Life Gets In The Way ...

if only those shorts were ... well ... shorter........

I am reduced to a sticky mess.....

Happy 1995🍻🍻

That tongue.......

Rockies Christmas - Day 8

Warnings:  Fluff, the big reveal

I reach over to James’ side of the bed.  It’s empty.  I listen.  He’s not playing.  Then the smell hits me.  He’s in the kitchen.  I tumble out of bed and tidy it up.  Looking around, he’s taken care of the clothes we’d yanked off each other last night.  Grabbing a pair of leggings, a tank top and a long, big knit sweater, I head to the bathroom.  A few minutes later, I’m heading to the kitchen.

James, wearing sweats and a Raiders t-shirt, is working on the roasts.  The coffee pot has already been started.  I lean on the end of the counter, my chin in my hands, watching him.  He smiles at me, kisses me, “Merry Christmas.” 

“Merry Christmas” I answer.

He has both roasts panned and opening one oven door, slides them in side by side.  “I’m going to have to rotate these a couple of times.”

“Why?”

“Well side by side, the middles won’t heat correctly unless they get rotated.”  He closes the oven door.  “I was able to get them into one oven.  That way the other is free.”  He washes his hands then turns to me.

“I like having a big kitchen” as I let him pull me to his chest.

“Me too.”  He strokes my hair.  I sigh in his grasp.  “You good?”

My hands cup his face, “More than good.”  I kiss him, “Excellent.”  I kiss him again.  His hands grab my ass and pulls me closer.  “Later” I whisper at him.  He wiggles his eyebrows.  “If you want cinnamon orange rolls, you need to let go of my ass” I say sweetly.

He almost jumps back, hands on my shoulders, “Yum!!”  I giggle softly.  “What do you need?”

“A couple of the big cookie sheets please” as I pull out several tubes from the fridge and set the second oven to preheat.  I show him how to unroll and re-roll the pastry.  After putting the pans into the oven, he helps me make up the frosting.  I stop a moment when the light catches my ring.  Here I stand in the megarocksuperstargods’ kitchen making breakfast with him.  His eyes bright with joy.  A goofy grin plastered on his face.  We both smile hearing the sounds of his kids waking up.  I grab a couple mugs and make our coffees.  James is back at the stove scrambling eggs.  I think those are the only kind of eggs he knows how to make.  But they are good.  Sitting on a barstool at the counter, I watch him.

“Morning Dad.  Merry Christmas” Marcella yawns.

“Merry Christmas Marcella!” James replies cheerily.

Making her own coffee she looks at me.  “He’s always super happy cooking.”

Raising my eyebrows, “You should have seen him earlier prepping the roasts.”  Looking at me over the rim of her coffee mug, I just nod.

Swallowing, “Really Dad?  Two?”

“They didn’t get the big one in that I’d ordered, so I had to get two.”  He smiles at his youngest.

The others all wander into the kitchen, stretching, yawning, rubbing eyes.

“Are those your eggs Dad?” Castor asks.

“Well, I didn’t lay them.  I just scrambled them.”

Everyone groans.  “Not your best Dad” Cali says with a grin.

“It’ll get better” James smiles at her.  The timer dings, “Now.  These are Kira’s creation.”  He pulls the rolls from the second oven.  I let them cool a minute then top them with cream cheese frosting.

Castor grabs a pile of plates and hands them to Cali.  Then the silverware.  All the kids pitch in to set the table.  The huge skillet of scrambled eggs and a pan of frosted rolls are set in the middle of the table.  I hand James his coffee mug, he pulls out a chair for me, taking the seat next to me.  For a time, there is silence.  I watch Cali.  She smiles at me happily munching on a roll and nods.  I scrunch my nose at her smiling back.  I go to clear my plate when CGF takes it from me.  “Nope.  You cooked.  We’ll clean.”  She makes a shooing motion to both James and me.  Grabbing our coffee mugs, we move into the living room.  The lights on the tree are already on.  James turns on the fireplace on low – the stockings hanging over it do have chocolate in them - then the stereo.  The Boston Philharmonic is playing Sleigh Ride.  Very loudly.  Grimacing slightly, James turns the volume down.  Then he sinks into the sofa next to me, draping his left arm around my shoulders.  With his thumb, he turns my head and kisses me.  My right hand caresses his scruffy chin.  “I didn’t want to wake you with my shaver” he whispers into my ear.  I kiss him, “Later.”  He snorfels into my hair.

The kids all come into the living room and stake out their spot.

“Who’s going to play Santa?” Marcella asks.

Pointing to my head, “I think the newbie should.”  There are happy yeses from all the kids.  He gives me a look, “Besides, she knows the Big Guy.”  I smack his thigh as I stand up. The kids are giving James looks. “Yeah, here.”  James pulls out his phone showing off the photos of us with Santa after the Parade.  I hand out the packages under the tree.  I slip Cali the bag with the photo frame in it.  She smiles at me.  I reclaim my seat next to James.  He holds up his hands, “Wait.  Where’s the ….”

“I got it!”  Castor holds up a large garbage bag.

Giving his son a thumbs up, “Way to go!  Let’s start!”  Pointing to MBF, “Closest to the tree goes first.”

The next three hours are spent opening gifts.  Each person taking a turn to open one gift.  The wrapping paper balled up and tossed toward – and sometimes into – the garbage bag.  A couple end up under the tree. Then the next, and so on.  James would occasionally go check on the roasts. 

After opening the necklace that I’d given him, James puts it on.  His gift to me is a baguette cut garnet tennis bracelet.  I immediately put it on.

After the gifts are opened, Marcella hands out the stockings.  Which were mostly little things.  I see Cali whisper to CBF before picking up the bag.  He picks up his phone. 

“Hey Dad.  I have one more gift for you.”  She hands James the bag.  Total confusion covers his face.  I twist sideways to watch.  Pulling the tissue off the frame, its backwards.  Turning it around he just stares.  “You do have to wait for the delivery on this one.” 

His face pops up to Cali’s.  “Is this…”  He pales a little pointing at the sonogram.  He’s holding the frame like it’s a crown jewel.  “you’re?”  She just nods.  I see all the others gasp.  “You’re going to be a Mom?” 

Again, she nods smiling.  “And that will make you Grandpa.”

James covers his mouth with a shaking hand, a single tear streams down his cheek.  He stands and pulls Cali into a hug.  Turning them both, he looks at me, “I’m going to be a Grandpa!”  The others join in the hug.  There’s laughter all around.  James pulls Cali away a bit, “Does your Mom know?”

“I told her before our flight yesterday.”  CBF rests his hands on her hips.  Concern spreads on Cali’s face.  “Dad, me and CBF don’t really want to get married.”

James cups his daughters face, “You don’t have to.”  He kisses her forehead and pulls her into another hug.  Looking at CBF, “You do have to participate.”

“I will.  That’s a promise that I made to Cali when she told me.”  CBF smiles at her, “I didn’t know my Dad.  He left my Mom before I was born.”  He looks at James.  “I will be a Dad.”

Grabbing CBF’s neck, “That’s what I want to know” James smiles at him.

Cali goes a little pale.

“James.”

He turns to me with Cali still clutched in his arms, “Yeah.”

“Cali needs to use the bathroom.”  I smile at him.  “Like right now.”

James looks at Cali, then releases her.  She trots quickly to the bathroom.  James looks at me.  “You knew.”

Shrugging, “I figured it out.”

He sits back down, “How?”

I smile at him, “I used to work in an office filled with women.”

“Oh.”  He looks at me again.  A goofy grin spreads on his face, “I’m going to be a Grandfather!”

“You will be the Mighty Grandpa Het!” Cali exclaims, returning to the living room.  Laughter fills the room.

For a time, we just sit in the living room amongst the opened gifts talking.  James checks on dinner a couple more times.  He leans over the back of the sofa, his fingers on my shoulders, “You need to get the rest of dinner going.”

I grab our empty coffee mugs, stand and follow him into the kitchen.  James has the roasts resting in their pans on the butcher block counter.  I get the sweet potatoes going in the oven.  The green beans pan gets put on the stove top.  The rolls are put in the cooling oven the roasts came out of.  I pull out the gherkins, the olives, James’ horseradish, and my jellied cranberry sauce.  Marcella, CGF and Cali put the items into the serving dishes and put them on the dining room table.  I pull out the sweet potatoes and add the marshmallows.    CGF grabs the biggest platter and hand it to James, who begins carving one roast.  Grabbing a couple of hot pad holders, I take the sweet potatoes to the dining room.  Cali puts the rolls into a basket covered with a napkin.  She puts the basket on the table.  Going to the kitchen, I plate up another orange cinnamon roll and set it beside Cali’s plate.  She just laughs at me, her eyes sparkling.  Castor and MBF get the drinks for everyone.  James brings in the big platter with his carved roast on it.  He takes the head of the table.  Pointing to the chair on his right he looks at me.  Grabbing my Severed Lime, I sit in it.  The others claim seats at the table.  CGF pushes Castor into the seat at the other end of the table. 

Sitting, James holds out his hands.  With my left hand, I take his right and hold out my right hand to MBF.  And so it goes around the table.

