Chapter Nineteen

 

<><> Chris <><>

 

“Donna came by earlier. She dropped off a sweater and baseball hat. Said you’d left them at her house,” says Jackie. Her eyebrows are up at her hairline and I can tell her mind’s swirling with accusatory questions, yet she’s holding them in.

“Thanks. Did you talk to her?”

“She was as sweet as pie. Actually smiled for a change. That’s something I rarely saw when you two were together. She was always a little on edge whenever she came over.”

“Maybe she’s finally moving on.”

“You’re making that quite difficult for her if you pay regular visits and leave clothing behind.” Jackie purses her lips in disappointment. I’ve seen plenty of teachers do this to me over the years, but never my own mom. Sure, she gets annoyed with me sometimes, but the lip thing is new territory.

“Wait, you think I’ve been with Donna lately?”

“Well, it sure looks bad, Chris.”

“No way. I left this stuff at her place before we even broke up. I totally forgot she had it. She was probably cleaning out her closets and found it, that’s all.”

Jackie exhales in relief. “For a second there, I thought you were stupid enough to play around on Miriam. I was ready to slap you silly.”

“No way. I’d never cheat on Miriam. Especially not with Donna.”

Kyle comes into the kitchen wearing a goofy grin that Jackie and I notice.

“What’s up?”

“Nothing.”

“No, seriously, what is it?” Jackie presses.

“Bettina asked me to move in with her next year. Says we can look for a place in between our schools and we’ll both commute.”

“Move in together? Man, that’s major. Are you sure you’re ready to settle down with one girl?” I ask. I know it’s a dumb question the second I ask it.

Kyle stares at me. He looks so mature all of a sudden. “Yeah, I am.”

“That’s great news, honey. Are you sure it won’t be difficult for you two? That’s a lot of travelling back and forth. Won’t Bettina have to be close to Columbia for her early morning track practices?”

“Yes, but she’s insisting we can make this work. She says she doesn’t want to go all week without seeing me next year, that only seeing each other on weekends was killing her.”

“But doesn’t it keep you both focused on school? That way you have the weekends to look forward to.”

Jackie’s heart’ is in the right place. First and foremost, she’s a mom with realistic expectations and a very practical lady too, but young lust conquers all…young love I mean.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep us together, and if that means commuting every day, so be it. I’ll just study on the train. No big deal.”

“You’ll have to learn how to cook some meals and help out. Don’t want Bettina thinking I raised a useless slob!” Jackie giggles and grabs hold of Kyle whether he wants a hug or not. Turns out he does.

I pat him on the back. “Goodbye bachelor days. Game over, dude. Once you’re in, there’s no going back.”

“Gladly.”

As Kyle says this, a tiny spark of jealousy jolts through me. I’d love to spend every day with someone like Miriam, to wake up in her arms, to watch movies together and be completely comfortable with each other. To really be there for her after…after her mother dies. Where will she go? Where will she live?

“Chris, what’s wrong?”

Jackie’s voice brings me around. “What? Oh, I was just thinking about Miriam.”

“Is everything alright with her?”

“Yeah, everything’s fine. I just worry about what she’ll do if her mom…you know.”

“Will she move to her dad’s place?”

“Maybe.”

“Where’s that?” asks Kyle.

“Connecticut, but I don’t think that’s an option since they don’t really get along.”

Kyle crosses his arms and gives me his full attention. “You know, Chris, this girl seems special.”

Jackie nods. “I agree. She seems really special.”

“I like her,” I say, sounding like an idiot. Like is such a lame word. I so much more than like Miriam Pritchard. I can’t even describe how I feel about her. It’s impossible to put into words.

“You used to be so angry all the time. Now you’re just…I don’t know, just different. More focused. This job’s been good for you,” Kyle points out.

“I think it’s more than the job.” Jackie runs her hand over my forehead, brushing the hair out of my eyes.

“The job, breaking up with Donna, meeting Miriam, everything’s coming together. And about C.J.,” I say.

Jackie glances over at Kyle for a second, like she’s bracing herself for my opinion. “I think I’m finally letting go of that too. My anger, I mean. It’s pointless. You can be the world’s best son or daughter and a parent can still let you down. Total waste of energy after a certain point.”

“Like hitting your head against a wall.” Kyle smiles.

“Kinda like that, yeah.”

“Totally agree. Time to move on.”

Jackie wraps her arms around our waists and brings us in for a mini group-hug in the kitchen. This is happening a lot since Kyle came back. She laughs lightly, happy to have both her boys home at the same time. “How did you both get to be so smart, huh?”

