I Want To Love You
By Lonnie
Chapter 1
The rain fell hard against the car as it raced down the highway. His hand grasped the handle as fear washed through him. The situation was under control now; there was really no need to continue like this.
“Charlie slow it down before you hit someone,” he called out to the driver.
“Sorry Mike. I was caught up in the moment,” Charlie said as he took his foot off the gas to slow the car down.
Michael felt instant relief as he felt the car start to slow down. “Its okay you’re new at this. Were you scared?” he said smiling.
“Oh my Lord above Michael! I have never seen so many people in one place before. I swear I thought they would push the car over.”
Michael giggled, “They get overzealous sometimes, but they love me. I just know it.”
“I used to want to be famous, but after seeing that, I will just be happy with who I am,” Charlie laughed as he looked back at Michael in the rear view mirror. Michael’s face had gone pale and he was sweating “Michael are you okay?” he asked him concerned.
“Yeah I’m fine just tired,” he smiled back to him in the mirror as he answered.
“I am so sorry,” Charlie said to him again.
“I know,” Michael replied as he stared out the window.
His hand slipped through his hair pulling his bangs out of his face as he watched the scenery fly past. He watched as people wandered down the sides of the streets, carefree and happy; he envied them their freedom.
“Are you people-watching, Michael?” Charlie asked.
“People watching?” Michael said softly.
“Yeah kind of like looking in a fishbowl watching them swim,” Charlie replied.
“I like to study people,” Michael answered. Charlie did not know, but he had nailed it. The only difference was, instead of looking in at other fish, Michael swam on the inside looking out.
“Oh my, look at this pretty young thing here,” Charlie whistled.
Michael snapped his head in the direction Charlie pointed to. “She is beautiful,” he agreed.
“Beautiful my ass, drop dead gorgeous,” he answered back.
Michael laughed “Okay, you’re right. I was being a gentleman.”
Charlie pulled into the alley behind a bookshop and turned to Michael. “You know man, you don’t have to pretend with me. I will never repeat anything you say to me--ever”.
Michael sighed. “It’s not you Charlie I like you, I really do, but people have used me so much and made up so many things, it’s hard to trust people.”
“I owe you my life Mike. Three weeks ago I was living on the streets, now look at me. I will never be able to repay you for this,” Charlie said. “Where I come from a gift like that deserves the utmost respect”.
Michael looked him in the eyes and nodded at him as a lump formed in his throat.
Charlie had a rough life. He was so grateful Michael recognized him that day. As a child who grew up without a father, Charlie ended up joining a gang when he was twelve. He robbed a store that year and was sent to juvenile camp until he turned eighteen. Left to fend for himself, he turned back to the gangs. This is where his life changed: Michael had hired some gangs to work on his video for “Beat It” and Charlie just happened to belong to one of them. After working with Michael, Charlie never went back to that life. Working dead end jobs one after another, he was down on his luck and homeless when Michael happened to come upon him again. To his utter astonishment Michael remembered him and gave him a job. He thanked God every day that he was led down that street to see what everyone was yelling about.
“It’s okay, I have to earn that trust, and I will,” he said as he looked at Michael.
Michael smiled at him, “I have no doubt you will.” Michael reached to open the door, “I’ll be back in a second”.
“Mike, I don’t think this is a good idea,” Charlie said as he looked around. “What if someone recognizes you?”
“Then you have to come rescue me,” he giggled.
“What do I say if a cop comes down here?” Charlie asked.
“How about ‘Hi officer. Nice day isn’t it?” Michael shot back.
Charlie groaned “A Black man sitting in a BMW in an alley enjoying the rain? Yeah that’s going to fly.”
“Ten minutes tops. They said it would be ready when I got here,” Michael said as he slammed the door and ran into the store.
Charlie sighed, “Hi officer, nice day isn’t it?” then he threw back his head and laughed. “No I swear I am waiting for Michael Jackson! Nice suit, by the way,” he giggled. Michael just had no idea of what the real world was like.
Michael flew into the store. Two women looked up from the books they were reading and just stared at him. He pulled the hat lower on his face, adjusted his sunglasses, and walked to the counter.
“Excuse me,” he called.
“Is that a first or last name?” she asked.
Michael found her to be irritating. Why did she need to ask so many questions? “Last name,” he said shortly.
“I’ll be right back,” she said and walked into a back room.
Michael looked around the shop while he waited; the two other women paid him no attention. ‘It was working fine,’ he thought to himself.
“Okay here we are Mr. Lenny,” the girl said as she brought out the huge box.
Michael ran over to take it out of her hands. “Thank you,” he said smiling at her.
“So they were paid for in advance. I just need you to sign that you picked them up,” she said to him as she handed the paper across the counter.
Michael lay down the box and signed his name. The girl smirked.
“Something funny?” he said to her.
Leaning across the counter, she whispered to him, “You’re not fooling me with this outfit; I know who you are.”
Michael stared at her in shock.
Throwing back her head, she laughed. “It was a pleasure to meet you. Come back anytime Michael.”
“You too,” he mumbled as he picked up the box and headed for the door.
“Let me get that,” she called as she hurried to open the door for him. Following him outside she ran to open the car door as well. “Bye now,” she called when he was safely inside. She flew back into the store.
“WOW!” Charlie said as he watched Michael close the door. “What a hottie.”
Michael glared at him, “Her? No way; she was arrogant.”
“I wasn’t looking at her arrogance. Those are some pretty baby blues,” Charlie chuckled.
“Let’s go home,” Michael said to him, and off they went.
Chapter 2
“Yeah, it was him alright. I’d know his fine ass anywhere,” Joy said into the phone. “Oh yeah, tell that witch to shut up. Hell he even signed the receipt Michael Jackson…Oh it’s caught on tape …you all should come down and we will look at it. Then you will learn not to doubt me….Okay I’ll be waiting,” Joy said as she hung up the phone.
“Hi, Mrs. Adams. Is that all for you?” Joy said to her.
“I am just so shocked! I mean in here all alone. He is such a good-looking boy,” Mrs. Adams said.
“I know,” Joy replied.
“You are so smart Joy, I can’t believe you figured that out,” Mrs. Adams said.
“Thank you, but I will admit I am a fan of his,” Joy returned.
“Such control then. If that would have been Elvis, I just would have ripped his clothes off!” she said laughing.
Joy threw back her head and laughed. “I did not want him to feel uneasy. Now maybe he will come back. Next time I will just rip them off.”
The two old ladies laughed with her.
Joy’s friends Amy and Debbie flew into the store. “Wow, that was quick,” Joy teased.
“Cut the crap and show us the video,” Debbie demanded.
“I am so excited!” Amy wailed.
Joy had already watched it a few times herself, but she put the tape back into the VCR and pushed the play button. Her friends screamed in surprise as they saw him walk into the store. “It is him!” they said at the same time.
“Never doubt me girls,” Joy said cockily.
The bell over the top of the door announced a new customer. “Hi,” Joy said. “May I help you?”
“Yes, I need to pick up my books I ordered,” the man announced.
“No problem,” Joy said. “What’s your name.”
“Lenny Williams. It should just be under Lenny,” the man said.
Joy stared at him dumbfounded. “Hold on a second. Let me look. I think we might have made a mix up.” She raced to the storeroom and searched the other boxes. Her spirits fell as she found what she hoped she wouldn’t: on the bottom was a small box labeled Michael Lenny. “Crap!” she wailed to herself. “What am I going to do now?”
She smiled as she went back up front. “I am afraid there has been a mix up, but I can have this straightened out in a jiffy,” she purred sweetly at her customer.
