Time After Time

Chapter 16: Adore You

July 19, 2019

Gone were the days of Spring; its' brilliant rays shone not just brightly but with a touch of warmth, a promise of the growing seasons to come.  In the intense heat of July, the days passed slyly with Lauren feeling the warmth of the brilliant rays shining down on her face.

It was this time of the year that was her favorite and what she looked forward to every year - going to the Hamptons. Granted, she always wished she was one of those vacationers that seemed to have enough money to spend their time in the Hamptons partying on the massive yachts hanging out in the harbors, or attending the most elite parties in the fanciest homes. But to Lauren, it wasn't about being seen as someone with money or high status, but more so to spend the day with one of her favorite people on his absolute most special day, Brandon's birthday.

Even as elaborate as Brandon was, his parties in the Hamptons were not as what they seemed. Being in Amagansett, the smaller yet quieter town near the Hamptons was always the place he had in mind for his party celebration. He particularly loved having themed birthday parties at his Uncle's restaurant, Indian Wells Tavern, a place that Lauren grew to love and was excited about being in this atmosphere once again.

But the excitement wasn't all that was flowing through her mind; it was mainly her nerves. It was the first time that she would be bringing John with her to a large party, with him in the presence of all her co-workers and friends. She nervously bit her lip, staring at the entrance, focusing on the black-painted double doors.

It wasn't necessarily that she was afraid of people recognizing him or being embarrassed about being with him. However, it was a while since she turned up at a party with someone she was romantically involved with, especially when everyone remembered what happened with her previous marriage. She could care less about what they thought of him, hell, she never cared what they thought of her, but hated hearing the chatter behind her back or the worried stares.

"Alright then, love?" A smile grew from the side of his mouth, his fingers tightening around hers. His smile grew, even more, every moment he laid his eyes on her, eyeing the carnation pink lace dress that tightly fitted against her slim body. Her honey-blonde hair was teased and styled to match Brigitte Bardot's for the 60s-themed party, and John loved just the sight of her.

Lauren instantly forgot all her worries and fears just by the sound of his voice, "Yeah, but are you sure you wanna come with me?" Her eyes glimpsed at him once more, eyeing the black leathered Breton cap placed on top of his auburn-colored hair. To him, wearing his old dress suit, pants, and tie was like being home again, and Lauren could sense that.

The conversation of figuring out how to send John home seemed to disappear once they became romantically involved. It wasn't that Lauren intentionally forgot, but more so became distracted. It was nice having someone to wake up next to every morning for the past few months, having someone to come home to, make her smile, kiss her, and make her feel loved and wanted; it was something she couldn't resist. But in the back of her mind and during the silent moments, the thought crept back into her mind, and she dreaded the fact he was not going to stay here with her forever.

"Come 'ead," he nudged her shoulder, "Worried 'bout gettin' too bevvied again, eh? Should I plan on carryin' ya back to the bed and brekkie?"

She playfully rolled her eyes back, a small giggle escaping her lips, "Depends. Maybe I like you carrying me," she grabbed his arm, squeezing it as she drew in a deep breath.

The sound of the music, chatter, and laughter coming from inside the restaurant indicated the party already started, and there was no point hesitating any longer or standing out there. There was something in the air that felt as if things were looking up for Lauren - everything at this moment, in one of her favorite places, hand-in-hand with the man she loved and adored, who came across as if he was completely enamored with her. This day felt perfect.