The Other Side of Perfect (4 page)

“
Sure…” Jennifer smiled.  “I’ll join you.”

Jennifer climbed upon the black horse, while Mason supported Chelsea on the purple one.  It had to be the purple one with the glittery tail.  Chelsea insisted.

The music of the Merry-Go-Round played happily, as Jennifer watched with pure amazement.  Mason was fully attentive.  He held onto Chelsea carefully, and she giggled happily as he made silly faces.

‘
Where have you been all my life?’ she asked, keeping the question quietly inside her own mind. Her heart skipped double-time when he looked back, smiled, and flashed her a silly face too.  She couldn’t help but burst with laughter.  She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun.  She couldn’t remember the last time, if ever, she felt like she mattered to another man.

Mason’s care of her continued through the day, and ended with him carrying Chelsea into the apartment and laying her into bed, fast asleep.  Jennifer watched as he tucked her in and turned out the lights.  Wally-B joined her and then the two made their way to the living room.

             
“You did that like a pro!” Jennifer said.

             
“Oh, it’s not that hard.  I had a little sister…”

             
“Had?”

             
“Long story.” A look of anguish crossed his face.

             
“I see…” Jennifer was empathetic.  “She wasn’t very old, then?”

             
“Eighteen.”

             
“Damn! I’m sorry Mason.”

             
“It’s been a few years, but I still miss her.”

             
“Of course.  May I ask…”

             
“Cancer.”

             
“Fuckin’ horrible disease, Cancer! I'm so sorry, Mason…” She didn't know what
             
else to say, really.

             
“Thank you for that.”

             
“Can I get you a beer?” she asked.

             
“That would be nice, yes.”

             
“Have a seat, I’ll be back out with you in a minute.”

Mason sat upon the green and orange couch and noted the tattered sides.  She’d carefully covered them with throws, but it was in terrible shape.  He was quite well-off to be sure, but it wasn’t his place to make her feel badly by offering to replace her old furniture with new stuff. He actually felt guilty for having entertained the thought in the first place.

             
“Music?” she asked.

             
“Sure…”

             
“I got James Brown…”

             
“Oh girl, you’re awesome!”

             
“You like?”

             
“Definitely.”

Once she’d turned the music on and handed him the beer, she sat down on the opposite side of the couch.

             
“Not a bad day, huh?” he asked.

             
“It was wonderful.  Chelsea had a wonderful time!”

             
“I hope her mother did too…”

             
“Yes Mason, I did.  Thank you.”

             
“My pleasure.”

SIX

Six months into their relationship, Jennifer had just finished her shift at work when Kyra approached.  “So, it’s your big date, huh?” she asked.

             
“Well, we're gonna celebrate six months of absolute bliss!” Jennifer said.

             
“Girl, you have got it all!”

             
Jennifer smiled.  “He is wonderful, isn’t he?”

             
“Perfection! I'm really happy for you guys, Jen”

             
“Ya know, the other day he took me to the children’s hospital.  I didn’t know why we were there, but when he opened his trunk I was amazed.  He donated a trunk-f of toys to the children.  Then personally, taking me with him, we went from room to room and handed out the toys. The children’s faces lit up.  He savored the experience, even sitting with them from time to time to chat.  He was incredible, Kyra!”

             
“Gorgeous, successful, and generous?”  Kyra asked.  “Does he have a brother?”

             
Jennifer giggled.

***

             
Mason arrived at the store to pick up Jennifer.  “Ready to go, gorgeous?” he
             
asked.

             
“I'm ready to leave, but I need to freshen up a bit” she said.

             
“Well, I bought you something to make this evening
more
special” he said. 

             
Then, he handed her a white box with a red ribbon upon it.

             
“Mason?” she said.  “What’s this?”

             
“Open it.”

Kyra watched curiously from a distance, wishing she’d been the one to snatch up this gorgeous hunk.  Jennifer began to untie the big red bow and then carefully lifted the lid. Carefully, she pulled back the pieces of tissue paper to reveal a beautiful red, spaghetti-strapped dress.  She pulled it out and held it up.  Kyra’s jaw dropped as Jennifer gasped.

             
“It’s beautiful!” 

             
“Wow!” Kyra affirmed with awe.

             
“Go put it on” Mason suggested. “You’ll want to wear this tonight.”

Kyra raised her brow curiously.  ‘
Is he thinking what I think he’s thinking’
? she wondered.

Jennifer took the box back to the ladies room of the store, followed by Kyra.

