Just then Jaime straightened up with a serious look as a though a thought occurred to her, “Did you tell her about the fellowship?” she asked.
“I don’t know about the fellowship.”
“Semantics, Jason. Did you tell her there’s a possibility you’re moving back to Seattle? Again?” Jaime pressed.
Jason pursed his lips and shook his head. His sister looked at him incredulously then sighed and patted his arm.
“You should talk to her. Tonight,” she said pointing at him. Something caught her attention over Jason’s shoulder, “My date’s here, I’ve gotta go. Keep your distance and don’t embarrass me,” she said sternly. Jason nodded his head in acknowledgement, then watched as his twin practically skipped up to a guy near the door. From what he could see of the guy he looked normal, but you really never could tell. Jason was definitely going to need to get his last name.
~*~
After working out and showering, Jason decided to surprise Kara at the bakery, hoping to spend some time with her since their evening wasn’t going to pan out. Considering they had just begun dating Jason was amazed at how often he wanted to see her; he couldn't get enough of her. The woman consumed his thoughts, and he found himself planning things to do with her, and thinking of places to take her. Jason was falling fast for her and it scared him. It wasn't love. It couldn’t be, not yet, but he was surely infatuated with her. The more he thought about Kara and high school, the more irritated he became with his past. Why had he closed himself off? And if he hadn't, would they have even been interested in one another? Kara was pretty back then, but the woman she was now was indescribable. Would a teen love have lasted? Could it have grown into what might be possible now?
He looked up directions to Kara’s bakery on his cell phone and headed in that direction, stopping by the store to pick up a bouquet of roses in a lovely vase
At the bakery there was nobody behind the counter, but there was a bell and a cute sign written in elegant calligraphy directing him to "ring bell for service." Jason tapped the bell gently, listening to the ding echo. A moment later Kara came out and Jason couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. She stood there, hair in a ponytail, flour and icing covering her apron. Across her brow there ran a smudge of blue, where a wisp of hair had fallen and she had tucked it behind her ear, leaving the telltale icing behind.
"Hi," he said as he placed the vase of flowers on the counter in front of him.
"Hi!" Kara was surprised to see him, and seemed instantly self conscious of her haphazard appearance; her hands patting at her apron as if to make it all disappear. Her attention focused on the flowers and she gasped at the vase in shock, walking over to touch the tip of a rose and lean in to breathe in the scent.
"They're beautiful!"
"They're for you." Jason pointed out needlessly and grinned.
Kara looked at Jason, her mouth hanging open as she began to giggle like a school girl. "Jason, they are lovely." Her mouth was still open, as if she had more to say, but instead she grabbed him and pulled him down to her for a passionate kiss.
"I can't believe you brought me flowers!" She appeared giddy from his presence as she looked from him to the flowers, a huge smile lighting up her face.
Jason laughed, "Why?"
"Nobody has ever brought me flowers before," Kara admitted, still looking stunned.
"Seriously?" The thought was inconceivable to him.
Kara just nodded and smelled the roses again.
"Well, then I've got a lot of making up to do for the idiocy of the male sex you’ve been dating!" Kara laughed and launched herself at him, hugging him hard.
After she released him, Jason took a moment to walk around the small shop. “So, Kara Baker owns a bakery.”
She chuckled, “Yeah I guess it was destiny, last name Baker and all. Plus my dad couldn’t cook, so I had to learn quickly out of self preservation, and then I ended up enjoying it.”
“Well if those cupcakes are any indication of your skills, I’m not surprised you’re so busy.” He grinned. "What time do you think you'll finish up here?" He was thinking over plans for the evening, hoping they could spend some of it together, one way or another.
"Ugh, I don't know; I've got two orders that need to be finished, so it might be kind of late actually." Kara's disappointment was written all over her face, mimicking Jason's own disappointment.
He looked deep in thought for a second before asking, "Want some help?"
Kara beamed up at him, "Really?"
