Bright Side

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Bright Side Page 19

by Rose Fresquez


  Bianca clamped her mouth closed, then opened and closed it again. Her face seemed to have several questions, but Mom kept rambling about Daisy, and how she wanted her to come hang out at the house more often. “I have to say, it's nice to have a little one around here again.”

  He wasn’t sure if Bianca planned to take Daisy tonight, but it would disrupt her sleep. “I can bring her to church tomorrow.” He normally attended church with his parents in Parker, while Bianca went to the same church as Renee and Ezra. From time to time, Andrew visited Bianca’s church, but only if Preston called him needing a ride to church.

  After the rooftop encounter, then Preston’s visit to the fire station, Andrew had met with the teen’s grandma and asked her to call him if she needed help with anything. Every now and then, she called, and Preston had agreed to join the mid-week youth services at Ezra and Jake’s church.

  “I’ll bring some clothes for her to change into...”

  “Actually...” Andrew ran a hand through his hair, trying to remember the names of the stores they’d shopped at. “We hit a few stores at the mall while we had lunch...we went to Jus...Justin, I think?”

  “Justice?”

  He lifted a hand to Bianca. “That’s the one, yes.”

  “What an odd name for a clothing store.” Dad rubbed his hands over his jeans.

  “It’s an all girls store,” Bianca explained. “I didn't know about it, and have never been there but some of Daisy’s friends talk about it all the time.”

  Bianca then turned and looked at Andrew, gratitude in her face, “You didn’t have to go shopping...thank you.”

  Andrew felt his chest puff a little at the compliment, and then shrugged. “It was nothing...really.”

  “How's Carmen feeling?” Mom asked, changing the conversation. “Will she and Mateo join us for the camping party in the mountains?”

  “They have to work.”

  “Isn’t that a hazard to Carmen’s injury?” Dad said. “You should discourage her from cleaning houses until after she recovers.”

  His parents didn’t know Carmen. She was not one to be talked out of anything she wanted to do.

  They asked about Bianca’s work, and the conversation flowed freely until Dad made an off topic comment. “I hear that widows and widowers have a hard time jumping into relationships...”

  Mom cleared her throat, but Dad continued, “Do you feel like you’re cheating on your husband when you go out with Drew, or did counseling help somehow?”

  This time it was Andrew’s turn to bury his face in his hand. He couldn’t make himself glance at Bianca for her reaction, so he whispered to her through gritted teeth, “That’s why I apologized in advance.”

  Mom fanned herself with one of her magazines when Andrew peeked through his fingers to look her way for any defense.

  “You know that... Bob doesn’t...” Mom stuttered. “I mean, I hope that...”

  “I didn't mean...” Dad lifted his hands up, “I was just curious and all... you don’t have to answer, but I don’t mean it for...” He ran a hand through his hair, then shook his head. “Forget it, forget it.”

  “You're sure you don’t need anything to drink?” Mom addressed Bianca.

  She finally accepted a glass of water. The air cleared after Bianca drank half a glass, and they all laughed when Dad entertained them with stories of his years as fire chief before he retired.

  Even as laughter echoed in the living room, Dad’s question still clouded Andrew’s thoughts of his future with Bianca. His mind spun with doubts while she went upstairs to check on Daisy, all the way until as he walked with her through the driveway.

  Did she feel guilty for being in a relationship with him? Did she compare him to John? Several questions buzzed in his mind, with no answers in sight unless he asked.

  The daylight had given way to darkness, but the front porch light and the garden lamps illuminated their path.

  “You're spoiling her,” Bianca said, not accusing, but stating the facts. Maybe talking about Daisy was better than bringing up her ex.

  “She’s a good kid,” he stated, thrusting his hand in his jean pockets. “It was worth it to see her laugh with me.”

  He expected an accusation, but she slid her hand through the crook of his arm and said, “Thank you!”

  “Don't mention it.”

  He breathed in the sweet scent of flowers when a gentle breeze swept the air.

