I pulled into the garage after spending ten hours editing my episode of Code Women. We finished shooting two weeks ago and I joined Mary Barron the editor in finishing the show. It was difficult for me to keep my hands off the controls, but it was my job to direct the edit and hers was to run the machines and use her talent to refine the edit. I say machines but with digital, there is really one computer with different drives connected.
I looked in the back yard and was happy to see heavy equipment gone as the major portion of the construction finished last week. I was daydreaming about our next project. The interior of the house was in need of updating, but we would need to consult an architect.
I walked into the house, but it was empty again as Sara was up at the ranch for the next few days. We still did not have any help other than weekly maid service. I stopped by the kitchen and pulled a pitcher with a clear liquid out of the fridge. I poured the contents into a cocktail glass and walked outside and looked at the pool. I was a good bartender but a so so cook, and I was contemplating which restaurant I would call for delivery. There was a blue glow coming from the water. The LED lighting system was designed to change color over time. The only thing remaining were finishing touches.
I felt an arm curling around my waist, and found Sara standing beside me.
"Don't get mad, I arrived an hour ago and just heard you come in."
She took the glass from my hand and finished the rest of the martini and handed it back to me. I leaned over and our lips met in a kiss. She broke away and walked back to the kitchen and returned with her own cocktail and mine refilled.
"When will the furniture get here?" asked Sara.
"According to George the whole project should be finished Friday next week."
"What's next sir,"
"I thought making love would be next on the agenda," I replied knowing that that was not what she was talking about.
"You have a one-track mind, or should I say one cock-mind," said Sara as she massaged my crotch.
I leaned over to try to kiss her again, but she pulled away.
"Paul you know what I mean."
"I was having the same thought as I walked in this evening. As much as I would hate more construction and the upheaval it causes, the house needs a lot of updating to your lifestyle."
"Paul remember that we are a team and you have as much say as I do. Now what do you think about you and I going out to dinner?"
"Is someone driving?"
"We don't have to drink, or you don't have to drink."
"I was afraid you would say that," I responded. But she was right. "Your car or mine?"
Sara was the proud owner of a Cadillac Escalade like mine that we bought when she realized that the Land Rover was staying at the ranch. Her sister and Brother-in-law have settled into managing the place and were on the verge of hiring assistance, so William could work for Sara soon.
"Well Paul I love riding in my car while you drive, remember the trips to the ranch and vineyard we took while you drove."
It was Sara's not so gentle way of telling me that I was driving. I held out my hand and she handed me her glass. I took the hint and moved into the kitchen and then met her at the garage. I got in her green SUV and backed it out and waited for her to climb in. She stood by the door waiting for something, when I finally snapped and got out, came around and opened the door for her. She smiled at me as she got in the front seat.
I got in the driving position and was met with a very wet kiss. "Sorry Paul I could not resist. I do love you."
I kissed her again but said nothing as I backed out of the driveway. When I was in the street, I stopped the car and waited. Two could play at this game. After a short wait, Sara was still silent, and I was waiting.
"Why aren't we moving darling."
"Because you haven't given me a destination."
"Paul, you know where we want to go, please go."
Sara and I have a favorite place to eat dinner but because she was putting on "airs" I wanted to make sure that that was where we were going. There was a center console between us we could only kiss when the car was stopped. Sara sat in her seat with a big smile on her face.
"Sara what haven't you told me; I know that you have some news?"
"You'll have to wait, Paul."
"Well I know that Bret has not given birth yet because I spent the better part of five hours with her in a spirited discussion today."
"Why were you and Bret arguing?"
"Because that is what we do, and because we do our product is better," I responded.
"No darling, no baby news, but you will need to wait. You can contain yourself until, then can't you?"
"I guess I will have to."
I pulled up to the entrance to Capella's and handed the key fob to the valet and Sara and I went in and were shown a premium table. The maître d' knew us and used "Your grace," when speaking to Sara. I deferred any booze and after Sara ordered her martini, we placed our dinner orders and were left alone. Sara looked great despite coming from the ranch. I finally noticed that Sara's hair was changed. I hoped that I wasn't in the doghouse because I did not notice it at the house.
"Your hair looks nice, darling."
"Oh, that will not due, you had plenty of time to notice before now," said Sara with a smile.
"This is why I love you," I said.
"Darling that is a given, but for someone that can spot a mis-matched frame on video I expect you to notice changes on me," said Sara as she called the waiter over for a refill of her cocktail.
"Ok, ok please forgive me."
"Darling you are always forgiven, because I love you," said Sara as she leaned in and allowed me to kiss her.
"Sara, you have some news that you are just bursting to tell me."
"One of the defendants caved and wrote our client a three-million-dollar cheque. The firm gets one million and I cleared two hundred and fifty K. So, we can live in the new house. Oh, the client is writing a book and can name names, Carol put that in the settlement."
My fifteen-K director's fee was seeming a little paltry at the time. It was nice that our bank accounts were flush as there was a lot of money going out, and we were contemplating more renovations. The waiter brought me another soda with lemon, and his assistants brought our entrees. maître d' appeared with a complementary glass of wine for Sara.
"Paul you and I need to talk when we get home," Sara suddenly popped up.
"Yes, Your Grace," I said and waited for the fireworks.
I got the "You're in trouble mister" look from Sara. I just laughed which seem to make her madder. We finished and I waited for her to pull her credit card out, which she finally did. We got up after she signed the chit and walked to the entrance. I handed the claim ticket to the valet and waited for her car to be pulled to the door. One of the valets opened the passenger door and Sara got in I walked around to the driver's side and got in. The doors closed and I put the car in gear and handed the key fob to Sara after I found it deposited in the console cup holder.
"You could have paid for dinner, sir," said Sara as I pulled into traffic.
"You were the one that had the big payday, darling," I responded.
"We will need to talk, sir"
"I love you Sara," I said.
"We still are going to talk."
Sara was silent for the rest of the trip. I hit the garage door button and while it was going up Sara got out of the car. I parked and walked into the house. Sara was behind the bar mixing martinis when I came in.
There were three business cards from architects on the counter all with dates and time notations. I quickly pulled my phone and opened the calendar app I noted the dates and times on my calendar and showed it to Sara. She poured me a cocktail. Sara had, had the time to contact architects. I was glad that she had.
"Is that what you wanted me to talk to you about, interviewing architects?"
"It was one thing, but since you said that you were thinking that we needed to update the main house, most of what I was going to talk to you about is mute."
"Sara, I know you and there are other things that you want to tell me. You have a look when you want to tell me something unpleasant. So, when are you leaving and where are you going?"
"Paul it is nothing like that, but I will be traveling. The California Bar is holding exams in three weeks and I have a seat. So, I will be in Sacramento for three days. Per your demand I will get my California law license."
"I wouldn't call it a demand, just a heavy suggestion, so you would get the million-dollar payday not other people."
Sara poured us another cocktail and we both moved to the couch. Before I sat down, I went over to my briefcase and pulled an old spiral notebook and a pencil and brought it where Sara was sitting. I found a blank page and quickly drew a diagram of the first floor of the house.
"I thought you wanted to make love, darling."
"I thought that you wanted to talk about the renovations?"
"Paul, I have been with my sister and brother-in-law, and too many cows and I was looking forward to some serious fucking from my number one fuck buddy," said Sara.
"Well I hope that I am your only fuck buddy, Sara."
Her hand directed my head, so our lips met in a wet kiss. We broke and I moved in again for another kiss. That is what I missed when Sara was away. Our kind gentle kisses were almost the only thing I needed.
