23.12 Love On Top

Jared was usually not one for huge, romantic gestures; his wife had the lion’s share of that personality. But, another Love Day came around, and he would not let it slip by without showing how much he loved and needed her. Life in the Pruett house had been hectic as of late. They set sail into so many uncharted waters like girlfriends, break-ups, adult children, moody teenage girls and even setting boundaries in their own friendships. There was never a dull moment for better or worse, and time had not slowed enough to stop and appreciate the one who saw him through it all. Jared never would have made it with his mind intact without her. Asia, his wife, best friend, baby mama, girlfriend, “ride or die chick” walked with him through every minefield, holding his hand and telling him to remain calm and have faith that everything would be fine. He trusted her with his life and would sacrifice his for her without a second thought.

“Hey, uhh, happy Love Day,” Jared said awkwardly. “Reservation for Pruett.”

The host nodded and typed his name into the computer. “Yes, Mr. Pruett. Right this way.”

He ushered Asia to their table, following the host. She eyed everything curiously as they walked past the kitchen and other couples with the same idea. He knew what she was thinking. They may have been Pruetts and once lived extravagantly, but they weren’t fancy people. Date nights for them were simple and somewhat childish. They went to the movies and arcades. Chez Llama was so high brow. She didn’t need all of that, but he wanted to give it to her anyway. It was a special day, and she was his special lady. There was nothing he would not do for her.

“This is a really nice place,” she said slowly.

“I have a gift for you.”

“Good heavens, Jared! You’ve outdone yourself this year,” she said all smiles, taking the gift from him.

“Wait,” he shouted as she began to open the box. “You have to read the card first.”

“I love the joy that you bring to my life every waking moment of every day.”

Love, someone who loves you more than life itself

“Jared,” she shouted with tears in her eyes, “this is all too much! You can’t just spring all of this on a girl at once!”

He snorted. “I thought you liked it when I pounce on you.”

Her eyes opened as wide as the ocean, and her jaw dropped into the deep abyss. “Jared! You’re so bad! What has gotten into you?”

He grinned. “It’s Love Day, baby.”

She pulled him toward their seats. “Let’s sit down before you get any fancy ideas.”

Perusing the menu was like reading a foreign language. He knew the restaurant served experimental dishes but didn’t expect for everything to be unrecognizable. “What are you going to get?”

“The only thing that sounds remotely normal is this Wasabi Ahi Matrix thing.”

“Hmmm … That does sound good.”

Within a few minutes, the server came for their order and left them to wait on whatever culinary adventure they would take.

“So,” she started, “I want to talk to you about something.”

“I’m listening.”

She looked so serious. He hoped it was some solution about Kori.

“I want to quit my job and start freelancing.”

His eyes went wide. “Oh! Uhh, I wasn’t expecting that. Sorry. Of course! That’s a great idea.”

She grinned. “I thought you might think so, but you know. Want to make sure we stay on the same page.”

He eyed her thoughtfully. “I mean … Really, you could just quit all together if that would make you happier.”

She shook her head. “No. I enjoy it. I like watching people drink and be happy having fun, and I would miss that. But, I could stand a little less of it.”

Jared nodded.

“And, with your big promotion, Mr. Space Ranger, we can be home together more often!”

He finally made it to the top late last week, but with all the drama at home, he didn’t make a big deal out of it. The desire was there, but he didn’t have the energy to celebrate. The children never took an interest in what he did, so he thought they wouldn’t care. Honestly, he wasn’t sure if they even knew what he did exactly. It stung sometimes.

“How does it feel to be the big man in charge?” She leaned forward and rested her head on her hand. Those big chocolate eyes were always so mesmerizing.

He smiled warmly. “It feels great. I hope I’m able to bring more order up there and keep better tabs on the ones who are here.”

She gave him those eyes, and he was quite sure she hadn’t heard a word he said. “Mmm … You’re such a sexy Space Ranger.”

“Girl, don’t start with me in this restaurant.”

Before she could toy with him more, the server came with their meals.

Jared sipped and took a bite of his colorful dish. “So, uhh, not to kill the mood, but there’s a boy …”

Asia gasped. “Kori? She talked to you?”

He shook his head. “Not exactly. Chelsea was over the other day, and I was in the kitchen getting them a snack. She didn’t know I was in there. His name is Victor. She also hates being a Pruett.”

“Aww, Jared! You know she doesn’t mean that.”

He shrugged. “Yeah, I know. I just feel so lost with her. So…inadequate.”

She grinned. “That’s just your perfectionism talking. We’re not gonna get it right every time, Jared. You can’t be so hard on yourself.”

He sighed. “In theory, I know this. It’s just so hard to practice.”

“Yeah, well, that’s why you have me!”

“That’s why I love you.”

They ate and talked, catching up on their children’s latest gossip, the Pancakeses, and Mary and Reed. After closing the tab, Jared checked in to make sure he had been successful. “So, Mrs. Pruett, have you had a pleasant afternoon?”

“Oh yes, Mr. Pruett. This has been a wonderful day!”

“Good. I’m glad.”

He went in for a kiss which escalated quite quickly. Asia was still hungry and needed dessert. She tried tearing away, but it was difficult.

Jared had the willpower, and strength, to gently push her away. “Dang, girl. I told you don’t start none.”

“Woo! Wow, yeah, ok. We’re going home now, right?”

“Yep. Mmm hmm. Straight home.”