Second Chance - 3

 +++

It was nearly Christmas and Jeremiah snuck Maddox out while Janine was out with her girlfriends. "Your wife is killing our flow ..." Jeremiah said to Maddox as they got in his car. "Do you HAVE to keep her?"

"Man, fuck outta here, she ain't going nowhere."

"Alright, alright!" They got into the car and drove off. The drive from beachside was almost 30 minutes before they pulled into a neighborhood with nice homes. They parked and walked a few houses down, then into a house. Music was going, but not too loud. There were poker tables and other card games set up all over the first floor and bars set up on the second landing overlooking downstairs. Jeremiah whispered, "just have my back at the tables, man."

"Not a problem " Maddox just looked around.

They walked through, spoke to a few folks, then they walked up to the guy who apparently owned the place, "Maddox ... This is Antonio. Antonio ... Maddox," Jeremiah introduced them.

Antonio raised an eyebrow at Jeremiah, then shook hands with Maddox. He then turned back to Antonio, "are your hands clean this time?"

Jeremiah raised them like he was surrendering, "hospital grade antimicrobial cleansers, bro,"

"Enjoy yourselves," he chuckled and walked away.

Jeremiah looked at Maddox and grinned, "lets get a seat somewhere."

"What was that about?"

"Nothing," they sat at a Blackjack table, "he's just being funny," Jeremiah assured him. "If there were a problem, I wouldn't have been invited. Right?" He turned to a young woman walking with gambling chips. He traded a wad of cash for some chips, then looked at the dealer, 'deal me in."

Half an hour they sat at the Blackjack table. Jeremiah walked away with a little over 5grand. He grinned at Maddox, "you not playing?" He held out some money to him.

"Nah im good.." Maddox looked around, "you done?"

"No way. Too many suckers around here ... Let's get drinks," they went upstairs and greeted the woman who was working the small bar. Jeremiah chatted with her while looking around a bit, then he and Maddox walked back downstairs, "new dealer at the black jack table. We can go there or somewhere else. Aye ... Roulette." They walked in that direction, "come on ... Try not to have a stick up your ass tonight, man."

"Alright alright..." Maddox went into his wallet and headed to the poker table, pulled out 5 100 dollar bills and looked to Jeremiah, "go big or go home huh?"

"Exactly." They stood playing roulette. Both of them winning ever so often. Halfway through, Jeremiah put a big pile of chips on the table on Red25, kissed the dice and then threw them. He hit and started yelling. He hit again, then two more times. After the last time, he started scooping up his chips, "alright, we good, let's go," he looked around, holding all the chips and rushed over to the cash-out table. He smiled at the girl as she counted out his and Maddox's winnings. As she was loading the money into a briefcase, Jeremiah started to get antsy. The two of them started to the door. Jeremiah noticed the roulette guy pointing at them and then security came. "Shit! Move it!" He said to Maddox as they started running.

"Fuck! are you shittin me?" Maddox took off running putting his All-State gold medal in Track to good use. 

Jeremiah grinned as they weaved through the crowd quickly. A lot of 'STOP' and 'HEY' and 'GET THOSE ASSHOLES' were heard as the two men were stopped at the door by a guard. Jeremiah looked around, then hit the dude in the face with his briefcase and hauled ass out of there. "Catch!" He told Maddox. He tossed his briefcase to him and pulled his keys from his pocket. He unlocked the car and started it with the keyless entry. They got in and drove away. "SHIT! THAT WAS CLOSE!" Jeremiah was pounding on the wheel out of sheer excitement as they drove away.

Maddox was fuming. He looked to him, "I told you to keep me out of your shit because of my wife. You really that fuckin selfish, knowing i could lose her if we end up getting caught because of your bullshit?!"

"It was just some weighted dice. Chill ... Besides ... She won't leave you, man. And look! We got away clean."

"Principle man, principle. Take me home."

"Damn dude. Lighten up!" Jeremiah smiled, "how much you win? Huh? How much?"

"7 Gs.." he paused, "and i'm not kidding, take me home."

"I got 15. Just show her the money and you be alright." They drove to Maddox's house. "I'll see you Sunday for the game."

"Yep.." they slapped hands and Maddox got out and went inside his house.

Janine hadn't long gotten home. She was standing in the foyer with her heels in one hand and cell phone in the other. She'd just opened her Messages to send one to Maddox when she heard the door open. She turned, "there you are."