I pull away and lean against the counter as the back door swings open and Uncle Terry comes in carrying a case of beer. “Hey, guys! Wanna have a brewski with me before heading to the pub?”

“Hey, Terry,” Jackie says as she clears a spot on the table for the beer. “We were just having a moment of clarity here.”

Uncle Terry lumbers forward, guiding the case down gently as he’s eyeballing her. “What kinda clarity?”

“The C.J. kind. Kyle and Chris both feel it’s time to move forward on that subject.”

“Hmm. Not to be an ass, but it’s about time.” Uncle Terry pulls open the top of the case. “Help me load the fridge, will ya boys?”

“What were you saying, honey, about Miriam?”

“Well, her dad walking away to start a new family for no good reason proved something to me. It can happen to anyone, and it does happen to a lot of people. At least C.J was addicted to something that took him away. Other people have no excuse.”

 

~ ~ ~ ~

 

“Hi, it’s me.”

“Hi, Chris.”

“I was wondering if you’re coming to the concert with me.”

“Yes,” says Miriam.

Does that mean she’s coming camping too? “Your Mom’s fine with it?”

“She encouraged it. She thinks I’m boring.”

“No she doesn’t. More like conservative.”

“Which is another word for boring, right?”

“Your Mom’s great.” What about camping?!

“I’m coming camping too,” she finally says.

“Yeah? Great. No pressure, okay? You can sleep in your own tent.”

“I don’t have a tent. Do you?”

“Yep.”

“Then I’ll sleep in that.”

“With me?”

“With you.”

I clear my throat. “Sure. But hey, no pressure.”

“Are you going out tonight?”

“That’s why I’m calling. Why don’t you come with me? I’m going to a pub to listen to a really great band. Kyle and Bettina are coming, so you’ll get to meet her. I think you’ll really get along.”

“Sure,” Miriam says. “Can I bring my friends?”

“Absolutely. Pick you up at nine?”

“I’ll meet you there.”

This girl is so independent. She puts needy Donna to shame.

 

 

I’m at the pub for an hour, fighting every urge I have to call Miriam and ask her where she is, how close she is, when she’s going to get here. Ten more minutes pass before I spot a tall girl with dark hair come through the front door. Miriam. Jacinta steps up beside her and the two of them scan the room for a minute before Miriam’s eyes lock on mine at a distance. It’s magnetic. She lights up and elegantly drifts around the swaying crowd until reaching me, and then she kisses me right in front of everyone!

“That’s the best hello ever,” Simon catcalls before taking a swig of his beer. Then he sees Jacinta and does a double take. “Hey, how’s it goin’?”

Jacinta doesn’t look happy to see Simon, but I can’t blame her after what he did to her car. They haven’t seen each other since that night, so it makes sense that there’s some tension and hatred brewing. Jacinta turns her back on him and gives me a polite little smile. She glances past me and suddenly straightens and whispers something to Miriam. Following her stare, I see my brother at a distance. She obviously has a thing for Kyle since she’s always tracking him with her eyes, just like the other day in Miriam’s backyard. Too bad Bettina and him are inseparable.

Miriam and I lock eyes and smile. “Kyle’s talking to the band. His girlfriend Bettina should be here soon and I can’t wait for you to meet her.”

“Sounds good.”

Miriam’s keeping quiet and I can tell she’s out of her comfort zone here, so I try to make her comfortable by putting an arm around her and holding her close. I want her to feel like hanging out with me is second nature, even if my palms are sweating being this close to her. I want her to get to know my world a little.

She leans into my ear. “I know we just got here, but where is the ladies room?”

I point and her and Jacinta are gone again, leaving me feeling good yet anxious.

“Lo.”

“What?”

“Seriously, Lo, what are you doing with this girl?” Simon asks now that we’re alone. “Even her name sounds like a librarian or something.”

“Fuck you, Simon,” I say and take a gulp of beer.

“No, seriously, Lo, say it out loud. Miriam Pritchard.”

“Shut up, okay?”

“She’s really pretty and all, but…I don’t know. She doesn’t seem like your type. You’re just having fun, trying out a good girl for a change, right?”

“Yeah, that’s all I’m doing,” I say sarcastically, only Simon has never been one to pick up on the finer cues.

“Fuckin-A. Tell me how it is.”

For the first time in our friendship, I sneer at him. It’s not funny. Guess I’m changing my ways.

“The guys in the band are nervous,” Kyle says as he comes back. “I know how that feels.”

“Heard you and Bettina are moving in together. That’s some serious shit, man,” Simon laughs.

