27. Vivian #3
Indeed, Claire and Derrick have their heads together in a rather intense conversation.
They’re speaking low enough that we can’t make out the words, but Derrick is pointing with a pen to something on the inventory book in front of Claire.
She’s so engrossed in whatever they’re discussing that she doesn’t register his other hand lightly wrapping a lock of her hair around his finger.
I do, though, and wonder what has changed in the last few days to increase their familiarity so much.
Vivian looks as surprised as I feel, so this must be a new development. Not wanting the couple to be distracted from their discussion, I deflect my wife’s attention. “So what’s this new menu item, carino?”
She looks up at me over her shoulder. “If you can give me some breathing room, I’ll make it for you.” She leads me to a clear spot by the wine cooler. “Now close your eyes and be a good fiancé,” she tells me, placing her hand over my eyes and dropping a quick kiss to my lips.
“ Husband ,” I growl out, gripping her face instinctively with my hands and holding her mouth to mine for a moment longer while keeping my eyes shut as requested.
“Patience, mi amor,” she teases as she moves away and I don’t even try to hide the fact that I’m adjusting myself in my pants. I swear, everything this woman does makes me hard. Especially when she calls me that .
I hear rustling to my left, then the sound of liquid being poured into a glass, but I try to be as patient as she asked.
Folding my arms over my chest, eyes closed, I lean back and will the butterflies in my stomach to calm down.
I’ll do whatever it takes to have Vivian, but I have to admit that I really hope she decides on the move.
Being in Miami again was exhilarating. The food was incredible.
If she thinks I can cook now, wait til I introduce her to all the amazing cuisine South Florida has to offer.
And the few glimpses I caught of the aquamarine waters and sandy beaches immediately made me think of Vivian laid out in a swimsuit; fuck, this is not helping my hard-on.
But the best part? If she agrees to come with me, we’ll officially be married . One in the eyes of God and man. She’ll be mine, forever .
Vivian Stromberg, til death do us part.
“Okay, baby, you ready for your surprise?”
I give up trying to disguise my need for her at this point. I think the others can only see us from the waist up anyway, given how high the bar top is.
“I’m always ready for you, mi amor.” I lick my lips in anticipation. I’ll always be down for whatever she wants.
She’s practically humming as I feel her body heat when she approaches me. A cool thin glass is pressed into my hand. “You can open your eyes now,” she tells me softly.
I look down at my hand to find a clear drink with green leaves mixed throughout along with the ice. Wait, is that… ? My eyes fly up to Vivian, who’s biting her lip as she watches me.
“Is that mint?” I ask her. She nods, a shy expression taking over her face. I swallow, wondering if… No… Is it?
“Amor, did you—did you make me a mojito?” My breath hitches.
She nods again. “I thought you might like it. Hear they’re pretty popular in Florida.” Her mouth twists in an unsure grin. This beautiful fucking woman. I quickly set the drink on the bar, needing to feel her hands in mine instead.
“Vivian, I need you to be clear with me. I need the words. Are you saying yes?”
Her head bobs and all the tension leaves my chest at her next words. “Yes. To you, to Miami, even to a crazy-fast wedding. If that’s still what you want.” The slight hesitation in her voice needs to be addressed.
I pick my woman up and spin her in my arms, gripping her so tightly that she can’t possibly mistake my need for her.
“Mi amor, of course that’s what I want. I love you so fucking much.
You’ve made me the happiest man alive,” I tell her as I slow down and gently set her back on her feet.
“I want you to know, I came here as soon as the plane landed. It was agony being away from you, carino. I was all prepared to start sending my resume out. And I can still do that, if you really want to stay. I can’t, won’t , handle any more days or nights without you.
You’re all that matters.” I press a firm kiss to her lips, willing her to believe me.
“I know you would, Michael.” She looks up at me.
“But I’m ready. At least, I’m trying to be ready,” she adds with a small laugh.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared.
But I want this chance with you. A fresh start sounds really great, and Miami sounds like the place to do it. ” Her smile is broader now.
I cup her face, my eyes searching hers. “Are you sure? Did you talk to Claire?”
“Yes, we talked,” Claire pipes up from behind us. I’d forgotten she and Derrick were there. “And it’s all good.” Derrick’s hand surreptitiously snakes over Claire’s shoulder, but she doesn’t seem aware of it.
“Really?” I ask.
