Page 52 of This Time Around

To make matters worse, he is distant. Cold. I don’t think he means to be. I don’t even think he notices, but when I try to comfort him, or talk to him, he shuts down and pretends it’s all ok. Then the second anyone else, Ty, Keith, Isa, or his parents are around, he opens up like water streaming from the faucet, free flowing. It hurts and makes me feel unsure about my place in his heart, but then he looks at me, and it all melts away, if only for a moment, I feel at peace. Even in his current state he still looks at me like I’m the only one who matters.

“B, I am so fucking proud of you.” He beams, turning off the water. “You are officially a business owner.”

“Thanks, babe.” I stand and peel off my clothes as I make my way to the shower. “Why the sudden change?”

When the last article of clothing has dropped to the floor, Luke comes up behind me, kisses my neck and wraps an arm around my body, pulling me close. “Today snuck up on me, but I’ve been proud of you every step of the way.”

He moves my hair and continues kissing my neck. I sink into his touch, wanting it so much, but I’m running late.

“Not right now, babe. You took a little longer than usual to take a shower, and I have to be there in an hour to get everything set up.” I slide out from his grip and turn on the water.

He offers me one more kiss on the cheek and a soft smile. “I’m sorry, babe. This situation has made me such a mess. I haven’t even helped you get this all ready. I’ll go load the car, you get ready, and I’ll drive you there.”

“That would be amazing.” I chose not to acknowledge his comment. We both know how he has been. I know he is not doing it on purpose, so there is no sense in making him feel any worse than he already does.

I finish getting ready and take one last look in the mirror before I head downstairs. The black leather pants I am wearing are the perfect contrast to the emerald, sheer knit top highlighting the intricate details of the black bustier laying underneath. Emerald is my new favorite color to wear after visiting Lily. It enhances the red hues in my hair and complements the bold red I love to paint my lips. I was going to wear a more practical shoe, but being practical in what I wear has never been me, so I pulled out my black heels with red bottoms, that I splurged on a few years back, to pack a little punch.

My hair is down, curled to perfection, but I know once I move around I’ll want it off my neck, so I grab my gold claw clip and head to the living room where Luke is packing up the last of the refreshments.

He looks up and stares at me, mouth agape. “B, wow. I um, I am really fucking glad you are my girl and I get to bring you home tonight. It will keep me from running to the bathroom to jerk off in the middle of your party,” he admires me with a wink.

I smile, this is the first glimpse I’ve had of my man in far too long, so I grant myself permission to revel in it. I walk over, place my hand on his chest, and softly press my lips to his. When I pull away, not wanting to lose myself in the kiss before we leave, I make a sultry promise, “Well, if you behave yourself, I’ll reward you for your efforts of avoiding self pleasure.”

“Nope, I’ll meet you there. I have to, um, I have some shit to take care of,” he jokes, pulling away.

“Nice try! You promised you’d help me, and we’re almost late,” I laugh.

“Fine,” Luke smirks with a fake pout and doe eyes. “But if I only last a few seconds, that’s on you.”

Man, it feels so good to have a glimpse of him back.

Luke and I set up the decorations, pre-making trays of the signature drink of the night, Prose Paloma.

We also made gift bags for all the guests. Sleek black bags filled with mini bottles of Tequila, small mixers and a recipe card so they can make the featured drink at home; a custom glass, to bring in when they visit for one free drink per visit; a QR code for the 90s playlist we have filling the speakers tonight; and little L&L stickers. The bag, of course, is topped off with sparkly red tissue paper, and a card with each person’s name, sealed with a bright red kiss.

We worked tirelessly to set up all the hors d’oeuvres and sip stations where everyone can sample the drinks on the menu.

I have hired a small staff of mixologists, waitstaff, and bookstore attendants. By small, I mean there are 6 of us, ‌including me. My manager, Amari, a girl I worked with at the bar, has had a huge hand in all the behind the scenes details for this evening. I needed someone who could be in charge should I not be able to be here, and I trust her immensely. I have hired just enough employees for two different shift rotations so they all have ample time off. However, it was imperative to me they be a part of the festivities and celebrate the opening rather than work it, so I designed every detail of the night to be 100% self-serve. I even set up a self checkout system using a QR code for the books people may want to purchase, a safe choice reserved for close family and friends only.

The party has been in full swing for about an hour and every detail is perfect.

“Blake, this is the most amazing night. I am so proud of you. Who the hell would have thought working for ‘king prick bag’ would have led to all this?” Ana jokes marveling at the space.

“Right.” I take a sip of my drink and catch Luke’s eye from across the room. Adam had a good day yesterday, so he seems extra chipper today. I think the light at the end of the tunnel is glowing, and it’s just what he needs to get out of his funk.

“How are things with you two?” Ana asks, sipping her sparkling water. She is expecting baby number two soon.

“Great, he’s… Ana, he is fucking dirty.” I laugh. “I would have never expected the shit that comes out of his mouth.”

“Yeah well, seems to have gotten you out of your funk thinking you had to be all wholesome and shit.” She laughs.

“I didn’t think I could be curious and explore my sexuality and have a relationship at the same time. I thought it made me look like the one-night stand type, not the take home to mom type.”

“Well, you love one-night stands more than most, but I think to him you were always the exception. Plus, his mom already loved you, hoe and all,” she teases, bumping me with her hip, her huge knockers catching my eye.

“Man, I forgot how hot you are when you’re pregnant. And by the way, Knox keeps eye fucking you, so he must think so too,” I chuckle, pointing to Knox, who is staring at Ana with a smoldering look on his face, like her appearance is searing his insides.

“Yeah, I think he’s enjoying every second this time. Making up for what he missed with Riker.” I can tell by her expression the memories are still a little painful.