Destiny and a Bottle of Merlot (9 page)

“Sorry, Sasha. The storm literally came out of nowhere. I wouldn’t have stopped over otherwise. I had the urge to buy you a housewarming gift earlier today. It occurred to me a little late, I’ll admit. I’m a guy. I guess that’s my only defense. We’re kind of brain dead at times. Anyway, this is for you.” Josh couldn’t hold back the smile that spread across his face as he handed her the basket covered with a small fleece blanket.

Do I have gross, sleep breath? Is my hair all screwed up and is my makeup smeared? God, I’d love to kiss him right now, he’s so damn hot.

“Sasha?”

“Oh, sorry, what did you say?”

“I asked if you were going to look in the basket.”

“Oh, silly me, of course I am.” Sasha lifted the blanket to find a tiny, precious, sleeping puppy nestled deep inside. “Oh my God. A puppy, and it’s for me?” Sasha began to cry.

“Oh no, what’s wrong? Are you allergic?” he asked, now regretting what he had done.

“No, I mean… who knows? I’ve never owned a dog in my life. I’ve only held puppies in pet stores. It’s like having a baby, isn’t it? I have no idea what to do.”

Sasha gently lifted the sleeping caramel colored infant out of the basket and held it against her shoulder. It had puppy breath. She melted at its smell, its size and its innocence. It opened its eyes and looked into hers. A yawn came from its mouth. She and Josh laughed as the little dog fell asleep again nestled against Sasha’s neck.

“Is it a boy or girl? What breed it is?” Sasha asked, in a whisper.

“It’s a little girl, and she’s a Puggle. They’re supposed to make great pets. Do you like her? Do you even want her?”

“I love her, and yes, I want her. Now, what should I do?” Sasha asked, laughing again as she snuggled the puppy.

“I left everything on the porch, just in case you didn’t want her. Hang on, I’ll be right back.” Josh ran out to the porch and came back in with two large bags.

“Okay, there’s puppy food, dishes, a dog bed, toys, a book on Puggles and potty pads. I’m pretty sure that’s all she needs. I’ll pitch in with her, Sasha. I realize you’re busy trying to get this house in shape with the party next weekend, but I’ll help while you work with her. What do you want to name her?”

“I’m going to call her Kismet. That sounds cute, doesn’t it?” Sasha remembered Mia explaining kismet to her. It meant fate or destiny, just like Sasha’s life was now. It would be the perfect name for this adorable pup.

“That sounds great. I was worried for a second that you didn’t want her. I’d hate to return her to the breeder. I think little Kismet and you will become best friends.”

“Would you like some coffee, Josh? You can wait out the storm here with me and Kismet.”

“Sure, Sasha. I’d really like that.”

The girls met at the Victorian Tuesday afternoon when Vic got back from Peekskill. She and Max were settling into a nice routine and enjoying every minute together. They were in love and life was fantastic.

Tina clanked the door knocker as they stood on the porch and waited. “Sasha needs porch furniture. The chairs from the card table don’t really give the warm, front porch vibe,” she said, shaking her head.

They were greeted at the door by Sasha wearing dish towels pinned together as a sling across her stomach. An obvious bulge protruded from the center.

“What the hell? I told you guys she was preggers,” Vic joked. “What’s in the pouch?”

“My new baby,” Sasha announced proudly. “Josh gave it to me last night.”

“I bet he gave it to you last night,” Mia said, snorting.

“You guys are so immature. Check it out. It’s a puppy, and I named her Kismet.” Sasha gave Mia a smile as she led them inside.

“Ahhh… let’s see this little cutie.” Karen pulled Kismet out of the sling and cradled her. “I didn’t know you were a dog person, or even a pet person. You’ve got a lot on your plate already.”

“I do, but…”

“But what?” Vic asked.

“Well… Josh offered to help even more now that I have to potty train Kismet.”

“So that was his angle to dig in deeper. Smart guy. What girl can resist a puppy for God’s sake?” Tina said suspiciously, as she patted Kismet’s head.

“I don’t know about that…” Sasha began.

“Yeah right. Anyway, we aren’t here to talk about Josh Redmond are we? Let’s get busy.” Karen had a yellow legal pad and a pen at the ready.

