Page 97 of The Hate Date
9 am
Wear warm clothes
Don’t be Late
She’s nestled on her side into the pillow, her black hair fans out around her. Perfect pink lips are open just slightly. Her long, dark lashes brush her cheeks.
Breathtaking.
Every. Single. Day.
I set the coffee cup on her nightstand and rotate it so the note is facing her. Then I lean over and kiss her cheek. Whisper in her ear, “Time to get up, sweetness.”
Scooting like hell from the bedroom, I hear her rustle around. “Joar?” she calls out, but I’m already stepping into the elevator.
An hour later, I stroll into the lobby with a couple of breakfast bagels to find Clover waiting in tight blue jeans, black combat boots, a black puffy coat, and a white Jacoby International hat with a pom pom on top. “Aren’t you adorable.” I kiss her, take her hands and admire the view. “Where’d you get that hat?”
“It was buried in one of your dresser drawers.” She puts her hand on her hip. “What do you have planned?”
I tuck her arm under mine and guide us to the door. “We only have one hate date left on the list, do you remember what it is?”
“Uh, amusement park?” She looks at me quizzically. “In December?”
I open the door to the black Range Rover that’s waiting for us. “Oh, ye of little faith.”
We eat our bagels and Clover spends the next half hour trying to figure out where we’re going. It’s not that hard for east coasters, but even when we get to Brooklyn she still has no idea. I continue teasing her in between kisses until she notices the road sign.
“Omigod!” She squeals. “Coney Island? I’ve never been!”
“Are you happy? It’s going to be a little chilly, but I still think we’ll have fun.” I clasp her hand in mine and pull it into my lap.
She presses her lips to mine. “This is the best surprise. You’re so thoughtful. I love you.”
Soon we arrive, our driver parks and we step out onto the lively boardwalk. It’s brimming with a vibrant holiday energy. The ocean breeze kisses our faces, the sounds of laughter and excitement envelop us. Clover is clearly delighted, and she doesn’t even know my biggest surprise.
Hand in hand, we stroll by the beach, taking in the sights and sounds. The colorful lights of Luna Park beckon and I navigate us in that direction. The park, usually teeming with visitors, is empty today. I’ve arranged for it to be our private playground. A sense of exhilaration courses through my veins.
The general manager is waiting. “Mr. Jacoby?”
“That’s me.” I sling my arm around Clover’s shoulder.
He holds up a couple of wristbands. “Might as well have the full experience.”
“What’s going on?” Clover looks from him to me and back again.
“I’ve shut down the park just for you and me. Merry Christmas.” I bend down and kiss the look of shock off her face.
We make our way to the legendary Cyclone roller coaster, its towering structure a symbol of excitement and adrenaline. Clover’s eyes sparkle with anticipation as we board the iconic ride. The ascent to the top is filled with anticipation and as we plummet down the tracks, her laughter fills my ears, merging with my own exhilarating screams of joy.
No deal. No acquisition. No business transaction compares to this.
Making my girl happy is my favorite job.
“You’re too much, you know that?” We’re sharing a funnel cake when she leans into me, bumps my hip. “Everything you do is over the top. I love it.”
I point to the carnival games. “Should I prove my love by winning you a giant stuffed animal?”
“Uh, yeah. But, wait for a second.” She stops. Wraps her arms around my waist and peers up at me in her Jacoby Media hat. “I used to give you such a hard time. I’m so glad you stuck with it. With me. I’m the luckiest girl in the world. I don’t deserve you.”