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Post by unavitasegreta on Jul 29, 2015 15:54:13 GMT -5
Chapter Thirteen
“I was starting to think you fell off the face of the earth,” Philip smiled when Stephanie answered the phone. “Or that perhaps I’d gone too far with my last text.”
“I was with Ava when you sent me those texts,” she answered. “And I hope that fantasy makes it to a reality one day …”
“Is Ava in bed now?” Philip asked, grateful that Stephanie had called. He’d been slightly worried that his suggestive text turned her off.
“Yep,” Stephanie answered. “We had a bubble bath, went for pancakes, played in the park, had ice cream, and that was all before noon!”
Philip leaned back against his pillow, “sorry, I didn’t hear anything you said after bubble bath…”
“You are so bad,” she laughed.
“Yeah, I am,” he replied, “but I seem to remember you always liked that about me.”
“There’s a lot I like about you,” Stephanie told him.
His interest was piqued. “Oh really?”
“Mmmmhhhmmm.”
“So are you in bed?” she asked.
“I am,” Philip confirmed. “Are you going to ask me what I’m wearing?”
Stephanie laughed. “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to ask me?”
“I’m breaking stereotypes,” Philip stated, hearing her laugh again.
“I’d forgotten how crazy you are, Philip!”
“I have to get it out of my system now. I’m having lunch with my father and Maggie in a few days,” he sighed, feeling his mood deflating.
“That should be nice.”
Philip scoffed. “You wouldn’t be saying that if you had to go.”
“That’s true. But your father isn’t that bad. And Maggie is always wonderful.”
“Then why don’t you come with me?”
“What?”
“That got your attention,” Philip replied. “I’m just messing with you.”
“That’s not very nice,” she pouted. “My heart started racing.”
Philip chuckled. “You may be the only woman I’ve ever dated that my father liked.”
“He liked Melanie,” Stephanie reminded him.
“Oh yeah, he did. Well, there weren’t many people he liked but you were part of the group.”
“So, where is this lunch?” Stephanie asked.
“It’s near the symphony. Your office isn’t far away. Maybe we can meet for coffee?” Philip suggested.
“Okay,” Stephanie agreed.
“I’ll likely need something stronger, but coffee should be a decent substitute for alcohol after having to watch my father and his happy new life with Daniel's mother. Can you believe he actually holds her hand in public? It’s unsettling to see him so happy. And caring. It’s weird.”
“That’s not weird, it’s sweet,” Stephanie cooed. “Besides, who wouldn’t like Maggie? She’s like the sweetest woman ever, even if she gossips like no one else.”
Philip chuckled, “I won’t mention you.”
“Oh, yeah, well, I guess I should still mention us to my mother rather than have her find out from Maggie,” Stephanie noted.
“That’s probably a good idea,” Philip agreed. “Wait … there’s an us?” he asked.
“Well, yeah … I think. I mean, there is, right?” Stephanie stammered.
“Oh yeah,” Philip replied. “Now, let’s get back to the list of things you were saying you liked about me.”
“I don’t remember that…”
“I believe you were about to tell me how much you like my hands … and my tongue … how I kiss you…”
“You know, I just don’t remember ever saying any of that…” Stephanie insisted, “you’re going to have to remind me, I suppose.”
“That can be arranged,” Philip promised.
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Post by heroicmuse on Jul 29, 2015 16:04:02 GMT -5
I am loving this more and more. The awkward romance is sooo sweet. Stephanie has Maggie pegged. Great description!
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Post by Kpatch on Jul 29, 2015 19:45:59 GMT -5
Yay, there's an us. I love seeing them flirt and work their way back to each, and I love how honest they are being, although slightly cautious. LOL at Philip breaking stereotype.
This reminded me a little bit of When Harry Met Sally, the scenes where they were on the phone in their respective beds.
