3D: Glorious Day

Maya’s promotion to Director of Communications brought many new headaches, and the burden of responsibility wore on her. She never dreamed of climbing the ladder when Penny recommended her for a job. But, everything happened so fast. “You’d be great in this role,” they said. “We need your tenacity in management.” The accolades stroked her ego. She devoured the promotions like kettle cooked chips, never considering what she consumed or how much. The crisp, crunchy goodness delighted her so much, she couldn’t stop eating. Nowadays, she stared into the near empty bag wondering what she had done. Responsibility drained her. Admitting this troubled her for it didn’t paint a positive picture for the future.

Five o’clock was her favorite hour, and she dashed home every night for a relaxing bubble bath. The milky, aromatic water rinsed away her burdens as her mind drifted to the next item on the agenda: Netflix and Chill. Thoughts of Ranveer got her through arduous days. That beautiful, sexy beast with buns of steel and rippled abs like ocean waves was a gift from the Watcher. His eyes stayed fixed on her alone. Soft kisses on the forehead reminded her of that favor. The conflicting, negative feelings still cropped up occasionally, however. She deserved him yet felt unworthy. At least she was pretty. Her fetching looks more than made up for what she lacked.

Someone knocked at the front door just as she finished dressing, and she ignored it for someone else to take care of. That’s how she rolled. Too bad she couldn’t ignore her job like that. The second knock was her cue to head downstairs and discover who requested their attention. When she opened the door, her body stiffened and jaw dropped to the ground. “Anthony? W-what are you doing here?”

“H-hey, Maya.”

Different stories shaped people’s lives, but most lived through similar stories. First jobs. Birthdays. Marriages. Deaths. Confronting an ex-boyfriend was a story she thought she’d skip. How did he find her? Simstagram? Nah. He wasn’t into social media when they were friends. He must keep in touch with her cousins. They were all friends back in the day. “What are you doing here?”

Lavender and vanilla lingered on her skin from the bath bomb. Though she matured a lot, the unregenerate part hoped a light breeze carried her scent into his nostrils right to the pleasure sensors in his brain. She wanted guilt and sadness to overwhelm him and mourn his loss.

“I was just in–“

“What do you want?” What kind of fool did he take her for?

He sighed. “Just five minutes. I promise.”

“Fine.”

He joined her on the bench, looking around and smiling nervously. “Y-y-you look great, Maya.”

She sighed heavily. If he wanted to waste his five minutes by stating the obvious, he could do that. Anthony wasn’t a bad person, but what did she see in him? Why did she put so much emotional energy into getting them together? It was just her way. She didn’t half-step anything but learned a valuable lesson: it’s sometimes better to hold back.

He cleared his throat. “I, uhh, I’ve been thinking about you…”

She rolled her eyes.

“I’ve never stopped feeling guilty, Maya.”

Oh ho ho! An apology?

“I’m still married…happily. This isn’t some rebound I want you back thing. I love my wife and don’t regret marrying her. I regret being scared. I should have told you when it started.”

His lip quivered and eyes drooped just like the day he showed up and ruined her life. But, that’s just it. He didn’t ruin it. Maya had never been happier. Anthony didn’t possess what it took to make her happy. But, a gentle tugging in her heart gnawed at her, and she couldn’t let him carry all the blame.

“Anthony…” She blinked quickly and swallowed a knot in her throat. “I appreciate you coming here and saying that, but you shouldn’t keep feeling bad about it. I’m guilty too.”

His lips parted a little and head tilted. Maya wiped clammy hands on her leggings. What if learning the truth gave him a different opinion of her? Did it matter?

“I met someone a little while after my birthday,” she said to the floor. “I wasn’t looking for anyone. We just…ran into each other.” She shrugged. “We went out, and I kissed him.” She glanced at Anthony to see if he got mad. “I should have told you too. My mom stayed on me about that, but I was afraid of hurting your feelings.”

He nodded slowly with pursed lips and eyebrows raised at their peak. 

Her eyebrows gathered in as the butterflies flitted around her stomach. After all that time, she still experienced the sensation she attempted to escape. It kinda sucked. “When I saw you that day, I knew we were breaking up. And, honestly? I was relieved because I wanted to see him again. I was gonna tell you, but …”

His eyes closed and a long breath escaped his nostrils. Did it disappoint him to to find out she wasn’t the victim he thought she was?

“I’m sorry too,” she said.

He held up his hand as if to stop her. “We were very young.”

They were also very different, and their relationship was doomed the moment Maya blew out those candles. She could admit that now. “And, we’re both happy in healthy relationships now. I guess the most important thing is we learned from our mistakes, right?”

“That’s true.”

It was so unfortunate how skinny he was; she’d surely break him in two. What did his wife look like? It didn’t matter. She needed to get to Newcrest and see her muscle-bound man. To ease into the transition, she asked about his mother.

“Oh, she’s good. We’re still living with her.” He shrugged. “Didn’t make sense to get our own place and leave her alone in that big house.” He grinned nervously. “And, we’re expecting.”