"Hey love..." he grabbed her by her head and kissed her lips, "i missed you."

"I missed you too. Anya and the girls and i went for happy hour." she started walking off but looked at the briefcase, "what's that?"

"Nothing baby, just did a little light gambling," he sat it on the coffee table.

Janine frowned but also smiled a little, "at least you didn't come home broke."

"I want you to take half of it and do whatever you want with it. I'm putting the rest in our retirement savings."

She laughed, "just put it all in there. We're about to start having kids and kids are notoriously expensive."

"True..." Maddox sighed, loosening his tie.

"You okay?" she looked him over a good while.

"Just a little pissed, but I'll be cool baby, dont worry. Want to get a shower in?" He pulled the tie off and then started unbuttoning his shirt as they stood in the livingroom.

She dropped her heels and took her hair down. She didn't know what he got into while gambling but he looked tense. Must have been with that fucker Jeremiah. Walking to him, she helped him undo his pants then took off her dress, "let's go."

+++

WHAT IF - 25 YEARS LATER - 11

PART 11

Jeremiah didn't feel as bad as he should have. Yes, Maddox was the brother he never had

but he hadn't seen the woman in 25 years. Maybe he expected to swoop in and pick up where they left off? He'd have to talk to him later to avoid a bunch of bullshit. He simply rubbed the back of his head and looked back at Maddox, "it works."

"Let's all say grace, ok?" Anya, Lucky's wife, broke the silence. "Bow your heads." She proceeded to lead in prayer and after a quiet 'Amen,' the food was passed around.

"so what do you do professionally, anya?" Maddox asked to avoid his true feelings.

“Uhm …” She cleared her throat and smiled, “I design wedding gowns. My shop is in Soho close to Ms. Hines’ art gallery.”

"Fantastic, i have a store in SoHo as well." He smiled.

"Oh? What is it called?"

Dante interrupted, "I play baseball for the New York Yankees. 1st Base," then gave the prettiest smile in the room.

Lucky immediately shot his father a look and then shook his head. “Huh?” Maddox asked confused, “you interrupted us to tell me something I was gonna ask you anyway?”

“Well yea …” He was completely sure of himself.

“Lord …” Janine mumbled, “Dante sweetie … Shut the hell up.”

“Ms. Hi-“ He started.

“Mommy-“ Jiselle tried.

Janine only shook her head, “patience.”

“Yea, Dante, shut the hell up,” Maddox looked back to Anya, “it’s called Ames’. It’s a specialty suit boutique. 1 of 10 around the world.”

“You have everything so together. I admire that. The hard work. I’d be lucky to have even 2 shops but I’m working on it. Using you as inspiration.”

Lucky cleared his throat, “what about me?” He kissed her cheek.

“You too,” she blushed.

“You sly dog, you!” Maddox teased Lucky, “nah, but you’ll get it, Anya. Drive will get you there.”

“Thank you,” she smiled and passed the big plate of catfish to Lucky.

Jeremiah looked at Janine to start a quiet conversation, “you’re eating fried food. Thought that was against a new rule of yours.”

“I wanted it too bad. I’m always good when we’re out together, right? Yes?” She answered for him.

“Hardly,” he joked.

Other conversations ensued when Dante interrupted, “is it my turn yet?” He asked like an eager young boy. Maddox never did ask him what he did because Lucky was right … He hated his guts.

“Hell no, I don’t even care.” He looked to Elle, “no offense baby.” 

“None taken.” Jiselle frowned and sulked but understood.

“I know I’m not your kid, but,” Gigi tapped Maddox on the arm, “is it my turn?”

"Go ahead, hon." Maddox told her.

“Yay! I ran on the Olympic track team and won and individual medal. I’ve also gotten a ton of scholarship offers from schools wanting me to run for them. But I don’t want to move so far away. That’s all!” She took a bite of her corn.

“Nice. Amazing, Gigi!”

“Thanks,” she blushed.

| After Dinner |

The table was being cleared and Jeremiah used the opportunity to get with Maddox. He walked up to him, “a minute?”

“Yea, I guess,” he followed Jerry outside.

They stood on the back  porch. Jeremiah had his arms folded across his chest, “this wasn’t done with the intention of fucking with you,” he turned to him and groped the air for words, then dropped his hands, “I like her.”