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Post by fluffysmom on Jul 29, 2015 20:40:01 GMT -5
I'm really enjoying the story unavitasegreta. I liked the fun sexy conversation. I'm glad they both want to pursue a relationship. |
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Post by unavitasegreta on Jul 30, 2015 20:58:49 GMT -5
Chapter Fourteen
Rolling onto her side, Stephanie slapped her hand around on her nightstand until she found her phone. With a groan, she rolled onto her back and looked at the screen.
Freezing cold even with two blankets on top of her, her hands were sticky and sweaty as she tried to type out a text message to Philip with an apology for canceling their coffee date. Suddenly feeling the need to throw up, she threw the phone down and bolted from the bed.
A few hours later when her phone wouldn’t stop buzzing, Stephanie stumbled out of the bathroom and found it on the table beside her bed.
I’m here.
Are you awake?
I brought soup.
And my charming personality.
Ok, bad joke.
Did that turn you off or are you really asleep?!
Reading the text, Stephanie’s eyes widened. Here. Philip meant that he was here! Outside of her penthouse.
Too sick and miserable to try and hide how bad she looked, Stephanie wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and wobbled to the door. She did, however, avoid looking in the mirror as she walked down the hallway.
Tired from the walk, Stephanie leaned against the wall as she undid the lock and opened the door. “Hi,” she mustered, trying to seem like she was happy to see Philip.
Philip’s eyes widened. “Damn, you look like hell.”
“Just what every woman wants to hear,” Stephanie muttered, trying to convey that she was joking but too worn out to know if she’d conveyed her tone.
“Wow, that made me sound like a jerk,” Philip realized.
Stephanie tightened the blanket around her shoulders. “Lucky for you, I won’t remember any of this tomorrow. I’m on a lot of drugs.”
“I brought you some supplies.” Philip held up a white plastic bag.
“What is it?” Stephanie asked, still leaning against the wall.
“Basically everything I could find at the drug store that I thought might make you feel better,” he answered.
“That’s sweet,” she tried to smile. “You don’t have to stand in the hall. You can come in,” Stephanie offered, but didn’t move.
“I don’t want to make things awkward if Ava wakes up…”
“She’s not here,” Stephanie told him. “My mother-in-law came and picked her up so that I could get some sleep.” She pushed herself off the wall and opened the door further. “This isn’t how I pictured inviting you to my home, but … welcome.”
Philip smiled at her before stepping inside. He closed the door behind himself and turned in time to see Stephanie walking shakily towards her living area. Dropping the bag down, he rushed to her side and steadied her.
“Thanks,” she mumbled as Philip led her over to the couch.
Philip helped her to sit down and took the chance to discreetly survey the room while Stephanie was stretching out on the couch. Having grown up in a house that was designed with no regard for expense, he recognized the craftsmanship and the high-end pieces of furniture. Nothing was overly extravagant, but no expense had been spared. “Oh, wow,” Philip breathed, stepping up to the floor-to-ceiling windows that flanked the ornate stone fireplace. She had an unadulterated view of the night skyline.
“Gorgeous, isn’t it?” Stephanie agreed, curling up on the couch. “Ash lived here before we got married. His parents own the building. They gifted us the penthouse and had it completely redecorated as a wedding present.”
“That’s very generous.”
“Yeah, it made my mom pretty uncomfortable,” she remembered.
“I can imagine why,” Philip agreed.
“Ash’s parents are pretty extravagant, but that’s just how they are, you know? They like doing things for the people they love. They paid for our entire wedding. And Ava’s never wanted for anything in her life. She comes back from their house with a whole new wardrobe every time they babysit. She’s already a diva. Who knows how bad it will be by the time she’s a teenager.” She looked over at Philip as he stood looking out the window, his back to her. “I’m sorry. The last thing you probably want to hear about is my dead husband and our kid.”
Philip turned around to look at her, realizing she was being serious. “Actually, I do,” he stated, walking toward the plastic bag on the floor by the door. “A lot of years have passed between us. I like getting to know more about your life.”
He put the bag down on a side table and sat down in a leather armchair. “That’s your husband … Ash?” Philip asked, pointing to a framed picture.