“No problem,” he said smiling back. “These things happen all the time. I am just pleased to be able to get to meet a pretty lady. You new here?” he said leaning on the counter.
‘Just great,’ Joy thought as she watched the man flirt with her. Putting on her best smile she leaned forward. “Yes, I am. Please don’t tell Karen. I really need this job,” she purred at him. If nothing, else she knew how to wrap a man around her finger.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said back to her. “If I may be so bold, and since you’re new here in town, how about I take you dancing some night”?
Joy faked excitement “Oh my goodness, I would be delighted, sounds like fun Lenny”.
“Well Joy,” he said after checking out her name tag. “Sounds like we have a date then.”
“I can’t wait, and I will take care of this mix up personally,” she promised.
Lenny grabbed a piece of paper off the counter, “You just call me when they get back here, and um…..keep it for later, we’ll iron out the details then.”
Joy giggled pretending to be flattered, “If you insist.”
“I do,” Lenny said as he reached across the counter to grab her hand. He gallantly he raised it to his lips and kissed it then carefully placed it back on the counter and walked out.
Joy waited till he was out of sight and wiped her hand off. “Bastard,” she said to the giggles of her friends. “He thinks he is doing me a favor, sci-fi geek, can’t even read a real book,” she fumed as she grabbed the phone to call Karen. “Like I need his help.”
“Karen its Joy, we have a small problem”, she said into the phone. As she explained what happened her temper begin to rise. “I know, I take full responsibility, I apologize…yes ma’am, you’re right. I’ll be more careful from now on. I will do it as soon as I close up. Okay set it up, and tell me where to go.” Placing the phone back she took a deep breath.
“Is she mad,” Amy asked her?
“Pissed,” Joy replied. “I have to take him the right books and pick up the others when I get off.”
Debbie screamed, “This means you are going to see Michael again.”
“Maybe,” Joy said highly doubting it; she expected to just switch it out at the front gates.
The phone call confirmed what she thought; it would be an exchange by the gate. Karen informed her the customer was not happy with her. The news brought her friends' spirits down; inside it did hers as well.
Chapter 3
Dragging the box to her car, Joy dreaded the job ahead. Although as a fan she already knew his address, she had written it down anyway. Her Honda sputtered to life, and she headed off to the far side of L.A. Listening to the radio she almost cried as “Billie Jean” began to play on the radio. “Arrogance was not a virtue,” she whispered to herself.
As she pulled up to the huge gate, she placed her car in park and got out. It was almost midnight, and she was worried about waking someone if she pressed the button.
“Can I help you?” a voice called out in the darkness.
“Um, yeah I’m Joy from the bookstore. I believe I am expected,” Joy replied.
“Miss Blue Eyes herself,” the voice said as he walked into her view.
The man was intimidating “um, I guess so. Do I know you?”
“Nope, but I saw you. I drive for Mike, I mean Mr. Jackson. I saw you as you helped him to the car. You can call me Charlie,” he replied.
“Oh, okay,” she said breathing a bit easier. “Do you have my other books?”
“Nope, I am just here to let you in,” he answered.
“Oh, I was told…” she began.
“Just drive your car up to the main house. I’ll meet you there,” Charlie said as he smiled at her.
Joy quickly got behind the wheel and pulled in as the gate opened. Pulling up in front of the house, her heart began to pound loudly in her chest. Charlie opened her door as she shut off her loud engine.
“Where is the box?” Charlie asked her.
“I put it in the trunk,” she said as she walked to the back of the car. She opened the trunk, and Charlie reached in and pulled it out. “No, please. I should carry that.”
“No, I have it. It’s all part of my job,” he said to her. “This way,” he added as they walked to the back of the house.
Joy felt disappointment as she realized they were not going inside the big home, but then again what did she expect? A small little house sat on the back side, and this was where he was leading her. “Can you get the door?” Charlie asked, pulling her attention back to him.
“Yes, of course,” she said as she jumped ahead of him to open the door. As she followed him in. she heard that unmistakable voice. “Miss Weber, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
“Mr. Jackson,” she said, smirking to herself. Her heart raced as she tried to sound calm. “I must apologize for the mix up.”
“No problem,” he calmly said back. “Here is the other box,” he said pointing in the corner. “Charlie can you put them in her car?”
“Sure thing boss,” Charlie said.
“Wait. I need to check those and make sure they are all in there,” Joy said.
“Don’t you trust me?” Michael said turning in her direction.
“I did not mean to imply that; it is our policy is all,” she answered.
Michael pointed to the box again, “By all means.”
Joy went through and checked them against her invoice. Satisfied, she smiled at Charlie. “If you would be so kind, I would appreciate that help now.” “Mr. Jackson, if you could make sure yours are correct, I will be on my way.”
“Of course,” he replied as he started to open the box.
Joy watched as Michael inspected his books. Carefully, he pulled them out one by one, running his fingers across the smooth hard covers. Joy shivered as she stared at those fingers, thinking how they might feel as they caressed her body. Embarrassed, she snapped back to attention as he looked in her direction.
“So you’re an art fan?” she said as she found her voice.
“I like to study things,” he replied. “Medicine, art, movies, music, people,” he added trailing off. “Do you like to read?” he asked her.
Joy smiled “Yes, I love to read.”
She saw his eyebrow rise at her statement. “My love is poetry; I think Dante Alighieri is my favorite.”
Michael’s eyes lit up. “I love his work.”
Joy started into his eyes, “No way, really?”
Michael cleared his throat and stared into her eyes:
“There is a gentle thought that often springs
to life in me, because it speaks of you.
Its reasoning about love’s so sweet and true,
the heart is conquered, and accepts these things.
‘Who is this?’ the mind enquires of the heart,
‘who comes here to seduce our intellect?
Is his power so great we must reject
every other intellectual art?
The heart replies ‘O, meditative mind
this is love’s messenger and newly sent
to bring me all Love’s words and desires.”
Joy whispered the ending as her heart swelled:
“His life, and all the strength that he can find,
from her sweet eyes are mercifully lent,
who feels compassion for our inner fires.”
The room filled with silence as they stared into each other’s eyes. Joy’s heart raced as she looked into his eyes. Her breath caught as he stepped towards her. The slamming of the door behind her caught her attention as she whirled towards it. Embarrassed she took a few steps toward Charlie as he entered the room.
“Thanks you so much for the help,” she said to Charlie. “Mr. Jackson, it was a pleasure to meet you again,” she said as she held out her hand toward him.
Michael smiled as he stepped up to shake it. Her hand slid smoothly into his. ‘So soft,’ he thought as he let her take it away. “Thank you for bringing them to me so late in the evening Joy,” he answered smiling at her.
Joy jumped away from his contact like she had been burned; her whole body felt like it was on fire from one single touch of his hand. “No problem, I hope you will come see us again,” she said to Michael. “Charlie nice to meet you as well, I should be going,” she finished as she reached for the door.
“You’re all set,” Charlie told her as she ran out into the night. “She’s cute…nice behind!” he said as he watched her hurry across the lawn to her car.
Michael stared at the door as his thoughts raced.
“Mike you okay?” Charlie asked him when he received no response.
Michael’s eyes snapped to his face, “Just tired Charlie.”
“Oh, okay,” he said looking at Michael puzzled. “I think I’ll turn in myself.”
Michael stared as he went outside and turned back to gather his books, he could almost swear he smelled her perfume on them, as he inhaled the sweet smell. “Charlie you have the worst timing,” he said to the empty room.