“Let me say something to you. FUCK WHO YOU LIKE! You are my brother, the one person who knew exactly how I felt about Janine, and listened to me for hours upon days trying to figure what to do. Just because you and me haven’t kicked it in a couple of years don’t mean you can do this shit. Do you think I would do that shit to you, ever?”

He shook his head, “no, man. And I apologize for it. Honestly.” What the hell else was there to say? Nothing.

“Yea … Right … Some brother you are.” Maddox went back inside the house.

On the inside, Janine saw Maddox walk back in so she went outside to sit with Jerry. The twins caught up with Maddox, “daddy …” Jiselle said quietly.

“Yea?” He sat on a chair and put his head in his hands.

“I’m sorry. I still think we can get rid of him …”

“Jiselle,” Lucky stopped her, “there aint nothing wrong with that dude. Leave mom alone.”

“But this is better for all of us!”

Maddox sighed, “let your mom be happy, Elle. I’m too old to play that kinda game.”

Right after Jeremiah walked back inside and left, Janine went to the twins, “you two … Kitchen … Now.” She walked ahead of them.

Lucky rolled his eyes while Jiselle took a deep breath. They both followed her. Janine had already pulled out a wine bottle and glass, now pouring herself some wine, “I’m gonna ask one time …” Taking a sip of the wine, “and refrain from cursing … What was that about, babies?”

“Mom … No disrespect … But shouldn’t you be talking to the man this is centered around?” Lucky suggested.

“Dad wants to be with you!” Elle blurted out.

“Idiot,” Lucky shook his head.

"No." Narrowing her eyes at Lucky, she put her glass down and walked over to him, "don't you ever ... Again ... In your life," then looked at Elle, "interfere with my personal life. That is mine!" That's when she teared up and looked between the two of them, "you don't get a say in that. I have lived my entire life for the 4 of you. It's my turn, ok? I know what you're thinking because it's logical ..." She paused and backed up when a tear fell, "but you crossed a line. That man in there ... You don't ever!" She stifled a sob, then knocked back the entire glass of wine, then stopped, "go home, babies. Goodnight." She gave them a half assed wave and walked off to the stairs to go to bed.

“See … Told you that was a bad idea,” Lucky shook his head while Jiselle stood feeling beyond bad.

Janine headed towards the stairs but Maddox caught sight of her, “Janine …” He stood up.

Clenching her jaw, she stopped, took some breathes, wiped her face and turned to face him as normal as possible, “thank you for coming to dinner.”

“Thank you … I have something to say though.” He paused, “you never deserved it. Your suspicions were always right. When you felt it, so did I … I fell hard. I guess I’m saying I wish this was different.”

Janine stood there nodding and looking down at her feet as another tear rolled, “so do I. Goodnight.”

Sighing, “goodnight,” he watched her go up the stairs.

“Oh my Godddd!” Gigi literally stomped by them, pointing towards the twins while going upstairs to her mothers room, “you’re ruining my mother!”

Lucky approached Maddox, “well we’re in the dog house.”

“You guys should’ve known better,” he sighed, “good looking out though. I’m heading out, but I’m calling you and your sister about bringing my grandchildren over. Cool?”

Lucky nodded and hugged him, then went to the den to claim his wife and child. Jiselle followed after, crying and holding onto Dante and Carmen. She broke away momentarily to hug her father, then kept on out as everyone left the house.

WHAT IF - 25 YEARS LATER - 10

PART 10

| 8 Months Later |

Maddox's tour was on break. A few days after the fact, the twins were visiting with Janine when Maddox decided to pay them a visit. The twins were well aware, but Janine was not. She went to answer the door barefoot but wearing a strapless print maxi dress. Her short hair was freshly done and she was finally beginning to look like her old self. When she opened it, she tilted her head to the side, "I think you've gotten taller."

"I’ve been 6'4 since college," Maddox smiled and pulled her into a hug, "how you been? You look damn good."

She smiled, "really good actually." Janine rubbed his back, "come on, then," stepping back, she closed the door behind him.

"That's good, where's my offspring?"

"Dining room ... Table duty. Hungry?"

"Very much so ..." He smiled, "what's cooking?" They headed to the dining room.

"Catfish, roasted corn and a few other things. Where do you live now?" She was curious since he basically just popped up.

