After Divorce, I Won The Christmas Lottery

Chapter 5: Perfect Day

Liz

We stopped at a few more stores for clothing and more shoes. I don’t even know if I will be able to wear all these things. Then we stopped at the lingerie shop. I am by no means a prude, but it feels weird to shop for underwear with another man.

He doesn’t seem to care or mind, and I am beginning to see that he is very open-minded and unashamed. He picks out a few things and I just nod and agree. No use in arguing with this man when his mind has been made up. I have known him for all of a day, and I can already see that.

For my sanity, I have decided not to look at the price tags anymore. He doesn’t look at them either, and I wonder how much money this man really has. I will have to repay him for everything he is doing for me. A few bags later, we finally left, and I thought we were leaving the mall, but no, this man was not done yet.

“I really don’t need anything here.” I said, looking around in the jewelry store. “Yes, you do. New wardrobe, new you. You need to look extra special when you see your ex again. You won’t be sorry, believe me. He needs to see what he just lost.” He says and I chuckle. “Okay Mr. moneybags. What do you suggest?” I asked and he tapped his chin.

“We already have the outfit and shoes, now we need the accessories. I am thinking a diamond necklace, earrings, anklet and bracelet to match the dress. And these will be perfect.” He says, pointing to a beautiful set with a six-figure price tag. “No, that’s way too expensive, Zander. As it is, I am indebted to you for probably half of my winnings,” I say, and he frowns.

He goes to the sales clerk and hands him his card and whispers something to him. I don’t know what they discuss, before he comes back. “You don’t owe me anything. This is a gift from me to you. You promised to accept a shopping trip and I didn’t give you a budget, did I? So far, you have only chosen one dress, the rest is all me.” he says.

“Yes, but you have already spent too much money on me,” I said. “I haven’t spent enough. Besides, what’s the use of having money if I can’t spend it on the things I want to spend it on?” he says. “Okay, but only if you are really sure.” I say. “I am sure, now come on. I didn’t realize how hungry shopping makes you.” He says and I chuckle.

We leave the store and I follow him out of the mall. “We could’ve just grabbed something in the food court.” I say. “I want to take you to my favorite place to have lunch.” He says and I smile. We got in the car and after a while, I saw that we were heading towards the harbor. I love coming out here, but I don’t do it enough.

He takes me to a vendor and I chuckle. “I didn’t know you eat food from a food truck.” I say and he chuckles. “I love their food and the view here is amazing.” He says and orders our food, while I find us a table to sit at. He comes back with a few things and I help him set them up.

We enjoyed our food while watching the seagulls and the waves. It was very cold out, but it was so relaxing, and I think I needed this. And thanks to my new coat and boots, I was comfortable and warm. After we ate, we walked along the boardwalk and had hot chocolate.

We chatted, and I haven’t laughed so much in a long time. We really got to know each other, and he is such a good man. I wonder why he was never married. There is no mention of a girlfriend either.

When we were on our way to his place, he got an urgent call from work. So he dropped me off, before he went to the office. After I dropped all my bags in my room, I went in search of Rosa. “Hey Rosa, did Zander mention anything about dinner?” I asked. “He said you two were going out. So, I haven’t made anything. Have your plans changed?” she asks me.

“I thought I could surprise him with dinner at home. What do you think?” I asked her. “That sounds perfect, he will like it. He prefers home cooking, anyway, and he isn’t fussy. Make it very festive, and you will make his day. He loves Christmastime. It’s his favorite time of the year,” she says.

“It’s mine too, but this year two people I cared about tried to steal that joy from me. Things did get better when I saw Zander. So maybe my Christmas spirit isn’t completely gone.” I said and she smiled. “He does have a way of making things seem brighter. He is a good man, Liz, and I think he really likes you,” she says.

“I don’t think so, he is just helping an old friend,” I said. “I don’t think so. He has never brought a woman here, not even clients. The only woman that has ever stepped foot in this house that isn’t staff, was his mother. No one has ever slept over either.” She says. Wow, I am truly lucky then. I wonder why though?