“Are you people-watching, Michael?” Charlie asked.
“People watching?” Michael said softly.
“Yeah kind of like looking in a fishbowl watching them swim,” Charlie replied.
“I like to study people,” Michael answered. Charlie did not know, but he had nailed it. The only difference was, instead of looking in at other fish, Michael swam on the inside looking out.
“Oh my, look at this pretty young thing here,” Charlie whistled.
Michael snapped his head in the direction Charlie pointed to. “She is beautiful,” he agreed.
“Beautiful my ass, drop dead gorgeous,” he answered back.
Michael laughed “Okay, you’re right. I was being a gentleman.”
Charlie pulled into the alley behind a bookshop and turned to Michael. “You know man, you don’t have to pretend with me. I will never repeat anything you say to me--ever”.
Michael sighed. “It’s not you Charlie I like you, I really do, but people have used me so much and made up so many things, it’s hard to trust people.”
“I owe you my life Mike. Three weeks ago I was living on the streets, now look at me. I will never be able to repay you for this,” Charlie said. “Where I come from a gift like that deserves the utmost respect”.
Michael looked him in the eyes and nodded at him as a lump formed in his throat.
Charlie had a rough life. He was so grateful Michael recognized him that day. As a child who grew up without a father, Charlie ended up joining a gang when he was twelve. He robbed a store that year and was sent to juvenile camp until he turned eighteen. Left to fend for himself, he turned back to the gangs. This is where his life changed: Michael had hired some gangs to work on his video for “Beat It” and Charlie just happened to belong to one of them. After working with Michael, Charlie never went back to that life. Working dead end jobs one after another, he was down on his luck and homeless when Michael happened to come upon him again. To his utter astonishment Michael remembered him and gave him a job. He thanked God every day that he was led down that street to see what everyone was yelling about.
“It’s okay, I have to earn that trust, and I will,” he said as he looked at Michael.
Michael smiled at him, “I have no doubt you will.” Michael reached to open the door, “I’ll be back in a second”.
“Mike, I don’t think this is a good idea,” Charlie said as he looked around. “What if someone recognizes you?”
“Then you have to come rescue me,” he giggled.
“What do I say if a cop comes down here?” Charlie asked.
“How about ‘Hi officer. Nice day isn’t it?” Michael shot back.
Charlie groaned “A Black man sitting in a BMW in an alley enjoying the rain? Yeah that’s going to fly.”
“Ten minutes tops. They said it would be ready when I got here,” Michael said as he slammed the door and ran into the store.
Charlie sighed, “Hi officer, nice day isn’t it?” then he threw back his head and laughed. “No I swear I am waiting for Michael Jackson! Nice suit, by the way,” he giggled. Michael just had no idea of what the real world was like.
Michael flew into the store. Two women looked up from the books they were reading and just stared at him. He pulled the hat lower on his face, adjusted his sunglasses, and walked to the counter.
“Excuse me,” he called.
“Is that a first or last name?” she asked.
Michael found her to be irritating. Why did she need to ask so many questions? “Last name,” he said shortly.
“I’ll be right back,” she said and walked into a back room.
Michael looked around the shop while he waited; the two other women paid him no attention. ‘It was working fine,’ he thought to himself.
“Okay here we are Mr. Lenny,” the girl said as she brought out the huge box.
Michael ran over to take it out of her hands. “Thank you,” he said smiling at her.
“So they were paid for in advance. I just need you to sign that you picked them up,” she said to him as she handed the paper across the counter.
Michael lay down the box and signed his name. The girl smirked.
“Something funny?” he said to her.
Leaning across the counter, she whispered to him, “You’re not fooling me with this outfit; I know who you are.”
Michael stared at her in shock.
Throwing back her head, she laughed. “It was a pleasure to meet you. Come back anytime Michael.”
“You too,” he mumbled as he picked up the box and headed for the door.
“Let me get that,” she called as she hurried to open the door for him. Following him outside she ran to open the car door as well. “Bye now,” she called when he was safely inside. She flew back into the store.
“WOW!” Charlie said as he watched Michael close the door. “What a hottie.”
Michael glared at him, “Her? No way; she was arrogant.”
“I wasn’t looking at her arrogance. Those are some pretty baby blues,” Charlie chuckled.
“Let’s go home,” Michael said to him, and off they went.
Chapter 2
“Yeah, it was him alright. I’d know his fine ass anywhere,” Joy said into the phone. “Oh yeah, tell that witch to shut up. Hell he even signed the receipt Michael Jackson…Oh it’s caught on tape …you all should come down and we will look at it. Then you will learn not to doubt me….Okay I’ll be waiting,” Joy said as she hung up the phone.
“Hi, Mrs. Adams. Is that all for you?” Joy said to her.
“I am just so shocked! I mean in here all alone. He is such a good-looking boy,” Mrs. Adams said.
“I know,” Joy replied.
“You are so smart Joy, I can’t believe you figured that out,” Mrs. Adams said.
“Thank you, but I will admit I am a fan of his,” Joy returned.
“Such control then. If that would have been Elvis, I just would have ripped his clothes off!” she said laughing.
Joy threw back her head and laughed. “I did not want him to feel uneasy. Now maybe he will come back. Next time I will just rip them off.”
The two old ladies laughed with her.
Joy’s friends Amy and Debbie flew into the store. “Wow, that was quick,” Joy teased.
“Cut the crap and show us the video,” Debbie demanded.
“I am so excited!” Amy wailed.
Joy had already watched it a few times herself, but she put the tape back into the VCR and pushed the play button. Her friends screamed in surprise as they saw him walk into the store. “It is him!” they said at the same time.
“Never doubt me girls,” Joy said cockily.
The bell over the top of the door announced a new customer. “Hi,” Joy said. “May I help you?”
“Yes, I need to pick up my books I ordered,” the man announced.
“No problem,” Joy said. “What’s your name.”
“Lenny Williams. It should just be under Lenny,” the man said.
Joy stared at him dumbfounded. “Hold on a second. Let me look. I think we might have made a mix up.” She raced to the storeroom and searched the other boxes. Her spirits fell as she found what she hoped she wouldn’t: on the bottom was a small box labeled Michael Lenny. “Crap!” she wailed to herself. “What am I going to do now?”
She smiled as she went back up front. “I am afraid there has been a mix up, but I can have this straightened out in a jiffy,” she purred sweetly at her customer.
“No problem,” he said smiling back. “These things happen all the time. I am just pleased to be able to get to meet a pretty lady. You new here?” he said leaning on the counter.
‘Just great,’ Joy thought as she watched the man flirt with her. Putting on her best smile she leaned forward. “Yes, I am. Please don’t tell Karen. I really need this job,” she purred at him. If nothing, else she knew how to wrap a man around her finger.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said back to her. “If I may be so bold, and since you’re new here in town, how about I take you dancing some night”?
Joy faked excitement “Oh my goodness, I would be delighted, sounds like fun Lenny”.
“Well Joy,” he said after checking out her name tag. “Sounds like we have a date then.”
“I can’t wait, and I will take care of this mix up personally,” she promised.
Lenny grabbed a piece of paper off the counter, “You just call me when they get back here, and um…..keep it for later, we’ll iron out the details then.”
Joy giggled pretending to be flattered, “If you insist.”
“I do,” Lenny said as he reached across the counter to grab her hand. He gallantly he raised it to his lips and kissed it then carefully placed it back on the counter and walked out.
Joy waited till he was out of sight and wiped her hand off. “Bastard,” she said to the giggles of her friends. “He thinks he is doing me a favor, sci-fi geek, can’t even read a real book,” she fumed as she grabbed the phone to call Karen. “Like I need his help.”