"Here in new York." They entered as Jiselle jumped up, "baby girl, hey!"

"Hi daddy," she cheesed and walked towards him with her arms out. "Dante is here!"

"Aw shit, he bet not step out of line," he came out of the hug and into one with Lucky," what's up Luck?"

"Shit ..." He responded, then laughed, "I didn't tell her you were coming. Elle told me not to."

"Why is that?" He hugged Gigi next.

"So she wouldn't make any excuses."

"Almost ready!" Gigi smiled and kept arranging things on the table after the hug

"Excuses for? Less abstract, make more sense sweet heart."

"It was a precaution," Jiselle explained, "in case she decided she mysteriously had something to do so she wouldn't see you. She's intent on us having a relationship with you and her staying out the way as much as possible."

He laughed, "gotcha," he said as the doorbell went off.

Janine had forgotten Jeremiah was coming when Maddox showed up. She huffed and went to the door and pulled it open. Jerry walked in immediately, grabbed her around the waist and kissed her. She smiled and even laughed a little bit, "heads up ... Maddox is here."

"What? You're lying."

"No. The twins must have called him over. I should have known something was going on when they showed up WITH Anya and Dante." She sighed and rubbed his arm, "whatever you wanna do ... I'll go with it."

“MOM, IT’S READY!” Gigi yelled.

"Coming!" She yelled back and waited on Jeremiah to answer.

"Elle and Lucky must want you with Maddox."

"Probably. It's only natural. I can't be upset." She paused, "when was the last time you spoke to Maddox?

"Like 2 years ago," he walked further into the house, making his decision.

"I think it'll be ok," Janine nodded and put an arm around his waist, walking with him to the dining room.

Jeremiah rubbed his hand over her head, kissed her temple and strolled in with his other hand in his pocket, "hey chillens ..." He greeted everyone.

"Mothafucka ... No hello for me?" Maddox stood up and walked over to him.

Jeremiah chuckled, "you know you get a hello." They met each other in the middle to greet while Janine shot lasers with her eyes at the twins.

Jiselle cheesed while Lucky hunched his shoulders. "What are you doing over here? I didn't know that you found Janine!"

"Ran into her a few months after she got out of the hospital."

Genevieve cut in, "he asked her out so many times before she said yes. IT WAS SO CUTE!"

Janine laughed, "It was only twice. The only reason I kept saying no was because of my insecurities. Once I got passed them ... It's been great ever since," she shrugged and sat down, then Jeremiah took the seat next to her.

Maddox just stared at them. It got real awkward as he shoot daggers through them, "is that so?" He smirked and them chuckled, face a faint beet red, "some miracle, my brother and my kids mother... Together. Its about time you found each other," Maddox said sarcastic. He was crushed.

WHAT IF - 25 YEARS LATER - 9

PART 9

"Really?" They asked in unison and looked at him at the same time.

"Mom is single." Jiselle reminded him. "Probably not looking ..."

"She could be." Lucky challenged her.

"She's probably tired, Luck."

"But later ..." Lucky went on and the bickering started again.

"Your mom doesn't want me. I wouldn't want me. She's doing better without me in her life." Maddox had convinced himself.

"Better? Being married was hell for her. She won't admit it to us," Lucky told him.

"It's true," Jiselle tapped her chin, "and if you really think about things ... Antonio was the rebound guy. A rebound thing NEVER works out."

"yea, well if something ever happens it does and of it doesn't, it is what it is."

Jiselle sighed overly loud, then plopped a hand on his shoulder, "wrong attitude to have, daddy!" Then took a sip of her drink with her free hand.

He laughed, "it'll have to be after this tour. This is going on for a year and a half."

"What a bunch of crap!" She huffed.

"uh... Excuse me?" He was surprised by Jiselle.

"I'm talking about right now! A grand romantic gesture like Dante did for me," she smiled.

Lucky almost spit out his drink, "which one? He proposed 3 times before you said yes."

"Oh shut up."

"You need to relax, Elle... You're mom made it very clear to me that she couldn't be with a man as busy as me."

"As long as you love her, then ..."

"Elle ..." Lucky stopped her, "let it go.

“I don’t know … We’ll see.”

"This is why men don't get the woman they want. They give up too easily. Mommy told me that if i'm really worth it to him, he won't give up ... Dante didn't."

