A Soul Mate's Promise (11 page)

“Oh, I like.”
I really, really like
.

Antonio lifts a finger and winks. “Real men Gracie, take care of-a-the one they love. Capisce?”

I nod in agreement.
Does Sal love me already?
Just as that thought sends me spinning, Sal appears with a tray of food.

“Here we go; we got bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, cheese, and some whole wheat toast. Gracie? What do you want?” he asks grinning ear to ear.

“I want it all Sal,” I say as I stand up from my chair, wrap my arms around him and gave him a big hug.

“You know, I think I’m going to make you breakfast more often!” He kisses the top of my head.

When we are almost done eating, Sal’s cell phone chirps.

“The locksmith is here. I’m gonna go let him in.” I start to get up and Sal tells me to finish eating–he’ll handle it. I have to admit, I’m not used to being pampered, but holy hell, I sure could get used to it.

I look over at Antonio. “What do you think happened here yesterday while we were out?” I asked him.

“I don’t know caro, but I have-a-some ideas.”

“Like?” I ask, waving my hands for him to continue.

“Okay, first,” he begins, “they didn’t have a key or did they? The doorknob is busted but-a-the way it is broken, seems like it was an after-thought to make it look like they broke in. Some of the grooves that-a-don’t make sense to me, they are on-a-the inside of the door.”

“Oh, really? I would have never realized that.”

Antonio nods. All his years of security work are paying off for me, too. “Yes, and-a-they knew the house, or at least they knew where to go. They knew where the safe was too, right to that cabinet, nothing else in-a-the house was disturbed.”

“That’s true. I just wish I knew what they thought they were gonna find.”

“When did Richard take-a-the stuff out of the safe?” he asked.

“Shortly after his mom died. He said he put it all in safety deposit boxes.

“Does he have all of it there?” Antonio asked.

“Well, everything that was his. His mother left me one of her diamond necklaces. It’s a simple necklace, but, the diamonds are pristine. She lent it to me on our wedding day–when I gave it back to her, she told me that since I loved it so much, one day I would have it. It was really very sweet.”

“Gracie, where is that necklace now?

“I keep it in a safety deposit box at the bank. I got one just for that necklace. I don’t really have expensive jewelry lying around since it’s not really my thing anyway, but, that necklace is worth at least $5,000. And it has special meaning for me so I wanted to keep it safe.

“Who else but-a-you or Richard would know these things?”

“That’s a good question, Tony. Back then we had help in the house. And Rich brought home the clients for dinner parties that he and Camille were trying to win over.”

I can see Tony’s mental wheels spinning.

“Alright, Gracie, I’m-a-gonna think about what-a-you say, maybe something click.”

I get up to start clearing the table. As I enter the kitchen, Sal is standing there talking with a man who’s holding a clipboard. I can hear the buzz of a drill and some banging coming from the foyer.

“Gracie, this is Pete from the Alarm Company. He is going to change your alarm system and upgrade it. Give you a new code–one that no has, including Richard.”

“Wait, is that going to be more money? Maybe we should tell Rich…”

“Not at all, ma’am,” Pete says. “The upgrade has been over due and it’s in your contract, so there will be no extra charge.”

“Oh, okay! Great! Carry on.” I tell him with a chuckle.

I walk over to the front door and spot a short stocky man with black hair and glasses working on my new doorknob and lock. He has tattoos up and down his arms, and the way he is talking to a young boy who is helping him, I hear a distinct New York accent. I smile and say hello.

“How ya doin.” he replies in a deep voice.

Sal comes up from behind me and puts his hands on my shoulders. “Gracie, this is Louie Locks. Louie, this is my girlfriend, Gracie.”

Hearing Sal introduce me as his girlfriend sends a butterfly brigade through my body.              “I hear you had some trouble yesterday,” Lou says. Don’t worry ‘bout a ‘ting Gracie, were gonna hook ya up real good. Those bastards won’t be able tah get in here again, I can god dam guarantee ya that!”

“That’s good to know, Lou. Thanks for your help.”

Don’t mention it. Me and Sal here, we go way back. I would do anything for him.”

“Great! Well, I leave you to it. Nice to meet you!”

Sal and I walk back out on the lanai and I elbow him in the side. “Why do I get the feeling the door isn’t going to cost me anything either?”

“Because it’s not. I’ve known Lou a long time. He’s a good guy. Believe him when he says no one is breaking in that lock again.”

