Samantha took one last look at the window dressings and displays. "Goddess, Alex," she gulped. "If this is just the outside of the store . . ."
"I warned you to be prepared to lose yourself in Toyland, my sweet. Shall we?"
Even Alex felt dwarfed as they neared the entrance to the celebrated toy store. Samantha's heart raced and Alex cringed as they crossed the threshold and found themselves greeted by a cacophony of voices, bells, whistles, chimes, music, and a three-story singing clock tower. Christmas was everywhere, and although the actual holiday was over and the shopping day had barely begun, there was a huge crowd of people, ranging from the very young to the young-only-at-heart, racing expectantly or sifting languidly through the fairytale store.
"Where shall we go first, Alex?"
"Don’t know. Let’s see what the bear has to say." She chuckled and led Samantha over to Spanky, the Gund Where Bear, whose job it was to give information about what was where in the store.
After a few minutes of contemplation in front of the bear, the couple still hadn’t decided on where to begin. Finally Alex suggested, "Why don’t we just start right here and continue until we run out of store? That way you won’t feel rushed and can look at everything."
"But do we have time to look at everything? According to the bear here, there are three floors of toys."
"That’s exactly why we came, remember?"
"Oh, yeah." Samantha giggled.
"We’ve plenty of time. There’s nothing on the agenda today except for getting to the theater before the curtain goes up this evening. The day is yours to spend as you wish." Alex gave her a slight bow.
Samantha returned with a small curtsy. "Then let’s get started."
Alex couldn’t help smiling as she observed Samantha’s reactions to the various displays of stuffed animals on the first floor. She was thrilled when Samantha squealed with delight over something that was absolutely lifelike or cringed and shuddered at a furry horror out of someone’s less-than-cuddly imagination.
"Look at this, Alex." Samantha held up a small black cat. "It looks just like Rainbow." Her smile turned momentarily melancholy as she hugged the small stuffed creature to her chest. "I wonder if she misses us." Soft emerald-colored eyes searched Alex’s face.
"Of course she does, but she’s being well taken care of and probably being spoiled rotten. Anyhow, we’ll be home soon." She reached for the toy. "Do you want this?"
"No," Samantha answered, "it just reminded me how far away we are." She quickly added, "Don’t get me wrong, honey, I’m having a great time. This just took me home for a few seconds." She placed the cat back on the counter and quickly changed the subject. "Have you ever seen so many toys in one place?"
"Nope, and in my opinion this is the only way to go toy hunting—with them all corralled together." Alex smiled at her lover and silently acknowledged that the trip to New York had been a good decision, then she put her arm around Samantha's shoulders and escorted her into the next area.
When they reached the second floor they found that it hosted even more stuffed animals, many of which were easily recognizable as members of endangered species lists. Samantha gave special attention to them all, and when she finally had her fill of stuffed toys, she discovered puppets. She tried her best to coax Alex into playing with a Punch while she handled a Judy, but to no avail. Alex merely pointed to the next room where there were wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling board games, ranging from the commonplace to almost impossible to find anywhere else. Around every corner a new land of toys was waiting to be discovered. No area of the imagination was left out. Themes ranged from Star Wars to Barbie dolls; no one’s dreams were forgotten, and everyone was bound to find something to please among the many magical aisles of toys.
Alex was quietly aware that the best floor would be the last. They stepped off the escalator and she was not disappointed by her lover’s response.
"By the gods, Alex, will you look at all these books! I think I just died and went to heaven."
"By the gods, indeed. I don’t think I’ve heard you use that phrase in months." Alex chuckled. "I had a sneaky feeling this would be your favorite place, and you know what?"
"What?"
"I’m going to leave you alone in your own little world for a few minutes while I find a clerk who can tell me where the rest rooms are. I’m sure there’s a giant Barbie and Ken or something just as suitable pointing the way, but I’ll be damned if I can find them."
Samantha chucked at the slight tone of disgust in Alex’s voice. "I take it Barbie was never a favorite with you?"
"You take it right," Alex answered. "So, can I expect to find you fairly close to where you are right now when I return?"
