by Betsy Anne
“What the hell, Melanie? You freak out when I set you up, you’re mad at me when I don’t! See?? Kill the messenger. No, thanks. I didn’t tell you about his coming to work here because it just went down. I didn’t tell Jill either. We won’t see much of him, because he’ll be at the worksite mostly. It really didn’t matter. And you’re welcome, by the way. I did it mostly to lighten your load since you have a life and apparently none of the rest of us do.”
She starts to cry, and walks over to hug me. We both stand there for a long time, hugging and crying. Jill walks in, and turns right back around to leave. We both know what the real issue is. She’s lonely, and likes someone she thinks hates her. That’s never a good feeling.
The next couple of weeks run like clockwork. Brian helped so much, and the shelter will be ready ahead of schedule. We even came in under budget, so we’re going to throw a thank-you party for those who donated. The shelter opens on Saturday, so we send out a note to our benefactors inviting them for cocktails on Friday night to celebrate. Jill decorated the lobby, giving us the day off before the cocktail party. She’s been so grateful for everything and everyone, she wanted to do this on her own. Melanie and I treat ourselves to some much-needed salon time and both have our hair done. It’s been a long time since I’ve spent any time on my appearance. It seemed a bit frivolous while we were working to set up a homeless shelter, but it feels good to look good. I know Jason will appreciate the effort.
She and I arrive early to see if we can help. Of course we should have known; Jill has all the decorating and setup completed. All we have to do is wait for our guests. Jason’s meeting us later with Brian. He has a rehab session in the afternoon, and he wants a chance to shower and change. Mel and I are bored, playing at the makeshift bar cart Jill has set up. I play bartender and prepare something for Melanie that resembles the color of a cup of water used by a child to clean his paintbrush. It smells strong, but she can handle it. Probably needs it after the last few weeks. I toss a cherry on top for fun.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jason and Brian come in. Jason still takes my breath away. He is wearing his fitted black slacks, with an open-collared shirt under his sport coat. Clothes fit him so well; he looks like a runway model. Brian looks great, too. He has thicker muscle than Jason, so he wears broader-cut clothing. Still fits him damn well though. He’s wearing a navy-blue sweater that really highlights the blue in his eyes, and some really expensive jeans. Good looking pair of boots, too. I wonder if that’s his personal style or if he needs help shopping? I’ll have to ask him sometime.
I wave them down, and Jason sees me. Brian’s face lights up when he sees Mel. She does look stunning tonight. That may not last long if she keeps drinking like she is. I’d better make her drinks weaker.
“Hi, gorgeous ladies! Is this where we get our beverages?” Jason asks so cutely, I could eat him up.
“Well, sir, we do have a bartender here, but I’ll be happy to oblige. What are your needs this evening?”
He gives me a look that means business. I think my panties just incinerated.
“I think you know my needs better than anyone. If we weren’t around all these people I’d let you take care of them the right way.”
He smiles at me, and I feel my damn cheeks turn forty shades of red. Melanie chokes on her drink, and Brian turns his head and whistles like he didn’t hear a thing. Jason and I might have to cut out of this place early tonight.
“Excuse me, dear friends, but my husband has needs and I want to hear all about them.”
I drag him away from the bar, a good excuse to leave Brian and Mel alone for once. Please, God, keep her shoe out of her mouth!
* * *
Melanie
Oh Lord, he looks fine. That body, it’s almost a sin to cover it with clothing. Why can’t men today walk around like gladiators in those little skirts and bare chests? He could do that outfit justice. Of course, what he’s wearing now is showing his physique pretty well, too. He smiles as they approach, and gives me a quick look of approval. I think I wasn’t supposed to notice that though, because he did it when he thought I couldn’t see. That’s encouraging. Katie and Jason leave the two of us to go and talk. They are the sweetest married couple I know. They adore each other, and still have the major hots for each other, too. I blush when they start their repartee around me. I don’t think they care who’s around to hear it; when they’re hot, they’re hot.
