The Naive Bumblebee

by Holly Smith

  “Well, thank you for explaining that.”

  “Bumblebee, c’mon. Relationship endings are no fun for anyone no matter what the reason. Even if it is amicable, both people feel like losers, whether they want to admit it or not. At least you know it’s over, it wasn’t your fault, and you can move on, right?”

  Vince sounded so hopeful to her that Nelise didn’t have the heart to say how she felt about him at the moment.

  “Yes, at some point,” she said simply and waved to the waitress. Vince interrupted again.

  “Bumblebee, don’t you think you’ve had enough to drink today? How about we order a little something to eat?”

  “Because I don’t want to eat, Vince; I want to get drunk and if that’s not OK with you, drop me home and I’ll drink by myself.”

  They were the last customers to leave Marbles and Vince helped Nelise get into his truck and clicked the seatbelt just before she passed out.

  “You know, Bumblebee, I was talking about you as my dream girl. I start my day thinking about you and spend my nights dreaming of you. At least maybe now I have a chance to get with you. I’m glad you called me even though you treat me so coolly,” he told her, knowing full well she wasn’t hearing a word of it.

  When they got to her apartment, he retrieved the keys from her purse, carried her inside and laid her on the loveseat.

  “I’m sorry for your hurt feelings, Nelise, but I’m glad to know that your ex-boyfriend is out of the running,” he said.

  Vince then locked himself out and went home. I’d better call tomorrow morning and get her up for work.

  Chapter 35

  Nelise woke up with a severe headache to the ringing of the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Bumblebee, how are you this morning?”

  “Vince? Why are you calling me?”

  “I’m making sure you wake up in time to get ready for work. That is, if you’re even going. I’m sorry you got drunk last night but I’m glad it was with me. I’ve got to get going; talk to you later,” he said and hung up.

  “Oh! I did get drunk with him!” she exclaimed, thankfully noticing she was in the living room. What the heck did I say last night? How much did I tell him? Oh pitiful me, what am I going to do with myself?

  Thanks to Vince, she did make it to work on time.

  When Petal arrived, she went to Nelise’s office and peeked in.

  “Whoa! Look what the cat dragged in here!” she exclaimed, rushing in and closing the door behind her.

  “Nelise, you’re a mess! Who did you go out drinking with last night and don’t deny it, it’s obvious. Didn’t I tell you to call me?”

  “Sure, would you have gone out drinking with me without Byron?”

  “No, I guess not. So, who was it? Your aunt?”

  “Ugh. I guess I might as well tell you because you’ll find out sooner or later.”

  “Vince! You went out drinking with Vince? Hallelujah! So how did it happen?” Petal asked, clapping her hands and sitting down expectantly in front of Nelise’s desk.

  “Petal, you nosy broad, it’s all I can do to be here today. Do you want to go out for supper after work and I’ll fill you in? I’d rather not talk here, or in front of Byron for that matter.”

  “Yeah, sure, I’ll tell him I’ll be home late. See you later then,” she said, letting herself out and closing the door ever so gently with a knowing smile.

  At the restaurant, Nelise ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and hot tea.

  As Petal was chewing her salad, she stared at Nelise.

  Nelise noticed the stare as she brought the tea to her lips. “What?”

  “Let’s have it, Nelise. I can’t take the suspense anymore,” Petal said. “Who called who?

  That’s what I want to know first.”

  “I called him.”

  “What? You didn’t! Tell me more,” Petal said, setting her sweet tea down immediately.

  “First of all, I went to a restaurant for lunch and who came in but Loyle.”

  “Really? Where was that?”

  “Where is not important. He was with someone so I caught him coming out of the men’s room but he didn’t have time to talk and they were leaving the next day.”

  “Why couldn’t you talk with him that evening?”

  “Because he was with his friend and I didn’t want to cause any trouble.”

  “Hey! Girlfriend or not, he owes you an explanation. I would not have been concerned about her at all,” Petal said, angrily pointing her finger at the imaginary girlfriend.

  “It wasn’t a girl,” Nelise finally said.

  Petal looked at her blankly.

  “What?”

  “He was with a man.”

  “Oh? So what was the problem?”

  “I saw them in an embrace, OK?”

  “I don’t understand why he was asking you out then. Didn’t you guys have a thing going?”

  “We were dating but he hadn’t ever kissed me.”

  “Didn’t you ever ask him why? What kind of a relationship is that?” Petal asked, dumbfounded.

  “I didn’t ask because I was afraid of what the answer would be.”

  “Just what kind of answer did you imagine was so horrible that you wouldn’t ask, Nelise? I don’t understand.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe I thought he just needed time. Maybe I might have found out he was just being nice to the f-f-f . . . , me,” she slowly admitted.

  “What a complete drag for you, Nelise. Well, whatever, it’s time to move on. Leave the past in the past and start over. You have a wonderful guy waiting for you and I’m sure he and you will create a much better life together. Now’s the time to go for it, girl,” Petal said emphatically. “But then, what happened when you went out drinking with Vince? Was he a perfect gentleman?”

  “I have to admit, he was. I got totally drunk and passed out in his truck. I woke up the next morning on my couch when he called me.”

