by Jenni Linn
"Victor!" I yell and rush towards him. I jump up and he catches me, hugging me while my feet dangle.
"Has someone missed me?" he asks.
"Yes!"
He sets me back on my feet, and I step back taking in his professional appearance. Movement behind him catches my eyes and Melissa comes into view.
"Hi Mel!" I say to her and give her a polite hug.
"Hi V. How are you?" she asks as I move away from her.
"I'm good."
They move further into the living room and greet everyone. I watch their retreating backs. Victor was always tall; he's the tallest of all my brothers. Melissa isn't much taller than me, so she only reaches his shoulders. Victor keeps ahold of Melissa’s hand as they greet everyone, and I find it completely endearing. I glance around the living room, and there's a space beside Vaughn, so I make my way over and plop myself down.
"Who's playing?" I ask looking at the game on the TV
"Seattle and Pittsburgh."
"Cool," I say, but it's really not. I watch ten seconds of it before I'm bored and declare, “This is boring."
"Shut up, V!" Vance yells at me.
"You shut up," I say lamely and look toward him. Chase is to his right, eyes on me, and Vance isn't even paying me any attention. Chase smiles. ‘What?’ I mouth to him.
He points at me. I shrug, and his smile widens.
"Dinner's ready!" my mom yells.
Dad pauses the game and jumps up from his recliner. We all follow behind him. The food is spread out among the table, and she's placing the big pot of mashed potatoes in the middle. With such a big family, we've always had a very large table, but they didn't take into consideration that girlfriends would be coming to dinner. There's a fold-out chair at the corner of the table and guess who has the pleasure of sitting there.
"Veronica, honey, you can sit at the corner," Mom informs me even though I already knew. I sit between Mom and Victor. Chase is on the other side between Vance and Vaughn. We're not a super religious family, and I haven't been to church in a couple of years now. However, when the whole family is together, my parents like to say a small prayer before digging in. Our father says a prayer of thanks, and we all jump at a plate of food and then pass it on to the person to our right. There's a lot of light chatter amongst the table, but it ceases when Victor clears his throat like he has an announcement to make.
"I have some pretty great news," He informs us then pauses, keeping us waiting.
"Melissa's father has offered me the job of lead accountant at his firm!" He smiles widely, proud.
I sigh in relief, smile wide, and rub his back. "Congrats bro!"
"Thanks, sis."
My brothers and Chase all praise him in congratulations. Mom is overjoyed. "Oh honey! That is wonderful! I am so proud of you!"
"That's great news, Victor," Our father agrees. "You'll still cover the family businesses?"
Dad. No bull. Victor nods. "Of course. Greg knows how important that is for you--and me."
"Greg, he's a good man!" Dad continues eating.
"That's quite a drive. Isn't his firm located in the city?" Mom is quizzical. I look at Victor as he looks over at Melissa, then back to Mom. "It is," he agrees. "That's why we've decided to move."
Everyone gets quiet. We have small surrounding cities, but the major city in which is being referred to here is a good hour and a half drive. While it's not in another state or across the country, it's still a bit devastating to know that he'll be so far.
Vance is the first one to speak. "Nice! Now we can go to the city and have a place to stay."
Victor laughs and looks at me. I muster up a weak smile, that he obviously sees through because he puts his arm around me and squeezes me to him. This makes me want to cry, but I hold the tears at bay.
"It's okay, V. I promise to visit, and you can come up anytime. There's a lot to do. You and Melissa can go shopping." I grimace. I'm not a huge shopper, and he knows this. He chuckles. "They have lots of shoe stores," he whispers. I smile. I do like shoes. Maybe not heels or platforms; anything stylish. I like my Converse and kick-ass boots. I nod, not daring to talk.
"I am so happy for you," Mom says. "But it's going to be hard with you so far away."
"I know, Mom. I know." Is all Victor says.
We all finish dinner, and my tummy is full. I rub my belly. "Mom, that was so good," I tell her. She pats my leg. "Thank you!"