As they gathered around the antique kitchen table with little Kismet sleeping on Sasha’s lap, they planned the dinner menu for Saturday night. Aaron would be in charge of the bar-be-cue chicken and ribs. Vic would make fried plantain and rice. Tina offered to put together a mixed salad and a vegetable dish, and Karen was bringing two pies. All Sasha had to do was provide the refreshments.

“Tell Josh to bring plenty of good beer for the guys,” Vic said. “No cheap shit.”

“I’ll bring over more chairs this week, hon,” Mia said. How about my CD player and all my CD’s too? It would be nice to play some background music at dinner.

“Oh yeah, I’ll ask Max if he can grab a few bundles of firewood for the fireplaces,” Vic offered. “I’ll see if there’s something Mario can bring, maybe for the dog?”

“You guys are the best,” Sasha said. “This is my first real party, and I have a feeling it’s going to be wonderful.”

The last coat of paint was drying. For now, the work on the formal living room was done. Josh enjoyed watching Sasha as she worked, if you could call what Sasha did “work.” She hummed and laughed. She talked baby talk to Kismet as she painted. The walls sparkled with a gleaming, new coat of paint. A rich shade of ivory covered the ceiling, and the walls were two shades darker. With neutral tones in the room, Sasha was free to buy whatever color furniture she wanted. She was in her element, in her groove, and nobody could ruin the happy vibe she felt.

“This room is so beautiful now. It seems larger and more welcoming than when it was green,” she said, as she collapsed into the folding chair. Sasha glanced at her watch: 1:06 p.m. “Do you have anything going on this afternoon, Josh?”

“No, but I’ve got a showing tonight at eight, why?” He sat at the table next to her and kicked his feet up on a chair he brought in from the porch.

“Let’s go to Beacon. It’s less than an hour away. We can hit some of the antique shops and have an early dinner. I’d love to have this room furnished for the party. The only place to sit is around the kitchen table and card table. That’s just stupid. I shouldn’t even host a party if I don’t have furniture.” Sasha folded her hands under her chin with her elbows on the table. She stuck her bottom lip out just enough for emphasis.

God, I’d love to suck on that lip,
Josh thought, as he worshiped her with his eyes.

“A beautiful oriental rug would be perfect on the newly polished floor, don’t you agree?” She smiled that certain smile he couldn’t resist.

“What about Kismet? We’ll be gone for hours.”

“Mia will watch her. I’m sure she won’t mind babysitting for a few hours. I’ll feed Kismet and make sure she goes potty first. We’ll take along all her supplies.”

Sasha and Josh arrived at Mia’s house with Kismet fast asleep in Sasha’s arms. Reggie sniffed at the pup, trying to figure out if this small intruder was friend, or foe. Sasha gently handed Kismet to Mia.

“It’s okay, boy, it’s just a baby dog. See, Reg, it’s a small version of you,” Mia said, as she took Kismet from Sasha. “Go have fun, and buy some damn furniture. We need somewhere to sit Saturday night.”

Mia made sure to slip her engagement ring into her jeans pocket when the doorbell rang. Nobody would see that beauty until Saturday night when she and Aaron announced their engagement.

The Tundra carefully cruised up State Highway 9 to Beacon. This small, quaint town had become one of Sasha’s favorites too, after Mia spoke so highly of it.

“Have you ever been to Beacon, Josh? It’s full of wonderful antique shops. I know we’ll find something great today.”

“I’ve never been there, but you make it sound fabulous. You aren’t planning on putting the furniture in the truck are you? I’d hate to have anything bounce around and get nicked up.”

“Nope. The truck is for small stuff, or a rug. If we find a beautiful oriental rug, I’ll take it home today. Can you imagine how it will look? The Victorian is coming to life. When she’s fully furnished, I have big plans for her.” Sasha said, as she turned the volume down on the radio.

“Really, like what?”

“Well, I’ve told you a few things, but you’ll find out more Saturday night with the rest of them. I have a big reveal to surprise everyone with.”

“Wow, I can’t wait. Here’s the exit, let’s go shopping.”

Sasha liked that about Josh. He didn’t mind getting his hands dirty, and he enjoyed shopping. He was the perfect companion and helper. She wondered if he could be more than that. Sasha parked the truck, and they set out to find exactly what the living room needed. Most of the antiques stores were right on Main Street which made shopping a breeze. They began on one side of the street and would end on the other. Now that summer was over and the tourists were gone, sandwich boards lined the sidewalks announcing the sales going on in every store. With the large rooms in the Victorian, Sasha needed big, bold antique pieces. She needed mansion furniture, especially for the living room and dining room. They found farmhouse antiques and cottage furniture in the first few stores. They continued the search. Sasha remembered Mia talking about Devonport Antiques having beautiful furnishings. They crossed the street and entered the large store. Sasha gasped with excitement the minutes she walked in. She grabbed Josh’s arm, squeezing it until he had to pry her white knuckled fingers off.

