Therapy is Good for the Soul

“Dance, nothing left for me to do but dance,
Off these bad times I'm going through just dance
Got canned heat in my heals tonight baby”

Jamiroquai’s “Canned Heat” startled Bailey awake; she rolled over to turn the alarm off. She slapped the off button multiple times, until she realized the noise she now heard was coming from her TV and not her iPhone alarm clock. She had fallen asleep watching the Bruins game last night sometime after the first period. Bailey turned off her TV and reached for her phone to check the score of the game. She smiled from ear to ear when she saw a message from Tyler. “You’re probably asleep, hopefully feeling better and having sweet dreams. Just wanted you to know I’m thinking about you and can’t wait to see you again. Night!”

Although she knew he was asleep she replied. “Good morning. Thanks to you I had a very nice dream ;-) Better, still not 100% but good enough to work. Off at 4:30, call you then.”

“Oh, and I can’t wait to see you too! ♥”

Bailey got out of bed and hopped in the shower. After a quick shower she put on her pink scrubs with a white long sleeves shirt underneath. She dried her hair, pulled it up in a ponytail, and put on her make-up. Bailey toasted a bagel and added peanut butter with some strawberries on top. She downed a glass of orange juice and some Advil, before fixing her water bottle and heading out the door to catch the T to get to the hospital.

Bailey was grateful she got to spend the morning in the NICU. Although the monitors drove her a bit nuts today due to the dull headache she still had, she was thankful to have a less physically taxing morning working on feeding skills with the babies. Working in the NICU was one of Bailey’s favorite parts of her job. She loved getting to hold and rock the tiny babies and teaching them how to suck on a pacifier and/or to drink from a bottle. After she finished treating all her morning patients, she grabbed a salad for lunch in the hospital cafeteria. Her afternoon would be spent in the outpatient clinic.

Bailey was antsy all afternoon; she couldn’t wait to get off work so she could talk to Tyler and hopefully get to see him this evening. She was pumped when Alexis arrived at 3:00, because she was her last patient for the day and was always a joy to work with.

“Ms. Bailey, Ms. Bailey I have a present for you!” Alexis was super excited as she wheeled back to the treatment room.

“You do?”

“Yes. Now close your eyes. No peeking!” Alexis turned to her dad to get a bouquet of wild flowers out of the bag on the back of her power chair. He also gave Alexis a card to give to Bailey. “I’m ready, you can open your eyes now.”

Bailey opened her eyes and immediately got down on her knees to be on the same level with Alexis. “These are for me? Thank you so much Alexis, you didn’t need to do that.”

Alexis handed her the flowers and the card. “Silly Ms. Bailey, they aren’t from me.”

“They aren’t?”

“They are from Mr. Tyler. I told you he liked you!”

Alexis’s words were music to Bailey’s ears. She couldn’t believe Tyler made this extra effort to surprise her through Alexis. “Alexis, You are one very smart little girl!” She set the flowers and cards down and kissed Alexis on her forehead before she started unfastening her chest harness.

“Wait, aren’t you going to open the card?”

“I can do that later, we have work to do.”

“NO, NO, NO! You have to open it now! It’s part of the surprise. I promised Mr. Tyler you’d read it.”

“Ok, hold on.” Bailey picked up the card, opened and then read it.

“Well, what does it say?”

“Pretty sure you already know, considerin Tyler says you have somethin else for me. It says that he’s been thinkin about me all day and has planned a special evenin for us. He said he will pick me up after work.”

“Daddy, give her the rest!” Alexis demanded.

Mr. Marino handed Bailey a gym bag, When she looked inside she found a pair of her jeans, a purple V-neck long sleeves t-shirt, her matching black lace bra and panties, perfume, and make-up bag. There was a note attached to her bra, “Don’t worry, I picked out the outfit and packed the bag. Tyler doesn’t know what’s in here. Love, Em. PS. Have fun tonight!” Bailey sighed with relief, zipped the bag back up and put it on the floor.

“Do you know where he’s takin me?”

Alexis giggled, “Yes, but I’m not allowed to say.”

