He opened one eye and peeked at her as he yawned. “Sorry.” He sat up and worked the cramp in his neck. “A lot of fun, I am. I fell asleep on you for a two hour trip to the city.” He arched his hips and pulled out his money; that was tied up in a rubber band. No matter how many wallets she or his mother bought him, he never used them. Instead, he would only take the little plastic insert and place Ava’s pictures in them. When he pulled out a few bills and handed them to the driver, she smiled, catching a glimpse of the plastic insert that was tucked safely with his money. “Thank you George, see you tomorrow morning.” He climbed out of the car and held his hand out to Cara. She took it and followed him out of the car.
“Tomorrow morning? We’re staying here overnight?” She watched him dig into the trunk and pulled out a backpack. She knew what was in the backpack he never left home for long periods of time without. Inside the bag was, his sketch book and the set of shading pencils she bought him. That he remembered to bring, clothes, not so much. She laughed slightly. He swung the bag over his shoulder and placed his hand on her lower back. She glanced up at the large building, The Omni Hotel.
“I spoke to Rudy, he knows all about our little escape. He says Happy Birthday by the way.” He said smoothly before pushing her through the door of the hotel.
“You really thought of everything didn’t you?” She looked at him, amazed as they approached the checkin counter.
“Well, except for clothes.” He smiled at the receptionist. “But we’ll fix that. Hi, checking in, Lanza is the name.”
While Jake dealt with the details of checking into the hotel she took the time to glance around. The hotel was gorgeous. Marble floors accented by the largest crystal chandeliers she ever saw. It had a modern feel though, all sleek lines and white leather couches. She was certain, between the hired car and the sleek hotel, Jake had an expensive day planned. She didn’t like him spending all this money on her, she wasn’t used to it, but she would never act ungrateful. She looked back at Jake, watching as he took the envelope from the receptionist that had the keys to their hotel room. He smiled at her. “Ready?”
“Lead the way.” She said, and followed him to the bank of elevators. “Jake?”
He pressed the arrow that pointed up and looked over at her. “Hmm?”
“Thank you. This is the best birthday I’ve had since, well since I can remember.” She said sincerely and shoved her hands in her back pockets, feeling foolish for admitting that.
He swung his arm over her shoulder, a casual gesture that he always did, and she didn’t feel so foolish anymore.
“And to think, we didn’t do anything yet, but take a ride in a clean car.” He laughed at her as they stepped onto the elevator. “Damn Cara, you’re easy to please.” He pressed the button for the floor their room was on and, turned to her. “Do me a favor?” She nodded, her eyes questioning his, hell she’d do just about anything for him. “Don’t say thank you anymore.”
“But—“She furrowed her eyebrows and he placed his finger to her lips, silencing her.
“No buts.” He took her hand and pulled her out of the elevator once the doors opened. He led her to their room a few doors down and slid the card into the door. When the green light lit up, he pushed open the door and held it for her. She dipped under his arm and walked into their room, flicking the lights on. Not that she needed to, there was one wall of glass windows letting the daylight stream into their room.
The windows were definitely the focal point of the modest room. Much like the lobby, the room was modern with two double beds centered along the main wall. There was a small glass table centered in front of the windows with two white deco chairs. A nice size flat screen adorned the wall across from the two beds. There was a long sleek black dresser beneath it, with a vase of fresh flowers. She glanced back towards the two double beds, reminding her, this was just a friendly birthday rendezvous. She didn’t realize she frowned until he called her out on it.
“What’s wrong? If you don’t like the room, I can ask them to switch us.” He said, studying her face.
She felt like kicking herself, and forced a smile. “No, it’s perfect. Everything is perfect.”
“Then what’s up with the frown.” He asked, tilting her head so she looked directly into his eyes, trying his hardest not to allow her to mask her feelings.
“I just don’t like you spending so much money on something as minuscule as a birthday.” She covered, she wasn’t about to tell him she was beginning to think this was a date.
“Birthday’s aren’t meant to be called minuscule. They’re meant to be celebrated, and that’s what we’re doing.” He threw his backpack onto one of the beds, claiming it as his, she figured. “Come on.” He grabbed her hand.
“Now where are we going?” She said as he dragged her back out the door.
“Shopping, why do I look more excited than you to shop?”
She bit her lip and eyed him suspiciously. “Can I pick where?”
He grinned. “Now you’re getting the idea. Of course, where do you want to go?”
“Macy’s, Herald Square.” Her charge card just went platinum status, and throwing caution to the wind, she decided what better way to celebrate, other than a little retail therapy.
“You got it.” He said and raced her to the elevators.
Chapter Nine