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John
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2023-02-26 22:00:19"Why do I have to go to Grandma's tonight? I want to stay home and play with Jess. I'll see hem on Sunday." Amora had been complaining since we got home from school, which had made trying to get her packer up, and myself ready for my date extremely difficult.
I looked at my daughter, hoping was I was aout to say next was the right thing. We didn't keep secrets from each other, unless it was something I thought that she was too young to know, so I took in her scowling face and made a decision.
"Dad's got a date tonight, so Mama and Papa said they'd watch you. THey said something about popcorn and movie night; I know you'll love that," I said, watching her closely as I spoke.
Because she had my undivided attention, I saw her scowl deepen and eyes narrow.
"A date?" she bit out, sounding more like Kayla than ever.
"Yes, sweetheart, a date. I'm taking Renee' out for dinner at 'Prime Rib'."
"Renee', from my birthday party?" Amora asked, her
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Catering with Love Renee'
I was watching by the window, without trying to look like I was. I didn't wan't want to appear too eager, or like I was waiting for John with my nose pressed against the glass of our storefront. So, instead, I was half hiding behind the door to the back, watching like a creepy stalker. I saw him pull up, park, and hop out of his truck. As he rounded the front, he wiped his palms against the side of his slacks, then pushed his glasses up his nose. He's nervous. I took a deep breath, a small smile playing on my lips, calm now that I knew he was feeling exactly the same way I was, and walked fully out into the storefront and to the door. John's head came up as he caught my movement and he broke into a happy grin. He opened the door as I approached and held it so I could walk out past him. My arm brushed his hand as I passed and I felt a tingle of anticipation run through me. "Hi," I said softly, a little shyly. "Hi," he replied, his
Last Updated : 2023-02-27Catering with Love John
I don't know why Tanner's demeanor changed when he realized who Renee' was, but I didn't like it one bit. "Hey, brother, I'm not sure what just happened, but your tone and your face, are kinda pissing me off," I warned, low enough so his employees and Renee' couldn't hear me, but so that he definitely could. Tanner's eyes shot to mine and he grimaced, then said sheepishly, "Sorry, man." Then, he turned his attention to Renee' and took her hand back in his. " I apologize, Renee', it's very nice to meet you. John is one of my great friends and I trust his judgement. I'm sorry for being rude." Renee' looked at him uncertainly, then asked softly, "You don't even know me, so why ...?" Jericho looked over our heads, toward 'Three Sisters Catering'. "I know your sister, and let's just say, when things ended, they didn't end well. But, that had nothig to do with you, and I'm sorry for acting like an ass all this time. I'm happy to have you and John an
Last Updated : 2023-02-28Catering with Love Renee'
"Does it feel like you never get a break, working and living in the same building?" John asked as we walked across the street. Dinner had been perfect. Delicious food, easy coversation, and no more weird run-ins with Tanner. Now, we were on our way to my place for dessert and all of my earlier bravado had left me. I thought it was terribly sweet that John was nervous about being alone in my apartment and waht my expectations may be, and at first, I'd assured him easily that there was nothing to be nervous about. Then, over the course of dinner, my mind kept circling back to our conversation, and my nerves had grown. It wasn't that I was worried that he was anticipating a certain ending. I knew he wasn't, but my fear had grown from something else...Him. I liked him so much, and everything about him, about us, seemed to fit so perfectly, what if I somehow ruined it? Maybe I should cut the night off now, before I have the chance to screw things up. End on a happ
Last Updated : 2023-03-01Catering with Love John
It may not be manly to admit, although, I’ve never been afraid of my softer side, but after my evening with Renee’,I was floating on cloud nine.The date had gone better than I imagined. Aside from Tanner’s bizarre behavior, the evening has gone perfect. I loved getting to know Renee’ better. Her close relationship with her sisters, her random Elvis obsession, and the way her lips met mine eagerly after a delicious helping of lemon crème brûlée, and a glass of wine, all only further fueled my desire to spend time with her.I was in danger of acting like my students. Utterly lovestruck an impossible to be around. And I loved it. After a night of deep, soundless sleep, I awoke, feeling refreshed and excited, already counting the minutes until I get to see Renee again. Only one black cloud over shattered my happiness, the fact that today was the day I started the search for Kayla.Would it take days, weeks, or God forbid months? I had no idea, all I
Last Updated : 2023-03-02Catering with Love Renee'
"We totally rocked that reception," Suzanne said happily as she leaned her head back and closed her eyes, champagne flute in hand. We'd had one of the rare events where all hands were needed on deck, so the three of us, along with all of our staff, had spent all day and all evening on Sunday pulling off our biggest wedding reception yet. A lot of blood, sweat and tears had gone into making it go off seamlessly. But it was all worth it. Now that everything had been cleaned up and torn down, my sisters and I were back at our building, sitting in the quiet dining area out front. THe shutters were drawn, so no one could se e in, and it was blissfully peaceful. "Yeah, we did," Jen replied, raising her glass and nudging Suzanne with her knee to get her to sit up amd open her eyes. "To Three Sisters, us and the business, for becoming more than I ever imagined. Great job tonight." My feet were throbbing and my lower back niggled, but I wore a huge smile as I clincked my glass to theirs. "
