On Ellicott Street Read online

  Eli drew back and smiled at her use of his given name. “You like my name? Doesn’t sound too stately for your taste?” He teased her with a smile.

  “Not at all, it’s perfect.” They wrapped into each other once again and fell into satiated catnap slumber.

  Chapter Nine

  Cassie left Eli’s home in the late afternoon. She did not expect Joshua home until six, and it would give her time to take a shower and marinate in the feelings of the past twenty-four hours. What began as an innocent time out for laughter and a few drinks turned into a passionate interlude full of promise. However, again, as Cassie contemplated the situation, it made no sense why such a young man would be interested in her.

  Cassie believed she was pretty, shapely, intelligent, and kind. However, an age difference of sixteen years was a far cry from most relationship obstacles. She thought further about what her friends and family might say. She heard the jokes, and the nicknames, she could be her own Lifetime movie if she was not careful.

  She also did not want to embarrass Joshua. Her older children would learn to deal with it—or not. A long time ago she relinquished the responsibility of coddling their feelings. They certainly did exactly what they wanted and expected no criticism from her. Cassie accepted that, if their decisions did not directly affect her, it was best to keep her opinions to herself.

  She then thought of her church family, the neighbors—shit—the whole damn community. Her consciousness exploded under the realm of the never-ending judgment she felt she lived in. She watched her body clutch a large clear, glass slide as a giant unknown hand forced it under an enormous microscope. Get a grip, Cassie, the world does not revolve around you. She knew Hollywood created enough drama to keep most people occupied. Not everyone cared about her escapades with Eli.

  That was just it though; this did not feel like an escapade. Time would tell if Eli was being honest, but she felt as though he was serious in his commitment to investigate where they might lead as a couple. Their chemistry was certainly explosive enough to warrant exploration. Cassie warmed and her loins ached as she thought of Eli standing naked in the sunlight next to the bed. As pleasantly sore as her intimate regions were, she would gladly take Eli anytime he desired her.

  Right before Joshua arrived home, Cassie received a text. Hey gorgeous, I have a surprise for you. She smiled at the playful nature Eli took with her and the ease with which they communicated. The endless forms she completed for him the other day did not seem as tedious because they gave Eli her contact information.

  I can’t wait, she texted back.

  I’ll ring you tomorrow, have a beautiful evening, Eli answered.

  Cassie felt young, like the first time she fell in love. As much as she relished the feeling, she also felt intimidated by it. Cassie shook it off and looked forward to talking with Joshua as he bounded through the door. “Mom, I’m home!”

  Cassie smiled broadly and hugged him tightly. “It’s great to see you son. Did you have fun?” If Cassie’s wonderful mood puzzled Joshua, he chose not to mention it. Cassie spent the rest of her day both basking in the previous night’s adventures, and anticipating the following day’s phone call from Eli.

  Eli called Cassie the next day and asked if she could meet him for lunch. He was flexible on the time; he just needed to give her something. Cassie agreed and even took an extra hour so she did not feel rushed. She already knew a lunch break was not enough time, but she would take what she could get. They chose to meet at a park close to the center of the city. The middle of a weekday should render the park peaceful and almost empty. Eli brought the blanket and drinks while Cassie packed the lunch.

  Eli held a surprise wrapped in the blanket. “Cassie, I have this for you, I know it may seem trite, yet, I feel compelled to share it with you.” He slowly unwrapped the blanket from around the final works of Walt Whitman’s, Leaves of Grass. Cassie gently took the book from his hands. “You know, Whitman kept adding to that book until he died. It remained a work in progress, never quite finished, because he kept creating and the book kept evolving.” Eli looked deeply into Cassie’s eyes. “The book is much the way two people should evolve together.”

  Cassie gasped at such raw honesty. She looked down to the book and back to Eli. “Hey, look, I’m happier than I’ve been in a very long time.”

  Eli’s expression grew questioning. “But, said the lady?” He offered the question, his eyes suddenly worried.

  “Do you really think we are going to make anything from this, from us? Aren’t we getting excited over one night too quickly?” Cassie felt like she was lecturing a child, and desperately hoped her tone did not reveal that.

  Eli thoughtfully took Cassie’s hands into his. “Cassie, why are you saying that to me? Would you be saying that if I were a fifty-year-old man? Or would you consider yourself lucky and hope for the best?”

  Cassie hated that Eli called her on exactly what she felt deep down inside. “Eli, come on, cougars are a novelty these days. Pick up any magazine.”

  Eli dropped Cassie’s hands dejectedly. “Cassie, you are the one with issues about your age, not me. I did not pick you out because of some fantasy or trend.” Eli continued pleading his case emphatically. “Do you honestly think girls of any age, adolescent to geriatric, have life any easier just because of a chronological number?”