“Damn girl, you’ve got a strong grip.”

“What? Oh sorry. Josh, everything I need is right here. I’m going to pee my pants.”

“I hope not. C’mon, let’s see what they have.”

Devonport Antiques specialized in large, estate types of furniture. With the volume of old mansions in Westchester and Dutchess counties being restored, Devonport Antiques had the perfect pieces to sell. This was the kind of furniture Sasha needed.

“Excuse me,” she said to the salesperson, “if I buy some of your wonderful pieces, how soon could they be delivered to Tarrytown?”

“Of course ma’am, let me see. Our trucks go south every other day with deliveries. It looks like Westchester County is scheduled for tomorrow.”

Sasha was thrilled. That sealed the deal. She began, with Josh’s help, to pick out large, ornate pieces. A magnificent, hand carved, Rococo Revival walnut sideboard with a matching table and chairs was chosen for the dining room. The table extended to ten feet when the three leaves were set in place. Twelve chairs wore cushions of soft silk, brocade in a light blush color. The set would look beautiful with the dining room’s burnt orange walls. With the help of the salesperson, Sasha decided on two matching, button tufted couches in tan silk, three walnut side chairs with deep cranberry patterned backs and cushions, and four miscellaneous walnut tables. Everything would be pulled together with a 14x16 Oriental rug in tan, cream, azure blue and deep red. The fringe on the ends of the rug was four inches long, in cream. It would be perfect. Sasha found several table lamps that would accent the living room furniture. It was enough for today. The furnishings would be added as each room was completed. Sasha paid for the furniture and gave the salesperson her address. The truck with her prized pieces would be delivered tomorrow between eleven a.m. and two p.m.

“What a surprise this is going to be when everyone shows up Saturday night. Mia is the only one that knows we went shopping today. I hope you didn’t mind coming along,” Sasha said, as they walked the three blocks to a cozy Italian restaurant she remembered liking.

Josh took her hand as they crossed the street. “I’m having a great time, Sasha. Thanks for inviting me.”

He held her hand long after they made it to the other side of the street and entered the restaurant. They were seated at a corner table near the front window. The small intimate table wore a red checked tablecloth, typically found in Italian restaurants. A Chianti bottle held a beeswax candle and fresh flowers filled a small, blown glass vase. It was a quiet setting, a little early for the usual dinner guests, but Sasha liked it that way. They could talk and relax.

“Josh, I misjudged you when we met. I’m sorry about the way I behaved back then. You’ve been nothing but a gentleman to me and very helpful. So, thank you for everything. Plus you’re kind of fun,” she said, smiling. “Seriously, how many guys like to shop with a woman?”

“Sasha, you didn’t misjudge me, and I’m not going to defend my old ways. I was a jerk and a womanizer when I met you. You kind of opened my eyes, so thank you. It took someone like you to put me in my place and show me what an idiot I was. Women wanted to be seen with me, so I was used to putting on a show. With you, I have to try. Impressing you is important to me. I should be a gentleman at all times. I’m changing for the better, and I hope it shows. I’d be honored if you’d go out with me now and then, on a real date.”

“What do you consider a real date?”

“One where I drive,” he said, laughing, his eyes looking deeply into hers.

Sasha blushed and fidgeted. “Should we order now? We have to get back to Tarrytown soon.”

“Sure, what’s your pleasure?”

Oh my God, did he really say that to me? It’s you, Josh. You’re my pleasure.

Sasha heard the sound of a truck backing into her driveway at twelve-thirty. She peeked out the living room window and saw two, large men exit the truck and open the back doors.

“Yay! They’re here.”

She gathered up Kismet and put her safely in the library for now. Nobody was going to accidentally step on her precious pup, or let her wander out the front door. She watched as they raised the ramp to meet the floor of the truck. Out came the dining room set, followed by the living room furniture. The men rolled out the Oriental rug before setting the furniture where Sasha directed. She tipped them generously since they were extremely careful and polite.