"Just tell me what to do and I'll do it, but don't be afraid to shove me out of the way if you need to. I'd like to stay and keep you company if that's alright."
"I'd love that."
They spent the evening laughing and baking while Kara attempted to teach Jason a few tricks, but for the most part he did as he said he would; he stayed out of the way, helped in the small ways he could without messing anything up, and kept her company.
“It’s official. You’re too perfect to be real,” she said, as they closed up for the night. Jason just smiled silently, and slipped his arm around her shoulder as they walked to the parking lot.
Chapter Eleven
“Your total is twenty-two, seventy-four.” Kara handed her credit card to the bartender who was taking the payment for to-go orders. As her credit slip printed the bartender leaned forward to hand her a pen, then watched her intently as she signed for payment. He brushed his fingers against hers as he took the returned pen and winked as he told her to have a nice evening. Kara flushed slightly and nodded her head as she turned to leave. She wasn’t used to getting a lot of attention and laughed to herself at the irony of suddenly being attractive to men when she was quite certain she’d found the only man she wanted to be with. Unfortunately, she couldn’t be with him this evening as Jason was scheduled to work. While Kara had been busy during the day at the bakery, her evening was free. Upon hearing this, Evalyn declared the evening ‘girl’s night’ after work. Kara agreed to head over to Eva and Eric’s after she closed up shop, and mentally began preparing herself for the inquisition that was sure to come. Now here she was picking up dinner on the way, and if she knew Evalyn, there would be margaritas already in the blender, and Eva’s ‘Ritas, on an empty stomach always ended badly.
“In the living room!” Eva called to her friend as Kara opened the door and walked into the house. Evalyn was sitting on the couch already waiting, two iced glasses of frozen margaritas sitting on the coffee table in front of her. Kara snickered lightly and shook her head when she saw her friend; Eva was so predictable. Kara sat down and picked up one of the glasses and took a sip. It was strong, also predictable.
Placing her drink back down, Kara picked up the bag of food at her feet, “I brought dinner.” She held the bag of take out by her fingers and dangled it in front of Evalyn, who grabbed it eagerly.
“What did you get?”
“We’re having margaritas, right?” Kara said pointing at the frosted glasses filled to the brim, “What else would I get?”
Evalyn rolled her eyes and set the bag down, turning it to read Casa Rosa, before emptying the contents onto the coffee table. She immediately popped open the container of queso and grabbed a chip. Kara settled herself in next to Eva and reached for a chip herself.
“So, spill,” Eva demanded as she pulled her legs up Indian style and looked at her friend expectantly.
Kara beamed and laid her head back against the couch cushion. "I don't kiss and tell." She leaned forward and grabbed the container holding her cheese enchiladas then settled back into the couch as she opened it. Pulling her fork out the plastic utensil bag she took a bite.
Eva snorted and threw one of the couch pillows at her, almost causing Kara to drop her food. "Please bitch, I have no interest in the kissing ..." Kara swallowed, trying not to choke from laughing, and stuffed the pillow Eva had thrown behind her back.
"I need stats. Size, skill level, special talents ..." Eva motioned for Kara to
proceed as she leaned over and grabbed her own container of food.
"I'm so not telling you size." Kara looked at Eva pointedly.
"Small then? Because really, he didn’t look small."
"NO! He's not small," Kara replied emphatically. "I just know you, if we talk about it, you'll be eying his junk the next time you see him. Obviously, you already have been."
"Like that wouldn't happen anyway." Eva snorted and took a drink of her margarita.
Kara looked at her friend sideways, "You do remember you're married right?"
"Hey, my man is packing," Eva bragged, "besides, I'm going to say Jason's about a seven and a half," she said, nodding to herself as she took a bite of her enchiladas.
Kara just stared at her wide eyed.
"What?” Eva mumbled shrugging, her mouth still full, “It's a gift."
Kara shook her head and went back to her dinner.
"Fine, moving on, skill level?"