“Are those two always like that?”
Brian looks enviously at his friend.
“Oh, you have no idea. Some days I have to hose them down. They cherish one another. My parents never had a marriage like that. How about your parents? Are they still happily married? I’ll bet they’re really proud of you.”
“Nope. Not happy. My mom is proud of me. Is there food here? I’m starving, haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
Well, that was a strange turn away from the conversation. I won’t push it. It’s clearly a hot-button issue for him.
“Yes, there are finger foods. Not much though. Would you like to grab a bite after the cocktails? My treat. It’s the very least I can do to try to make up for how I’ve acted.”
“Yes, I would. I’d like that a lot Melanie, thanks.”
He takes a long sip of his beer, and the look he gives me is intense. And, there it is. The response my body is conditioned to give. My cheeks flush, and I feel a gradual warmth between my legs. He must think I’m so innocent that I blush when a man looks at me. If he only knew what I’ve been doing at home while fantasizing about him, he’d be the one blushing. He smiles at my pink cheeks, and we walk over to the group that is assembling in the main lobby. Jill is about to speak.
“My heart is full tonight. To look out and see the faces that made my dream a reality is humbling.”
Her eyes fill up with tears, and she turns away to collect herself.
“I’m sorry, folks, this is a celebration, not a funeral. You have made it possible for struggling women and children to get off these cold, dangerous Chicago streets, and get their lives together. With your generosity, we have not only created a place to give them a warm, safe roof over their heads, we will be able to build a second facility across town. Not only that but we have partnered with the city to provide medical care, and transportation to jobs and schools. If we are able to help one mother regain her hope in the world, she’ll pass that legacy on to her children and empower herself to make change. Who knows how many lives can be transformed with the power of hope? Thank you, and God bless each and every one of you. Enjoy your drinks!”
She raises her glass, and everyone joins her in the toast. There’s not a dry eye in the place, including Mr. Muscles. Tears freely flow down his face. He sees me looking, and dries his eyes with the back of his hand.
“Listen, I forgot. I need to get home tonight. Rain check on that dinner, OK?”
He drains his beer, and bolts out the door before waiting for an answer. I must look a bit stunned, because Jason and Katie walk over, looking puzzled.
“What’s up? Where is he going?” Katie asks; as Jason is stares at the back of Brian’s head as he tries to sprint toward the door, bum ankle and all.
“I have no idea! We were listening to Jill, and he seemed upset. Told me we’d do dinner another time.”
Katie’s eye’s pop open at that last comment.
“What? You’re going out on a date? When?”
“Well, I wouldn’t call it a date. He said he hadn’t eaten, and I offered to take him out to eat as a gesture of goodwill for all my bitchiness. He was up for it until now. Did he mention if he had anything he had to do tonight, Jason?”
“No, he didn’t. I’m not surprised at his reaction though, it does make sense.”
Now I’m even more confused.
“Give me an answer I can understand, please. I’m struggling to understand what just happened.”
“I’d love to, Mel, it’s just not my place. I’m sure he’ll explain things to
you at the right time. For now, just let it go.”
Jason has a stern look on his face. I get it, and wouldn’t dare cross him. As long as I didn’t do anything to cause it this time, I’ll let it be.
Chapter 15
Saturday morning is the dedication for the shelter. We still haven’t decided on an official name yet. The person who won the auction to name it, deferred it back to us. We’ve been referring to it as “The Nest.” That name may stick if we can’t come up with something better. I haven’t heard from Brian this morning, not that I really expected to, I sort of hoped he would call to explain what happened. I’m genuinely worried by his reaction. We’ll get to talk in person this morning, which is better. I know he’s looking forward to this dedication. I’ve heard him speak about it.
Everyone arrives bright and early and, thankfully, the weather has cooperated; it’s a surprisingly gorgeous day. Our entire staff, the construction crew, city council members, numerous volunteers and well-wishers crowd the front of the building. Amidst the chaos, I can’t find Brian anywhere. I see Katie and Jason, and flag them down.