  “I want to see the bike,” Bianca said when they approached his truck.

  She smiled while studying the purple bike in the back of the truck, fingering the handlebars. She looked up at him, tucking her loose hair behind her ears, and whispered, “Thank you.”

  Her warm breath against his neck sent a tingle through his body, and he remembered the chocolates he’d bought her. He grabbed her hand and dragged her around to the side of the truck. “I have something for you.”

  “You do?”

  He opened the back door, but upon seeing an empty seat, he remembered he’d put the bag of chocolates in Daisy’s bag. Good thing he had, otherwise the candy would be melted, given the warmth radiating from the car.

  “I’ll have to go back inside and get it.” He turned to face Bianca, an inch between them.

  She lifted her chin. “Can’t wait.”

  Her voice was so soft, and Andrew warmed with the urge to cup her cheeks. Taking advantage of the privacy the open door offered from onlookers on the street, he backed her into the side of the door and anchored his hands in her soft brown hair.

  “Been looking forward to doing this,” he said, brushing her lips with a soft kiss.

  “Me, too,” she whispered, then took charge when she flung an arm around his neck and pulled him to her for a deep and lingering kiss. Her hands moved to his hair, and he liked the way her fingers raked through it.

  Her boldness surprised him, but he loved the staggering sensation he felt when she kissed him possessively.

  This would be their third or fourth kiss since he’d kissed her in his office; he was losing track. Whenever he offered to pick up Daisy from Leila’s house to Bianca’s, he’d taken advantage of their goodbyes in his truck.

  They leaned back after the kiss, both breathing heavily, and stared at each other through dim rays of light, taking their time. At least his parents weren't as snoopy as Carmen.

  “Do you have some time to take a walk in the neighborhood?” he suggested after a contented silence.

  “I’d love to.” She stepped beside him, and he closed the truck.

  He pointed out the original homes in the area, and talked about the kids he’d grown up with who no longer lived on the street. “I rarely run into any of those kids I used to play with, except for one neighbor’s son, who’s a local cop.”

  “Leila is the only school friend I’ve stayed in contact with.” She talked about her busy lifestyle and overworking ever since she’d finished high school. “She and Renee are pretty much my only friends.”

  Andrew wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close to him, “I thought I was your friend, too.”

  “Hmm...” she chuckled nervously. “I think you’re becoming a lot more than a friend.”

  Her statement was an assurance that warmed and lifted his spirit.

  A soft breeze stirred from the mature trees that lined the street as they walked past two and three story homes that were spread far apart from each other. Almost every home had at least two full grown trees on the property.

  “I like that developers haven’t taken over this neighborhood,” Bianca said.

  “They’ve tried, but the community is actively fighting against it.” It was nice to enjoy natural scenery in certain parts of town without the infrastructure creeping up. “Speaking of houses...I lost the house. Got outbid again.”

  “Bummer!” she said. “It’s so hard to find a house these days. I know you’ll find something at some point.”

  “Maybe you can help me look?” he asked, testing.

/>   “So, the realtor sends you an email of the homes in your price range, and you go look at them?”

  “That’s the plan.” When he’d started out, he’d just wanted a two bedroom house, but now that he had Bianca and Daisy on his mind, he was starting to believe it was for the best that he hadn’t bought a two bedroom house already.

  “What kind of house are you looking for?”

  He shrugged. “Something that would suit a family. Someday, you and Daisy...” He stopped himself mid sentence, he was jumping the gun way too fast, he realized when she was silent for a while—so silent, doubt crept in his heart.

  “What would I do with my house?”

  He understood that it had memories of her and her husband, a house where her first child was born. “Keep it for Carmen and Mateo.”

  Just as he responded, it occurred to him that it might be too early to discuss their future, and house purchases. What if she didn’t want to spend a future with him?

  Blood rushed in his veins as panic coursed through his now racing heart.