Maya gasped. “Oh, Anthony! That’s great! Congrats, man!”

“Thank you.”

“Wow … That’s really … That’s really great.”

The awkward silence sat in the air like nasty summer humidity as their eyes danced away from each other.

Maya cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, but I really have to go. I was heading out when—”

“Oh, yeah. Sure. Sorry for holding you up, but I’m glad you could see me.”

She grinned. “Of course.”

They wished each other well and went their separate ways.

---

Maya’s back rested against the arm of the sofa, and her legs stretched across Ranveer’s lap. Something loud and colorful played on the screen, but her mind was a million miles away. Anthony, the scrawny, bald kid who trembled at the prospect of kissing her, was about to be a father. She was happy for him, but it didn’t seem fair. She was the one who wanted to fall in love and live happily-ever-after. He got to live her dream without trying while she got dumped, groped, and propositioned in the worst way. That sucked to high heaven.

“You’re so quiet,” Ranveer said. “You ok?”

He massaged her foot and made her feel like a queen. This was stupid. She had everything she wanted. Whining about Anthony and how long it took to get her happiness was even dumber. Everything she endured shaped her to appreciate simple moments like a foot massage. “Yeah … I honestly don’t know why I’m so distracted.”

“Did something happen?”

The specifics weren’t clear, but he knew her so well. No sense in trying to play it down.

“My ex came to see me as I was leaving.”

He nodded slowly and muted the TV. That little flash of panic was the cutest thing. If he knew what Anthony looked like, he’d feel silly. “Everything good? You ok?”

She sighed. “Yeah. It’s stupid. My day wasn’t great anyway, so I guess …” She appreciated his listening ear but didn’t want to relive the frustration. “I’m fine now. I promise.”

“I’m sorry.” He beckoned to her with his finger, and she sat in his lap. “We can’t have you being all mopey.” His arms wrapped around her were warm like a blanket. “I’m sorry you had a bad day.” His lips on her cheek comforted her like hot chamomile tea.

They stayed snuggled like that listening to the raindrops pelt against the roof. Simple moments of peace like that were so beautiful. The L word wasn’t a thing yet, but his love was so tangible, if he never said it, she’d still feel like the luckiest woman in the world.

“Maya?”

She slid off his lap to face him.

He gazed at her lips like a juicy rack of lamb. “I want you to stay with me tonight.”

Finally! Her intent was not to wait until marriage like Aubrey and Julio, but waiting for the right person to share that special connection had merit. Every party she attended, some random dude attached to her hip attempted to persuade her he should be the first. She could have had many partners by now, but knowing her propensity to form deep attachments quickly, adding sex to the equation would undoubtedly be her downfall.

Ranveer was her first real relationship, and she was unsure how to navigate the minefield of exploring her own sexuality. What did he expect from her? Sex was the next level, but she didn’t want to be presumptuous. Their relationship was perfect, and she couldn’t mess it up. Many nights, the negative thoughts filled her mind as Ranveer’s hands roamed her body, making his desires crystal clear. To add insult to injury, she was just plain nervous about doing it. Time after time, she tore herself away and went home. The relationship was solid. Maybe doing it finally would make her forget about the bad thoughts.

“I should tell you something,” she said.

He groaned. “Please don’t say you have to leave. I just want to love you, Maya.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

He grinned.

“Please don’t laugh at me.”

His smile widened even more. “I promise.”

The butterflies returned. It seemed silly to be so nervous about something she wanted so bad. “I’ve never … This is my first time.”

She loved his smile. It was toothy and squinty, and he looked like a child. “What if I told you I already knew that?”

Her jaw dropped. “How?”

He chuckled. “You run away from me like a vampire at dawn! The first few times, I was like why would someone so beautiful and sexy be nervous about sleeping with someone? After I thought about it, I figured you were probably still a–“

“Don’t say it! I hate that word.”

They laughed.

“Maya, I totally respect you for that. If you’re not ready, just–“

“No, I’m ready,” she said too enthusiastically.

“Ok.”

---

Maya arose a brand new woman. The birds’ sweet melodies lured her out of sleep. The muddy yard and ashen sky painted a dreary picture of the day, but it still had charm. The peaceful calm of morning was so beautiful. No wonder Ranveer loved arising early so much. It was such a glorious day, she couldn’t stop smiling if she tried.

Ranveer slid next to her, bringing her back to the present. “Excuse me, Miss. Can you tell me where I can buy tickets to this show?”

There was no end to his humorous wit. She laughed so hard she couldn’t breathe.

“Is this what you do at home? Just show everyone your assets?”

“You’re making my side hurt!”

His beard tickled her neck as his lips caressed it. “How did I get so lucky? You’re so amazing.”

Amazing? She only looked amazing. The negative thoughts hadn’t gone away, and the glory of the morning after faded.

“What’s the matter, babe? You’re so stiff.”

