Sweet Beginning

by V. M. Holk

  I realize that I missed some of the conversation, my mom is waiting for me to answer her. I am not sure what she was asking me.

  "Oh, ok mom. Have a good trip, let me know when you get there," I reply.

  "I will. Have a nice Thanksgiving," she says.

  "Bye."

  I hear the click of the phone. I stare at my phone for a bit. Why do I always feel worse after talking to my mom? I decide to text Jaylah.

  Anne 7:43pm

  so guess who just called me?

  JayJay 7:48pm

  asshat?

  Anne 7:48pm

  lol....NO, my mother!!! wierd....hey am I interupting something?

  JayJay 7:49pm

  Holy shit, really!!! U ok? and why do you ask abt interupting me?

  Anne 7:50pm

  ikr....cause u took so long to get back to me...r u with someone?

  JayJay 7:55pm

  R u looking through my windows....lol Yes I am with pussy boy

  Anne 7:56pm

  :) I knew it....sorry! Have fun, be safe and i will ttyl

  JayJay 7:58pm

  U know i always am...love you ttyl

  Anne 7:59pm

  LU2

  I laugh out loud, "Pussy Boy" she always brings a smile to my face. I really wish she could find a guy that can make her happy. I know one day that a guy will be able to break down the walls that she has erected around herself. Then maybe, just maybe she can be happy.

  I get myself in my Pj's and decide to pop some popcorn and watch "The Holiday," another one of my favorite movies. I probably shouldn't watch love stories, but I am a sucker for them.

  I wake up with a start. I realize I must of fell asleep watching my movie. I get ready to go to work. I hurry up, get into the shower. Once I am dressed, I blow dry my hair and put it into a ponytail.

  I get downstairs and start baking. As I am working I look up at the clock, Jaylah is running late. I better call her to make sure she is alright. I grab my phone, then hear the bell above the door. I peek out front to see Jaylah running in. I shake my head and laugh.

  "What?" Jaylah asks.

  "Nothing. Soooo how was your night?" I smile at her.

  She rolls her eyes, "It was great, to bad he is such a pussy. Afterwards, he laid there and wanted to talk about "us". He didn't like that I asked him, What us?"

  "You didn't JayJay!"

  "Of course I did, I told him from the start all I wanted was a Fuck Buddie. I can't help it I am so irresistible!" she says laughing. I shake my head and laugh along with her. "So he left shortly after that, I guess he is mad at me."

  We talk as we work, I tell her about my conversation with my mom. She tells me more about her night. We go about our morning routine. I start thinking about where my life is going. I want to stop feeling sorry for myself. I need to make some changes, something to make me feel better.

  In between customers I look over at Jaylah and say, "I want a makeover, what do you think?" She looks over at me.

  "Yeah, I think that's a good idea," she replies.

  I have always envied Jaylah for her boldness, she is always willing to try new things. Her hair always goes with her personality. She has tattoo's to go along with her rocker look, each with a special meaning behind them.

  I have four tattoo's. Kyle never liked that I had them, he didn't understand why people got them. If you never had one, most people don't understand. Each one of mine has a special meaning. I have angels, for my babies, one for my grandparents, a butterfly for Jaylah and then my ankle wrap that goes down my foot. My ankle tattoo was my first, it was to help keep me grounded. Jaylah snaps her fingers in front of me to wake me from my thoughts.

  "Do you want to go a little crazy, like me?" she says with a playful tone.

  I smile, "Not quite that crazy JayJay, but come with me, okay?"