“I don’t usually pray before a meal, but I feel it today.”  I squeeze his hand.  “There is so much around this table to be grateful for.  The joy.  The laughter.  The unions.  The new life.”  He looks at each of us, “I thank God that I am here today with all of you.”  There is a chorus of ‘Amens’ from the table.  James gives my hand a squeeze before letting go.  “I suppose the best way is to pass plates for the roast.”  The next several minutes are spent passing plates and dishes.  That’s followed by the sound of silverware on the dishes.  I wrap both my feet around James’ right ankle, smiling at him.  “How is it?” he smiles at me.

“Dewishous” I say around a mouthful.

“I need a cooking lesson from you James” MBF says.

“A roast is easy.  Comeback in the summer and I’ll teach you how to grill” James smiles at him.

“Dad’s ribs are the best!” Marcella exclaims.

“I kinda enjoy his steaks” I volunteer.  The flash memory of us having dinner at this table during a freak Sept snowstorm floods my brain.  I can tell by his smile, that James is thinking the same thing.

The conversation moves from grilling to cars to the weather to past snow trips to sports.  There’s a ton of laughter.  A few sad memories, but on the whole the smiles win out.

As James stands up with his plate, again CGF speaks up, “You two cooked.  We’ll clean up.”

James sets his plate back down, “I will finish carving the roasts.”

Holding her hands up, “That I won’t argue with.”  She smacks Castor’s shoulder, “Maybe you can learn how?”

“Still shredding the meat son?” James gives Castor a look.  Castor rolls his eyes at his Dad.  “C’mon.  Let’s work on this.”

I grab the dish of gherkins and head towards the kitchen.  Cali is finishing the roll.  I place my hand on her bicep, “There are more on the far counter.”

“Thank you.  They are so good!”

“I’m glad you like them.”  I look at her belly, “I’m glad you like them!”  She laughs.

Christmas dinner is cleared, leftovers stored, the dishwasher started, what didn’t fit in is hand washed and put away.  It’s still snowing hard.

“Now what?” MBF asks.

“Stranger Things!” is the unanimous answer.  A few minutes later, the eight of us are curled up under blankets as another episode starts.

Four episodes later, a break is called for.  Deciding to use the bathroom in our bedroom rather than one of the others, I make the trek upstairs.  James is standing by the sink when I leave the toilet room.  He wiggles his eyebrows at me, “Great minds think alike!”  He smacks my ass as we trade places.  I wait for him, rubbing my tenderized butt.  He washes up after and then grabs me planting a deep kiss on me.  Then looking at me, “I’m going to be a Grandfather.”

“Yes, you are.”  I caress his cheek.  “She was terrified that you’d be upset that they aren’t getting married.”

“As long as the kid doesn’t feel abandoned, I don’t care.”  His eyes darken momentarily.

“I get the feeling that’s not going to happen.”  I kiss him.

“Dad!  Kira!”

“Coming!” we both yell and head to the kitchen

Getting into the kitchen, “Hey, can we have some cookies?” MBF asks.

“That’s why I made them” as I grab several and head back to the media room.

James grabs several and some napkins, “Hey.  Here” he hands me a napkin.

“Tank yhow” I say through a mouthful of cookie.

MBF brings one of the platters while Marcella brings a stack of napkins.  Retaking our seats, the next episode starts.

We finish the first season.  “Should we start Season 2 tonight?” James asks the room.

MBF carefully shifts Marcella’s head from his lap, “I think we’re done for the night.”  Marcella snorfels awake.  She waves.

“Night Marcella” James smiles.  He powers down the system.  “I think it’s beddy boo time for all of us.”  He smiles at me.  I smile back.  “Night kids.”

“Night Dad.”   “Night James.”  “Night Kira.” They all respond.

“Night” I say to the room letting James lead me to our bedroom.  He closes the door, I turn the music on. 

He pulls me to him, “Thank you” he sighs out.

I grab his shoulders pulling his head to mine.  I kiss him.  I giggle.

“What?”

“You had to jump start those eyelids” I smile at him.  “C’mon.”  I flip the covers back.  We both drop our clothes on the floor beside the bed.  James holds up the covers and I slip in.  Laying on my back, I cradle his head on my shoulder.

He kisses my clavicle.  “I can’t believe that my oldest is having a baby.”  I kiss his hair, my fingers gently playing with it.  Minutes later he’s sound asleep.  I listen to a few more holiday songs before letting the sandman close my eyes.

Rockies Christmas - Day 1

Oops! This should have gone up yesterday!

Here goes:

Warnings: NSFW, Sex, Shameless Product Placement

The flight from NY to Vail was a little bumpy.  I held James’ hand a little tightly.  I still am not used to the smaller planes.  James had insisted on the private flight as commercial airlines would have to make a couple of stops and take about twice as long.  He just smiles and let me cling.

Once landed, our luggage is shifted from the plane to his big ass truck.  I gladly climb into the passenger seat.  James climbs in and the big truck rumbles to life.  After getting us on the main road, he drops his hand on my thigh, “You ok?”

“Better.”

“We’ll be home in about 40 minutes.”  His fingers gently pat my thigh, “You want to stop on the way for dinner?”

“Did we leave anything in the fridge that will still be good?”

James considers a moment, “Probably not.”

“Then we should kill two birds with one stone.”

He cocks a smile at me, “Sounds like a plan.”  I interlace my fingers with his on my thigh.  “What are we serving for Christmas Day dinner?” he asks.

Shaking my head, “I have no clue.”

“I’d like to do a prime rib.”

Smiling up at him, “I’ll leave the meats to you.”  He grins and pats my thigh.

We’ve spent the last month in my apartment in NYC for Thanksgiving.  James had never seen the Parade live.  Using my Grandmother’s tickets, I’d taken him to the Rockettes Gala performance and used her seats at the Parade.  We’d quickly become the top fodder on all the gossip pages in the NY papers.  I’d given one of the bedrooms in my apartment to James to make into a studio.  He’d already put together three songs in it.  When I thought about it, it still blew my mind that with his bandmates scattered all over the world – California to Hawaii to New York to Denmark – they could work together on their music.  And what I could hear, it is amazing!

It had been James’ decision to spend Thanksgiving in NYC.  It is mine to spend Christmas in Colorado.  I am slightly nervous as his kids will be coming to visit.  They’d spent Thanksgiving with their Mom.  At least in James’ place in Colorado, there’ll be enough beds.

James pulls into the shopping center and parks his truck.  As we met at the front of the massive rig James holds his hand out to me.  I have grown to like shopping with James.  He’d gotten used to having groceries delivered – especially during lock down - so wandering the aisles with him is fun.  He makes a stop at the butcher’s counter to place his order for Christmas dinner.  We select some sliced meats and cheeses for sandwiches.  Then wandering the aisles filling the cart.  I was glad that I’d selected the larger cart as he stocked up on the Liquid Death tallboys.  A quick run through the deli counter and we each selected something to go for dinner.  Checking out, we deposit the bags into the bed of the truck.  James holds the passenger door for me as I clamber into the big vehicle.  Moving quickly to the driver’s door, he steps easily in.

“What?” he asked, seeing the look on my face.

“You and those damned long legs.”

“I don’t hear you complaining when we’re in bed” he chuckles.

“I’m not complaining.”  I give him a sidelong look, “Just jealous.”

He just laughs with me.  “But you’d look funny with long legs.  I rather like your height.”

“Why?” a grin still lifting my lips.

“It makes it easy flipping you over in bed.”  His grin becomes wicked, his fingers grip my thigh a little tighter.

All I can do is whimper softly and smile at him.

A short time later, the truck rumbles into his garage.  He kills the engine and opens the door.  He’s careful to not clip my parked Shelby.  I carefully open my door making sure to not ding it against the wall.  “Kind of a tight fit in here” he grins. 

I go to help grab bags from the bed, and he grabs me around the waist, “Speaking of tight fits!”

I grind back against him, “I can still feel you from this morning!” I purr at him.  He rumbles into my neck.  I giggle, “There’s no doorman here to help unload the groceries.”  He sinks into my shoulder mumbling.  “C’mon.  This won’t take long.” 

He grabs several bags and unlocks the door entering the house.  I hear the security system beep off as James enters his code.  I collect as many bags as I can and head inside.  James passes me in the hallway.  I put my bags on the counter and head back to the garage.  “That the last of them?” I ask him as he kicks the garage door closed.

“Yes.”

I go collect several from him.  It takes us a few minutes to at least put away the cold things.  He wraps his arms around my waist, “I can’t wait any longer!” 