“Sal, I don’t know what to say. Seriously, I’m overwhelmed with emotion right now. How can I ever re pay you for all this?”

“Gracie, I don’t know what kind of friends you have, but there is no pay back. He furrows his eyebrows at me. You’re part of my life now. I’m falling in love with you–in case you need me to tell you that. You will never have to pay me back or have to fight for a spot in my life because I want you there. I need you in it. Do you understand?” He wraps those strong arms around me and pulls me into a hug. With my head pressed against his bare chest, a sigh of relief leaves my gut.

I glance at Antonio who is still sitting at the table with his little black book and cell phone. He looks at us with a smile and a wink.

*       *       *

The next day, after Toby, Sal and I, had our morning walk and breakfast. Sal left on his motorcycle to his therapy appointment. I went home to do some cleaning, pay some bills on the computer, and do some laundry.

I also decided I should call Celine and Maggie and fill them in on the good and bad news going on around here.

Maggie was pleased to hear that I am all right and no one got hurt. She told me to keep her posted and she is thrilled Sal and I are making progress with our relationship. “Write down those dreams Gracie, she said. I’m with you, I believe there is something giving you a sign of some sort. Oh and I’m still waiting for a picture of Sal.”

“Don’t hold your breath Mags.”

“Seriously? What’s the big secret?  Just send me a picture, he can’t be that ugly!”

“Shut up Mags, I’m hanging up, love you!”

Laughing, she says “ditto! Chat soon girly.”

Celine’s take on the break in was more angry, she was ready to line people up, shoot first, and ask questions later.

“Baby Girl, I hate to say it but I think Richard that dick, is involved some how, weather it’s directly or indirectly, it’s going to stem from him. I know it. Feel it in my bones.”

She also was pleased to hear about how Sal and I are moving along falling in love.

“Oh Gracie that’s great darlin! I bet the sex blew your mind am I right?”

“Well, Celine, here’s the thing.”

“There’s a thing? Don’t want there to be a thing Gracie.”

“Celine, listen, we, well he, is taking it real slow with me. I believe he knows I may not be entirely ready at this time for that step in our relationship.”

“Step? It’s not a step. It’s sex. Say the word Gracie sex sex sex, it’s not gonna hurt you, for god sakes your both grown adults?”

“Yes Celine, I know, but it’s just not sex for me. I don’t think it is for him either. He knows I have trust issues and I’m a bit broken. I think he is waiting for me to be self assured and healed before he, we, get there. That fact he is willing to wait is such a turn on!”

“Wow that takes some big balls for a guy, Blue to be exact!”

“Oh, Celine I yelled, and laughed, you’re terrible. I think it’s sweet, and I think it’s honorable. He is a total gentleman, I’m telling you it’s a turn on.”

“I think your both nuts! But, listen, joking aside, baby girl, I am very happy for you. You deserve someone who treats you like a, Princess. I hope it all works out and he sweeps you up and away into a happy ever after. Oh and, those dreams you told me about, that’s some freaky shit. I would try and find a psychic, see if they can give you some insight on that. It may be nothin’ but it wouldn’t hurt to check it out?”

“A psychic? Where the hell would I find a psychic? It’s not really a bad idea Celine, you think it’s true they can see stuff or you think it’s a bunch of mind tricks?”

Maybe she said, but what could it hurt, I’ll keep my eyes and ears peeled for ya. Now don’t forget, we have that meetin’ tomorrow.”

“Oh how can I forget all those lovely ladies at the southern woman society.”

“Sarcasm fits you darlin’, I like it.”

“Thanks, I do like the cause we are doing, I was up at the hospital visiting those kids, they need a happy Christmas.”

“Yes they do, bless their hearts. Okay baby girl I’ll see tomorrow 11am bring your Jersey attitude.”

“I always try to Celine, by.”

*       *       *

After dinner was done at my house that night, Antonio excused himself to head home. I suspect he was still puzzling over the best suspect for the break in. I hoped it wouldn’t keep him up – he needed his rest, too.

“Night, Pop, see ya later.” Sal got up and opened the screen door for his Dad, then came back to sit with me.

“I’ve got something for you,” he says.

“Oh, I hope you didn’t buy me anything, Sal.”

“Nooo..but even if I did? You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable accepting my gifts. That would hurt my feelings.”

“This is going to take me some time to get used to, okay? I will do my best to accept things from you graciously.” I grinned at him and put out my hand, palm up. “What did you get me?”

