“I will.”
He started toward the door.
“Wait, you aren’t leaving yet. Are you?” I didn’t hide the disappointment in my voice. After months, he was giving me a total of five minutes of his time?
“I have to. Melinda is going to be pissed. I told her I’d meet her at the mall to do some shopping before we left.”
“Shopping? The mall? You don’t magically combust when you go in there anymore?”
“I need clothes. They sell them there.” He smirked.
“You usually make mom get you stuff or you order online.”
“It’s different with Melinda.”
“I bet.” I rolled my eyes.
He didn’t catch my sarcasm. “It’s really different.”
“Then go meet her.” I tried to sound convincing. “I appreciate the tickets.”
He hugged me. “I promise we’ll catch up for real when I get back.”
“It’s fine. I’ll be busy with work anyway.”
“Good. You like working. You’re a weirdo like that.”
“You’re the weirdo.”
“Have fun. Those are good seats.” He pointed at the paper in my hands.
“I know. I’ll enjoy it.”
“Find someone to go with. Concerts suck alone.” He walked to the door. “And stop by and see Mom. She’s worried about you.”
“Yeah, I know. She’s always worried.”
“Exactly. If she wasn’t, I’d be worried, but that doesn’t change anything. Go see her. I’ll see you soon.” He walked right back out the door.
I stared at the sheet of paper in my hands. I hadn’t gone to see a real show in ages. Years. The upside was this was a show where I probably wouldn’t be the oldest one there. I assumed they brought in mostly the nostalgia crowd. Nile was right about one thing. Concerts did suck when you went alone. I learned that the hard way in college. Hopefully now that we were officially friends, it wouldn’t be too hard to convince Leo to go. Otherwise I’d be forcing Clay. I’d never heard back from Brent, and I wasn’t pushing anything in that department. Sending mixed signals was never a good thing.
I retied my pony tail and changed into a fresh t-shirt before heading back over to the record store. I knew he didn’t really care what I looked like, but showing up super sweaty didn’t sound appealing.
The drive to the record store was a few minutes longer from my new place, but it didn’t take too long. I parked in my now usual spot the second row back from the store. I locked the car and headed inside.
I didn’t see anyone at the desk, so I decided to pick up where I left off with the CDs while I waited.
“Hello, can I help you with something?” An unfamiliar voice called while I was making my way through the half-price section.
I looked at a man probably in his seventies. I recognized him, and I was pretty sure he was the owner.
“Hi. I was just looking around.” I put the CD back I was holding. “Is Leo in today?” I was suddenly regretting not calling first.
The man’s face slowly twisted into a smile. “No. He’s off today.”
“Oh. Ok.” I turned back to the CDs. So work wasn’t the reason he couldn’t help me move.
“You a friend of his, or you need him for something related to the store?”
I turned back to him. “Both. He’s helping me fix a tape, but also he’s a friend.”
He nodded. “Ok. Well if you need anything let me know.”
“Thanks.” I returned to the CDs hoping my face didn’t reveal how embarrassed I was to be asking for Leo.
“He’s a good guy if you can get beneath those walls of his.”
That got my attention and I turned back around fully. “His walls?”
“Yes, I am sure if you haven’t hit them yet, you will eventually. But just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not worth the effort.”
“The effort to what?” I played stupid.
“Should I tell him you stopped by?” He didn’t fall for my act.
“No. That’s okay. Thanks.” I walked toward the door.
“Wait. What kind of tape trouble are you having?”
“Just a broken cassette tape. Leo has a friend who’s helping.”
“What tape is it? I may be able to replace it for you.”
“It’s a recorded one. Can’t be replaced.” I smiled. “But thank you.”
His face turned solemn. “Maybe it can’t be replaced, but you can find another. I assure you of that.”
“Yeah, not this one.”
He shrugged and his expression softened. “Have a nice day.”
“You too.” I walked out and back to my car. That had been a far more awkward trip to the store than I’d expected.
Ten
I hadn’t discussed an official start date with Clay, so I made my own. After a few moments of debate I decided to stay casual for my first day of work. I assumed he didn’t have a dress code in place, and it was already mid-afternoon. It seemed silly to dress up for a few hours of work.
I headed down the side steps and walked around to the front entrance to the shop. I tried the door, but it was locked. I pulled out the keyring Clay had given me and tried a few keys until I found one that opened the front door. I pushed the door open and walked inside with no clue what I was going to walk into. I knew he did most of his work out of his shop, but I figured someone had to be working. I was wrong. As I wound my way through a workshop full of lumber and debris I ran into no one.
Finally I made my way into a cluttered office in the back. Papers were scattered everywhere, including on the only two chairs in the room. I wondered if he actually invited clients in here. For his sake, I hoped not.
Before I could get to anything real, I needed to organize. I wasn’t a neat freak, but I refused to work in a mess. I started with the papers and organized them in a nearly unused filling cabinet in the corner before moving on to the empty coffee cups and hastily written notes stuck to every surface in the office. Luckily I’d found an unopened pack of file folders to work with. A few hours later I had the place cleaned up and marginally organized.