“Karen its Joy, we have a small problem”, she said into the phone. As she explained what happened her temper begin to rise. “I know, I take full responsibility, I apologize…yes ma’am, you’re right. I’ll be more careful from now on. I will do it as soon as I close up. Okay set it up, and tell me where to go.” Placing the phone back she took a deep breath.
“Is she mad,” Amy asked her?
“Pissed,” Joy replied. “I have to take him the right books and pick up the others when I get off.”
Debbie screamed, “This means you are going to see Michael again.”
“Maybe,” Joy said highly doubting it; she expected to just switch it out at the front gates.
The phone call confirmed what she thought; it would be an exchange by the gate. Karen informed her the customer was not happy with her. The news brought her friends' spirits down; inside it did hers as well.
Chapter 3
Dragging the box to her car, Joy dreaded the job ahead. Although as a fan she already knew his address, she had written it down anyway. Her Honda sputtered to life, and she headed off to the far side of L.A. Listening to the radio she almost cried as “Billie Jean” began to play on the radio. “Arrogance was not a virtue,” she whispered to herself.
As she pulled up to the huge gate, she placed her car in park and got out. It was almost midnight, and she was worried about waking someone if she pressed the button.
“Can I help you?” a voice called out in the darkness.
“Um, yeah I’m Joy from the bookstore. I believe I am expected,” Joy replied.
“Miss Blue Eyes herself,” the voice said as he walked into her view.
The man was intimidating “um, I guess so. Do I know you?”
“Nope, but I saw you. I drive for Mike, I mean Mr. Jackson. I saw you as you helped him to the car. You can call me Charlie,” he replied.
“Oh, okay,” she said breathing a bit easier. “Do you have my other books?”
“Nope, I am just here to let you in,” he answered.
“Oh, I was told…” she began.
“Just drive your car up to the main house. I’ll meet you there,” Charlie said as he smiled at her.
Joy quickly got behind the wheel and pulled in as the gate opened. Pulling up in front of the house, her heart began to pound loudly in her chest. Charlie opened her door as she shut off her loud engine.
“Where is the box?” Charlie asked her.
“I put it in the trunk,” she said as she walked to the back of the car. She opened the trunk, and Charlie reached in and pulled it out. “No, please. I should carry that.”
“No, I have it. It’s all part of my job,” he said to her. “This way,” he added as they walked to the back of the house.
Joy felt disappointment as she realized they were not going inside the big home, but then again what did she expect? A small little house sat on the back side, and this was where he was leading her. “Can you get the door?” Charlie asked, pulling her attention back to him.
“Yes, of course,” she said as she jumped ahead of him to open the door. As she followed him in. she heard that unmistakable voice. “Miss Weber, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
“Mr. Jackson,” she said, smirking to herself. Her heart raced as she tried to sound calm. “I must apologize for the mix up.”
“No problem,” he calmly said back. “Here is the other box,” he said pointing in the corner. “Charlie can you put them in her car?”
“Sure thing boss,” Charlie said.
“Wait. I need to check those and make sure they are all in there,” Joy said.
“Don’t you trust me?” Michael said turning in her direction.
“I did not mean to imply that; it is our policy is all,” she answered.
Michael pointed to the box again, “By all means.”
Joy went through and checked them against her invoice. Satisfied, she smiled at Charlie. “If you would be so kind, I would appreciate that help now.” “Mr. Jackson, if you could make sure yours are correct, I will be on my way.”
“Of course,” he replied as he started to open the box.
Joy watched as Michael inspected his books. Carefully, he pulled them out one by one, running his fingers across the smooth hard covers. Joy shivered as she stared at those fingers, thinking how they might feel as they caressed her body. Embarrassed, she snapped back to attention as he looked in her direction.
“So you’re an art fan?” she said as she found her voice.
“I like to study things,” he replied. “Medicine, art, movies, music, people,” he added trailing off. “Do you like to read?” he asked her.
Joy smiled “Yes, I love to read.”
She saw his eyebrow rise at her statement. “My love is poetry; I think Dante Alighieri is my favorite.”
Michael’s eyes lit up. “I love his work.”
Joy started into his eyes, “No way, really?”
Michael cleared his throat and stared into her eyes:
“There is a gentle thought that often springs
to life in me, because it speaks of you.
Its reasoning about love’s so sweet and true,
the heart is conquered, and accepts these things.
‘Who is this?’ the mind enquires of the heart,
‘who comes here to seduce our intellect?
Is his power so great we must reject
every other intellectual art?
The heart replies ‘O, meditative mind
this is love’s messenger and newly sent
to bring me all Love’s words and desires.”
Joy whispered the ending as her heart swelled:
“His life, and all the strength that he can find,
from her sweet eyes are mercifully lent,
who feels compassion for our inner fires.”
The room filled with silence as they stared into each other’s eyes. Joy’s heart raced as she looked into his eyes. Her breath caught as he stepped towards her. The slamming of the door behind her caught her attention as she whirled towards it. Embarrassed she took a few steps toward Charlie as he entered the room.
“Thanks you so much for the help,” she said to Charlie. “Mr. Jackson, it was a pleasure to meet you again,” she said as she held out her hand toward him.
Michael smiled as he stepped up to shake it. Her hand slid smoothly into his. ‘So soft,’ he thought as he let her take it away. “Thank you for bringing them to me so late in the evening Joy,” he answered smiling at her.
Joy jumped away from his contact like she had been burned; her whole body felt like it was on fire from one single touch of his hand. “No problem, I hope you will come see us again,” she said to Michael. “Charlie nice to meet you as well, I should be going,” she finished as she reached for the door.
“You’re all set,” Charlie told her as she ran out into the night. “She’s cute…nice behind!” he said as he watched her hurry across the lawn to her car.
Michael stared at the door as his thoughts raced.
“Mike you okay?” Charlie asked him when he received no response.
Michael’s eyes snapped to his face, “Just tired Charlie.”
“Oh, okay,” he said looking at Michael puzzled. “I think I’ll turn in myself.”
Michael stared as he went outside and turned back to gather his books, he could almost swear he smelled her perfume on them, as he inhaled the sweet smell. “Charlie you have the worst timing,” he said to the empty room.
Chapter 4
“Joy!”
She turned as the voice called her name. She glanced around the store and felt disappointment that no one was there. “Great Joy, now you’re hearing things,” she said to the empty room.
The bell above the door announced the arrival of a customer, and Joy was grateful she would have something to do. However, her sudden excitement was replaced with dread as Lenny came walking towards her, smiling.
“Mr. Williams,” she returned his smile, “I take it you are here for your order.”
“Hi Joy, you must call me Lenny,” he answered returning her smile.
“I would really love to, but Karen would have a fit if I called customers by their first names. I hope you understand; it’s simply her policy,” she purred back.
Lenny beamed at her. “Of course, I totally understand. Karen is something else, isn’t she?”
“That she is,” Joy smiled back. “Wait right here, and I’ll get your order.”
Joy practically ran into the back room and grabbed his box, hoping to hurry him along to get him out of the store. “Okay, here you go,” she said as she placed it by his feet.
“You’re an angel!” He opened the box and started to slowly comb through his books. “Have you ever read sci-fi?” he asked, looking up at her from the floor.
“I have, but I must confess I am a poetry fan,” she answered him.
“Hey, I won’t hold that against you,” Lenny shot back at her.
‘Idiot,’ Joy thought to herself. “How kind of you,” she said out loud.
