My Dream Man (13 page)

I stopped by my mom’s after work the next day. Even though I had been consumed with my own life, I hadn’t forgotten that she seemed a bit down. I hoped to catch up with my dad too.

I knocked on the door, and as luck would have it, my dad answered. “Hey sweetie,” he said.

“Hey Dad. How’ve you been?” He looked like he’d lost weight.

“Oh, you know. Working hard. Worrying about you, worrying about Tabby,” he joked.

I smiled. “Don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine. In fact, you and Mom should take a vacation. Have some fun.” I said, patting him on the shoulder. “By the way, where is she?”

“I think she’s doing laundry. Gloria,” he called out. “Sam’s here.”

Dad and I walked into the kitchen and sat down, then he gave me an inquisitive look. “So your mother tells me you have a boyfriend now.”

My face lit up.

“When do we get to meet him?” he asked.

My mom walked into the room. “Meet who?”

“Greg,” I answered. “Dad was just asking when you guys get to meet him.”

She sat down, wearing an expectant look that mimicked his. “My thoughts exactly,” she said.

“Well we just started dating. I don’t want to freak him out right away. If it feels right I’ll bring him over. Or maybe since Mom’s birthday is in September we can have a party,” I suggested.

“Oh. That would be nice,” Mom said, eyeing Dad. She seemed excited by the idea. He just shrugged, oblivious to the opportunity he’d missed to make her feel special.

“You’ll meet him soon enough either way,” I said, feeling uncomfortable.

Dad nodded, then got up and went to the restroom. After he was gone Mom said, “I heard you talked to Tabby.”

“Yeah,” I said. “I couldn’t pretend I hadn’t heard about Jack from you. Sorry about that. I think Tabby would have figured it out anyway. But I don’t think we have to worry. Jack’s just a friend. She’s just hanging out with him out of convenience, or maybe pity.” I wasn’t entirely convinced I believed either one, but I wasn’t about to admit to my mom that I thought Tabby might still have feelings for the jerk.

“If you say not to worry, then I won’t. I just wish she’d meet someone nice like you did.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” I said. There was a silence, and in it I felt a certain sadness seep through. “How are you and Dad doing?”

She gave me a smile that didn’t look genuine. “Good. Everything’s fine.”

“I don’t like it when you do that.”

“When I do what?”

“When you tell me everything is fine when it clearly isn’t.”

“It’s just a little rough patch. Like I said the other day, when you’ve been married a long time, you go through seasons like this. But that’s all it is. A season. A brief season. We’re fine. We’re going to be fine.”

I thought about pressing the issue, but decided it would be pointless. At least she’d opened up a little more than usual.

“How are things with Greg?” she asked, shutting down any follow up. “Have you seen him a lot lately?” Her mood seemed to improve whenever she asked me about him.

“Things are wonderful,” I said. “We’ve been spending a lot of time together. In fact, he just invited me to come along with him on a business trip to Seattle. I’m pretty excited about it.”

My mom got teary-eyed. This was happening far more frequently than ever before. “That’s wonderful honey. I hope you have a great time.” She could tell I noticed her emotional reaction. “Don’t mind me. I’m dealing with crazy hormone changes. You don’t want to know, believe me.”

I reached out and took her hand. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me Mom. I love you.”

That caused her to burst into tears. Then she came over and gave me a bone-crushing hug. “I love you too sweetie,” she said.

We hugged in silence for a moment. When she broke away from the hug, she was wearing a sad smile.

“What are you and Dad doing for dinner?”

“Your father is grilling chicken. Why don’t you stay and eat with us.”

“Is there enough food? I know you weren’t expecting me.”

My mom gave me a look. “There’s always enough food for our favorite older daughter.”

I spent the evening with my parents, telling them more about Greg. How we met, what he did for a living, how smart he is. They both listened attentively, and during our meal they seemed to get along fine. Maybe it was hormones after all. Was Mom old enough to be menopausal? I shuddered at the thought. I hated the idea of my parents getting older.

