Destiny Calls
“The boardwalk is such a fun place, with lots of interesting things to do and see and enjoy. I ride my bike around the pier every now and then.”
One thing Ethan wanted to make sure he accomplished was to purchase a candy apple for Dakota. She had told him how much she loved them and how hard they were to find around L.A. L.A. heat caused the candy to melt easily. Because he wanted her to have a nice surprise, he planned to slip away to the candy-apple stand once they were seated.
Ethan let go of Dakota’s hand and put his arm around her. “Are you cold?”
“It was a bit chilly before I put on my sweater. I’m fine now.”
“If you need my jacket, tell me. Don’t want you freezing.”
“I started to bring a lightweight jacket, but I didn’t want to get bogged down with a lot of stuff. I’ve lived in Southern California all my life. I knew what kind of weather to expect. I promise to ask if I need your blazer.”
“I’ll gladly give it up. I also keep a windbreaker in the trunk, so we’re prepared for how chilly it might get.”
“It seems you’re always prepared for everything.” She liked that about him.
Ethan was an orderly person, much like she was. He was also big on anticipation, including contemplating her needs. She’d often thought he could read her mind. They also had scheduling in common. She kept a daily planner and so did he. The hours of her days were accounted for practically down to the minute. Dakota didn’t like last-minute anything. Things in her life worked better when there was order.
When Ethan had phoned Dakota on the spur of the moment, the evening of the first meeting, she recalled welcoming the call. He had made his intent crystal clear before they’d finished talking. She had been interested in him from the start, loving how charismatic he was. He would’ve never known how much she liked him if he hadn’t taken the initiative.
Ethan gave his name to the hostess stationed at the restaurant podium. The couple was immediately seated at the window table he’d requested beforehand.
After making sure Dakota was comfortably seated, he took the seat right across from her. He liked gazing into her sparkling hazel eyes, mesmerized by everything about her. His attempts to play it cool often ended in disaster. When she looked at him, his eyes betrayed him, melting into hers. The girl gave him goose bumps and caused him to have a raging fever, all at the same time. Reaching across the table, he covered her hand. “What about a glass of wine?”
Dakota smiled softly. “White merlot, please.”
Ethan summoned the waiter. Once the young man appeared, he ordered the drinks. He liked wine but he preferred a chilled pomegranate martini every now and then. One was his limit when he was the designated driver.
Before Ethan got to his feet, he leaned in closer to Dakota. “Excuse me for a few minutes,” he whispered in her ear.
The soft music playing overhead soothed Dakota. She couldn’t believe she already missed Ethan. He hadn’t been gone more than a couple of minutes. Although he hadn’t said where he was off to, she assumed his absence had been necessary.
While sipping on the white merlot, she began to feel a little self-conscious. A couple of guys a table away were giving her the once-over, making her feel slightly uncomfortable. People staring at her unnerved her. She knew it was probably silly, but that’s the way it was.
Ethan quickly reseated himself across from Dakota, giving her that megawatt smile she loved. Before she could blink her lashes again, he leaned across the table and kissed her gently on the cheek. “Did you miss me?”
“I did. Glad you’re back.” She looked over at the table with the two guys, fighting back the urge to stick her fingers in her ears and turn them back and forth. “I was a bit uncomfortable while you were gone.”
Ethan looked puzzled. “Why’s that?”
“The guys at the next table had fun staring me down. It made me nervous.”
“You’re very pretty, Dakota. Any red-blooded male would enjoy staring at you. I’d think you’d be used to it by now.”
Dakota shrugged. “I’m not. Having someone eyeballing me so intently isn’t something I’d want to get used to. I guess you think I’m silly.”
Ethan shook his head. “Not in the least. Sorry if I gave you that impression.” He briefly covered her hand with his again. “Ready to order?”
The lobster was pretty expensive but that’s what Dakota wanted. She didn’t have the money to offer to pay all or even half of it. “Is it okay if I order the lobster?” She felt classless as soon as the request was made.
If Dakota hadn’t been serious about her query, Ethan probably would’ve laughed. From the look on her face, he knew he shouldn’t make fun. “Order anything you want. I don’t go to restaurants I can’t afford.”
