Chapter 47: It’s been a Year

POV: Gabby

 

November 13, 2008

I woke up to the sounds of the pacific crashing on the beach outside. When he told me at our birthday party that he had plans, he hadn’t lied to me. We drove south from Petaluma to Los Angeles and then took a boat to the Catalina Islands where he had us booked here for over a week. When I questioned the extended stay, he said we never had a honeymoon and this would serve as one along with whatever he planned for January. We had arrived the eleventh and today was our actual anniversary.

I got up carefully letting him sleep late and I fixed a huge breakfast. He’d gotten a private little cabin on the beach, it was very open as the bathroom was the only room with a door. We had our own little beach area and he had activities planned for everyday but today. Snorkeling, boating, glass bottom boat tours, it really was perfect.

The bacon is what woke him up and he sat up in the bed.

“You got up early?”

“I don’t call ten early, it’s almost eleven now.”

“Yet, your fixing bacon?”

“Yep.”

I’d only bothered with his shirt and he didn’t bother with anything.

“You missed that didn’t you, just walking around naked?”

“I have missed it so much.”

“Scrambled eggs?”

“Please.”

I finished up breakfast and we sat down and ate, still very strange for him to be naked.

“Happy 1 st anniversary.” He said.

“Happy first anniversary to you.”

“So, I didn’t plan anything for today figured we could be hermits and just be us, no people, no phone calls, no social media.”

“I can deal with that, sleep late do nothing.”

“Pretty much, although I do have dinner reservations tonight.”

I didn’t bother to wash the few dishes, I’d worry about it later. After breakfast he put his swim trunks on and I went with my suit and we enjoyed the private beach, the ability to swim and see the fish that were around was very good, considering it was November. About two we got a small snack and sat down on the deck, out of the sun.

“So, I hear we have some decisions for cake and stuff.” He said.

“Yeah, they need to know by this weekend. I saw some that I liked while we were out in New York, but they just didn’t jive with winter wedding.”

“Are we doing a winter theme?”

“Pretty much, I was actually thinking snowflakes. Like have a white cake and then use the silver and blue for flakes. It’s simple and I think it’ll look good too. The set of glasses and cake cutting things that Sierra bought have flakes on them.”

He sat there a moment and thought about it. “Can you draw it out?”

“I can if you’d prefer it.”

“I would, something you know would be simple and fitting. You could tell me what that dress looks like.”

“I’m not telling you.”

“That reminds me, you said that no one saw the dress but Abby and Sierra have mentioned seeing it. Which is it?”

“The dress they believe I bought is what they are referring too.”

“But you didn’t buy it?”

“No. By that point I was really tired and hungry and just wanted to go home. Everyone liked that one and I just went with it. Elaine got me alone and asked and she ended up bringing me the one I actually bought. I never walked out so no one ever saw it.”

“You didn’t like the one they did?”

“No. Elaine told me that I shouldn’t settle. She’s right, the more I think about the one I passed up the more wrong it felt.”

“So you are the only person besides Elaine that knows what your dress looks like?”

“I am the only person. Which is fine by me.”

“Well, Mom said she thought you may have changed your mind as well. She didn’t feel like you liked it, so I think Elaine made the right decision. I have made appointments for my groomsmen and I to be fitted.”

“The girls are going with me in December to get their dresses. There already ordered just finalize the length.”

“You ordered theirs already?”

“I knew Sierra would chose wrong and she’ll be so weird in hers but I felt bad that Nicole and Stella didn’t get to come. So, I asked them to chose a dress together and they did. The color was my choice which is ivory. But the style they chose. Sierra got to chose the finale table for us, which she said she went with our colors and style. Abby has made a bunch of things for like party favors in her spare time.”

“No wonder you’ve been texting her like crazy.”

“Well, the party favors is like candy and stuff, she did candles as well. They are all in our colors with the date. The invitations you picked out are at the apartment your mom left them along with a new address book for everyone and I’m filling them out the moment we’re back. Everyone already knew so most have already made plans, but this is for keepsakes.”

