When Tis Done – Part 14

Neil and Cynthia have a lovely evening, but he has to get home. As he’s walking home, something jumps him. He gets away and runs home. Finding Chase there, he sits down with his nephew to talk. He reveals that he’s loved Cynthia since he was a teenager.

“We’re so completely different,” Chase said about himself and Marissa.

“Sometimes, opposites attract. And not so different. I see things in you both, where you compliment one another. You need to work out your intimacy issues—and I don’t mean that you need to have sex. But talk about things. Make sure she knows you care. You do, you know. You love that girl, probably more than Brian loves Jordan.”

“More than you love Auntie?”

Neil shrugged. “Maybe. I have one advantage that you don’t. I’m not seventeen itching to get laid for the first time. Trust me, I remember that feeling, like your insides are on fire. You’d do a handy hydrant if you thought you could get away with it.”

Chase laughed louder than he’d intended. Clapping his hands over his mouth, he chuckled and sputtered. “Not built the right way, or I might consider it.”

“Gas tank,” Neil suggested. “Or grapefruit, I hear that works.”

“Only warmed in the microwave.”

“Always good to warm up the lotion first, but don’t nuke it. Good way to roast your willie.” He rubbed his hands together as if he had lotion on them. “Friction works best.”

“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation! I couldn’t talk to Dad like this.”

“No, but I bet you can with some of your friends.”

Chase shook his head. “Maybe when we’re older.”

“Meanwhile, I will be here for bizarre, off the wall, raunchy, inappropriate conversations whenever you like.”

“Thank you, Uncle Neil. It’s good having you home.”

“It’s good being home. And you can just call me Neil, Chase. I don’t mind.”

“Thank you—Neil.”

They said goodnight. Chase was ready for bed, so Neil took a quick shower and brushed his teeth. He could smell Cynthia’s cologne on his clothing and it made him want her again. He remembered, with a lurch, he’d promised to call when he got home. Picking up his phone, he saw a missed call. It was from Cynthia. She merely said to call as soon as he got the message. He called back immediately.

“You must think I’m a real dick,” he said when she picked up.

Cynthia laughed. “No, but I was worried.”

“I’m sorry. Chase was up when I got here. Kid needed to talk.”

“He’s going through a lot right now.”

“Yeah. I know. I hope that I can help.”

“I don’t know about Chase, but you sure helped me.”

“Yeah?” He couldn’t keep the delight from his voice. “You helped me, too, Cindy Lou.”

“Uhh, I wish I’d never told you my middle name is Louise.”

“Really? I’d forgotten that. I just always thought of Cindy Lou Who.”

“Now I really want to smack you.”

“Promise? Some gentle abuse, light bondage…. I’m up for it, but are you sure that’s how you roll, babe?”

“You are semi-impossible, Mr. Braxton.”

“Only semi? I think I should be offended. Really, the more accurate assessment is semi-improbable and nearly impossible.”

“Oh, I apologize for irregular use of adjectives.”

“I do love you, Cindy Lou.” He paused. “Shit, is it too early in this budding romance to say I love you?”

“Took you twenty years to say it. I think it’s allowed. Had we just met, Mr. Braxton, it would be entirely too soon.”

“Yeah, if we’d just met, I betcha we wouldn’t have done what we just did, either.”

“Safe bet. But we didn’t and Boy DID we!” She giggled light heartedly. “I think it’s semi-improbable that I feel this good.”

“It’s nearly impossible that you feel as good as I do.”

“Superlative Game, Mr. Braxton? Should I be offended?”

“No games, Cindy Lou, just the God’s honest truth. I feel better than I can ever remember. See what happens when I get to make love to the most beautiful woman in Miracle, Mississippi?”

“Not to mention the entire county.”

“Venture to say, the state.”

“The whole Southeast.”

“Babe, you are the most beautiful girl in the world, to me.”

Her reply was a sniffle. “I’ve missed you so much, Neil.”

“I’m back, Cynthia. I’m not going anywhere.” He yawned, loudly. “Except to bed. Jeez, is it really almost three? I’ve been awake nearly twenty-four hours!”

“Call me when you wake up.”

“How about you call me? I don’t want to wake you.”

“Shoot me a text or I will shoot you one. Whichever one of us gets the text first, calls.”

“Works. Goodnight, Cindy Lou.”

“Goodnight, Neilio,” she teased, hanging up quickly.

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani’s Books