When I got home I noticed I missed a call from Greg. I changed into my pajamas and called him back. “Hey,” I said. “What are you up to?”

“Not much,” he said. “Worked all day. Had dinner with my dad. Missed you.”

 I smiled. “Sounds a lot like my day,” I said. “I worked, stopped by my parents place, ate dinner and hung out. We talked about you.”

“You talked about me? What did you say?” He sounded playful, unconcerned.

“Oh, you know. I told them you bang me silly until I can’t walk.”

He burst out laughing. It was the loudest I’d ever heard him laugh, a much more manly laugh than the high-pitched giggle I’d grown accustomed to. “No you didn’t.”

“I did. I told them their daughter turned into a porn star and you’re to blame. Now they want to meet you.”

Greg began cackling again. “Seriously, what’d you guys talk about?”

“You know. I told them how cute you are, how smart you are. That we were getting along great. Then they wanted to know when they will get to meet you.”

“I was thinking the same thing. I thought maybe I was just going to be your sex slave and you didn’t want them to know who I was in case you trade me in on a better model.”

Now I laughed. “That would never happen. I adore you too much. You really want to meet them?”

“Of course,” he said.

“I wasn’t sure you’d want to meet them so soon. I figured I’d invite you to the next family gathering. My mom’s birthday is in September. How about I bring you round then? I mean, if I don’t give you heart failure or wear you out first,” I teased.

“Sounds good. The meeting them and the you trying to wear me out first. I accept the challenge.”

I smiled, remembering the last time I’d worn him out. Then my mind flitted back to my family. “We’re having a party for my mom’s birthday,” I said. I decided we were doing something. I wouldn’t leave it up to my dad to plan. “Tabby will be in town too, so you’ll get to meet her. You should bring your dad along.”

“Let me mention it to him. I’m 97 percent certain he’d like to come.”

“Ninety-seven percent?”

“Give or take three percent,” he added, goofing around. “Speaking of my dad. He tells me tomorrow is his last appointment. So, your work is done here? You’ve healed him?”

“No, silly. He’s still diabetic, but he’s been doing much better. His foot has improved and since he’s stable there’s no reason for me to see him anymore.”

“Hmm. Now you just have to come over and take care of me,” he said. “It’s all I’ve been thinking of.”

“Tomorrow.”

“But I want you now,” he whined. “I don’t want to wait until tomorrow night.”

“Maybe tomorrow you could wear your pink robe. And nothing else.”

“God Sam. You’re killing me.”

“Sorry, but I have to go to bed now.” I gave him a kiss and said goodnight.

While driving in between appointments, I thought about how grateful I was that I met Greg. I never would’ve expected to find the guy I want to spend the rest of my life with at a patient’s house. With the all the bars and online dating services out there, I assumed I’d eventually find someone that way. I had really lucked out.

Mr. Varo answered the door in good spirits. “Hey Sam. Come on in. Looks like today’s our last appointment.”

I took off my shoes and winked at him. “But not the last we see of each other.”

“Greg’s not home yet,” he said. That was code for “bring me up to date on how you guys are doing.”

“I noticed it sounded a little quiet. Isn’t he usually walking around here muttering to himself?”

Mr. Varo nodded. “He’s added humming and skipping to his routine too.” He pointed to his head and twirled his fingers around, implying Greg was nuts.

I grinned. “I’d like to think I have something to do with that.”

“Oh, you definitely have something to do with that. He’s crazy about you,” he assured me.

I unwrapped the bandage on Mr. Varo’s foot and saw that it had completely healed. I checked all his other vitals and found they were normal. “You’re doing great,” I told him. “What’s your secret?”

“Well, I have this nurse who takes good care of me, and I’ve been eating less sugar.” He sighed, and said, “And I’m happier now that I don’t have to worry about my son.”

I wondered what he was worried about, but then figured he was probably just like my mom, worrying about his son’s happiness the way Mom worried about mine and Tabby’s.

“Your son is in good hands,” I said. “I promise to take care of him and treat him right for as long as he will have me.” Hopefully forever.