"Mastery," Kara said without hesitation, wiping the salt from the rim of her glass and taking a rather large gulp of her drink. “You know I hate salt,” she grumbled, flicking some from her fingers in Eva’s direction.
"Master level?” Eva sat up straighter on the couch, her interest piqued. “Seriously?"
Kara nodded her head vigorously as she chewed.
"Good for you! So what events did he medal in?" Evalyn asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
"Are you kidding me with this Eva?" Kara asked, already exasperated.
"Oh come on! We never have girl time like this! All the other guys you dated were way too boring,” Eva practically scolded. “So, oral?"
Kara rolled her eyes.
"That's a yes. You or him?"
"Both," Kara replied, her eyes straight ahead as she took another bite of food.
"Sixty-nine?!" Eva gasped.
"No, Evalyn," Kara coughed out, and couldn’t help but snort at her friend’s obvious disappointment. Reaching over she popped Eva over the head with another couch pillow.
"Alright, next, special skills?" Evalyn continued her inquest.
"What exactly would constitute a special skill?" Kara asked, considering the question.
Eva thought for a moment, her forefinger on her chin, "Um, clitorific fingers?"
"Did you just make that up?" Kara replied incredulously.
"No, it's real. You can totally look it up in Urban Dictionary."
Kara was silent for a minute, pondering her answer. "I would have to say, any man who works at the mastery level would probably qualify for clitorific fingers."
Evalyn was silent for a minute, digesting her friend’s words. "That's so hot."
"It is," Kara agreed, nodding her head. She’d finished her dinner and placed the empty container back on the coffee table in front of her.
With the cross-examination seemingly over, Eva turned toward the television and began to flip through the channels in search of something to watch.
“OH! I want that mascara!” Eva announced as she pointed to the commercial playing on the television. It was no secret Evalyn loved all things As Seen On TV; it was also one of the many things she and Kara had in common. They were both suckers.
“Don’t bother, it does absolutely nothing,” Kara sneered.
“Really?” Eva pouted, disappointed.
Kara turned to her friend and fluttered her lashes. “Do my eyes look enhanced? Can you see greener highlights? Do they sparkle?” she asked sarcastically.
“No. No they don’t,” Evalyn replied, shaking her head. “Damn, and it had such potential too.” She sighed.
“I know.” Kara scowled, dejected.
~*~
By the time they finished off the margaritas it was late, and Kara was too drunk to drive home. Eva pulled a pillow and blanket out of the closet for her friend’s make-shift bed on the couch and then bid her goodnight.
As she lay down, Kara pulled out her cell phone and typed up a text for Jason.
Eva got me drunk, staying here tonight. I hope you had a good day at work, and, um, I miss you. Goodnight. –K
Moments later, as Kara was slipping into the sleep of the inebriated, her phone chirped with a new message.
Wish I could see that. Day was okay, flu season seems to be winding down. Nobody puked on me today. I miss you too, I’ll see you tomorrow? Sleep well, I’ll call you in the a.m.. – J
Kara smiled and pulled the blanket up to her chin, curling up to fall asleep.
~*~
The following week was Christmas, and once again Jason and Kara found they had something in common; they were both last minute shoppers. Kara still needed to get Evalyn a gift, and Jason had things to pick up for Jaime and his parents, so when he offered to go shopping with her, she graciously accepted.
Jason opened the car door for her and waited as she settled in before closing it and walking over to the driver’s side.
“Where to first, ma’am?” Jason asked climbing into the driver’s seat.
“Target,” Kara answered, smiling over at him as he started the engine.
Kara was of course organized with a list, Jason, on the other hand, preferred to wing it as they perused the aisles of Target, grabbing their last minute items. Kara guided them back toward the bedding section, looking through the shelves until she finally found what she was looking for.
“A Snuggie?” Jason asked, quirking his eyebrow at Kara’s selection.
“Jason, the Snuggie keeps you warm while keeping your hands free,” Kara explained seriously, quoting the hokey commercial. “Besides, this is the deluxe Snuggie,” she stated, showing him the package with the word “Deluxe” printed on the front, as though he should understand there was a difference. She tossed the leopard print deluxe blanket into their cart and began pushing forward toward the next item on her list.
