| |
Pete’s text came through and a small smile broke across my lips. My head still ached from last night, but his text was a nice diversion. I found myself smiling as I reread it. He was so cute.
“What are you smiling about over there?” Delilah called across the gym. An elliptical sat unused between us as she started walking on the treadmill. The belt slowly rolled as she watched me from the corner of her eye.
“It’s nothing.” My elliptical became very interesting. I glanced around the gym, but no one paid us any mind.
“It’s either a text from Pete or Vance. Neither one is good for you. I thought you were going to focus on yourself.” Her breath came out in short pants as she picked up her pace.
“It could be my mother.” The footplates slowly moved around and the handles slid back and forth. I rolled my neck and shook out my arms to help relieve the headache before grasping the handles.
“Is it your mother?” Delilah snorted.
“No, it’s not.” My face flushed as I started to push more buttons on the machine. Delilah leaned over and held out her hand for my phone. I reluctantly gave it to her as she flashed me a triumphant grin.
“What are you going to do?” The belt on her treadmill whirled as she picked up her speed.
“I need to focus on myself. I’ve never done anything by myself, for myself.” The minute the words were out of my mouth, I knew that they were true. Everything I had done in my life was because of someone else. What would it be like to be my own source of happiness?
#####
THE SUN STREAMED IN Delilah’s bay window the next morning, caressing me awake. The TV hummed from the movie we fell asleep watching while the alarm on Delilah’s phone blared.
“Oh no, I’m going to be late!” She jumped up from the couch and ran to the shower. I chuckled to myself and reached for my cell on the other side of Delilah’s pillow. She kept it from me all night.
“Rats,” I hit the Power button, but the screen stayed black.
It was dead as can be. I padded to the spare bedroom where I should’ve been sleeping and plugged it in. The screen powered on, and it promptly dinged with incoming messages. One voicemail from my mother. A groan and an eye roll. I needed coffee before I tackled that one. Then, several text messages beeped through. Scrolling through them, there was one from Pete and about ten from Vance.
Pete: Sorry about my dorkiness last night. If you’re in town this week do you want to get dinner?
Vance: Hey babe, I’m really sorry please call me.
Vance, again: I’m getting worried about you. Please give me another chance. I love you. xoxo
All of Vance’s messages were similar. Please call me. I am sorry. I miss you. I love you. Give me another chance. Ugh, I didn’t want to deal with Vance, at the moment. I ignored his messages as I didn’t have anything to say to him anyway.
To Pete: I’m mooching off of Delilah for a while. At least until I figure out my next step. Dinner sounds nice.
From Pete: I’ll pick you up at 7 PM tomorrow. Dinner will be a surprise but don’t wear jeans.
Delilah shouted a quick goodbye on her way to her shift at the hospital, leaving me all alone trying to figure out what to do next. First off, I needed some coffee. In the kitchen, the coffee machine percolated. The aroma of the black gold warmed my soul and awoke my sleep-addled mind. Benny bounded in from the other room and went to sit in front of the door, wagging his white-tipped tail at me.
“Hey, boy, you want to go for a walk?” He jumped in the air and barked twice. “Alright, let me go put this in a travel mug.” I grabbed his leash and out we went around the block before I called my mother back.
“Hello, Darling. It is so nice that you finally decided to return my call.” I could hear her taking a sip of her drink. Knowing my mother, it was a Cosmo, and it was only 11 AM in New York. I held in a sigh but instead rolled my eyes. She couldn’t hear that through the phone.
“I was busy with Delilah this weekend.” Here comes the guilt trip. Brace yourself, Melanie.
“Well, that is no reason to ignore your mother. I am sure she calls her mother back.” I wanted to say that Delilah’s mother was normal, but I didn’t as she continued on. “Can you believe that I had to hear about you and Vance from Stella at the salon?” She went on and on about the horror of hearing it at the salon. What everyone now thought of me and my family. And, finally, how hard it was to believe. We made such a perfect couple. I picked at my nails throughout her rant and threw Benny his ball. Thwack, the ball hit the wall as Benny skittered across the kitchen to catch it on the rebound.
“Well, what do you have to say for yourself?”
“Mother, it’s been a rather distressing week. Can we talk about something else?”
“Darling, I just thought that you’d want to share with your mother. We used to be so close.”
My heart hurt. We used to be close, in proximity, but not really in friendship. We both wished it would be so, but we were two very different people. My parents tried to steer every step of my life: where I went to school, who my friends were, and who to date. When I did not apply to law school, they were disappointed, so marrying a lawyer was the next best thing. I pinched the bridge of my nose. She was my mother. Maybe I should try a bit harder to get along with her. She sounded very lonely. Money and an attractive husband were not always the key to happiness.
“How’s Dad doing?”
“Oh Darling, he is fabulous as always.”
“Is he out on the yacht again?
“You know how much he loves that boat.” She sighed.