“I can’t imagine anyone I’d rather see him with,” he said, smiling. “Did I mention I’d like to have a grandchild one day?”

I smiled back. “You did. And specified it should be human if I’m not mistaken.”

I began packing up my diagnostic equipment.

“Are you interested in having a family?”

“Of course,” I replied without hesitation. I had always wanted to be a mom, just had to find the right guy. I didn’t know how Greg felt about having kids, which worried me. Only thing I knew for sure was that it was too soon to bring it up.

I heard the front door open. “I’m home,” Greg announced. “You can stop trash talking now. A man’s got feelings.”

My heart fluttered just hearing his voice. Then he was in front of me wearing a silly grin. “Well hello Samantha.”

I turned to face him. “Hey,” I said, then bit my lower lip.

He giggled and walked away. I pivoted back to Mr. Varo. “See what I mean?” he said.

I nodded, then reached for my computer so I could enter in his final data. “I hope you’re hanging out with us tonight? Seems like every time I stop by you disappear.”

“I’m sorry dear, but I’m going to watch a football game at the neighbor’s house.”

“Okay. Maybe next time,” I said. “You have fun then.” I was beginning to think he didn’t mind leaving, that it was all part of his master plan.

Once Mr. Varo was gone, I went looking for Greg. I found him in his room, wearing nothing but the pink robe, loosely belted.

“You hungry?” he asked. “I was thinking of having food delivered.”

My purse fell to the floor and I leapt at him. The next moment we were on the bed and I pawed at him uncontrollably. I had to taste him that instant.

When Greg got excited and began crying out my name, it sounded far away. I was lost in the wave of passion that swept over me, and only the awareness of his erection relaxing awakened me from the trance. Afterward, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and sat on the bed next to him.

“Oh my God. That was incredible,” he said. “I’m literally shaking.”

I gave him a drowsy smile, followed by a peck on the lips.

“So? Did it happen? Was it like in the dream?”

I shook my head no and kept beaming at him.

“What’s it like? I mean, I know what it feels like for me. ‘Incredible’ doesn’t really come close. But what’s it like for you?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know. Transcendental? It’s impossible to describe. I guess seeing you in the robe overwhelmed me.” The truth was I had no explanation, other than that mystical thing called chemistry.

Greg stared at the robe like it was made of gold. “Wow. I’m going to have to take Brad out for a steak dinner. I’m so glad he gave me this.”

“Speaking of dinner, I’m kind of hungry now. What are we ordering?”

Greg examined me like I was goddess worthy of worship. Then he asked, “What are you in the mood for?”

“Anything. I’ll leave it up to you,” I said, then curled up onto his bed, rested my head on the pillow and closed my eyes.

It had been a long day and our little interlude had drained me of the last of my energy. I felt satisfied but sleepy. When Greg woke me later to say the food had arrived, I was surprised I had actually fallen asleep. I never heard him order.

I sat up and stretched. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to nod off on you.”

Greg gazed at me, clearly enamored, then tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “I don’t mind,” he said. Then he grabbed my hand. “C’mon, let’s go eat.”

As we ate I thought about his dad’s desire for grandchildren. And my own desire to have a family someday. I knew it was still too soon to bring it up, but as I took a bite of a chicken wing I casually asked, “What do you think of kids?”

“They’re small.”

I almost choked on my food, laughing. “Your dad mentions them a lot. Must be a parent thing,” I said, trying to feel him out.

Greg seemed to be considering his reply, and while I waited a knot began to form in my stomach. “He does seem obsessed with the idea of having a grandchild even though it’s a proven fact our planet suffers from overpopulation. At the rate we’re growing it cannot be sustained.”

I took another bite of my food and puzzled over his response. It sounded like he was saying he didn’t want kids. A twinge of concern nagged me, but I brushed it off as another example of my tendency to overanalyze.

Maybe he was just stating a fact. I gazed at him from across the table and he smiled, completely unaware of what was going on in my mind.

I wanted to talk to him about it, but I couldn’t. Not yet. I didn’t want to ruin anything.

