Treasure (version 2)

Chapter 2 - My Christmas Gift

Roman arrived at the airport in less than two hours. He had a change of clothes in the backpack that he'd left in the rented car. The switch was as fast as possible in the restroom. Then he bounded down the airport terminal until he reached passenger pick up. His limo driver was already waiting for him.

Roman bundled up and dashed out into the frigid temperatures. The blast of heat flowed as he opened the door; he slid inside, rubbing his hands together. He and the driver greeted each other. Drake informed him of a blizzard headed their way.

The thought of a blizzard intrigued Roman and he decided to make the best of it. Being snowed in with Zara would be a gift from heaven. "Drake, before you drive me home I need to stop at the grocery store and get some ingredients to make peppermint bark and stock up."

"Still carrying out the tradition even though Miss Peters isn't here this year, I see."

"It's more than a tradition – it is part of the ebb and flow of our lives. We made peppermint bark as kids. When we were too far apart to make it, Zara made sure to send a box of it. Miss Peters is here - she arrived this afternoon. I need to get home." I can't wait to wrap my arms around the love of my life. Roman glanced at the car mirror and could see Drake smile.

Roman had done more shopping at the store than he'd anticipated, stocking up plenty in case they got snowed in. Locked up in a snowstorm with Zara felt like it would be heaven. There was so much between them that needed hashing out and dealt with. This woman was the loveliest thing in his life and yet the most complicated – she was more taxing than figuring out a Rubik's cube. Though he knew the root of their issues, it had caused a great deal of drama between them. I intend to get it right, this time, Zara. I won't put up with you avoiding me.

Roman heard the click of the trunk and saw Drake exit the vehicle. He helped Roman to stuff the mountainous loads of groceries into the trunk. "Two more stops Drake, and then you are free for the day."

"Where to, sir?"

"Hammerman Jewels, and then to Oscar De La Renta."

Drake didn't say anything, just smirked; his mind weaved the details surrounding the request. They got into the car and headed off into the busy-honking streets of the city, as traffic built. Masses aware of the brooding storm flooded the streets to make it to their destinations. It took over forty minutes to drive between the stores. For a second time, Roman left the store packed down. He returned to the limo - $10,000 spent and one hour later.

Drake made a U-turn and headed for the penthouse. "Miss Peters is going to love the surprises. Sir, I've got to ask – is there a wedding ring in all those gifts?"

Roman bit his lip, shaking his head, there was so much that he could say about that little matter. His mind scanned across time thinking of a special day that did not go as he planned. Matter of fact it had blown up in his face. "No, Drake, there is not a wedding ring in these gifts." But perhaps by the end of the snowstorm, there will be.

He laughed as his faithful, long-term driver sucked in his teeth. Drake was not just a driver, but also a close friend. The two of them had been through a lot together. Drake was most attentive when Roman's wife had died. "I can dream, can't I?"

"Yes, you can, but praying would be a whole lot better." I'm going to need a boatload of that to deal with her.

Drake weaved through the traffic, while the drifts of snow fell heavier and heavier. As the stars scattered across the night sky, the temperature plummeted. Slush formed on the roads, soon to ice over. "I'm glad that we're almost there," Drake said, turning on his blinker. Within ten minutes they'd arrived at Roman's penthouse building on Madison Avenue. Drake bundled up and then helped Roman to take his packages inside the building. A doorman met them with a cart and loaded everything.