"who said i was giving up? What you have to understand is that, i want to give your mom everything she wants and needs, not just the grand gesture, but me being there as much as I possibly can. I want to be her everything."

Jiselle gasped and tears formed in her eyes, "oh my God ..."

"Here we go," Lucky looked at her as she started to sniffle.

"oh my good what?"

"It's so beautiful! You still love her ..."

He shook his head, "you are definitely your mothers Child."

"I've had to deal with this my whole life," Lucky sighed.

"that is insane.." They continue to go through the rest of the pictures.

| Months Later |

Genevieve received a bronze medal in the 400 meters at the Olympics. Pretty good for a first timer and only 16 years old. Janine was more than thankful she was there to see it. She arrived in London only a day before Gigi was set to race. She got to see her semifinal heats and the final and cheered as loud as any mother could despite obviously not being well enough to be there yet. Once back home, she took the necessary rest ... Or as much as she could with Gigi asking her if she was alright. The girl had a heart of gold and nothing would change that. The rest of the family had gone back to their lives while keeping a watch and Janine went back to painting. Normalcy felt good. 

Cold as hell out but still a pretty day, Janine left the house in search of lunch. She took a window seat at a Puerto Rican restaurant and looked at the menu. Every now and then she'd glance at her reflection in the window. Her short hair was still a bother to her and she never knew what to do with it so she kept it straight to frame her head. The bangs were a little long in the front with a slight ducktail in the back gave it some shape. The family thought it looked nice but they always thought she looked nice. They couldn't be trusted with this.

No sooner than she could look back down at the menu, someone touched her back, then stopped in front of her, "I knew it was you!"

“Jerry?!” Janine stood and smiled, “no way …”

“I heard you had cancer …” He hugged her, then sat down in the empty seat in front of her.

“I did. Beat it … Don’t know how but I did. Had to have a double lung transplant.”

“Wow! I’m glad to see you came through,” he smiled. “How is the basketball team?”

“Good. Still hovering like I’m dying but really good. How are you? Where have you been?”

“I mostly live in Vegas. I own a couple of cabarets and a casino.”

“Cabaret’s?” Janine lifted an eyebrow and smirked.

Jeremiah laughed, “yea … Yea … But I’m in NY a lot. I have a place here.”

“Can’t believe I hadn't run into you before now.”

“Yea …” Jeremiah just stared at her and smiled, “me either.” Jeremiah realized that they were both in their 40’s and single. Maddox was like a brother to him but it had been 25 years since all the mess in high school happened. So would he care if tried to get close to Janine? At that moment, he didn't care. He watched Janine and listened to her as she went over a few details about her art work, kids and future plans for herself, then cut in, “before I forget … Give me your number. I want to see the troop.”

“Oh sure!” Janine dug her phone out and handed it to him.

Jeremiah worked with it, then handed it back. The waiter approached to take their orders and Jeremiah enjoyed Janine’s company … Planning their next encounter that he would hope would be a date.

Seconds of Pleasure

I was listening to an old favorite. The song is below. Listen while you read. I decided to do something short, sweet and very mushy. Lol. It just came to me while listening to this. Comments are welcome.

