Honeymoon

Chapter 15

THE LINCOLN TOWN CAR turned off busy Route 9, then sped along picturesque Scarborough Road, eventually making it to equally pretty Central Drive, finally pulling into Connor’s Belgium block driveway a little before dusk that Friday. The driver had barely stepped out to open the door for Nora when he was beaten to it by Connor, who was obviously beyond eager to see her.

“Come here, you!” he beckoned. “I’ve been just about crazy, thinking about you.”

Nora swung her feet out of the car and immediately leaped into his arms. They kissed while the driver—a robust, older Italian man—popped the trunk and lifted out Nora’s suitcase. He tried not to stare but he couldn’t help it. With the sun setting on a beautiful day, and in front of one of the most gorgeous homes he’d ever seen, here was this lovely couple clearly head over heels in love. He thought to himself, If this ain’t the top of the mountain, I don’t know what is.

“Here you go,” said Connor. He reached into the pocket of his trousers and pulled out a wad of cash. He slid the driver a twenty-dollar tip.

“Thank you, sir,” the man said through a thick accent. “You’re too kind.”

“And too cute!” chirped Nora as she hugged Connor around the waist.

He really is cute, isn’t he? she couldn’t help thinking.

The driver jiggled with a hearty chuckle and returned to his car. “Have a nice night, kids,” he called over his shoulder.

Nora and Connor laughed, then watched for a moment as the Town Car turned out of the driveway and disappeared.

Nora peeled herself away from Connor. “So how was work?” she asked. “On second thought, I don’t want to talk about work.”

“Me, either,” he said. “Besides, all work and no play…”

“… makes us very fucking boring!”

That was one of their very first mantras—and still one of their favorites.

“We should do it right here,” she said, and winked. “Right here on the front lawn! To hell with the neighbors. Let them watch if they want to. Maybe they’ll be inspired.”

Connor reached for her hand. “Actually, I’ve got a better idea.”

“Oh? Better than sex with me? What would that be?”

“It’s a surprise,” he said. “Follow me.”