He handed me a business card that had a dog and cat silhouette on it. In bold letters it said:

Beach side veterinarian clinic - Dr. Veronica L. Torcan Vet
.

“What’s this?” He just smiles. “Come on, tell me!” I insist.

“You have a job interview there if you want it. She’s a new vet in town. She’s on the beach so it’s not far, you can have part time or whatever, and you can bring Toby to work with you, if you want. It’s up to you.

“Are you serious! How did you find this? Oh my god, Sal!” I can’t even stand still, I’m so elated.

He laughs at my excitement.

“I was cruising back home the other day and I passed this small Victorian house that had a sign out front announcing a new veterinarian clinic in two weeks. So I pulled up and knocked on the door. Long story short, I told her about you and she said for me to tell you to stop by anytime. I think she knew Pop when he was on the force in Jacksonville. She said my last name sounded familiar.  She's worked on some of the K-9 dogs every now and then.”

“I don’t know what to say. This would be perfect for me. I have an SWS meeting tomorrow, but maybe Saturday I’ll go over there and introduce myself.”

“Good, I’m glad this makes you happy.”, he said as he cocks his head and looks at me. “Gracie, what’s SWS?”

I rolled my eyes. “It stands for the Southern Women’s Society. My mother–in-law got me involved years ago. I don’t get too involved with them, but, around the holidays I like to do the fundraisers for the sick kids at the hospital. We have a big formal holiday party, raise money and give a nice Christmas for the children.”

“See? This is why I’m falling deeply in love with you. You have got a heart of gold, you give more then you take. But, you need to stop feeling guilty about receiving. I think that’s something Richard might have done to you. I intend to fix it.”

“What do you mean Richard did it?”

“You wanted him around more right?”

I nod.

“You wanted his approval, and his affections, he didn’t give it and made you feel bad for asking. How am I doing so far?”

I just sit there, staring at Sal as the tears well up in my eyes.

“Oh…Gracie, don’t cry…Shit, I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He comes over to hold me in his arms. “I’m so sorry, Gracie, I never want to say or do anything that makes you cry.”

“Sal, you didn’t upset me. I’m ashamed that I let Richard walk all over me. But my tears are really because you notice me–you notice everything about me–and it makes me happy.”

I can feel my soul healing
.

CHAPTER 11

The sunrise on the beach this morning was a magnificent sight. The sky had cast’s of peach and yellow hues, reminding me of a mai tai cocktail. The weather had a brisk feel to it, which was a welcome change to the warm muggy humidity we tolerate all summer. Fall was finally making its way down south.

“Cold out this morning.” Sal speculated as we sat watching the sky turn to daylight.

“Yeah I love it, feels good” I answer as a gust of wind rushed through us and I caught a little chill.

“Come here,” he says sitting down patting a sandy spot in between his legs. I climb in and sit down. Sal wraps his arms and legs gently around me, and I lean in, my back to his chest. He felt warm and I could feel the steady thumps of his heart.

*       *       *

On our way back from the beach, we go up to the deck and Antonio mentions he’s got fresh, hot coffee. “Sounds great,” I say with a wink. “One cup though. I can’t stay too long–I have a SWS meeting today.”

“Ahh…yes, those-a poor kid’s. Let-a-me know when that dinner is. I want to go.”

“I figured you would Tony. I’ll get you the information as soon as I know the details.”

Entering the house expecting to see Sal, I hear the bathroom door shut and then the spray of the shower.

I grab a mug and pour myself some coffee. After a few sips I meander down the hall to Sal’s bedroom. Pretty tidy for a guy, but since it was Antonio’s spare room there wasn’t much to it, really. It had a desk under a window with two dressers on one side of the room, and pocket door closets on the other with shelves.

There was a brown recliner and a medium size flat screen mounted to the wall. “New additions.” There was a queen- size bed and a side night table.

Noticing the bed was messed with the blankets and pillows thrown about, I figure I’ll go in and fix it up while Sal is showering.

I place my coffee mug on the side table and see a small metal suitcase on the bed. I go to move it and notice the top is ajar. Next thing I know, the lid opens hydraulically on it’s own making a slight hiss sound. To my surprise it looks like some high tech custom-made lap top computer built right into it and the thing lit up like a Christmas tree. Just then I hear the door close.

“Graaacieee?” Sal says my name like I’m being reprimanded for steeling a cookie out of a cookie jar.

