Guilty Pleasure

New Horizons

"Come in. We need to talk."

We follow her inside, and the atmosphere is tense. Mom looks serious, but not angry. "I've made my decision, and... Your dad and I are getting back together. Probably, for good."

"I'm so happy for you! I knew dad and you were meant for each other."

"Is that an insult?"

"It depends on your perspective. Sorry, mom. I guess I'm just... relieved."

"I think I am too." Mom only laughs and shakes her head before she turns to talk to Damon. "Anyway, Damon... I am sorry for getting upset earlier. I still think this is... a little uncomfortable. But I'd be a hypocrite if I held anything against you."

"It's okay. I'd probably get upset too if I were in your situation." 

Mom smiles awkwardly. "Despite how this whole thing began... I wish you two the best of luck in your relationship and... Frank and I will try to be good grandparents for your baby, if you let us." 

Damon smiles and wraps his arm around me. My mom then looks at me. "Your pregnancy really got both of us to stop and think and get our lives in order. So even though I'll probably be busy as ever, I'll try my best."

I hung her without saying a word, and I'm sure the hug can tell her how grateful I am. "It's not a big deal. Besides, I caused a lot of drama myself. I think we owe each other an apology." Damon looks at me, and I know he feels as relieved as me. 

"Well, I'm glad we could all come to an agreement. Let's forget about the past and focus on the future."

"I agree."

"There's one thing that Jalissa and I would like to tell you, though."

"What is it?"

"Jalissa and I have been thinking about moving out."

"We have decided to live together. Alone."

"I understand, and honestly... It's for the best, considering that Frank will be moving in."

"Oh. Really?"

"Yes." Mom smiles and we all laugh. 

"Well, I better start looking into moving companies."

** Several weeks later: "I honestly want to buy another purse, but my dad would kill me if I max out my credit card."

"Have some self-control, Hailey. You got this!"

"You should distract me. Tell me what you're looking for."

"You know, since I recently moved in with Damon... He's planning our first romantic dinner that he will cook specially for me."

"God, you two are so cute! But I don't think that's enough to distract me from my shopping addiction."

"I want to buy something special for my dinner with Damon. Help me choose?"

"Now we're talking!" Hailey helps me gather a selection of outfits. 

"So, what do you think?"

"It looks amazing. From now on, you're my fashion hero!"

"Thanks."

"You know what? I think I'm going to cry tears of joy."

"But why? It's not like I'm getting married or anything."

"I'm just super happy for you. And I'm so excited to be an aunt to your baby. Do you think I'll be a cool aunt?"

"Yes, you will! You're probably a bit too tall, though." 

"That's not what I meant by a cool aunt."

"I know. I'm just joking."

Hailey rolls her eyes before she starts laughing. "By the way, I never imagined myself saying this, but... I'm also happy for you and Mike. You two seem happy together, and I think you two are much better than we were."

"Well, I hope it will last like this forever." 

At that moment, my phone vibrates. 

Rita: Hey, Jalissa

Jalissa: Hi Rita

Rita: When you get to work tomorrow, stop by my office. 

Rita: The summer is nearly over, but if you won't be getting back to college given your condition, I could offer you a full-time job.

Jalissa: Wow, thank you! 

Rita: Not a problem. You deserve it. Just don't kiss Damon during office hours ;) 

"Isn't it funny how everyone ended up with someone else's boyfriend?"

"Yeah, it's kind of messy. But let's look on the bright side. Life can be messy at times, but things can still end well!"

On my way home, I stop by an art gallery. A poster in the window draws my interest: 

They have an open call for new artists, who can apply to have an exhibition here. I should note the contact. I have to get Damon to apply! 

When I get home, the smell of delicious food is already in the air. "Make yourself comfortable." He pulls a chair for me before he starts serving the appetizer.

"Wow. This looks so good!"

"Not as good as the beauty in front of me. I mean, look at you! How could you look so good? What's your secret? What are you hiding?"

"Why do you sound so surprised?"

"Well, you usually look good, but tonight, you look... great... gorgeous... amazing. I don't even have words."

"Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself." 

"Is it okay if I stare at you for most of the night?"

I laugh and kiss him. "As long as you don't make it creepy, I guess it's all good."

"Don't worry, I'll try to not make it creepy."

"Well, we'll see."

