By the end of the second double brandy and coke, it was time to leave to go be with Billy. I was a little merry, just bordering on tipsy. I think having the coke drown out the brandy helped.
Hugging a very drunk Chris, I said my goodbyes. “I don’t think you should drink anymore, Chris. You don’t want to be sick tomorrow.”
Smiling, he gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Look how times have changed, dear Cassie. It was always me giving parental advice, and now it’s you.”
Laughing, I grabbed his arm. “Isn’t that how it turns out at times?”
“I suppose so,” he hiccupped.
Terry wrapped his arm around Chris. “Don’t worry, Cassie. His big brother will look after him. I’ll take him home soon.”
“Make sure you do,” I nodded.
We all said our goodbyes as Simeon and I headed outside. The air was fierce with cold as I gripped onto Simeon with all my might.
“I told you you’d get cold.”
Gritting my teeth together, I was determined not to back down. “I’m fine.”
Simeon looked at me and laughed. “Okay, whatever you say. Luckily, the other bar is only around this corner.”
Breathing in the cold air, I took in the sights around us. All the decorative lights were twinkling in full force. In the distance, singing could be heard as the Christmas carolers were out spreading their joy.
Looking around to locate the sound, my eyes locked onto a group of women and children. They were all dressed up in Victorian-era clothes, nestling baskets in their arms. They were simply magical to watch.
“Can we watch for a moment?” I asked Simeon.
“Of course.”
We stood there as they bellowed God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman. Simeon had his arms around me, radiating his warmth. For a moment, I felt content and relaxed. However, I knew that once the evening ended, I would go back to my studio alone and face another night without Stephen.
My thoughts were suddenly interrupted as the song Silent Night filed the air. I breathed in and closed my eyes. For a moment, I lost myself, imagining I was in Stephen’s arms. It was so easy to get lost in the moment. So easy to imagine that it was real.
The song ended, but they soon picked up with Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. As if my senses couldn’t cope with much more, I was assaulted by the sounds of children laughing.
My heart twisted. The sounds that had become all too familiar to me now echoed around, trying to get me to hear, trying to get me to listen.
“Cassie, are you okay?”
Snapping out of my stupor, I looked up at Simeon. It would be so easy to imagine him as Stephen, to take him in my arms and kiss him. But, despite what he looked like, he could never compare to Stephen. He would never be Stephen.
“I’m fine,” I finally said with a smile. “Shall we head in? I’m sure my uncle must be wondering where we are by now.”
Nodding, he squeezed me tighter. “Sure. Let’s go.”
Heading into the packed bar filled with Christmas celebrators, Simeon and I trudged through the crowd looking for Billy. It wasn’t long before we found him with his friend, Clayton, laughing. I could tell he was already well on his way to becoming very merry. His chubby cheeks were red, and his blue eyes had that drunken glaze.
“Cassie!” he shouted rather drunkenly.
“Time for round two,” I whispered to Simeon with a smile.
Simeon bent down so I could hear him better. “Time to suck it up, Cassie. That’s what families are for.” He winked.
“Come here and stop hogging that handsome man to yourself. Other people want to appreciate him.”
“Billy!” I scolded, embarrassed. He was never very subtle with his approach to anything. Billy told it how it was—pure and simple.
“It’s okay, Cassie. I don’t mind people appreciating me.”
Rolling my eyes, we sat down. “Can your head be any bigger?”
Simeon stared at me with a mischievous glare. “I don’t know. Can your tone be more sarcastic?”
“Now, now, you two. Let’s not have a domestic on Christmas Eve. Remember, I’m getting married tomorrow.”
“How could we forget?” I knew I was being slightly rude, but I also knew Billy would take it in stride.
“Cassie, don’t be rude to your uncle,” Billy joked.
“Sorry, Billy,” I replied with a pout. “What can I get you to drink?” I knew the question would bring him around again. I could see it in his drunken grin.
“Both Clayton and I will have a whiskey, please.”
Nodding, I rose out of my chair, but Simeon stopped me. “I’ll go get them. I assume you want the same as before?”