"I have pie!" Mom informs everyone as she stands up, taking her plate, and then my empty one in front of me.
"I think if I eat anything else, I'm going to explode," I say and stick out my protruding belly. I glance up and catch Chase laughing at me. I quickly suck in my stomach and sit up straight. I forgot he was across the table. I look everywhere but at him. I’m totally embarrassed.
"Yeah, we better get going. We're going to go look at some condos tomorrow," Victor informs us.
"Oh okay," Mom says, a bit deflated, "How about some to go?"
"That'd be great," Melissa says politely. Mom goes about getting them some pie to take with them.
"I'd love some pie, Vivian," My father says.
"Of course, my love." Although my parents are old, they are still very much in love. I am thankful to have grown up in a household full of compassion. Many of my friends haven't been so lucky.
"Me too, Ma!" Vin speaks up.
"Vaughn, can you please get the dishes?" Mom asks as she places the pie in a container and a slice on a plate for dad. Vaughn sighs and grumbles to himself.
"Vaughn Joseph!" My dad says loudly which quiets Vaughn. I smile wickedly finding it amusing when my brothers get scolded.
"Chase, would you like some pie?" Mom asks him.
"Um no, ma'am. I'm pretty full yet," he tells her.
"Some to go then?"
"Love some!"
She brings small plates with a nice sized slice of pie for Vin and Dad. Then turns and walks back to the counter, bringing back two containers for Victor and Chase. Victor and Melissa stand up and move around the table saying goodbye to everyone. I give them both hugs as they leave.
Chase stands up and announces he is going to head out. "Thanks so much for dinner." He hugs Mom. The scene before me fills me with warmth. It's comforting to know that Mom already likes Chase. I think about confiding in her about my feelings for him, and his possible feelings for me.
"It's a pleasure, you know you're always welcomed here."
"Thank you," he says sincerely.
He turns to me, "Hey can I talk to you?" he asks.
I'm surprised, so I simply nod and follow him to the front door, and out into the dark sky. Nightly creatures are making themselves known with their chirping and clicking.
"I just wanted to talk to you about this week."
"Oh okay."
"I'll be by around seven. School starts at seven-twenty right?"
"Yeah."
"Do you have a ride home?" he asks.
"Yeah, Tay's gonna drop me off."
He nods. "Okay. If you need anything, you have my number."
"You don't have to do this, you know. I appreciate it, I really do."
"I know I don't have to. I want to."
This makes me smile. "Okay. Thank you."
"No problem. I'll see you in the morning then."
"Okay, see you." I turn to leave but stop when he says my name. I look back at him, curiously. "Yeah?"
"Three sugars."
My face crinkles in confusion, which makes him chuckle. "I like my coffee with three sugars."
"Oh!" I blurt out, getting what he means. "Alright!" He winks before getting in the truck. That wink is my downfall. HE is my downfall. I float into the house. My brothers and dad are back in the living room, finishing the game. Vance glances at me and his eyebrow arches. I know he's dying to know what that was, but I keep walking and take large steps up the stairs to my room. I change into my pajamas and crawl into bed. My phone is blinking, indicating there's a message. I unlock my
phone to find a message from Chase.
It simply says,
‘Sweet dreams’.
Date
I wake up before my alarm goes off, too anxious to get this day started. All because I get to spend a little time with Chase. Alone time with Chase. I try to shower quickly, then dress in my favorite jeans and pair them with a cute button-up plaid shirt. Downstairs, the house is quiet, except for some movement in the kitchen. Vin has already left for work and Vaughn is already at school. Vance most likely still asleep, and Dad off doing...whatever retired people do.
"Morning honey," Mom's greeting is cheerful.
"Morning'."
"You're up and ready early."
"Yeah." I sigh.
"Waffles?" she asks me from the stove.
My stomach is a nervous wreck, and I don’t want to push it. "No, I'm good." I start a pot of coffee, and my mother looks at me suspiciously. I don't normally drink coffee. I grab a granola bar from the cabinet, and the OJ from the fridge and pour a glass. I move to sit on a stool at the middle island.