Eyeing Ethan with open curiosity, Dakota considered his comments. “If I ever ask a guy out to dinner, I’d like to know what I’m getting my wallet into beforehand.”
Disliking Dakota’s comments about asking out another man, Ethan frowned. “I hope I’ll be the only guy you ask out. I’d be jealous if you dated someone else.”
“What exactly are you saying, Ethan?”
“It’s simple. I don’t want you to date anyone but me. Understand?”
Nervous now, she swallowed hard. “You’ve made yourself plain enough. What about you? Dating anyone besides me?”
Watching Dakota closely, Ethan took a sip of his martini. “I haven’t asked anyone out since the first night I called you. I’m a one-woman man. I haven’t dated exclusively in a long time, but I’d like to have that with you. Is it possible?”
Dakota admittedly had some issues of trust, but she worked on that particular insecurity on a regular basis. Her heart had been broken before, a couple of times—and not just by men she’d been romantically involved with. Neither was it only men that she didn’t always trust.
Dakota was flattered by Ethan’s question. He seemed very sincere. She didn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to be happy. The last steady boyfriend she had was over six months ago. She wasn’t sure she was ready for anything exclusive, but she did love being with Ethan. If they didn’t have a chance to act on their obvious chemistry, she’d never know how far things could go.
The waiter arrived at that very moment. Feeling like she’d better take the bull by the horns, Dakota decided it was best to go ahead and answer Ethan’s question. He would only revisit the matter later. “About your question, I’d love to give us a chance to see if we can build toward exclusive. I like being with you. I feel special when we’re together.”
Ethan moved his chair closer to hers. Lifting her hand, he pressed his lips into her palm. “All we need is a chance, Dakota. I’m happy you’ve decided to give us one.” He kissed her gently on the mouth. “I won’t make you regret it.”
Dakota’s concentrated gaze connected with his. “I believe you.”
Once Dakota finished ordering the surf and turf, lobster and steak, Ethan asked for a pound and a half of Alaskan king crab. Both ordered garden salads and baked potatoes as side dishes.
“How was your day?” Ethan asked, after the waiter disappeared.
“It has been a good one. Classes were intense and I stayed busy at work, but that makes the time go by faster. The phone lines ring nonstop, but such is life at any telemarketing job.” Literally, she thought. “I have a lot of studying to do over the weekend, but I’ll manage.” Dakota was glad she didn’t have the type of job where work piled up and had to be taken home.
What would Ethan think of her job? Just imagining it caused Dakota to shudder.
“I’m always busy at my job. It’s very seldom that I don’t have a backlog of work. I always feel like I’m behind even when I’m not. I’m not complaining, though. I love what I do for a living. I was born to teach.”
Dakota wished she could at least halfway like what she did to earn a living.
The waiter returned to the table just as Ethan finished his comment. He carefully set down the meal in front of the appropriate diner, warning the patrons that the platters were hot. “Miss, would you like me to deshell the lobster?”
Dakota smiled up at him. “That’d be nice. Thank you.”
Ethan put up his hand in a halting gesture. “I can take care of it, Dakota, if you don’t mind.” He glanced apologetically at the waiter.
Dakota smiled brightly. “Please, go right ahead.” She smiled sweetly at the waiter.
The waiter smiled back at her knowingly as he walked away.
Ethan scowled slightly. “Sorry if I embarrassed you. I just think taking care of you is my responsibility.”
“I wasn’t embarrassed. And I just happen to like chivalry.”
“Good. I don’t want you thinking I’m possessive, ’cause I’m not.”
“Stop it,” she scolded gently. “Your gesture was so sweet.”
“Thanks.” He’d almost apologized again but stopped short. The last thing he wanted was overkill.
Ethan saw Dakota safely into the car before he went into the trunk to retrieve the surprise he’d purchased for her. He had to laugh at himself. He’d never felt this giddy over anyone.
Ethan slid into the driver’s seat, holding the candy apple down, with a piece of red ribbon curled around the stick, at his left side, which made it difficult to close his car door. Turning to face her, he brought the candy apple out and handed it to her. “I got this for you. I hope you enjoy it.” The smile she cast him made his insides tremble.