“Yeah, I went with a very simple one sheet design.”

I smiled at him. “So, is there anything left to plan?”

“Invites, cake, décor, you have the dress, bridesmaids has theirs, me and the others have ours. There actually ordered just fitting basically, which is in November right after thanksgiving. Venue is chosen and paid for. I think that’s all.”

“I left the flowers up to the venue, just told them I didn’t mind a sprinkle of colorful flowers but for the arch I wanted blues and silvers with white, and inside could be mostly the same but some other colors are fine too.”

“Did you have a place you always wanted to go, but never thought you would?”

“Oh god, that’s a loaded question Zac.”

“Serious here.”

“Any place outside the United States? The tours I attended never left the states, so I’ve never been outside the states. I guess, Hawaii and Alaska are options but I’d think something more…exotic?”

“Exotic? That’s interesting.”

“I’m not picky Zac, we don’t have to leave the states at all.”

“Yeah we do, least for a little bit. Isaac planned Hawaii for him and Nicole.”

“Stella said Paris is where she wants to go.”

“We can do London and Paris. I think you’ll love the area.”

I blinked, had he just suggested those places? I would never have dreamed I’d be there or even maybe going there. I would assume he would have had to tell me eventually because I’d have to have a passport and all, can’t leave the states without one.

“Speaking of area…Dr. Cortez said it would be beneficial if I like branched a bit and looked at houses and stuff that was available. Online isn’t like a vast resource for that but I did find some things that I liked and some I didn’t.”

That perked his ears up and he turned to me. “You haven’t mentioned moving at all, I thought you just avoided it.”

“That was partially it, just dealing with forever but it’s been a year Zachary, it’s something that no one thought we’d make it to. It’s been a up and down year and really, we still have things we should work on but it’s been a year.”

“It has been and you’re right, not many felt we’d make it this long. So, what did you decide?”

“I like the more open concept better, it won’t feel as closed off. We definitely need a room for art and music, I think it could be okay if it’s the same room. I have no preference on stories but I would like the master to be on the same floor as at least two other rooms.”

“Any reason why?”

“Thinking ahead, if and when we do decide to add to this then I don’t want to be on the main floor and the kids room up-stairs or vice versa.”

The look on his face said he was shocked that I even considered that option, it really wasn’t something I often spoke about but it didn’t mean it never crossed my mind or the practicality of it didn’t. There really was no guarantee we would ever have children.

“Having the master near the other bedrooms is always a plus, it’s something that Isaac and Nicole are considering. Did you think about building versus buying?”

“I kind of did, yes. I don’t have a preference on that but if we can’t find a house that fits what we like then we can build. I kind of like the idea of brand new, but I also like the idea of not needing to go through all the planning and shit.”

He smiled. “And here I thought you weren’t putting any effort into this house thing. Any clue on the number of bedrooms?”

“Not a single one. I know at least one.”

He giggled. “I’m thinking three or more.”

“How many would you prefer?”

“Four, maybe even with room to expand.”

Four bedrooms was three kids and us, that was a little higher than I considered but extra bedrooms were always good and especially if Taylor and Isaac had kids first. Which was a very good possibility because Isaac and Nicole were already talking about that and Stella and Taylor had considered those possibilities too.

“I think four would be a good number.”

“I guess I can call a realtor when we get back, see what they have available and maybe start seeing some. The Rock boat is in January and then Fool’s Banquet is February, but beyond those events we have no plans but to record.”

“The rock boat?” I asked.

“Yep, you get to go to Paris and then a cruise.”

I wasn’t sure I liked that idea but I did get up and head back to the beach, he was intending on staying there until I dropped the bathing suit top onto the ground. That got him moving and on his way to following me. Sex on a beach, nice and sandy but still hot. It did require a shower afterwards though, which was fine because the reservations were soon and we needed to get ready.

