Straight No Chaser- The Beginning

by Devin Nishea

  When I did come to church I never came to the early service, the later the service was better for me.

  “Yeah, I was up early today so I decided to go ahead and get my day started,” I told him.

  “Well, it’s good to see you,” he assured me.

  My parents had a meeting after service so we parted ways. As I was walking out of the church I stopped to talk to various people I hadn’t seen in forever. When I finally got outside to get to my car, I looked over and who do I see? Mr. Handsome. He saw me and came over to my car.

  I shake my head at him and asked, “You are stalking me?” We both laughed.

  “No ma’am, I’ve been visiting here the past month,” he said.

  “Oh, wow, really?”

  “Yep. So far I love it!” he said.

  “That’s great!”

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “Not a thing.”

  “Is this your first time here?” he asked.

  I smirked and said, “Nope. I actually grew up in this church.”

  His eyes lit up.

  “Isn’t that something? Ms. Zen, I think the stars are lining up,” he said.

  “Lining up for what?” I asked.

  Isaiah laughed, “Xenia, Xenia. So how’d dinner go with your friend the other night?”

  As I was scanning the parking lot, I spotted my parents coming out of the church. My mom looked and saw me talking to Mr. Handsome.

  Oh, great, I could hear our conversation later. I looked back at him quickly.

  “Dinner, oh, we had fun catching up. Listen give me a call later? I forgot I had to be somewhere in 45 minutes,” I said frantically.

  I didn’t even stick around to see what his response was, I jumped in my car and left.

  As soon as I got onto the road my phone rings. I didn’t bother looking to see who it was.

  “Hey ma,” I said.

  “Nope, not mama…” the male voice said. It was Isaiah.

  “You okay? You sped away so fast. I wanted to invite you to brunch.”

  “Isaiah. Sorry for being rude, I just…I saw my parents and, since my mom tries to sell me off to the highest bidder, I didn’t want her interrogating either of us,” I admitted.

  “I understand. My mom can be like that too,” he laughed.

  “She’s going to interrogate me anyway the next time she talks to me. But no need subjecting you to that today.”

  I was hoping Mr. Handsome was going to “forget” about brunch, since we were talking about my mother.

  “So, about brunch today?” he asked again.

  “Isaiah, I have to be completely honest with you. I know you said you’re separated but you’re still married AND you’ve only been separated a short time. I am not going to risk letting my guard down to get hurt. I can’t do it,” I said.

  After telling him that I felt some relief and some of the weight I was carrying had definitely lifted off my shoulders.

  There was silence.

  “Is there anything wrong with us being friends?” he asked.

  Typical response.

  “Friends? Sure, I’d like that.”

  In the back of my mind I was thinking I needed to be extra careful with this one. It felt like he had something up his sleeve.

  “Well, good. So, what’s wrong with two friends getting something to eat?” he asked.

  I knew that was going to be his next line. But I had to give it to him, he was persistent.

  I shook my head, smirked and let out a sigh.

  “Isaiah, I can’t today,” I told him.

  I honestly couldn’t make it to brunch with him or anyone else for that matter.

  “Alright, Ms. Xenia, you’re missing out on some great company,” he said.

  He sounded disappointed.

  “I know exactly what I’m missing out on,” I said.

  We both laughed.

  “Oh yeah, that’s right you’re making that banana pudding today, right?” he asked.

  I laughed again, “Yep, sure am. You aren’t going to let up are you?”

  “Nope,” he simply said.

  “Maybe we could meet for lunch next week,” I offered.

  “You’re killing me, Xenia,” he said.

  I was trying my best to stay away from Mr. Handsome. I know my weaknesses when it comes to men and he was everyone of them. Smile. Toned build. Ambitious. Intelligent. Sense of humor. Yeah, I needed to continue being by myself for a while. If that meant blowing him off, then so be it.

  “Awe, I’m sorry,” I said. I turned into the grocery store parking lot. I was glad I didn’t have to shop for food. All I needed was champagne and juice then off to my house for a relaxing day.

  “Okay, Isaiah, I’ve reached my destination. So, I’ll hit you back later,” I told him.

  I ran into the grocery store, picked up what I needed and rushed home to get everything started.

  After getting home, I decided to go for a quick run before I started my mimosas and dinner. I changed into my running tights. I put my roast in the crock pot before leaving out so that would be one less thing I’d have to worry about when returning.

  While I was running, I thought about how blessed I was to live the life I was living. Then Isaiah’s face flashed in my head. Oh my gosh!! NO, NO, NO! This can’t be happening. I stopped running to get myself together. I found a bench to stretch my legs before I hit the pavement again. Running was supposed to take the edge off. It wasn’t; not with him flashing in my head.

  I started running again and headed back home. Needless to say, I was exhausted after running five miles. I stretched in my drive way before going back into the house. When I walked back into the house, the aroma of the roast was already creeping through every nook and cranny. I couldn’t wait to eat later. I walked into the kitchen to get a better smell of dinner and a bottle of water.

