“Because it’s chill and low key. I go there every year for a weekend wellness retreat.”
“Wellness retreat. With who?”
“Wanye and?—”
“You and Wanye are still tight?”
“That’s my ace. The hotel hosts a retreat once a year. No phones. No TVs. Just nature, walking trails, and serenity.”
“When did you become so granola?”
“After years of being Pop Rocks, granola is good.” I needed to tell Danessa my Pop Rock years included pills and coke. It just never seemed like the right time to bring it up. “Hey Nessa thanks for breakfast, by the way I’m a recovering addict.”You see how awkward that was?Pete’s advice was delaying the inevitable would only make things worse. As much as people swear it to be true, love was never unconditional, and Nessa deserved to know what she was getting herself into.
I was working hard to stay sober and surrounding myself with people who supported me was paramount. Danessa was down, she always had been, but loving an addict wasn’t easy no matter how long they’d been sober. Because every day the only thing preventing me from scoring was a choice. If I woke up one morning and my resolve was tested shit could turn rapidly.
“Hey, come here.” The seats laid flat. Danessa joined me in my seat laying her head on my chest. Sinking my hand into her hair I scratched her scalp.
“Mmm, that feels good.”
“I’m happy you’re here.”
“Of course, who doesn’t like a weekend getaway.”
“I don’t mean here in this moment, although that’s nice too. I mean here, in my life.”
Danessa shifted her head and looked up at me with her doe-like eyes. “Being with you is my happy place. It’s always been.”
“Come closer I need to tell you a secret.” She scootched until my mouth brushed her ear and I whispered three words.
Danessa’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “I love you too.”
“What’s so funny?”I asked.
“I just think it’s wild the way you’re bopping around looking at all the vintage stuff when less than two hours ago your legs were shaking while I fucked you raw.”
I grabbed his arm and escorted him to a less populated corner of the store. “Stop it. Not appropriate.” We were in this cute little area of Sedona with coffee shops and small boutiques.
After checking into our hotel and taking a much-needed rest, we were exploring the town. We dipped into a kitschy home decor shop, with patrons buzzing in and out and Aldridge was speaking in his deep full voice so anyone could overhear.
He imitated my raspy voice from hours ago. “Aldridge … please … baby.”
I raised my fist with a shake. “I will assault you in this quaint little shop.”
“Like how I beat the pussy back at the hotel.” His smile was devilish, and I knew he was trying to get a rise out of me. He was proud of his performance and rightfully so. I was already prepared for an encore.
Crossing my arms, I walked away from him. “I’m not talking to you anymore.”
“I’m just saying the faces you made.” He contorted his mug into something more similar to pain than pleasure. “Daddy please.”
“Aldridge, shut up.”
“I’m sorry, don’t be mad. I’ll stop.” He draped his arm over my shoulder and kissed the top of my head.
When he suggested we take a mini vacation, I was thrilled. The holidays flew by, and school was in full swing. I had readings to complete, papers to write and homework that was due, but I also had an unshakable desire to be laid up under this man. So, I powered through the week, staying up late to complete a paper due next Wednesday. All this while showing homes and closing deals.
Aldridge circled the table, picking up a wiener dog napkin holder. “Why?” he mouthed.
Granted this store housed everything but the kitchen sink, but I loved incorporating pops of color or cute kitchen tools into my decor. Not a wiener dog napkin holder but a pink cowboy boot matchbox, yes.
