me settle in and they bring the menu. The menu is specially made for me, almost as if Chef Wayne shared my dishes with the restaurant and they created a menu for me. I look to Bruce and whisper, “Does Chef Wayne work here?”

“No, but he was happy to share your likes, and the chef here agreed to make them specially for you and possibly add them to his menu list.” He smiles, but my heart is pulsating. I can’t believe he did this for me.

“Thank you.” I settle on a pasta dish that I have had the chef make with crushed bacon, a bit more cream, and spinach.

The dishes are brought over. Bruce and I talk and laugh. He tells me about his military days and his brothers, and some of the crazy things they have all done.

Out of the blue, he slides a box in front of me. “Happy Birthday, Jola,” he says. I stare at him. It is a small box. My heart races. I keep my shaking hands under the table. “Open it, Jola.” His voice is gentle and breathy.

I pull the ribbon off the box, open it, and see a heart-shaped gold pendant with the word “A J” inscribed on it. I gasp and pull it out of the box to see a thin chain attached to it.

“Thank you,” I say, trying to keep my teary eye down. “I love it, it’s perfect,” I say and put it on. I am never taking it off, I say inward. His eyes are caressing me.

“Ready?” he asks.

“Yes,” I say as he rises and puts his hand out to me. I take his hand and we quietly leave the restaurant, my heart racing. He helps me into the car, and we drive in palpable silence. I expect us to head home, but we are taking a different direction.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“It’s a surprise, Sprinkles,” he says smiling at me.

We pull up to an open area, and the gate opens. I smile when I see helicopters ahead and turn to him. “For real!” Excitement is loud in my voice.

“I promised you a skyline view of Chicago,” he says casually, like he did not just make me very happy. The moment he parks, I unbuckle my seatbelt and make my tight and clumsy way into his arms. He adjusts the seat to fit us. I kiss him, taking over his mouth. Our kiss is fierce and filled with emotion. When he breaks the kiss, his hands caress my face. The pendant dangles between us. “Is it still the best birthday?” he asks with a smirk.