  I cleaned myself up and got back in the kitchen to finish up dinner. I threw some baby carrots in with the roast and peeled the potatoes to boil for my famous garlic mashed potatoes. I decided to sauté my asparagus right before serving dinner, so I put those to the side. After all of that was done, I started the banana pudding. I had to be careful not to make too much especially since it’s only me that lives in the house. I couldn’t eat too much. I was working way too hard to maintain the weight I lost.

  Everything was done and now I could rest up a bit. I decided to call my parents to invite them for dinner and I also called to remind Amy as well.

  Now, it was time for mimosas. Then I realized I did it again. Forgot to eat! Who does that!? I fixed eggs and toast and it was divine; I was famished. I sat in front of the TV and caught up on my movies I’d missed during the week.

  After three mimosas I decided to slow down, as I drifted off to sleep.

  I woke up to my phone ringing. I looked at my phone and saw it was Jake. I let him go to voicemail. I was not up to being on my defenses with him this afternoon.

  “God what does he want?” I exclaimed out loud.

  I cleaned up my plate from my eggs and went into the kitchen to check on things. The roast still had another hour or so and I snuck a taste of the mashed potatoes and almost slapped myself, they were so good!

  When everyone arrived for dinner, I offered them something to drink. Amy came in and fixed herself a mimosa. I braced myself for the ‘who was that man you were talking to after church’ conversation. But, thank God, mom never brought it up and neither did I.

  I could not have asked for a more complete day before going back to work.

  Chapter 14

  “So Xenia, where’s Jake been?” mom asked.

  Oh the dreaded conversation was going to happen whether I liked it or not. I avoided it for good reason.

  “Well…Hello, mom, how are you?” I replied.

  “Mmmhmm, I’m fine. Now answer the question. I have been more than patient. I’ve noticed he hasn’t been around and I got real suspicious when I saw you talking to that young man after church the
other Sunday. Yes ma’am, I saw you dart away from him when you saw me coming out of church. Now spill it,” she demanded.

  Well, there it was, the other shoe finally dropped. Since I didn’t prepare for this moment, there was a long pause of silence. I hate when she catches me off guard.

  “Yes mom, we broke up months ago,” I said.

  “I figured that when he wasn’t at Sunday dinner. What happened, child? You know what I’m asking, stop playing dumb,” she said.

  “Mom, we just didn’t work out, now please leave it alone,” I begged. I have a big day today at work and I don’t want this on my mind,” I told her.

  “You shouldn’t go through stuff alone, child.”

  “Ma, I’m not going through anything alone. It’s just a break up and yes, I was hurt when it happened, but I’m getting better every day. I’m dealing the best way I know how,” I assured her.

  “Well that man you were talking to has been coming to the church regularly, maybe you should go out with him,” she said.

  Little did she know.

  “Ok, Ma. Ma. I have to go now. I just pulled into the parking lot at work. I love you,” I said as I hung up the phone.

  That lady doesn’t let up. If I know my mom, she’s going to find out all she can about Mr. Handsome to fix us up. Oh my goodness. Oh well, can’t do anything about it now.

  As I was walking into work, my phone rang again and I just knew it was my mom. I looked down and saw that it was Mr. Handsome. I had been avoiding his calls for a couple of weeks now. I was not trying to get involved with this married man; separated or not. I am entirely too vulnerable to be around this fine man.

  I walked into work and my assistant almost tackled me when she saw me coming. I could see how my morning and possibly entire day was going to go by her actions. Sarah gave me my messages, which were more than usual. This many calls since 8 AM!? I was overwhelmed already.

  Sarah buzzed into my office and said, “Xenia, you have a phone call from an Isaiah? He said it was very important.”

  I rolled my eyes and let out a deep sigh.

  “Sarah, please let him know I’m in a meeting and take a message,” I told her.

  “Will do.” she said.

  Not only was I avoiding his phone calls, but I was up to my eyeballs working on my first project as a Manager—a major acquisition and I did not have time to entertain him or anything he had to say.

  I knew how persistent Isaiah was so I was just waiting for Sarah to reappear.

  3…2…,”Xenia, he sounded…what’s the word…FINE!” Sarah exclaimed as she burst back into my office.

  Sarah had this knack of bursting into my office after ‘questionable’ phone calls she figured I was avoiding. Sarah was nosey, but she was also a great assistant and if I didn’t divulge information she knew not to cross the line or continue to push the envelope.

  I laughed, “Sarah leave it alone, please.”

  “Seriously, he sounded a little pressed to talk to you. So how long have you been avoiding his calls?” she asked as she sat down in the chair in front of my desk.

  I looked up from my work and by my facial expression she knew she needed to get back to the work on her desk before she was handed a pink slip. (Yeah right, I would never get rid of her, she was a God-send.)

  Sarah left my office shaking her head, but I knew she was going to try to see who Isaiah really was later when I wasn’t as stressed. But until then, back to work I went.

  I decided to take a break and to take a stroll around the office; to show my face and to talk to the employees. With my being in the new Manager on the block, I felt the need to make myself more noticeable and especially more approachable. After I spoke to a few employees, I couldn’t help but feel better about being a Manager. I knew every day would not be a bed of roses, but today was a good day.

  As I was walking back to my office, I noticed a few of the Managers speaking with Sarah.