  No way was he going through another formal proposal for an engagement. He raked his hair, gripped the back of his neck....Not everybody had his crazy practical ideas of finding someone you like and getting married as soon as possible.

  It was no wonder Callie ran for the hills, except they'd dated for four years and nothing had ever come out of it. This was exactly why he needed to know whether Bianca wanted to spend a lifetime with him. Going against his direct route, he decided to take the long way around to dig for answers.

  “What was John like?”

  Another silence. They strolled several moments before she spoke. “We were young. I always remember him as a teenager. I don't know what life would’ve been like as adults with a seven year old.”

  Andrew didn't know how to respond to that, other than reaching for her hand and squeezing it tight as they slowed their steps. “I’m sorry that your husband died so early, and that he never got the chance to meet his amazing daughter.”

  She exhaled slowly, her palms shaky.

  He had no idea what it was like to lose a spouse, but it was hard to picture himself losing Bianca, even if they were not married.

  Maybe it was good to talk about her past, to shed some light on their own future. He’d not mentioned John since their hike.

  “I’m never going to take John’s place, and I want you to talk about him all the time if that helps. I want to take care of you and Daisy, to love you... if you will let me.”

  She gave a painful chuckle, then sniffled. “To let you? Do I even have a choice?” she pulled her hand out of his, and swiped at her face. Not exactly what he wanted; he hoped he hadn’t offended her by any of his words. “You are like...I'm sure you know how you affect me by now.”

  She dug in her purse, and from the crackling of paper that she squeezed in her hand, then popped something in her mouth, Andrew was certain it was candy.

  This conversation was stressing her out, he could tell. He’d learned over the few months of knowing her that she kept a stash of candy or gum in her purse for her stress emergencies.

  He racked his brain for a less stressful topic to talk about, but she spoke before he could think of one.

  “There are no guarantees in life...”

  “Okay....” He had no idea what she meant by that.

  “With your job especially...it's hard to know if you will come out alive when you enter the flames.”

  Andrew took her trembling hands in his. Her fear was evident in her shaky voice, as well. He stilled and wrapped his arms around her. The wide street was silent. Being a neighborhood filled with seniors, they were all probably in bed at this time of night.

  Even if Bianca was right about the uncertainty his job brought, Andrew had stopped worrying about that the moment he gave up his engineering career and became a firefighter.

  He felt fulfillment with his job, serving the community and saving lives. But Bianca didn’t see it that way. He didn’t want her to worry about him when she had a daughter to worry about.

  She rested her head on his chest, her breath coming in shuddering gasps. He caressed her back, taking a few moments before he spoke. It was good that she’d expressed her fears. At least her best friends were married to firefighters—perhaps they could encourage her somehow.

  “Every time you worry about me....just pray, okay?” He needed that more than anything. “I could walk from here to there and get hit by a car. Accidents happen all the time.”

  When her silent sobs increased, Andrew realized then that their relationship still had major mountains to climb. Despite his practical way of thinking, he needed to accept that nothing worthwhile in life came easy.

  CHAPTER 18

  Daisy’s team won the soccer game with a score of 6 to 2.

  What a great way to end the season! Bianca closed her eyes to cherish the breeze that stirred underneath the tree where she stood, enjoying a break from the afternoon sun that had beat down on her during the game.

  She watched the parents a few yards away as they swarmed around Andrew, shaking his hand and handing him colorful envelopes she assumed to be Thank You cards for coaching.

  The kids had stuffed themselves with pizza and juice as soon as the game was over. Besides volunteering ten weeks of his time, Andrew had generously bought food for the kids as a way to celebrate their final game.

  With the mild crowd dispersing through the field and toward the parking lot, Bianca finally got a clear view of Andrew’s strong jaw and radiant smile as he shook Mateo’s hand before giving him a side hug. He then pulled Daisy in for a hug and squatted, peering at her. The scene painted a sweet daddy-daughter picture of a father imparting last minute instructions before sending his little girl off somewhere.