I didn’t want to go through his electronic files without him, plus I didn’t have any passwords or anything, so at five I left and headed upstairs to my apartment.
I took a long shower, staying in far longer than necessary. I wrapped up in a towel and walked back to my new bedroom. When I picked up my phone I noticed a missed text from Leo.
I heard you were looking for me.
I considered my reply for a minute. I was.
Do you still need me?
Not urgently.
If it’s about the tape, I got a call from Phil. He says he’ll have it fixed and drop it off at the shop this weekend.
I can pick it up. I brushed out my hair.
He wants to come sell some stuff. Was that why you came by?
Partly. I was about to hit send on the text, but stopped. Instead I went ahead and called.
He picked up immediately. “Hey. Needed to hear my voice?”
“Something like that.”
“Is everything ok?”
“Yeah. I started my new job today.”
“Yeah? Exciting?”
“Very. I have another exciting thing to discuss with you.” I took a seat at end of my bed. Otherwise I was going to start pacing.
“To discuss with me?” There was a definite note of curiosity in his voice.
“Yes. Are you a Smashing Pumpkins fan?”
He laughed. “You really are a 90s girl.”
“Come on. Be serious.”
“Yes. Or I was. I haven’t listened to them in years.”
“Want to see a show? I have tickets. They are playing Jones Beach tomorrow night. Last show of the season.”
“That depends.”
“On?” I really hoped he wasn’t going to ask for both tickets. I wasn’t prepared for that kind of rejection, especially after our evening in the park the night before.
&
nbsp; “Whether you’re trying to get rid of the tickets or whether you’re asking me to go with you.”
“I’m asking you to go with me.” I waited nervously.
“Then yes.”
I felt relief wash over me. “You really didn’t know if I was inviting you to go with me?”
“You never know. I always ask questions before I agree to something.”
“I probably should do that more often.” I’d gotten myself in trouble more than once for failing to do just that.
“What time is the show?”
“Six, so kind of early. We can grab something to eat before if you want.”
“We’re open late tomorrow night, but Bob will let me off. Probably can’t do dinner first though.”
“That’s fine. I’ll pick you up at work at five?”
“Sounds good. Thanks.”
“No problem. Thanks for agreeing to go.”
“My pleasure.”
“Wait.” I stopped him before he could hang up.
“Yes?”
“How did you know it was me looking for you? I didn’t leave my name.” That detail was bothering me.
“How many girls come in asking about me?”
“I wouldn’t know.”
“Not many. Besides, you did tell him about the tape.”
His explanation made sense. “I guess I did.”
“I’m flattered you came in and didn’t call.”
“Yeah well, I was bored.” I struggled to explain my actions. I’d done it for one reason; to see him.
“Bored? It was your first day of work. And you moved. By the way how did that go?”
I wondered what he was doing. How long had he been home? “I’m out of the basement.” I glanced out the large window that looked out over the street below.
“Oh yeah? Actually got some windows and a view?”
“The view of a street, but a view.”
“How are you spending your first night?”
“I took my first shower here.” I tightened the towel around me. I’d never gotten dressed.
“And how was that?” His voice lilted slightly, making me wonder if he was picturing me getting out of the shower.
“It was a shower. There was hot water and water pressure.”
“And is that the end of your evening?”
“I’ll find something to do.”
“Why don’t you watch a movie or something?”
“I don’t have any. I don’t have internet yet so I can’t stream anything.”
“Return of the Jedi is playing at the downtown theater.” He made it sound like a question.
“You want to see it?”
“It’s something to do.”
“Ok. Should I pick you up?” I wasn’t giving up the opportunity to hang out again.
“Where are you living now?”
“On Oak. It’s an apartment over Magiano Construction.”
“I’ll meet you at your place, and we can walk.”
“Ok, walking sounds good.”
“I’ll be over in a few.”
“Ok. See you soon.” I hung up and once again looked down at my towel. He’d said a few minutes. I probably needed to get moving.
I threw on a pair of jeans and a long-sleeve t-shirt and hurriedly dried my hair. He hadn’t given a set time, but a few minutes wasn’t long. I quickly finished getting ready before packing up a purse. I looked out the window in time to see Leo riding up on his bike.
After one last check that I had everything, I locked up and met him at the bottom of the stairs.
“Hey. Mind if I leave this back here?” He gestured to his bike.
“Yeah, of course.” I glanced up at the darkening sky. It was already getting dark earlier. Summer was definitely over.
He locked up his bike around a tree. “Ready?”
“Absolutely.” We started down the two lane road. This area of the street had no sidewalk, so we hugged the curb as we made our way toward downtown.
“Are you a fan of Star Wars or are you just humoring me because you’re bored?”
“I’m a fan.” Not a super fan, but a fan enough that I enjoyed watching.
