Page 68 of Second Swing
“You’re not going to propose to her on Christmas, Big Head!” my cousin snarls as she stares with heart eyes at the glass display.
My head snaps in her direction. “And why the hell not? I love her, and I know she’s who I’m spending the rest of my life with.” I watch as her eyebrows almost knock into her hairline from surprise.
“Calm down, Cupid, I know you do. Still.” Selene shakes her head like she does when she’s holding something back.
Still looking at my cousin, I squint my eyes. “Come on with it.”
“It's nothing.” I let her sit in the uncomfortable silence I know she’s feeling. She will break eventually. “It’s just—you forgave her so quickly, and I don't want you getting hurt. I still can't believe you didn’t tell me about your first relationship with her. When I think about the start of your international tour, it wasn’t great and you weren't eating and your game was way off. You almost lost that sponsorship.”
She’s right, she always is. “All those things are true, Sel. The only difference is, this time, she isn't running away scared. She’s ready. This has all been at her speed. I also have had seven years to work through my shit. Did she play a part in it?” I ask the question out loud for both of us to hear, and reach out, laying my hand on her forearm. When I respond this time, my tone has softened from the hard edge it had a moment ago. “Yeah, Sel. She played a part, but it isn't all her fault. Not completely. Truth is, it wouldn't matter because she pulled my heart out and kept it with her for seven years. And I don’t want it back. I want to hold and cherish hers. I want to show Paloma that her heart is safe in my hands. I love her, Sel. I promise you,this time is different.”
A muffled sniffle comes from behind the counter, and when I look up, I see the jeweler who has been helping me look at rings. She looks at me and says, “That was so beautiful.” She continues to sniffle, and I smile at her.
I look over at Selene and smirk, before agreeing, “Fine, I won’t propose on Christmas.”
“Can I see this tennis bracelet?” I ask the attendant, and she nods. Pulling it out of the case, she lays it on a velvet display holder. My eyes dance over the glass case as I search for the matching marquise diamond earrings. “And these too.”
Selene scoots in next to me. “You cannot drop this kind of money on a damn bracelet and earrings,” says the woman staring at a six-thousand-dollar watch, one I make a note to come back for.
“How about you let me worry about how much money I’m spending on my woman.” She rolls her eyes, but I see the smirk. “Do you really not like her? Enough to not want me to propose?”
“I like her, Clinton, and even more than that, I like seeing you happy,and I want you to stay that way. I don't want to see you hurt.”
“That’s the only reason why you don’t want me to propose?” I question Sel, needing to know for sure.
Before she can respond the jeweler walks back up to us with the matching set, along with a pair of earrings I didn’t ask for. “Mr. Morrison, I know you didn’t ask for these,butthey match the lovely set you already have. Think how beautiful she’ll look for an elegant night of dancing. These would be the perfect addition to your fiancée on your wedding day.”
Without much more convincing, I reply to her, “Can you wrap them up?” She nods as she smiles and retreats to the other end of the store to package everything up.
Following her to the register, I swipe my card and grab my gifts for Paloma. As Selene and I leave, she looks at me and finally explains, “You shouldn’t propose on Christmas because this is your first Christmas together. Celebrate it for what it is andthenpropose. Let it have its own day. You both have missed out on so much time together, so make sure she gets the chance to enjoy it all.”
Walking to the neighboring restaurant gives me the chance to fully appreciate all the hard work the town has put into the season’s decorations. Wreaths hang on every door while the black light poles are wrapped in string lights, with large ornaments adorning the tops. I feel like I’mvisiting one of those feel-good movie towns I watch during the holidays.
Snowflakes flutter around in the wind as I wave goodbye to my cousin. Lunch was great, and it’s always a good time to be with one of my favorite people, but I couldn't keep my mind off wanting to get Paloma’s gifts back to my condo, where they would be safe and sound. Treasures gives every other jeweler a run for their money; I made sure to sneak back in to grab the watch for Selene.
A ping sounds from my phone, and a smile creeps across my face as I tap on the notification that her other gifts have shipped. One of them is a cat bed for Waffles; it’s actually a plush dog bed with warming settings I’m sure he will enjoy. He is a big boy, and the cat prioritizes comfort like no other.
It's quiet in the building, and I make my way up the elevators and into my place in no time. Setting the three small boxes inside the safe, I close the door and lock it. When my phone chimes this time, my breathing settles as if I was waiting for her all day.
Dove
I miss you.
Clinton
I miss you, baby.
What are you doing tonight?
Dove
Waiting for youto come over.
I smirk at where I know her thoughts will quickly go.
Clinton
Why don’t I pick you up for the tree lighting?