"I think I have enough to keep me busy until you get back." Samantha’s eyes wandered around the room and spotted a large display. "Oh, stickers! My favorite."
"Yep, you’ll be okay. I’ll be back before you miss me." Alex headed off in the direction of the escalator.
********************
Minutes later and just as Alex had imagined, Samantha was standing in almost the very spot where she had left her. "I didn’t mean you couldn’t move," Alex chuckled.
"Very funny. As a matter of fact I’ve been all over this room and am back to where I started."
"Uh-huh. And I have a bridge to sell, if you’re interested."
"Where have you been? It’s been more than a few minutes."
"I took a detour into the sports area."
She looked down at her watch. "We need to be heading back to the room. It’s almost 4:30, and I’m sure you’ll want something to eat before the theater. Nothing big, though, we’ll have dinner after. By the way, did you find anything you wanted to actually take home, or was this purely an eyes-only adventure?"
Samantha held up a stack of thin sheets. "I found these."
"We come to one of the greatest toy stores in the world and you find stickers?" Alex laughed.
"But I love stickers!"
"Of course you do." She took the stack from Samantha's hand. "What have we here? Ah, fairies, unicorns, glitter stars, rainbows—"
"And these glitter pens."
"You know we could get most of these at any craft store near home?"
"Not really. Look––souvenir stickers from New York City, and I’ve never seen this large an assortment of pens with a carry case to keep them all together, and—"
"Okay, Samantha, you’ve made your point. Stickers and pens it is. We came 3,000 miles for stickers and pens." She shook her head and motioned toward the cashier. "I think you need to spend more time with Mom. She’ll teach you how to shop. Right now you’re more of a browser."
"There really isn’t anything here we need. The toys are fantastic, but as you said I could purchase almost anything I want closer to home. I had a great time looking. I don’t always have to buy."
"Yep, we definitely need to set up a shopping date with you and Mom."
"Ya know, I’ve never known anyone to get upset because I didn’t spend their money," Samantha giggled. "Besides, how could I possibly want anything after the Christmas you gave me? And come to think of it, what I really want is to know what you want for your birthday."
Alex cleared her throat and ignored the question. Then she gave Samantha a crooked smile and reached for the stickers and pens. "Let’s pay for these, shall we?"
********************
The rest of the afternoon sped by, and before they knew it they were sitting in their seats awaiting the rise of the curtain and the overture of Beauty and the Beast. A couple of hours later the women stood applauding. Samantha cheered and encouraged Alex to whistle before the final curtain closed on the cast.
Outside at the curb the white limousine that Alex had procured for the evening awaited. Alex took Samantha's elbow and ushered her toward it.
The driver stood with the door open.
"In ya go; we’ve reservations at Daniel."
"Daniel?"
"It’s a restaurant and it’s not always easy to get reservations there, especially this time of the year. I thought you might enjoy some French cuisine after seeing Belle and the Beast." Alex smiled and helped Samantha into the vehicle.
"French cuisine? Sounds expensive."
"Very," Alex smiled. "And just as tasty, so let’s get off the money kick."
"But why the limo, Alex? You ignored me the first time I asked."
"If you must have an explanation, it’s because tomorrow night we’re dining at the hotel, and the next day we leave for home. And . . . I’ll not be outclassed by my dad!"
"That’s the first time I think I’ve ever actually heard you refer to Uncle Al as ‘my dad.’"
"And your point is?"
"No point, honey, it just sounds . . . hum . . . kinda . . . well . . . queer."
"Are you sure that’s the word you want to use?"
"Yeah, that’s exactly the word I want to use." Now Samantha was the one smiling.
Alex raised her eyebrow and tilted her head.
"Aw, come on, I’m only kidding with you." Samantha's tone became slightly stern. "But this is kind of extravagant."
"Take a look around you. Even though you’re no New Yorker, haven’t you noticed an increased density in the crowd the last couple days?"
"Now that you mention it . . ."
"It’s almost New Year’s Eve. You won’t be able to move on this street tomorrow night at this time. Besides it’s our first New Year’s Eve together. That’s very important to me. I want this trip to be the beginning of the most extravagant years of your life." She reached forward, took the open bottle of champagne from the bucket, and poured the sparkling liquid into two fluted crystal glasses. She handed one to Samantha. "Happy holidays, my Destiny, may this be just the beginning of many new beginnings as we launch the next millennium."
