Falling for Her

by Amy Stephens

  Ricky and I talked about it, and I hated not knowing which direction I wanted to take in my career. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good feeling to have, since I’d never had to deal such choices before, but I truly wondered if maybe the promotion wasn’t for me. I still felt as if there was a better opportunity, whether it was there or someplace else.

  He knew it bothered me and, in the end, I turned it down. Something was missing from my life, and that something was Erica.

  I often wondered why she’d never bothered to return my call after I’d finally left her the message that night. Yeah, it’d only taken me a couple weeks, but I’d eventually done it. Then, to not hear back, no phone call or even a letter in the mail from her. Was she mad because I’d taken so long? Surely she’d gotten over it by now.

  Ricky had tried to set me up with a few women, but I’d politely turned down every single offer. In my mind, she was still the one for me.

  I felt terrible I’d made all those excuses about why I hadn’t contacted Erica, and I wondered if she’d consider talking to me now. I knew I’d hurt her, but I had to find myself first. I had to reconnect with the world again.

  I came home from work on Monday and found Ricky was already there. I thought it was odd since he typically worked late on Mondays, but figured maybe he had a hot date that night and he’d wanted to take the extra time to get ready. I made a couple sandwiches for myself and sat at the table across from him. I noticed he was looking through a folder that was filled with lots of paperwork.

  “What’cha looking at?” I asked before taking a bite.

  “Just a little something I’ve been working on.”

  He didn’t look up but continued to flip the pages. He studied every single word intently. Whatever they were, it was obviously important to him. He and I had developed a closeness since I’d moved in, so I was surprised that he hadn’t shared with me what he was working on. Maybe I was wrong for thinking that way. He was, after all, allowed to do what he wanted without my permission.

  Just as I was about to stand and take my plate over to the sink, Ricky put down the pen he’d been using. He cracked his knuckles and extended his arms out in front of him to stretch. He’d talk to me eventually, but I’d hated eating while he’d practically ignored me.

  “Think I’ll take a shower and relax in front of the TV tonight. Man, it was a long day at work today. Sometimes I’m appalled at the excuses people use when they call in sick for work.” I tried to laugh it off, but he still seemed distracted.

  “Huh? Oh, yeah, they do, don’t they?” His phone rang, and I used that as an opportunity to leave the room.

  I finished with my shower and grabbed a pair of shorts out of my top drawer. As I pulled them out, I noticed the piece of paper from Erica that I’d kept for so long now. I was surprised the edges weren’t frayed from the many times I’d held it. I sure did miss her and all the nights we’d spent together at the library. I wondered what she was doing now and if she’d returned to Bishop for the next semester.

  I hated the way things had ended between the two of us. One day, I’d have the courage to contact her again. Hopefully, she’d understand why I’d withdrawn from everyone and not just her. I was pleased with the way the last few months had taken shape, and I was slowly getting back to my old self again. A lot of that was due to Ricky and his determination to help me. At one point, I’d thought maybe the depression I’d felt earlier had found its way back again.

  I pushed the paper underneath a couple pairs of socks before I closed the drawer. I’ll never forget you, Erica.

  I walked back to the living room and found Ricky still on the phone. I’d gotten myself one of those pay-as-you-go phones, but I seldom used it. He, on the other hand, seemed to be on his phone more than normal lately. I figured it was some girl, and if that was the case, I was happy for him. My brother had turned out to be a great guy, and I was proud of him. He may not have gone to college or had the highest-paying job, but he was happy. He had his own place, a decent vehicle, and he was doing well.

  He looked up and immediately ended the call. The rest of the evening Ricky acted like his normal self, so I guessed whatever had been going on earlier was now taken care of.

  He fell asleep on the sofa after a while, so I went to my bedroom after locking up and turning off everything.