“Yep.”

“Why the hell would you want to go and do something like that?”

“Um, have you seen Bettina? Have you met her?” Kyle asks.

“Yeah.” Again, the sarcasm is lost on Simon.

“Then you know why.”

“There’s Bettina,” I say. I’d been watching the bathroom doors like a hawk and noticed the gorgeous blond come in the front door. Every guy in the pub notices too since heads swivel around to get a look at her.

“Bettina!” Kyle hollers over all our heads since he’s so tall.

Bettina joins us at the bar, giving Kyle a kiss in the exact same way Miriam gave me one, and that’s when I know I’ve got something good. Miriam is considerate, kind, and shows affection without having to be the center of attention at all times. It’s a huge relief.

“Did I just make it?”

“Yeah, the band comes on in five.”

“You should join them up there. From what you’ve said, they can really use your help.”

“If they ask I will.”

As Kyle says this, I realize my brother has come a long way. There was a time when getting up in front of a crowd to perform would have had him cowering in a corner. I remember how nervous he was before last summer’s Guitar Riff Contest, though he hid his nerves well. Now, he’s a natural. Going to this music college has given him confidence in his talent.

“Am I the only girl tonight?”

“No, Chris’s girlfriend and her friend are here. I saw them come in. Where’d they go?” Kyle asks.

“Ladies room.”

“Is that what she is now, Chris? Your girlfriend?” Simon elbows me and snorts.

“Guess so.”

“Well, I can’t wait to meet her,” says Bettina.

I know she’s genuine when she says it too. Even though I’m older than Bettina, she’s mature and sophisticated.

As I glance at Bettina, I see a girl that I think is Donna and a ripple of panic jets through me. The girl turns around and it’s not her and I’m instantly relieved. Then I see a vision walking toward me and thoughts of anyone else in the world evaporate as Miriam comes back. I can physically feel my heart rate pick up speed when she’s around me.

“Miriam, this is Bettina.”

“Hi,” Miriam says and smiles. “And this is my friend Jacinta.”

“Nice to meet you,” Bettina says and smiles right back.

I can tell they’re going to hit it off instantly when they get really close and start talking a mile a minute.

The announcer comes on to introduce the band and a hush falls over the crowd before the real noise happens. I know two of the guys in the band and this is a big night for them, so being here to show our support is a must. They come on stage and we all scream and go wild, trying to create a little positive chaos and make them feel wanted.

“Hey, guys,” Cas shouts, breaking through the crowd to reach us.

“Where’ve you been? I was wondering when you’d get here.”

“My dad was being such a dick about my chores. I almost didn’t make it. Did I miss the…” Cas’s attention does a one-eighty when he sees Miriam. Without finishing his sentence, he makes a straight line right over to her like an arrow and busts up her talk with Bettina. I follow him, afraid he’s going to say something pathetic. Sure enough, he does.

“Miriam, where’s Bailey?” He hollers over the music, cutting to the chase.

“Oh, hi. She’s not here.”

“Where is she?”

The trace of desperation in his voice is embarrassing.

“She had other plans tonight.”

“Can you call her and see if she’ll come?”

Jacinta steps in front of him squarely. “Listen…sorry, what’s your name again?”

“Cas.”

“Right. Listen, Cas, Bailey has a boyfriend. She’s going away to college and her boyfriend’s going too. I’m just trying to save you some time.”

“But why isn’t she here?” says Cas, completely ignoring everything Jacinta just said.

“She’s out with her boyfriend!”

“Oh.” Cas mopes, running a hand through his hair and pouting. He’s totally deflated. “Okay. Thanks.”

I place my hands on his shoulders and turn him away from the girls so they can keep talking. I want Miriam and Bettina to get acquainted. “Listen, buddy, why don’t you stand right here and I’ll get you a beer. Just listen to the band and chill, got it?”

Cas nods.

“Good. Stay put.”

I wade my way back to the bar and order Simon, Cas, and myself a beer and two pineapple juices on ice for Miriam and Jacinta. I know Kyle’s got Bettina covered. Just as I’m paying, I feel a tap on my shoulder. Turning, I assume it’s Miriam coming over to help me carry everything. I am so wrong.

“Hi.”

“Donna.” I glance over to make sure Miriam’s not looking. “I’ve gotta go.” As I start walking, juggling the drinks in my hands, Donna’s right in there beside me.

“She’s cute.”

“Quit it.”

“Want me to help carry those? Is this one for her?”

I stop on the spot. “Leave me alone, Donna.”

“Sure.”