Leaning over the console, she kissed his cheek. “So this is why you disappeared earlier. You are too sweet. I can’t believe you remembered I told you it was a favorite.”
“Oh, I only go over in my head everything you say at least a couple dozen times a night.” He reached over and slid the back of his hand down the side of her face “Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you all that.”
She laughed. “Please keep it up. I’m enjoying the flattery. I feel like I’m in a dream world when I’m with you.”
“It’s not a dream, Dakota, but I know what you mean. It’s for real. I’ve never felt anything so real.”
Dakota went into Ethan’s arms without any prompting from him. She pulled slightly back and looked into his eyes. “It feels real to me, too. And I’m feeling you.”
Dakota hadn’t revealed to any man her deep, complex layers. Ethan just might be the one male she could open up her heart to. If he kept being so attentive to her, treating her like something fragile and beautiful, she felt like she could really let herself go with him.
Chapter 2
Dakota looked up at the dreary gray concrete complex, wishing she didn’t have to come here by herself. If her parents had survived a fatal car crash several years ago, she wouldn’t be here alone. The couple had been coming home from the theater late one evening when a semi jackknifed into their car, killing them instantly. Shortly after their deaths, her parents’ employer-paid medical coverage had been terminated.
Dakota had been left in charge of her eight-year-old sister, Danielle, who had Down syndrome, after their guardian/ grandparents had both passed away three years ago, her grandfather dying first. Everything had fallen solely on Dakota’s shoulders, just as the young woman had turned twenty-one. She was sixteen years older than Danielle.
Danni now resided at the Center of the Courageous Heart, a renowned specialized facility in Carson that treated a variety of complications arising from Down. Medicare and Medicaid paid for a good portion of Danielle’s care. Because Dakota had insisted on a private facility for the child, she was responsible for all medical services the government agencies didn’t cover.
Dakota stopped outside Danielle’s door and said a silent prayer, asking God to keep her anxiety-free. She visited her sister practically every day, but she was overly tired this Friday evening. Working and going to school took a toll on her, but she didn’t want her adorable sibling to feel any negative vibes from her. The place was as cheerful as the staff could possibly make it, but there were times when an air of gloom presided.
Just in case Danielle was napping, Dakota quietly stepped into the private room, looking straight ahead at the double bed. Her heart instantly leaped for joy. Danielle was awake and her face was lit up with the same brighter-than-gold smile she always wore for her kin. These were the kinds of moments that took away Dakota’s breath.
“Kota,” Danielle cried, opening her arms wide.
Scooping up Danielle into her arms, Dakota gave her a huge hug, receiving in return loving embraces and jubilant kisses. This sweet, warm child was superaffectionate. If Danni hugged or kissed someone, they knew she had handed out a little chunk of her loving heart. Dakota didn’t believe her sister would ever run out of the pieces of her authentic self she exuberantly shared with others.
Dakota smiled at Danielle, lodging into her sweet little arms the brown teddy bear gift she’d brought along. Danni had quite a collection of stuffed toys and she loved each one. However, she did have a favorite: Daisy Dolly, a freckle-faced, red-haired rag doll had been Danielle’s companion for years.
“Thank you, Kota.” Kissing and hugging the bear, Danielle held it close.
Although Danielle had Down syndrome at birth, some of the more serious physical complications hadn’t appeared until she was nearly four years old. Then all of a sudden, Danielle got sick more frequently, her health compromised to the point where she eventually required constant skilled nursing care. Home health-care nurses cared for Danni at home as long as it had been possible. Then the younger girl started to need the kind of professional assistance the older sibling was hardly equipped to provide.
Danielle called out Dakota’s name again, pointing at the cabinet where the DVDs were kept. “Happy Feet,” she exclaimed, giggling softly.
Dakota retrieved the movie, smiling as Danielle took the disk from her hand and inserted it into the DVD player. Dedicated professionals worked hard to help her be as independent as possible. She attended school within the facility, also participating in field trips and other special events when her health permitted.
“Can I have an orange soda, too?” Danielle spoke well. Although she sometimes had difficulty with pronunciation of complex words, she was able to communicate effectively. It was rare for her to not get her point across. Danielle was learning American Sign Language and Dakota had taken the class, too. It felt good to spend that kind of time with her sister.