  ***

  The next afternoon I arrived home at my usual time and was surprised to see Ricky already there yet again. Maybe he’d taken some vacation time and just hadn’t bothered to tell me. I hadn’t noticed his car in the parking lot, so I hoped nothing had happened to it. It was an older used car, but it got him where he needed to go. He didn’t owe anything on it either, and that was always a plus.

  Once again, he was on the phone and got off as soon as he saw me. I came close to asking him about it since he had a grin a mile wide, but decided not to. It was really none of my business.

  He looked up from his spot in the couch. “Hey, man. What’s up?”

  “Another one of those days. How ‘bout you? You get off early again?” While I’d never asked him about the previous day, I’d just assumed that he’d been off.

  “Actually, Jaime, I was off today. You got a minute? I’d like to get your opinion on something.”

  I pulled out a chair from the tiny kitchen table and took a seat across from him. I had no idea what I was about to be asked.

  “Don’t look at me like that. You look scared or something,” he told me as he flicked my work hat off and it fell to the floor. I hated wearing the stupid hat, but it was part of the uniform. I kept my hair pulled back in an elastic band, then I pulled it through the opening in the back, and it kept me from getting food and grease in it.

  “Well, you’ve been acting a little strange these last few days,” I pointed out.

  I thought about what I’d just said and wondered if maybe it was me who acted strange and not him at all. I’d had Erica on my mind a lot more recently. Just the other day, I’d even noticed someone in the restaurant who resembled her from behind, and I had to take a second glance just to make sure it hadn’t been her. It was crazy to think she’d be all the way down in south Florida without my knowing it. Maybe it was time I reached out to her. Maybe I’d kept her waiting long enough.

  “Nah, just busy working on something.”

  “Oh.” He was killing me with his vagueness. “Did you get it all taken care of?

  “I think so. I just hope you’re cool with it.”

  “What’s going on? We moving or something?” He had me concerned since he’d said that.

  “Moving up maybe, but not moving out.”

  “Okay, Ricky. Stop with the riddles. What gives?”

  “You ready?”

  I thought I was going to have to smack him one time. He was seriously pushing my buttons. I just stared at him, waiting to hear what he had to say.

  “Okay, okay. I’ve been working on something, and I hope you don’t get mad at me for not involving you sooner and getting your input. You see, I’ve come across this business opportunity, and I think it’s one you’ll like.”

  My eyes widened at the mention of a business opportunity, and suddenly he had my full attention.

  He continued. “There’s this man I know who has his own landscaping company. He’s been running it by himself, and it’s just gotten to be more than he can handle. He’s turning down customers left and right. The business is just that good.”

  “So, is he looking to hire someone? Is that what you’re getting at?” I wasn’t sure I was following him.

  “No. Not at all,” he added. “He’s selling it. He wants someone who’ll be dedicated to his customers, yet still willing to grow his business. That’s sort of where I come in.”

  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sit a little straighter in the chair. Ricky was on to something.

  “You’re kidding, right? How would I be able to do something like that?”

  “That’s where I could help you.” Ricky stopp
ed and stared at me, gauging my reaction.

  “I don’t follow.”

  “I’ve been down at the bank, yesterday and today. You see, I got a loan, Jaime. I bought the business for you.”

  I looked straight ahead, not knowing what to say. Had I heard him correctly? Did he just tell me he’d bought a landscaping business? And that he’d done it for me?

  He kicked my leg underneath the table, and I jumped, not realizing I’d drifted off into another world. Surely, I was dreaming and hadn’t heard him right.

  I looked around the kitchen, and sure enough, Ricky was still sitting across from me, waiting for my response.

  “You’re not going to say anything?”

  “I…I don’t know what to say. You bought a business?” I asked.

  “Yes. I own Lopez Lawn Care. Mr. Lopez is assisting with the financing part through the bank, and his only wish is that until it’s fully paid for, we keep his name as part of the business. He figures it’ll help attract new clients with the reputation he’s made for himself. So, how does Lopez and Garcia Brothers’ Lawn Care sound?”