  "Of course, you know I will." she says. Then in walks our crochet group that comes in every week, we start making their orders.

  ~~~

  Kyle and I decided he could have the girls for Thanksgiving. His parents love having everyone over that day. I usually have my dad come over in the morning for a Thanksgiving breakfast, so we decided to keep it the same.

  I get everything ready for us. It felt so lonely getting up to an empty house this morning. I have to keep reminding myself that this is better for everyone. It doesn't feel like it right now, yet I have to believe it. I don't want to become a bitter person. I hear a knock on the door, then my dad walks in.

  "Good morning baby, " he greets me.

  "Hi, dad."

  I walk over to him, give him a hug and kiss on the cheek.

  "Smells great in here."

  "Thanks. I hope you are hungry. I need to learn to cook less." I laugh.

  "I'm starving. Plus I don't mind taking home leftovers," he winks at me.

  He takes a spot on the couch and turns on the TV. We talk while I continue to make breakfast. He asks about the shop and how things are going. I set the table and we sit to eat. We talk about his shop, things have been picking up for him. It helps that he is the only car shop in town, beside the dealership. My dad is an honest man, with good prices, folks in town trust him.

  As we finish cleaning up, I pack up leftovers for my dad to take home. I invited him to come to Jaylahs parents house for dinner, he declined. I wish he would come with me. I hate the thought of him being alone, with only his dog Lucy.

  I hand the bag to him, "Are you sure you won't change your mind?" I ask.

  "Maybe next time," he says with a smile.

  "Ok. Love you dad," I give him a hug and kiss good-bye. I watch him go down the stairs to his truck. He turns, waves, gets in and drives off. I close the door and feel the emptiness of my place. I look at the time and start getting ready to leave.

  I am ready to go, I grab the cherry pie I baked last night to bring with me. I text Jaylah quickly that I am on my way. I try not to think to much on my drive over. I don't want to be depressed, or have anyone feeling sorry for me.

  I pull into Jaylah's parents driveway, I put on a smile as I get out of the car. Jaylah waves when she sees me. She is on the deck having a cigarette, I grab the pie.

  "Hey you," I greet her.

  "Hey yourself," she laughs back. "Mom has been waiting for you. It's just us for dinner, Jaz is going to her in-laws."

  Jazmin is Jaylah's sister, she is older than us and has been married for sixteen years to Don. They have two girls, Angel and Alex. Jaylah puts out her cigarette and we walk into the house.

  "Hello Anne," greets Stella.

  "Happy Thanksgiving. I baked a cherry pie for dessert," I reply.

  Stella grabs the pie and puts it on the counter. She comes back, gives me a hug and kiss on the cheek.

  "We are glad you came. We wish Tom, would have come with you," she replies.

  "Me too."

  I walk into the living room to say hello to Mike, Jaylah's dad. He is watching the parade and I think taking a nap before we eat. Not that he would admit to the nap.

  Jaylah and I set the table for dinner. Stella starts putting the food out for us to get ready to eat. After we finish eating and are done cleaning up, Jaz comes over with her family. We all enjoy dessert together and play some euchre.

  Jaylah and I don't stay to late, tomorrow we have an early morning. Black Friday is one of our busy mornings. We open "Sweet Pleasure's" at 4:30 am, so that the shoppers can stop for their coffee and goodies.

  Jaylah HATES Black Friday, always has. She can't stand the crowds of people and the craziness of all that shopping. So she is never upset that we are busy at our shop all weekend.

  I use to love going shopping on Black Friday weekend. I would meet up with my cousin Lynette and we would spend all weekend shopping. I miss things like that sometimes, don't get me wrong I love "Sweet Pleasure's" and working with Jaylah. But it would be nice sometimes to have more freedom. I hope one day we can step away from the business a little more.

  ~~~

  Thi
s time of year always flies by. I spend my days off shopping for the girls Christmas gifts. Its wierd that I don't really have to worry about Kyle this year. I still told the girls that I would take them shopping to get him a gift and for each other. They always have so much fun trying to hide their gifts from each other in the store. I asked Jaylah to go with me this year, this was always something we did as a family. I want to make it fun for them.

  The girls and I had a blast decorating our little apartment. This is my favorite holiday and I go a little crazy with my decorations. The girls never seem to mind.

  Katie tells me that their Aunt Liz came over and helped decorate at Kyle's. At least they had Liz to make it special. Kyle was never big on decorating for the holidays, I did it all.

  Liz and I use to be closer, things changed a few years ago. Kyle talked to her about our problems, which was fine. We all need someone to talk to, I have Jaylah, he has Liz.