He pulls me from the kitchen up to our bedroom.  I giggle the whole way as his fingers gently work my sides, his mustache tickling my neck.  We barely make it into the bathroom before he’s stripping our clothes off.  He picks me up and puts me into the shower.  The hot water coming from the multiple heads feels wonderful.  His hands roaming my body feel better.  My hands roam his arms, chest, shoulders, neck, face.  His lips find mine in a gentle deep kiss that weakens my knees.  His strong arms wrap around my body, one around my shoulders, one around my waist, one of his long legs slowly presses between mine, spreading them.  I groan into his lips, my right hand pulling his head closer to my body, my left grabbing his hip.  The water pouring over us adds a sensual slick to our bodies.  He grunts into me.  I can feel his erection growing into my hip.  His fingers tangle into my wet long hair, tugging gently.  I pull back slightly.  He knows I don’t like my hair being pulled.  His fingers loosen their grip, but his hand still holds my head keeping my lips locked with his.  His other hand grabs my ass cheek tightly as he pushes me up his thigh.  My head rocks back as a loud moan escapes my lips.  His lips find my neck.  His arm around my shoulders keeps me locked to his body.  I grab his head tightly to me.  I whimper as he leaves his love marks on my neck and shoulder as I grind into his thigh.  Moving us, he pins me to the wall.  He lowers his shoulders a moment and hooks my right knee with his arm.  I gasp as he stands.  He widens his stance.  I wrap my left leg around his waist.  Reaching between us, I manage to position his cockhead at my entrance.  With one slow thrust, he seats himself balls deep into me.  My mewlings only make him grow inside me.  He pulls his face from my neck, the water pouring over his face.  He looks totally feral at me.  I grab his head and kiss him passionately.  He starts thrusting into me.  Hard.  My weight dropping down his length forcing him deeper into me.  My vocalizations get louder.  It’s a vicious cycle that I adore.  The louder I get, the harder he thrusts into me, his own grunts urging me to be louder.  Panting into his ear, “You feel so big in me.”  He bucks his hips harder.  “don stawhp … don stawhp” I lay my head on his shoulder.  He slowly lowers us to the stall floor.  Leaning over me, he goes totally beast on me.  I can only lie on my back and enjoy him ravaging my body.  My hands clinging to his arms, his hands on the floor over my shoulders, my legs wrapping around his waist pulling him impossibly deeper into me.  He finds that one magic spot deep inside me that makes stars burst behind my eyelids.  I cry out as I fall over the edge into my orgasm.  He chases his release with several powerful thrusts pushing us across the tile floor.  Our voices echo around the tiled stall loudly for a moment.  Then he collapses on top of me panting.  I wrap my arms around his head and shoulders panting myself.  I kiss his soaking wet hair, his temple, his ear.

He slowly raises himself to his elbows, “That felt good!” he purrs at me.

“mmmhhmmm” is all I can answer.

He gently slides out of me and kneels up between my legs.  His hands slowly run over my body from my breasts to my hips.  Gently pressing my thighs wider, he gives me a look.

“What?”

“I love making a mess of your pussy!”

I hook a foot around his neck and topple him onto me, “I love that you make a mess of my pussy!” as I wrap an arm around his neck.  He kisses me deeply.  I can feel him wince, “You ok?”

He slowly shifts and sits on the floor, “I really need to put bigger tiles on the floor in here.”

Looking at him, his knees are red with imprints of the little one inch square tiles that make up the shower floor.  “Ohhh!” I reach out to cup them gently.  He pulls me up to sit next to him and wraps his arms around me.  I can feel our mixed fluids seeping out of me. 

James stands and pulls me to my feet, “I suppose we should actually shower now” he laughs out softly. 

My legs are still a little wibbly as I put a hand on the wall, “You might have to hold me a bit.”

Keeping me close to his body, “Sure thing” he rumbles into my ear.  He tenderly washes and rinses my hair.  He gently washes my body as I get steadier on my legs.  I grab the scrubbie and use it on his body.  He rests his arms on the wall of the shower as I scrub his back, “Aww man, that feels so good.”  Then I wash his hair.  He rinses the conditioner from my hair and I rinse his.  He turns off the water and reaches for towels.  I wring as much water from my long hair as possible, then take a towel from him and wrap up my hair.  He wraps a bath sheet around me.  He’s already got a towel wrapped around his waist.  As I step out of the shower, my stomach gurgles.  He huffs a smile at me, “I guess we haven’t eaten yet, have we?”  He pulls me into his body.

I kiss his chin, “Not yet.”

He pats my towel covered ass as his stomach rumbles, “Maybe we need to get that taken care of!”

Minutes later, we are dressed in comfy jams grabbing our deli meals.  Collecting our plates, we make our way to the table.  James pops on the TV.  The local news is just starting.  The usual items – Parking lot car prowls where gifts have been stolen from vehicles, Christmas lights start a house fire, local store sued by customer who slipped on ice.  The weather report is a mixed bag.  The only common factor: COLD.  James turns it off.  I stretch and yawn.  He yawns, “Stahp dat.”

“Sorry, the alarm went off a little early this morning.”

He stands and collects some of the plates, “Yeah it did.”  He kisses the top of my head.  I collect what’s left on the table.

After tidying up the kitchen, he laces an arm around me, “C’mon.  Bed.”

“Yes, please.”  I let him lead me to his bedroom.  Our bedroom.  We both shed our clothes.  He flips back the covers, almost tackles me into the bed while rolling over me yanking the covers over us both.  His arms wrap around me, pulling my body into his.  I curl up around his arm.  I have become used to his arm being my pillow.  His nose is buries in my hair.  His breath warming the back of my neck.  “Good night, James” I breath out.

“Good night, Kira” he kisses my shoulder.  “Welcome home.”  He snuggles up a little closer, “Home Colorado home.”

I just snort in soft laughter.  His arms wrap tighter around me. 

We are both snoring minutes later.

Everybody Loves a Parade - Part 8

Warnings: All Fluff

Monday

I am all tangled up in the blanket and my robe.  It’s dark out the window.  My back is achy, but my nipples hurt more.  I can hear something.  Then I realize that it’s James.  He’s in his studio.  Happily making music.  Or at least I hope he’s happy.  I grab his pillow and drift back to sleep.

His hand pressing between my shoulder blades wakes me.  “Morning.”

“How long have you been up?”

“I woke up about 5:15 with a riff going through my head.  I had to capture it.”  His voice is a happy rumble.  He kisses my shoulder, “Thanks to you, I was able to do that.”

“mmm.  I’m glad” I murmur.

He pats my ass, “C’mon.  Up.  Breakfast will be here shortly.”

“Whaaa?”  I’m confused.

“I called Carl who told me to call Rudy who put me in touch with someone who knows a guy at the Tavern.”  He smirks, “Breakfast will be here shortly.”  He flips the blanket off me, “C’mon sleeping beauty.  Up.”  I grunt.  He grabs a nipple. 

“I’m moving!” I squeak.

Grinning wickedly, “A little sore, are they?”  I just give him a look.  “I’ll take that as a yes!”  He kisses my forehead. 

Searching in my closet, I pull out another Hawaiian print dress and pull it over my head.  The soft cotton fabric is tender on my sore nipples.  James grabs me from behind, cupping my boobs, “That bad?”

“I’m considering bandaids.”

“Ahh.”  He kisses my neck.  “Sorry.”

I smirk back at him, “No you’re not.”

He smiles, “You’re right, I’m not” as he not too gently grabs my nipples.  My knees threaten to buckle.  His arms tighten around me keeping me from hitting the floor as he chuckles.

The doorbell rings.  James makes certain that I’m able to stand before going to answer it.  I cup my own boobs as I leave the bedroom, “Saved by the bell indeed.”

Carl is rolling a taller cart with several bags from Tavern on the Green on top. 

James is grinning like a cheshire cat again helping move the bags to the dining table.  “Carl, I can’t thank you enough for helping to put this together for me!”

Carl grins back, “It was all Rudy’s doing, James!”

“Oh sure!  You can call him James but can’t call me Kira!” I snark with a grin on my face.

Holding up a finger as he pushes the cart toward the door, “Ahh, James is not an owner in the building!”  The front door closes.

I see James stuff something into his pocket.  I pat him on the bicep, “He wouldn’t have taken it.”

“What?”

“The tip.”  I smile at him, “It can get added to the holiday packet I drop on his stand at Christmas.”

“Ahhh.  I wondered if you – ahem – took care of him.”

“And Monty and Sebastian.”

“Whose Sebastian?”

“The maintenance guy.”  I look at the table, “James.  What did you order?”  My eyebrows are in my hairline.

“I finally did what I’ve always wanted to do!”  The cheshire cat goes psycho grin.  I just raise my eyebrows.  “I ordered the whole breakfast menu!”

“What?!?”  I start looking into the containers.

“I couldn’t make up my mind!”

I turn to him, “The Tavern doesn’t do breakfast on weekdays!”

He smiles, “Turns out one of the cooks is a fan.”

“Chef.”

“Huh?”

“Not cook at the Tavern.  Chef.”  James just nods.  “Maybe we should send the chef a snap?” as I pull my eyebrows out of my hairline.

We arrange the food so that all the items can be seen.  James sits at the table holding up a fork and knife with psycho grin spread across his face.  I can barely hold his phone still for the laughter.  I send myself a text with the snap and hand James his phone back.  He sends it to the chef.

“I give it ten minutes and it will be online” James says.

“Five.”

We both dig in.  It was all amazing!  “Man!  I thought I’d overdone on Thanksgiving!” I lean back patting my belly.

James’ phone buzzes.  He checks.  And starts laughing.  He hands it to me.  It’s a screen grab from Facebook of the photo we’d taken from the Tavern’s page.  The caption:  James Hetfield goes crazy for Tavern on the Green’s breakfast!  Laughing, I hand his phone back.  I hear my phone buzz.  Looking at the clock, “I’m late.”

“For what?”

“Work.”  I stand up, “I need to at least put on a bra.”

“Why?”

“Zoom meeting.”

“Ahh.”  James stands and starts cleaning up the table.

I grab his hands, “I’ll get this.  These meetings are never long.” 

He bends over and plants a kiss on me which I gladly return.  “Then, I’m going to my studio!” he grins.

I walk with him to the studio door, “I hope it’s a good commute” I grin.

“Ahh man, traffic can suck!”  He kisses me again. "Traffic jam" he chuckles.  My phone buzzes again.  We both laugh.  He goes into the studio, I go put on a bra.