  “Garcia Brothers? Does this mean you’ll be working too?” He’d thrown me for a loop with the entire business deal and by adding “brothers” to the name confused me even more. Was he quitting his job to help run the business?

  “If that’s okay with you, boss.”

  “Boss?” I looked at him questioningly.

  “You heard me. Boss. You’re going to be the one in charge. It’s your business, Jaime. I bought it for you.”

  I thought when I’d received my degree that it’d been the best moment of my life. Well, aside from meeting Erica. Then when I’d walked out of the prison, free to the world again, I’d had another emotional experience, one that I’d never thought I’d live to see happen. And yet, there I was again, faced with something else I’d never in a million years have guessed would take place, considering all the circumstances.

  Me? A business owner?

  I couldn’t say anything at first. Ricky knew I’d react that way, and he understood my silence didn’t mean I was against what he’d done. Not at all. It meant I was too flabbergasted to say anything. I was blown away that, yet again, someone had been willing to take a chance on me.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  I TURNED IN MY NOTICE at work and couldn’t wait to start my new business venture. As part of the deal, Ricky had acquired the truck that Mr. Lopez had used to haul his equipment. Also included was all the lawn equipment, including a trailer. We were all set.

  On the last day of work at the restaurant, my staff surprised me with a large water cooler. Some may have thought it a tacky going away gift, but every single one of my co-workers knew I was about to live my dream. I’d talked about it nonstop, and I was so glad to have Ricky to share it with. Had it not been for him, well, I didn’t even want to think about that. My brother was the greatest, and the cooler would definitely be beneficial to both of us

  The first two weeks of cutting grass was tougher than I’d imagined. We hadn’t been on a timed schedule back at the prison, but now, on my own, there were several jobs that had to get done each day. Ricky and I worked diligently, oftentimes working until almost dark in the evening. It was tough, but there was no better feeling.

  School was out for Diego, and we put him to work with us. He was looking for summer employment, and Momma was pleased to see all her boys working together.

  Mid-summer, Ricky asked if I minded that he take a day off during the week. We were mostly off on the weekends unless the weather had caused a delay. Our business had grown tremendously, just like Mr. Lopez had promised. I didn’t mind, especially now that Diego was there to help. Ricky promised I could take my own day off too. I just needed to let him know when.

  On the days Diego helped out, he spent the night at the apartment with us. I hated him sleeping on the couch, but he said he hadn’t minded it one bit.

  Before leaving the last yard for the day, I pulled my cell phone out of the center console to check for any messages. Each week we gained new business, and at some point, we were either going to have to start turning it down or look into hiring an additional worker. There was no way the two of us could keep up, especially when Diego would be back in school again soon.

  Ricky had sent me a text, asking if I wouldn’t mind stopping by the store to pick up some alcohol. He’d secured another contract for landscaping with a hotel chain, and he wanted to celebrate by grilling out. I liked the way he thought—beer and steaks.

  Diego and I arrived at the apartment, and I noticed how clean it was. We weren’t really messy to begin with, but we were men, and oftentimes we weren’t as tidy as we should be. Diego called the shower first, so I helped Ricky get the grill fired up. I couldn’t help but notice he seemed to be a little cheerful, and it wasn’t just because of the deal. He was obviously not good at hiding secrets. Still, I was glad it was the weekend and he’d asked me to pick up some beer. I was ready to kick back and relax.

  After Diego was finished, I grabbed a change of clothes and headed for my own shower. I couldn’t wait to feel the cool water against my now sticky, sweaty skin.

  I thought I heard voices coming from the living room area, but figured a neighbor had probably stepped next door when they’d smelled the grill going. I finished bathing and then ran the towel over my hair one last time before combing it out. It was the longest I’d ever had it, and this time I’d vowed not to cut it short ever again. I let it hang loosely since I kept it pulled back during the day. It was the only way I could keep my neck cool, plus pulling it back kept it from getting tangled.