  I never cared that he talked to Liz about our problems, but we had a few fights about a woman he worked with, Tessa. She worked out in Memphis, they talked to each other everyday for work. But when they talked and texted outside of work, that's when I had a problem with it. He would tell me they were friends all the time and to not get all worked up over it. I don't know why, but it always upset me.

  Chapter 6

  On my day off, I decided to finish up some shopping. I had to figure out what I was going to get Jaylah for Christmas. I wanted to make it special. I have put her through alot these last six months and it's not going to be any better for awhile.

  She has so much on her plate right now. Her dad was diagnosed with Colon Cancer seven years ago. He is still battling it today. Her mom had Breast Cancer about nine years ago. Thank god she is doing well. Jaylah puts on a strong front for everyone else, but she needs a break from it.

  I have been thinking a small vacation would be nice, for both of us. Jaylah's Canadian, her dad was in the Air Force and met her mom there. A trip to Toronto for a weekend, is the trip for us.

  I pull into the travel agents office, to figure out my options. I could do the research online myself but I never seem to have the time. Our friend Mary from high school owns the place, I know she will give me the best deal. I tell what I want to do and my budget. She works out the details and tells me she will mail me my packet.

  I am so excited to give this present to Jaylah. We are going the weekend after New Year's. It's something we both need.

  I get into my car feeling happy, which I haven't felt in a long time. I put my key in the ignition, nothing happens. I try to turn it over again, then again.

  "Are you kidding me right now?!" I say to myself. I try a couple more times and it finally turns over. I call my dad right away.

  "Hello baby, how are you?" he answers.

  "I'm ok dad. I was calling because my car almost didn't start. It took me a couple of tries. Can I drop it off to have you look at it?"

  "Sure, but I'm not there right now. Wyatt's there, I will have him look at it for you. Let me call him." he replies

  "Thanks,"I say and we hang up.

  I start the driving to my dad's shop and think about my luck. Just when I was finally feeling happy and things were looking up. How can this be happening now. Its a short drive, I pull into "Tom's Auto Repair Shop" and park my car in front.

  I always get a warm feeling pulling up to my dad's shop. I had my first job here answering phones and ringing up customers. Dan and Rick are like uncle's to me, they are great guys. The shop is a small brick building, attached to a large garage. The garage can hold up to six cars inside. There is a fenced lot behind it, for the tow truck and any cars that can't be put in the garage. The office is small, with a large window looking out to the small parking lot in front of it. My dad put some chairs along the wall in front of the window for customers to wait. A computer is on the counter and a tv hangs in the corner, in case customers want to watch.

  I walk into the front office and ring the bell on the counter, it rings in the garage, so they know someone is here. My dad has talked a lot about Wyatt, he really likes this guy. I wish Rick or Dan were here, so I didn't have to deal with some new guy. But f course, they are all gone for the day. I turn around and am looking out the window waiting.

  "Can I help you?" I hear from behind me.

  I turn around and have to catch my jaw from dropping. Holy shit, this guy is HOT, he reminds me of Anson Mount, from "Hell on Wheels." I mean seriously, DIRTY HOT. He has dark brown wavy hair that is shoulder length and pulled back off his face. He has a beard, and beautiful blue eyes, that you can get lost in. He has smudges of grease on his face, that my fingers twitch to touch. I realize all I have done is stare at this guy not saying a word.

  I clear my throat and say, "Hi, I'm Tom's daughter, Anne. You must be Wyatt." I walk up and shake his hand. He wipes his hand on his pants, before reaching to take mine. When our hands touch, I get shivers up my spine. I pull my hand away quickly.

  He smiles at me and says, "Tom said to take a look at your car. Is it that one in front?"

  "Yeah, here are my keys. It didn't want to start," I answer.

  He takes my keys and his hand brushes mine. I get that shiver again. He walks outside and I get to see the back of him. Wow, he has a nice ass, too. Oh my god, what am I thinking. I really need to stop, I'm still married technically.