"When you agreed that you'd move in with me, I thought I could never be happier. It turns out that I was wrong." Damon smiled and grabbed my hand. "Do you have any idea how happy I am to be with you?"

"I do. Because I'm probably as happy as you, if not more. Everything seems perfect now."

"That's how I feel."

"There's one thing I forgot, though."

"What is it?"

"One moment." I grab my phone and show Damon the number to apply for the exhibition. "There's an exhibit competition at the art gallery, I think you should apply."

"I... I don't think my work is good enough for that."

"Your work is perfect for it! And I'm not just saying this as your girlfriend."

"Oh?"

"I'm telling you this as an average person. But it doesn't mean that my opinion doesn't matter."

"You're right."

"Seriously, you should apply. Pretty please? I know you got what it takes."

"Alright. I'll apply. It's probably time that those figures are see outside of my workshop."

"Perfect! I guess I can sleep peacefully tonight." 

Damon leans over the table and kisses me. "I planned to wait until the dessert, but I cannot wait anymore. I... I've never loved anyone as much as I love you, Jalissa. You make me feel strong and vulnerable. Not only that you've made my life better, but you've given my life direction. And it's not only because of the baby. You changed me with your encouragement. So..." 

Damon pulls a small box out of his pocket. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes!"

"Thank you. You have no idea how happy I am right now." Damon slides the ring on my finger before he stands up to hug me. 

I can't believe I'm engaged to Damon! 

After he puts me down, his face gets close to mine. I reach out and kiss him. "Mmm..." He kisses me back until he stops. "Oh, I forgot that I still had to get out dessert."

"But your dessert is right here."

"You're right. My favorite dessert is right in front of me." Damon smirks and kisses me, making me feel safe, loved and I feel full of love for Damon and our baby. I feel as if my life has been given a new direction. And I know whatever happens, I will never feel adrift again. 

*** A few weeks later: Damon's application was a success and that's how we found ourselves here at the opening of his exhibition. "How are you feeling?"

"A bit nervous." Damon sighs and he looks tense. "I mean, look at all of these statues. My work looks like trash compared to them."

"Oh, come on! It won't be that bad. Don't worry. Everyone will love you, just as I love you, and just as our child will."

"You're right. I think I'm worrying too much. I mean, I have my wife next to me. I'll get through this just fine."

"Exactly." I press my lips against Damon's and kiss him. "Today is a great day. And I have great ideas on how to celebrate this day later."

"What..." 

Before he can ask a question, I interrupt him with another kiss. "Hmmm... Tell me about your ideas." 

"I'd rather keep them as my little secret."

Damon looks at some people standing around his sculptures and smiles. One of them waves, recognizing Damon. "We should join them and hear their feedback."

"Great idea."

*Later that night: "I'm so glad tonight was a big success."

"Me too. I'm glad I didn't embarrass you."

"Never. By the way, I got asked by several people if I'd sell my art."

"No way!"

"Not only that, I got asked if I'd create custom-made sculptures."

"Wow, I'm so proud of you!" I give Damon a hug. "So, how are you feeling?"

"Happy. Proud. A bit overwhelmed."

"Are you thinking about changing careers?"

"No. I still love working as a trainer. But I will now split my hours between that and my metal works."

"That's a good idea. Pursuing your passion is a great thing."

"I know. That's what I was thinking. I think I owe you a thank you."

"For?"

"Teaching me to be more serious and responsible."

"I don't remember teaching you that, but you are welcome."

"Are you kidding me? You're the one who encourage me to apply for the exhibition."

"Oh, right. I almost forgot. By the way, I don't want you to be the only responsible person in this relationship. So, I signed up for online college classes to complete my degree."

"Wow! That's amazing! I'm happy for you. And don't worry about juggling your coursework. I'll do my best to help when the baby arrives."

"I know. Thank you."

"Oh, you don't have to thank me. That's just a part of my responsibility." 

Damon smiles and he runs his fingers through my hair softly. "Do you know one great thing that I found in our relationship?"

"No."

"Neither of us is perfect, but we make each other a better person everyday. And that's more than enough to make me happy."

"Are you sure that's enough?"

"What do you mean?"

"I think I know something that can make both of us happier. Do you want to make me happy tonight?"

"I do. What can I do to make you happy?"

"Well, my husband..." I lean in and whisper one of the dirtiest fantasies I have. 

"Well, let me try to deliver that happiness right here, right now." 

Damon leans in and kisses me and I give into him, completely.