Sloane Hart

“Javier may be a seasoned vet with a flat top grill but I wouldn’t say it spice of choice is love. It may be salt and pepper with a few other good things.” Matt countered with a soft curl of the lips. He gingerly cracked the oblong shell along the counter before splitting it down the middle. The satisfying sizzling settled over along the comfortable bubble that they formed around each other. “I thought if the french toast and eggs didn’t work, I think the mimosas would. Who cans say no to one of those?” You shouldn’t be drinking. The ominous words of his doctor floated through one ear and out the other.   

—

With a mock look of shock on her face, Sloane dramatically placed her hand over her chest as she gasped. “Ouch. Well, I hope you know my expectations are high. Sure you wanna stick to your self-proclaimed title, mister fireman?” the brunette questioned with a sly grin. 

“Is it?” Kaleb’s eyes danced with glee at her proclamation. “I’m definitely going to file that away for later usage.” he teased as he finished emptying the paper bag. He’d stopped at an Italian market nearby and collected all ingredients needed based on the list his mom had given him. Since he was a pro at making this particular dish…and eggs, he knew she’d enjoy it. “I also brought us a bottle of red wine. I hope you’ll have a glass with me,” he stated sneaking a glance at her. One of the aspects he enjoyed immensely about their relationship was how comfortable they were around each other. It couldn’t express enough how amazing that felt. He’d strayed away from relationships because of the awkward tension that arose after sex or even after a simple meal. With Sloane, it was different somehow. “So tell me, do you have any family recipes of your own? Chicken noodle soup? Roast beef? Pasta?” he wiggled his thick eyebrows at her while folding the paper bag. “Hope it’s okay if I leave this here.” he added leaving the folded paper bag on an empty counter and making his way around her kitchen. He would definitely need her help navigating. “Now keep in mind, I might beg you to cook for me if you share.” A huge lopsided grin covered his features. 

— 

Excitement and intrigued intertwined with hope flickered inside upon hearing his words. Sloane couldn’t wait to see how or when the next time would arise. However, she was also smart enough to know that time could be both rewarding and cruel. Stop it, she scolded herself for daring the negative thought to affect her. Hazel hues rose to meet the man’s with a smile as she nodded in reply. “Of course. I bet it’ll go great with the sauce.” It was times like these when Sloane didn’t put too much concern on her alcohol consumption. Being the daughter of a woman who drank herself to sleep most nights, the brunette always tried her best to keep her drinking in check. She hated herself whenever she happened to let herself get a little carried away. Yet, she knew she could trust herself with Kaleb. “Grilled cheese,” she replied with a laugh, only half joking. She had long since lost count how many times she had made the simple meal for herself or her sister when desperately trying to keep heir bellies satisfied. “So if that’s your jam, I’m your gal,” she stated playfully.

“There’s something far different about home cooked food than a diner. I will admit that the diner food is pretty good but I am a king in the kitchen.” Matt hummed. 

—

"Hmm...I guess you make a good point, but Javier makes everything with love. Or at least he does with his eggs; they always come out perfect. Every. Single. Time.” Sloane could never manage to make eggs well. They were always either under or overcooked; absolutely no in between. Getting Javier at the diner to make them for her occasional shift’s lunch hour was something she often took advantage of. “Well,” she began, licking her lips. “While your french toast smells amazing, it’s gonna take a bit more than that to convince me of that crown of yours.”

The sweet taste of her lips pulsated throughout the entirety of his frame. Yep, she had him by the balls. That was the only way he could put it. Though they weren’t official, he hoped that they’d get back to a place where they could be. The memory of when he first saw her floated into his mind with such intensity he had to press another kiss to her lips. It wasn’t every day that women had Kaleb at the knees. In actuality, there had never been another woman who grabbed his attention as much as Sloane had. At least not in his adult years. “Fair is fair,” he began, reluctantly releasing her from his embrace and digging in the paper bag filled with groceries. “My mother used to make vodka alla penne from scratch when I was a boy,” Kaleb licked his lips in remembrance. “And when I was in college I asked her to teach me the recipe.” His memory took him back to that moment in their family kitchen. An easy grin graced his lips at the thought. “So I figured I’d make it for you tonight.” his voice grew low. “To show you how much you mean to me.” 