“I’m sorry,” I say with a red face. “I wasn’t spying on you or being nosey, I was going to make your bed and the case opened on it’s own when I tried to move it.” I pointed at the colorful box. “What the hell is this, Sal? Looks very hi-tech.”

“That is my computer,” he says with a laugh. “Just a lap top, but you’re correct when you say high tech. It was issued to me at the CIA. I will probably have to return it, but for now, I’m still using it. You’re fine, Gracie–you did nothing wrong.” He pads his partially-clad self over in his bare feet, shuts it down, locks it up and shoves it under the bed.

He tosses the towel he used to dry his hair to the recliner, then pulls me into his arms. He’s only got on his faded jeans, his eyes smoldering into mine, he kisses me and backs us towards the bed. Putting my hands on his chest I push away, breaking our kiss.

“I really have to go,” I pant, though it’s the last thing I want to say at the moment. “I have that meeting, and I have to get ready to go.”

Sal, ignoring me the whole time I’m talking keeps kissing my face and neck and proceeds to gently place me on the bed. As our kisses continue, we fall back into his unmade sheets and blankets.

He smells as good as he feels. When his tongue trails up my throat and back to my mouth I take his bottom lip in my teeth and gently suck on it. My legs are wrapped around him, holding him tightly on top of me. I can feel he’s hard and our hips automatically move in rhythm. I break the kiss again.

“I really have to go,” I hiss through clenched teeth. I’m aching for him like I’ve never hurt for anyone. Both our bodies are tight and vibrating with anticipation, our breathing heavy.

“Gracie,” he whispers, his breath hitched.

“Sal,” I whisper back. “Oh my god, I
really
have to go.”

*       *       *

I arrive at the little restaurant where we have our SWS meetings, on time. Celine is already there and chatting with our president and all around snobby busy body, Barbara Dalton. I wave to get her attention and she makes a beeline straight towards me.

“Hey baby girl, good to see you.” She gives me a hug. “Do I sense a bit of a flush about you?”

Despite a quick cold shower, I know I’m still steaming from this morning’s near-miss with Sal. I shake my head and wrinkle my nose to throw her off track. “Hi, Celine. How’s everyone’s mood today?”

“Oh, the usual,” she says as she points around the room. “Barb’s got a bug up her ass the size of Texas. Mimi’s nervous eating habit has returned and she keeps poppin’ cookies in her mouth and thinks no one is noticing. Chloe keeps running to the ladies room to barf. Says she has a stomach bug of some kind, and the rest of them are just zombies following whatever Barb the Dictator tells them to do.”

“Oh god,” I moaned, making a face. “Lets just get this done and over with.”

Celine and I take seats at a table with a couple of the other gals. We eat brunch and talk over all options and discuss who can get or give the biggest donations. Also, where to have the event and who should decide the menu.

After a few long hours, the meeting is winding down when Barbara Dalton’s inquisitive nasal voice pierces the room.

“Grace, we have heard your divorce will be final soon. I do hope you will still be able to help with the up coming events we have scheduled. The Boumonts have always been a force of prominence to us and to the community. Do you think Richard will still send his usual generous donation to our cause?”

All twelve women shimmy in their chairs to face me. I feel Celine put her hand on my knee under the table, a signal to stay cool and calm. Clearing my throat and putting my shoulder’s back I find my voice.

“I’m so glad to hear you know more then I do about my divorce. I’m very excited to learn it’s coming to and end soon. While hoping that is true, I believe Richard will give the donations you seek. I’m sure he wants his mother’s good work to continue. In the eyes of the community it makes him appear to be the good guy and it’s good business so he would never pass that opportunity by. I also believe I should have no problems helping with the benefit. I love this charity for the children and it is a pleasure to do, but that is the only one I will devote my time to this year.” The women nod in happy agreement to my reply and Barbara actually thanks me.

But I am on a roll. “Oh, one more thought I had, ladies. When I am no longer a Boumont, I’m pretty sure a new one will take my place. I know for a fact she would love to be involved with all your events. So sure in fact, that she will probably want to run for president of the SWS. Richard I heard, is basically engaged to Camille James. You all
know
her right? I’m sure she will be a new force in your lives. I hope you treat her just as warmly as you have treated me. You may even get bigger donations.”

I take a sip of water. The room is so still you can hear the ice melting in the tea glasses. All eyes circle back to Barbara who appears as though she is about to explode. She stands up and points a bony finger down at the table and in a voice similar to the wicked witch from Oz, she threatens, “Over my dead body!”