I woke up at three in the morning wrapped in Greg’s arms. We’d fooled around again before his dad came home, then stayed up late chatting. I lay still, listening to him breathing, thinking about everything we discussed.

I learned a lot of new things about him in a short amount of time. I found out his dad was an only child, and that his grandparents had died when he was very young. He didn’t seem interested in talking about exes. All he would say was that he was in love at a young age and it didn’t work out. After that break up and losing his mom, he focused all his energy on his work.

Considering all the articles he’d been quoted in, and that he was going to be speaking at the upcoming robotics convention, he was doing well for his age. When I tried to tell him so he thanked me, but explained he wasn’t one to rest on his laurels. He was the type that was driven to learn more, to discover more. But he admitted he didn’t have many friends outside work because he hadn’t devoted much time to cultivating relationships.

I leaned on my elbow and watched my beloved sleep. He was a genius with the face of an angel. I wondered how a woman could hurt him so much that he would shut everyone else out.

That was in the past, I decided. Whoever she was, it was her loss. And now he was mine. I had never been happier about anything in my entire life.

When I woke next it was morning. Six-thirty to be exact. Greg’s alarm was set for earlier than mine. He swatted it, making the shrill noise stop, then turned to me. “Morning.”

He looked so cute with his hair all messy and his eyes still heavy with sleep. “Morning,” I said back, then gave him a kiss. I got up. “I’m sorry to rush off, but I’ve got to go. I have to make myself presentable for work and that takes more than a few minutes.”

“You look perfectly presentable to me,” he said.

“You’d think I was pretty in a burlap sack.”

“Hmm…I’d like to see that.”

“No time for dress up today. I have to get to work.”

“I understand. Call me later,” he said.

Because I didn’t get enough sleep the day dragged on indefinitely. Every patient had twice as many complaints as usual. My computer locked up. I couldn’t wait to get home so I could pass out.

Later that night, I woke up from an unplanned nap and gave Greg a call. “Hey,” I said. “How was your day?”

“Long. I don’t function well on little sleep. I probably shouldn’t have done that, but I was having such a great time I didn’t want it to end.”

“My day was rough too,” I said. “How about we do late nights on weekends only.”

“Sounds good. Speaking of weekend, I remembered you had plans with your girlfriends on Saturday so I offered to take Brad out for a steak dinner. He seemed puzzled. I told him I couldn’t explain why, but that he’d done me a great favor and I wanted to repay him.”

I snickered. “Look at you. Out and about with other humans.” Then I remembered the dream. “Please don’t tell him the story. I’ll be mortified if I ever meet him.”

“I’d never do that,” he promised. “I don’t kiss and tell. We’ll most likely just talk about the usual: quantum physics and the singularity. You know, sexy stuff like that.”

“You do know what I like,” I said. “Hey. Not sure if you’re interested, but my girl’s night starts a bit later on Saturday. We’re meeting at a club and I thought maybe you’d like to join us?”

“Are you sure?” he asked, sounding hesitant. “I mean, I don’t want to intrude on your girl’s night out.”

“You wouldn’t be intruding. My friends really want to meet you.”

“Hmm. I wonder what you told them about me,” he teased.

“You know. Girl stuff.”

“I’m guessing you don’t mean atoms and molecules.”

“Not particularly.”

“So, you mean the stuff you told me not to tell Brad, then?”

Busted. “Exactly like that.”

“I knew it,” he said, “Double standards run rampant in the female community.”

I giggled. I could tell by the tone of his voice he didn’t mind one bit.

“Are you going to take me over your lap and spank me because I’ve been bad?”

“Is that a request?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never tried it,” I said, toying with him. “Do you want to meet us Saturday night? I mean, if you have time after dinner?”

Greg sighed. “I wouldn’t miss it in a million light-years.”

Valerie suggested we go to dinner before meeting Genevieve later at the club. Poor Gen had to work at her second job, the one she’d taken to pay down her student loans. I didn’t know how she’d find the energy to dance afterwards, but she said she’d be there, and I was looking forward to seeing her.

