The Kiss

Kiss tag at celebration leads to real romance

Juliette (Etta) Hernandez, finished her make up and exited the ladies room. She was tall, 5 9 or so, single, 30, and mother of a precocious 12 year old boy.

She'd gone from a relatively uneducated, unskilled, unmotivated, planed to be stay at home mom, high school dropout, pregnant 17 year old barrio wife of a marine to a fiercely ambitious 18 year old single mother with an American flag in a triangular case and a small shadow box displaying a few ribbons, including CMH. Courtesy of an IED, the one where Manny had survived, rescued 4 teammates, and died saving the 5th. She got her GED. Then entrance and partial scholarship to UT courtesy of her late husband CMH, working two crap jobs, 4.8 GPA, BA Finance, real work as an accountant, got CPA, better CPA level work, and now Forensic CPA or CFE.

Her best friend Maria grabbed her and said come on, we'll be late, dragging her out of the office. And it's not every day you get your CFE. It’s Friday, we have to Pa-Tay. Julietta sighed, she could hear the capitalization in that.

The club was loud, crowded, bright, expensive, and mostly drunk. Zero for five on her comfort scale. But these were the coworkers who had coveted for her, provided emergency baby sitting when pop tests screwed up her careful babysitting schedule, and in general tried to help wherever, whenever they could. She owed them, much more than a single night out could express. She smiled, paid whenever she could, and tried to fit in.

Around 11-11:30 it was still loud, crowded, expensive, and bright, but much drunker. Even she had had more than her usual. Of course her usual was two, very rarity three. And she was holding her sixth with a seventh on the table because friends kept giving her drinks to celebrate her CFE.

Some cute guy stumbled up to their table, said TAG, and kissed Maria with enthusiasm. She recoiled and he said her table was IT. Seems the bar was playing KISS TAG. Some guy would kiss some random girl, she or her friend had to kiss some random guy and on it went. Maria laughed, asked the guy to sit down and started talking to him. After a few minutes he staggered to his feet and said STOP, someone has to be IT.

All her coworkers decided Etta should be IT. Normally, she would have ignored them but... six drinks. Looking around, she saw several well dressed men standing at the bar. She stood, walked toward them, in a kinda straight line. When she got there, she stopped in front if this gorgeous early-40s guy, around 6 2, white blond hair, very well dressed, and asked him if he was alone. He looked puzzled and said yes in a commanding tone, why? She grabbed his tie, pulled herself up toward his head and kissed him thoroughly. She released his tie, smiled, said TAG, and started to turn away.

Alfonso (Lonny) van der Walt looked stunned, a smile started on his lips as his eyes darkened. He caught her at the waist, lifted her onto a bar stool, stepped close enough to force her skirt up slightly as he stood between her legs, with one hand at the small of her back and the other on the back of her neck, he pulled her tight against him as he resumed the kiss with vastly increased intensity and enthusiasm. She was shocked for a minute, then loosing herself in sensation, wrapped both arms around his neck.

By this time, lost in each other, they were unaware of the wolf whistles braking out around them. Actually unaware of anything. His friends stood in bemused shock while hers approached thinking she needed rescuing.

Etta and Lonny ignored all of them, actually unaware anyone was there. After a few minutes, someone suggested a bucket of water, only half joking. One of the guys said on HIM? Count me out. Maria said, what? Who is he? One man said Alfonso is our boss, he is notoriously resistant to female charms. Maria cocked her head and said was. Guy said he is founder, chairman of board, CEO, and majority shareholder of Van der Walt Holdings. We were celebrating a huge contract win when, he shrugged and gestured to the two, still lost in a fog of hormones.

When they finally came up for air, they were surprised to find themselves in the middle of a group of, what? Curious, surprised, shocked, stunned, admiring, coworkers, strangers, and friends. Both tried to ignore them. Lonny said I need to see you again. Soon. Sober? She asked smiling. Even better he grinned. Absolutely she said. She gave him her cell.

Maris hauled her home. The next (mid) morning she woke thinking she'd died. Then wishing she'd died. Manny JR watched her grinning, HAVE FUN MOM? He said very loudly. She said you are my very much loved only child but if you holler again I will end you, holding her head. He laughed, what happened? She said all my friends wanted to buy me a drink to celebrate and I didn't stop them soon enough. As she was drinking her third cup of coffee, he said who is Alfonso? He has called you like,5 times this morning. She froze as that part of night came back to her. And she'd given him her number! She never did that. What did he say? That he would pick you up for brunch at 1. Who is he? Boyfriend? He said grinning. She threw a pillow at him. She went in the bathroom and stood under a cold shower until she was shivering, then took a hot shower and did her hair. At some point she realized she'd only given him her number, how did he know where she lived?