Samantha took the glass. "My sentiments exactly, my Princess Charming. It’s been one heck of a roller coaster ride since I hitched on with you, and I intend for the ride to continue until we’re both old, gray, and too feeble to remember any other way of living."
They talked for a few more minutes about the play, discussing the music, the sets, and the superb performances by the actors. Samantha was beginning to sing her favorite song, “Be Our Guest,” when the limousine came to a stop and the driver announced that they had arrived at their destination.
"Saved by the chauffeur," Alex teased.
"See if I serenade you anymore." Samantha gave Alex a pout. But there was a twinkle in her eyes that let her lover know she was only kidding. "So, what’s this place like?"
"The atmosphere is quiet and plush, the food excellent, and the price is right," Alex answered.
"I might go along with you on the atmosphere and cuisine, my love, but I know when I see the menu, I’ll probably choke." She took Alex’s outstretched hand and exited the limousine.
"Ah, but that’s the beauty of this night, Samantha; I’ve already ordered for us." She gave Samantha a crooked grin then she put her arm around her shoulders. "I hope you don’t mind."
"And if I do?"
"Oh, but you won’t. Come on, let’s go eat and enjoy the scenery."
"That seems to be all I’ve been doing this entire week," Samantha giggled. "Eating and looking."
"And that’s exactly why we’re here on this little adventure. But this night is truly the last of Christmas 1999; tomorrow begins the New Year celebration."
They walked up to the reservation podium and the hostess graciously escorted them to and seated them at a small, elegant table in the corner of the room. The soft jazz was mesmerizing, and a low light from the candle on the table made Samantha's hair shine like gold. Alex gently brushed her fingers across her partner’s cheek. "Do you know how much I love you?"
Even in the candle light Alex could see Samantha blush.
"I don’t expect an answer, sweetheart. No need to turn the color of the flowers." She pointed to the vase on the table that held two red roses and a sprig of baby’s breath. "Are you ready to experience the fabulous cuisine of France?"
"Absolutely."
Their server arrived and introduced herself. Alex asked for a bottle of Château Lafite-Rothschild to be opened while they waited for their food.
When the woman had retreated Samantha took her lover’s hand. "Did I hear that order correctly?"
"I don’t know." Alex shrugged. "Did you?"
"You ordered Château Lafite-Rothschild?"
"Yep, you heard right, no problem with your hearing. "
"Alex, do you know how much—"
"Samantha, not tonight, okay? Let’s not ruin the mood."
"But Alex, that’s so—"
"Yeah, I know, that’s why I ordered it. Tonight is special, this trip is special, the wine is special, and most importantly, you’re special. So no more discussion."
Samantha started to answer, but the server arrived with a plate of appetizers.
"You know, I never did ask if you like caviar."
"Actually, I don’t know, " Samantha answered. "I don’t remember ever eating it."
"Then I guess we’ll both find out at the same time."
"Why not? After all, this is a special night."
"My point exactly," Alex agreed. "And this is special caviar. It’s Iranian Beluga with smoked lobster on the side."
The server returned with the wine and after pouring two glasses, asked if she could confirm the rest of the order before leaving them to enjoy the beginning of their meal. Alex nodded and the waitress read from her pad. "Dinner for two: fennel raviolini in a saffron-tomato broth with littleneck clams, paupiette of black sea bass in a crisp potato shell with leeks and syrah sauce as the entrées, and the trio of Mangaro Madagascar chocolate for dessert."
"That sounds right," Alex acknowledged.
The server thanked her and left.
"Alex," Samantha whispered. "You ordered dessert already? We don’t even know if we’ll have room for it."
"I did it on purpose. You do not want to leave here without having dessert. I ordered it so you would make it a point to leave room."
Before they were finished with the appetizers, the main course arrived. Bon appetit became a French experience instead of just a phrase, and of course, Samantha made sure to leave room for dessert.
At the end of the dinner Alex asked the server to have the driver bring the limo around.