I look down at the drinks, tightening my grip on them just as one is about to slip through my fingers. When I look up again, she’s gone, just like that. I know I should be happy that she didn’t make a scene, but I’m nervous because I don’t think that’s the end of her. There’s no way she would make it that easy.

After an hour, the band has warmed up and the crowd’s getting into the music. The drinks are flowing, Miriam’s at my side, and life is good.

“They have a unique sound,” she says. Her mouth is so close to my earlobe that it tickles.

I pull her in front of me and wrap my arms around her so we’re both facing the band. She sways to the music and I do everything in my power to stop my body from reacting the way it wants to. And I mean, it really, really wants to. Her hair smells like mango and her hands are soft as she entwines her fingers with mine. This feels so familiar, so right, like we’re the only people in the pub. She’s all that matters. Our time at Delaware Park last week opened the door to many, many possibilities and I can already tell that Miriam likes me as much as I like her. This could get serious fast.

“Want another drink?” I whisper. My mouth is so close to her skin that I can’t resist bending slightly to kiss her neck.

She turns and kisses me. “Sure. Want me to come with you?”

“That’s okay, I’ll be right back. Same kind?”

“Yes, please.” Miriam kisses me again and then stands beside Jacinta and the others.

Weaving around bodies to get to the bar, I’m experiencing an amazing natural high. And then my cloud nine crashes down around me.

“I thought I’d never get you alone.” Donna comes out of nowhere, totally blindsiding me.

“What now?”

“Don’t be so mean, Chris. It’s me, not some stranger.”

“Maybe we should be strangers.”

“Maybe your friend would like to know what happened the last time we were in this pub. Remember the alley? I bet she wouldn’t do that to you. If she did, not nearly as good as me. I’m the best, just remember that. Remember when I used to go down on you at the movies?” Donna says this last part really loud so everyone around us hears it.

My ears get hot. Again, I glance back to see if Miriam can hear her, but she’s still facing the band and doesn’t seem to notice my hostile guest. “Shut up, Donna.”

“Why should I? It’s the truth. I can’t lie.”

“You’re the biggest liar I know. You and Luke Dupuis, your fellow liar.”

She crosses her arms defensively, yet a smile sticks to her face. “You deserved it. You were so busy working all the time that you couldn’t fulfill my needs, so Luke did. Maybe I’ll call him up tonight and see if he’s free. Or better yet, maybe Cas wants to come home with me. He’s available.”

I’m trying my best to stay calm and so far it’s working. Donna is ‘throwing down the gauntlet’ as Casper would say in his ridiculous Medieval speak. Or to use one of Uncle Terry’s popular expressions, she’s ‘baiting the donkey’. Right about now I’m feeling very much like a jackass, so the last description’s pretty accurate.

“Well? What do you think about that? Either way, I’m getting lucky tonight.”

“Whatever. I don’t care anymore.”

Normally, she can trigger my anger, get a rise out of me. She’s playing the jealousy card, but I’m not playing back. It’s like a switch has flipped our typical reactions in the opposite direction. Her fake smile evaporates immediately. She’s about to blow a gasket.

“Fuck you, Chris! Besides, I’m dating someone who so isn’t you, so there.”

“Great. I’m happy that you’re moving on.”

Donna grinds her back teeth in frustration and practically snarls and huffs at the same time. If she were a kid, this would be the onset of a tantrum. I’m tempted to duck for cover since tough girls can hold their own. It’s a twisted kind of love/hate thing going on now. She can’t just leave well enough alone. She’s gotta twist the knife – humiliate me because I’ve rejected her. I get it, but I don’t have to like it. She’s gearing up to throw another insult my way when Miriam appears at my side out of nowhere. Blindsided again!

“Sorry, Chris, I thought you might need a hand with the drinks. Am I interrupting?”

“No, you’re not interrupting, honest.” My eyes plead with Miriam to understand. And then Miriam does something that makes my mouth drop open in shock. She puts out a hand toward Donna.

“Hi, I’m Miriam. It’s nice to meet you.”

It’s the ballsiest thing I’ve ever seen a girl do. Most girls fear Donna, so this move says a lot about Miriam. She’s classy.

Donna gives me an amused look. “Aw, that’s so sweet. She’s polite too.” She turns to face Miriam, ignoring her outstretched hand. “I’m Donna, as in Donna Dividi? I’m sure you’ve heard of me. Chris and I are taking a bit of a break, but you can bet your ass we’ll be back together before you can blink. Better step off, friend.”

I strategically place myself between Donna and Miriam, afraid she’ll try to get physical. “Okay, that’s enough.”

