Keeghan and William
New to the area as a result of her dad’s promotion and transfer, Keeghan Kinsdale registered at the local high school. On her first day, she studied the map of the school, attempting to get her bearings. Searching for her locker, she wandered down the wide hallway. Keeghan noted two guys standing by some open lockers. Both were attractive. One was chatting loudly while the other glanced at his buddy and then turned his attention back to his locker. He pulled out some books. The chatter came to an abrupt end when she walked by. A voice stopped her.
Kyle, the guy chatting, introduced himself. With an air of great self-importance, he told her he was in his final year and was the quarterback for the school football team. He was determined to impress her. Whatever. She found his personality a little overbearing, but, given her own shy disposition, he could likely introduce her to other students. That would eliminate that awful task of approaching strangers to establish new friendships.
The next day, he asked her out for dinner. Within a few weeks they were double-dating with Kyle’s friend, William, and his girlfriend, Kelly.
Keeghan was attracted to Will, but it never developed beyond harmless flirting. She found his passionate eyes and wit quite appealing.
The end of the school year approached. Kyle was accepted to the University of Alberta. Will decided to stay close to home, pleased with the idea of attending university in Vancouver.
Friendships dissolved and relationships fizzled. She wouldn’t miss Kyle.
In need of a summer job, Keeghan saw a small advertisement in the local paper. A retail store was hiring. She prepared a resumé and walked it into the store the next day.
She left the interview, walked out of the building, and removed her cell from her purse.
“Mom. I got the job. It’s a small independent store that specializes in imported woollens, silk, jewellery and perfume. The second I walked into the store, I loved the place. They’re guaranteeing thirty hours a week until September. I’m thrilled. The owners are fantastic.”
“I’m proud of you, Keeghan. We’ll talk more tonight.”
* * *
After a busy summer, Keeghan headed back for her last year of high school. Given their rapport, her boss offered her hours on Friday night and Saturday at the store. She enjoyed the financial independence, and loved working retail.
The final school year sped by. Upon graduation the owners once again offered thirty hours a week, which she accepted gleefully. Her parents, in the meantime, decided to sell their home and move to Victoria. Keeghan hated the commute. Hurry up and wait for the ferry and then the ride to the shop. One Friday night during her bike ride home, she considered her options. Winter was approaching. Even without the clocks turning back, it became dark earlier. She hated the idea of taking the ferry twice a day, in order to continue living with her parents. Perhaps it’s time to spread my wings and make the big move out on my own.
That very night she began her search for an apartment within a short distance of the shop. It was a difficult proposition to find something reasonably priced. Her parents offered to cover that dreaded first and last months’ rent. She signed a lease for an apartment that was a bit beyond her budget. Now she needed another job to bring in additional income in order to have money for social activities. Keeghan found a position as a waitress working Friday and Saturday nights, and all day Sunday. Her new boyfriend, Craig, wasn’t impressed with the increase in her work hours. Predictably, the four-month-old relationship fizzled.
Keeghan split her time between the two jobs, working in the boutique during the day and waitressing at night.
Two months later, she phoned her mom with exciting news.
“I’ve been offered full time hours at the boutique. Base pay plus commission.”
“That is a huge complement, Keeghan. They must be very pleased with you. Are you planning to quit working at the restaurant?”
“No. Not yet anyway. I make decent tips. Commissions don’t come with a guarantee. I will have to cut my hours at the restaurant back, though. I’ll only work Saturday night. It will be heavenly to have a day off.”
* * *
Keeghan had been in her apartment nine months when she received a text message from a friend.
‘Hey Keegh. Good news, bad news. Jill got engaged and is moving in with Sam. I need a new roommate. Interested? $800 a month to split my mortgage and condo fee. Text me.’
At that price, it was a no-brainer. Keeghan was ecstatic at the prospect of moving to nicer accommodations. She worked out a new budget and was pleased to discover she could afford to quit waitressing. Keeghan gave her notice at the diner and moved into Sherry’s two-bedroom condo.