“So, I was wondering when a good time would be to take you dancing,” he smiled as he stood up.
‘How about never,’ her mind raced. “I must confess something: I was so scared you would be mad I led you to believe I would go out with you. The truth is I already have a boyfriend so I really can’t go out with anyone else right now. I am sorry.”
“Really?” His tone made it clear he doubted her words. “What’s his name?”
The bell above the store doorway rang out, and her eyes shot towards it. “Charlie,” she almost screamed the name as she saw the familiar figure enter the store. “His name is Charlie, and as a matter of fact, here is my baby now.” She said as her eyes pleaded with Charlie to play along.
Charlie’s eyes caught the message as he looked at the man standing in front of her. Smiling, he opened his arms. “Come give me some loving, baby.” He thought to himself how much fun this promised to be.
Joy hesitated, but then remembered Lenny before she flew into his waiting embrace. “Oh, I am so happy you are here! I would like to introduce you to Mr. Williams. We were just discussing you, isn’t that a coincidence?”
“Sure is!” he hugged her tightly. “Where’s my kiss?”
Cursing her predicament, she lifted her head as her eyes glared at him. “Now, I don’t think that is appropriate given I am at work, darling,” she purred.
“But baby, it’s been two long weeks since I have seen you, and I am sure Mr. Williams would understand. So, what’s wrong with one small kiss to welcome me back?”
“I agree Joy, the man deserves that much,” Lenny chimed in.
Nervously, she laughed. “Of course honey, you definitely deserve this and so much more. Just wait ‘til I get you alone,” she said sweetly while her eyes shot daggers at him.
Charlie understood the double meaning, but he was willing to deal with that later. He was helping her out and intended to get something in return for his trouble. He lowered his head and kissed her lips sweetly. Surprised, he realized she returned the kiss as her arms wrapped around his neck. He groaned as she stepped away and smiled at him, “I think you can wait ‘til later for the rest.”
Clearing his throat, Lenny added, “Well I should be on my way, nice to meet you Charlie. Make sure to be good to this sweetie, now.”
Charlie kept his hand around her waist as he waved at Lenny. “I will, and nice to meet you.” As soon as the man had left their sight Joy jumped away from him.
“You are such a jerk,” she hissed at him.
Charlie smiled, “I know, but I couldn’t resist your charms. Besides, how often does that happen in life?” He threw his head back and laughed, “I am sorry, please forgive me, but I was doing you a favor.”
Joy’s anger melted as his laugh filled the room, and she found herself laughing right along with him. “You’re right; it was the least I could do. Thanks for playing along. That guy gives me the creeps.”
“Anytime,” he said to her.
“What can I really do for you today, Charlie?” Joy asked as she walked behind the counter.
“I need to buy a book,” he said.
“Great; anything in particular you are looking for?” she asked.
Charlie’s head fell and he looked at the floor, “I don’t know what he would like, and I was hoping you could help me with that.”
Joy sensed his uneasiness. “I am sure I can. Who is it for and it might help if you told what the occasion was,” she smiled at him.
“It’s for Mike. It’s his birthday tomorrow, and I want to get him something special. I know he loves books so I was hoping to get him something like that, something he will love, but I am lost as to what the right book might be.” He answered softly.
Joy felt for him. What to get the man who has everything, indeed? “Let me see. We can start with his past orders and go from there,” she suggested.
Charlie’s eyes lit up. “See? I knew you would be able to help me out.”
“Anything for my new boyfriend,” she teased as she winked at him. “Let me pull up his account, and we will go for there.”
Charlie leaned over the counter as her fingers flew across the keys of the computer. “You’re good at that.”
“Well, it is my job,” she smiled. “Oh yes, this will work nicely.”
“What did you figure out?” he asked.
“A beautiful book of love poems,” she replied.
“Poems? Does Mike like poems?” he asked.
“I assure you he does! We were talking about his love for poetry last night,” she informed him.
“Do poems make you sad?” he asked innocently.
Joy glanced over at him “You mean reading them? I don’t see why they would; I guess if you could feel the words then maybe. Why? Was he sad after I left last night?”
“He said he was tired, but I thought there was something more to it. You were not mean to him, were you?” he asked.
“No not at all; we just talked about poets, that’s all,” she said, surprised. “I hope I did nothing to upset him, but he seemed okay to me.”
“Mike’s kind of strange that way, it’s hard to describe. Have you ever met someone who sees the beauty in the smallest of things?”
Joy shook her head.
“Me neither, but he does. He is just an amazing person. Actually, I have never met anyone like him before.”
Joy felt her eyes fill with tears, “That’s beautiful, Charlie.”
Charlie looked away, “It’s not me, but it’s him.”
Clearing her throat, she asked, “Do you want me to wrap this as well?”
“Would you, please?” he answered.
As Joy wrapped it, he told her about his life and what Michael had done for him. Joy wiped her tears away before Charlie could see, she was so touched. She thought she was a fan, but the man talking to her now knew what it meant to be a real fan.
“You’re all set,” she said as she handed it to him. “Give me a call and let me know if he liked it, okay?”
“God bless you, girl.” Charlie pulled her in for a hug. “You ever get a day off?”
“We are closed on Sundays,” she said.
“Oh well, then I’ll call you here on Monday and let you know.”
“No, I can’t wait that long. Here is my home number; call me to let me know if he likes it,” Joy said.
“I am sure he will, but I better go.” Charlie headed toward the door.
“Bye, Charlie, come back and see us soon,” she said as he started outside.
“Will do, Blue Eyes,” he said as he smiled back at her.
He headed into the alley and lowered himself into the front seat of the waiting car.
“That took forever,” Michael said as he popped up from the floorboard.
Charlie smiled, “Get back down there ‘til I tell you to come out. Do you want her to see you?” He laughed as Michael followed the instruction.
“Did you get her number?” Michael asked.
“Of course I did,” he laughed as he started the car. The ride home was filled with him telling Michael the whole story. Michael laughed over the kissing part, and although Charlie left out what his present was, he knew he would love it.
“So what do I say?” Michael asked Charlie.
“I would start with hello,” came the answer.
“I mean how do I explain how I got her number? What if she is mad, or does not want me to call her?” Michael asked seriously.
“Man, you really don’t know how to do this, do you?”
Michael shook his head, indicating that indeed he did not.
“No problem; I’ll start the ball, and you can make it all seem like it was my idea.”
Michael smiled at him, “Great, so what’s first?”
Sighing, Charlie grabbed the phone, “Stick with me boy; I’ll find you a woman yet,” he said as he dialed the number. He waited until she answered then he said, “Hi blue eyes, is this a bad time?”
Joy’s heart raced with excitement. “No, I was just reading. How are you? Did he like the book?”
“Like it? He loved it. As a matter of fact, I think I am in his will now,” Charlie said as Michael’s hand flew over his mouth to cover his giggles. “You are a life saver.”
“I am just so happy I could help out,” she replied.
“Hold on a second,” he said to her in the phone, faking an interruption. Still speaking loud enough so she could hear it he continued, “I’m trying to talk to Joy here. What? Okay, I’ll ask.” Then, putting the phone back up closer to his mouth he said, “Listen Joy, Michael would like to say hello if that is cool with you.”
Joy felt for him. What to get the man who has everything, indeed? “Let me see. We can start with his past orders and go from there,” she suggested.
Charlie’s eyes lit up. “See? I knew you would be able to help me out.”
“Anything for my new boyfriend,” she teased as she winked at him. “Let me pull up his account, and we will go for there.”