I went with something nice, simple and not as party type and I was sure he appreciated it. The restaurant was on the beach and our table was kind of private.

“It’s nice here really, kind of like it was at home without drama.”

“I wanted something low key and not as busy. I considered theme parks but really I didn’t want to share you.”

“Share me? I share you more than you do me. I like this option really, it’s pleasant and no sharing.”

“Exactly. Although, little birdie named Taylor told me he was finally asking her this weekend.”

“Good. It’s about time.”

We ordered dinner and it was very nice seafood, I actually tried some calamari and aside from being a bit chewy it wasn’t bad. He suggested the walk and I was glad, guided him the way I wanted him to go. But, I wasn’t shocked that he handed me a box once we were clear of the people. Inside the little shiny box was necklace that matched our wedding bands, it had interlocking hearts and our birth stones were inside the hearts.

“I couldn’t think of something that you’d wear all the time besides your ring and I kind of feel bad always wearing mine around my neck.”

“It’s perfect.”

He put it on and we walked a little bit longer until I paused him, he was totally unaware of where we were.

“I couldn’t bring all of yours with me, it wouldn’t be appropriate. But, I did bring one thing.”

I got the envelope from my pocket and handed it to him. Watched as he opened it and then unfolded the sheet of paper inside. Granted it did take him a few minutes to realize what I’d given him.

“You drew this.”

“I did, Tuesday night while you were asleep.”

I’d given him the most expensive thing that I could, the one thing no one else had ever gotten from me. I gave him the key to my heart.

“I drew the heart myself and had the artist put it on, but I never drew a key until Tuesday.”

“And you gave it to me?”

“Yes. Because you deserve it and out of everyone you’re the only one that does.”

I didn’t quite expect the tears or the hug or the spin, but it was halfway through the second spin that he sat me down and realized where we were standing.

“Is that a…”

“The only one on the island actually and by no means am I saying it’s what I want you do. I’m content if you just keep the drawing forever.”

“I think…I’ll keep the drawing.”

“That’s fine.”

We headed back to the house and once there I gave him the second half.

“Are these…nude drawings of you?”

“Consider it rare because I never draw myself.”

“It’s perfect because you are.”

“Don’t inflate my ego that bad.”

Yet, inflating his worked. He pulled the every inch has to have a kiss and I was fine with that.

November 19, 2008 – Zac

The week on the island was so pleasant but we had to return tomorrow to the mainland and then two shows and we headed home. I didn’t have much planned today because we had to clean up and repack.

I however had several days to think about things and she’d given me the key to her heart and I was no fool, I know the significance of that simple gesture. While she was content with me just keeping the drawing I really did want to do something more. After lunch I suggested a walk and I walked right back to the only tattoo shop on the island.

“Why are we here and you’re lingering outside.”

“I brought your drawing with me and I’ve thought about it all week. I know the implication of you doing that was major and I kind of feel like you might be mildly disappointed that I didn’t go in last week.”

“I’m not Zac. You’ve never expressed a desire for anything like this. I won’t be mad or upset if you chose to just keep it as is.”

“Well, I’m not here entirely for that.”

I had considered it and well, she had my heart as well. I couldn’t imagine being without her or being alone or even going back to random women.

“Oh?”

I got the drawing from my pocket and handed it to her, I wanted to give her the key as well, but it required drawing both the heart locket and the key and since her heart looked very girly, I wanted something slightly more manly. So I’d drawn a semi-realistic heart that contained filigree and a matching key.

“It’s only fair if I have the key to your heart, that you have mine and it occurred to me that I don’t have that representation.”

“You don’t have to do this though.”

“I know, I think I want too. Although, I’d like to do the key first and then determine if I can handle it.”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

We went inside and we met with the artist and gave him the design. I insisted on going first and I was nervous as hell, this was a major decision and something that would always be there. The guy made his stencils from my drawing and hers and then placed it over my chest. I viewed the placement in a mirror while he got his equipment ready.