Last Updated : 2023-03-12Catering with Love John
Hey! I know you have school, but can you breeak away for lunch? If not, it's totally okay. Just thought I'd ask. I was wlking down the hall, the discussion my class had just had on the pros and cons of Mr. Darcy still playing in my mind, when Renee's text came through. An instant grin and, I'm a little embarrassed to say, some stomach flutters, were my immediate reaction to seeing her name pop up on my phone. Unfortunately, I didnn't have time to break away during the school day, but was so pleased that Renee' contacted me and wanted to see me, that I wondered just how strict Principal Wiggins' policy on non-staff members eating in the lounge was... Realizing I was willing to risk it, I texted back: Can't break free for lunch, but you could come here. I'll even share my peanut butter and banana sandwich. My break is until 12:30. I was standing in the middle of the hallway, looking down at my phone as I awaited Renee's reply, when a gentle hand on my shoulder, and softly spoken, "
Last Updated : 2023-03-12Catering with Love Renee'
I stopped walking once I realized I was marching down the hall alone and had no idea where I was going. I turned to see John still standing at the door, frozen, his mouth gaping a bit as he moved it but no sound came out. I tried to figure out what had happened then his words came back to me and I guffawed. "Calm down, John, I know it was just a reaction to the cake, and you don't actually love me," I assured him, even though the words had given me a quick thrill coming out of his mouth. "You're such a nervous nelly. People tell me they love me all the time after they taste my cooking." Relief filed his face and he smiled as he crossed to me. "Really? I have a lot of competition, huh?" "Yep," I quipped, matching his step as we made our way down the empty hallway. It was kind of weird being in a high school again. Brought back memories. Some good, like Suzanne and I laughing as we rushed through the halls to get to soccer practice before we got busted by Coach. Or bad, like the t
Last Updated : 2023-03-13Catering with Love John
It had been a few days since I'd gotten chewed out by Wiggins for having a date in the teacher's lounge, the thought of which still made me smile. I'd pointed out to the principal that there was no actual written rule about such a thing, to which he'd huffed that it was implied, and asked if I'd ever seen anyone else have guests over for lunch. Although I had seen Jan on occasion when Tyson had forgotten his lunch, I'd known I was toeing the line by inviting Renee'. The thing was, I couldn't find it in me to care. I hadn't seen her since, and that was four days ago, so I was happy that I'd gotten to see her, even if it was only for a few minutes. We'd been mostly keeping in touch by texting each other throughout the day. We'd talked a few times, but we were on different schedules and she was usually still working when I got off. I'd always heard owning your own business was tough, but the amount of hours Renee' and her sisters put in was staggering. Luckily, they were talking about
Last Updated : 2023-03-14
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Catering with Love Epilogue - Renee
It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.Stone with dark stuttrs, white pillars, bright-green trees and lush, red bushes. Graceland Mansion was eerything I'd imagined, and more. And that wa just the outside.It had taken us longer to get here than we'd initially thought. Trying to plan around John's school schedule, and dealing with the rapid growth of Three Sister's Catering when we added elegant children's parties and landed one of our biggest clients to date, had made it difficult.But now, six months later, we were finally in Memphis, and I wa currently trying to teach Amora about the wonder that is Elvis."He's the King of Rock 'n' Roll for a reason," I was explaining as we walked to the Meditation Garden. "He still holds the record for the most Top 40 hits, he was in 31 movies, made over 150 albums and singles, and has been inducted into 5 halls of fame.""You should totally work here," Amora said in between licks of her hand-dipped ice
Catering with Love John
Another Monday, another workday, another day where I was just passing through life. Not really living it, instead floating from minute to minute, waiting for the day to end.I'd been in such a funk that I was starting to get on my own nerves, and as I walked through my classroom, making sure my students were focused on their own quizzes and not peeking at anyone else's, I vowed to sort my shit out that evening.Maybe I'll ask the guys to go out for a drink.As if I'd conjured him, I saw Wy's face pop up in my window to my door. I held up a finger to indicate I couldn't talk not, but would get back to him later. Raqther than nod in response as usual, he got this big goofy grin, gave me two thumbs up, and pushed my door open.What the ...?I stopped in the middle of my room when Renee' stepped through the door he's just opened, a piece of loose-leaf paper clutched in her hands.I drank in the sight of her and like a man drowning. THe soft bill
Catering with Love Renee’
I was going through the motions.I’ve been working on auto pilot since John walked out of my apartment. Waking up, shower, shuffle downstairs, cook, bake, clean, sleep, repeat. Luckily, we were full staffed and Claire has become my right hand, so we hadn't missed any deadlines, and when I made chicken and dumplings instead of chicken pot pie, Claire had fixed things in time for the event.Susanne had come to me only second after John left, saying her twin vibes had been tingling and she’s known that I needed her. Soon after, Jennifer had shown up, and the two of them have been my shadows ever since. Even going so far as to sleep in my apartment each night.I felt heartbreak when my dad left, but nothing like what I feeling with the absence of John in my life. Never pain so acute. And the worse part was that I knew I'd caused John the same amount of pain. Even if I felt like I was doing it for the right reasons, I still hated the thought of him hurtin