Charlie leaned over the counter as her fingers flew across the keys of the computer. “You’re good at that.”
“Well, it is my job,” she smiled. “Oh yes, this will work nicely.”
“What did you figure out?” he asked.
“A beautiful book of love poems,” she replied.
“Poems? Does Mike like poems?” he asked.
“I assure you he does! We were talking about his love for poetry last night,” she informed him.
“Do poems make you sad?” he asked innocently.
Joy glanced over at him “You mean reading them? I don’t see why they would; I guess if you could feel the words then maybe. Why? Was he sad after I left last night?”
“He said he was tired, but I thought there was something more to it. You were not mean to him, were you?” he asked.
“No not at all; we just talked about poets, that’s all,” she said, surprised. “I hope I did nothing to upset him, but he seemed okay to me.”
“Mike’s kind of strange that way, it’s hard to describe. Have you ever met someone who sees the beauty in the smallest of things?”
Joy shook her head.
“Me neither, but he does. He is just an amazing person. Actually, I have never met anyone like him before.”
Joy felt her eyes fill with tears, “That’s beautiful, Charlie.”
Charlie looked away, “It’s not me, but it’s him.”
Clearing her throat, she asked, “Do you want me to wrap this as well?”
“Would you, please?” he answered.
As Joy wrapped it, he told her about his life and what Michael had done for him. Joy wiped her tears away before Charlie could see, she was so touched. She thought she was a fan, but the man talking to her now knew what it meant to be a real fan.
“You’re all set,” she said as she handed it to him. “Give me a call and let me know if he liked it, okay?”
“God bless you, girl.” Charlie pulled her in for a hug. “You ever get a day off?”
“We are closed on Sundays,” she said.
“Oh well, then I’ll call you here on Monday and let you know.”
“No, I can’t wait that long. Here is my home number; call me to let me know if he likes it,” Joy said.
“I am sure he will, but I better go.” Charlie headed toward the door.
“Bye, Charlie, come back and see us soon,” she said as he started outside.
“Will do, Blue Eyes,” he said as he smiled back at her.
He headed into the alley and lowered himself into the front seat of the waiting car.
“That took forever,” Michael said as he popped up from the floorboard.
Charlie smiled, “Get back down there ‘til I tell you to come out. Do you want her to see you?” He laughed as Michael followed the instruction.
“Did you get her number?” Michael asked.
“Of course I did,” he laughed as he started the car. The ride home was filled with him telling Michael the whole story. Michael laughed over the kissing part, and although Charlie left out what his present was, he knew he would love it.
“So what do I say?” Michael asked Charlie.
“I would start with hello,” came the answer.
“I mean how do I explain how I got her number? What if she is mad, or does not want me to call her?” Michael asked seriously.
“Man, you really don’t know how to do this, do you?”
Michael shook his head, indicating that indeed he did not.
“No problem; I’ll start the ball, and you can make it all seem like it was my idea.”
Michael smiled at him, “Great, so what’s first?”
Sighing, Charlie grabbed the phone, “Stick with me boy; I’ll find you a woman yet,” he said as he dialed the number. He waited until she answered then he said, “Hi blue eyes, is this a bad time?”
Joy’s heart raced with excitement. “No, I was just reading. How are you? Did he like the book?”
“Like it? He loved it. As a matter of fact, I think I am in his will now,” Charlie said as Michael’s hand flew over his mouth to cover his giggles. “You are a life saver.”
“I am just so happy I could help out,” she replied.
“Hold on a second,” he said to her in the phone, faking an interruption. Still speaking loud enough so she could hear it he continued, “I’m trying to talk to Joy here. What? Okay, I’ll ask.” Then, putting the phone back up closer to his mouth he said, “Listen Joy, Michael would like to say hello if that is cool with you.”
Joy wanted to scream. Was it ok with her? Please! “Oh that would be fine. I can wish him a happy birthday as well while I’m at it.”
“Great, here he is. Again, sweetie, thank you so much. See you soon,” he said as he handed Michael the phone and whispered, “Say hello first.”
Joy waited, holding her breath until the small voice said, “Hello, Joy.”
“Hi Michael, and happy birthday. Charlie said you loved his present.”
“I did it! It was a great arrangement of poems, and I can’t wait to read them,” he said honestly.
“Well, that’s wonderful. I guess I should let you go then, you must be busy,” Joy said without enthusiasm.
Michael almost screamed in her ear, “No, I’m not busy,” as his eyes shot to Charlie. Holding his hand on the phone he whispered, “She wants to let me go because I am busy.”
“Tell her you want to ask her something,” Charlie whispered back. “Play it smooth.”
“I want to ask you something,” he said into the phone, as Charlie shot him thumbs-up sign.
“Oh, okay then. What can I do for you?” Joy answered, glad he really did not have to get off the phone.
“Um, I was thinking that maybe you would like to come over next week and have dinner with me. I mean Charlie, too, of course, you know, so we can thank you for the book and… um…” Michael stopped not knowing what to say.
“Well, I would love to, but I would feel a bit weird about that. I mean I like you both but… um… just me?” Joy stammered out. With all her heart she wanted to say yes, but she did not want him to think she was easy and just wanted to hang out with guys.
Michael repeated what she had said to Charlie. Charlie whispered back and Michael smiled thinking he admired how smooth Charlie was in dealing with girls. “I would not want you to be uncomfortable, so why don’t you bring a friend? I promise it will be fun.”
Joy smiled, “I guess that would be fine, but you’ll have to help me decide on which of my friends to bring.”
“Bring them all; the more the merrier,” Michael said.
“Really? Okay, that sounds like fun. What time do you want me to come over?” she asked, smiling.
“How about after you get off work Saturday?”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive,” he replied. “I don’t sleep well at night anyway. We can start with a late night movie. If that’s okay with you.”
“It sounds just wonderful; I can’t wait,” she said, again smiling to herself.
“Oh, by the way,” Michael said, “Bring swimsuits as well. I have a pool.” Charlie shot him a big thumbs-up, and he tried not to laugh.
“I’ll see you then. Goodnight Michael,” Joy whispered into the phone.
“Night,” he said back and hung up the phone.
Joy jumped across the room. This was more than she ever hoped for. She ran back to the phone and called Amy and Debbie. Both screamed their approval, causing Joy to laugh at their excitement.
Michael beamed at Charlie, “It worked! She’s coming, but she is bringing friends.”
“Not to worry Mike, I got your back. I will keep the others away,” Charlie offered helpfully.
“I don’t see, how,” Michael replied, suddenly unsure of his plan.
“The ladies just love me. I’ll be smooth,” Charlie explained.
Michael highly doubted Charlie would be able to deliver, but he still prayed for the plan to work. He felt excited as he thought of maybe having some time alone with Joy.
“Hi Michael, and happy birthday. Charlie said you loved his present.”
“I did it! It was a great arrangement of poems, and I can’t wait to read them,” he said honestly.
“Well, that’s wonderful. I guess I should let you go then, you must be busy,” Joy said without enthusiasm.
Michael almost screamed in her ear, “No, I’m not busy,” as his eyes shot to Charlie. Holding his hand on the phone he whispered, “She wants to let me go because I am busy.”
“Tell her you want to ask her something,” Charlie whispered back. “Play it smooth.”
“I want to ask you something,” he said into the phone, as Charlie shot him thumbs-up sign.
“Oh, okay then. What can I do for you?” Joy answered, glad he really did not have to get off the phone.
“Um, I was thinking that maybe you would like to come over next week and have dinner with me. I mean Charlie, too, of course, you know, so we can thank you for the book and… um…” Michael stopped not knowing what to say.