“Hey, guys! Big day is here! I just can’t believe it. Have y’all seen Brian? I just want to thank him for all his hard work.”
They give each other a look, like “yeah right,” and both shrug their shoulders as if they had choreographed it.
“No, I haven’t. I thought he would have been here by now,” Katie says, sounding concerned.
“Well, I’m sure he’ll turn up. I know this day is important to him.”
How can I feel this worried about someone I barely know? I try to shake the feeling as Jill reaches the small podium to speak.
“Can I get Melanie Kennedy and Katie Weber up here, please?”
I haven’t prepared anything to say, I hope she just wants us up there for moral support. Katie and I make our way through the crowd to where Jill is standing. She is holding a comically large pair of scissors, assumedly to cut the pink ribbon that’s been tied to the doors. Only when we reach the front do I notice the group of women with small children standing to the side: Our first occupants; this thing is real now. Their faces are so fresh and hopeful, and most are wearing what look like their best clothes. Hope. That’s what this is all about. I return my focus back to Jill and her words of encouragement.
“Without these two women, I could have never accomplished this massive undertaking. They have put in the hard work and man-hours it takes to make anything a success. Ladies, I’d like you both to cut that ribbon!”
The crowd begins to chant, “cut that ribbon, cut that ribbon,” with rising tempo. It’s exhilarating. Kat and I take the scissors, and make the cut. The crowd whoops and whistles. It all seems somewhat less meaningful without Brian here to share it. He’s put his heart into this place in the short time he’s been here. I’ve never seen someone dedicate himself to a cause so quickly and with so much gusto, with the exception of Jill.
We begin the arduous process of checking the women in. We do it anonymously, if they prefer, so that an abusive husband or boyfriend can’t find them. We have to keep a special record of them, so we know who’s who. The day is over in a flash, and the first meal will be served soon. I’m so exhausted I can’t keep my eyes open. I say my farewells, and let them all know I’ll be back.
No one hears from Brian for almost five days. He’s back in time for the Bears team meeting, and to stand on the sideline during the game on Sunday. The only reason I know that is because of Katie. He called Jason when he got back into town, and the two of them were together most of the day. He didn’t tell Katie what they talked about, so she couldn’t tell me anything.
“All I know is that Jason was in a weird mood when he got home. When I asked about Brian, he just said, ‘He’s fine.’ And left it at that. I know when not to push things. Maybe you should text him just to say ‘hi’.”
She’s pushing. It’s OK though; her heart is in the right place. She’s right too. I think I will send him a note. Everyone likes to know they’re being thought of, right?
Hi, there. I just wanted to touch base since I didn’t really get to say goodbye the other night. Hope all is well. We missed you at the dedication. – Mel
*
Yeah, I’m sorry about that. I had a couple of things to take care of. Can I see you today? If you’d like to bring your boys to the game, I can leave tickets for you. Let me know.
*
They’ll be sick to find out they’re missing it, but they’re at their dad’s this weekend. I’d still like to go. Can I bring Katie?
*
Of course. I’ll leave them at will-call. See you later.
Well, that’s encouraging! I’m so glad I contacted him. Maybe I blew the whole thing out of proportion. I mean, I really don’t know the guy at all, so my reaction was probably a bit much. I call Kat to tell her I’ll pick her up in an hour. It’s pretty cold out today, so I find my old Bears T-shirt and layer up over it.
She and I get to the stadium early, and pick up our tickets. Whoa, these are really good seats. We’re just a few rows up from the sideline, and I see Brian as soon as we sit down. He’s facing the bleachers; I think he’s looking for us. Katie hops up and waves frantically like a moron. We’re only about fifteen feet away, I think he’ll see us. He does, and he stares right at me and gives me a whopper of a smile. Geez, body don’t react, please! I don’t want to be horny the entire game, I’ll combust! Katie notices the look, and swirls around to look at me.