—

Her chosen form of payment proved to be as successful as she’d hoped. She moved closer to the counter, watching as Kaleb unloaded the paper bag’s mysterious contents. Hearing what he had planned made her eyes grow wide with excitement. Sloane was a total sucker for Italian food — or anything to do with pasta really. Seeing his expression change as he spoke of the happy memory with his mother, Sloane couldn’t help but wonder how different things with her own mother would be if they had had a functional relationship over the years. Maybe she would’ve learned something more practical than what scantily clad outfits could always guarantee entry into a club or even which beers were best for shotgunning. These thoughts, however, didn’t last long as his remaining words caught her attention, causing a momentary flutter of her heart. And how is that? was what she wanted to say, but fear of ruining the nice moment between them was too great for her to ignore. So, instead she opted for, “Sounds like you chose a good route. Pasta is my love language.”

The sound of her melodic voice soothed something inside Kaleb that he hadn’t realized needed soothing. The last few days had been nice, easy and a dream he’d thought he’d never attain. He was known to be the woman’s man, a player, a bachelor who had no intention of settling down but here he was…kind of playing house with a woman he felt was too good for him. Somehow playing seemed to be the wrong choice of words in his mind. He wasn’t playing at anything, he was just being. Being a man who had designs on a woman. What was wrong with that? Pivoting at her voice, he gazed at her for a lingering second, his smile widening. The stormy green-blue of eyes clashed with his disposition. There was so much going through his mind and all of it involved her. She literally took his breath away. “There you are.” he stated reaching a hand out and taking hers. “Ohhhhh…wouldn’t you like to know?” he joked pulling her into his warm embrace. He could definitely get used to this. They weren’t in a relationship, no, this wasn’t that but it damn well felt like it. “I need payment before I spill my guts, pretty girl.” 

—

She should’ve known he wouldn’t give up his secrets so easily. However, she didn’t mind it too much. He was the sweetest, most romantic guy she’d ever dated; waiting for the reveal of his surprises were always well worth it. Of course ‘dated’ was past tense, but this wasn’t something she tried thinking too much about. A part of her felt if she did, it would taint the little moments they were allowed to have in the present. Her brows furrowed together, accompanied by a mock frown hearing his teasing words. The brunette’s petite frame easily followed the guide of his arms, bringing her body closer to his. Their gazes locked as she considered his request. There were plenty of options and quips she could offer back to him, but her curiosity happened to win this round. “Okay.” 

Kaleb winced playfully, a ring of air exerting out of his chest. “Woah,” he breathed clapping a hand over his heart. “A woman after my own heart.” It wasn’t uncommon that someone faced with the question of favorites between the titular Disney characters would choose Stitch. Stitch after all was comparable to a puppy when one got down to it and who didn’t like puppies? Relaxing into the warm comfort of the seat, he tilted his head to gaze over at her. On a normal night before he’d met Sloane, Kaleb would’ve been out with the guys especially on a pre-season night but now-a-days that didn’t resonate with him as much. He wanted the quiet sweet nights with someone, wanted to feel that sense of security and comfort especially seeing as how he’d never had such luxuries before. Sighing, he made a wacky face before answering her very difficult question. Who did he favor? “Jumba because he’s severely misunderstood.” Which was honestly the truth. Jumbo was a nice guy who wanted nothing more than to be successful. Kaleb definitely related. 