Looking much better, and feeling almost human, she was dressed and ready to face whatever was coming. At 1, her doorbell rang. She opened to find Alfonso looking a little unsure, she invited him in. He scanned the apartment, clean, lived in, noted the flag and metals on mantel. When Manny walked in and Julietta introduced him, he shook his hand. Emmanuel, good name. How old are you? Almost 13, I'm named after my dad, he was a hero. Lonny looked at Flag and said I can see, sorry. Manny nodded. Etta said where are we going, Lenny said your call. I was planning on fancy but I'm happy with Waffle House, they kept me alive during school. Looking at Manny, your vote? Manny flinched, I'm going? Fancy he said firmly. I've never eaten a fancy breakfast. Lonny and Etta both laughed.

As they walked out she flinched as his fob caused a fire engine red midsize SUV to beep. As they approached, he grabbed the mostly hidden handles, and opened her door as the rear suicide door opened automatically. As Manny got into the rear seat, he gestured to a button at top of pillar and said To close. As he was walking around to drivers side, Manny said Mom and pointed to the Prancing Horse logo as Lenny got in and asked is this a Ferrari? Yes, a Purosangue, as PUR-o-SAN-gue, it means thoroughbred in English, as he started it and the unique unmistakable, never to be forgotten rumble, of a Ferrari V12 started. With huge eyes, Manny said I love the color. They call it Rosso Fuoco. How fast, Lonny said too fast smiling at Etta. Manny was quiet hunched over his phone.

As they pulled unto a restaurant, Manny said 700 hp 6.5 liter V12, 0-60 3.3 sec, top speed 193! Lonny said sounds about right. The server took them to a corner table and gave each a thick menu. Lonny looked at Etta, she said cappuccino, he said two. Manny finally looked up from his phone long enough to say OJ. Manny held his phone shakily so Etta could see the $424,000 base price while staring at Lonny in shock.

Etta said, OK, how did you know where I live. Lonny looked a little guilty as he said I have been really blessed and lucky that the business I started has grown so much. Unfortunately that attracts every con artist, social climbing twit, and crook in town. At the very loud insistence of my board, and my mother, my security automatically does a background check on every person I meet, business, social, grocery store, gas station, everyone. When I crawled out of bed at the crack of 9, smiling, I had 11 emails from security with background checks. Yours was one of them. She looked at him brow raised. Impressive he said.

Manny was leafing through menu, I didn't know there were this many things to eat for breakfast? What are kippers? Fish both Etta and Lonny said smoked fish. Etta said he has quite an appetite in the morning. Lonny said Oh, how do you like eggs? Sunny side up. Good man, looked at Etta, you ready? She nodded. He waved the waiter over, Etta said Eggs Benedict please. Lonny said two full British breakfasts, with everything, sunny side up. The waiter said beverage? Etta said coffee. Lonny said Irish Breakfast Tea. Manny looking at his OJ and said milk. The waiter left. Manny asked where the restroom was, Lonny pointed out the back hall.

Once Manny left, Lonny partially rose, leaned over, and kissed Etta thoroughly, she responded to him almost eagerly, surprising herself. Neither saw Manny smiling from back hall. Lonny said thank god! She said what? We weren't just the drink, the moment, the uniqueness, we have a real connection. I was terrified..... she said, no, for the first time, well since I lost Manny Sr, I felt it as well. But I have no idea at all what to do now. I'm getting by, doing well actually, but you're what, a millionaire? We don't fit. I can fix that. We can build a world we both fit in, all three actually. But your family. In case you didn't hear those clowns last night I spent most of my 20's subsisting on Ramen noodles. You're the most impressive woman I could introduce to my family. She just sat, thinking of why this was a terrible idea. Why she should just run back to her life. Why this could hurt her career. Why this could be bad for Manny. Why she could never fit his life. Why..... OK let's try this she herself say. He lit up like Christmas.