* * *
Will received his Bachelor of Commerce, graduating with honours. While finishing his degree, he was approached by headhunters with potential jobs. After careful consideration, he accepted an offer from a prestigious financial institution. A year later, at his weekly Sunday night dinner with his family, he was discussing the job.
“I’m not happy at work,” he admitted. “The largest percentage of my day is spent assisting the staff with their lending applications. My phone rings off the hook, and the emails keep popping in. I enjoy dealing with clients, but I don’t have the time for them. It’s frustrating as hell.”
“What about branch management?” his grandfather asked.
“I’m only one step away from that. I’d still be dealing with the lending until I get assigned to a decent-sized branch. That won’t happen overnight. Branch management would have the added pressure of the regional manager or head office breathing down my neck as well. More profits, it’s all they care about. They don’t give a shit about the people, clients, or staff as long as they make money. At least that’s the case for my employer and Jim’s. Heaven help them if their top execs don’t make a seven figure salary as they nickel and dime their clients to death. Even their staff. They work their asses off serving clients, and yet they’re not paid well. It’s disgusting. Profitability. It’s the favourite word of executives.” He looked around the table. “Sorry Dad, Papa. I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. The staff is fantastic, but the bullshit infuriates me.”
“Do you like investing?” his dad asked.
“When I have time to do it, yeah. That’s the part I like.”
“Well then, maybe it’s time to ask for a transfer to another division. It means house calls, and you still have quotas to meet. Profitability isn’t going away.”
“I know that, Dad. I’m not sure they’ll consider me for the investment division. In the eyes of the powers that be, have I done my due diligence to warrant the promotion?”
“If they say no, you put the word out that you’re looking elsewhere. You’re a smart guy. You’ll get another job.”
Not that he doubted it, but it was comforting to know he had his family’s support.
* * *
A week later, he sent his dad a text.
‘My transfer was accepted. I’m starting in the investment division on Monday. Base pay plus commission. Can’t wait! I’ll call Papa tonight.’
‘Congratulations, William. Your mom and I are proud of you.’
A year later, Will wrapped up the meeting with a high-value couple and drove out of the multi-million-dollar estate subdivision. His phone buzzed, indicating a new text message. He pulled the car over and looked at his phone. The message from his dad read:
‘Your mom’s birthday. Celebrating on Saturday instead of Sunday.’
“Shit. I forgot to get a gift.” He parked his car on the street by some one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques and began walking, looking in the windows.
The street was quiet, peaceful. Appreciating the fresh air, he tilted his head back. The heat from the sun warmed his face. Looking down, a thick, platinum bracelet caught his attention. It sparkled on the black velvet cloth. Beside it, there was a unique etched pendant with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds on a white gold chain. A bell tinkled above his head as he entered the building.
* * *
Keeghan heard the door chime and glanced at the well-dressed man who entered the shop. Knowing she would be finished within a few minutes, her focus remained on her current customer. She continued toward the register. She accepted the cash payment and thanked the client before turning her attention to the gentleman. Given his attire, she assumed he was on lunch break, or perhaps visiting the area while on a business trip. Either way, she wanted a sale.
“May I help you?”
“Yes, please,” he responded before turning to face her.
Keeghan recognized her high school friend immediately. On this day, of all mornings, she had been in a hurry and pulled her hair back instead of wearing it down. She regretted that now.
“Keegh? Keeghan Kinsdale?”
A bit nervous about running into her old friend, she flicked her bangs.
“Oh my gosh, Will. How are you?”
For once, Keeghan was thankful the store was quiet. No customers to interrupt their conversation. Will was as funny and handsome as she remembered. The conversation continued until he glanced at his watch.
“I’d like to buy this bracelet and necklace for my mom.”
She walked to the computer and completed the sale.
“I don’t suppose you’d be free for dinner later, would you?” Will lifted an eyebrow. That puppy dog look she remembered so well.
“I don’t have any definite plans for tonight. I’d love to have dinner and catch up on things.” She smiled.
“Great. Listen, I’ve gotta go, or I’ll be late for an appointment. I’ll pick you up. What time do you get off?”