"Is Taylor coming to get you this morning?"
"Uh, no. Actually, Chase is."
"Oh yeah? That’s very kind of him." She says nonchalantly, questioning without pestering, and I know this is my time to talk to her. I remain quiet, listening for any movement from upstairs or elsewhere. "No one's home and Vance won't be up for at least another hour...or two. Who knows with him." My mom is now facing me, her back to the countertop.
"I really like him," I rush out.
She smiles. "And I presume, he really likes you?"
"I think so."
She smiles even bigger, making the wrinkles at her eyes deeper. "Hmm," she hums. "I think so."
"Please don't tell them,” I motion upstairs, “They will destroy any chance of anything happening."
"Do you think this is wise, honey?" she questions. "He is your brothers’ friend."
"Probably not...no. But I can't help it. I really like him. They can't know, they can't." I'm becoming a bit desperate. "It's so new...it may be nothing."
"And when it becomes something?"
I shrug and take a bite of my granola.
"They're not trying to ruin your life. You know your brothers love you and want the best for you."
I nod. "I know, but I'm eighteen. I'm going to be graduating, and I haven't even been on a date! I haven't even had a boyfriend!"
"What about that boy Bobby?"
"Bobby?" I ask. "What? Who? Bobby Fisher?" She nods at the name. "Mom that was in, like, the third grade, and Vance scared him so bad he cried and never spoke to me again."
Mom found it amusing, "Ah, that's right. He had detention for the week. Brenda wasn't too happy."
"Why couldn't you have more girls?"
"I don't know Hun, ask your father."
"Ugh."
"I won't say anything to your brothers, but please be careful. I don't think they'd appreciate the lying and sneaking around. I wouldn’t. If it becomes something more, I don't think hiding it will have a good outcome."
"I have no idea where it's going. I just know I like him, and I think he likes me. I'll play it by ear."
Mom doesn't say anything else, and I finish my small breakfast. The kitchen smells like fresh coffee, and I go about making Chase a mug with three sugars. He never mentioned creamer, but he doesn't seem like a creamer kind of guy.
Mom is watching me. "What?" I ask.
"Nothing," she muses.
My phone pings, notifying me of a message. I quickly put the lid on the mug and rush to the island.
"He's here," I say out loud. I kiss my mom on the cheek. "Thank you."
"I'm always here if you need me."
"I know. Love you."
"Have a good day, sweetie. Love you more."
I slip on my Converse and grab my bag, slinging it over my shoulder and hurry out the front door. Chase's silver truck is parked right in front. I open the door and fling myself in.
"Hey," I say a bit out of breath. "Here."
"I was kidding, V!"
I shrug. "It's the least I could do." I didn't want to admit that I thought he was serious. "I didn't know if you liked cream, so it's just three sugars, like you said," I ramble on.
He laughs and then takes a sip. "Ah. Hot." He places the mug in the cupholder. "It's great! Thank you!" I take notice of his appearance--it's something I'm not used to. He has on a nice, wrinkle-free, button-down long sleeve shirt and he's wearing black slacks. Slacks! He looks older, professional, and it's like a look into the future. I definitely wouldn't mind seeing this every day, even though he's admitted he doesn't want to work with his father.
"What?" he asks.
"Ah. Nothing. You just look different."
He laughs. "Yeah. Welcome to adulthood." He puts the truck into gear and starts slowly maneuvering towards the end of the driveway.
"I can't imagine having to dress all professional," I say while looking out the windshield.
"I'll take this over my uniform any day. That shit's heavy. Those boots are no joke." I picture Chase in his uniform and I think I'd prefer him in that ensemble over his professional one.
"I'll be honest, I couldn't picture you at a pencil skirt and a button-up kind of job." He pauses, and rubs his chin, "Not saying that wouldn't be a great look for you.." That makes me smile, and I bite my lip to hide it.
"I don't think you ever said what you were going to college for. What are your plans?" I look over at him as he looks both ways before pulling out and starts heading in the direction of the high school.