“Well, I would love to, but I would feel a bit weird about that. I mean I like you both but… um… just me?” Joy stammered out. With all her heart she wanted to say yes, but she did not want him to think she was easy and just wanted to hang out with guys.
Michael repeated what she had said to Charlie. Charlie whispered back and Michael smiled thinking he admired how smooth Charlie was in dealing with girls. “I would not want you to be uncomfortable, so why don’t you bring a friend? I promise it will be fun.”
Joy smiled, “I guess that would be fine, but you’ll have to help me decide on which of my friends to bring.”
“Bring them all; the more the merrier,” Michael said.
“Really? Okay, that sounds like fun. What time do you want me to come over?” she asked, smiling.
“How about after you get off work Saturday?”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive,” he replied. “I don’t sleep well at night anyway. We can start with a late night movie. If that’s okay with you.”
“It sounds just wonderful; I can’t wait,” she said, again smiling to herself.
“Oh, by the way,” Michael said, “Bring swimsuits as well. I have a pool.” Charlie shot him a big thumbs-up, and he tried not to laugh.
“I’ll see you then. Goodnight Michael,” Joy whispered into the phone.
“Night,” he said back and hung up the phone.
Joy jumped across the room. This was more than she ever hoped for. She ran back to the phone and called Amy and Debbie. Both screamed their approval, causing Joy to laugh at their excitement.
Michael beamed at Charlie, “It worked! She’s coming, but she is bringing friends.”
“Not to worry Mike, I got your back. I will keep the others away,” Charlie offered helpfully.
“I don’t see, how,” Michael replied, suddenly unsure of his plan.
“The ladies just love me. I’ll be smooth,” Charlie explained.
Michael highly doubted Charlie would be able to deliver, but he still prayed for the plan to work. He felt excited as he thought of maybe having some time alone with Joy.
Chapter 6
The week dragged by for Joy, but it also gave her time to shop for a few new items for her stay at Neverland Ranch. Finally, the day arrived! She felt like she was sleep walking as she hurried to get ready, making sure to pack everything she needed so she could head straight there from work tonight.
The bell over the door made her groan as she had hoped to close a bit early tonight.
“Hey Joy, are you hiding in here?” Lenny’s voice echoed through the shop.
“Mr. Williams, so nice to see you, what can I do for you?” she said pleasantly.
“I need a new book for the weekend, and since you are closed on Sundays I ran down before you closed to pick one out.” He smiled at her. “I was hoping to try one with poetry in it. What do you suggest?”
“Poetry?” she questioned.
“Yeah, you said you liked it, and if you like it then it can’t be bad. I am going to broaden my horizons, so to speak.”
“Well, I am honored to be such an influence. I think I have just the perfect one for a new reader.” She walked over to a bookcase and pulled one out.
“Does it have pictures?” Joy looked at him and realized he was teasing. ‘Money back if you don’t like it,” she said, smiling back at him.
“How is Charlie?” he inquired.
“Just fine, thank you for asking. I am on my way to see him after we close up. I can’t wait,” she said honestly.
“Well that’s great, tell him I said hello then. You better ring me up so you can be on your way, I guess,” he said as he walked to the counter.
Joy took his money and handed him the bag, “Now remember if you don’t like it then bring it back, but I hope you will enjoy it.”
“I am sure I will.” he said as he walked out.
Joy hurried to lock the door behind him and ran through the store finishing up her work so she could get out of there. As she turned off the lights, she had an eerie feeling she was being watched. She quickly locked the door behind her and ran to her car. Safely inside, she locked the car doors, breathing a little easier before she started the car. Pulling out, she made her way to Debbie’s house to pick her and Amy up and then it was off to Neverland for the rest of the week-end.
Charlie was waiting for them at the gates and quickly let them in. “Evening ladies, I will meet you up front at the house.”
Joy waved to him and went down the familiar drive way. She could not wait to see it in the daylight tomorrow. As she parked in the front of the house, Charlie appeared at her side of the car and opened her door.
“How did you get here so fast?”
Charlie hugged her then pointed to a golf cart, “My carriage.”
“Oh, Charlie, this is Amy and Debbie, my best friends. Girls, this is Charlie. He works for Michael,” she explained.
“Hi Charlie,” they said as they shook his hand.
“This way, please,” he said and started to the back of the house again.
Joy glanced around. “Charlie, is Michael going to join us?”
“In a bit. I am supposed to show you to the guest cottages and let you get settled then take you to the main house. Are you all hungry?”
“Starving,” they said in unison and giggled.
“Well I lost that bet! Michael just knew you would be, but I thought you would be too excited to eat,” Charlie said chuckling.
“I think we are both,” Amy said.
“Yeah, I have not eaten all day,” Debbie added.
Charlie smiled at them and shook his head. “Okay, so get settled, then come in that door on the side,” he said as he walked out.
Debbie could not contain herself any longer and screamed, “We are in Neverland!”
Joy looked at her friend seriously. “Please remember to treat him like anyone else. Let’s just have fun, okay?”
“Okay.” Amy agreed. “But when it’s just us we get to scream.”
Joy changed out of her dress into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Looking at her friends she asked, “Are you all ready?” After they nodded, Joy lead the way to the door Charlie had pointed out, and they went inside.
Charlie had been waiting for their arrival and he winked at Michael before he left to go fetch them. Michael took a nervous breath as he looked at the table. He wanted an elegant dinner, but maybe it was too much. He heard their footsteps in the hall and turned to greet them.
“Hi, Joy,” he said as he walked across the floor and gave her a hug.
Joy introduced her friends and Michael hugged them as well, Charlie helped the ladies sit down as Michael went to tell the cook they were ready. He was impressed her friends remained so calm.
“Is wine okay with dinner?” he asked as he came back in.
“Sounds great,” Amy answered for them.
They sat and ate, involved in a lively conversation. Joy’s friends filled Michael in on everything about her he dared to ask. They laughed and joked as Michael was having the time of his life.
“It’s a very pretty home you have here, Michael,” Debbie said to him.
Michael smiled in her direction, and her heart leapt. “Thank you Debbie, and might I say I am so happy you both came with Joy to see me this weekend.”
“She had no choice, really. If she hadn’t brought us we would have hidden in her car and come anyway,” Amy laughed.
“Well I hope you will have fun and maybe we can do it again sometime.” Laughing, he offered, “Would you all like a tour of the house?”
“Yes,” they all answered with excitement.
Joy was impressed with the art pieces Michael had on the walls, but her heart stopped as they entered the library. “Oh my God!” she said as she looked at the books covering the walls there. “Have you read all these?”
Michael came up behind her, and his voice startled her. “Most of them.” He noticed her jump. “Sorry. Did I scare you?”
“No, not at all,” she lied.
“Yeah, I scared you,” Michael smiled. Looking over at Charlie, he was surprised to see Amy and Debbie were chatting away with him quite busily. Turning his attention back to Joy, he asked, “Do you ever take your hair out of that bun?”
Joy’s hand flew to her head, “Oh, it would be a mess if I did it now.”
“I would like it to see it down sometime,” he requested.
“Now?” she asked, glancing over at her friends.
“If you want,” he said pointing to the couch. “I can help.”
Joy’s knees felt weak. Michael was going to take her hair down for her. “I left my brush in the room, it will be a mess.”
“She had no choice, really. If she hadn’t brought us we would have hidden in her car and come anyway,” Amy laughed.
“Well I hope you will have fun and maybe we can do it again sometime.” Laughing, he offered, “Would you all like a tour of the house?”