“Why don’t you go with him?” Tension rolled through the phone as she cleared her throat and started in on what my cousins and grandparents were doing. She droned for a while about new houses, babies, and promotions. My patience was quickly running out.
“Mother, I have to go. Benny has to go out.” As he looked at me from the floor with his tongue hanging out, the ball sitting at his feet.
“Call me soon. Love you.”
“Love you too.” Then the phone was silent. I looked over at Benny. “Well, that could have been worse.” I rubbed his soft ears. Benny licked my face with his slobbery hot tongue. We padded into the kitchen to drink some now cold coffee.
“I could use something with a little more than just coffee. What do you think?” He barked his agreement, as I spiked the coffee with a liberal dash of Bailey's and slid down on the floor to cuddle with my Beagle. That was how Delilah found me when she got home.
“What happened to you?”
“I called my mother.”
“Well, tequila shots it is!” She reached towards the upper cupboard.
“I kind of have a headache. What about getting pizza and totally lose ourselves in the cheesy goodness.” I grabbed my sandals and headed for the front door. Benny ran circles around like a crazy dog, ready to munch on some breadsticks.
“Did you tell her about losing your job?”
“Oh no, I forgot. That’s going to be a rough one.”
“They weren’t too excited about you in fashion.”
“Nope, but this is a whole new Melanie. I don’t care what they say.” I linked arms with her as we made our way down the street. My heart was already feeling lighter.
I SAT OUTSIDE OF DELILAH’S apartment, thirty minutes early. My palms were sweaty and clammy. I chomped down on another mint. Was I sure I wanted to do this? What if it goes badly? Should I try to kiss her at the end of the date? It has been years since I dated anyone. Have things changed? What does she expect from me? The lights in Dee’s apartment flickered on and off from room to room as if someone was nervously pacing through the rooms. At 6:55 PM, I got out and rang the buzzer for Dee’s place.
“She’s coming right down. You two crazy kids have fun. Don’t be too late!” Dee’s voice carried through the speaker.
A few minutes later, Melanie arrived. Boy, did she look beautiful! She was wearing an emerald green dress that brought out the green swirls in her eyes. Her hair was curled and fell into waves over her shoulders. Her eyes lit up when she saw me and a nervous smile broke the tension in her face. I opened the door to my truck for her and helped her inside. A deep breath passed through my lips as I walked to my side of the truck. I passed my fingers through my hair. Shoot, now it must be standing straight up. I tried to straighten it but it continued to stick out at all angles. My shoe caught on the curb and I tripped, using the hood of my truck to catch myself. Melanie caught my eye and started laughing. I had to laugh too because I must’ve looked ridiculous. I climbed into the truck and turned the engine over. Time to start the date.
I angled my old truck into a parking spot in front of my favorite restaurant in San Antonio. I jumped out and ran around to get the door for her. The moment I placed my hand on her lower back to usher her in, she trembled. Once we were inside the restaurant, she stopped in her tracks.
“This is so gorgeous and it smells amazing.” She turned around, green eyes taking in everything.
“May I help you?” The host stiffly asked in his starched uniform. A sneer crossed his face as he looked out the front door to where my rusty truck was parked.
“Ah, yes, we have a reservation for two under Thompson.”
“Yes, sir. I see it right here. This way please.” He led us around tables and booths of elegantly dressed people to a quaint table in the back. He held out the chair for Melanie and filled our water glasses. “Your waiter tonight is Liam. He’ll be with you shortly. Enjoy your dinner.” He spun on his heel to stride back to his post.
“I hope you’re hungry.” I smiled at her and then it dawned on me. “You aren’t allergic to shellfish, are you?”
“I am.” She didn’t look up from the menu. Her fingernails clicked on the table beating out a staccato rhythm.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve asked before I made reservations.” My heart sunk. I’d made a huge mistake.
Melanie broke out into giggles. “Your expression was precious. In fact, I love shrimp. I could eat it for every meal.” She leaned back and rubbed her abdomen. A large smile split her face as she laughed at me. Man, was I gullible. I couldn’t help but grin at her laughing. It made her look so pretty and carefree. Her eyes lit up and the crease between her eyes relaxed.
“Do I have something in my teeth?” She reached for a napkin to rub at her teeth. I captured her hand with mine and shook my head.
“You’re just so beautiful.”
“Thank you, you look nice too.”
I pulled on the sleeves of my suit coat as the tie slowly strangled me.
“What’s good here?” She turned back to the menu.
“Everything. They are known for their fish and seafood, but the steaks are amazing, too. My cousin is the head chef here. So, if you want something different, we just have to ask.”
“How will I ever decide? It all looks so good.”
“If you want, we can split our dinners.” I winked. “That way you can get the full experience.” A lovely blush colored her cheeks. Her mouth opened and closed a few times before she dropped her gaze to the menu.
Liam sashayed towards our table, with a giant smile painted on his face.
