Made to Love: Carmen and Cooper's Story (16 page)

“
After much thought, I am going to
take your advice. I will stop by Cooper’s on Christmas”

“
Carmen, this is great news. He is
going to be so happy.” She seems happy too.

“
Please do not tell him,” I
say.

“
It will be our
secret.”

“
See you then. Bye,
Beverly.”

On my drive back to Arlington, I
think of what I can do to rectify the damage I’ve done. Talking to
Celeste has made me see how much of a fool I’ve been. I always have
my guard up, this time it backfired. Cooper is the first man to
ever love me and I love him too, why did I let him get away? I tell
myself to focus, not concentrate too much on the past. Time to move
forward. Time to prove my love, and I refuse to leave until he
hears me out. Its only fifteen days before Christmas, so there’s
not a lot of time to prepare. First, I need a gift. Not just any
gift, an amazing gift. I will look online when I get home, and
maybe ask Marcia and Giselle for their opinion.

Chapter
Twenty-Seven

The holidays are always a hectic but fun time
of the year for me. I personally welcome the never ending to-do
list these days. It’s a way to keep my mind off Cooper. Today marks
nine days before Christmas, and my center is full of holiday
activities. The smell of fresh pine from the real tree located in
the lobby makes me think of Christmas. Our theme this year is Candy
Land. The tree is decorated with ginger bread houses and lollipops.
Large swirled lollipops of two different colors are stuffed in
sections throughout the tree. Clear icicles hang around the outer
limbs, and the multi-color lights make them glow a different color.
A huge lollipop with pink and white swirls is used as the tree
topper.

A blanket of white snow surrounds
the bottom area. Colorful houses with lollipops are found resting
above. Seeing this for the last three weeks has warmed my heart.
The kids were so excited to be involved. The desk in the front has
lighted garland draped from one side to the next and unique balls
are hung on it. In between are stockings with my staff’s name. All
the windows are covered with snowflakes and different sayings: “Let
it snow,” “Merry Christmas,” and “Happy Holidays from our home to
yours.”

Enrollment is up and business is good. Without
my staff, the center would not run. They are phenomenal and deserve
to be recognized and appreciated. After giving my employees three
dates to choose from, they selected this Saturday for their
Christmas outing. I will be treating the entire staff and their
spouses to dinner at The Steakhouse. I have also purchased gift
cards from each of their favorite stores. A small token of my
gratitude for all they do year round. As the day winds down, I
speak to the center’s director, my friend, Giselle. I’m ensuring
everything is lined up for the classroom parties next week. The
doorbell rings, and there is a UPS worker outside with a couple of
boxes.

Opening the door, he says. “Good
evening ma’am. I have a couple of packages for Carmen
Williams.”

“
That’s me. Where do I
sign?”

He points me to an electronic pad
where I scribble my name. He wishes me a Merry Christmas and is off
to beat rush hour. Two of the boxes are for Marcia. The weight of
the other one lets me know it’s Cooper’s. He was the hardest person
to shop for. What do you get a man that already has everything?
Fortunately with Marcia’s and Giselle’s help, I was able to pick
out something he should love. Before leaving the office, I kick off
my heels and slide my flats on for the drive home. I text Marcia
before I leave to make sure she is there, and she is. She said the
wine glasses are already out waiting for something to be poured
into them. I can’t wait! I reply. I sigh as I put the gifts in my
car. It reminds me to insist on Marcia being my date tomorrow
night.

There is no pine scent as I walk through our
door, but I do spot our tree in the corner. It stands about 4 feet
tall, white in color, the lights are silver. Our ornaments should
be classified as girly, not to mention kick-ass. They consist of
wine glasses, shoes, and makeup. Some are in the shape of the heart
with a shoe in the middle. Some shoes are red, some leopard. The
lipstick hanging is in a leopard tube with red peeking out. Marcia
wrapped silver garland around it, and it looks beautiful. Our tree
skirt is red crushed velvet with sequins scattered around it. The
only thing missing are some presents; it’s pretty bare down there
at the moment.

“
Oh, Marcia,” I sing while hanging
my keys beside the door.

“
I’m in the kitchen, the wine and
I have been waiting for you,” she says.

We chat about our days over a
glass of Moscato. I notice the glasses we’re drinking from must be
part of the holiday decor. They are red with white writing going
around the glass that read, HO-HO-HO.

“
These glasses really fit you
well.” I send a playful look in Marcia’s direction.

“
Whatever Carmen, at least I get
mine.” She laughs and downs the remainder in the glass.

“
I hope you save that behavior for
after my center Christmas dinner.” I’m hoping she doesn’t say she
has plans.

“
Sounds like you are asking me
out?” Marcia blinks her eyes.

“
Well consider it a
date!”

I rush to hug her. “Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you!” I say.

“
No need for thanks, just help me
pick out something hot to wear.” I follow her to the closest where
she has an endless amount of clothing.

Once we’ve been through her
tireless wardrobe, we search through mine. After that task is
accomplished, we order some Chinese and watch some
TrueBlood
. As the
credits begin to run when the episode is finished, we’re talking
about everything that made us say hmm. Eric Northman being the main
topic, but Alcide is yummy to look at too. Marcia says she’ll marry
him one day, but I always inform her that it can only happen in her
dreams. Marcia’s phone rings and she has to take a business call
from Francisco, so I hug her goodnight. Out of fear of being
forgetful, I double check that all the gift cards are in my bag for
the dinner tomorrow. After a hot, relaxing bath I call it an early
night.

When I open my eyes the next morning, all I
want to see is Cooper. I refuse to become depressed, so I start my
regular routine. I get up and brush my teeth. My attire for this
evening is hanging in plain view as I exit the bathroom.