  “Awww, how sweet,” Petal said, beaming as if Vince were her son.

  “He wanted to make sure I woke up in time to get to work and that’s the only reason I made it.”

  Petal looked at her watch and took a few gulps of tea.

  “Nelise, I have to get home and help Byron get ready for another business trip. I’m sorry about Loyle but I’m glad it’s all settled and you’re dating Vince now. I’m relieved as a matter of fact. Let’s talk again later.”

  Nelise went home determined to talk with Esleen.

  “Nelise, glad to see you. How are you?”

  “Well enough.”

  “You’ve been up and down the emotional scale. What’s going on?”

  “It seems to me that lately all I do when I come here is talk. I used to like to do different things but my life is upside down out there and I’ve run out of steam.”

  “That’s not it. You haven’t been coming here regularly as I suggested so when you do, your thoughts are all over the place. What could we do that would be fun and take your mind off everything for just a little while?” Esleen asked.

  “I’ve always wanted to fly a kite on the beach. Let’s do that,” Nelise said suddenly.

  “Wonderful!” Esleen exclaimed and whisked them off to the oceanfront where there were two kites waiting for them, one with a picture of a bumblebee outlined in gold.

  “Oooh, I like that one,” Nelise said, grabbing it up and running with it in the wind like a happy young girl.

  When the wind died down and the sun began to set, they gathered their kites and sat on a blanket. Nelise felt invigorated again, having had no thoughts in her mind other than flying the kite and having fun.

  “That was great! Right now, I feel like I don’t need anyone in my life as long as I have you, Esleen.”

  “In fact, that’s true, but do you remember telling me that you wanted a relationship?”

  “Ha. Yes, I did, and I really do want to be in one . . . , eventually.”

  “Eventually?”

&nbs
p; “I thought I was ready but now I’m not so sure.”

  “Why?”

  “I just lost the man I wanted a relationship with who would have been wrong for me anyway; my marriage was a failure, and now I’m afraid I’ll attract another wrong one,” she admitted.

  “It was your fault, though unintentionally, that you lost the last one. You are still gathering information during the shift and when you have enough, you will be with the right one.”

  “My fault? How could I have known he was gay?” Nelise asked resentfully and found herself back in the chair.

  “This is maddening. I need help!” she yelled.

  “Nelise, I’m here; why are you yelling?” asked MG.

  “Esleen just told me it was my fault that my last relationship ended. How could she say that? I thought she was on my side.”

  “She is absolutely on your side. You are not feeling it because you haven’t been in Garden regularly,” MG explained.

  “Ugh! I can’t get into Garden and stay there when my feelings are screwy.”

  “Do you remember what to do in that case?”

  “Send everyone to the Great Hall of Light.”

  “Yes, I knew you did,” MG said. “The more you stay out of Garden, the more challenging it will be to handle the effects of shifting.”

  “Yes, I’m beginning to get that,” Nelise said sourly knowing she’d find herself back in the chair again.

  I don’t care; I’m going to make a life for myself without Esleen’s help. I’ve got a good man now who wants me in his life so things are going to be different. As soon as she had that thought, she felt a wave of sadness pass over her. Goodbye, Loyle, wherever you are. I send you to the Great Hall of Light. It didn’t work; he’s still in my heart. It’s never going to work because I don’t “want” to send him anywhere, Nelise acknowledged to herself. At least I’m being honest. Whatever, I’m done with this for the night.

  Nelise made herself a cup of tea and sat at the kitchen table to contemplate why Esleen had said what she did. The phone rang and she answered it.

  “Hello, Vince.”

  “Hi, Bumblebee; how was work today?”

  “It was rough but I toughed it out. How about you?”

  “It was a good day but then I didn’t drink as much as you. Next to you, I’m a lightweight. What are you doing tomorrow after work?”

  “Why?”

  “I thought I would make supper for you since we live so close to each other. Why eat alone?”

  “What time shall I be there?” Nelise asked without hesitation.

  “I’ll come get you at seven.”

  “I’ll just drive over there since you’re doing the cooking. See you then,” she stated and hung up. There you go, Vince, thank you for teaching me that useful tactic, she thought and smiled.

  Chapter 36

  Vince opened the door smiling.

  “Hey, Bumblebee, dinner’s almost ready. I forgot to ask what you liked so I just made what I made. If you don’t like it, I’ll order a pizza,” he said, leading her to the kitchen table.

  “What are we having?”

  “Tuna casserole the way my mom used to make it,” he said, handing her a glass of sparkling water. “I cut up some cucumbers and tomatoes too.”

  “Sounds good. I’m not that picky with food,” Nelise said and then wished she hadn’t, fearing the kind of conversation that usually follows a statement like that. To her relief, nothing came of it.

  They ate dinner and talked about work. Afterward, Vince put the dishes into the dishwasher and placed some cookies on the coffee table in the living room.

  “I have coffee, tea, or grape juice. What’s your preference?”

  “Tea, and I’ll make my own if you don’t mind,” Nelise said, getting the cream out of the refrigerator.

  They stood at the counter making their drinks and Vince put his arm around her shoulders and gave a squeeze.