Back at my desk, I log into the meeting: “Hi Boss!”

“Morning Kira!  Damn that Gala dress, girl!!

“James had it made for me.”  I can feel my cheeks flame in blush.  “Who’s mad at me.”

“Besides the creepy mail room guy?  No one.  Now, the good news.  Margo is now on maternity leave.”

“She ok?”

“Yes.  Just the little dude wanted out early!  So, you get the novel.”

“How far along was Margo?”

The rest of the meeting went quickly.  After ending the meeting, I pull up the files for the book that Margo was working on.  It was almost done.  Remembering that I’d told James I would clear up breakfast, I quickly take care of it – nibbling on the bacon while clearing up.  I sigh as I get ready to close the fridge.  I don’t think it’s ever been this full.  Returning to my desk with a can of Severed Lime, I decide to go back to the beginning of the book Margo was working on.  Pulling my legs into my desk chair I get started.  My background music is provided by James.

I love working with Margo.  She’s the one that taught me, so taking over her project is a breeze.  I’m almost caught up when I feel James’ hands on my shoulders.

“How’s it going?”  His lips press against my neck.

Stretching some, “Well, curve ball.  One of the other editors’ is suddenly on maternity leave.”

“She ok?” James asks sincerely.

“Yes, just early delivery.  Mom and baby are fine.”

“Good.”  James’ fingers gently rub my shoulders.  “You hungry?”  I just rotate my chair and look at him.  “I’ll take that as a no” he grins.

“I should go have something sent to Margo.”  I uncurl my legs and stretch again.

James runs his hands down my arms, “What’s your deadline now?”

Closing out the files, “I have two weeks.”  I send a text to my boss that I’ll be offline – baby shopping - for the balance of the day.  I get a thumbs up response.

“That be enough time?”

Standing up, “Yes.  Margo was almost done.”

He cups my head and kisses me, “Good.”  He strokes my hair.  “I think that you need to go shopping.”  He grins.

“Would you like to go with me?” I wrap my arms around his waist.

He smiles gently at me, “Sure.”

“Did you finish your song?” I look up into the glorious blue eyes.

His grin gets bigger, “Yes.  I was even able to chat with Lars on it.”  He pulls me from my office.  “He’s jealous.”

“Jealous?”

“Yeah, that you gave me a room with a view for a studio.”  I give him a look.  “Jess made him set up his drums in their basement” he laughs.

I smile up at him, “I liked hearing you play while I edited.”  I stand on tip toe to kiss him.  His hands hold me close.

“I think it’s going to turn out great.  Lars is already putting drums to it.”  I sink back to my flat feet.  “What?”

“That blows my mind!” I smile.

“What?  That I can start something here, Lars can add to it from Denmark, Rob will be working on it in SoCal and Kirk will lay his solo from Hawaii?”

“Think about what you just said” I say as I take his hand and led him to the bedroom.

He stops shortly after entering the room, “Damn.”

I just nod at him and chuck a shirt at him.

Twenty minutes later we are exiting the cab in front of Bloomingdale’s.  The store is completely done up for Christmas and is amazing.  We take our time getting to the infant’s section.  Going to the counter, I am given Margo’s registry list.  James follows me as I look over items.  Since he’s had kids, he is able to give me some feedback on what is on Margo’s wish list.  I pick out the stroller that will grow with the kid.  James picks out the highchair that can also be adjusted as the kid grows up.  He also suggests a toy that all of his kids adored.  That will be sent from both of us.  The salesperson assures us that if we sign gift cards, they will make sure that those are attached to the wrapped gifts before delivery.

James just smiles and puts a scary guy on his.  “You know she’s going to die when she reads the gift cards!” I smile up at James.  I thank the salesperson and we leave the infants department. 

“Do you want to look around?”

James wraps an arm around me, “What do you want to look at?”  I just point at the Christmas area.  He hugs me a little tighter smiling, “Ok!”

I have more fun just watching him check out all the decorations.  Slowly, I led him to a tree in the corner.  “Hey.”

He grins, “Hi.”

“Where do you want to spend Christmas?”

He gives me a look.  “Where do you want to spend Christmas?”

I work my hands inside his open coat and rest them on his chest.  “Colorado” I say looking at his chest.

He lifts my chin, looks me in the eye, “Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

He wraps one arm around my waist, the other around my shoulders and tenderly pulls me to him and just looks at me.  All I can do is smile at his blue eyes.  “You are positive, aren’t you?”  I just nod.  “Ok.  Colorado Christmas it will be.”  He cups my head and slowly kisses me.  I snake my arms tighter around him under his coat and kiss right back.

Someone clears their throat.  James looks up, pulling me a little closer.  I twist my head and there stands a security guard, whose eyes are now really big.  “Can we help you?” James asks with a huge smile.

“Just makin’ sure that things are fine back here.”  I can see the guy’s really nervous.  “Can’t let the Page 6 girl get into trouble on my watch.”

I blush and shove my face back into James’ coat.  I can feel him chuckle, “Yeah.  We good.”

“Sorry to interrupt.”

“No worries.  Thanks for looking out for the women, buddy.”

“Hey, it’s my job!”

From inside James’ coat I say “Merry Christmas!”

“And Merry Christmas to you ma’am!”

I feel James shake the guards hand “Merry Christmas!”  That hand rests on the back of my head.  I look up.  James is almost giggling at me.  “You OK?”

“I’m never gonna live that down!”

He actually laughs, “And I’m not gonna let ya!”  He kisses my forehead and walks me out of the corner.  “Do you need anything from this store?”

“I can’t think of anything.”  I look up at him, “You ready to go home?”

“Home here home, or home Colorado home or home California home?” he asks with a twinkle in his eye.

“Here home!” as I smack his chest softly.

“I can go home here now.”  He smirks at me.

“aagghh!”

He pulls me into him, kissing my hair, chuckling. 

As we sit in the cab on the ride back the apartment, “When do you want to go home Colorado home?” he asks.

I look at him.  He’s smiling like a damned cheshire cat again.  I huff out a laugh, “Two weeks.  I can get a lot done on Margo’s stuff and most of the top of the pile on mine done.”

“That sounds like a plan.  I get two weeks to break in my studio here home – uhm – home here studio – er – studio home here.”

I shut him up by planting a kiss on him.

Hiya! As a big fan of your works, I was wondering, would you ever consider writing something like a prologue to “Snow Way to Escape”? Like how James compared Kira to his exes, the money counting thing, how he failed to notice she moved out of bedroom? I thinks it’d be an interesting story to read, but of course, your blog, your rules. Thanks 😊

Hmmmm!!! I will have to think that one out! Thanks for idea!! This series is going to be a monthly installment. Had to do something while job hunting! I think I can work that into the "year anniversary" chapter.

Hope all is well in your world and that you have a wonderful Holiday Season!

H4H

Rockies Christmas - Day 9

Warnings:  Happy Birthday Lars!, Snowmobile use, Severe accident (no one dies), Severe Angst

There’s a buzzing noise in the room.  I feel James shift, his hand slapping around on his nightstand.  The buzzing stops, but his phone is powered on.  The light from the screen seems exceedingly bright in the dark room.  Then it’s on speaker mode and ringing.

“Jah?”

James in full voice sings Happy Birthday to Lars.

“Thanks, you inconsiderate bastard!”

“Hey, I’m not the one who decided to be born the day after Christmas in Denmark!”

I love to hear these two rib each other lovingly.

I can also hear that James is not really awake.  He ends the call without telling Lars about the biggest news of the day.  He sets his phone down on his bedside table, snakes his arms around me and we are both back to sleep.

The smell of coffee wakes us.  I untangle myself from James, kissing his forehead in the process, and head to the bathroom.  He’s still face down in the pillows when I come out.  Grabbing a clean pair of leggings and a t-shirt, I get dressed.  Grabbing a clean sweater, I smack the covers over James’ legs.  “C’mon Grandpa!  Wake up!”

James rolls over, “Oh yeah!”  He slides from the bed, uses the bathroom and gets dressed while I make up the bed and toss the dirties into the hamper.

Getting into the kitchen, the three girls are cooking.  “Dad, we used some of the roast to make breakfast tacos.”

“That’s fine and smells great!” James smiles. 

Looking out the window, it has stopped snowing, and the sun is trying to shine through the clouds scudding across the sky.

CBF comes from the living room with the tree pitcher, “Where does this go?”  Both Cali and Marcella point to the end of the counter.

James makes our coffees, and we take them to the kitchen table.  A few minutes later, we are served breakfast tacos.  Basically, breakfast burritos just in smaller tortillas.  And a little messier.  But they are really good.  The three boys start grabbing plates.  “They cooked, we clean up” CBF says.

“Hey Dad, can we take out the snowmobiles?” Castor asks.

“They haven’t been used in a couple of years.  They’ll need some work first.”

MBF speaks up, “I’ve worked on engines before.  I’ll be happy to help.”

Nodding, James stands up, “Then let’s get out to the shed.”  The four men leave through the garage.  I hear, “Damn!  Nice Shelby!” as the door closes.  I can only giggle and imagine the looks on the boys’ faces when James tells them it’s mine.

The kitchen is clean and tidy.  “I hate to do this” as I pull out the big mixer.  “But I’m going to make another mess.”

I put together the batter for something Grandmother called Date Nut Bread.  I get it into the oven.  I may have over done again as I doubled the recipe.  The girls all sit at the counter watching.  We talk about a lot of things from fashion to hit songs on the radio to hairstyles.

