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She nods. “It’s nice. We went to The Comic Corner.” Her bashful voice is filled with embarrassment.
“Did my darling brother tell you about his crush on Wolverine?”
I’m not egged on by Zach’s comments, as Marr bursts into giggles. I owe my dumb brother for making her laugh.
“My girl can’t complain. She has a much bigger crush on him.” I stroke Marr’s denim-clad thigh under the table as she shivers under my touch. I’m about to remove my hand when I notice her pink cheeks. My most favorite color giving me the perfect idea.
Since our talk of the future, I’m wondering how I can make her believe in our love, in our future. I’m surprised how this small gesture led me to the perfect fix for our problem. She needs assurance that I want her with all her awkwardness and panic attacks.
And I’ll die trying, proving to her that I want her not just in private but everywhere, every time, forever.
I squeeze her thigh once before extending my arm behind her. I clasp her shoulder and pull her closer to me. Marr looks around, her natural response to my touch in public, before settling back. I meet the eyes of the three men sitting across from us. There’s a flicker of surprise, but they recover quickly.
“We didn’t know you’re an X-Men junkie like him, Marr.” Zach continues the conversation. “Are you a fan of the movies or comics?”
“Both.” She smiles as I stroke her forearm, and I feel her relaxing against me. “But the comics more.”
“That’s my girl,” I rasp, caressing her cheeks with my fingers.
How did I not see that Marr needs social acceptance along with love?
Someone to profess and assert his affection to her publicly.
Our food arrives, a tasting menu comprising of her favorites.
My brothers have gone all out to make this evening special for my girl. They, especially Zach, might give the impression that they don’t care, but they’ll die for our family if needed. In such moments, I feel blessed that we three didn’t inherit the lack of a family bond from that woman.
33
ZANDER
“Hello, boss. I think you dialed the wrong number in Cherrywood,” Kristy drawls, and the hint of a tease in her voice makes me chuckle.
“Hello, my most favorite employee. I have the right number, don’t you worry.” I put my aviators on after placing the empty cup on the outside table of the small family-owned café near my office.
“We all know who your most favorite employee is, Zander.” She giggles before asking, “How was your birthday surprise?”
“Phenomenal! It was crazy to see Marr in my office at midnight.” I don’t even try to hide the excitement. “Thanks a lot.”
“Why are you thanking me? It was all your brothers’ doing.”
“It might have been, but I’m sure Marr needed some persuading.” I shake my head to the waitress offering a refill. Placing some money on the table, I get up and leave the café after waving to the owner.
“It’s no problem. Your girlfriend needs a little push occasionally.”
I get inside my car, which is parked on the street. “I get it, Kristy, and that’s kind of the reason why I’m calling you today. I need some advice.” I pause, trying to find the best way to voice my concern.
When I don’t speak for several more minutes, she ribs me, “I thought you guys were beyond the no-touching issue. As a matter of fact, I know that for sure, as you had some of your not-so-quiet sexual adventures in our house.”
“Yes, thanks to God and you for that.” My lips pull up in a smile, remembering Marr and how she looked in her bathroom mirror.
“Then what is it?”
My chest once again tightens in anxiety. “I need your advice on something else.” I loosen my tie, which unfortunately isn’t cherry colored, providing me none of the much-needed hope. “I want to propose to Marr.” My mouth dries after I blurt the words, more so because the phone line goes dead silent. “You there, Kristy?”
“Yes, but I’m still waiting for the part where you need my advice.”
I rake my fingers through my hair. “Didn’t you hear when I said I want to propose?” My anxiety morphs into agitation.