Catering with Love John
ZombieThat was my new persona...a dead man walking.I have never, not when I was a teenager, not when my wife said that she was leaving, felt the way that I did when Renee' said my love wasn’t enough.Suddenly the literatureI taught, the poems I'd read, the songs I heard on the radio, all took all new meanings. Hurtful, heartbreaking, painful meaning.I’m not sure how I drove home, made it through the night and the rest of the week. I know I'd gone to work, because I had papers to grade, and I knew I'd taken care of Amora. Helped her with her homework, made her meals...although I couldn’t eat. I didn’t have the appetite for it. And I knew I hadn’t slept.No, I'd spent the last four nights, staring at the ceiling, fighting the urge to call her and beg her to change her mind, my time with Renee' playing on a loop like some awful romantic comedy.The first time I saw her walk out of the kitchen, the day I
Catering with Love Renee’
"What do you mean?" John asked, his face conveying his confusion.I looked pointedly from him and Amora and whispered, "Now is not the time..."John looked down and his daughter, who was watching me with a shocked expression and then brought his gaze back to mine and stated "I’ll be back."I watch numbly as he grasped Amora, and started walking her way from my door and down the hall. I noticed Amora still watching me as I quietly shut the door, crossed to my chaise, and resumed the position I have been in.FetalSobs irrupt again, as decades-old sorrow filled me, compounded by the fresh pain I was feeling now.It felt like only moments before rapid knocking sounds sounded at the door, like gunfire at to my heart, and I rose, my stomach sinking at the thought of what I was about to do.What I had to do...I open the door without looking without waiting to acknowledge who was there and spent on my he
Catering with Love John
There was a war of emotions happening within me. A fight between annoyance and relief.It was annoying that Kayla had re-entered my life only to gather her things, but a total relief that she wasn't contesting the divorce and it was still going through on schedule. I needed that part of my life to be in the past, needed to move forward, needed to be able to focus on the fall with Renee'.So. I was cruising down Main Street, feeling pretty good, even if I did have another meeting with Kayla looming.I pulled up to the curb in front of Three Sisters and was hopping out of the truck, eager to get back inside and see my girls, when Renee' came rushing around from the back of the building, crying and visibly shaking as she called out for Amora.My heart leapt out of my chest as fear coursed through me."Renee'!" I shouted, jogging over to her on the sidewalk.Her head was turning quickly from side to side as she searched the street, and she
Catering with Love Renee'
We'd finished eating in silence after John left, my Beef and Broccoli tasteless, so I barely ate at all.After we cleaned up, I took Amora into the back. I gave her a brief tour, making sure she knew where the bathroom was, showing her our office, the kitchen, and the different walk-ins. I thought breifly about taking her up into my apartment, so she could hang out and watch TV or something, then figured it was too far and maybe for my first time watching her, I should keep her close.So, we were in the kitchen and I was explaining the flowers I was making, the type of cake it would go on, and telling Amora about the party the next day. If thre was ever a person who looked or acted more bored, I'd never met them. Still, I kept trying."You can make flowers with frosting, fondant, gum paste...""He's never going to fall in love with you, or marry you, you know," Amora broke in, her tone full of anger.I looked uo from what I was doing, put my tools
Catering with Love John
I parked outside the lawyer's office and walked slowly in, giving myself time to try and calm down. To breathe.Mr. Hurlyey had said it wasn't bad, but the worry that had formed on my drive over was that Kayla was going after Amora. I remembered that she'd said just a few days ago, and I knew my lawyer would categorize such a thing in the bad category, but still, that's where my mind had wandered and stayed for the duration of my trip.No way am I letting that happen, I promised myself as I opened the door and went into th waiting room. I turned my phone to silent, then crossed to the receptionist to let her know who I was and why I was there, then went to sit down. Before my butt could hit the chair though, my lawyer stepped out, and I knew he must have been waiting for me."John," he called, giving me a welcoming smile, which eased my worry a tiny bit.He wouldn't be smiling if my world was about to fall down around me, right?W
Catering with Love Renee'
He said we'll be there soon, and I doubted he meant Tyson or Wyatt, or even Tanner, although I would have been less nervous with any of them...yes, even Tanner...than I was about his 9 year old daughter that obviously hated me."It'll be fine, Renee'," I assured myself out loud as I worked on the flowers for the various cakes that would be served at the anniversary party. Not 50 of them, thank goodness, although that would be cool, but each table would have their own cake centerpiece that would be a miniature version of the actual anniversary cake.that meant I had a lot of flowers to make. Calla Lilies, which were the flowers she'd had in her wedding bouquet.Still, when John had offered to bring food, I'd jumped at the chance to see him."Talking to yourself again?" Suzanne asked as she walked in, her trustyclipboard in hand."Of course," I replied with a smile, then gave my sister a once over and whistled. "Wow, you look great.'