I can hear the snowmobile engines being turned on and off in the background.

“How did you meet Dad?” Marcella asks.

“It was a blind date.”  I get looks from his daughters.  “Derek, one of the editors I work with knows someone on your Dad’s crew.  Derek wanted me to go to a car show, but it was a charity event and I would need a date.  Derek was taking his own girlfriend.  Sooo, I needed a plus one.”  Checking the timer, “Derek reached out to Martin and called in a favor.”

“I think I remember a Martin.  Short guy?”  I nod.  “Bald?”  I nod again.  “He’s a nice guy.”

CGF asks, “You like cars?”

“And football.”

“Jets or Giants?” Cali asks.

“Seattle Seahawks.”  That got me some looks.  “Blame my college roommate.  She’s from Seattle.”

The garage door opens and James walks in carrying a red helmet wearing a heavy snowsuit.  “Whose going?” 

Both Marcella and CGF speak up. 

“Marcella, can you please show CGF where the big snow suits are?”

“Sure!  C’mon!”  The two women leave.

James looks at Cali.  “How you doing this morning?”

“Better” she smiles at her Dad.  “The rolls that Kira made don’t make me want to puke every ten minutes.”

“That’s good news!  I’m glad you both are feeling better!”  He wraps an arm around me, “Wanna go?”  He’s got the huge cheshire cat grin smeared on his face.

“No, I’ll stay here.  I have Date Nut Bread in the oven.”  I smile up at James, “Go have fun!”

He kisses me, “We’ll be back before sunset.”  He smacks my ass as he walks towards the garage.

“How much longer on this date bread nut stuff?”

I huff out a laugh, “Date Nut Bread.  It’s almost done.”

“It smells really good!  Thanks again for showing me about the baking soda.”

“You’re welcome.”  The timer dings and I test, then pull out the pans.   The snowmobiles roar down the driveway.

We talk about how she met her boyfriend.  How she and her siblings got along as kids.  How it was tough being the oldest daughter of a megarocksuperstargod.  I slice a piece of the bread for Cali.  She nibbles.  “Dis ish wrewwy good!”

“I hope you both like it!” I grin. "It's better with cream cheese on it."

My ears pick up an engine.  A single engine.  I look at Cali then I run to the front door.  There’s CGF.  Alone.  Her machine stops just before the front steps and she yanks off her helmet.  “Castor gave me this” as she pulls his phone from her snowsuit.  She puts in the passcode.  There on the screen:  Use house phone.  Jacobs 439-555-2122  Coordinates:  yadda yadda..  Dad’s unconscious.

I wrap my arm around her and pull her into the house, “How long did it take you to get here?” I calmly ask.

“Twenty minutes, I think.”

Grabbing the phone in the kitchen, I dial the number.

It’s answered, “Hi James!”

“This is Kira.”

“Who?”

“The new girlfriend.  James is down.  I have coordinates.”

“Give them to me.  What happened.”

I give him the coordinates and hand the house phone over to CGF, “Just tell him exactly what you saw.”

“We’d been in a field.  James said that he was going to check out the sides of the field.  He wasn’t going really fast.  The next thing … his snowmobile rears up and over and James is under it.”

Cali’s grabbing my arm.  Tightly.  CGF hands the phone back to me.  “Ok.  They are out there.  I’ll get the chopper in the air right now.  The others will have to ride their machines back.  I can’t take them with me.”

“I understand.  Where will you take him?”

“Denver, Swedish.  I’ll call this number when I have him onboard.”

“Thanks.”  The call ends.  I dig out my phone and call the bands travel agent, “Jordan?”

“Hey!”

“James is hurt.  He’s being airlifted to Denver.  I’m going to need a chopper for seven soon.”

“What happened?”

“All I know right now is that he’s unconscious.  There’s a medivac chopper headed out to collect him.”

“Hold the line.”

The three of us girls look at each other as a helicopter zooms over the house.

“Ok.  The Eagle county airport.  Call the number I just texted" my phone vibrates "to you when you leave the house.”

“It’s gonna take about 30 minutes for the kids to get back to the house.”

“Kira, just call that number.  There’s a chopper on standby for you.  Do you want me to call anyone?”

I heave a sigh, “I guess Lars.”

“Will do.”

“This is a fuck of a present.”

“Oh shit.  It is his birthday.”

“Maybe Pete first?”

“Good idea.  You have my number if you need anything.” 

“Thanks.”

That call ends.  I look at the two young women in front of me.  “We need to get some things pulled together.  As soon as the others get back, we’re leaving.  CGF, go get out of those wet clothes.  Toss some dry clothes into a backpack for Castor.  Cali, can you put together some clothes for the others?”

“On it.”  She turns, then stops, “How are you so calm?”

I smile at her, “You can’t hear my heartbeat.”  Nodding, “Let’s go ladies.”  I dash into our bedroom and pull on jeans, a bra and a thermal shirt.  I grab another pair of sweats and shirt and stuf them into the bag.  A run through the bathroom, I grab a hairbrush.  Returning to the kitchen, I grab a handful of granola bars and toss those into the big purple bag.  I pull my wallet from my purse on the counter, along with both our phones and add those to the purple bag.  “Shoes” I mumble to myself.  Going to the garage door, I pull on my mukluks.  I also grab our coats.  Just as I return to the kitchen, the house phone rings.

“Yes?” My voice much louder than I wanted.

“I’m airborne.  The others are on the way back.  He’s still out.”

“Thanks.  Fly safe.”

“Thanks.”  The call ends.

Cali and CGF are standing there.  “The others are on the way back.  James is still unconscious.”  I look at both of them, “This will be the hardest part.  Waiting for the others to return.”  I grab CGF’s arm, “Ya did good.”  She starts to cry.  I just pull her into a hug.  Cali joins in.  “Hey.  Seriously, ya did good.”  We stand there together for a time.  I double check that the oven is off and put the loaves into storage bags.  I heave a sigh, “Let’s get the bags into the truck.”

“Dad’s truck?” Cali sounds slightly aghast.

“We can’t all fit into my Shelby.”

“The Shelby is your car?” CGF’s voice is a little squeaky.

“Yup.”  I grab the key fob for the truck and my purple bag.

The girls grab the backpacks they’d packed, “Seriously, you are going to drive Dad’s truck.”

“Cali” I turn and smile smally at the young woman, “yes, I am going to drive that damn behemoth.”  As I open the garage door, “It’s the only option.”  I hit the button for the garage overhead door and plop my purple bag on the console between the front seats.  “I’m going to back it out.  CGF, go get your machine.  We’ll just park them all in here for now.”  As she runs, “Please don’t hit my Shelby” I give her a smile.

I had to spend a moment or so adjusting the driver seat from the settings for James’ 6 foot 1 body to my 5 foot 2 one.  I finally get it set and back his damned truck out pointing it down the driveway.  Just as CGF gets her machine in the garage, I hear the others coming.  Cali tosses the bags she’d packed into the bed and climbs in the back seat.  CGF helps point the other machines into the garage.  Castor jumps into the passenger seat dropping something to the floor between his feet.  Pointing to the item, “What’s that?”

He picks it up, “What’s left of Dad’s helmet” he says softly.  It’s split almost in two.  He puts it between his feet again.  His hands are shaking.  I rest my hand on his arm.  He pats my hand.

I heave out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.  Then I lean out the window, “Marcella, please check that I locked the front door.”  MBF joins Cali in the back seat. 

Marcella climbs in, “Yes it’s locked.”  CGF squeezes in the back too.

“Sorry for the tight fit back there.” I hit the button on the remote and watch the garage door roll all the way down.  “It’s only till we get to the airport.”  Leaving the driveway, my phone syncs up.  I hit the message app and call the number that Jordan had given me.

“Eagle Airport Choppers.”

“My name is Kira.”

“Are you on your way?”

“Yes, we are.”

“What are you driving?”

“A big ass truck.”  I can hear the huffed laugh on the other end.

“We’ll have the chopper ready for you when you get here.  You can park the big ass truck in the hanger.”

I actually laugh “Thank you!”

“See you in about 40 minutes?”

“Highway patrol can mail James the ticket.  Thirty.”

“See you then.”  The call ends.

I hit the freeway and punch the gas.  Fortunately, the road is clear, there is no snow falling, very little traffic and the gas tank is full.  I don’t even look at the speedometer.  I keep my eyes on the road.  “There’s some granola bars in this bag” I elbow it to Castor, “if you’re hungry.”

Castor pulls the bag into his lap, “Thanks.  Anyone else?”  There were a couple of takers.

“Hey, I have dry clothes for you guys in the back” Cali speaks up.

“Let’s not forget those bags at the airport” Marcella adds.

Twenty-eight minutes later, I’m parking the truck in the hanger.  I hand the fob over to the chopper pilot, “Please don’t ding his truck.”

“No ma’am, I won’t” he smiles at me.  He puts me in the co-pilot’s seat, the kids all get the back seats with the bags on the floor between their feet.  “This will take about 40 minutes with today’s weather.  I have gotten permission to land at the hospital.”  He taps my arm pointing at my feet, “Ma’am, I do ask that you keep your feet off the controllers there.”  I nod and tuck my feet under the seat.  Moments later we are airborne.  I try to keep from shaking.  The panic is trying to set in.  The what if’s are beginning to run amuck.  What if he’s paralyzed.  What if he never wakes.  What if he’s suffered brain trauma.  I feel a hand grab my right arm from behind.  I recognize the nails.  It’s Cali.  I just put my hand over hers and squeeze.  That’s when I realize that I’ve been twisting the ring on my finger and it’s sore.  Denver begins to loom up out of the snow.  I make sure that I’m not hitting any of the flight controllers as the pilot brings the chopper in to land.  He powers down and the blades slowly come to a stop.  He rests his hand on my arm, “We all hope that James is fine."

