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The way Zander’s arm rest over my shoulders, it’s a no-brainer that he is more than my boss, but to make it perfectly clear, he adds, “And her boyfriend.”
“Hello, boss boyfriend. Do you have any brothers even half as handsome as you?”
Zander chuckles, and I tell him, “Clementine is Oscar’s youngest sister.”
Zander nods. “Your brother often speaks about his family. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Make sure you check out my latest stuff.” Clementine nods toward a tent with her name embroidered in silky thread.
We enter her stall followed by a few other customers. I’m once again reminded about Clementine’s talent as an independent fashion designer. Her designs are unique and heart touching.
I peruse through the beautiful metal accessory collection and notice some interesting car mirror decorations. One that stands out is a steel butterfly with the words “Remembering you” engraved on its wings.
I take it with me to the cash register where Zander is picking up a small paper bag. I wonder what he bought. I pay Clem and promise her that Kristy and I will visit her soon.
“I bought you something.” It’s a silly gift, but I want him to have a memory of today.
“You did? What is it?” The smile that lights up his face makes me want to give him a piece of my heart along with this ornament.
I place the metal butterfly on his palm. Zander twirls it between his fingers and smiles. “It’s very thoughtful, Marr. It will remind me of today, of us.” He places a kiss on my lips.
I realize that Zander is one of those guys who doesn’t shy away from displays of his affection. He doesn’t care where we are or who’s watching, and I like that about him. Whenever he’s pulling me closer or placing a peck on my cheeks, I get those butterflies in my stomach that poets and writers rave about. I feel the excitement and anticipation of more instead of my usual fear of rejection. With every passing moment, I’m falling more and more for this amazing man. The affection in his eyes and the tenderness of his touch are gradually taking down the rigid walls of my insecurities and fears.
“What is it, baby?” He caresses my cheek with the back of his hand.
“Nothing.” I clear my throat. It’s too soon, Rose. Don’t make a bigger deal out of this than what it is. “I just remembered my favorite car charm, which I misplaced somewhere.”
“How did you lose it?” he asks in a concerned voice as we continue our walk, looking around at the festivities.
“It got misplaced while my car was with the mechanic.” I shrug. “I bought it six years back in a garage sale, even before I had a car, in hope of having one someday.” I smile at my own stupidity.
He smiles back. “It must have been something special. Tell me about it.”
I remember the beautiful piece that I’d found while returning to my dorm room after hearing an applied physics guest lecture at a hotel outside the university’s campus. I was walking down the streets of a residential area when my eyes caught the pink velvet band with several roses around it. I had thought it was a Christmas ornament. By the time the old lady from the garage sale told me what it really was, I had already decided on the purchase, car or no car.
Lost in my memories as I reminisce about those days, it takes me a while to notice Zander has stopped walking.
“Zander, what’s the matter?” Turning around, I find him taking something out from the pocket of his leather jacket. “Oh my god! How? Where?” I run and cover the few steps between us. My lost charm dangles from his fingers. There’s no question it’s mine, because one rose is bigger than the others.
“Fuck, I can’t believe this,” he mutters and releases a heavy breath. “I rented a car on my first visit to Cherrywood from the Douglas garage. I guess that’s where your car was for repair.”
I nod. But it was months ago.
What are the odds of my car charm ending up in his rental?
“I found this in that car. Since that day, I’ve tried to get rid of it, but hell, it keeps coming back to me. The room service guys keep bringing it back to my hotel room, and a couple of times, I’ve found it in my office bag. Today, I found it in the trunk of my car. Please take it and relieve me from the guard duty of your prized possession.”
I don’t know what to say. I’m too stunned by the coincidence. Quickly, I slip it into my purse.“You really hate the flower, don’t you?” I ask as we resume walking.
“You have no idea.” He squeezes my hand tight, and I know that is all I’m going to get from him.
Before I can prod more on Zander’s reaction, he deflects my attention.
“What will you have? I’m kinda hungry and the turkey sandwich looks tempting.” He points to the food truck and rubs his stomach with a huge grin.
My breath hitches as I stare at his beautiful face. The afternoon sun behind his head is forging a golden aura around him. The finger under his lip as he looks at the food truck thoughtfully makes my heartbeat wild. Memories of how his fingers played with me last night revisit, and I have to close my eyes to compose myself and dismiss the burning sensation.
Photographic memory sucks.
