He was standing in front of the canoodling couple at the other end of the bar. They had straightened up but were still fidgeting with each other’s fingers. Carlos turned to make their drink and caught Eden’s eyes. He nodded his head like he was saying, what’s up.
Returning back to Eden’s side of the bar, she hollered, “Alright Alonso, stop playing games.”
He placed both hands on the bar, triangulating his stance and softened his face. “I made it.” He was beaming with pride. “Well, not me exactly, but it’s from our family vineyard.”
Shocked, “Are you serious? This is an Alonso original?” She was impressed. Never did she think he would take that gig seriously. It always seemed that he was handed the job and he had no passion in the project. “I love it! I’m impressed. Who is the winemaker?”
“We hired a guy from Sweden, Hans Norgen. He’s been teaching me the trade. I helped him with this one.” He often liked to brag but there was an air of humble about the way he presented the wine. “You know, this really reminds me of you.”
She laughed and took another sip. He wasn’t kidding and maintained eye contact. “Why,” She asked furrowing her eyebrows.
“It’s light, drinkable, and goes well with almost anything.”
Eden sat silent trying to figure out if those terms had any relation to her. Not knowing how to react, she said, “Nice,” and reached for her phone.
A message from Rick. What time are you going to be home? Should we wait for dinner?
She replied. No don’t wait for me. I’ll get something here.
Another text message from Carmen. What are you doing? [Ghost Face Emoji]
Eden looked up and around the bar. She text back, What are YOU doing?
Carmen replies. You need to get out of here. Go home!
It was rude but she was right. What was Eden doing? Her husband and kids were at home waiting for her…on her birthday.
“Hey, can I get the check? I need to go.” She caught Carlos off-guard.
“Yeah, yeah, sure, you need to go. Don’t worry about the check. Consider it a birthday present from yours truly.” He placed his index finger on his cheek twirling it and smiling in a mocking fashion.
Narrowing her eyes, “Uh, thanks.” She grabbed her purse and started to get up.
“Wait! Are you okay to drive? Should I drive you home?” It was a ridiculous thought. He was the only one working the bar.
“No, I’ll be okay.”
When she returned home, through the dining room window, she could see Rick, Ava and Sage. They were laughing and looked happy. She paused to observe them until Rick looked up and saw her.
She walked in the front door, put her keys on the key hanger and placed her purse on the bench. Ava ran up to her and hugged her from behind. Sage approached slowly and did the same. “Mommy, we’re playing Pie Face.” They both were jumping with excitement. “Come play with us,” Ava begged while pulling Eden toward the table.
Rick was sitting at the corner. He appeared happy to see Eden, but he didn’t get up to greet her. Now in the light of the dining room, Eden could see a smudge of whipped cream under Ava’s eye and a little streak of it in Sage’s hair. She approached Rick, placed her finger under his chin and tilted it up, allowing her to kiss him on the lips. Through the kiss, she whispered, “Thank you.”
They spent the rest of the night playing board games and giggling. If someone were to look through their window that night, they would think they were a perfect family.
Chapter 6
Rick leaned over and cupped Eden’s breast. She groaned, “More sleep.” Rick leaped out of bed startling Eden. “What the heck?” She exclaimed as she rolled over to see what was going on.
“I have to take the dog to the vet this morning.” He was hopping on one leg trying to put on his jeans.
Rubbing her eyes, “oh, yeah I forgot. Make sure to take Sage with you. It’s her dog after all.” At that moment, Sage walked into their room.
“I know, Mom. I’m ready.” Her hair was disheveled, and she was wearing black leggings with holes in each knee. Too tired to get up and fix her, she let Rick take her out that way. After all, women tend to give men grace with dressing their children. If it was Eden going out in public with her child looking that way, she’d get countless side-eye looks.
Ava walked in, sucking her thumb and holding her blanket. Eden patted the space where Rick was laying. It was still warm. Ava crawled up and dug her head into Eden’s shoulder.
Eden loved cuddling with her. Sage had already grown out of the cuddling stage so Eden planned to soak it in as much as she could with Ava.
Finishing up brushing his teeth, Rick reminded Eden of their plans for the day. “Remember, we’re having friends over for dinner tonight to celebrate your birthday. I’m stopping at the grocery store after the vet.”
“Oh, man!” Sage exclaimed. “I hate going to the store.”
Rick patted Sage on the head and scooted her out the door. “Come on. The faster we go, the faster we’ll be back.”
Eden heard the door lock behind Rick and Sage. She closed her eyes and put her other arm around Ava. She smelled like strawberries and cream, the scent of their shampoo.
After 30 minutes of snuggling, Eden slipped out of the bed and jumped in the shower. Even though Rick was preparing the meal for tonight’s dinner, she knew the house wasn’t up to her standards of presentable.
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As she finished mopping the floors, Rick and Sage walked in with their dog, George. “Hey, what are you doing?” Rick exclaimed. “This is your birthday dinner. You aren’t supposed to lift a finger.”
Eden chuckled under her breath. Rick was a help around the house but his attention to detail when it came to cleaning was laughable. “It’s okay. I’m almost done.”
Rick rushed to put down the grocery bags he was juggling. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Another one?”
“Yes. I scheduled a massage for you at Sweet Denna’s. Brenda, at work, said it’s the best place for a momcation.” He said momcation as though it was a term they both said regularly.
“Momcation?” Eden asked sarcastically.
“You know, any place a mom can go where kids are not allowed.” There was no doubt in Eden’s mind that Rick had searched Google for the explanation.
“Um okay. That’s nice of you. Let me finish up then I’ll leave.”
Rick reached in his pocket and pulled out a card. “Here,” he said as he handed her the card. “Brenda recommended Sonya. Apparently, she knows how to untie all your knotted-up muscles.”
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Eden pulled into the strip mall where Sweet Denna’s was located. She wasn’t one to be into all the girly stuff like getting her hair or nails done but she did love a good massage. She loved the bad ones too. Any massage that didn’t entail uncomfortable regions were welcomed.
After 90 minutes, Eden walked out of Sweet Denna’s feeling like air. Thank you, Brenda! She thought.
As she drove home, she passed by Lure. She thought of last night and wondered what Carlos meant when he said the wine reminded him of her. Since he had returned to Lovette Valley, Eden couldn’t stop thinking of him. Did he think of her, she wondered?