Page 19 of A Simple Love
The Sunken Gardens in Lincoln extend in every direction around us, small hills and planters covered with various flowers are sprouting from the ground lavishly. Dark green bushes and mature and luscious trees line the cement pathway we are strolling down hand in hand, as I attempt to absorb the view of all the shrubbery and blossoms.
“I know, it’s just so serene and peaceful. Even though my future students would wreck that quiet in a moment’s time, this would be such a nice place to take them for a field trip one day. Even Lilly would love this place.”
The thought of organizing and hosting a field trip for first graders, or even just bringing my sister here, makes my face light up, imagining the joy on the faces of such small children with an abundance of curiosity. I grabbed a pamphlet on the way in that explained field trip rates and activities, in which students learn how to plant a flower in a special area of the gardens. It would be the perfect thing for six-year-olds to partake in.
“Ugh, you couldn’t pay me enough to corral thirty kids for an afternoon here,” Ben voices in discontentment. “And my sister would never want to visit a place like this. But I’ll walk around here all day with you,” he leans down to whisper in my ear, his hand brushing my hair back over my shoulder, the goosebumps arriving in a wave across my neck from the kiss of his breath on my skin. Even though it’s almost one-hundred degrees outside, my skin reacts to his closeness as if it’s the middle of a frigid winter.
Ben’s comment about his distaste for young children, or at least my choice in a career, incites a ping of remorse in my stomach, a sudden change from the excitement I was just feeling at his touch. The physical connection between Ben and me is not a problem, I’ve discovered, after our first kiss at the end of our last date and the small touches we’ve taken part in so far today. But our lack of commonalities is what is disturbing me lately. I know that in order for a relationship to work out between two people, they don’t have to see eye-to-eye on everything. And I don’t expect Ben to understand my career choice or desire the same thing at all. I mean, teaching is not for everyone. But it feels like some of his comments are not purely out of a lack of understanding, but sometimes, borderline demeaning.
“Well, you just won’t be invited along then,” I jostle him as we continue our walk down the path, weaving between trees before the space opens up to a beautiful rose garden. “Although, the idea of bringing both of our sisters somewhere in the future might be fun.” I nudge the idea forward, hoping he bites. Lilly is extremely important to me, and Ben has to know that by now.
“You won’t hurt my feelings, I promise,” he kisses my temple before leading me beneath a lattice arch and taking a seat on a dark brown metal bench nestled beneath a large oak tree, providing a shady resting place to talk. “And if you want to do something with the girls, we could probably arrange that. I just know Kaitlyn, and at fourteen, nothing is worth her leaving her precious phone behind anymore. She’s hard to impress.”
“Well, she’s never met me, so maybe I can work my magic on her.” I smile over at him, his face mirroring mine.
“Be my guest,” he offers nonchalantly, then turns away, effectively ending that conversation.
“It’s so hot today,” I sigh, wiping the sweat beading on my forehead, trying to change the subject so the unsettling feeling in my stomach will subside.
“Yeah, sorry. But it’s July, so no matter where we went, it would be hot. I just liked this place and thought you would too.” He smiles over at me, my hand reaching up to brush the slight stubble on his jaw. Ben really is strikingly handsome, in a clean cut and obvious sort of way.
“I do like it. Thank you.” I look around, admiring the roses scattered all around us. “So, how’s work going?”
Ben adjusts his position on the bench before answering. “Well, just a few more months of bartending and turning a wrench, and Paxton Lumber will be all mine,” he boasts, his hand draping across the back of the bench around my shoulders.
“Has your dad been showing anything else about the business?”
“Actually, in October sometime, about a month before my birthday, he wants me to stay here in Lincoln for a few days to see the business run for more than just a few hours at a time. Maybe you’ll want to join me by then?” Ben’s invitation seems innocent, but the thought of spending the night with him makes me feel uncomfortable, to say the least. I am nowhere near ready for anything like that. However, October is about three months away. Who knows where we will be or who I will be with by then?
“Yeah, maybe,” I answer, hoping that reply will be enough to appease him.
“So,” he clears his throat. “Are you getting hungry? There’s a Japanese restaurant around here that is fantastic. I was actually contemplating taking you there for our first date but went with Billy’s since it was a bit more romantic,” he explains, standing while gathering my hand to join him.
“That sounds interesting. I’ve never had Japanese food before.” Ben guides me back down the path we traveled before.
“Seriously? Well, you are in for a treat then, Victoria Baker. Just wait for all the things I can help you experience.” Ben winks at me as we continue our way back to his car, settle in, and drive the ten minutes to the restaurant.
I think about what Ben just said. I have been able to experience new things with him, things I wouldn’t normally volunteer for or choose to do on my own accord. While we eat our meal, which is utterly delicious by the way, I can’t help but wonder what a life with Ben would be like. All the fresh and exciting places he could afford to take me, the finer things in life he would demand I experience because he thinks I would enjoy it. Fine dining and expensive taste is never something I’ve been accustomed to being raised by a factory worker and grocer. My father and mother were just two honest and hardworking people who made do with what we had. Luxury and opulence was never an option, and I never knew any better, so I figured I wasn’t missing out on anything. Not that Ben’s money is a factor here in my decision, but it’s just intriguing to think of everything I’m unaccustomed to that Ben could present me in life, things I never knew I was living without but could ultimately become a treat I would love to indulge in.
Making our drive back home, Ben’s hand resting in mine while the music plays softly through the speakers, I take a moment to peer over at him while he drives and a thoughtful smile creeps over my face just as Ben looks over at me. Uh oh, busted.
“What are you smiling about?” Ben questions, alternating his eyes between me and the road.
“Nothing.” I shake my head, diverting my eyes to my window looking out over the bright green field on the side of the highway.
“No, I saw that grin. Just tell me,” he pries with a nudge of his shoulder, ushering a deep sigh from me as I turn back to face him.
“I’m just surprised, is all,” I answer honestly because clearly, the fact that I’ve actually enjoyed spending time with Ben and the feelings I’m developing for him have definitely taken me by surprise.
“Surprised about what?” He pushes on.
“How much I’m starting to like you.”
A toothy smile takes over his face, followed by a small laugh. “Oh yeah? Well, that’s reassuring,” he jokes.
“Seriously. Look, Ben,” I start, shifting in my seat so I turn my whole body towards him. “I know I was adamant about not dating for a long time because of school, but part of me also thinks I avoided it because I was scared to get hurt. Not all guys have the best intentions, you know…”
He looks over at me quickly before focusing back on the road. “I’m not most guys, Vic. I meant what I said. I’ve wanted to ask you out for years, but I respected your focus on school. I like you a lot, and I like where this is going.”