Manny came back with a 'I saw you' look she completely missed but Lonny saw. The food arrived, Lonny said this is a traditional working mans breakfast. Eggs, back bacon, banger, black pudding or sausage, white pudding or sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, hash browns, and beans. Lots of toast n fixings on the side. There are hundreds of variations so I figured we'd start with a common one. The black and white puddings are an acquired taste but you can try them. Etta said these eggs are wonderful. Manny said they have a variation called Huevos Benedictos that uses Mexican Chorizo and adds some salsa to Hollandaise. She said I want to try that some time. As they ate they watched as the large fry-up disappeared into Manny. He appeared to like everything. He hesitated at fried tomatoes but tried one, then ate all of them. Same for mushrooms. When he finally sat back with a piece of toast n marmalade he said what is black sausage anyway. Lonny said it's also called blood sausage. Manny said that‘s it! The taste, like when I split my lip. Lonny said yes, iron. White is same recipe without blood.

Etta excused herself to visit the power room. After she left, Lonny looked at Manny, ask he said. Manny hesitated, I saw you kissing. Lonny nodded. Although we just met, I really like your mom. She seems to put up with me. I want to keep seeing her. A lot. Regardless of how we end up feeling about each other, I will not hurt her, no matter what. Promise. Manny looked at him for a long time, OK he said.

As they were leaving, Etta said why the Purosangue? Lonny kinda ducked his head, grinned, and said well, I’m a 40 year old guy who didn’t have much growing up, never anything other than necessaries, and now I do. Driving a Super Car is fun, call it a midlife crisis if you want. If it is, it doesn’t come with 20 year old models and their lawyers. I just enjoy it. After they were in car he looked up to see a group of young guys getting out of sports cars, watch this he grinned. He gunned the engine up to around 8000 rpm, three quick V12 roars. The guys all jumped like they’d been poked and spun looking for car. Lonny grinned as he pulled out, the kids trying to get a picture with their phones. Why did they react that way? Etta asked. There are way less than 2000 of these in US

When they reached her home, Manny jumped out seeing some friends. Lonny said tonight too early for a dinner? She said I have weekend chores. He said tomorrow? She said just give me a little time. Now looking concerned he said Monday? She laughed, OK, Monday.

After weekend shopping and laundry plus some school supplies on Sunday she walked into work on Monday dressed up a little for dinner with Lonny. Maria grabbed her, AND? And what? The guy, your lip lock guy you gave your number to? Oh, he called Saturday morning and took Manny and I to breakfast. We’re having dinner tonight. Maria asked nice? Etta said yeah, I think he is. Hoooo girl, your face. You‘re gone already. Etta blushed, stop Maria, I am not. Right! What’s his name? Johan van der Walt. Called Lonny. They got coffee.

Etta was finishing a clients audit when Maria ran back, eyes wide. ETTA!! That guy is a millionaire!!! Yes, I know she said. He drives a half million dollar Ferrari to breakfast. You KNOW? Of course I know. We decided to see it we really had something or if it was just the moment. Maria said, JULIETTE HERNANDEZ!! He is a millionaire! She said I know. We’ll talk more over dinner tonight. TONIGHT? Go, run home and change. I’m already dressed. For a date with a millionaire? Laughing, Maria, MARIA! Calm down. It will be fine. Maria stayed obsessed all day although she calmed down after lunch. Etta got a call from Lonny around 4, where should I pick you up? She said her house, she’d be done around 5 so he could pick her up at 6. Long time he said, see you later. She accelerated her work, wanting to be done a little early. just at 5, the rumble of his car could be heard. She looked up to see him enter their office, look around, and walk to her. Didn’t want to wait, we can pick up your car later. OK she said and saw Maria staring as they left.

He took her to Amor Precioso (Precious Love), a very nice Mexican restaurant. She ordered Caballero Platter, steak, enchilada, and fixings and a Margarita. He ordered Pescado Zarandeado, grilled fish. with sides and a Negra Modelo. Then they both ate absently, basically ignoring the excellent food, while talking about everything, family, lost loves, school stories, plans, dreams, childhood memories, coworkers. At around the two hour mark the waiter started hovering more. Etta said think he wants us to leave. Lonny waved the waiter over, wrote several lines on bill, handed him bill and a card. Waiter just looked at bill, hurried over to older man and showed him the bill. They used the terminal and the waiter walked back, returned card and completely disappeared. When Lonny went to restroom, he asked, order us some Cappuccino. As she turned to signal the waiter, she disturbed the bill, across it was scrawled “tip 100, LEAVE US ALONE 500”. Interesting, a man who’d pay 500 just to talk to her uninterrupted and kept his phone silenced and in his pocket while talking with her. This could work.

