Scratching Her Vinyl

When he settles back into my bed, I hold him as close as I can, unwilling and unable to let him go. We fall asleep wrapped up in each other's arms again, and my last conscious thought is that I could get used to this.Chapter 21 - DominicSix Months LaterI don't even know where to begin, so much has changed in my life since meeting Juliette. I guess I should start with the basics. Within 3 months of the auction, Juliette and I had moved in together. Correction, I had moved in with her into her grandparent’s home. I love it, and I love her. I couldn't imagine spending another moment without her.

Needless to say, I turned down that Nevada move as well. There was no way I could run off and leave Juliette like that. We were both thrilled by that. Everyone else at the office was shocked by it. In fact, they were stunned speechless when I made the announcement at the office meeting.

I remember we were on a conference call. "So, Dom, what was so important you needed all of us on the line?" One of the directors asked.

I cleared my throat before I began speaking. "I just wanted to inform you that I am going to have to turn down your Nevada offer. In fact, I'm making this location my permanent home. If there is any traveling that needs to be done, I’d like it to remain brief."

There had been a long, long silence after I made my big announcement. Eventually one of the directors spoke. "Well Dom, this comes as quite a surprise to all of us. Are you sure about this decision?" They had asked.

"Without a doubt," I replied confidently, with no trace of hesitation this time.

I knew the directors had no choice but to accept this. "Okay, Dom. If that's what you wish. We will send someone else to Nevada."

“I can give you some suggestions,” I’d offered up a list of names.

After that the meeting had ended, and I went home happily to Juliette to share the good news with her. Things have also changed for the better for Juliette as well. Thanks to the money from the auction, and a few very generous donations from a "mysterious benefactor " she was able to buy the whole strip mall and some of the surrounding land, too.

When I went with her to sign the papers for that, I noticed she could not stop smiling. It was that beautiful smile that I have come to love so much. She smiled the whole rest of the day after that.

The next few months were busy with renovating her record store. She shared her plans and ideas with me. After everything we'd been through, Juliette decided to include a few new things at the shop, one being new digital record converters and a small CD section. I suggested ways she could make more money and increase traffic to her business.

I also helped her rent out the other suites in the mall to little businesses that were soon thriving. This was such a smart move that it got the attention of many in the community.

In just a few short months Juliette, had revitalized that whole area and brought new life to the shopping center, but not by changing the heart of the place. Just polishing what was already there.

This encouraged many developers to start building in the area. New types of businesses were growing overnight. One of these recent additions, a small coffee shop located about a block away from the strip had quickly become our favorite.

We often meet up there after work for date nights. Juliette has changed so much about me and my life. She’s like a piece of me I never knew was missing. It's more than just emotional changes, but physical as well. Even my style has changed now. I’m currently incorporating a mix of current, high-fashion tech with the occasional vintage pinstriped suit or some retro cufflinks that Juliette scored at a favorite thrift shop for me.

And she occasionally throws some modern pieces into her wardrobe, mostly just to shock me, I think. But we balance each other in a way I never dreamed possible. She’s shown me the beauty of the past, I’ve helped her step forward into the future.

Tonight's my turn to bring the vintage, though, even if she doesn’t know it. I bought something that I hope she'll like. I'm already at the coffee shop waiting for her. I'm nervous as hell. I got here even earlier than usual because I just couldn’t fucking sit still.

I look in the pocket on the jacket of my suit and sneak a peek at the ring box in there. I spent so many months planning. I watched everything, the websites she visited, the things she bought online. I even snooped around in her jewelry box just to make sure.