On the way back to the hotel Samantha was sitting quietly next to Alex. She placed her hand in her lover’s and squeezed it slightly. “It’s hard to believe tonight is the last night of a millennium?”
“But what a lovely way to end one and start another. I never thought my entire life could be turned around in such a short span or that I would be welcoming in the year 2000 with such a full and happy heart. But you know what makes tonight even more unique?”
"No. What?"
Alex looked at her watch to make sure the statement she was about to make was correct. It was definitely after midnight, making it officially New Year’s Eve. "Today is the last time we’ll be able to make love in 1999." She squeezed Samantha’s hand tightly and gave her a wink.
"Why, Alex, if I didn’t know better, I would swear you’re making a pass at me."
"Ya think? And here I thought I was being all philosophical and subtle.”
"Yeah, very subtle, Alex.”
"Just thought you’d want to know, about the date I mean."
"Why, thank you very much. I don’t think I was aware of today’s date.” Samantha giggled. "So, you think we had best take advantage of the time left us this year and—"
"Oh, absolutely. We should definitely take advantage of the time left us."
The limousine pulled up in front of the hotel, and the driver got out to open the door. Samantha leaned over and gave Alex a kiss on the cheek. "This has been a magical evening, Princess Charming.”
Alex grinned. "I was hoping you’d feel that way.” She slid out of the seat and reached back in to help Samantha out, before turning to the driver.
"Thank you, Stephen.” She handed him a large tip and was promptly told that they were not supposed to accept gratuities.
"Everything is included.” He told her.
"I’m quite aware of that. But this . . ." She raised her eyebrow and nodded to the bills in her hand. "This is between you and me, and as far as I’m concerned, I never gave this to you . . . did you ever receive it?”
Stephen smiled as he took the generous tip. "Receive what, Ms. Dorian?” He bowed slightly and tipped his cap. "I trust you ladies had an enjoyable evening, and thank you for using Limos-To-Go. We know you have a choice, and we’re proud to be of service.”
"You’re most welcome. Good evening, or rather good morning, Stephen.”
She took Samantha’s hand and they walked into the lobby of the hotel.
On the way up to the room, Samantha felt a bit dizzy. "Whoa!" She swayed a little, and Alex steadied her with an arm about her waist.
"Too much of the bubbly, my love?"
Samantha nodded slowly. "I think I should have accepted the server’s suggestion of after-dinner coffee.”
"Really? Especially being the huge coffee drinker you are." Alex chuckled. "And here I thought we were in for a romantic end to this elegant rendezvous."
"Maybe it’s not me, maybe the elevator’s spinning."
"Uh-huh." Alex placed her arm over Samantha’s shoulder as they exited the elevator in an attempt to help steady her. "Let’s just make it to the suite without stumbling before we attempt anything more complicated."
After she opened the door, Alex led Samantha into the living room where she backed her into one of the overstuffed chairs and let her plop down.
"I’ll just sit here for a minute and get my bearings," Samantha sighed.
Alex shook her head and smiled as she walked into the kitchen area to make them both a cup of tea. The dining table had been empty when they left for the theater, but it now held a basket of fruit from the management and two large vases, one filled with white roses and the other with lavender. Alex walked over and read the cards. The white roses were from Uncle Al, along with the bottle of champagne that was awaiting opening in the ice-filled stand beside the table. We won’t be opening this until much later today or tonight, but thanks for the thought! She checked the label. Hmm, Château Lafite-Rothschild, good choice, she chuckled to herself. The card that came with the other flowers was from her moms and wished the "girls" a Happy New Year. Alex noticed a second bottle of champagne on the table that was also from them. It was also a Château Lafite-Rothschild. Guess I won’t be buying the champagne tonight. I just hope Samantha will be in the mood to drink it.
She turned and looked at the now-sleeping woman she had deposited in the chair. "So much for a romantic climax to the evening. Perhaps you’ll be up to some morning delight."