  Cassie shook her head reluctantly. “Eli, don’t you understand, I will always be sixteen years older than you. The novelty of my mystery could easily wear off.” Cassie finally admitted her deepest fear.

  Eli inhaled fully and exhaled in thought before he spoke. “I brought you this book to show you how life always evolves, and sometimes grows deeper and more meaningful, because of the people we surround ourselves with. We are in trouble if we do not accept change and diversity. We can only deeply love when we embrace passion. A number has no priority over any of those things…not even close.”

  Cassie’s eyes welled with tears, for the first time in what felt like years. Eli wrapped his arms around her and held her closely. “I want to explore with you, Cassie, I want to see what we could be, if we both give it an honest chance. It’s taken me a very long time to find a woman I wanted to share myself with. I know the interest is real for me. Because of everything I already see in you, I know you are amazing. Let me be amazing to you.”

  Cassie exhaled fully and looked up into Eli’s eyes. “Eli, you want that with me? Really?” Cassie felt ridiculous asking, especially after his heartfelt admission. Everything seemed too good to be true.

  “Yes, I do, Cassie, I want to see where we can take each other.” Eli repeated sincerely, his expressions matching his words. “I will be the most amazing man in your life, and reveal the most incredible places to you—even when we never leave the bedroom.” He winked mischievously.

  Cassie finally relented, “Ok, then, my beautiful amazing man, let’s see where our ‘Street’ takes us, pardon the pun.” Cassie added, eloquently using his surname as their jumping off point.

  Chapter Ten

  Life went on for five months, each day more marvelous than the next, even if it was in the simplest of ways. Eli proved to Cassie that he meant every word he said at the park that day. They saw each other several times a week and communicated verbally and electronically every day. Eli encouraged Cassie to try new hobbies, explore new curiosities, and joined her most of the time. He even convinced Cassie to enroll in continuing education courses, now that she could genuinely enjoy the coursework without the stress of marriage, young children and financial burdens.

  Cassie blossomed by learning more about herself and broadening her mind. She enjoyed viewing from differing perspectives and felt empowered by knowledge. Eli vocalized his pride in her self-discovery, which made each step she took forward even sweeter. The nights they shared were hotter than any time she experienced before with anyone, as he brought Cassie to breathlessness every intimate moment they shared. Cassie learned that by loving herself and ever evolving, she bec
ame happier with each passing day. Eli was the source of her courage, and she diligently thanked him.

  As much as she neither flaunted nor hid her relationship with Eli, Cassie knew she finally needed to talk to Joshua about it. She was certain Joshua still did not know who her mysterious suitor was. She knew Joshua admired Eli, and really excelled in the Channels program since he began. Cassie hoped her involvement with Eli did nothing to deter Joshua from the positive path he now walked. However, it had been five months since the fateful night at the piano bar. If anything, Eli would only become more a part of their everyday lives, the more time progressed.

  She and Eli discussed the approach they should take. Cassie insisted on talking with Joshua alone, at first. They could all meet together when Joshua felt comfortable with the idea. Cassie waited until a Friday night and took Joshua to his favorite restaurant. However, she did not get away without interrogation from Joshua. “Mom, what’s up, I mean, I like spending time with you and all, it’s just we usually don’t go to my favorite place unless you want to talk to me.” His brow furrowed into worried wrinkles.

  “Honey, no, it’s nothing bad, I do want to talk with you, but, I’m also very proud of everything you’ve achieved in the past few months.” Cassie attempted to defuse the worry showing on his face.

  They drove to the restaurant in silence, Joshua still not convinced. After the waitress seated them, Joshua broke the silence. “Okay, mom, what gives?”

  Cassie inhaled once, then, exhaled fully before she laid it out fully. “Joshua, I’ve been dating someone, and I want you to know about it.”

  “Mom, I knew that already, sheesh, I saw the flowers. How many times have you gotten flowers now?” Joshua looked relieved yet irritated at the same time.

  Cassie proceeded with caution. “Yes, I haven’t tried to keep it a huge secret from you. I just didn’t know how you would feel about it.”

  Suddenly, it occurred to Joshua how this could potentially affect his life as well. His demeanor changed from relief to concern in one expression. “What, are you guys getting married or something? Do we have to move? What do you mean?” Joshua blurted the words in a panic.

  Cassie attempted to reassure him. “Oh, no, Joshua, nothing like that, well, not right away anyway.” Now, Cassie felt awkward as she fumbled for words.

  “Then, what?” Joshua raised his voice an octave.

  “I’m dating Eli,” Cassie said quickly.