As they got back to her work to get her car, they kissed for a while. She sat back and said this is a great car for driving, for necking it sucks. Lonny almost died laughing. Between more laughter he chocked out we can go somewhere else, not your house. Why she said? Manny saw me kiss you at breakfast the other day, we had a talk but I don’t think he’s ready for his mom necking in his living room. Now both were roaring with laughter. He said tomorrow, she said too soon. OK, Friday, there are some people I want you to meet. She froze, who? My family he said, you’re important to me, I want them to know you. She hesitated thinking ‘how did you meet, well I was drunk in a bar and kissed a stranger’. Well, she said……. I’ve got the ’how did you meet’ covered Lonny said smiling. She said, you’re getting scary. OK.

Lonny didn’t wait till Friday, he showed up Tuesday mid morning saying he needed coffee and company to drink it. He asked, your family? She said not close, mom was the big reason I quit school and got married at 17. She believed the only job for a woman was babies, cooking, and cleaning for her man. When Manny was killed, she wanted me to get new clothes with what money I had left, fresh makeup, and find a man. She thought school was just a place to need men, still does. Raised my sister to believe the same. To this day they look down on me because I don’t have a man to tell me what to do. We don’t talk much. I stay away because we always end up with her screaming at me. Dad? Gone before I was one.

On Wednesday a delivery guy was standing at the office door with assorted Kolaches, pigs-in-a-blanket, and other goodies from Weikel's Bakery in Brenham. All warm from oven. Lonny wandered by mid morning saying he was hungry. She said Brenham? Warm? He said hr knew a guy with a chopper.

Thursday a messenger showed up just before lunch with everything to feed a crowd from Davids in Pantego, the holy grail of traditional Bryan family Texas BBQ.

She said I’m going to stop this! Several of her coworkers said Let’s not be hasty. She thought that is what they said, they were hard to understand with their mouths full. Of course Lonny showed up saying where can a man get a sandwich? She tried to frown at him but her smile kinda spoiled it.

She left work early Friday, went home, showered, did her hair, makeup, donned her nicest non business dress, and was nervously ready an hour early. Lonny showed up on time, told her she was gorgeous and drove up into the hills. The van der Walt house was not fancy, quite large, and also from last century. They parked and walked to door. A lovely woman, looking happy to see them, opened the door and waved them in. A gentleman joined them as Lonny said, Mom, Dad, this is Juliette Hernandez, Etta I’d like to introduce Esmée and Johan van der Walt. Etta looked at them smiling, both in their 60s, and obviously happy to see them. Everyone spent a few moments shaking hands. They walked in the large living room to see some more folks. Lonny smiled, hugged and slapped backs. They all walked over to Etta and he said Juliette Hernandez, these clowns are my siblings. He said Evi, Lotte, and Luuk. His sisters, Evi and Lottie were obviously twins, later described as 37. Brother Luuk, 35.

They walked into a lovely dining room and sat. Conversation flowed easily, Esmée said, I understood you just got a CFE, rare and difficult. She nodded. How long did that take Luuk asked? Etta laughed, short answer or long? Esmée said oh long please, the long versions are always more informative. OK, at 17, I was a HS dropout and married Emanuel just before he deployed. On my 18th birthday I was a 7 month pregnant widow with a folded flag and a handful of medals. Courtesy an IED, Manny survived, and he survived rescuing 4 squad mates, died trying for the 5th. And a massive wake-up call that no one was going to take care of me. I got a GED, entrance to UT and small scholarship via Manny’s CMH. A 4.8 GPA got more scholarships, those and crap jobs got us through. Once I had enough classes, I got a go-for job at a finance company and quit serving coffee. I got my BA Finance and CPA at same time and now CFE. I’m Sr Manager at company and thinking of freelancing CFE.

Esmée and Luuk just looked at her stunned, remarkable Esmée said. You should be so proud. Etta smiled, Glancing at Lonny to see his face lit up with pride. Alfonso, Johan said, you have found a truly remarkable woman. You are lucky. How did you meet? Before Etta could speak, Lonny said her friends were celebrating her CFE, very hard, my crew were celebrating the contract signing, very hard, we ran into each other and rescued each other. Everyone laughed. Johan said and your child? Alfonso said, Manny Jr, 12, precocious, nice kid, we had breakfast a week or so back. Silence. Long silence. Evi or Lotte said you voluntary took a child for a meal? Everyone stopped and looked at Lonny. Then Etta with respect. You already have had a profound impact on him.