I stared at him for a moment as he stood above me. His blues eyes twinkled in the light. “Yes, please.”
I watched as Simeon disappeared. I couldn’t help the sigh that escaped me.
“I would be like that if I had someone like him in my life, too.”
Snapping my head around, I turned to see Clayton smile. He had a tender smile, which quickly lit up his rough features. If you didn’t know him, you would feel like he was unapproachable at times, but behind his rough exterior, he was a little pussycat. He was tall and slim, with chocolate eyes and long dreadlocks. He was an avid fan of Bob Marley, and everyone who saw him could tell.
“He’s quite something.” He may not be Stephen, but he was still easy on the eyes. A little too easy on the eyes.
“Are you all set for tomorrow?” my uncle asked, changing the subject.
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” I chuckled. I knew what my uncle was about to say. It was what he always said.
“I’ve been ready for years, Cassie.”
Softening my features, I reached out and grabbed his arm just as Simeon returned with the drinks. “I know you have.”
Motioning to Simeon, Billy suddenly laughed as he pointed towards me. “You know, this girl used to drive me up the wall when she was little.”
Choking on the drink I had just sipped, my eyes bulged. Looking at Simeon, I sputtered, “And this is coming from the man who once told me Mr. Wigglesby chewed up my Barbie doll.” Simeon looked completely confused. “I had this Barbie doll and everywhere I went, she went. One day, it went missing and Billy told me my cat had chewed it. Well, I was beside myself. I didn’t speak to Mr. Wigglesby for two weeks after that. Little did I know that Billy stood on her and snapped her in half.” I glanced at Billy and shook my head.
Billy looked away in shame. He still had the biggest grin on his face, though. “I bought you a new one, didn’t I?” I could tell he was about ready to burst into giggles.
“Yes, but only after you admitted what you had done.” I shook my head again.
“Well, I couldn’t face seeing you turning your nose up at Mr. Wigglesby. You loved that cat with a vengeance. The poor thing didn’t know what to do with himself.”
I loved that cat and I remembered how rotten I felt at the thought that I had practically disowned him for two whole weeks. “Well, I was turning my nose up at the wrong person then.”
Billy shook his head. “Mr. Wigglesby was not a person, Cassie.”
I wasn’t going to let him get away with it. “He was to me. I loved that cat.”
“What happened?” Simeon interjected.
Smiling, I suddenly had the urge to chuckle a little. It was quite ridiculous to think the grudge was still there. I could almost see myself folding my arms like a spoiled child. “I forgave Billy. I couldn’t stay mad at him for long.”
Simeon shook his head, chuckling. “No. I meant the cat. I assume he’s not here anymore?”
“Oh, sorry.” I giggled. “Yes, unfortunately, he died about seven years ago.”
“I had a dog once.” Clayton snapped his mouth shut and eyed us all. “The bastard stole my chicken. I never saw him again after that.”
All of us sat there, staring at Clayton. Suddenly, we all erupted in laughter as Clayton sipped his drink and shook his head at t
he memory.
Deciding it was time to change the subject, I raised my drink. “I would like to propose a toast to my beloved uncle and best friend. You have given me so much and asked for nothing in return. You are a beautiful person inside and out, and nothing I could do or say could thank you enough for everything you’ve done.” I stopped a moment as Billy started getting emotional. I could feel the lump forming so shook my head, clearing my throat. “To the happy couple!”
“To the happy couple!” Simeon and Clayton repeated.
“Cassie, I need to speak with you about something a moment. Can we go to the bar?” Billy said after taking a drink.
Shrugging, I got up and followed him to the bar. “Is everything okay?” I asked.
“Everything is fine. I just wanted to speak to you about the dream you keep having. I wanted to ask you a question.”
Intrigued, I urged him to continue, “Okay. Go ahead.”
Billy cleared his throat and looked at me. “Have you ever tried just opening it?”
Laughing, I gently slapped the bar with one hand. “You know I have, Billy.”