“The shop closes at five, and then I have to finish the paperwork and lock up.”
“That will work. I leave my office at five.”
“Leave the gift with me. I’ll wrap it for you.”
“Bonus. See you in a few hours, Keeghan.”
* * *
With ten minutes to spare before a conference call, Will sent a text message to Jim.
‘Humble apologies, bud. Reneging on our boys’ night. If tonight goes well, and I hope it does, I’ll introduce you to my high school friend. Talk later.’
‘Female friend?’ Jim responded.
‘Yup. :- )’
* * *
The afternoon dragged by. Keeghan was excited at the prospect of getting reacquainted. She had just finished counting the cash from the register when Will tapped on the locked door. She moved away from the counter and let him in.
“Hi again. I need a couple minutes, but I’m almost done.”
“Where are you parked?”
“I take transit.”
“Perfect. We can go to my place so I can change out of my suit and then head out, if that’s okay.”
Keeghan reached under the counter and handed Will the wrapped gift for his mom. She finished the evening close in record time, locked the door, and pocketed the keys before she followed Will to his car. She smiled as he opened the door for her. Still a gentleman. I like that.
Will drove into the underground parking of a fifteen-storey apartment complex. Leaving the vehicle, Keeghan followed him into the elevator where he pushed the tenth floor button. After a few moments the doors slid open. Will led the way to his unit. He unlocked the door and stepped aside, allowing her to enter.
“Make yourself at home, Keeghan. Red or white wine?” he asked as he walked toward the kitchen.
“White. Just a half-glass.”
Keeghan took stock of her surroundings. The living area was tastefully decorated with a three cushion navy couch, matching love-seat, and a floor lamp between. An oval maple coffee table held coasters, the portable telephone, and three remotes. A forty-two-inch television was mounted on the wall with a stereo receiver, and a DVD player on the small shelving unit. The shelves held a few framed pictures and a collection of DVDs. The room was exceptionally tidy for a bachelor. She walked over to the couch and sat. Will appeared with a glass of wine and handed it to her.
“I just need a couple of minutes to change,” he informed her.
Will disappeared. Keeghan stood and examined the photographs. The first framed picture was of Will and his parents, whom she remembered meeting when they were in high school. The second picture was Will as a young boy with his parents and an older couple. The adjoining picture didn’t have the older woman.
“Will, I’m looking at the pictures on the shelf. Are these your grandparents?”
“Yes, my parents and Dad’s parents. Dad was an only child as well, so we’re close. Papa joins us every Sunday night for dinner. Dad and I talk on the phone daily. Mom adds her two cents’ worth with the speakerphone.”
On closer examination Keeghan could see a strong resemblance between all three men.
“What about your mom’s family?”
“There’s one picture of her parents on the bottom shelf. They both passed when I was young. I was eight when that picture was taken. Mom has an older brother who lives in Ontario with his family. Three girls. Two of them are married with a little one each. We only see them at weddings or funerals.”
Keeghan squatted for a better look at Will as a young boy. As she waited, she scanned his selection of DVDs before returning to the couch. The phone rang. Keeghan listened to Will’s recorded voice, liking the husky note she detected in it. A female voice came from the speaker.
“Hi Billy, it’s me. Don’t leave until I get there.”
“Oh, shit,” Will blurted from the other room.
Startled, Keeghan turned. Will appeared in his boxers, pants in hand. She gave his exposed body the once-over. Will had kept himself in shape. He matured with a firm upper body and tight butt. She turned her gaze back to the DVDs, not wanting to be caught staring.
“I took an early flight home,” the female voice continued. “I always enjoy joining you and Jim for pizza and beer. We can visit in the car on the way to the bar.”
Will mouthed “sorry” in her direction as he reached for the portable phone.
“Jul, it’s a bad night,” he said. He took the phone into his bedroom, closing the door behind him.
Keeghan couldn’t hear the conversation, but it was obvious the voice belonged to his girlfriend. She looked around the living room, but with the masculine décor, there weren’t any obvious signs of a female. But the very idea he had a girlfriend was disappointing. “Why did he invite me to dinner?”