I nod nervously, “Thank you.  I will keep you informed.”

“Please do.  I’ll be happy to make the return flight with one more onboard.”

“Thank you.”  I climb out of the chopper and collect my purple bag. 

A nurse greets us on the helipad.  “I was told to expect you.  I’m Nancy.  This way.”  She leads us into a waiting area.  “Please have a seat, the doctor will be right in.” 

My heart is racing.  This is either really good news.  Or super bad.  Cali sits next to me, holding her stomach.  “Upset?”

“Yeah, and I didn’t grab the baking soda.”

“We’re in a hospital.  I’m sure they’ll have something” I pat her arm.  She grins.

A middle-aged doctor comes in, “Kira Mooreland?”

“That’s me.”

“Would you come with me please?”

“Doc, these are his children.  Whatever you’re going to tell me, you might as well say it right here cause I’m just going to tell them.  It’s better coming directly from the doctor’s mouth.”

Nodding, he pulls up the magazine strewn table and sits.  “Then let me be blunt.  He’s damned lucky.”  He leans elbows on his knees.  “James does have a severe concussion and some major bruising.   Other than that, he’s fine.”  I hear all the kids heave a sigh.

“What about his neck?” I ask.

“He’s had a full CT scan.  The herniated disc is actually fine.”  I heave a sigh.  “I’m going to keep him under tonight.  You can see him tomorrow morning.”  He stands, “But not before 7am, please.”

“Thank you doctor.”  I stand and shake his hand.  “By the way, you might have to secure his wrists to the bed frame.  He’s known for pulling out his IV ports.”

The doctor cocks a grin, “Yeah, we already discovered that.”  The kids laugh.

“Doctor, he’s also a recovering alcoholic.  Please keep the pain meds to the minimum and non-narcotic.”

“I will see what I can do.  I appreciate the information.  I will also add it to his permanent records.”

“Thank you again.  We’ll see you tomorrow morning.”  I sit as the doctor leaves and heave a sigh.  Now.  To house six kids.  I call Jordan.

“Kira.”

“He’s fine.  Severe concussion and bruising, but fine.”  I hear a breath of relief on the other end.  “They are keeping him at least tonight.”

“I’ll get you rooms.”

“Can you please get me a suite?  I don’t think any of us want to be separated tonight.”  I see all the kids nodding.

“Let me see what I can book.  One night or two?”

“Do two, can always cancel the second.”

“Two it is.  You’ll need car service too.”

“Yes please.”

“Ok, van.  We do have a couple of people in the area that I can call on to be runners.  Do you need anything?”

“Hang on.”  I look to the kids, “Do y’all need anything?”  Nodding at Cali, “Besides baking soda?” I smile.  I pass along the two requests – a box of baking soda and a bottle of melatonin.  “Hey Jordan, can we please get some catering?  Pasta maybe.”  Again, all the kids nod.

“Sure.”  I hear clicking on a keyboard.  “Ooookaaaayy, the car service van will be at the hospital main entrance in about 5 minutes.  I didn’t want to send it to the ER door.”

“Understood.”

“Runner tells me that he’ll have your asks at the hotel about the same time you guys get there.”

“Jordan?”

“Yes?”

“You deserve a raise.”

“You get them to agree to that and I won’t say no!”  I just laugh.  “Kira, call me if you need anything.”

“I will.  Thank you again for everything.”  I end the call.  “Ok, car service will be at the main entrance in five.”

The seven of us collect bags and coats and wander to the main doors, getting lost once in the halls.  It was a minute before the van showed up.  We climb into the black vehicle.  The driver was smooth and courteous.  Once at the hotel, I go to the front desk.  “Checking in.”

“Last name please?”

“Mooreland.”  I put my driver’s license on the counter.  I can see his eyes widen as he starts clicking on the keyboard.

“Thank you.  How many key cards would you like, Ms Mooreland?”

“Seven please.  And I prefer Miss” I say kindly.

“My apologies, Miss Mooreland.  The key cards will take just a moment.”

“Castor?” a voice behind me calls out.

“Timothy!” Castor moves to shake the man’s hand.  He has several bags with him.

“Miss Mooreland?”  I turn back to the desk.  “Your key cards.  The elevator is just there.  You will need to use a key card on the pad for the Penthouse.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Please do let us know if you need anything during your stay.”  I just nod at him.

Collecting my purple gym bag, I nod to the kids.  They follow, as does Timothy – who is carrying a very large bag – probably dinner, into the elevator.  I tap a key card on the pad and hit the P button.  The doors open on the biggest hotel room I’ve ever seen.  It was like walking into someone’s super fancy living room.  There was even a grand piano.  Like roaches in the light, the kids scatter to claim a room.  Timothy sets the bag on the dining table.  He rests his hand on my shoulder.  “Jordan told me.”  I can only nod.  “Here’s my number.  If you need anything.”  He hands me a business card.

“Thank you.”

Timothy pats my shoulder and yells bye to Castor.  Then he’s on the elevator. 

Sighing, I drop my purple bag on the sofa and start pulling dinner out of the bags.  Two large containers of pasta, two kinds of sauce, breadsticks, tossed salad, cheese packets, plates, utensils and napkins.  Lots of napkins.  Cali comes over and grabbing some breadsticks, helps me get things sorted.  “Hey dorks!” she yells.  “Dinner.”  Giving me a nod, she just smiles.

Grabbing my bag, I go into the big room and sit on the bed.  It looks so huge knowing that I’ll be the only one in it.  I shudder.

“You ok?” Marcella asks quietly.

I heave a sigh, “I haven’t slept alone since September.”

Marcella sits on the bed.  “I can see why Dad likes you.”  She looks at me, “Thank you.”  I look at her.  “We’d have been a mess today without you.”

“One of you would have stepped up.”

She looks at her fingers, “Maybe.”  She looks at me – with her dad’s blue eyes.  “Still, I’m glad you are here.”

“Thanks.”

“Hey Kira”

“yeah”

“Why don’t you have kids?”

A smile spreads over my face, “I didn’t find the right man until I was too old.”

She gives me a look, “You’re forty.  You can still have kids.”

I chuckle, “Marcella.  I’m two years older than your Dad.”

“Naw.”

“I can never call him Papa Het” I chuckle softly.

Marcella just starts laughing.  Castor comes to the door, “What’s so funny?”

Marcella points to me, “She’s older than Dad!”

“Naw.”

I just nod smiling.

“Wow!” Castor smiles.  “You don’t look it.”

“Thank you, Castor.”

“Ok, y’all.  The old lady” Cali winks at me “needs some alone time.  She’s taken care of us all day.”

I get hugs from all of them, Cali making sure to set the melatonin on the dresser and then closing the door.  I close the drapes in the room, take a melatonin and head into the bathroom.  I deposit my clothes on the counter and start the shower.  The room fills with steam.  I walk in and let the water pound on my back.  He’s going to be fine.  He’s not paralyzed.  There’s no apparent brain damage.  His neck is ok.  All those nasty what if’s float away.  But the terror that I’d buried for the sake of the kids bubbles up.  I slide down the wall of the shower stall to the floor sobbing quietly curling into a ball. Body shaking sobs.  I push away the images my mind had created during the day:  James in a wheelchair.  James never being able to play guitar again.  James having to exist in the terror of his own song.  I finally get to the hiccupping stage and stand up.  I do a quick body scrub and rinse.  Then turning off the water, dry off and wrap up my hair.  My sobbing had put my head in the stream from the shower head.  Pulling the sweats out of my bag, dress and climb into the massive bed.  Alone.

The stress of the day, the hot shower and the melatonin have me under in short order.

Everybody Loves a Parade - Part 3

Warnings: Fluff, Sex teased, Shameless Product Placement

Wednesday

I roll over to find the bed empty.  It is barely dawn.  I hear a guitar being played.  I smile.  James was somewhere in my place doodling.  I crawl out of bed, still very sore from yesterday morning, but it makes me smile.  Pulling a robe on over what I’d worn the day before, I pad out to the living room.  James is sitting on the sofa, guitar on his knee, notepad on the coffee table, completely lost in writing.  Not wanting to crunch in on his vibe, I return to bed.  Laying there listening to him create.

His lips are pressed against my temple, “Hey sleepy head.”  His hand rubs my back, “You gonna wake up today?”

I scrunch up my eyebrows, “What time is it?

“About 8.”

I stretch and groan at the same time.  “Did you finish your song?”

“Did I wake you with it?”  his eyes showing concern.

“It sounded really good.”  I smile, and get lost in those fucking blue eyes.

He kisses my neck, “I still need to work on some things, but yeah.  It’s gonna be better on electric.” 

I caress his arms, “I’m looking forward to hearing it.”  I stretch again and yawn, rebounding into a ball.

He pats my hip.  “My turn to make breakfast.  C’mon.”