“I’m glad you invited Greg,” Val said as we shared a pasta dish.

“I’m glad you suggested it. I hope you like him,” I said. “He’s a little different.”

“Sounds like it from what you’ve been saying,” she teased. I had built him up as an amazing lover, which of course was true.

I took a sip of wine. “I don’t even know if he knows how to dance. Don’t force him on the floor just in case. He’s staying over and I don’t want him to be uncomfortable afterward.”

“Don’t worry,” Val said. “I won’t ruin your sex life.”

A while later, Greg texted me from outside the dance club asking me to come out to meet him. When I saw him I smiled. “How come you didn’t come in?”

He looked irritated. Then his eyes darted to the entrance. “Because this Cro-Magnon buffoon decided I’m not worthy.”

I was simultaneously mortified and pissed. I turned on my heel and walked over to the bouncer. We had a brief discussion, then I grabbed Greg, gave him a kiss, and we went inside.

“Don’t worry about that crap,” I told him over the music, which was loud, but not so loud we couldn’t have a conversation. “They act like this is some kind of exclusive place and it’s not.”

“No problem,” he said. But he appeared rattled.

Valerie and Genevieve were standing at our table, drinks in hand, when we showed up. “Val. Gen. This is Greg.”

Val eyed him, then jumped up to shake his hand. “Hi. So nice to meet you.” She grinned and added, “We’ve heard only great things.”

Greg blushed. Even in a room with dim lighting it was noticeable. “Nice to meet you too,” he said. He lifted his hand and waved awkwardly at Genevieve. “Ditto,” he said to her, which made both of them giggle.

“Do you want a drink?” I asked him.

“No thanks,” he answered. I thought it might help relax him, but if he wasn’t in the mood, I wouldn’t press. “I’m going to use the restroom,” he said. “Where is it?”

“I’m headed there,” Genevieve chimed in. “I’ll show you.”

When they left I turned to Val. “Well, this isn’t going quite like I’d hoped. The bouncer wouldn’t let Greg in. Apparently he didn’t look ‘cool’ enough.”

Val frowned. “I’m sorry. Bouncers can be buttheads. They’re always judging people on their clothes and their shoes and whether or not they have a two-hundred dollar haircut.”

I raised an eyebrow. She caught on and added, “They think they know who’s cool and who’s not. They wouldn’t know cool if it bit them in the ass.”

I smiled. “Greg is his own kind of cool.”

“He’s got that sexy nerd thing going for him, but without the obnoxious hipster vibe.”

“He’s definitely no hipster. But I’ll take ‘sexy nerd’ any day.”

As I reached for my drink, I felt my stomach drop. Brian was walking toward me. Twice at the same place in such a short time when we hadn’t seen each other in ages? What were the frigging chances?

“Hey,” he said, then gave me a kiss on the cheek. “What are you doing here again? Searching for a hot guy to take home?” He obviously was referring to himself. He never suffered for confidence.

I smiled nervously. Val’s eyes were wide. I could smell Greg’s cologne and already knew he was there.

“Nope. Just a night out with my two best girlfriends and boyfriend.”

Greg put his arm around me. “Talking about me again,” he said.

Brian looked him up and down and smirked. “Okay,” he said in a sarcastic tone.

The DJ unknowingly saved the day by starting a new song and turning up the volume. Val grabbed my hand and said, “Let’s dance.” Genevieve seemed keen to leave too.

“Will you dance with me?” I asked Greg.

He looked a little bit scared. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather watch.”

“Of course,” I said.

I gave Greg a passionate kiss on the lips before being pulled on the dance floor by Val. I snuck a glimpse of Brian. He was slack-jawed.

The techno music throbbed and Val, Gen, and I let our inhibitions go. I gazed longingly at Greg while exaggerating my hip movements, trying to be as sensual as possible. I didn’t think I could entice him onto the dance floor, but I didn’t really mind. I was content with the knowledge that we’d be enjoying our own little dance later that night.

Brian had walked away, and Greg stood alone, observing me once again like a specimen. His specimen.