"Umm...Liberal arts?"
He chuckles. "Really?"
"Yeah, why is that funny?"
"Not funny, just amusing."
"Because..."
He glances at me and shrugs. "It's just a typical major for college-bound students."
To be honest, I have no idea what I want to do. I thought maybe I would follow in Victor's footsteps, doing something business-related but I'm not sure. I turn to face him, feeling comfort in him, therein, feeling comfort in us. "I have no idea what I want to do," I tell him honestly.
"That's normal."
"Is it? I mean Tay knows what she wants to do, I thought I'd also know by now. I don't like this feeling of...unsettlement. I want to KNOW what I want to do with my life. Did you know you wanted to go into the Army?"
"No, but the decision didn't come lightly. My father wanted me to follow in his footsteps. Part of me joined in resentment; I didn't want to do what he wanted me to do. Obviously, it's more than that...the Army isn't something you do for fun. The drill sergeants aren't easy on you. They're in your face. You're crawling through mud and barbed wire. But it felt right. I'm still figuring out what I want to do. The Army has provided me with options. But I'm still following my father's path."
"I would never last in the Army."
"You'd be surprised what you're capable of."
Sadly, our drive was over way too soon, and I was pretty bummed that I had to get out of our makeshift cocoon.
School was school--mundane and dreadful--although something very unexpected happened. While sitting at lunch with Taylor and Jerry, a very cute senior--who transferred from another school at the beginning of the year--approached our little booth. Devin Watts slid in next to Taylor, across from me and Jerry, and started up a conversation with us. After a couple minutes he asked me out. Me! I, Veronica Russo, was asked out by another senior! I still can’t believe it. He is cute, athletic, and has great hair. But he has nothing on Chase. My enthusiasm disappears at the thought of Chase, and even thinking of saying ‘yes’ to this Devin floods me with guilt. Everything between me and Chase is so new, I still have no idea where it’s headed. I don’t really want to mess it up when it’s had no chance to begin. So while I declined, I did tell him that maybe we should get to know each other better before going out; become friends. He flashed me a wide smile, and spent the rest of the lunch period with us. He is funny and nice, and we ha
ve a lot in common.
As I hop into Taylor's Jeep, she is gleeful and excited from lunch. "Oh my gosh!" she keeps repeating it, making me laugh.
"It's not that big of a deal."
"Uh, yeah! It is." She starts up the Jeep but doesn't move to go anywhere, except grab her phone. Her fingers are furiously flying over the screen of her phone.
"Jeez, are you writing a book?”
"You'll thank me later," she says, then put her phone in her bag.
"What are you doing?" I ask, nervous, and on edge.
"Nothing," she sings.
"Oh my gosh! What did you do?"
"Just shut up!"
"Tayloorrr!" I whine.
She pulls out of the school parking lot. "I'm taking you to the garage, right?"
"Yeah."
"Kay!" She says excitedly, and then turns up the radio preventing any further conversation. Not long after, she pulls into the lot of Victor's Garage. She gets out and that makes me curious. "What are you doing?" I ask her as I grab my bag from the floor of her Jeep.
"Gonna wait with you until Wes is done."
"Good, you can do my homework," I tell her while pulling open the front door, causing the bells to ring.
She laughs, "I have my own but nice try."
Mark comes from the break room,"Good, you’re here! The phone has been ringing off the hook."
"And have you answered it?" I ask, dropping my bag on the floor.
He scoffs. "No, that's your job."
His response makes me roll my eyes. "You do realize that while I'm at school, it is your job to answer the phone."
"They left messages," he says then returns to the break room.
"Why doesn't your dad hire another receptionist?" Tay asks.
I shrug. "Who knows? Because he has me? He doesn't want to pay another person who will probably ask for more money than what he pays me. And I'm part-time. Plus, he has this system in place and most people know how it works."
I go about checking the messages on the machine, returning calls, and writing in appointments. Taylor is very quiet while she does her homework.
It's almost five, and I'm surprised she's still sitting here until the front door bursts open, making both of us jump.