“Pretty Please!”

“Sorry Ms. Bailey, but my lips are sealed!”

“You, Tyler, and your secrets; y’all are gonna kill me!”

The three of them laughed as Bailey started Alexis’ therapy session. Throughout the treatment, Bailey tried to trick and bribe Alexis into spilling the beans and telling her what Tyler’s plans were, but Alexis was tight lipped. It drove Bailey nuts yet excited her more by the minute. After Alexis’ session was over, Bailey tried one last time but didn’t prevail. Alexis and Mr. Marino told Bailey to have fun and said their goodbyes.

Bailey finished her notes and clocked out. She took the bag Mr. Marino gave her and changed. She touched up her make-up and hair and was ready to go. She put on her coat and headed downstairs to the garage. When she got down there, Tyler was already there waiting for her in his Maserati. As soon as he saw Bailey he hopped out of the car, pulled her in for a hug and leaned down to nuzzle her nose before pressing his lips to hers. The warmth of his mouth sent a current through Bailey’s body. She threw her arms around his neck as she lost herself in his peppermint breath and soft lips. They pulled away from each other when they heard someone coming.

“I could get use to that kind of greetin!”

“Glad you liked it, because I plan to do that and more every time I see you. Now, let’s go because I have a very special evening planned for us.” Tyler held out his hand for Bailey and escorted her to his car. He gave her another quick kiss before he helped her get in the car and closed the door behind her.

“Thank you for the beautiful flowers. They brightened my day and my desk!”

“You’re welcome. I wasn’t sure what kind to get you since I don’t know your favorite flower.”

“I’m not picky, but Gerber Daisies are probably my favorite. They’re so warm and bright; they just make me happy. You also can’t go wrong with anything purple. Heck, gettin any flowers will make me smile.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Will you tell me where we’re goin now? Alexis wouldn’t say a peep.”

“That’s my girl. And no, I’m not going to tell you; what fun would be in that? Don’t you like surprises?”

“Yes, but they drive me nuts. How ‘bout a hint? Pretty please with sugar on top!” Bailey pleaded with Tyler and batted her lusciously long eyelashes at him.

Tyler took Bailey’s hand in his and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “You’re awfully cute when you beg, but I’m still not telling you.”

Bailey stuck her tongue out at Tyler and put on her best pouty lip, then turned her body to face the front. As soon as they pulled up at a red light, Tyler leaned over and pulled Bailey’s head to his, gave a gentle tug on her bottom lip causing Bailey to open her mouth and let Tyler’s tongue slip in to massage hers. A loud honk from the car behind him broke up their kiss.

Tyler sighed, “If you want us to get where we’re headed, put that pout away; it’s too distracting and tempting!”

Bailey giggled and they drove in silence the rest of the way. Tyler parked the car in the Boston Harbor garage. He stepped out of the car and ran over to the passenger side to open the door and help Bailey out. He took her hand and pulled her in the direction of their destination. It took Bailey a moment before she recognized where they were and the direction they were now headed.

“Tyler, I think the aquarium closes at 4 or 5.”

Tyler kissed Bailey’s hand, ignoring her remark and continued walking towards the front entrance. He knocked on the door, which was soon open by a gentleman in an Aquarium polo shirt.

“Good evening Mr. Seguin.”

“Please call me Tyler. Steve, this is Bailey.”

Steve held out his hand and Bailey shook it. “It’s nice to meet you. Mr., I mean Tyler has planned a wonderful evening for you. Please follow me.”

Before following behind Steve, Bailey turned towards Tyler, smiled and stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek. Steve took them on a guided tour of the aquarium. They started off just learning about the different sea creatures they encountered and got to touch small sharks and rays. They went to the shark nursery and were able to hold a baby shark briefly. The highlight for them was getting to go behind the scenes and actually play and touch some of the animals. They visited the harbor seals and learned how to give them cues to do some tricks and got to feed them fishsicles. Tyler got to brush the teeth of one of the male seals. As soon as he finished, the seal gave Bailey a kiss on her cheek.