Marcia asks if I want to go with her to
Starbucks. She’s actually pleading her case.

“
No time for Starbucks, you
caffeine addict. We must be at the salon at ten for our hair
appointment.” She stands there with her puppy dog face. Since this
is her horrible addiction, I give in.

“
Okay, I’ll go through the drive
thru so you can get your fix.”

I thought we were going to be late for our
appointment. This time of the year Starbucks’ drive thru is wrapped
around the building. Luckily we got her Cinnamon Dolce Latte with a
double espresso and made it with five minutes to spare.

Leaving the salon, we feel untouchable. It’s
so relaxing to have someone else do my hair. God I miss how Cooper
washes my hair. We have no time for a nap when we get home. We use
this time to tidy up our place, especially our closets. There was a
lot of clothing tossed out and tried on last night in preparation
for this evening.

After I shower, my hair is still perfect; I
slip into my black dress. Leather is draped down both sides, giving
it a sexier look. It sits about three inches from the knee, not to
revealing, unlike Marcia’s. My shoes are red suede platform
stilettos. The toe is pointy, but surprisingly comfortable.
Applying my famous smoky eye, I pull out the MAC crimson red
lipstick and finalize my look.

“
Its show time,” I say as I prance
down the hall to Marcia’s room. Of course she’s still primping.
“Perfection” is the remark I give her as she does turn after turn,
checking herself from every angle of the full length mirror. Marcia
decides to go with a form fitting purple lace dress. The back is
cut out revealing her ivory skin. Sparkly gold platform stilettos
make her shine. She has her hair up in a loose French twist. It
draws attention to the gold hoops dangling from her
earlobe.

“
Thanks love, you look fab,” she
replies.

I smile. I’m glad there are no single men on
my staff. They would be knocked off their feet when she walks in
the door. The atmosphere at The Steakhouse is peaceful. They have a
Christmas tree in the front waiting area, decorated with white and
gold. There are white lights draped around the hostess
desk.

“
Happy Holidays and welcome to The
Steakhouse,” The hostess says merrily.

“
Hi, reservation for Williams. We
are using the banquet room in the back.”

“
You’re absolutely correct, please
follow James. He will show you the way.” James has been watching
Marcia since she walked in. She is always dressed to
kill.

Shimmering gold and silver pine cones outline
the outer ridges of the room we step into. Another Christmas tree
is decorated in the back corner, this one with red and green. There
are wrapped presents underneath,

“
They must be fake.” I say. Marcia
states she will find out. “No. Don’t you dare go over there and
start checking. I’m expecting my staff any minute.” Her facial
expression is like a child who was just reprimanded by their
parent. There are poinsettias in the room. I love all the
red.

My staff starts to arrive. Many brought
significant others, while some did not. I thought Giselle would be
the only one dateless given that she just broke up with her
boyfriend. We begin to chat while waiting for the appetizers to be
served. Giselle and Marcia play catch up since they haven’t seen
each other in a few months. Marcia has been so busy with work; she
hasn’t been able to keep our Wednesday lunches. A while ago I
allowed her to pick the designated day; she said there is no better
day than hump day. She always knows how to make me laugh;
especially now, when all I want to do is cry. This is why we’ve
been friends for so long.

The waitress comes with the potato skins and
spinach artichoke dip. People dig in. All the women at the table
sip wine, while most men have opted for beer. Our dinner orders
have been placed. I went with filet mignon. Seeing filet mignon on
the menu makes me long for Cooper more. Marcia nudges me and asks
what we are planning to do after dinner. I shrug my shoulders. The
assistant director, Tonya, asks me about activities at the start of
2014. She has an abundance of creative ideas; I just wish I was
completely sober to remember them all. I tell her to send me an
email after the holidays so we can discuss them with more
attention. She agrees.

While waiting for our entrée’s, I
get everyone’s attention.
“
Good evening all, and thanks for
coming. I would like to make a special toast to the people who I
value more than words can say. My dedicated employees, you have
made my center what it is today. I look at you all as my second
family. It seems like yesterday we just cut the ribbon for the
grand opening. Now, three years later, we are stronger than ever.
Thank you all for your hard work and sticking with me. I couldn’t
have done it without each and every one of you.
”
And with a raise of my glass,
dinner is served.

As things start wrapping up and people start
departing, I hug them goodbye and present them with the
personalized gift cards. I have a strong bond with all nineteen of
my employees; it’s necessary in order to run a successful business.
You’re nothing without a happy staff. Then there was three. Marcia,
Giselle, and I proceed to the bar. I order another glass of wine.
Marcia and Giselle order Red Bull and vodka.

“
My treat,” Giselle declares. “So
ladies, should we head to Desire’s after this?”

Desire’s is a freshly revamped night club that
has three floors. It’s a people pleaser, as each floor has a
different type of music for whatever you desire at that particular
time. Of course the hip-hop floor is always congested, but that’s
the one we would love the most. Luckily Giselle knows the bartender
so drinks would be on the house.

“
Woot-woot!” Marcia exclaims. “I’m
in, when are we leaving?”

“
It’s almost 9. If we leave now,
we probably still wouldn’t get in for another forty five minutes,”
states Giselle.

“
Well, if we’re going we need to
down these drinks and get on the road. You know parking can be a
nightmare around there,” I explain.

Marcia is jumping for joy in my
consenting to join them. “We’ll make sure you have a fabulous
time,” Giselle says while calling the bartender for the
tab.

“
Anytime with you two, is a great
time.” I smile. “I’m going to stop at the ladies room to check my
appearance and then I’ll be ready.”