Available here at Freya’s Bower!

Just a little taste…

 

* * * *

“Hello, hello, hello,” she answered cheerily.

“Hi, baby. Happy Valentine’s Day!”

“Thanks, baby, but Valentine’s Day was last month.”

“I know, but I feel bad that I didn’t get the chance to spend it with you.”

“That’s sweet, honey, but you did send me a wonderful gift.”

“Yeah, but it’s not the same as being there, so I still want to make it up to you. What’cha doing?”

“I’m not doing anything yet. I’m still preparing. What are you up to?”

“We just finished our last meeting a while ago. The guys are getting ready to go out for a beer to celebrate, but I wanted to talk to you first.”

“Aww. Are you coming home tonight?”

“No, the room is paid for until tomorrow so the fellas wanted to see some Chicago nightlife while we’re here.”

“Okay, hon, I’m just going to wash my hair and watch a few movies.”

He sputtered, “You’re not watching that damn Zorro again, are you?”

Sitting on the couch, she twirled her wavy chestnut-brown hair around her finger and smiled. “ Derrick, darling, you know you’re my number one. He‘s just a close second. Very close,” she said as a few giggles slipped out of her.

“Whatever, man. I know I’m more like number three on that list of yours, behind Zorro and that James Bond guy,” he corrected.

“Sweet heart , where would you get a ridiculous idea like that?” She turned the phone’s receiver up toward the ceiling so he couldn’t hear her laughing.

He chuckled. “Martina, everybody who knows you knows that. It’s no secret.”

“There’s no need for you to be jealous, Derrick. To be third on a list like that isn‘t a bad thing, you know.”

“Martina, please, I’m not jealous of some stupid fictional character.” A huff filled his words. “Go ahead and have your night with the wonderful Zorro,” he added with dramatic flair. “I’ll call you when I get home.”

“Okay, sweetie. Ta ta!” She hung up and fell back on the couch, laughing.

A few hours later, after a trek to the grocery store and the video store on the corner, Martina loaded the couch with everything needed for her movie marathon. She surveyed it with a smirk of pride.

“Okay, let’s see…bowl of strawberries, two cans of Mountain Dew, plate of chicken wings and a punch bowl for my favorite popcorn.” With a satisfied nod, she grabbed a towel and went into the kitchen. As soon as her head was under the water, the doorbell rang.

“Damn, don’t it just figure.”

Wrapping the towel around her head, she marched to the foyer and swung the door open.

“Derrick! Hi, baby, what are you doing here?” She straightened her makeshift towel turban on her head.

“Well, I figured Chicago’s beer tastes just like Indianapolis beer,” he answered with a shrug. “Besides, we’re done with the meetings. I saw no reason to stay another day. I figured I’d have more fun helping you wash your hair.” He smiled, holding up a shopping bag. “I stopped at the store to pick up a few things, too.”