Etta learned there were 6 or 7 grandchildren not present and Lonny was not close with any of them. To Etta it was a mass of names, all at once. She didn’t worry, she needed faces to hang all the names and relationships off. If she kept seeing Lonny, that would evolve naturally. He took Etta for a tour of the house. The delay showing her his old room, and necking, was not commented on. They left, Etta having to promise a return in near future.

Driving down into the city proper, Etta said what a wonderful family. Alfonso said, could I show you my apartment. Etta looked at him for a long minute, not yet Lonny, soon. Both knowing they weren’t talking about a tour.

As they kissed good night, he said breakfast? She said Sunday. With exaggerated disappointment, he agreed. And said he’d pick them up at 8. Them? Sure, unless Jr doesn’t want to go. She smiled, we’ll be ready.

After breakfast Sunday, she told Manny that Lonny wanted to show her his office. Manny just nodded, putting on his MMO gaming headset, soda and chips on table, and settling in for a mission. Lonny agreed, looking a little surprised. once outside he said Office? With no change in expression or pause while walking to car, you said you work from home sometime.

After Manny was gone, she had short term hook ups with a couple guys, mostly from intense loneliness. Add a couple while attending UT, homework buddies, loneliness again, but she had been alone for the last 3 or 4 years. And her feelings for Lonny were growing daily. When they entered his apartment, she was surprised that it looked like a home, kinda messy, books in piles, reports stacked in haphazard and leaning towers, a chip bag abandoned on coffee table.

She turned to be immediately wrapped in Alfonso’s arms. He kissed her thoroughly and long. She pushed back, a breath please. He released her at once saying wine? She said, just ice water or lemonade if you have it. Smiling, he said oddly enough, my lady likes that and there is a new bottle in frig. She said stay, heading for the kitchen. After finding a glass, she got ice and opened the bottle. When she walked back, he was sitting in couch smiling, what she said? Admiring the view he said. She sat, leaned over, and kissed him hard, feeling him respond. Looking at him from inches, she said exactly where do you sleep. He stood, lifting her as well, and walked into bedroom carrying her. They settled on his bed, kissing like the night they'd met, this time hands wandering. Various articles of clothing being discarded, a slow horizontal striptease. With both enjoying being both the performer and the audience. When they came together, it was mutual.

A little later, she visited the bathroom, then she said coffee but on her way to kitchen, a hand caught her.

Later he visited bathroom, said well I guess I have to get the coffee. And a hand caught him.

Later, looking at her watch, she said DAMN it's already 5, I have to go, now. She looked at him, just watching her dress, NOW, she said. OK OK, he threw on T, shorts, and shoes. He drove her home, she spent the trip worrying about Manny’s reaction. When she walked back into her apartment, Manny barely looked up from his game, Have fun. Mom? And back into game.

When she told Lonny during a phone call he just laughed, boys he said. The next morning, he called sounding terrible. First, this can’t go on he said. I had the worse night, no sleep. I want us to be together, now. Your place, mine, we buy a house, a tent, wherever.

Next, I’m going shopping, then I have a question for you. Etta froze. We need to talk before you push too hard. He said, Hi, I’m Alfonso van der Walt l went from Ramen 6 times a week to millionaire in 10 years. I don’t do later, I don’t do maybe, I don’t do perhaps, I don’t do some day, I don’t do no. i will be at your apartment shortly. She sat. She had some decisions to make.

Manny, we need groceries, want to come, no thanks mom. As soon as she was gone, Lonny, who'd been waiting, knocked. Manny smiled and said mom just left, want to come in? How about a burger? Sure! They sat in the car eating. Lonny said I’ve never done this before so I’m just asking. I really like your mom, love actually. That OK? Manny said, yeah, she’s been lonely all my life, she is happier and smiles more since you’ve been around.

I want to ask her to marry me. Manny thought, would that make you my dad? No, you have a dad, I would never try to replace him. I’d be your moms husband. What would I call you? Lonny is fine. What ever you want. Would my name change? That is 100% your choice. If you ever want to, I’d be honored. Yeah, that’s OK. Good. Now, I need a favor. Come help me buy a ring your mom would like. Sure!