Stephanie nodded, turning onto her side. “His name is Ashby, but, I don’t know, I just always called him Ash.”
“He’s very handsome.”
“Yeah, he was,” she agreed with a smile. “He was way out of my league. I never imagined he’d be interested in me.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Come on, Philip. I was a mess when I left Salem!”
“Again, you’re too hard on yourself.”
“No, I’m not,” she insisted. “I kept trying to convince him that I had too much baggage, but he didn’t seem to care.”
“That’s because you are worth it,” Philip insisted.
“I told him all of the insane things I’d done and my failed relationships with Nathan and you. He still wanted to go out with me. I was working at Estee Lauder in marketing, which was great, but Ash’s mother got me an interview at Chanel and everything just kept falling into place for me.” She smiled at the memories. “It was like a fairytale. But there was no happily ever after.”
“Maybe a different happily ever after was meant for your life,” Philip suggested.
“Maybe so,” Stephanie agreed with a smile.
Philip started unpacking the contents of the bag he’d brought from the drug store.
“I’m sorry I had to cancel our date,” Stephanie sighed, sitting up to examine what all Philip had purchased.
“Other than the fact that I hate seeing you feel so bad, it’s been a pretty good night so far,” he noted.
“Yeah, it has,” Stephanie agreed, opening a cough drop packet, “aside from the near constant desire to vomit.”
Philip smiled half-heartedly. “I wish there was more I could do to make you feel better.”
“You’ve done a lot,” Stephanie insisted, leaning back against the cushions. “I’m glad you came by.”
“Me too,” he agreed with a smile.
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Post by fluffysmom on Jul 30, 2015 21:09:37 GMT -5
It was very sweet of Philip to come over and bring a bag of supplies for her. I really liked hearing about Stephanie's life with Ash.
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Post by heroicmuse on Jul 31, 2015 5:38:37 GMT -5
This was such a realistic chapter. I loved the awkwardness mixed with closeness. Can't wait for more!
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Post by Kpatch on Jul 31, 2015 18:22:08 GMT -5
That was super nice of Philip but sometimes when you're sick you just want to be alone. I think that's how Stephanie felt.
Okay, this line shocked me. "He was way out of my league. I never imagined he’d be interested in me.” Made me wonder what Ash looked like, because she had been engaged to Philip with his good looks, status and loot. Just goes to show what kind of man Stephanie goes for.
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Post by unavitasegreta on Jul 31, 2015 21:02:24 GMT -5
Chapter Fifteen
“Come on in,” Stephanie greeted her mother-in-law at the door. “Ava’s in her room watching Frozen again.”
“Is she still wearing the costume?” Ivy asked, putting her handbag down on the table near the door.
“Oh yes,” Stephanie replied, “she slept in it last night.” She walked behind the couch and picked a toy up, tossing it into a basket hidden beneath an end table.
“My god that’s a short skirt!” Ivy exclaimed.
Stephanie looked down at herself, feeling even more self-conscious than she had in front of the mirror ten minutes ago. She knew the dress was tight-fitted, but she’d hoped the length wasn’t that bad. “It’s too short, isn’t it?” she asked, trying to tug it down. “I should change.”
Ivy shook her head, her blonde hair falling over her shoulders. “No, honey, that’s not what I meant. I had legs like that a few decades ago when Jules and I first met. I’m jealous, not criticizing.”
Stephanie was still fidgeting with the dress. “But it is pretty short…”
Ivy watched her daughter-in-law’s discomfort. “Let’s just say I don’t think you’ll be single for long in that…”
She nervously ran her hand down her stomach, then moved it up and touched her hair. “Actually… I have a date tonight.”
Ivy’s eyebrow raised. “You do?”
“Are you mad?” Stephanie asked, biting her lip before she remembered that she’d put on lipstick.
“Why would I be mad?” Ivy asked.
“Well, I didn’t tell you why I asked you to babysit. And I’m going on a date.”