“Yes,” they all answered with excitement.
Joy was impressed with the art pieces Michael had on the walls, but her heart stopped as they entered the library. “Oh my God!” she said as she looked at the books covering the walls there. “Have you read all these?”
Michael came up behind her, and his voice startled her. “Most of them.” He noticed her jump. “Sorry. Did I scare you?”
“No, not at all,” she lied.
“Yeah, I scared you,” Michael smiled. Looking over at Charlie, he was surprised to see Amy and Debbie were chatting away with him quite busily. Turning his attention back to Joy, he asked, “Do you ever take your hair out of that bun?”
Joy’s hand flew to her head, “Oh, it would be a mess if I did it now.”
“I would like it to see it down sometime,” he requested.
“Now?” she asked, glancing over at her friends.
“If you want,” he said pointing to the couch. “I can help.”
Joy’s knees felt weak. Michael was going to take her hair down for her. “I left my brush in the room, it will be a mess.”
“We can go over there,” he suggested.
Joy swallowed as she looked into his eyes, trying to figure out what he wanted from her.
“It is giving me a bit of a headache.”
“Okay, hold on,” he walked over to Charlie and her friends, said something, then he returned to her on the couch. “Okay, they will be fine until we get back.” Holding out his hand, he helped her up and led her across the grounds to her room. He opened the door for her and waited for her to retrieve her brush from her bag. As she walked back to him, he held out his hand for the brush.
“You honestly want to brush my hair?” she asked.
Michael smiled, “Yup, sit on the bed and take that out.”
Joy sat where he indicated and began to unfasten the tight bun. Michael came behind her on the bed and sat down. The hair fell way below her waist, and he placed his hands in it to smooth it out a bit. Her hair felt so soft in his hands; he could smell the strawberry shampoo she used. As his fingers ran through her hair, goose bumps rose on her arms.
Michael began to brush it out and Joy closed her eyes and enjoyed the attention, feeling she could fall asleep right there. Michael smiled as she relaxed against him. He never wanted to stop, but everyone was waiting on them. The hair was wavy with small ringlet curls that had a mind of their own.
“Okay, all better,” Michael said as he stopped brushing. Joy took the brush from him and walked to the mirror on shaking legs.
“I have been meaning to have this cut.”
“No, don’t do that; it’s beautiful,” Michael said to her.
“Thank you, you were right. Having it open feels much better already,” Joy said as she walked back to him on the bed. She held her hand out. He smiled as he allowed her to pull him back up. Her hand remained in his all the way back to the house. Following the sound of laughter and music they found her friends dancing in a room filled with video games and a pool table.
Michael smiled, “Yup, sit on the bed and take that out.”
Joy sat where he indicated and began to unfasten the tight bun. Michael came behind her on the bed and sat down. The hair fell way below her waist, and he placed his hands in it to smooth it out a bit. Her hair felt so soft in his hands; he could smell the strawberry shampoo she used. As his fingers ran through her hair, goose bumps rose on her arms.
Michael began to brush it out and Joy closed her eyes and enjoyed the attention, feeling she could fall asleep right there. Michael smiled as she relaxed against him. He never wanted to stop, but everyone was waiting on them. The hair was wavy with small ringlet curls that had a mind of their own.
“Okay, all better,” Michael said as he stopped brushing. Joy took the brush from him and walked to the mirror on shaking legs.
“I have been meaning to have this cut.”
“No, don’t do that; it’s beautiful,” Michael said to her.
“Thank you, you were right. Having it open feels much better already,” Joy said as she walked back to him on the bed. She held her hand out. He smiled as he allowed her to pull him back up. Her hand remained in his all the way back to the house. Following the sound of laughter and music they found her friends dancing in a room filled with video games and a pool table.
Charlie noticed they were holding hands as he watched them come in. He smiled at them both and turned back to Amy. He laughed as she tried and failed yet again to moonwalk.
“I will never get it,” she laughed.
Michael laughed and released Joy’s hand to walk across the floor to Amy. “Let the master show you how it is done.”
“Show ‘em Mike!” Charlie encouraged him as Amy and Debbie worked to learn it. “Not bad,” he hollered to Debbie as she improved under Michael’s direction.
Joy sat by Charlie and laughed as she watched; Michael made it look so easy.
“Come on Joy,” Amy yelled, “Show Michael what you can do.”
Joy laughed and kicked off her shoes, leaving her socks on. Jumping up, she moonwalked over to them.
“I did not see that coming,” Charlie yelled. “Watch her now.”
Michael clapped his hands. “You’re very good.”
“I should be; I have been watching you do it for years,” she smiled at him.
“Oh, now the truth comes out: are you a fan, Joy?” Michael asked.
Joy laughed, “You bet your ass, I am! Surprised?”
“Yes,” he answered, blushing.
The next few hours flew by as they danced and had fun together. Seeing her friends yawn, Joy suggested that maybe they should get some sleep.
Charlie glanced at his watch, “Wow, it’s 5 a.m! Time has flown by.”
“Okay everyone, we better take a nap,” Michael suggested.
“We are going to sleep the day away,” Amy whined.
“Don’t worry. I don’t sleep much. Six hours and everyone gets up, deal?” Michael suggested.
“Deal,” they all agreed.
The girls made their way back to the cottage.
“So Joy, what did you two really sneak off to do?” Debbie asked after they were in bed.
“Nothing. We came in here and he brushed my hair out; it was nice,” she answered.
“I think he likes you a lot,” Amy whispered.
Joy sighed, “I hope so.”
“Hey, what about Charlie? Does he have a girlfriend?” Debbie asked.
“Do you like him?” Joy asked, looking over to her friend.
“I think he is sweet, and he is very open and honest. I like that,” she replied.
“I’ll find out tomorrow for you,” Joy promised. “Good night, girls.”
“Night,” they both said.
(To be continued…)
Joy sat by Charlie and laughed as she watched; Michael made it look so easy.
“Come on Joy,” Amy yelled, “Show Michael what you can do.”
Joy laughed and kicked off her shoes, leaving her socks on. Jumping up, she moonwalked over to them.
“I did not see that coming,” Charlie yelled. “Watch her now.”
Michael clapped his hands. “You’re very good.”
“I should be; I have been watching you do it for years,” she smiled at him.
“Oh, now the truth comes out: are you a fan, Joy?” Michael asked.
Joy laughed, “You bet your ass, I am! Surprised?”
“Yes,” he answered, blushing.
The next few hours flew by as they danced and had fun together. Seeing her friends yawn, Joy suggested that maybe they should get some sleep.
Charlie glanced at his watch, “Wow, it’s 5 a.m! Time has flown by.”
“Okay everyone, we better take a nap,” Michael suggested.
“We are going to sleep the day away,” Amy whined.
“Don’t worry. I don’t sleep much. Six hours and everyone gets up, deal?” Michael suggested.
“Deal,” they all agreed.
The girls made their way back to the cottage.
“So Joy, what did you two really sneak off to do?” Debbie asked after they were in bed.
“Nothing. We came in here and he brushed my hair out; it was nice,” she answered.
“I think he likes you a lot,” Amy whispered.
Joy sighed, “I hope so.”
“Hey, what about Charlie? Does he have a girlfriend?” Debbie asked.
“Do you like him?” Joy asked, looking over to her friend.
“I think he is sweet, and he is very open and honest. I like that,” she replied.
“I’ll find out tomorrow for you,” Joy promised. “Good night, girls.”
“Night,” they both said.
(To be continued…)