This was the moment of truth. She couldn’t hide anymore. Those suppressed feelings she carried were a weight that weakened her, and she desired to be 100% unapologetically Maya Pruett. Airing her dirty laundry before things progressed further was the only way. Showing her true character was a risk she had to accept, but it scared the mess out of her. She loved him. Like, really really loved him. If he rejected her, she would break into a million irreparable pieces.

“Maya? Why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?”

She fell onto him and cried on his chest.

“Tell me what’s wrong so I can make it better.”

Ugh! He was so dang wonderful! “I’m scared.”

“Scared of the future?”

She tried to face him. “Scared of losing you!”

He eyed her suspiciously with a slight grin. “Me? Am I going somewhere?”

“I’m serious, Ranveer.”

“So am I. Where am I going?”

A better life with someone deserving!

“Babe … Talk to me.”

She hated how childishly she behaved. “I’m not as amazing as you think.”

He smiled. “Sure you are. I’m usually right about these things.”

She shook her head. “Not this time.”

“Ok.” He crossed his arms across his chest. “So, why aren’t you as amazing as I know you are?” he asked in a daring yet tempting manner like he enjoyed their exchange.

“Because I’m not! I’m …” Everything sounded so much better in her head. “My life is …” She paused for a moment to take a breath and gather her thoughts. “My life sucks! I still live with my parents! I don’t have cool hobbies like everyone else. I like watching TV, sports, partying, and sleeping. That’s it!”

He raised an eyebrow.

“I’m lazy, Ranveer!”

He nodded with a tiny smirk.

“I HATE working out! I’ve been afraid to tell you because it’s a huge part of your life and you might think less of me if I couldn’t share that with you.”

His shoulders bounced like he struggled to hold in laughter. “Maya … You don’t think I know that about you?”

Her eyes widened. Who was this guy? The Maya whisperer?

He snickered. “You forget I used to stalk you on Simstagram.”

His humor was always so timely.

“Look…” He cupped her shoulders. “Lots of women post pictures of themselves doing yoga or jogging on the beach or having a salad and stuff like that. They’re obsessed with how they look and are self-absorbed. I don’t want anyone like that.”

She nodded but remained doubtful.

“Your pictures were real. I learned so much about you from them.”

She turned away. “But, I was always chillin’ or whatever.”

His fingers on her chin brought her back. “You were you! You were yourself, not something you wanted us to believe.”

He was right, but she still doubted his acceptance. She wouldn’t date herself. Why would he?

“You’re the only woman I know who isn’t afraid to snap a selfie shortly after waking up. Heh, remember that time I called you at 3 a.m. to go watch the sunrise?”

Why didn’t she think of that? She should have known he was a keeper when he kept calling after that disaster. She was so cranky and difficult, but he laughed it all off. He probably expected her attitude because he had a cup of coffee and a blanket waiting for her scantily clad body. He knew. He always knew.

“I thought for sure you’d spend a bunch of time getting ready and show up dressed to the nines like you always do. But, you threw on some shorts and a tank, wore your hair in a messy bun, and didn’t have on a stitch of makeup. And, even now! You’ve been standing here in my window half naked and haven’t thought twice about it. You’re so confident, Maya! That’s not something everyone has. It’s very attractive. You’re beautiful, and you know it, but it doesn’t go to your head. You know who you are, and you love yourself. It’s kind of hard not to love someone like that.”

Could it be? She could keep him? He meant it? “You don’t mind that I hate working out?”

He sighed. “Maya, I would love it if you worked out with me. But, you don’t have to like everything I like. It’s ok for us to have our own things.” He shrugged. “Working out isn’t your thing. I accept that.”

She never considered that before. Her whole life, she watched her parents do everything together. They were each other’s favorite person and were perfectly content to spend just about each minute of every day together. Surely those were the marks of successful relationships. If she and Ranveer followed in their footsteps, they would never fail. But, learning he didn’t expect that was a huge weight off her shoulders.

“I keep inviting you because it feels weird not to ask. Honestly, every time you agreed, I was surprised.”

She hung her head and smiled. “I can’t believe you knew all that stuff about me.”

“There’s more to everyone than meets the eye, Maya. If we open our eyes, we can see it.”

“What else do you know about me?”

He flashed his signature smile showing all his pearly white teeth and squinted eyes. “You don’t give yourself enough credit. You talk about your job like it’s no big deal, but you’re the freakin’ Director of Communication! No one advances in their career as quickly as you have, so you must be doing a bang up job.”

“You’re great at bringing people together and making everyone feel included. I see it when you’re around your family. People like you! Well, except that chick at Aubrey’s restaurant.”

She laughed. “I don’t know what I’ve done to her!”

He wiggled his thick eyebrows. “You’re just too beautiful.” He kissed her forehead. “She can’t help but be jealous.”

“Oh, stop it,” she said and rested her head against his chest.

“It’s the truth. You’re beautiful, confident, smart, sexy, fun, sweet…and I love you.”