Lonny parked directly in front of very high end jewelry store. Gunning the engine so his car was noticed, given snotty response of clerks in high end stores, that was what he called preemptive attitude adjustment. As they entered, a very helpful manager said…. Lonny said engagement rings. Yes sir these are our finest gesturing to a case. Neither Manny or Lonny was impressed. Nothing your mom would like? They’re OK. Lonny said. Let’s see some semi-mount rings or settings please. Sir, we think that…… where is nearest jewelry store that speaks English?

Suddenly trays of semi-mount rings were produced. Manny, you have to imagine them with large stones installed. They picked through the trays, a couple were possibles. Hold those and can we see antique and special please. A tray of antique rings was produced. After a whispered conversation between manager and a much older man eating a Yarmulke a small tray was brought out. One glance and Lonny reached out and gently touched a raised round ruby ring, the ruby glowing, surrounded by diamonds and held by a lattice that allowed light through the stone. Manny said wow, that’s beautiful, mom would love that, she loves rubies. Size, Lonny said, his finger still resting on ring, 4.17 ct, natural pidgin blood, Burmese, un treated. Done. He said. Handing the manager a plain plastic card. The manager looked at card, and said sir you may want to arrange funding for….. Lonny cut him off, add insurance and run it. Now.

With a smirk the manager keyed details into a terminal. When he started to read card, it beeped as soon as the card got close. The manager glanced at terminal and went white. With a visibly shaking hand he returned the card, holding it like it might explode. Behind him Lonny could see the older gentleman laughing his head off.

And the ring sir? Lonny cocked his head looking at him oddly and said bag is fine, and the paperwork. The ring was carefully removed from tray, cleaned, and just as carefully put in an exquisite box. The box, meticulously folded receipt and guarantee were placed in a foil bag. Lonny folded the bag over a couple of times, stuffed it in his Jeans back pocket to the horror of the manager and said lets go, your mom is probably as in looking for you.

Etta watched as Lonny pulled into parking strip in front of apartment, climbed out, and fist bumped with a grinning Manny. He looked up, saw her, and made a heart gesture over his heart. Manny saw, made a gagging gesture, ducked a swipe from Lonny grinning, and both started in.

She knew the shopping trip wouldn’t really help before she left but it had been a good start. She still had no idea what she was going to do. Manny walked in grinning. Got a soda, and sat on couch.

Lonny walked in, walked over to her, kissed her, pulled her in to center of room, and said I’m not waiting for some mythical magic moment. I’ve got my important people here so I’m not waiting. He dropped to a knee, pulled a beautiful box out of his pocket, took out the stunning ring, and said Juliette Hernandez, you have become my life, my oxygen, and hopefully my future, will you marry me and make my life complete?

Etta just stood. This was it. From Manny”s non reaction it was obvious they talked and he was OK with it. Happy actually. And she thought about his family, his attention, his obvious love.

She said yes.

Manny hollered, jumped up,and hugged them both. Lonny slipped the ring on, she looked at it stunned. Lonny, no, that is too much. He said the ring is a ring. You make it beautiful. How much did this cost, enough he said.

When she walked into work Monday Maria spotted the ring at once. Damn girl, engaged. What a ring. Congratulations. An old customer, a jeweler, saw the typical ring congratulations huddle and walked over to wish her well. He looked at ring, froze, leaned over for a clover look. Then he said that is a stunning pidgin blood ruby. I’d guess around 4 ct. May I? She held out her hand, he looked at ring with his loupe, then, hand shaking, said exquisite. One of the women said, I like that, do you have any in your store? I don’t deal with that price range items he said. What range she said, low 6 figures he said leaving.

Everyone was stunned, Etta most of all. She called Manny knowing it was an In Service day and he’d be home. What did Lonny pay for my ring? No idea, he said price was his issue, I was just helping to pick something you’d like. OK honey, thanks.

She called Lonny and Esmée answered, oh darling we are so trilled, Alfonso just told us and when I saw your name I had to answer. We couldn’t be happier. I need to organized an engagement…. oh, here he is. Lonny said hello wife to be. Etta said what did my ring cost? Why? A customer, a jeweler, saw it and almost fainted. SIX FIGURES! Well, in that range. Why? That’s a stupid amount of money to spend on a ring. Honestly, I did not know the actual price when I bought it, I just handed them a card. As far as I am concerned, it could have been a million. For you, there is no limit. Period. I’ll be home soon. Bye.

She realized, Lonny really had no limits regarding her, that realization was both thrilling and terrifying.