“Cool. Did you eat?”
I thought about it. I’d forgotten that detail. “No, didn’t get that far.”
“Want to grab something to eat first or after?”
“Maybe after. That is if I’m still hungry after eating snacks.” The sun had almost disappeared, but the street lights hadn’t turned on yet. They were still timed to the summer sunset.
“Are you a popcorn or candy person?” He asked as we walked along the side of the road.
“Both.”
He nodded. “Same.”
“Good. We can get more variety by splitting.”
He looked at me. “You are significantly cooler than I originally gave you credit for.”
“I’m not sure if I should be insulted that you failed to give me credit in the beginning or flattered that I’ve somehow impressed you.”
“The latter. I don’t give anyone credit in the beginning.”
“At least I made it through the friend hurdles.”
“Was it worth it?” He kicked a rock and sent it flying down ahead of us.
“You’re saving me from a boring night, so yes.”
“And you can’t have a boring first night in a place. It sets a bad precedent.”
“Why do I get the sense you’re speaking from experience?”
“Because I am.”
“Did you enjoy your day off today?”
“Abrupt conversation change.” He stepped closer to me as a car drove by. His shoulder brushed against mine as we walked.
“I’m being polite. You asked about my day. Now I’m asking about yours.”
“I did enjoy it. Always hard for them to end.” There was a sadness in his eyes that seemed bigger than finishing a day off. Every part of me wanted to press for more, but I didn’t want to ruin the mood. He was slowly opening up to me.
“Then I guess you needed a movie night too.”
“I guess I did.” His hand brushed against mine. He hadn’t moved away as every once in a while another car drove by.
“Let’s get back to the important questions.”
“I assume you mean about what kind of candy we’re getting?” He smiled.
“You read my mind.”
“Sour Patch Kids are a must.”
“Yes! And then maybe M&Ms? I need something chocolate to get the full experience.”
“Works for me.”
“It’s almost too easy.”
“Sharing things?” He quirked a brow.
“Yes. I’m used to having to settle.”
“You should never settle.” He stopped and looked at me. “Life’s too short for that.”
“It is too short. Isn’t it?”
“Far too short.” He started walking again. “The problem is you usually don’t realize that until it’s too late.”
“I’m glad I stopped settling.” Both my job and Steve fit that bill. I was embarrassed of how close I’d come to wedding myself literally to a life of that.
“Me too.”
The rest of the walk went quickly. Either consciously or not, we’d picked up our pace once it got dark.
Leo insisted on paying for our tickets, and I didn’t argue too much. He seemed intent on doing it, and I didn’t know when I’d actually see another paycheck.
We made our way into the old theater with a quick stop at the concession stand where I made sure to purchase our snacks.
With popcorn and candy in hand we walked into what had once been a live action theater but had since been converted into a movie theater. They’d kept the old architecture including the carved columns and marble floors, but unfortunately the old box seats were off limits because they weren’t structurally sound. It was too bad, because it would have made the place even cooler.
“I assume you are a middle of the theater kind of person.” He st
arted into an empty middle row. We were a little bit early.
“How’d you know?” I always chose the middle when it was an option.
“Most people are.”
“Then why do I always date the kind that like the back?” It had been a reoccurring theme in my dating life.
“Really? Even past high school when they were hoping to fool around with you?”
“Yes.” Steve liked the back. It drove me nuts since I never remembered my glasses.
“I guess you really picked the wrong people to date.”
“I’m glad you don’t, or we’d be sitting separately since I’m done settling.” I took a seat.
He laughed and sat down next to me. “Ok, here’s one more question. Do you wait until the movie starts to eat, or go ahead and start before?”
“I wait for the previews for the candy. Doesn’t matter for the popcorn.”
“You differentiate between the candy and popcorn?”
I nabbed a piece of popcorn from the container he held. “Yes. You don’t?”
“No. I get everything set up but don’t start until the movie does.”
“You can resist the popcorn for that long? The candy is closed so I can do it, but if the popcorn is right in front of me I can’t help it.” I grabbed another three pieces.
“It’s called patience.”
“It’s called willpower.” I popped two pieces in my mouth and then grabbed a handful. “I don’t have any when it comes to popcorn right in front of me.”
“Oh, going in for it?”
“Come on, you know you want to.”
“Peer pressure?”
“You pressured me to trespass.”
“Fine. I’ll do it.” He took a piece of popcorn and ate it.
“Was that so bad?”
He shrugged. “The world didn’t end.”
“See, I told you.”
“But now I want another.”
“And the problem with that is what?” I took another handful. “We bought a large.”
“A large isn’t that big. What if we finish it before the movie starts?”
“That’s what the candy is for.”
“Oh. So you separate the experiences.”
“It’s not so bad.” I reached for more popcorn at the same time he did. We both pulled our hands back and then returned them. Our hands met. “We’re too in synch.”
Life After Falling Page 9