“No. Have you ever tried opening it like a door should be opened?”
I looked away for a moment, perplexed. “All I can remember doing is kicking, screaming, and punching at it.” I knew Billy was trying to figure it out, so I had to listen. Lord knows how much he had helped me in the past.
“Why don’t you just try to open it? Find the handle and turn it like a normal door?”
It sounded so simple. I had to sit there for a moment so I could try and find a memory of doing just that. Had I tried to find a handle? Was there even one? I couldn’t remember.
“I’m not too sure, Billy. What you say sounds so easy.”
Shrugging, he took a sip of his drink. “Sometimes the hardest things have the simplest solutions.”
*****
Much later into the evening, I quickly realised I had too much to drink. It was getting close to midnight, so the euphoria was growing around us. Simeon had already done the same blessing for Billy as he had done for Chris. Billy sobbed, and I offered comfort and support as best I could. The evening was running along nicely, but I was feeling a little out of sorts with the alcohol.
“You are so schmexy,” I said to Simeon as I flicked his nose with my finger. I sat down on his lap and wrapped my arms around his neck. For some reason, I was feeling a lot drunker than I should have been.
“And I think you are very drunk, Miss Johnson.”
Shaking my head, I closed my eyes. The problem with that was I felt dizzy so had to open them back up. “I’m not...not...not drunk,” I finally stuttered.
“Merry Christmas!” someone shouted. Everyone erupted with cheers as I gazed into Simeon’s eyes. They were Stephen’s eyes.
“Merry Christmas, Stephen,” I slurred before I crushed my lips to his. At first, his body was rigid and I wondered why on earth he would not want to reciprocate. But, pretty soon, he relaxed as he rolled his tongue into my mouth and cupped the back of my head.
“Hey...hey!” a voice I recognised tried to pull me out of my bliss. I slapped my hand behind me to get the person to stop, then I felt a tug on my arm.
“Cassie, that’s enough now. Stop swallowing Simeon up,” someone growled into my ear.
With my thoughts clearing, I let go of Stephen’s mouth and looked behind me. “What are you talking about, Uncle Billy? This is Stephen.”
Shaking his head, he bent down to whisper in my ear, “It’s not Stephen, sweetie. It’s Simeon.” I looked at him, confused. What was he talking about?
Snapping his head away from me, he looked over at Stephen. “I think she’s had enough to drink. Maybe I should take her home.”
“It’s fine. I’ll take her home. I promise I’ll take good care of her,” Stephen said back.
Unsure, Billy frowned. Stephen grabbed his hand. “You enjoy your evening. I swear I’ll look after her.”
Billy nodded, pulling me off Stephen’s lap. “Merry Christmas, Uncle Billy.”
I snuggled into his chest and breathed in his sweet smell. After a moment, he pulled me away and cupped my face. “Are you going to be okay?”
I frowned. “Of course I’m going to be okay. I have Stephen with me now, don’t I?”
Billy smiled and kissed my cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow at one. Make sure you’ve sobered up by then.”
Waving my hand, I shook my head. “I’m fine. I’m not drunk.” I staggered a little and fell back into Stephen’s arms, giggling. What was wrong with me?
“I’m going to take her home. I’ve already called a taxi.”
Billy nodded. “Thank you. I think that is best.”
Picking me up in his arms, Stephen carried me towards the door. “Good night, Billy. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas!” both Billy and Clayton shouted as the door closed behind us.
The sudden surge of cold hit me more than I thought it would. “Don’t worry. I got you,” the familiar voice said.
I embraced the words, smiling. “You’ve always got me, silly. You were always there for me, even when we were little.”
Snuggling my head in his chest, I breathed in his scent. “What are you talking about, Cassie? We’ve only known each other a few weeks.”
Pulling my head back, I frowned at him. Was he joking? What was wrong with him? “Stop being silly, Alexander.” His head reared back in shock. I smiled and cupped his face, searching his eyes. “You found me, Alexander. I thought you would never come. You promised and you found me.” Sighing, I closed my eyes and snuggled into his arms again. Sleep seemed to come over me like a tidal wave. “You hurt me though, Alexander. You hurt me,” I whispered, my head feeling lighter and lighter.