“First, you never need to give me a reason. Second, my son died. You didn’t. Ava will never know her father and that breaks my heart more than I can ever express, but Julian and I never expected that you wouldn’t eventually remarry. All we hope is that you find someone who will love Ava and treat her like she’s his own daughter.”
Stephanie moved to the entryway mirror while Ava was talking and was dug in her purse for her lipstick. “But if I get married, I’m not a McInnis anymore and Ava doesn’t have the same last name…”
“You are always a part of this family,” Ivy cut her off, coming up next to her.
“That means a lot,” Stephanie smiled at her mother-in-law’s reflection in the mirror.
“Everyone in the family feels the same way,” she continued. “Ava deserves to have a father figure in her life. I know Julian and your father and her uncles try, but it’s not the same.”
“I’m glad to know you guys are okay with the idea of me dating. It’s just really overwhelming, you know? Everything was so easy with Ash. I don’t know what I’m doing this time,” she sighed.
“It’s been a long time, but I do vaguely remember the misadventures of dating,” Ivy joked.
“Actually, it hasn’t been too bad. But then I’ve only been on a few dates with just one guy.”
“Where did you meet him?” Ivy asked.
“I met him years ago before I knew Ashby.”
“Oh?”
“We almost got married,” she admitted.
“That’s…” Ivy started.
“We broke up and he slept with another girl. I went kind of crazy. I really don’t know why he’d be interested in me still,” she stammered.
“Have you looked in a mirror, sweetheart?” Ivy joked, putting her hands on Stephanie’s shoulders.
Stephanie laughed. “I’m too ashamed to tell you how nutso I went, but there were catfights and-”
Ivy laughed, unable to contain herself, “I’m sorry, honey, but the image of you fighting some girl for a man is just something I can’t picture.”
“I know, right?” Stephanie scoffed. “I really hated her. She went after every guy I liked. And they all fell for her clumsy, cutesy act. It was nauseating. Thank God Ash never met her!” she joked.
“Honey, that boy only had eyes for you from the moment you met. I saw it myself. He knew that night at the planetarium fundraiser he was going to marry you.”
“Really?” she smiled, feeling awkward talking about her husband while about to go on a date with another man.
“I’ll have to tell you the story one day, but I think you have a date to get to…”
Stephanie hugged her mother-in-law. “Thank you.” She pulled back. “And not just for babysitting.”
Ivy touched her cheek. “You have a mother, I know, but I have four sons, so you’re the closest I’ve got to a daughter.”
Moving to the door, Stephanie found Ava standing in front of it with her arms crossed over her chest and a deep scowl on her face. “You lied,” she grumped.
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Post by heroicmuse on Jul 31, 2015 21:12:24 GMT -5
This was such a nice scene! I loved the interactions between Stephanie and Ivy. And then after the sweetness, there's Ava being grumpy. Great cliffhanger
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Post by Kpatch on Jul 31, 2015 22:03:31 GMT -5
This Ivy gives mothersinlaw a good name! It's nice she's so supportive of Stephanie and that Stephanie is able to be totally honest with her. LOL at the description of the clumsy cutesy girl. I agree it was nauseating!
Oh look who's doing a cliffhanger! Bad girl! Must have previews.
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Post by phloeforever on Jul 31, 2015 23:42:08 GMT -5
You would be great as a dialouge writer on dool. I just love the way the conversation between Phinie flows so effortlessly
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Post by fluffysmom on Jul 31, 2015 23:55:20 GMT -5
What a great conversation. I'm glad that Ivy is supportive of Stephanie beginning to date.
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Post by villa281 on Aug 1, 2015 22:39:05 GMT -5
Love this story.
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Post by villa281 on Aug 1, 2015 22:39:44 GMT -5
. Okay, this line shocked me. "He was way out of my league. I never imagined he’d be interested in me.” Made me wonder what Ash looked like, because she had been engaged to Philip with his good looks, status and loot. Just goes to show what kind of man Stephanie goes for. I got the feeling she was talking more about character, than looks or money. |
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