I got on my bike, willing the world to fade away. My phone vibrated. Sasha.
Sasha: Hey. Thanks for your help today. I appreciate it. You’ve really grown up.
Shane: You’re welcome. I mean, it’s the least I can do. Your parents have been great to me.
I fumbled. Fuck it. It was now or never. I had to follow my heart.
Shane: I was going to surprise you, but with the anniversary being a couple of weeks away and all, I’ll just tell you.
Sasha: What is it?
Shane: I found a place to have the party. It’s in Jersey City. Way cheaper, and a better view.
Sasha: That’s such a great idea!
Shane: I’ll have a cab pick you up tomorrow at eight. We have to go and sample the food and get a feel for it.
Sasha: I’ll dress nicely then.
Shane: Me too.
There was no turning back now. I loved Eddy, but I wanted her more. I always got what I wanted when I wanted it, but I never felt bad because I always worked for it.
“If Eddy has an issue with this, I’ll just have to deal with it when the time comes,” I muttered to myself.
SASHA
“I can’t believe you’re on time,” I teased as Shane helped me out of the cab. We were going to a garden rooftop bar in Jersey City. It offered an amazing view of the New York skyline at an incredible price—way cheaper than what we could find in New York City.
“It’s the least I could do. Hold on, I’m gonna tip the driver and pay for this.” He leaned his head into the window of the cab, talking in muffled tones to the driver, who gratefully accepted the money. He straightened, took my hand, and said, “You look great.”
“Considering I just got out of a hospital, yeah.” I snorted, trying to make a joke.
“How did the talk with the detective go?” he asked.
“Brief. I just had to confirm Logan was the person who drugged me… answer a few questions. I’m pressing charges, but I doubt he’ll get a lot of jail time.”
“And how do you know that?” he said sarcastically.
“I’ve read a lot of law books.”
“Always a nerd,” Shane said with a wink.
“So much good it’s done for me. I’m broke, don’t have a job… and look at you. You have money, success, everything you want,” I said, looking down as if in shame.
“Stop that. I’d give anything to have your brain. Besides, no one gets everything they want. I certainly haven’t,” he said, grasping both of my hands.
For a moment, we stood together, the wind whooshing through our hair. I looked into his beautiful eyes and for a second, the world stopped. Everything was perfect. Our heartbeats were in unison. I could have sworn I heard angels singing.
“Reservation number?” a distant voice interrupted. I snapped out of it and looked at the host, who wore a crisp white shirt and a black tie.
“The number is eleven,” Shane said. He showed the man his ID, and he escorted us in.
“Right this way, sir, madam.”
The place was beautiful with high ceilings and adorned with colorful flowers. The walls were painted a pale yellow with white crown and floor molding. Very Victorian. The floors were made of polished red cherrywood. Chandeliers with white crystals hung everywhere, and well-dressed couples and businesspeople added a special touch. This was definitely the place I would choose for my parents to have their anniversary party dinner.
“This is so great,” I said excitedly.
We trailed behind the host and up a polished grand staircase with ornate twists and turns. We emerged on the roof, which was covered in even more gorgeous flowers and lighted by small, ornate white candles. You could see the skyline of New York City in the background, twinkling with promise. It was absolutely breathtaking, and I was speechless. Shane chuckled at my wordless response.
“I hope the food lives up to your expectations. I ordered us samples of everything,” he explained. “You’ll need your energy, after all, Miss Sasha.”
The host pulled out my chair for me, and Shane, and I sat. His beautiful, chiseled bone structure was highlighted and framed by the candlelight. This place was incredible, but it couldn’t compare to him.
“You know, I cannot thank you enough for saving me. This sounds really corny and all, but you really were my hero,” I said, blushing.
He blushed too. “That’s what family is for, right?”
“Family. Such a complex word. So much meaning,” I teased. I looked around, feeling the cool air mixed with the heat from the kitchen inside. I returned my gaze to his. “How does it feel to know that you’ve worked for everything you’ve ever had?”
Shane sighed thoughtfully. “It’s great. But I always want more.”
“I guess that’s what happens when you reach that level,” I commented.
“I’d give anything to be as smart as you, though. You’re the smartest person I’ve ever met,” he said.
“There are tons smarter. Seriously.”
“No way. You’re top of the top.”
“It certainly hasn’t helped me find a teaching job,” I grumbled, unable to hide the disappointment in my voice.
“Would you really go teach in China?” he asked, a note of negativity in his tone.
“Probably. I mean, I don’t have a choice. It’s what I love.”
“Well, you will certainly be missed when you go,” Shane replied, and I noticed he looked a bit crestfallen.
“It’s not like I’d never come back,” I added.
“If it’s what you want, I support you. Let me know if there’s anything I can do,” Shane offered.
“You know, you really have grown up.”
“We all have to someday, right?”
“Sir, madam, would you like to order drinks?” asked the waiter.
“I’ll have a pitcher of the house wine,” Shane began. “Sasha, what would you like?”
“Since we’re sampling everything, I guess I’ll try the white zinfandel on special.”
“Very good,” the waiter said with a smile. He filled our clear glasses with iced water.
“I already like this place, Shane. It’s a great find. I think my parents will love it.”
“Glad we can agree on the restaurant,” he said, winking.
SHANE
She looked so gorgeous sitting across from me. I hadn’t dared to make a move on her since the accident because she was still recovering, but boy, I really did enjoy being her hero.
Every tantalizing touch left me wanting more. I was so hyper-sensitive to her every movement—the rise and fall of her breasts, the wisps of hair stuck behind her ears, her endearing smile, and that beautiful set of eyes.
“What?” she asked, blinking a few times.
“Your lipstick is nice.”
“Since when do you notice lipstick, Shane?”
“Since I realized how good it could look on someone.”
“Remember when we used to play truth or dare and Eddy had to wear that atrocious red lipstick?” She giggled.
“I think he also had to wear purple eye shadow. It didn’t look good on him.”