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                He’d found his opening. Getting word through a mutual friend, she’d found a new place and was setting it up. Jeremiah hadn’t spoken to Janine in 6 months. He was ashamed, sorry and ready to grovel but decided to take his mothers advice. “Don’t talk. If you talk, it gives her a chance to turn you down … Whatever it is,” she told her son, “don’t talk. Just do. Women like actions more than words. Show her you’re sincere. Show her you’re sorry. Show her you messed up. Show her you love her.” So he was planning on doing just that. No movies to make. No contact with his agent. This was just about her. Now standing on the 20^th floor of her apartment building, he passed a mover on his way out and caught a glimpse of Janine as she tipped the man and closed her apartment door. He walked up to the door and knocked. Janine pulled it open quickly, thinking the movers had returned for something but saw Jeremiah standing there. He said nothing, just stared her in the eye. Janine didn’t breathe. She didn’t move. Just looked. The one she’d been avoiding for months because she didn’t want to cry in front of him. Strengthening her resolve, she lifted her chin and took a breath, expecting to hear his bullshit. Jeremiah innocently looked at her from head to toe, then put one hand in the pocket of his khakis. The other dangled nervously by his side. The quiet stand off didn’t last much longer. Jeremiah put his head down a little, then looked inside her new apartment, then into her eyes, “let’s go for a drive.” Janine squinted a little, confused. ‘He dumped me 5 minutes before I was to walk down the aisle and now he’s here asking to take a drive? What?’ She thought to herself and then slightly rolled her eyes, ready to close the door. He spoke up, “you don’t have to say anything. Just come with me.” He made sure his voice was strong. He wanted her to know that he was sure about what he was not saying, was saying, and doing. Knowing how Janine had been keeping to herself since the almost-wedding, maybe the silence would be good. As long as she was silent with him. Janine turned her head slightly to look at her new place. She didn’t have anything lined up as she wasn’t ready to face the public. And now she was thinking about going. A deep loud sigh escaped her, then she slowly backed up, leaving the door open and started walking to her bedroom, “where are we driving to?” She asked as she walked away but Jeremiah didn’t enter the apartment to follow her. He hadn’t gotten an invitation and he was already pushing his luck. “I don’t know,” he answered. She stopped momentarily. The fact that he had no set destination gave Janine pause but not in a bad way. Jeremiah was a planner. So no plan meant unbridled spontaneity. And since he had no destination, Janine continued in her room and packed a large duffle bag. The only communication she packed was her cell phone and charger. With a quick text to her parents and closest friends, she picked up her purse, set the alarm on the apartment and gave Jeremiah her bag. They left.

                The two of them hit the road. Jeremiah drove his Lincoln Mark LT while Janine sat in the passenger seat. Leaned back with the window slightly down, she kept quiet as they drove to nowhere. When it was dark out, Jeremiah stopped in a major city at a hotel. He booked 1 room. Not a suite, just a plain room. He opted for the closeness of a standard room as opposed to a multi-room suite. Still saying nothing to each other, only reading each others body language, they relaxed themselves, then ordered up dinner. They ate in silence and messed around the room. He could tell Janine was trying to keep her hands busy to keep her mind off of him and what was happening. He knew she would abandon that soon enough. She had to come to grips with being with him after she vowed she would never again. And at that moment, Jeremiah realized that his mother was right. Her plan was working. The silence of the small hotel room allowed Janine thinking time. Yes, she’d had plenty while she was hold up at her parents house crying after the wedding, but this was different. She was forced to be in the confines of a small room with the one who’d changed her life in so many ways. Her mind had to be on him, her mind had to be conscious of how her body reacted to him being close but so far away. Every now and then, Janine would glance at him, then the bed, and walk towards it, sitting on the side with her back to him. She was freshly showered and dressed in a tank top and panties. She wouldn’t change what she slept in just because he was close by. He knew her. The paparazzi had documented everything. The Oscar winning movie star, Jeremiah Tanner, who was in love with the most famous famous person in the US, Janine The Princess. Every high and low they tried to hide would always come out and she knew this would be no different. It was only a matter of time before someone sees them together and Janine would have to pick her face up off of the ground all over again. First, he’d called off the wedding 5 minutes before it was to start … Only walking in her dressing room to tell her he was sorry. He didn’t have to say more than that. She knew what was going on … He wasn’t ready. He’d lied to her again about being ready. She left that church with the intent of never giving him another chance. Pushing those thoughts from her mind, she got under the covers and closed her eyes. Jeremiah showered, threw on some boxers and came to bed. He turned off the light and closed the curtain, then got in beside her. Careful not to touch her, he stared at her back until he fell asleep.

                3 weeks lost to aimless driving. Still with no destination, but stopping at random places, the tension had finally begun to ease. Janine no longer felt like she was carrying weight. She felt fresh and new. No frown in place, only a look of contentment. She still wasn’t sure how she felt but what Jeremiah was doing was working. She felt more open to him at that moment than she had even when they were engaged. He’s giving her space while wordlessly stating that he wanted her, wasn’t giving up, and would win this fight. Yea. He was winning. They were about a mile out of the California coast. It was early evening, right before sunset. Van Hunt’s Seconds Of Pleasure was playing in the car and he had his right hand gently massaging the back of Janine’s neck. Her eyes closed, then he stopped. Right after, she felt his hand graze over hers. Left hand on the steering wheel and right hand on top of her left, he slipped his fingers between hers. When their fingers were intertwined, Janine gave a small squeeze, physically saying it was ok to do. It felt good. Everything felt right. And even though things were perfect, she was scared. This was try number 3 for them … If she could call this a try. First, a pregnancy scare that sent Jeremiah running, then the non-wedding and now this. If they got back together this time, would it be doomed? A part of her didn’t think so. She’d never spent so much time not talking to her Love but knowing everything that was going on in his head. This was new. The connection was fresh. Stronger. The pull was almost erotic and they had yet to even kiss.