“I must’ve watched Lilo and Stitch a million times. My baby sis had the DVD, all the stuff animals, the whole nine yards. I think she even dressed up as Stitch one Halloween,” An endearing smile appeared on his face causing his dimples to grace his cheeks. “How could I forget that?” he asked incredulously. With a nod of his head his memories disappeared back into their mental fault and he returned back in the moment with her. He’d have to remember to bring the halloween custom up to Sam when they spoke next. With anyone else he wouldn’t have brought up his family, he was private especially with the women he dated but for someone reason around Sloane his tongue had a mind of its own. 

The way she called his name sprung goosebumps up and down his spine and made his eyes darken in heat. He’d definitely missed her. It didn’t take a rocket science to note the chemistry between them and in that second Kaleb felt it pulsating throughout the air. “I wanted too.” he responded moving just a bit closer. The car was already making a smooth transition into traffic and though it was late, the city was wide awake. “Oh that’s okay,” his lips stretched upward into a wicked grin. “You can just pay me back.” With your company, your laugh and your beautiful smile, he added silently. He didn’t understand why he left it unsaid. Maybe it because no matter how close he got to someone there was always an unreasonable fear of them leaving. 

A giggle erupted from her petite frame as he joked with her. His sense of humor was one of the things she could remember instantly liking about him when they’d first met; it’s part of how he’d managed to convince her to let him take her out on a date. Fast forward a few months, and now here they were: in a car with his chauffeur, on their way to see a movie outdoors, and have a meal together. The two were practically on their way to a date, but platonic was all they were now. “I could see that,” she slowly nodded as she considered his answer. “He’s not bad; he’s just drawn that way,” she added before laughing once more.

“That must’ve been really cute. Lucky for me, my sister’s obsession was a lot milder. All she wanted for her birthday one year was a Stitch plushie, and believe it or not, it was super hard to come by. So I was searching online, going to any store with ‘toy’ in the name; I even went all the way out to the Queen’s mall to try and find it, and nothing. I finally managed to find the last one at the Disney store the day before her birthday — and I know what you’re thinkin’. Why didn’t I look there first? Well, I did, but they were sold out. So I made a last minute, very hopeful trip back to the store and found it,” she recounted. “I still remember the big little smile on her face when she pulled it out the bag.” Sloane’s face relaxed into a warm smile as her gaze fell to the distance as the memory replayed in her mind’s eye.  “She loved it so much. She cared that thing everywhere, and I mean everywhere. It slept with her, ate with her, went to school with her. It was kinda like her security blanket, you know?” Her smile slowly faded away as her memories fast forward to the present and the harsh reminder of her and her sister’s relationship resurfaced. “If you’ve seen the movie so many times, what about all your Lilo & Stitch memorabilia?” she quickly asks in an attempt to shift the subject.

Her eyebrow raised at the suggestion, noticing that sexy grin of his. “And how do you propose I pay you back?”

Matt: I got an in with someone down at Brooklyn Bowl, if you don't mind a little grease and pins.

Sloane: Yeah, I'd be down for that.

“You mean you’d be having mind blowing sex and no time for little ole me. I understand. We definitely failed the Bechdel test, you know that right?”

“You had a blossoming romance with a man and it was great–until it fizzled out. I am sensing some missing bits in this anecdote, Sloane. I need a little bit more.”

“Okay. Let me see what else I can update you on then.... There was...no. Maybe...? No. Oh! ...Actually, no. Uh, I think all of my stories involve guys in some way or another.”

One thick eyebrow lifted in excitement before Kaleb’s mouth twitched into a grin. “That works for me. I love a good throwback and-” he added thumbing a stray tendril of hair out of face. “-who can say no to that smile.” Giving her another lingering look, he moved towards the door and held it open for her to exit. “Jeff’s waiting for us.” he informed her, standing back so she could pass. It wasn’t everyday that Kaleb did romance. He’d spent a huge portion of his life hiding from the damn thing. From sleeping with married women to having endless affairs to even ignoring text messages and phone calls to finally giving up on the bachelor life altogether. The whole entire situation had been a journey for him. A journey he’d reluctantly despised and loved at the same time but the day he’d spotted Sloane, something had changed. Gone was the urge to chase legs and pretty lips. Instead he’d craved exclusivity with the beautiful brunette.