  Bianca’s heart swelled with contentment at the sight of Daisy’s wide smile when she flung her arms around Andrew’s knees.

  Although Mateo played at the Mexican restaurant with his band most Saturdays, he had today off after working six Saturdays straight, and he had offered to watch Daisy while Bianca and Andrew went on their date. She’d taken the afternoon off from the cafe.

  After Andrew’s advice about the importance of family, Bianca was more open to allowing Daisy to spend time with her uncle. She didn’t have much choice, really, since Mama had been working long hours, taking things slowly so she wouldn’t reinjure her leg.

  Daisy skipped ahead of Mateo as they headed toward her.

  “Be careful if you decide to take the bus today,” Bianca warned.

  “No te preocupes.” Don’t worry. Mateo gave Bianca a side hug. She opened her mouth, on the verge of asking what their evening agenda was, and if they took the bus, what side of town they were going to. She resisted the urge to ask and clamped her mouth shut. Her date with Andrew would only be two or three hours, and they would be back home in no time.

  “Have fun!” She pulled Daisy into an embrace, hugging her goodbye.

  “I asked my uncle to take me back to the arcade.” She’d only gone to the arcade twice with Andrew, but that was now her new favorite thing to do.

  Uncle didn’t have money to be going to an arcade, but again, he was a grown man, and would figure that out on his own. “That should be fun,” she said, then turned to Mateo. “Guarda tu teléfono.” Keep your phone handy.

  Mateo patted the pocket of his shorts. “Sí, señora.” Yes, ma’am.

  Since it was the coach’s job to clean the field after the game, Bianca wandered over to the field and started stacking up the orange cones. She also picked up a couple of balls, stashing them in the meshy bag.

  She couldn’t help but notice how her boyfriend was occupied with Sarah, who had her head leaned back as she let out a squeaky laugh.

  She’s literally flirting with Drew instead of just handing him the card in her hand and leaving.

  Bianca rolled her eyes as she crouched and picked up a ball, then shoved it in the bag.

  Sarah had sent out an em
ail to all the parents, including Bianca, asking for a contribution to Andrew’s group gift. It was a great gesture, but Bianca didn’t have all of the parent’s email addresses, or else she would’ve done it herself. Bianca had still contributed to the group gift, even though she’d already bought Andrew something else.

  When Sarah’s high-pitched laugh rang out again, Bianca all but flung a ball into the bag, and it bounced out and rolled back onto the grass. I’ve had enough of Ms. Redhead. She balled her hand into a fist, her heart steaming up, as her feet carried her to pick up the ball next to Sarah.

  Despite Andrew’s assurance of his love for her, it still bothered her to see another woman flirt with him.

  “Oh, hey, Babe?” Andrew said when she crouched to pick up the ball. “Let me help you.”

  She didn’t respond nor meet his gaze. She mostly didn't dare look at Sarah because she was afraid that today, she might not manage to fake a smile in greeting. She strode back to the bag, where she stuffed the ball.

  “Okay, bye!” she heard Sarah say, then managed to peek when the woman handed the card to Andrew.

  Her body stiffened when Sarah spread open her arms to give him a hug. She then exhaled slowly when Andrew stepped back and gave her a side hug. Bianca rolled her eyes again. Finally! How long did it take Sarah to do a simple task?

  “You did all the work for me,” Andrew observed, grinning when she glanced at him as he approached her.

  Bianca folded her arms, almost pouting. “Is your girlfriend joining us?”

  She hated her sarcasm and regretted the words, but it was too late to take them back. Goodness! She was no different than her seven year old.

  “Do I sense a little, teensy bit of jealousy there?” Andrew thrust his hands in the pockets of his basketball shorts, his lips lifting into a smile. “Do you want her to come?”

  She looked at the shaded trees in the distance, then to the other fields where coaches were hauling their bags and cones off the field, then shrugged. “You can do whatever you want...if you like all the attention from these women...”

  What am I doing or saying?

 

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