“Pete! It’s so good to see you. And who is this lovely lady? She’s stunning.” He bent down and gently kissed the back of her hand. “If Pete doesn’t treat you right, let me know. I will beat him up for you.” He flexed his thin arms and pretended to kiss his biceps.
“Thanks, but I’m from New York. I can hold my own against a country bumpkin. No offense.” She laughed and winked at him. Liam chuckled.
“Oh baby, you’re a firecracker.” He wiped tears from his eyes. “Now, what would you two like to eat tonight?”
“I’d like the lobster tail with asparagus with a glass of white.” She handed her menu to him before crossing her legs to turn her attention to me.
“I’ll take the filet mignon with the works. Can we have the jumbo shrimp with butter sauce for the appetizer?”
“All excellent choices. I will let the chef know that you’re here.” He flounced towards his next table. An awkward silence ensued as she fiddled with her napkin.
“How long are you staying in San Antonio?”
“I don’t know. As long as Delilah lets me bunk in her spare bedroom.” With that, she went back to her napkin. I knew I should’ve made a list of safe topics to cover.
“Have you always lived in New York?”
“Yep, except when I was in college.” She sighed and recrossed her legs. “Have you always lived in the middle of nowhere?”
“I lived in Mongolia, for a while.” I leaned back in my chair to take in her full reaction.
“What?” Her eyes went wide as she inclined towards me. Her lips made a perfect little O.
“Just kidding. I haven’t lived there, ever. I moved back from Chicago a few years ago. My grandfather died and Nanna needed someone to help her with everything.” A lump formed in my throat making it hard to swallow. I gulped the ice water to ease my aching throat. Shivers ran up my spine from the coldness.
“Don’t you miss it?” She leaned her elbows on the table.
“Sometimes. There isn’t a lot going on in Sunnydale, but I love the ranch and Nanna. They raised me so I want to take care of her.”
Liam came over and filled our water glasses. He set a steaming plate of jumbo shrimp between us, swept into a flamboyant bow, and backed away. The aroma of garlic butter and deep-fried shrimp filled the air between us. My mouth watered just looking at them.
“These are delicious.” Melanie dabbed at her mouth in between bites, leaving rose-colored lipstick on the white napkin.
“I’m glad you like them.” I speared a shrimp with my fork and fed it to her. Her lips closed around the fork. A moan came from the back of her throat. Her eyelids fluttered shut to add to her enjoyment. Watching her sent tingles through me.
“What were you doing in Chicago? That’s a long way from home.”
“I was an engineer for a manufacturing company.” I slid the plate over to her so she could have the last one.
“Are you still an engineer?” Her eyes glinted weirdly.
“Yes,” I said hesitantly. “It’s not something that they usually take away from you.”
“No, I mean are you an engineer at the factory?”
“Yes, I’m an engineer for S.D. Manufacturing.”
“So that must pay good.” She said, almost to herself.
I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. I haven’t been on a first date in a while, but I didn’t think that we would discuss salaries. This was getting weird.
“Why is that important?”
“Um, I just thought you worked at the factory.”
“I do”
“An engineer, that’s pretty impressive. You must be very smart.” She turned a full wattage smile at me and fluttered her long eyelashes.
“Ah, thanks.” A pit in my stomach formed. I liked this girl, but was she looking for a man with money? I didn’t need that.
Liam arrived with our steaming plates and set them in front of us. “There is a lot of tension at this table.” He waved his arms around. “How about talking about how much you love your server?”
“Liam, I think you’re a doll.” Melanie purred.
“Now that is what I’m talking about!” He flounced away.
“So, Melanie, what do you do?”
“I was a seamstress for Mary Lou’s Boutique. They sold high-end fashion gowns and wedding gowns.” She speared her lobster and popped it into her mouth. “Wow. This lobster is amazing. It just melts in your mouth.”
“Was?” I cut into my steak and took a bite. It was perfectly done. Brown on the outside and pink and juicy on the inside with a bit of butter on top. The spices were perfect. The meat melted in my mouth as my taste buds leaped for joy.
“Yeah, I lost my job when they were bought out by a corporation.” Her fork moved the asparagus around on her plate. The crease came back between her eyes as she glared down at her food.
“What are you going to do now?” For a moment, my food was forgotten as I stared at the sad, slightly bitter, woman across from me. “Have you thought about staying here and looking for a job?”
“Uh no. I don’t want my career to die a slow and painful death. This isn’t New York. I don’t want to design the latest fashion in denim jackets or cowboy boots.”
“Ouch, that was a little mean.”
“Yeah, well, my life’s in shambles and I don’t know what to do. My parents’ have always controlled everything I do, and now I just want to do my own thing! So, thanks but no thanks.” She stood up abruptly. “Excuse me. I’m going to the restroom.”
Nice, Pete. Upset her on the first date. I ate the rest of my meal in silence and alone. I glanced at my watch; she’d been gone for at least ten minutes.