“Oh my God! What was that? Have you been seeing each other behind my back? That was not an innocent look missy!”
She seems half-kidding, half-serious, as if he and I have been lying to her.
“Kat, I swear, I don’t know where that look came from. I barely know him!”
She sees me blushing, and I think she believes me.
“OK, but if you haven’t done anything yet, you should. That poor man looks like he wants to eat you!”
I’m in hell. I’m so turned on right now, and I have a damn three-hour football game to sit through! I decide to eat and drink my way through it. It’s helped before to swallow my sex drive; it’ll sure work now.
“I’m going for hot dogs and beer. Want anything?”
“No, thanks. I had sex this morning!”
She bursts into trademark Katie laughter that makes the world laugh with her. Smartass.
“Rub it in, thanks. Have sex with your gorgeous husband while I swallow hot dogs. Oh God. I didn’t mean it like that!”
She’s howling. There aren’t many people around yet, and Brian hears us. He walks over to the ledge in front of the first row and yells at us.
“Don’t get me into trouble ladies, I’m at work!”
What a great day, and the night is yet to come. He said he wanted to see me, I’m hoping that means after the game, one on one. I seem to misinterpret a lot these days though, so I’m optimistically cautious.
The game is close, but the Bears pull it out. Brian’s backup struggled in the first half, but made up for it with some impressive plays in the fourth quarter. Brian sends me a text from the locker room: You still here? Are you leaving with Katie or can I see you?
*
Yes, we’re still here. Kat said she could ride home with Jason. I’ll have to meet you because I have my car here.
*
Want to meet at my place? It’s not too far.
*
OK. Send me the address and I’ll put it in my GPS. See you soon.
His place. What do I make of that? I try to remind myself not to read too much into things. He probably just wants to talk or explain about the other night and his swift departure. I plug in his address and see that he wasn’t kidding. He is close to the stadium. He lives in a beautiful building on Wabash Avenue just a few blocks away. I hope I haven’t beaten him here. I don’t know how long he had to stay around. I park in a visitor spot in the parking deck below. A kind doorman gushes over me when I approach. I reach the front desk, and
a lovely woman informs me that Mr. Eyre is here, and he’s expecting me. Floor twenty-three, number 2354. What service. This is the way to live!
My hands start to shake when I enter the elevator. I haven’t had much time to process all of this yet; I’m nervous. As the door closes, I pause a moment and take a deep breath. I hit 23, and the metal box glides quickly and silently to its destination. The door opens, and the floor is beautiful. Deep red carpet, with navy and gold designs. The walls are navy blue, with gleaming brass fixtures. He must have paid a pretty penny for this place. 2354 is all the way down the hall. I raise my hand to hit the bell, and the door swings open.
“Hi! I’m glad you found it. Told you it was close.”
He opens the door wide and gestures for me to enter. He’s still in the sweat suit he has to wear on the sideline. His place is breathtaking: Sparsely furnished, but the view is the star. The two walls that form the corner of the room are floor to ceiling glass. There’s a view of Lake Michigan and the stadium.
“What a view! I’ll bet it looks amazing from up here when it snows.”
I’m staring out the window with my face about two inches away from the glass, when the feel of his hands on my shoulders startles me. He gently guides me to turn around and face him. My stomach does a back twisting, triple somersault. He’s so tall I crane my neck to look up at his face.
“Thank you for coming over. I wanted a chance to talk to you about the other night. My departure was abrupt, and I owe you an explanation. I was emotionally overwhelmed by the situation that night; I just had to leave. I’m sorry I backed out of our dinner. I meant to call you the next day, but I received a phone call that there was a family emergency I had to attend to. I didn’t have a chance to explain. I’ve been in Georgia the last few days. You were on my mind the whole time. I saw this and it reminded me of you.”
He holds up a delicate silver chain with a tiny silver peach dangling from it. It’s one of the sweetest gestures a man has ever done for me.