“It looks good.” Gabby said.

“I agree.”

“First one?” he asked.

“Yeah. Obvious huh?”

“It is obvious but you’d be amazed at how well you’ll do.”

Gabby sat down in the chair on the other side of me, I was glad she was that close and I calmed myself down, the noise was loud so close to my ear and he made the first mark of a permanent line and it stung like hell.

“Fuck that stings like hell.”

She smiled. “It’s not bad once you get use to it.”

She was right, once the initial shock subsided it was just kind of an annoying poke, not real painful. He took a very short break once the outline was done to see how hers was so he could match the shading on her key, then he finished up. I know I grimaced a few times during the shading because it was sore and he had to go over the same area a few times. When he finished shading in he cleaned the whole area well, removing the little bit of blood, ink, and the stencil and then he showed me the finished tattoo.

“It’s perfect.”

“I agree. You did great with the key and the heart, they are exactly what we drew.”

He smiled. “I’ve done a lot of tattoos in my days.”

He put some kind of moisturizer on the area and then covered it, declared me done. She took my button up shirt and changed, she’d decided to put my key on the inner left side of her heart, just below the outer lines. She even asked him freshen the other one up. I was not thrilled that this guy got to touch her breast though, even if she was mostly covered he was still very close. When he finished hers I approved and he cleaned and bandaged hers as well.

“Couple of hours remove the bandages and clean them well, apply a non-scented moisturizer I recommend our H2Ocean or one close to it. No Vaseline.”

I got two tubes of the H2Ocean because it was the best product to use according to Gabby. We left the tattoo shop and were walking back to the car.

“I can’t believe I did that.”

“Me either, are you showing anyone?”

“Not unless I have too. My parents would flip. I think it’s nice to have something no one knows about.”

“Just remember it’s going to be a bit tender for about a week, so you want to clean it after the show and wear something kind of loose.”

“I will.”

We returned to the house and got to packing and cleaning, I got a steal here. Carrick’s family member owns the property and he was able to get us a very good deal for the time we were here. We just had to make sure the house and property were as we found it, which we were doing now.

“Hey! Did Taylor actually ask?”

“He did! He asked Sunday during a beach walk, she loved it and said yes.”

“Nice. Did Isaac ever have a date?”

“There looking at May after Hanson Day. There discussing whether or not it’s a good time.”

“I think it would be, I mean Nicole and I could finalize stuff while you guys are busy.”

“That’s what he’s thinking too, so it’s probably going to be the last Sunday in May, but they may do April. But, Nicole was disappointed, Philbrook isn’t available anytime in April or May and she did a test run with her dress and it’s not going to be pretty. So, there talking about doing another venue.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I think they may do a formal church, they’ve been looking at two of them.”

“I’m sure they’ll figure it out.”

“Me too.”

I finished packing what I could, leaving out clothes for tomorrow. She finished the basic cleaning, just left the sheets on the bed to wash and what little dishes we would use tonight and in the morning. We fixed dinner together, after we ate she said we needed to clean the tattoos. I started with her, gently covering the new ink with a soap and then rinsing well before applying the H2Ocean to the whole thing.

She sat down in my lap to clean mine and I kind of liked the way her fingers felt as she gently cleaned away the slight blood spots. Her fingertips felt gentle and kind as she cleaned it.

“I may like this kind of attention.”

“It’s nice to see it here.”

I kissed her. “You made a big decision by giving it to me. I was nervous about this but it’s the best way to always keep your key with me.”

She kissed me back and once both were cleaned and moisturized we found a movie and cuddled up to watch it. We had to return to reality soon, a few more shows and then we had Thanksgiving which would be her first real one in a while, where she had a family that loved her. I was looking forward to the home cooked meal!

We did head to bed early, despite wanting to do more we both knew it would be a long few days and sleep was important.

 

 

Catalina Island Website

The key to Gabriella's heart tattoo

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