He helps me climb out of bed.  Walking into the kitchen, he’d already started the coffee maker.  For being the megarockgodsuperstar, he could actually cook.  Sorta.  His grilling skills are far better, but he still knows his way around in the kitchen.  He put together a breakfast for us of scrambled eggs with cheese, sourdough toast, sliced avocados and coffee.  His eggs are fluffy.  The toast is well buttered.  The coffee hot.  He clears away the plates when we are done.  We curl up on the sofa under a blanket.  “What do you want to see today?” I ask him.

“You.”  He kisses me, “Naked.”  His eyes twinkling.

“I can barely move after yesterday morning!”

“Didn’t say I was going to fuk you, just that I want to see you naked.”

“MMmk.”  I stand up, tossing the blanket aside and take his hand.  Leading him back toward my office and into that bathroom.  The only one with a tub in it.  I had replaced the stupid shallow apartment tub with an old-fashioned claw footed cast iron monster tub.  Turning on the taps to start filling it, I pull off my clothes.  Then I start pulling off James’.  I dump some bath salts into the waters, then I step into the tub and sit.  James slides in behind me.  Using my toes, I turn off the water when the tub is full.  James lets water fill his hands to pour it slowly over my shoulders.  I gently message his arms.  Reaching under the water, I message his thighs and calves.  James gently rolls me to the side and rubs my back, making me sigh in contentment.  He still flinches at the sight of my bruised arms.  I move his hand between my legs, “I can still feel you” I purr into his ear.  His other hand grabs my head and kisses me deeply.

“I love you” he whispers.

“I love you” I whisper back.  My insides fluttering.  My heart soaring.  My brain screaming ‘Hang on a second here.’  I pushed that last thought to the side.

We lay there in the tub, wrapped in each other’s arms until the water begins to chill.  Since it is a cast iron tub, that takes some time.  We finally climb out and wrap up in towels and cross my apartment to pull on some clothes. 

“What time is the gala thingy?” James asked.

“We have to be there no later than 5pm.”  I look at the clock, it was just coming up on 1pm.  “Do you want some lunch?  There’s paella left.”

“mmm!  That sounds great!” as he kisses the back of my neck.

Pulling on clean Yoga pants and a t-shirt – trying to keep the bruises from showing - I quickly get into the kitchen and pull out the paella.  James comes up behind me as I put the dish into the oven.  He wraps his arms around me as I set the temp and a timer.  His hands grab my boobs pulling me into his chest, his face buried in my neck.  “What are you doing?” I giggle.

“Hugging you.”

“Groping my boobs!”  He gently squeezes them.  I reach back with both hands and grab any part of him I can – his head and a hip.  His mouth starts working on my neck.  I pull away slightly, “No hickies today.”  The suction becomes pressure, but I can feel him smile.  I pull his head a little closer, “Tonight” I whisper.  I can feel his question, “I’m wearing a sweater and scarf tomorrow.”  His kisses are little harder.  I sigh out a laugh.  Pulling his hands from my boobs, I turn in his arms.  He rests his hands on my ass.  I caress his face with both hands.  “You are so handsome.”  I can see the doubt in those big blue eyes.  “You are.”  I pull his face to mine and kiss his lips wrapping an arm around his head.  His arms wrap around my waist.  We are still kissing when the timer goes off.  I pull away gently, “I don’t want to burn lunch” my hands holding his head.

He smiles at me, “Please don’t burn the paella.  It should be really good today since it’s marinated.”

I smile at him, “I can’t reach into the oven.”

“Hmmm.”  He looks at me, the oven and back to me.  “I suppose…” as he gently releases me.

Our hands slowly drift off the other.  I turn off the timer and check in the oven.  It’s bubbling nicely.  Grabbing a couple hot pad holders I pull out the dish.  James has already pulled out the two bowls from the dishwasher.  I grab the leftover rice from the fridge and pop it into the microwave.  James pulls out two spoons and napkins and has the table set by the time the microwave is done. 

Opening the fridge, “Drink?”

Pulling the rice from the microwave, I start portioning out our lunch, “Uhmmm, Obituary today, thanks!”  He kisses the top of my head as he passes me.  Picking up the bowls, I follow him to the table.

He takes a bite, “This is even better today!”

Nodding, “It usually is better a day or so later.”

We’re about done when the doorbell rings.  I answer the door, “Carl.”

“Your bird, Miss Mooreland” he smiles.

“Actually, it’s his, but ok!” I open the door wider.

Carl carries the bag from the store to the kitchen and James joins us.  He opens the bag and unwraps the butcher paper from the bird.  Since it was a fresh one, it wasn’t covered in plastic wrapping.  Nodding, “Looks fine” James smiles.

“Excellent!” Carl says as he heads back to the front door.

I follow, “Carl, we’re going to need a car service for this evening.”

“Going to the Gala?”

“Yes, but the catch is, the gown I’ll be wearing I can’t bend over.”  I am ever so slightly embarrassed. 

Carls’ eyebrows knit together, “This one is a challenge, but I’ll see what I can do for you.”  He steps out into the hallway, “Pick up about 4pm?”

“Yes please.”

Nodding, “I’ll ring you!” and he’s off down the hallway with his cart full of turkey deliveries.

I close the door and go back to the kitchen.  James has put the clean dishes away and is working on putting the dirties in it.  “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome!”  He cocks a goofy grin, “I had an ulterior motive.”

Looking askance at him, “And that was….”

“I need a pan for the bird.”

“Ahh.”  Going to another high cupboard, I manage to swing the door open, “There are a couple in here.” 

James comes up behind me and easily pulls them both down.  “I think one of these will do.”  He returns to the bird and puts it into one of the pans.

“Do you want foil to cover it?”

“Foil or a towel will work.”  He repositions the bird, “Or both.” I dig out an old kitchen towel and pull the foil from the drawer.  James soaks the towel, squeezes it lightly and places it over the bird then covers the whole thing with the foil.  I give him a look.  “The soaked towel will keep it from drying out in the fridge.  The foil keeps the moisture in the pan.”

“Huh.”  I screw up my eyebrows, “I think Grandmother said something like that.”

James puts the panned bird in the fridge, then washes his hands.  “It’s probably time we think about getting ready for this evening.”

Looking at the clock on the stove, “You’re probably right.  I should wash my hair.”

He grabs my hand, “I’ll help” he smiles at me.

Letting him lead me to the bathroom, “You just love playing with my hair!”

Nodding, “That too!”

A good scrubbing later, we both emerge from the shower stall.  James stops at the sink and checks his cheeks.  Grabbing a second towel, I leave the bathroom while he shaves.  Sitting on the bed, I towel my hair dry.  I hear the blow dryer in the bathroom.  Three minutes later, James comes into the bedroom.  Naked.  I heave a sigh.

“What?” he looks at me.

“You look wonderful.”  He rubs his belly.  “Trust me, you look wonderful.”  I take his hand and put it between my legs where I’m getting wetter by the moment.

Grinning wickedly, “We don’t have time right now.”

“Sadly” I whine.

He reclaims his hand from my body and licks me from it, groaning.

Reaching up I cup his face, “Later” I whisper.  Then I smack his ass.  He grabs me and kisses me, smiling.

“Where is my suit?”

“Hanging out with my gown” I nod towards the closet.  James relinquishes his hold on me and opens the door.  He pulls out his suit pants and lays them on the bed.  He reaches into his suitcase and pulls out a pair of briefs and socks.  I return to the bathroom to attend my hair and makeup.  Starting with a quick double bump to the pits.  Once my makeup is done, I work on pulling up my hair.  I manage to get a couple of long curls left out to hang down my back.  Digging out my curling iron, I add a little more curl to them.  Taking another look at me in the mirror, I like what I’ve come up with.  Deciding to not take any chances, I take a damp cloth and give my sex a quick wipe down.  Then pull out a tampon and put it in place.  I wasn’t going to take the chance that I’d leak my arousal all over my gown since I have to go completely commando under it.  I hear James becoming frustrated in the bedroom.  “What’s wrong?” I ask as I reenter the room.

“I can’t get these cuff links…” he’s struggling with the little gold devices.

Holding out my hands, “Here, let me.”  It took a moment, but I got them in place.  Patting his wrists, “There.”  I help him with his jacket.  I make sure that his shirt collar in the back is standing up.  He turns.  “Damn!” I breath.

“What?” he starts checking his clothes.

“You look hot!!”  The tampon was great idea.

“So do you!” he grabs me and kisses my cheek. 

“I need to get dressed!”

Patting my ass, “Mmmk” he pouts slightly as he releases me. 

I dig out my shoes first.  After putting them on I pull out my gown.  It’s deep green velvet with rhinestone trim is actually pretty heavy.  Its plunging back makes it easy to step into.  I pull it up and James helps make sure that it sits correctly on my shoulders.  His fingers gently tug up the plunging back to make sure that my ass is covered.  Barely.  His fingers linger a moment before he gently runs them up my back to fluff my curls.  He plants a soft kiss between my shoulder blades.

Then he stands back, “Wow.”  His eyes are radiant.  “I do love this gown on you.”

I gently rub the front of his pants, “You love this gown off me” as I walk out of the bedroom.

He groans, “That too!”

Going to my office, I pull out my ID from my clutch wallet.  Returning to the dining table I check my phone.  No call from Carl yet.

“I’ll put that with mine” James says putting my ID in his wallet with his.

“Thank you.”

His fingers make lazy patterns on my exposed back.  “What jacket are you going to wear?  It’s cold out there.”