  “Huh?” Joshua looked incredulously at Cassie, almost in disbelief.

  “Yes, I’m dating Eli.” Cassie felt the weight come off her shoulders, but then land squarely in her heart.

  Joshua sat for several moments staring first at Cassie then at the table. “I’m not sure how much I like that,” he finally admitted reluctantly. “Is he the one sending all the flowers?”

  Cassie nodded in affirmation and could not prevent her smile.

  “You smile a lot more lately too, is that all because of Eli?”

  Cassie thoughtfully considered Joshua’s question before answering. “No, Joshua, you are a huge part of that. You are first and foremost the reason I smile more lately. I’m so proud of you and the way you’ve grown and in such a short time.” Cassie smiled at Joshua, her honesty spilling forth from her features. Her eyes filled with tears, and for the first time in front of her son, she did not attempt to hide them.

  “Eli also makes me smile; don’t you know how he helps everyone to feel so good about themselves?” Cassie continued making her case.

  Joshua pensively considered Cassie’s words. “Yeah, he is a great guy, it’s just that, well, he, well, he is so young!” Joshua finally spit the words out.

  Cassie relented, knowing Joshua’s concern was valid. “I agree, he is younger than I am, but, do you remember the conversation we had right in this very restaurant?” Joshua slowly nodded in agreement. “And, you understood that if I took you to McDonalds because I know you like it, even if I don’t, and didn’t complain about it, that lets you know you matter to me.”

  Joshua’s eyes lit up in recognition at the conversation they had the first day of Channels. Joshua tentatively put forth his assumption. “Does Eli put you first?”

  “He certainly does, Joshua, and he is happy to do it.” Cassie continued smiling and nodding. “The way I try to make you happy and feel important, Eli does that for me.”

  Joshua yielded a sigh and looked at Cassie. “This is gonna take time, Mom, so please don’t try to force the whole family thing on me yet.”

  Cassie sighed her own relief at winning this small vote of approval. “Definitely, son, we will take things one step at a time. You mean the world to me.”

  As Cassie held up her glass of tea in a toast, Joshua held up his own Coke. They clinked their glasses and Joshua smiled. “I love you, son,” Cassie emphasized to Joshua.

  “I love you too, Mom,” Joshua returned just as honestly.

  Cassie had the feeling things just might turn out all right. She knew she must set the example for Joshua of what an adult romantic relationship should be. She wanted him to know that ideally, two people make each other smile, feel safe, and revel in the security of acceptance and genuine interest and concern. Her time with Eli proved the best demonstration she ever had.

  Chapter Eleven

  Cassie knew the road would be difficult at times. All relationships, blended families, dating, adult children, and the inevitable scandal posed a challenge. However, she hoped everyone around her would finally feel joy for her, as much as she felt for the first time in her adult life about romantic love. She accepted the likelihood that only time would be her ally. That—and the immense love she and Eli shared.

  * * * *

  As one of the continuing education courses, Eli suggested Cassie enroll in a creative writing course on the college campus where he worked. Cassie eagerly accepted his challenge and found writing released most of her pent up feelings of grief, frustration, love, and finally embracing full acceptance of her life. One of her early essays focused on her love for Eli. He helped her achieve so much in such a short time, he deserved his own story:

  On Ellicott Street-

  On Ellicott Street is more than a person, place, or thing, it is a state of being that transcends any journey I have ever taken. The Street becomes a limitless journey filled with road signs to more exotic places than I have ever imagined. It is the place where Christmas parades and Fourth of July fireworks collide, where everyone wants to be. It is the road that leads home, to a kitchen filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and homemade chocolate chip cookies. The Street guides you home to the safety of your grandmother’s bosom as she hugs you tightly after a traumatic day. It is the one place where you can have blue streaked feathered hair and wear silly socks if you please. It is a passionate place where, when your anger boils it is safe to mutter your fury through gritted teeth with a red face and even so, every word is considered. The same passion translates to unbridled lust and making love takes on the exhilaration of skydiving from the space shuttle—yet, never a fear of crash landing.

  It is your hometown filled with comforts and memories where your sorrows never take over and someone is always there to hold your hand when life becomes melancholy. I can relieve myself of burdens and know someone else will carry the load for a while when I become weary. The Street gives me confidence to take every sharp curve and maneuver it successfully, if not perfectly. I test my limits and explore new territories with the courage of Magellan because of the charted course I now travel. The Street is more sophisticated than GPS and softens detours with explanations. Old paths collide with new frontiers, where all is equal. Imagine a walking, living atlas and you see The Street, alive with human topography, ready to take you home.

  Forever.

  I am never alone …on Ellicott Street.

  THE END

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  Secret Cravings Publishing

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