In the distance, I heard the sound of a car pulling over. “She’s not going to be sick, is she?” a voice said in frustration.
“Of course not!” Stephen snapped. “We’re only going five minutes down the road.” I heard the car door shut.
“If she hurls, I’ll charge you double,” the voice muttered under his breath.
I felt Stephen sigh beneath me, but he didn’t say anything. I could hear the muffled sounds of I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday playing on the radio as I snuggled into his chest. The euphoria I felt was overwhelming me. I was in his arms and it felt wonderful.
After a couple minutes, the taxi came to a stop as Stephen slid over to open the door. “See, I told you she wouldn’t be sick.” He handed money over the man and muttered, “And Merry Christmas to you, too.”
Giggling, I pulled my hand up to his face and rubbed his stubbly cheek. “You’re funny, Stephen.”
He shook his head. “Where’s your key?” he asked.
“Why? Do you want to get me into bed?” Throwing my head back, I giggled.
Stephen smiled. “Yes, but not for the reasons you’re thinking.”
Waving my foot up into the air, I smiled. “What could I possibly be thinking, Stephen?”
“Cassie, where’s the key?”
“In my bag,” I smiled. Bringing the bag onto my lap, I fished around for the key. It took a little while, but I eventually got it. “Voila!” I announced, holding the key in the air. “Lean in a bit so I can get the key in the lock.”
He did and I fumbled and giggled as I tried to get the key in the hole. “Hopefully we won’t have that problem later.” A flurry of chuckles left me as Stephen pushed the door open.
“Cassie, you are so adorable.”
Flicking his nose again, I got close to his face. “And you’re schmexy.”
Stephen flopped me down onto the bed as I heaved a heavy sigh. As he pulled away, I grabbed his hand. “Don’t leave me, Stephen,” I pleaded.
Laying down beside me, he took me in his arms. “I won’t. I promise.”
Closing my eyes, I snuggled into his chest again. “I know you mean it. You always keep your promises.” And then the world turned black.
Chapter 21
>
Feather-light kisses are the only thing I could feel. I could feel his lips on my thighs, my stomach, my chest. Moaning, I grabbed a handful of his hair and fisted it tightly. I’m dreaming. I must be dreaming.
“Stephen,” I whispered as his kisses intensified.
In my daze, I realised I was naked. I didn’t recall ever being naked in my dreams before. It was strange, but I welcomed it. If Stephen was with me, I welcomed it.
“I want you so bad, Cassie. I always have.” I felt him lean towards me and I felt his erection. His lips crushed to mine with such severity, it took my breath away.
“Stephen…,” I said between kisses.
“What do you want me to do to you, Cassie? Tell me what it is you want?”
“Touch me,” I whispered into his mouth.
I felt his hand on my nipple and I moaned, arching my back in pleasure. I’d never had a dream quite like this before. It was so real, so rich, so intense.
“I’ve got to be inside you, Cassie. Open your legs for me. Let me feel how ready you are.”
This was definitely a first. I had never been touched there before and it both scared and thrilled me. It’s Stephen, though. He would know what to do. He would make sure I was okay. He would protect me and look after me. I know he would.
“Cassie,” he said, claiming my mouth again.
“Stephen,” I whispered into the dark, then opened my eyes, quickly realising it wasn’t a dream. This was all too real.
“Stephen?” I asked into the dimly lit room. My head was still fuzzy and, for some reason, it didn’t seem like it was the drinking. I had never felt like this whenever I drank alcohol before.
Kissing my neck, Stephen pulled back to look into my eyes. His smile was wide as I cupped his face.
Leaning down, he kissed me again, running his finger over my nipple. The feeling sent a shiver down my spine. A similar shiver to the one I felt when Stephen was with me in spirit.
But if he can only be with me in spirit, how come he was with me in body now? Why were we both naked, lying in my bed as he was kissing me relentlessly?