*       *       *

Celine, Mimi, and I decide to stay at the bar and have one afternoon cocktail. We take a booth and decompress with a martini.

“I never really liked martini’s,” says Mimi. “I was never much for alcohol.”

“That’s why I ordered you a green apple martini,” Celine mentions, “it’s sweet–you’ll like it. I’m sure it will mix well with the two dozen cookies you ate.”

“Oh, you saw that?” Mimi answers shyly.

“Yes, we all saw that.”

“ I didn’t notice, Mimi,” I say. “If you want to eat cookies then you should eat cookies, knock yourself out. But, if you are eating because something is bothering you, then you need to address it and fix it.”

Mimi gives me a little nod then sips her drink.

“Speaking of bothering–hot and bothered that is–how’s Mr. Sexy spy guy? Did you guys do the deed?”

“Celine, you truly have a way with words,” I sigh. “No we    didn’t. Taking it slow, remember?”

“Y’all are killin’ me,” Celine says in a huff. “How can you stand the tension?”

“It
is
getting difficult, I will tell you that. Before I came out here today, Sal and I had a moment. A
very
close moment.”

“Ooh, what happened baby girl? Details now! Don’t leave anything out.”

“Celine, your sex life is way more active then mine. Really, there is nothing to tell you except, that this damned meeting interrupted a
very
heated moment.”

Celine spits her martini in Mimi’s direction and coughs. “You stopped
a heated moment
because you had this idiotic meetin’? My god darlin’, you could have been late–no one would have gave two shits. Hell, you could have sent me a text, told me you were getting your spy game on and I would have sent you the cliff note version!” 

Poor Mimi. I hand her some napkins along with an apologetic look.

“Shhh.. keep it down, will you? I don’t want the whole bar knowing about my intimacies. I like that he is taking it slow, I told you, he’s being a gentlemen. Plus when that time comes, I don’t want it to be just casual and then get up and leave. I want to make
love,
Celine. I can’t do what you and a lot of others can do. It’s just not me.”

“Good for Gracie,” Mimi cheers without putting down her drink.

“Alright,” Celine says with her hands up in surrender. It’s your love life, but when that day comes darlin’ don’t worry bout just the bar. All of north Florida is probably going to hear your intimacies, I’ll goddam guarantee ya that!”

Celine and Mimi roar with laughter while I just roll my eyes and shake my head.
Friends. Geezz
.

“Honestly, what am I gonna do with you?” I giggle.

After some more girl chit -chat, I look at Mimi who has a funny look on her face.

“What’s wrong, Mimi? I ask, “you look as green as your martini. Don’t you like it?”

“I don’t know,” she says, putting her forehead in her hand. I feel sick all of a sudden. I think I’m gonna go, ladies. I’ll see you soon.”

Celine and I both wish her well and we all walk out together to the parking lot.

“I’ll call ya in a few days, darlin’. Good luck with your spy guy. I really am happy for you.”

“Thanks Celine, be good,” I tell her as she’s walking towards her car. She turns with a big smile,

“Sugah, I’m
always
good.”

*       *       *

On the drive home my cell phone whistled. I know it’s a text from Sal. Only his text whistled, he programmed my phone to do that. When I got to a red light I check what he sent.

Hi! where r u? I miss
u


I smile and feel butterflies. I hit the call button and on the first ring he answers.

“Hi, Princess, where are you?”

“I’m almost home where are you?”

“Home, I just got back a few minutes ago and noticed you weren’t home yet, how was the meeting?”

“Interesting as always, I mentioned a few facts that I thought they would want to know, the gossip is gonna be hot tonight.”

“Oh, so you didn’t play nice this afternoon, Princess?”

“No, and you know what Sal, It was long over due for that.”

“How about I take you to a nice dinner and you can tell me all about it. Maybe some dancing afterward at the Rafters, I hear they have a pretty good DJ on the weekends.”

“Sounds wonderful, I’m almost home.”

“I missed you today Gracie, I thought about you all day.”

“I missed you too Sal.” I hear him smile even though we were on the phone. “Drive safe see you soon.”

As I get ready, I feel the twinge of a headache shoot through my temples. I grab some Tylenol and curse Celine for that martini. I feed Toby and five minutes later I hear the thundering roar of the beast. Sal pulls up and greets me with open arms and a smile. He is so handsome I thought to myself, I feel this longing ache in the pit of my stomach every time I see him.

“You look beautiful, Gracie.  He gives me a tender kiss hello. I really did miss you today.”