“What do you have in mind for dinner?” she asks me. “I know he loves seafood, so maybe a seafood starter, and steak and roasted veggies for the mains. What do you think?” I asked. “That sounds perfect, he will love it. And dessert?” she asks. “I am not much of a baker, but I know there is ice-cream, and he seems to love that,” I say.

“Yes, but leave that to me. Everything you need is definitely here. I will leave you to it and go do some more tidying up,” she said. She shows me where to find everything, before she disappears. This kitchen really is perfect. It's every baker and chef’s dream. And the fridges are packed with enough food to feed a family of ten.

I quickly send him a message to tell him to cancel whatever dinner plans he has and he agrees. I get started and prep everything, and I will finish it off before he comes. He said he would be home by 7pm, so I still have an hour to get ready, before I add the finishing touches.

I go upstairs to grab a quick shower. When I went into my room, I noticed the bags were gone. I walk into the closet and see that everything has been packed away. Even the jewelry and shoes. Rosa is very sneaky and she works fast. Either that or Zander has some Christmas elves in the house. I chuckle at my silliness and take the dress and shoes I want to wear.

I take out some underwear and put everything on the bed. I grab a quick shower and when I am done, I dry my hair and style it. Then I wore the black and white dress and heels he chose for tonight. I go downstairs and find a baked cheesecake that Rosa left for dessert. She is such a sweetie pie. I add the finishing touches to dinner and set the table.

I put on his Christmas playlist and let the music play softly in the background. The fire is already burning, so the mood is just perfect. I hope he likes this. It’s my way of thanking him for everything he did today. At exactly 7pm, he walks to the front door and stops in his tracks when he sees me waiting for him in the foyer.

“Good evening Mr. Caine, you are right on time.” I said and he just looked at me. His eyes roam my body until he looks me in the eyes again. “You look beautiful Liz,” he says and I smile. “Thank you, come, let’s eat.” I say, and walked to the dining room. He follows behind me and looks around.

“You did all this for me?” he asks and I smile. “It’s just a small thank you for everything you’ve done for me.” I say and he smiles. “I see you figured out I love Christmastime.” he says. “It’s my favorite time of the year too. I nearly lost my Christmas spirit yesterday. But thanks to you, I think my spirit is back and ready to embrace the holidays.” I said, and he smiled.

“I am glad I could help,” he says. He leaves the room and then comes back with two bottles of wine. I give him a look with one eyebrow raised and he chuckles. “We don’t have to finish these. We can have the white with the seafood and then finish off with the red,” he says, and I nod. He pours us each a glass and then we both start eating.

“Everything okay at the office?” I asked and he nodded. “Yes, it was an annoying client who only wanted to deal with me. He keeps getting himself in the weirdest situations. He is a magnet for trouble, but he pays me well,” he says and I nod. “It’s normally the ones that pay well that cause the most problems.” I say and he chuckles. “That is so true.” He says. Conversation flows freely as I ask him about work.

“Everything was really delicious, thank you, Liz. You are an excellent cook.” He says and I smile. “I was a professional homemaker for three years. I don’t do anything half way,” I say and he nods. We decided to go out to the patio to have another drink and enjoy our cheesecake. He throws a blanket over my shoulders and sits next to me.

“I had a great time with you today.” He says after a moment of silence. “It really was a perfect day. I am not one for shopping, but I had fun.” I say and he chuckles. “I am not a fan of shopping either, but it’s a necessary evil,” he says.

“I need you to send Kyle a message and tell him that you won’t be coming tomorrow. Tell him you can only come and see him on the 27th. Don’t give him a reason, just tell him you can’t make it,” he says. “Why?” I ask. “We need to gather more evidence, and we need time for that.” he says, and I nod and send the text. His response of, ‘You better be here tomorrow, or else,’ makes me roll my eyes.

‘Your threats don’t scare me one bit. You need me to sign, don’t you? I will come to you on the 27th, not a day earlier.’ I reply to his stupid threat. ‘Fine,’ is all he replies, and I put my phone down. “All set, what’s next?” I ask Zander. “Next, we enjoy the rest of our evening.” He says and I chuckle.

I spent the rest of this perfect day on the patio looking at the stars, with wine and good company. Then we watched a movie before bed.