  I opened the door to let out the steam that had filled the room. I realized I’d picked up a pair of shorts that had a hole in them, so I wrapped the towel around my waist before walking across the hallway to my room for a different pair. Hopefully, whoever had come over to visit, was out on the patio and wouldn’t notice.

  I closed the bedroom door behind me and dropped the towel. Looking down at my body, I felt I was in decent shape for my age. My arms and legs were still toned, and the tan I had going now sure gave my skin a glow instead of the paleness I’d had before. I heard voices yet again, so I quickly threw on a t-shirt and walked out to see who’d stopped by.

  As I’d expected, the guy next door had walked over and was leaned against the door leading out to the patio. He sipped on a beer, and tossed his hand up in the air toward me when he saw me walk into the room.

  “Hey, man. What’s up?” I called out as I opened the refrigerator to grab my own beer. I still wasn’t big on the taste of it, but on a hot summer afternoon, it sure did quench my thirst. “Anyone else need one?”

  “I could use another one,” Ricky spoke up from outside. Diego wasn’t old enough to drink yet, and even though we probably would’ve allowed him to have just one if he’d wanted it, he’d been fine drinking something else.

  I joined the others and leaned against the porch railing after popping the top off the beer I’d gotten for Ricky.

  “Damn, those sure do smell good.” I complimented him on his cooking expertise, and all he could do was grin. He was a mean cook on the grill, and he didn’t try to hide it.

  “I just hope they taste as good as they smell. Shouldn’t be too much longer before they’re done.” He took a swig of his beer before flipping the steaks.

  “How many people you feeding?” I leaned over and counted when he’d lifted the top off. There were five steaks total and only four of us there.

  “Um, they had a good sale on them. Yeah, they were on sale,” he quickly added, appearing as if he hadn’t expected me to ask such a thing.

  Either the beer was getting to him already or he was getting pretty good at lying. I could detect something was off in his voice, and he couldn’t look at me. He glanced at his watch, then leaned down to pick at something on the side of his shoe.

  Ricky. God, I loved him. I’d go to my grave thanking him for all he’d done for me. I was sure lucky
to have him, but he sure was a sneaky bastard.

  There was a knock on the door, and Diego got up to answer it.

  “You expecting someone?” Ricky turned to ask me.

  “Not me. I don’t want any interruptions between me and my steak tonight.”

  “I hear ya,” he quickly added.

  Diego walked to the door and called out. “Jaime, man, someone’s here to see you.”

  “Ahh, whatever. Ain’t no one here to see me.”

  “Seriously. There’s someone in the living room.”

  I noticed Diego and Ricky exchange glances, both with rather odd looks on their faces.

  “You think I didn’t see that? What the hell are you both up to?” I stood, unsure who I was about to find waiting for me. If they’d tried to fix me up with someone, I’d…

  I walked just inside the doorframe before my beer slipped out of my hand.

  “Jaime.”

  I heard her voice, and my body halted. I couldn’t move, and nothing would come out of my mouth. I stood there unable to function.

  “Jaime, it’s me. Oh, my God.” She lifted her hands to cover her mouth, and tears had already pooled in her eyes.

  “Erica. What are you doing here?” I ran over to her and wrapped her in my arms. “Am I dreaming?”

  I looked into her beautiful eyes, and just seeing her happy tears caused my own. I couldn’t believe I was getting all emotional like that, especially when my brothers… Oh, I’d forgotten all about them. I released her long enough to turn around. Both of them stood in the doorway, watching our reunion. They had the biggest grins.

  “Steak?” Ricky asked, and it took everything I had not to run over and give him a bear hug. My brother’s the greatest!

  I reached for Erica’s hand and pulled her to the sofa. “Baby, what are you doing here? How did you get here?” The questions just kept rolling out of my mouth.

  I didn’t want to let go of her hand nor did I want to take my gaze off her. I was afraid I was dreaming, and when I awoke, I’d find that none of it had happened. So I held on tightly, enjoying every minute I had with her.