“Oh.”  I think a moment, “You’ll need an over coat too.”  I take his hand, “Come with me.”  I led him to the storage bedroom.  This had been Grandmother’s room.  She’d had her closet lined in cedar.  I open that door and pull out an overcoat, “I think this will fit you.”  James turns and I pull the overcoat up his arms.  It fits him perfectly as I smooth my hands over his shoulders.  He turns slowly, his fingers running over the material.  He just looks at me.  “It was my Grandfathers.  I never met him, but Grandmother said that someday I’d need it.”  I look into his blue eyes.  “I guess that is today.”

“It’s beautiful.”  James kisses me tenderly.  “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”  I turn back to the closet and pull out Grandmother’s dress coat – as she called it.  “I never saw her wear this.  But like Grandfather’s, she insisted that I keep it.”  The coat is curly black wool, with a broad fur collar. 

James takes it from my hands and holds it for me.  I slip my hands into the sleeves and James pulls it up my arms, gently lifting my curls so that they don’t get smashed.  He fingers the fur collar, “This is real fur.”

“I think Grandmother said it was fox.”

James rests his hands on my waist, “Does that bother you?” 

“Not really.  I think Grandfather hunted it.”  I run my fingers over the pelt.  “They would not have been trophy hunters.  In the 30’s they would have needed the meat.”  Knowing his feelings on hunting, I smile at him.

James presses a kiss to my forehead.  He fluffs the collar, “It looks beautiful on you.” 

I hear a phone buzz.  “I think our ride is here.”

James takes my hand and pulls me from the bedroom back to the dining room table.  “yup.  That’s Carl.”  He pats his pockets, “Phone, wallet.”  He reaches into his front pants pocket, “key!”  He grins like a cheshire cat.  “Ready?”

“Yup!” as I head to the front door.  This gown makes me walk a little taller, straighter back.  Namely because if I slouch, the gown will slide off my naked body.

James locks the apartment door and offers me his elbow as we walk to the elevator.  “You look amazing” he breathes into my ear.  A few moments later, we are in the lobby.  Carl is opening the front door for Mrs. Friedman and Floofy to come in.

Looking up, Mrs. Friedman stops.  “Kira.  You look gorgeous.  Is that your Grandmother’s overcoat?”

“Thank you, Mrs. Friedman.  Yes it is.”

Leaning in a little closer, “May I see your gown?”

Smiling, James helps me pull off the coat.  He takes my hand and spins me slowly.  I hear a gasp from Mrs. Friedman.  James pulls the coat back up my arms.

“Gorgeous and scandalous!”  Mrs. Friedman actually smiles, “Just like your Grandmother.”

“Thank you” I reply quietly.

“Miss Mooreland, James, your car is here” Carl says holding the door open.

James again offers me his arm and we walk to the car.  I hear Mrs. Friedman say to Carl, “They make a good-looking couple.”

We both snorfell laughs.

I have to reach inside the coat to pull up the back of my gown before sitting.  “You ok?” James asks.

“Just making sure that I don’t stretch out the back” as I sit in the bucket seat.

James holds his hand out to me.  I lay my hand in the warmth of his.  He slow blinks me.  I smile back at him.  All too soon, the van pulls up to the front of Radio City Music Hall.  It’s a full-on red-carpet event.  I look at James, “We don’t have to…”

He lifts my hand and kisses it.  “I want to.”

The door by James is opened by a valet.  He steps out.  It takes a moment, then the photographers go nuts.  The big megasuperstarrockgod at the Rockettes Gala.  Gracefully turning, James holds his hand out for me.  I gingerly step out of the vehicle, grabbing his hand.  Once he knows that me – and my gown – are safely out of the car, he tucks my hand into his elbow.  The cameras are non-stop.  As we approach the doors, I can see the confusion on the staffs’ faces.  James’ name is not on the list.  I stop at one staff member holding a tablet, “Mooreland.”  Looking at the list, he finds my name and smiles at me.  He opens the door to the Hall.  James steps back slightly to let me enter first.  Once inside, an usher points the way to coat check.  James sheds his first, then turns me so that I’m facing into the foyer and slides my coat off.  He collects the check ticket.  Stepping up behind me, he gently takes my left wrist in his left hand.  From over my right shoulder, his right hand appears – holding a pink rose.  I burst out laughing looking up into his sparkling blue eyes just before he kisses me gently.  I can hear the cameras outside going bonkers.  I take the rose from his hand and he gently lets his right arm drift down my bare back to rest just above the scoop of the gown barely covering my ass as we walk into the foyer.  Again, I hear the cameras clicking away like crazy.

Mrs. Corbett approaches me, “Kira!  I am so glad to see you!”  She gives me a quick peck on each cheek.

“Good to see you Mrs. Corbett!”  Pulling James a little closer, “May I introduce you to James Hetfield.”

Mrs. Corbett’s eyes grow large, but she maintains her cool, “Welcome to Radio City Music Hall!”

Nodding slightly, “Thank you.  It’s really pretty.”  I can feel him wince.

“Yes it is an amazing building.  Have you seen the Spectacular before?”

“No, this is my first time” James says happily now that the subject is changed, his fingers gently playing on my lower back.

“This is the first time James has done the holiday in person.”

Looking at me, “Then you will be using your Grandmother’s seats tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“I will personally make sure that you have seats front and center!”

Raising a hand gently, “I’d prefer the front and center seats go to the kids.”  I can see Mrs. Corbett thinking.  “However, I would love to have an appointment with the – uhm – Big Guy.”

Her face lights up, “Done!”  She looks across the foyer, “Excuse me please” and she hurries away.

“The Big Guy?” James just looks cockeyed at me.

“Yup.”  I smile back mischievously at him.  “The Big Guy.”  James’ fingers gently lift my chin and he kisses me tenderly.  More camera nuttery.

I wrap my right arm around his arm as an usher approaches.  “Miss Mooreland, your box is ready.”  She indicates the stairs, “This way please.”  I shift the rose from my left hand to my right, grabbing a fist full of skirt as we start to climb the stairs.  Again, I hear the cameras clicking away.  Once at the top I drop the fabric.  James looks at me concerned.  I just smile back at him.  Entering the box, I slide one chair closer to the rail and – holding up the back of my gown – sit.  I pull the other chair closer to me and pat the seat.  James just snickers at me and sits, his hand resting on my thigh.  I look at him, “You ok?”

Shifting his hand from my leg to wrap around my shoulders, his fingers gently pulling me closer, “You never said it was box seating.”

“oops.”

He kisses my temple smiling.

The lights go down.

Two hours later, we participate in the standing ovation.  The smile spread across his face lifts my heart.  He sinks back down in his seat.  “That was amazing.”

I smile at him, “TV doesn’t do it justice.”

His eyebrows are almost in his hairline, “NO.  It does not!”  He stands again and plants a kiss on me, “Thank you.”

Grabbing the backs of his arms, “You are very welcome.”

The Hall slowly is emptying out.  James holds his hand out to me and we leave the box.  Looking up and down the hallway, he pins me to the wall, kissing me deeply.  His mouth by my ear, “I can’t wait to get you home.” 

I whimper.  “Let’s go.”

He again takes my hand and we walk down the hallway to the main stairs.  At the bottom of the stairs, James leaves me with my pink rose standing in the middle of the foyer facing the doors – I think deliberately – to go collect our coats.  I see him pull out his phone.  Probably calling our car.  He shrugs on his overcoat and collects mine.  Coming up behind me, he gently turns me and then - with a smug look in his eyes – gently lifts my coat up my arms, one at time to accommodate the rose.  He deftly pulls out my curls and drapes them over the fur collar.  I just look knowingly up at him.  He’s showing me off.  Somehow, I’m fine with that.  He takes my hand and completes the spin, tucking my hand into his elbow just as his phone buzzes.  “Ready?”  I merely nod and let him lead me out into the cold to the car.  Again, the cameras are going wild.  He hands me into the car and then climbs in himself.  “Home?”

“Yes, please.”

James nods to the driver as he pulls me into his side.  I bury my nose into the pink rose.  “I still have the postit petals.”

“You do?” his blue eyes sparkling.

“Of course I do.”  I play with the real rose in my hands.  “That was very creative and romantic.”  He just smiles at me leaning in to kiss me.

We get back to the building and step out of the car.  The night doorman, Morty, opens the door.  “Miss Mooreland!  Very good to see you again!  How was the Gala?”

“Thank you Morty.  Good to see you too!  Wonderful as always!”

“It was marvelous!” James chimes in.

“Uhm, Morty.  Would you please keep a keen eye out for paparazzi?”

“Of course, Miss Mooreland.”  Morty pushes the elevator call button.  He winks at James, “When you’re out with the most eligible single woman in New York City, everyone is going to want your picture!”

“Already?” I say.

“Probably page six tomorrow morning” Morty grins.

The elevator door opens.  We step in.  “Page six?” a look of total confusion on James’ face.

“The gossip page” I lean into James.

“Most eligible single woman, huh?”

“Not any more” I lean a little harder into his body.

Kissing my hair, “Good!”

The doors open.  After opening the front door I dip into the first bathroom using it and pulling out the tampon – that is completely soaked.  My rose gets dropped into a water glass.  Two minutes later, we are both naked in bed exploring each other’s bodies.  Our clothes, jackets, and shoes are strewn in a path from the front door to the bedroom. 

James and his spirit animal??