                The small beach front property was familiar to Janine. This was Jeremiah’s get away for them when they both had free time. He took the bags into the house. Janine followed slowly behind, taking in the beach during sunset. Jeremiah stuck his head out of the house, wanting her to come in first. She finally followed him inside where they both changed into bathing gear. Janine in a one-piece with the back out and Jeremiah in a simple pair of board shorts. Janine walked out first, taking her hair down to let the wind do what it wanted with it. Slowly, she stepped through the sand, loving the feel. Although she was a New York girl, a little sun, sand and warmth couldn’t hurt. Stopping at the shore line, she watched the remained of the sun set. Jeremiah came up behind her, standing close. His shorts rode low on his waist, exposing the V from his abs to the inside of his shorts. His chest brushed up against Janine’s back, then both hands circled her waist, gently pulling her to him to close the already small distance. Janine sighed outwardly and leaned her head back on his chest. They stood until the sun finished setting. Jeremiah kissed the top of Janine’s head, then gently turned her around. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly despite the waves roaring behind them. Janine didn’t look at him. She slightly shook her head and turned it away from him. With his hand, he gently turned her face to look at him. Her eyes were glistening. Damn, he didn’t want her to cry, not after their quiet reconciliation. “I was stupid. I thought I wasn’t ready. I was miserable every day after that. Everything I did to you …” He put his forehead to hers, “I was a fucking idiot, Janine. I’m so sorry. You don’t have to forgive me now, don’t have to take me back now … Just don’t put that distance between us again.”

                It was over. Janine conceded. She nodded and they hugged, holding each other for an indiscriminate amount of time. Going back into the beach house, they took separate showers and then came together in the kitchen. Together they cooked. Well … Janine cooked while Jeremiah pretended to cook. She had a smile in her eyes and Jeremiah a smile on his face. After dinner was eaten and the small kitchen was cleaned, they went to bed. The bedroom was equally as small and that was fine by their standards. They wanted the closeness. The king sized bed took up a nice portion of the room, the large window took up an entire wall, while a floor length mirror and small dresser adorned the rest of the room. Simplicity. Whenever they visited, Janine liked sleeping with the curtain open. That night was no different. She laid on the side closest to the window wearing one of Jeremiah’s button downs and boy cut panties underneath. Jeremiah wore his standard boxers, but pulled Janine close to him just like when they were on the beach earlier. She moved willingly. Spooning. She always loved how her body would tuck itself into his. Looking out, Janine felt Jeremiah’s hand rubbing along her arm, then a kiss on her shoulder. Gently and slowly, he reached around and unbuttoned one of the top buttons of the shirt she was wearing … Just enough to expose her shoulder. Kissing her bare shoulder, he let it linger to see if she would protest. When she didn’t, he moved it upward to her neck, and finally her ear. Janine’s breathing changed and her eyes closed. She was ready. It was always that easy for those two. She laid herself on her back as Jeremiah moved to get on top of her. Leaning down, he kissed her. Soft. Sweet. Passionate. Meaningful. Now removing Janine’s panties, he dropped them on side of the bed and unbuttoned the shirt as he attached his lips to her neck. With the shirt open, he slipped out of his own boxers, then into Janine.

                The two tangled that night. Neither had been satisfied since the last time they were together. When satisfaction and contentment registered, sleep took over.

                Morning. A slow sunrise. Janine was always the first to respond to the sunrise while at the beach house. Her eyes opened and she momentarily shielded them with her left hand, only to notice a familiar ring. As Janine slept that night after their reunion, Jeremiah went to his luggage and got out the engagement ring she’d previously worn. She picked it out. She loved it. There was no need to get a new one. Accompanying the engagement ring was the wedding band she was to wear. Turning her head, she looked at Jeremiah’s left hand and there was the mate on his finger. She thought about waking him up to ask about it but there was no point. Again, she conceded, but this time, she knew she had him and he had her.