An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Date Cruise

LENA POV

"Wow, Denni, this is amazing and not what I expected at all! I mean I knew you wanted to surprise me but wow! This is just, I love it." I blush deeply as Denni and I board a beautiful ship at the downtown San Diego pier. She did tell me to dress up and left it at that, but I never imagined it would be anything like this.  But, this was Denni, a hundred percent, for she always went above and beyond with everything she did.

Grabbing my hand, she smiles as she pulls me closer to her, and I am engulfed in her scent all over again. It had been what felt like weeks since we were able to go out, and well, in some sense, with everything that had been going on with my kids, it created a mild distance between us. "Lena, I feel like I haven't seen you much in the last few weeks, my darling, and I felt you and I needed a night to unwind and forget everything going on in your life. And a night for us to connect if I am perfectly honest with you."

"You're so sweet to me, you really are Denni," I smile as I look into her soft blue eyes and she leans in and kisses my lips softly.

"It's very easy to love on you, sweetheart," she whispers in my ear as we board the dinner cruise which was just breathtaking. They had tables of appetizers and drinks set up,  a wonderful jazz band playing with many couples dancing, and an array of desserts which all looked so tempting. "Come this way, sweetheart, so we can have dinner."

I nod as we make our way to a nice little table where a bouquet of white roses sits in the center, and I can't help but smile as I glance out the window and see the amazing sunset which had always been my favorite.

"Denni this view, it's just magnificent. I could paint this," I smile as she grabs my hand and squeezes it. "I've always loved the California sunset. There's nothing really like it. Not that I've seen anyway. All the reds and oranges and purples. I wish I had my sketchpad."

"It is quite breathtaking. Speaking of which, how are your paintings coming along, darling? I know you had your kids, but were you able to work on your series or pick one out?" She asks as I look back at her and nod.

"Some, yes. Not as much as I wanted, but it's coming along. And I believe I've nailed down a series too," I smile as she returns it, making my heart race.

"Good. I would love to see what you have done. If you feel comfortable. Not to rush you, but we really want to get you into a gallery soon, sweetheart. You have too much talent."

"Thank you and sure.  I have a few I'd love your input on." I say shyly as the waitress takes our order, and we enjoy a wonderful seafood dinner of shrimp, rice pilaf and a side salad as I had almost forgotten how much I enjoyed Denni's presence. I intently listen to her talk about all her meetings from the week and the many places she wants to show me in Chicago as well which only makes me excited for this upcoming trip as I had never been in the Mid-West.

"Lena? Are you okay, honey?" I suddenly hear Denni ask. "You went somewhere."

"No. You know, I was daydreaming about Chicago with you, and honestly I've missed you, Denni. It's been a little hectic and things with the kids are slowing down so to say so I appreciate it tonight. I do, and I'm so happy we could meet uninterrupted," I laugh softly.

"Well, such is life, and eventually it calms. Shall we go up to the top deck, love?"

"I'd like that." She smiles widely at me as we make our way to the top deck with our glasses of wine, and she wraps her arm around me as I find myself resting my head on her shoulder.

I watch the small waves lap around our boat, as soft music continues to play in the background, and we soon pass what I believe to be Coronado Island. My stomach instantly turns thinking back to all that happened there, but I knew Stef and I had come so far. So very far since that awful time, and I can't help but wonder why my best friend keeps popping up in my brain.