She decided against making tea, checked the locks on the door, turned on the bedroom lights, turned down the covers, and then turned the rest of the lights in the suite off. The city glimmered below them and the street was filled with people preparing for and already celebrating the coming event. No better place than New York City to welcome in a new era. Thank you, Goddess, for bringing Samantha to me. I never thought I could be so happy. She turned from the mesmerizing sight and went over to the chair where her lover slept. She bent down and gently lifted the sleeping beauty into her arms and carried her to bed. Samantha had kicked off her shoes as soon as she hit the chair, and sometime after had also taken off her stockings. Alex decided to let her sleep in her clothes and not awaken her. Samantha was not at all disturbed as Alex lowered her to the bed and kissed her on the forehead. "Good night, my love, sleep tight. See you in the morning."
********************
Alex had not drawn the blackout curtains; she wanted to greet the dawn. She did not want to miss a minute of this last day of 1999. From the looks of it, it was going to be a crisp, but sunny day. She showered and prepared tea before awakening Samantha.
"Hey, sleepyhead, are you going to sleep the rest of 1999 away?" She kissed her on the lips and smiled when Samantha responded with a soft moan and return kiss.
Before she knew it arms encircled her neck and drew her closer to the bed. Samantha began nibbling at her ear, and she made sure she did nothing to discourage the attention.
"Oh," Samantha exclaimed, "I have morning mouth. Yuck! Give me a minute to take a quick shower and brush my teeth." She hopped out of bed and headed for the bathroom. "Be here when I get back! I’m not going to let you slip away as easily as you did last night . . . um . . . earlier this morning."
"I slipped away? I think you were the one who went off to lala land, but hey, you’ll get no argument from me." She rolled over on her back and waved. "Hurry, though, you don’t want to be wasting this mood."
"I have no intention of wasting it," Samantha called over her shoulder. She was already naked and ready for the shower. She grabbed her toothbrush and toothpaste on her way across the small room. No sense wasting time.
Faster than usual, she was back in the bedroom. "I’ll wash my hair later. I didn’t want to take the time to do it now."
"Good thing. That extra time would have probably put me out of the mood."
Samantha grinned and jumped onto the bed. "Oh, aren’t you the funny one?" She kissed the long, slender neck and pulled away the covers. "I see you lost no time in getting naked."
"My mothers did not raise a fool, Samantha." Alex wrapped her arms around her lover’s waist and rolled her over, reversing their positions. "I think it’s only right that I be allowed the pleasure of making love to you first. After all, I wasn’t the one who fell asleep on the chair."
"I think I can live with going second," Samantha answered. "We have the rest of the morning and afternoon. Consider yourself confined to the bed for the duration."
"What torture," Alex whispered as she placed butterfly kisses on Samantha's neck. Her hand explored the now-familiar breast of her lover, gently toying with the erect nipple before teasing it with her tongue. Just as she was about to continue down the contour of her lover’s body, there was a loud knocking on the front door. "Damn! What lousy timing."
"Didn’t you put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door? You always do."
"As a matter of fact, I did. I guarantee the management will hear about this." The tone in Alex’s voice was not pretty. She mumbled under her breath as she searched for the bathrobe she had discarded only minutes earlier. Again came the knocking on the door, louder this time and with an impatient rhythm. "How rude!" Alex snarled as she jolted from the bedroom and entered the living area. "I’m coming . . . or I might have been if you hadn’t arrived . . . hold your horses." She reached the front door just as the knocking began for the third time. She could hear the rumble of more than one voice on the other side of the door. Can’t these people read? She peeked through the peephole and gasped. "Samantha, get your robe on and come here."
"Why? What’s wrong?"
"Just get your robe on and get in here––quickly." Once again she glanced through the peephole. The knocking resumed. "Hold on," she insisted to the intruders. "Give us a minute."
Laughter filtered through from the hallway.
Samantha ran into the room and to Alex’s side. "What’s the matter, honey?"
"Other than the fact that we can forget about spending the morning and afternoon in bed and forget about spending a quiet New Year’s Eve alone, absolutely nothing."
Samantha gave her an inquisitive look. "Huh?"
Alex put her arm around Samantha's waist and opened the door.
Samantha let out a short scream and tears welled up in her eyes. Standing in the hallway, laughing and talking were Sally, Aurora, Kelley, Sonny, and Ray.
"Surprise! Happy New Year’s Eve!"
The End of Chapter 9