“Hey, she’s my date!” Tyler joked, pulling Bailey in close to his chest as if he’s staking claim to her.

“Lucky for you, you’re a better kisser, because he is kind of cute.”

“So you think I’m a good kisser?”

“I said better not good.” Bailey gave Tyler a wink as they headed to the next exhibit.

Tyler leaned down, gingerly caressed her cheek and whispered in her ear “I’ll take that as a challenge. Before the end of the night, I’ll make things more clear for you.” A corresponding shade of crimson discolored Bailey’s otherwise flawless complexion after Tyler spoke, causing Tyler’s devilish grin to grow.

The next stop was a visit with Zoe, a Californian sea lion. Bailey couldn’t believe the up close and personal experience Tyler had arranged for them. She couldn’t stop smiling and laughing as she blew bubbles for the young sea lion to try to pop and eat. Tyler snapped multiple photos on his phone. He loved seeing her smile and would do anything to keep her happy. After a few more minutes of playtime, Steve said they needed to move on. Tyler and Bailey pet Zoe goodbye and thanked her trainer. They thoroughly washed and sanitized their hands.

“Hungry?”

“Yes.” Bailey replied.

“Steve, we’re ready for dinner.”

“Of course, right this way.” Steve led them to a table in front of the giant ocean reef tank.

The overhead lighting of the Aquarium just enhanced the romantic ambiance before them. As they approached the table, Bailey noticed it was covered with a light blue linen tablecloth, with a vase of Gerber Daisies as the centerpiece.

Bailey looked at Tyler quizzically, “How’d you do that? I just told you in the car what my favorite flowers were and I’ve been with you the entire time.”

Tyler smiled, “That’s what smartphones are for, I sent a text to the florist.”

“Tyler, I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe you’d go through all that trouble just for me. Thank you!” She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his lips down to hers. Tyler responded by putting his hands down at her waist and pulled her closer to his chest to deepen the kiss. Bailey broke the kiss when she needed to catch her breath. She bit her bottom lip and just looked admiringly up at Tyler.

Steve coughed in an attempt to remind the couple that he was still present. “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to get your orders to the chef.”

Tyler and Bailey released their embrace and he escorted her to the table. Tyler pulled out Bailey’s chair for her and pushed her up to the table after she sat. He shifted his chair so he could sit next to her versus across. He wanted to be as close as possible to her. After they were seated, Steve handed them the menu from the chef Tyler had hired for the evening. Bailey ordered the sea scallops with a baked potato and sautéed kale with honey yogurt and roasted peanuts. Tyler ordered the swordfish with a skewer of scallops, and the same sides as Bailey. Steve took their order back to the chef and returned with the bottle of white wine Tyler had picked out for the evening. Steve poured each of them a glass, set the bottle on the table, then disappeared.

“Tyler all of this is amazin! This is the best date I’ve ever had! Thank you!”

“Really?” He asked gently squeezing her hand.

“Yes, you’ve made me feel so special.”

“That’s because you are.” He leaned forward and softly kissed her lips. “Just so you know, there’s another surprise to come.”

“For once, I’m goin to be patient and just enjoy this moment.”

“That’s good, because you know I wouldn’t give you any clues.” Bailey lightly punched Tyler in the arm and he chuckled. “How ‘bout I change the subject to keep your mind off the surprise. So did you catch the game?”

“I fell asleep after the first period. Sorry!”

“It’s ok, I know you were still recovering.”

“I checked the score this mornin though. Have to say I’m a little disappointed.”

“Why? We crushed the Jets!”

“I know that’s what bugs me. I wasn’t at the game and y’all got 10 goals. Now you know I’m not your lucky charm and you don’t need me at the games anymore.”

Tyler couldn’t help but to laugh. “Bay, win or lose I’ll always want you there. But you’re still most definitely my lucky charm! Don’t you remember the incentive you gave me to play well last night?”

Bailey scrunched her nose in confusion and shook her head no.