  Nelise smiled, brought her tea into the living room, and sat in the easy chair.

  “There’s one rule in this house, Nelise. The easy chair is always mine,” Vince said standing over her and waiting for her to move.

  She moved to the sofa with her tea with no reaction.

  “Aren’t you going to ask me why?” Vince asked.

  “It’s your house; why should I?”

  “To know me better; aren’t you even curious?” Vince persisted.

  “OK, why?”

  “Because I injured my back long ago and I’m not comfortable in cushy chairs and sofas. I need something firm and easy to get up from. That’s why,” Vince explained.

  “Oh, sorry to hear that. What happened?”

  “I fell from a roof when I was in the moving business. Luckily, all is well now, just some discomfort at times. What about you? Any stuff from the past you want to share, barring your past relationship, that is?”

  No, nothing that I want to share with you, Nelise thought.

  “Vince, are you up for a motorcycle ride? I would love that.”

  Vince’s eyes lit up.

  “Always!”

  Vince drove around town showing her places to shop and eat and then pulled into the parking lot of an ice cream parlor. When he stopped, Nelise’s stomach tightened.

  “Vince, I’m still full from dinner. Can we do ice cream another time?”

  Vince laughed. “I don’t want ice cream at all. I was trying to extend the evening but you’re right, another time.”

  When they returned to his house, Nelise got off the bike and handed him the helmet.

  “Thank you, Vince; it was fun . . . and thanks for dinner. Have a good day tomorrow,” she said, jumping into her car and rolling down the window.

  “You’re welcome, Bumblebee,” he said, placing the helmet on the back of the bike and going into the house.

  Well, that was brilliant, Nelise. You sure know how to warm up a relationship. Ugh. I am so pathetic. What is my problem? I must go to Garden.

  “Nelise! Welcome back. You look a little befuddled.”

  “I am. I want a relationship with the guy I’m presently dating but I’m not comfortable when I realize that he really likes me. My defenses go up even though I don’t mean them to. That’s not the way it was with Loyle,” she said sadly.

  “What does Loyle have to do with it?”

  “It was easier with Loyle.”

  “You had a long time to get used to Loyle. Either you will become more comfortable with this man over time or either one of you will drop away.”

  “You make it sound so simple.”

  “It is if you don’t muddy the waters with your past.”

  “Yeah, that’s the catch. Any helpful tips?”

  “Look at him as a being who shifted into this sphere as you did. Something brought the two of you together. It will become clearer with time.”

  “OK, Esleen: I will try to be patient,” Nelise said with a yawn and left. She got into bed. Will Esleen ever stop talking about the dern shift, she questioned and fell asleep.

  Petal met up with Nelise in the break room at work the next day.

  “How are things with Vince?”

  “Well enough.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, why?”

  “I was just downstairs dropping off some items for a client and saw Jaelynn handing Vince a piece of paper. They were chatting and he put it into his jacket pocket. I’m thinking it was her phone number. You know she’ll go after him the first chance she gets.”

  “Well, if that’s the kind of woman he wants, then he doesn’t belong with me,” Nelise said coolly while her insides felt tighter than a drum.

  “That’s it?”

  “What am I supposed to do? Run after him?” Nelise asked with crossed arms.

  “Well, do something to let him know you care; don’t just leave him adrift for any woman to pull to shore! Or don’t you care as much as I thought you did, especially since Loyle is out of the running?”

  “Ugh,” Nelise
said blankly. She turned around and left.

  Just before the end of the day, Nelise called Petal back.

  “Yes, Nelise?” Petal answered stiffly.

  “Petal, I’m sorry. I was startled by what you said and couldn’t get my thoughts together. I want to do something after work. Would you go with me since Byron is away anyway?”

  “What?”

  “You’ll see. Would you mind driving to my apartment so I can leave my car and have you drive me?”

  “I guess not, OK.”

  Nelise directed Petal to a small shop parking lot and Petal followed her up to the door of a tattoo parlor.

  “What? Are you serious? Has someone taken control of your mind?” Petal asked, stopping in her tracks.

  “Ha, no. It’s the new me. I’m a little nervous so would you hang out with me while I get it done?”

  “For sure. I’ve got to see this myself!” Petal said, following Nelise into the building.

  “It came out nicely,” Petal said as they were leaving. “I’m sure Vince will like it since he’s always calling you Bumblebee.”

  “Do you think it will win me some points?”

  “I would think so. When are you going to show him?”

  “I called him from work and we have plans to go to a play Saturday night. I think that will be the perfect time.”

  “Yes! Byron will be home Saturday afternoon. You and Vince come over after the play so he can see it too,” Petal suggested.

  “All right. I’ll tell him we’re going to your house for coffee,” Nelise said with a wink.

  “I’ve often thought of getting one myself but I shy away from pain,” Petal said with a laugh as Nelise got out of her car.

  “See you tomorrow, Petal, and thank you.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it!”

  Chapter 37

  After the play, Vince and Nelise stopped at Petal and Byron’s house.

  “C’mon in, I made some crackers and dip and there’s beer in the fridge,” Petal said.