Jason couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head at his girlfriend. Wait, girlfriend? He’d have to think that over later. They hadn’t been dating long, would Kara be interested in an exclusive relationship? Jason’s mind began to wander, contemplating their situation. They had jumped rather quickly into a physical relationship and so far everything he had learned about her kept him intrigued. He was beginning to feel that they had a solid chance at something real. Did she feel the same? They were going to have to talk soon, before he became too involved. He wasn’t sure how he would handle it if she weren’t as invested as he was. As Kara began to walk further down the aisle, Jason snapped his attention back to the present and followed.
“So you’re serious about this? Eva’s Christmas present is a Snuggie?” Jason asked incredulously, pointing to the blanket in their cart.
“Well it’s not her only present,” Kara answered as if that were obvious, continuing to walk the aisle. “She’s also getting a Ped Egg, and the Perfect Brownie Maker. She really has no skill in the kitchen.” Kara snorted, shaking her head as though in disbelief.
Jason stopped short, “What in the hell is a Ped Egg?”
“It’s a heel shaver; it keeps your feet smooth between pedicures.”
Jason stared slack-jawed. “Do you two buy everything you see on TV?”
Kara blushed and scowled at him slightly, giving him his answer. As ridiculous as it was to him, he couldn’t help but find her even more irresistible. He also realized, suddenly, that he now had a great gift idea for Jaime. He could put the tickets to the show he got her inside the box for the Ped Egg. The look on her face when she opened it would be priceless! He couldn’t help but whistle as they continued their shopping.
After finishing the last of their shopping, Jason took Kara to dinner and invited her over to his townhouse. He wasn’t sure why, but he was eager for her to see where he lived, not to mention, he was suddenly anxious to bring up “The Talk.” If that went well, he hoped to get an idea of what kind of gift he should get her, as his girlfriend, for Christmas.
~*~
Kara was impressed when they pulled up to Jason’s townhouse. He was clearly both responsible
and successful, a far cry from her past relationships. After opening the car door for her, Jason walked Kara to the front door of his home and unlocked it. He opened the door and motioned for Kara to enter before him, following her in before shutting the door and flipping on the living room light. Kara walked the room slowly, taking in her surroundings. She walked over to his fireplace to get a closer look at the pictures he had placed there.
“Your home is beautiful, Jason.” She stated, turning from the pictures on his mantel.
“Thank you. Would you like a fire?” He pointed to the fireplace behind her. Kara nodded an affirmative to his suggestion as the evening had been cold enough to warrant the extra warmth. Jason put fresh wood in the hearth, and managed to light it immediately.
“Way to go Boy Scout!” Kara teased, impressed, as she looked at the fledgling flames slowly growing stronger. Jason grinned up at her, continuing to add kindling. She turned back to the pictures above the fireplace, one in particular catching her eye.
“Who’s this?” she asked pointing to a picture of Jaime and Jason together. The girl in the picture was beautiful and Kara couldn’t help but wonder if she was someone important to him, perhaps even an ex-girlfriend.
Jason stood from his crouch in front of the fireplace and looked at the picture smiling, “That’s Jaime, my sister.”
“Oh yeah, you have a twin right?” Jason nodded. Kara had forgotten he had a twin sister. Jason and Jaime had both been seniors and other than knowing Jaime was related to Jason, Kara knew nothing else about her.
“She’s beautiful,” Kara commented.
“She is,” Jason agreed, looking at the picture with affection. “We have dinner every Thursday.” He reached for Kara’s hand and intertwined their fingers. “I’d like you to meet her, if you want to come to dinner next week?”
“I’d love to.” Jason nodded once, as though settling the matter. He tugged her hand and walked Kara to the couch, settling down he draped his arm around her shoulders. They were quiet for a while, both enjoying the peace of being in each other’s arms, along with the delicious heat of the fire.