“
Hey,  let me help you!”

“
My hair’s a mess…” Jennifer groaned.

“
Not to worry, we’ll fix you up!”

Kyra worked with Jennifer frantically to produce a stunning visage. She touched up her hair and make-up, sprayed on some sweet perfume, and then frantically realized her shoes would not work with this outfit.  “Runners!” she gasped. 

“
Oh dear,  Those won’t do.  I got an idea…Wait right here!” Kyra scurried off.

Kyra and Jennifer had the same size feet and she remembered that she had a pair of stunning black heels in the trunk of her car. Finally, she returned to present them to her close friend.

             
“Here” she said, handing the shoes to Jennifer. “You can use these!”

             
“Oh Kyra! You’re a savior!”

             
“I know,  I know.” Kyra smiled. “So, put them on already and let’s see the whole
             
package, girlfriend.”

             
She looked fantastic!

             
“You got it, girl!” Kyra cheered. “Go. Go have a great time and text me when
             
you’re done, okay?”

“
I will.”

Kyra watched as Jennifer left the changing area and made her way to the front of the store. As they approached the front, Jennifer didn’t immediately see Mason.

“
Ruth? Where’d he go?” she asked.

“
He’s out there, assisting a senior with her bags” she replied.

             
Jennifer smiled as she watched him work his charm. 

             
“Mighty fine fella you got there, girl.” Ruth said.

             
“I agree, Ruth. I agree.”

Kyra was quietly jealous, but immensely happy for Jennifer. ‘He’s going to propose, I just know it!’ she thought to herself.

Mason looked up from helping the senior and saw his enchantress approaching.  He smiled. The senior saw her too.

             
“Is she with you?”

             
He nodded.

             
“Best lock her in, young fella.  She’s a hottie!” the senior teased.

             
“I plan to!” he winked.

             
Jennifer smiled brightly as he walked towards her. “Ready to go?”

             
“I need her to stay late.” Rick announced.

             
“I beg your pardon?” snapped Mason.

             
“Virginia called in sick about an hour ago and I need jennifer to work late.”

             
“Not happenin', champ!” Mason scolded.

             
“She’ll stay if she wants to keep her job... CHAMP!”

             
Jennifer looked panicked.

             
“Look here, buddy” Mason’s demeanor began to wander into dark territory, but
             
Kyra alertly jumped in.

             
“I’ll do it…” she said.

“
You’re not off for another thirty minutes” Rick squawked at Kyra, eyeing Jennifer as he did so. He even shot a quick glance at Mason, who was less than impressed.

“
Look… I’m ready to work and she isn’t,” Kyra pointed out.  “By the time she changes back into her work outfit and clocks in, it'll be almost thirty minutes anyway. Might as well put up with a bit of my brand of hassle for thirty minutes and let me take the extra shift, right?”

Rick groaned.  “Damn it, fine. Get to work then, Kyra. Jennifer, you’re ass has been saved... for now.” Mason wanted to add more to the dialogue, but Jennifer gently pulled him back.  “Let him go. He’s just a simpleton and an asshole anyway!”

             
“One day, you won’t work for him anymore. I’ll see to that!”

             
“That would be lovely, but until then I need the money, okay?”

             
Mason nodded reluctantly and walked out of the store with Jennifer by his side.

***

Entering the ‘Red Stone’ restaurant, a local five-star dining hot-spot, Mason was noticeably proud.  Here he was, entering such a glamorous restaurant with an incredibly beautiful woman by his side. He was aching with pride and it showed in his gait.

             
“Good evening, sir” said the host.

             
“Reservation for Mason Wilson, please” he announced.

             
“Oh, yes...” The host smiled and nodded. “Right this way, folks.”

Without hesitation, the host led the attractive couple to their table, where they were soon met by an attentive waiter.  “Our house best, sir?” He asked, holding out a bottle of their best house red wine. Mason nodded. The waiter efficiently poured two full glasses of Pinot Noir, but only after Mason had sampled a light sip from his own glass.

They sat beside a dazzling fireplace. The table was centered with frangrant flowers and blazing candles. Elegant music played in an atmosphere fit for royalty. Jennifer felt like a princess and soaked it all up. Soon, a violinist approached their table and began to play a romantic number. 

While the violinist serenaded them, the waiter took their order, to include a seven course meal. The meal was every bit as eloquent as the restaurant and befitting of such a lovely evening. After the 6
th
course, the waiter removed the plates and placed the delicious
Crème brûlée dessert course
before them.