They were spending most nights at her apartment, mostly to avoid disrupting Manny’s schedule, school, and soccer. Manny had met Lonny’s family and was coming to accept gaining grandparents aunts and a uncle. Plus 7 cousins. Lonny’s siblings did not start families until they finished college or, like Evi, established in their job, for her just 7 years ago. The net was that most cousins were about his age. Two girls he was very interested in talking with, a boy who already had asked him join their MMO and a boy who didn’t like him, in other words typical.

They were having a lot of discussions about where to live. Etta did not want to uproot Manny. Lonny was leaning toward buying one of the high rise buildings in area and building a penthouse on top of whatever was there.

At engagement party Johan had arraigned a quick private moment. He said I understand your family situation. I am covering all costs. She tried to interrupt saying she would…. He said we are not having a discussion. The topic is closed, while smiling and hugging her. Now, if, and only if, you want to be walked down the isle, I would be happy to oblige. She said she was not being given, my son will escort me and our ceremony will contain “Officiant: Who presents this woman to be married to this man? Manny: I do”. He said that is perfect. Now, you appear to have a dress shopping now. She turned to see Esmée, Maria, Evi, And Lotte, coats on, purses in hand, saying come, we have a reservation.

The wedding was not high society, they considered Alfredo’s family beneath them. And Etta’s beneath anyone's notice. As he could and would have bought most of them for his petty cash, and sold them for parts, they were very very careful not to say anything where he could hear it. Etta invited all her coworkers, many of her teachers, and numerous friends, the van der Walt family invited friends and, from obligation, business associates. Manny invited some friends. Etta’s future MIL and SILs loved weddings, not to mention Maria. The resultant circus was held to three ring. Large rings. It was beautiful, exactly what they wanted, even if a little overdone. Lonny added a simple platinum band to her ring. She gave him a wide white gold band with their birthstones connected.

Everyone cheered. Their dance was magic. They both were amused watching Manny dither over which cousin to dance with, settling for spending the night running from one to the other. They honeymooned in Spain’s Picos de Europa, a mountain range, named by Time Out as the Most Beautiful Place in the world. They did see the gorgeous scenery after first week.

After consideration of security, living space, entertainment, Manny's familiarity with area, and modernization, Etta had decided Lonny was on to something adding a penthouse. Coldly, such infrastructure would raise the value of all units in building and might well trigger other such real estate value enhancements. And as his family now owned much the neighborhood, they would reap benefits as well.

Her task now was to rein in Lonny’s plans. They settled on 6 bedrooms, partially due to shape of ‘lot’ they had to work with and desire for offices and guest room. The two relatively small offices with adjoining bath were on east side for morning light. Manny's room and guest room also with adjoining bath next to offices. Their suite on west with balcony for evening view of city. Etta had added a truly massive closet next to master. Separated from regular closet. With window and door. Lonny had spent some time considering design, then decided, her house, her design. North side had large, working, fireplace and media, two Hisense 98” QLED TVs and Dolby sound set up. South side had massive family room with floor to ceiling glass and solar wall. Its balcony wrapped around to master balcony. Central to house was almost commercial level kitchen, some parties were catered, guest bath, and dining room with custom table. Lonny had said with just our family we seat 18. Add a couple guests and we’d need to serve megaphones. His design was 13 ft ring, 3 ft wide, sat 16 to 21 around outside, 8 to 10 around inside for overflow. Maximum head-to-head talking distance was around 24 feet. Very cozy actually. And everyone could see everyone. Somehow the craftsman and managed live edge inside and outside of Teak ring. Actually two half rings for access. The room was about 20 ft square. With both half rings against the wall, there was actually plenty of room to dance on hardwood floor. Pass-through wet bar to kitchen.

About two months after the wedding, their house was finished and they were moving in. Lonny asked, what did you want that huge closet for anyway? She said I’m repainting it. Why? Softer color. He sighed, again as in why hon? She smiled at him, you’ll figure it out dad. He said Manny doesn’t call me…… she was smiling at him making the come on, come on, come on gesture curling her fingers.

As Manny walked by carting a box, he said, oh come on Lonny, think. Even I have figured it out. Sign. Adults.

Suddenly Lonny froze, stunned, and said you’re…. we’re…. I’m going to….. she laughed and correct dad. He lunged across living room, grabbed her, laughing, crying and spinning them. From Manny’ s room he heard, finally, geesh

Finn