“You can’t be serious about this girl, Chris.” Donna points at Miriam. “Chris Loman and Miss Goody-Goody. As if. You are so fucking out of your league, girl.”

Even with Donna acting like a crazy, unpredictable time bomb, Miriam stands patiently beside me. Maybe some guys would be into two girls fighting over them, find some satisfaction in it, but I can’t. The way Donna’s acting is so rude, so offensive, it makes my blood boil. What did I ever see in her? “Just let us get our drinks and leave us alone, Donna.”

My rejection spurs her on.

“He’ll be back with me before you know what hit you.” Donna cackles and staggers away, leaving Miriam and I standing together in the fallout, and it’s awkward. How do I apologize for an ex’s behavior? Did I do enough to defend Miriam?

“Wow, she is not a nice person.”

“I’m sorry. She can be rude when she’s been drinking.”

Miriam shakes her head. “No, it’s more than that. She seems really hurt and bitter. I don’t want to cause any trouble, Chris. That’s not really my scene. I think girls should be supportive and friendly with each other, not combative. I’ve done nothing to Donna for her to hate me. I’ll never fight her or say anything bad about her, even if she wants me to. It’s not my thing.”

Miriam is so incredible, I don’t feel worthy. “I understand. I promise you won’t have to. Maybe that’s the end of it. Don’t worry, I’m not getting back together with Donna. Ever.”

“You know, I like to think that things happen for a reason. It’s destiny, but we control it.”

“Okay.” This is getting deep. When she asks if I believe I’m in charge of my own destiny, I check over my shoulder to make sure the guys don’t hear before I answer. “Yeah, I do believe that. Don’t you?”

“Yes. I think you and I meeting each other was meant to happen. That’s my opinion, my feeling. Whether you think it too is another thing. Only you know the answer to that.” Miriam stands at the bar and gets the bartender’s attention. She orders for us while I’m still scratching my head about our brief philosophy crash-course. Girls can really make my head spin.

We get our drinks and join the others. I hope to God this is the end of Donna, but I won’t be able to relax until I know she’s left the building.

But she doesn’t.

“Hey, Goody-Goody, still here?” Donna says a little later. Her and Marcy Tisdale sidle up beside our group uninvited. And then Donna says something that totally reveals her true character, loud enough for everyone to hear as she deadlocks her glassy eyes on me. She’s so drunk. “I’ll unlock my bedroom window and wait up for you. Easy access.”

Jacinta and Miriam just stare at Donna like she’s crazy…which I’m beginning to think she is. This is officially stalker behavior and it’s scaring the shit out of me. My pride sinks to my toes. Miriam probably thinks I’m the biggest player ever. I guide Miriam away with a gentle hand, away from the madness. It takes everything in my power to ignore Donna’s baiting remarks without screaming. Yep, baiting the donkey.

“You can get the tee shirt you left last time you snuck over.”

I finally snap. “Hold your breath 'cause I’m not coming.”

“Yes you will. Promise.” Donna winks.

Simon chuckles and I see Kyle elbow him peripherally. My family and friends are used to Donna’s psycho behavior. For the first time ever, I wish I’d never met Donna Dividi. If she screws up my chance with Miriam, I’m going to go ape-shit. “Listen, Miriam,” I say sheepishly, “I left that tee shirt at her house months ago. Don’t worry.”

“I’m not worried, Chris, I trust you. If you want to be with Donna, I’m not stopping you. But you aren’t. You’re with me, so thank you.”

Donna rolls her eyes in annoyance. Her plan obviously backfires as Miriam holds her own, completely unfazed by the plan of attack.

“Who needs you anyway, Chris Loman. There are plenty of guys who want some action. He’s all yours, Meredith, for now.”

“Her name is Miriam.”

“Whatever,” she giggles and leaves the bar with Marcy.

For the first time tonight, I feel my shoulders relax.

 

 

When the band ends their last set, Miriam announces that her and Jacinta are taking off. I guide her away from the group a little so we can be alone to say goodbye. Whenever she’s this close to me, it takes everything in my panel of arsenals to calm my raging libido, but it’s so much more than that. Miriam gets my brain pumped too, like I have to be up on my game. I want her to think I’m smart, not just some walking hormone.

“Can I kiss you again?”

Without answering, she leans in and gives me a long, sexy kiss and I feel my body respond. She stops and smiles, staying really close. “I had a really nice time tonight.”

The comment makes me squirm a little. Does she mean it? “Sorry about the drama.”

“That’s okay. I can handle it.”

Amazing. This girl is totally amazing.