“You promised me a kiss for every goal the team scored and every point I got. Thanks to the team, you owe me 15 kisses. That’s a debt I intend to collect on in full! In fact I think I’ll cash in one of them right now.” Tyler ran his tongue across Bailey’s bottom lip; she opened her mouth and let their tongues explore each other’s mouths. Just as he pulled her closer, they were interrupted when Steve returned with their entrées.

Tyler and Bailey enjoyed their meals and more glasses of wine. In between bites they would talk about all the creatures they saw swimming by. Tyler even did his best impersonation of Crush from “Finding Nemo” when they saw Myrtle the giant sea turtle swim by. Bailey nearly choked on the food in her mouth from laughing so hard. The conversation between them flowed easily all night. After they finished their main course, they shared a dessert. The Bananas Foster the chef made was served in a hot rum sauce with caramel, chocolate drizzle, and vanilla bean ice cream. It was absolutely delectable and melted in their mouths.

Bailey licked her lips after Tyler fed her the last bite. “Mmm, that was so good! I ate so much, I think you’re goin to have to roll me out of here.”

“Glad you enjoyed it. Would you like any more wine or are you ready for one more surprise?” Bailey popped out of her seat and pulled Tyler up with her. Tyler laughed, “Guess that means you want the surprise.”

Tyler sent a text and in a few seconds Steve returned. Tyler wrapped his arm around Bailey’s shoulders and pulled her into his side as they followed Steve into a small backroom. They sat on a bench in the room and waited patiently while Steve called someone on the house phone. Bailey’s jaw dropped, a few tears of joy fell from her eyes, and she grabbed Tyler’s thigh when a young woman entered the room with a baby penguin in her hands.

“This is Murphy, would you like to hold him?”

“Seriously? YES!” Bailey squealed enthusiastically.

Bailey and Tyler took turns holding the little penguin and feeding him. They enjoyed learning about the 3 types of Penguins the Aquarium houses. Bailey was in seventh heaven being that close to one of favorite animals. She knew Tyler has clearly been attentive to their conversations, as one of their earliest discussions was about how they both love the aquarium and the penguin exhibit was her favorite. Everything about this evening has only made him more endearing to her.

Eventually their time with the little penguin had to come to an end. Steve returned their coats and escorted them to the final activity for the night, the 3-D Great White Shark Imax movie. Tyler and Bailey had the entire theater to themselves. They chose to sit in the center of a row midway back in the theater. As soon as they sat down and put their 3-D glasses on Tyler wrapped his arm around Bailey and she rest her head on his chest. They made it about midway through the movie, before they were in a full on make-out session. The lights turning on in the theater as the movie ended, brought them back to reality as they slowly pulled apart from each other smiling.

They put their coats on before heading to the exit. Tyler pulled Bailey in to his side as they walked back to his car. He pulled Bailey in even closer and gave her a quick peck on the lips before helping her into the car. They held hands and shared their favorite parts of the evening with each other on the ride back to Bailey’s apartment. Tyler parked and walked Bailey to the front door. Bailey unlocked the door and invited Tyler in. She closed the door behind her and turned to face Tyler.

“I had a wonderful time tonight! Thank you!”

“You’re welcome. I had a great time too! I have to leave for a roadie to Carolina Thursday morning and won’t be back until Sunday. I’d really like to see you again before then. Would you be up for getting together again tomorrow?”

“I’d love too. How about a nice quiet evenin in? I can cook dinner and we can watch a movie.”

“That sounds perfect. Do you want to come to my place or stay here?”

“Your place if that’s ok? You have a nicer kitchen.”

“What time should I pick you up?”

“I get off work at 3:30 tomorrow.”

“Great, I’ll see you then.”

Tyler pulled Bailey close and kissed her long and hard. She felt the world disappear around her. Nothing else mattered. No one else existed. It was just the two of them alone in the universe at that moment.

Tyler eventually broke the kiss to stop himself from getting carried away. “Good night Bay.” He leaned in whispered in her ear and gave her another gentle kiss before he headed out the door.

Notes

Thanks for the nice comments! This chapter is a bit shorter than the others I've written lately but I hit a bit of a block as I was writing it. Hope it's ok and you still like it! Your feedback is appreciated and questions are welcome.