Page 49 of Now and Forever

“Have everything delivered to the house,” Eric says.

I’m horrified.

“Eric, for the love of God, don’t even think about it! How can you just buy everything?”

“Well, if you don’t want everything sent to the house, choose something. And when I say something, I mean ... accessories too, including shoes and boots. You’re going to need them until your things get here from Spain, OK?”

Wow!

“Are you sure, Eric?”

“I’m totally sure, sweetheart.”

“Eric ... I’m embarrassed. It’s so much money.”

My Iceman kisses me on the tip of my nose.

“You’re worth it, love. Come on, let me enjoy seeing you enjoy this. Pick absolutely everything you want, and don’t worry about the price. You know I can afford it. Please, make me happy.”

I look at Orson, and he’s grinning. What an incredible sale he’s about to make! I finally give in. I’m living the dream any woman on earth would want. To shop without looking at the price! I take a deep breath and turn back to the things that have caught my attention, ready to make Eric happy, although, let’s be real—I’m the one who’s going to enjoy this most.

Ariadna comes over so I can hand her the items I want. Without looking at the price, I choose several jeans, T-shirts, dresses, long and short skirts, shoes, boots, socks, bags, underwear, a long coat, hats, scarves, gloves, a quilted jacket, and several pajamas.

Task completed, my heart racing, I glance over at Eric.

“I want all of this, plus the dress I’m wearing.”

Eric grins. He’s obviously thrilled.

“Wish granted.”

15

Wearing a pretty red dress I bought that afternoon, I look at myself in the bedroom mirror. I’ve combed my hair into a bun high on my head and look rather sophisticated. There’s a torrential rain. It’s storming, and the thunder shakes me. I’m not easily frightened, but I’ve never liked thunder.

I call my dad in Jerez and talk to him and my sister. I hear my niece laughing in the background, and that makes my heart ache. While we talk on the cell, we all seem happy, although we know we miss each other terribly. Really terribly.

I’m a little emotional when I get off the phone and decide to retouch my makeup. I’ve been crying; my nose is red, and I need to get it together. When I think I’m totally presentable again, I leave the room and go down the regal stairway to the living room. It’s the last night of the year, and I want to have a good time with Eric and Flyn. When Eric sees me, he gets up from the armchair. He looks incredibly handsome in his dark suit and blue shirt.

“You look beautiful, Jude. Beautiful.”

He kisses me on the lips, and the kiss tastes of desire and love.

“Enough kissing already. It’s disgusting!”

Flyn can’t stand our public displays of affection, and that amuses us, although the boy doesn’t like that. I then realize he’s dressed like a miniature Eric. I nod with approval.

“Flyn, dressed like that, you look so much like your uncle. You look very handsome.”

He gives me a little smile.

“C’mon ... you’re late and I’m hungry.”

I look at my watch. It’s not even seven o’clock!

My God, how can they eat so early?

This German time is going to kill me. Eric seems to read my thoughts, and he grins. When I get myself together, I see the beautifully decorated table Simona and Norbert have prepared for us.

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