Shaking his head slightly to wade away his deepening thoughts, he opened the car door once they reached the black town car idling at the curb. Most days he would take his motorcycle out and ride on the New York streets but recently he’d felt like he’d needed anonymity and that’s where Jeff and his black discrete town car came in. “Tell me, pretty girl, who’s your favorite, Lilo or Stitch? And you can only choose one.” It must’ve been decades since Kaleb had watched the animated Disney movie but he’d never turn down an opportunity to be a kid for a couple more hours. Being a kid was easy, simple. Sliding into the back seat after her, he placed her bag at their feet. 

“Where to boss?” Jeff’s deep voice boomed from the drivers seat. “Bryant Park.” he answered directing his attention back to the beautiful woman at his side. 

“Thanks for taking this ride with me. Oh!” He’d almost forgotten one very important detail. Leaning forward he reached to the front seat and grasped a long stem red rose. “This is for you. Can’t say I never gave you anything.” he joked handing her the rose. The satisfaction would come with her reaction. 

The tendrils of her hair bounced as she jumped and clapped her hands in excitement. His gentle movement of her hair immediately caused the butterflies in her stomach to flap even harder. In an attempt to ignore her body’s inner reactions to the man, she let out a small laugh before gesturing to the door. “Come on.” She followed him out to the car and greeted the driver once  inside.

“Mmm, that’s a tough one.” Truth was her favorite character was Nani. While other girls would discuss which Disney princess they most idefined with, Sloane never felt a connection to any of them. It wasn’t until her little sister was old enough to go to school and heard about the film that Sloane had seen it. She’d found a copy of the movie in a discount bin one day at Best Buy while on her lunch break and decided to buy it for the little girl. Although both girls technically still had technically had at least one parent around, their mother was hardly ever there, leaving Sloane to be her younger sibling’s sole caretaker. Nani was Sloane. Neither of them chose to live a life without their parents, and both wanted the best for their little sister no matter what. But these were things she couldn’t say to Kaleb. He had no idea about her childhood (or lack thereof). In fact, the only person who did know about that part of her life was her best friend, Aiden, and even then she had only really decided to reveal that part of herself to him during one very terrible night when she was no longer able to keep her composure. “I guess I’d have to say Stitch.” Her sister’s favorite. “Now my turn. Jumba or Pleakley?”

Matt: Hey

Matt: I know this may be out of the blue but I wanted to know if you want to grab a bite to eat not at the diner but a place that's a little more fancy.

Sloane: Hey

Aiden returned her hug with a kiss to her cheek. He’d always felt a friendly warmth for Sloane so it was an easy that the two became best friends. “Good, cause I hate leaving you waiting.” Aiden laughed while running his hands through his hair. “Hey, they might just come over and take our money,” he joked. “Come on I’ve been craving a latte.” He moved to the door and held it open for her. “How are you doing? I feel like we haven’t done this in a while.” 

"How dare you doubt my body guarding abilities,” she replied with mock look of hurt on her face. She nodded and followed his lead into the bagel shop, thanking him for the gentlemanly behavior (not like she would expect anything less from him). “Looks like your running late paid off,” nudged him, looking at the barely existent crowd in the room. “It does feel like a long time,” she agreed with a slight pout. “But we’re here now. So I am fantastic!” She knew that wasn’t quite the answer he was looking for, but they were out to celebrate him and his big news. “What about you? Tell me everything! Who’d you meet? How starstruck did you get? Did you get any pretty girls’ phone numbers?”

“Wow. You’d throw me away like some basura? I am hurt, Sloane. Tell me more!” 

"Of course not. I just mean, I’d have a very, uh...’active’ lifestyle and may have a little bit of trouble keeping a social life, know what I mean?”