“ Yes ,” she tells both of us firmly, her gaze encompassing us both.
“Derrick has been… extremely helpful. And we’ve come to an arrangement that will help both The Pork Belly and these insane insurance issues for Raelynn.
” Derrick starts to speak up, but she halts him with a hand to his arm.
“ Not now ,” she whispers, and he sits back in his chair, arms folded and face inscrutable.
Now that is something very interesting, and at Vivian’s questioning look, I can tell she’s just as curious.
Claire doesn’t appear to notice, however, her face lighting up as she lifts her glass to my wife and me.
“I’ll fill you in later, I promise. But right now?
We celebrate!” Claire cheers us with what clearly must’ve been mojitos already made before I got here, and I willingly grab my glass to clink against hers.
“How do they say good luck in Spanish, Miguel?” My eyes widen at her use of my nickname.
Vivian winks at me and I can’t hide my grin. That damn woman.
“ Buena suerte ,” I reply.
“All right then! Buena suerte , you two lovebirds!” Claire raises her glass a second time, and we all join her, laughter and smiles all around.
As I look into my love’s eyes—happiness shining on Vivian’s beautiful face—the overwhelming relief I felt at her acceptance melts into a solid sense of peace.
I know this is the right move for us, beyond just keeping my job and starting our marriage out on the right foot.
I can’t wait to begin our life in a vibrant, soulful city where we get to experience everything together.
New places, new people, new food… my stomach grumbles, reminding me I haven’t eaten since lunch, and these mojitos might hit me a little harder.
Vivian looks at me. “You hungry, baby?” At my sheepish grin, she smiles. “Let me be the one to feed you this time.” Turning to Claire, she asks, “Do you mind if I heat up some of our mac and cheese for Michael?”
“I’ll do it,” Derrick volunteers, setting his glass on the table.
“You sure?” Claire asks, halfway out of her seat already.
“I’m sure, darlin’,” he says, his hand lingering on her chair a little too long, obvious affection in his eyes before he turns to walk to the kitchen. I glance at Vivian, raising my eyebrows at the “darlin’,” only to see her doing the very same to Claire, who is blushing like mad.
Vivian walks directly in front of Claire and grabs her wrists, keeping her in place. “Spill, darlin’, ” she demands.
Claire shakes her head, as if she could make the last few minutes disappear. “I–I can’t, Viv.”
“What the hell do you mean you can’t?” Her voice lowers, although by now we’re the only ones left in the restaurant. “Are you guys seeing each other?”
“No!” Claire says quickly. “I mean, no, not like that. Not exactly…” Her voice trails off, and she drops her head into her hands.
When Vivian touches her shoulder gently, she looks back up, a determined mask on her face.
She takes a deep breath. “I can’t tell you, not yet anyway.
For legal reasons,” she says quickly at Vivian’s hurt look.
“Claire? Are you… okay? I don’t understand what’s happening here.”
Her friend places her hand over Vivian’s and gives it a soft squeeze.
“Believe me, chica, I barely understand it myself. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.
Just give me a little time, okay? Please .
We’re okay, Raelynn’s okay, The Pork Belly’s gonna be okay, I promise.
” She looks at Viv beseechingly and something seems to pass between them, because Vivian places her other hand overtop Claire’s and gives a reassuring squeeze back.
“Okay, hon. I trust you.” The girls eye each other a long moment before Viv finally pulls away, and I’m right there beside her, rubbing my hand over the small of her back to give whatever comfort she needs.
I don’t know what just occurred during that small exchange, but it seems to satisfy each of them for the moment.
“And Derrick? What about him? Is he ‘okay,’ too?” Vivian air quotes with a teasing note.
“Derrick?” Claire squawks out. “He’s… um, well, he’s…”
I don’t think the girls catch Derrick’s expression as he turns the corner.
His brows furrow as he pauses to hear Claire’s response, but as she falters he plays it off, announcing, “He’s here with delicious food for weary travelers.
” As he sets a steaming hot bowl of cheesy goodness in front of me with a flourish, I’m the only one close enough to see the hard set of his jaw along with a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
“You good, man?” I ask him quietly while Vivian and Claire start talking about the day’s crazy customers.
“Yeah,” he says, running his hand through his hair and not even trying to hide how he watches Claire’s every move. “Just wish…” He sighs. “Never mind.”
“Just wish what?”