  I follow him out and he gets behind the wheel, of my 2008 Dodge Caliber. We bought it new, when I was pregnant with Shannon. It was my first new car, and I am very attached to it. He tries to start it, nothing. He pops the hood, gets out and turns to me.

  "Try starting it when I tell you."

  I nod and watch him walk around to the front and look at the engine.

  He yells, "Okay, try it."

  I turn the key, and it trys to turn over, but won't start. I get out and walk up to him.

  He looks over to me, "Well, it looks like we will have to keep your car."

  I sigh, "Great, I knew it. Thanks for looking at it."

  We walk back into the office. I set my spare key on the counter and pull out my phone.

  "I will just call to get a ride." I say.

  Wyatt looks at me and says, "I can give you a ride, I was finishing things up waiting for you. That's if you want."

  I feel like a teenager, I wanted to jump up and down and scream, HELL YES. I smile and say "That would be great, thanks."

  I watch as he closes up the shop, making sure everthing is locked and all the lights are turned off. When he is done, I follow him out to his pick-up truck.

  I jump in, feeling all giddy like a teenager. I don't know if I have ever felt like this around a guy, not even Kyle. I guess I always felt so comfortable around Kyle, even when we first met. I watch him hop in and he looks over to me.

  "So, where am I taking you?" he asks.

  God, he has a beautiful smile. I would like to do more with those lips... wait what? I shake my head. I smile back, "To my shop, Sweet Pleasures. I live in the apartment above it."

  He turns back in his seat, I see the hint of a smile on his lips. He starts his pick up truck. "Is that the bakery on Main Street?"

  "Yeah. I own it with my friend Jaylah."

  We don't talk much more. I try stealing glances at him without being a creeper. "So Wyatt, how do you like Richmond?" I ask.

  He looks over at me and gives me another of his smiles. I mean seriously, how can someone be that fucking hot! I feel myself blush at my thoughts and I try to hide my face.

  "It's been nice. Tom is a great guy. I am so grateful he hired me." he says as we pull up to the shop.

  I am disappointed the ride is over. "Thanks for the ride, it was really nice meeting you."

  He smiles, "You too. I hope to see you again."

  That smile could melt ice, I swear. I feel giddy again that he hopes to see me. Snap out of it, he is only a man....One HOT man, but a man. I turn and wave as I walk into the shop.

  I still have a stupid smile on my face as I wave t
o Jaylah. I walk towards the back to get to the stairs. I hear someone call my name behind me.

  "Anne, ANNE," Wyatt yells.

  I turn to see Wyatt jogging towards me. I smile, before I can wonder why he is calling me.

  "Hey, you left your purse in my truck. Here." he says, as he hands it to me.

  "Ttthanks," I stammer out.

  "Wow, this place is really nice. I have been meaning to come in here." he says, as he looks around.

  I see Jaylah eyeing me and smiling. Thank god Wyatt is facing me, she is hanging over the counter to look at him. She gets a shit eating grin on her face and mouths "Nice Ass."

  I chuckle, "Thanks." I reply, as I look away from Jaylah and into his eyes.

  "Sorry, would you like a coffee? It's on the house."

  He looks over his shoulder to see Jaylah hanging over the counter, he laughs. "That would be great."

  I walk behind the counter and start to make him a coffee. Jaylah comes to stand next to me.

  "Who the hell is that, he is fucking HOT!" she whispers.

  "I know right, that's Wyatt, he works for my dad." I whisper, back.

  I turn around, to see him looking at all the sweets. I walk down and give him his coffee. "I hope you like carmel latte's, did you want a dessert to go with it?"

  He looks through the case more and says, "The coffee is great, surprise me. It all looks great, I don't think I could choose."

  He smiles again. I box up one of our famous cream puffs and hand it to him. "Thanks again for the ride."

  He winks at me. Jaylah jabs me in the ribs, because again I am staring at him.

  "Oh, this is Jaylah, my best friend and partner. Jaylah this is Wyatt, he works for my dad. My car is at the shop and he gave me a ride home." I say to each of them.