  “Well, hello, everyone,” I said cheerfully.

  “Hello, Xenia,” they said in unison. We were just stopping by to check in and to see how the project was going,” George asked.

  I motioned for them to come into the office.

  “The project is going well so far. I thought I hit a road block, but I figured it out thank goodness!” I said.

  “Good, that’s what we like to hear.” Henry said. Just to let you know next week we’ll bring in the lawyers as well to work with you on this acquisition. We’ll keep you posted on when that will be.”

  “Ok that sounds great,” I said.

  “You’ll be working very closely with the legal team from this point forward as well,” Henry said.

  “Ok, that shouldn’t be a problem. And don’t worry I know this acquisition is very important and know what it will mean to the company,” I assured them.

  After they left my office, I felt even better because, although still new to the team, they weren’t micromanaging me.

  I stepped over to the window in my office to just take in the scenery. This was a beautiful skyline and I couldn’t wait to get out in the weather later for a run.

  Sarah came in and handed me a report and gave me the messages from earlier.

  “That Isaiah called again. All jokes aside, it sounded a little urgent,” Sarah said.

  I looked at her as she walked back out to her desk. I thought to myself, what could he possibly have to say to me that’s so important?

  Looking back at my view, I contemplated picking up the phone and returning the call. But if I did that, there’d be a chance I’d throw caution to the wind and not care about his separation. But I guess there’d always be that chance. This man’s presence was indeed one of my weaknesses. But how could that be? We’ve only really been around each other a few times. Ok, that settled it, I was not going to call him back, it was too risky and I needed time to recover from my relationship with Jake. I couldn’t afford to be risky right now. So, I opted not to call. Again.

  Another late day at the office meant another late run. Before it got completely dark I got in a few miles around the neighborhood. By the time I had gotten back home a car, other than mine, was sitting in my driveway. It was Jake. I rolled my eyes because he showed up unannounced. That’s my biggest peeve and he knew it. I ran into the drive way, out of breath, and stopped at his car. After realizing I was at his window, he put his phone down and got out of the car.

  Needless to say I was bothered by his lack of calling before showing up at my house. And he knew it.

  “How long have you been sitting out here?” I asked, out of breath.

  “Fifteen minutes maybe. I know you don’t like unannounced visits,” he said.

  So, he did remember that.

  I cut him off mid-sentence, “So, why’d you show up without a phone call first then?”

  “But I wanted to see you and you hadn’t really been taking my calls,” Jake said.

  “Ok, still no reason to just show,” I said. “So, what’s up?”

  “Truth. I miss you, Zen. I’ve been thinking. I want us to try again.”

  I was stretching and trying to cool down from my run. Working on that project at work really had me stressed and his showing up didn’t help.

  I saw his lips moving but surely he didn’t say what I think he said.

  “Excuse me?” I asked with a confused look on my face.

  “Zen, let’s…try again,” he repeated.

  “Yeah, that’s not going to happen.”

  “Why not, Zen? We’re perfect for each other.”

  “Perfect. You obviously didn’t think that when you were cheating on me. Clearly…” I said.

  “Zen, I’ve apologized for that over and over again. I shouldn’t have cheated. I’m sorry, but I know you’re who I want to be with,” he pleaded.

  “Really? Interesting.” I said walking towards my front door.

  Jake was following me like I was going to let him come inside. I turned around abruptly and glared at Jake.

&nb
sp; “Ummm, and you’re going where?” I asked.

  “I thought you were going to invite me inside so we could finish our conversation,” he said.

  “The conversation is finished,” I told him. “You had your chance and, yeah, you messed it up. I may have forgiven you for cheating, but that does not mean I’ve forgotten or that I would be crazy enough to trust you again. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

  I shut the door. With my back against the door, I didn’t move until I heard his car start. I looked through the peephole to be sure he was gone. I walked into the kitchen to check on any missed calls and for a bottle of water.

  No missed calls.

  As I was warming my dinner, I couldn’t believe Jake just showed up. He knows it’s a peeve of mine to show without calling first, but then to show up and try to talk to me about foolishness?

  I deserved better than someone who thought it was okay to cheat and lie to me. I had been working on forgiving him so I could move forward with my life. I hadn’t let everything go yet; that situation showed me I needed to work harder. I finished my dinner, showered and started working on my project.

  This was going to be a long night.

  Chapter 15

  After putting in what seemed like a thousand hours the previous week, I thought I was about to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The legal team was going to steer the project from here on out and all I needed to do was oversee things from this point.

  I was actually excited going into work today. I could finally take my foot off the peddle a little.

  On the way to work I called my mom since I hadn’t spoken to her in a while.

  “Hey, Ma, how are you?” I asked.

  “Hey, stranger, I’m good,” she responded.

  “How’s Dad doing?” I asked.

  “Oh, he’s good. He just left for work,” she responded. We missed you at church,” she added.

  “Yes, ma’am, I’ve been working long hours on an acquisition I’m leading and I hadn’t made time to breathe,” I told her.

  “Okay, I figured as much. How’s your health?” she asked.

  “My health is good, still running, of course, and trying to watch what I eat,” I responded.

  “Good, good…keep it up,” she said.