Danielle hit the play button. As Dakota lay down beside her sister, sharing the same pillow, she held her hand. The siblings had seen the movie umpteen times, but neither one had tired of it. It made them laugh hysterically.
Once Happy Feet concluded, Danielle expressed a desire to play cards, the game of War. Dakota retrieved a deck of cards from the nightstand drawer. She then positioned the portable table across the bed. The two sisters played numerous board games, but Dakota never just allowed Danielle to win. She had to earn the winning spot in every matchup.
Dakota smoothed back Danielle’s thick brown hair. It was soft and wavy in texture, much like hers. “Do you want a snack before we start?”
Danielle looked thoughtful. “Tuna sandwich and chips, please, Kota?”
Rewarding Danielle for her polite request, Dakota tenderly kissed her forehead. Using the red-tipped call button, she summoned the nursing station. When the desk clerk came over the loudspeaker, the food order was placed. “A tuna sandwich with lots of mayo, potato chips and an orange soda, please.” Although all the regular staff members knew Danielle’s likes and dislikes, Dakota always made sure she clearly expressed her sister’s desires in case a new employee or a temp responded.
While Dakota and Danielle waited for the meal, they began the fun card game. Dakota let Danielle shuffle the cards.
“My card is bigger.” Danielle clapped, laughing.
Two more cards were slapped down on the table.
“I win again,” Danielle said happily.
Dakota wrinkled her nose. “My card is going to beat yours this time,” she said, placing the card face up on the table. “See! I told you.”
Danielle looked as happy to see Dakota win as when she won.
Her favorite card was the queen of spades. Dakota had no clue why Danielle liked that particular card so much. The competitive little girl would always sigh hard when the black queen was trumped by her sister with a king or ace. Whenever Dakota was dealt the queen of spades, Danielle didn’t seem to mind. She loved her big sister and looked at her as a best friend.
Departing was hard for both sisters a couple of hours later. Whenever possible, Dakota waited until Danielle drifted off to sleep before she’d leave. The visits were normally done in two-to-three hour increments, but at times they lasted longer. Dakota also tried her best to take Danielle outside the facility for a full day at least one weekend day a month when she was physically up to the challenge.
Attending church regularly at the facility chapel also occurred. Once the religious services were over, they’d go to a local park, with a beautiful lake, and paddleboats. The girls had a blast rowing across the lake. When Danielle grew tired, Dakota had to do the work alone, but she didn’t mind one iota. A variety of sandwiches, fruits, cookies, chips and drinks were brought along on the outings, neatly packed away in a small cooler. But boating and a picnic didn’t hold a candle to Danielle’s love of dance and music.
Mona Cassidy, a professional dance instructor, didn’t charge Dakota one red cent for lessons for Danni. What she earned off students at her private dance studio made pro bono cases affordable. It was a gracious gift. Mona, in fact, taught dance to several of the kids residing at the center. She had also offered Dakota lessons so she could tap-dance with Danielle. The sisters had fun making up easy dance routines to do together.
Danielle also loved to sing and play guitar. No formal lessons for her yet, but she had been given a secondhand instrument she loved to sit and strum away on, a present from one of the nurses. Music seemed to be in the girl’s blood. It was amazing to watch how she easily got into rhythm with any kind of music. She could change gears in a minute, her tiny body moving to whatever beat she heard.
Dakota entered her apartment and immediately dropped down on the sofa and stretched out. She looked up at the ceiling, thinking about her pleasant visit with Danielle. Rarely were the visits unpleasant. The little girl had so much love inside her and loved giving it away. Dakota recalled her parents saying they had to give love away to keep it.
Even though she always tried hard not to think about it, Dakota wondered what it might’ve been like for the family had Sonya and Thomas survived. The warm and loving couple had doted on each other and their two girls. Thomas had been a good father and his girls had meant everything to him. He had referred to them as his precious blossoms from God.
Explaining to Danielle what tragedy had befallen their parents was the most difficult and worst task Dakota had ever taken on. She shook her head from side to side, trying to stave off the horrific memories.
The phone rang, causing Dakota to groan softly. During her times of bittersweet reflection she didn’t like to talk on the phone. The frequent calls she received from the health facility didn’t give her the luxury of ignoring the phone. She checked the caller ID. Ethan.
“Did I call at a bad time?” Ethan asked.
“You didn’t. I’m stretched out on the sofa and reflecting on some things. What’re you up to?”
“I was into some deep thinking, too, thoughts about you. Do you roller-skate?”
She laughed. “Yeah, but I haven’t skated in a long while. I was pretty good at it. Are we talking about roller-skating or in-line?”
Ethan chuckled. “Plain old roller-skating.”
Dakota had fun conjuring up an image of sophisticated Ethan on skates. “It’s really been a long time. Hopefully it’d be just like riding a bike, something we don’t forget how to do.”
“How about joining my friends and me this evening at On Four Wheels, a roller rink located in my neighborhood? I’d like to introduce you to the folks I hang out with.”
“Are you willing to risk total embarrassment? Like I said, I haven’t skated in years. You could spend the entire evening picking me up off the floor.”
Ethan grinned broadly. “I’d love to play your hero.” He’d have to get used to his sudden desire to be gallant. A hero, he wasn’t. “Whether you’re on your feet or falling on your sweet bottom, I won’t be embarrassed. I can pick you up around six-thirty.”
Dakota laughed. “I haven’t agreed yet, but if I do, I’ll just meet you there. And thanks for saying I won’t embarrass you. But if I fall on my butt, I’ll feel enough shame for us both.” She glanced at her watch, knowing she really did want to be with him.
Ethan decided not to question her comment about meeting him at the rink, but it had aroused his curiosity. “Come on, now. Be a good sport. If you prefer not to skate, you don’t have to. But I’d still like you to be a part of my evening.”
“You’ve just made the offer more tempting. I’ll seriously consider the skating part, but you can count me in as a spectator for now. Thanks for thinking of me. Care to tell me a bit about your friends and what I should expect?”
“A little worried about my buddies perhaps?” Ethan queried.
“Just want to know if I should worry or not.”
“I understand perfectly. My friends are great. You can expect genuine, down-to-earth folks who all care about each other. In some capacity, we’re all employed by the California education systems. Everyone is single and close to becoming thirty. We all hang out regularly. I can assure you everyone is friendly.”
“Sounds like a great start to the evening. I’ll see you at the rink, Ethan.”
“I can hardly wait. See you there.”
As Dakota hung up the receiver, she thought about meeting Ethan’s friends. Even though they’d dated only a short time, he hadn’t gone into any great detail about his buddies. She was curious about them. He’d said they were great, so she wondered why he hadn’t told her more about them before now.
Perhaps he hadn’t said much for the same reason I hadn’t mentioned Danielle.
It was just too soon for Ethan to meet her sister. From what she knew about the dating game, couples meeting family members didn’t come prematurely. When it did happen, it was normally after a couple’s relationship had turned serious.
The thought of what to wear entered Dakota’s mind. Jeans were more appropriate, just in case, she considered. Even if she had been a pretty good skater in her youth, she shouldn’t count on that. In fact, she couldn’t recall the last time she’d been roller-skating.
Dakota remembered her first boyfriend and skating partner, Anthony Qualls, as she rifled through her closet. He had hurt her feelings during her junior year in high school, when he’d been stolen away by the pretty and vivacious Jasmine Walters.
Well, no one could’ve stolen him away had he really been mine.
Anthony had gotten a big payback. Less than two months later Jasmine had ended up leaving him for the buff football captain.
Justice had prevailed.
Dakota gave a fleeting thought to all the people she’d lost in one way or another, which were attributed to many of her fears. Boyfriends and girlfriends would come and go, but the loss of parents and grandparents was incomparable.
After removing a pair of freshly laundered boot-cut blue jeans from a hanger in her cramped closet, Dakota found the navy-and-burgundy striped V-neck sweater. Navy leather flats were chosen over sneakers. After choosing a coordinating dark blue sweater, in case the rink was cold, she laid everything out on the bed and went into the bathroom to shower.
Ethan rolling around on his own shiny black skates held fast Dakota’s attention.