Tess and Jeremy

by Buffy Andrews

Hillary walked over and stood beside me. “You and Cole seem to be getting pretty chummy.”

  “Not really,” I said.

  “Not that I was eavesdropping or anything, but it sounded like you two might have a thing.”

  I turned to face her. “What the fuck are you talking about, Hillary?”

  “Fucking. That’s what I’m talking about. Are you doing him?”

  “Oh, Christ! I’m not even going to answer that question.”

  “Then you are, aren’t you?”

  “Hillary, I’m married.”

  “So?”

  “So I would never do that to Jeremy.”

  “What makes you think he’s not doing it to you?”

  “Because I know him.”

  “Do you?” she asked.

  “Is there something you know that I don’t know?”

  “Maybe.”

  “What are you insinuating?”

  “It’s just that…well, I really shouldn’t say.”

  “No, by all means, say. You’ve already started, so you might as well finish.”

  She sighed. “I would just ask him about his new dental hygienist. That’s all I’m going to say.”

  And she walked away, swinging her hips from side to side.

  I stayed in the shower a long time. I was afraid if I saw Hillary in the locker room I’d punch her perfect face.

  I got Jeremy’s text after I showered and decided to stop at the department store to buy Daisy some pink outfits. I needed something to cheer me up. And now that we knew the baby was a girl, she definitely needed some pink things. And maybe a baby doll and purse. And shoes—definitely shoes.

  Chapter 14

  Jeremy

  My afternoon flew by. Renee, my new dental hygienist, seemed to be settling in. This was the start of her second week and I was pleased with her work. Jen had interviewed a number of applicants before I interviewed her top four choices. I picked Renee, but honestly I would have been happy with any one of them.

  While the day started with Mrs. Harris, one of my worst patients, it ended with one of my favorites—Mr. Hamme. Mr. Hamme was as happy as Mrs. Harris was miserable. Too bad the two of them couldn’t get together. They’d balance each other out. They were both widowed and about the same age. Maybe I should suggest it.

  Mr. Hamme flashed his toothy grin as I walked into the room. “How’s my boy?”

  “I’m great, Mr. Hamme, especially since you’re my last patient of the day.”

  “You know what they say: Save the best for last.”

  I smiled. “Having any problems?”

  “I’ve been constipated lately. Darn bowels don’t work as well as they once did. And when I pee, it sprays everywhere.”

  I coughed. “I meant with your teeth. Are you having any problems with your teeth?”

  Mr. Hamme waved his hand. “Oh! No, boy. It’s about the only thing I’m not having problems with. Even the ladies like my new dentures, so I smile a lot.”

  He winked and flashed a wide smile.

  “Is Mrs. Harris one of those ladies by any chance?”

  “That old coot that lives on Harding Street?”

  “I believe that’s the one.”

  “She’s a busy body. Always coming into the senior center telling people what to do. And she complains about everything. She gives me the willies. Why’d you ask?”

  “No reason,” I said. “She was my first patient today. I just thought you might know one another.”

  “We do and I wish we didn’t.”

  So much for the idea of suggesting they date, I thought.

  I examined Mr. Hamme’s teeth. “Everything looks good. If you have any problems call me.”

  “About my teeth or anything?”

  I laughed. “Since I’m your dentist, about your teeth. But if you really get in a fix and need to call me about something else, that’s okay, too.”

  “Good to know, son. Good to know. An old man like me just might need a youngin’ like you down the road.”

  ***

  Tess

  When I got home, I wrapped Daisy’s gifts and put a casserole in the oven. I was supposed to meet Richard at six. Cassie was coming over to babysit; Jeremy had a Rotary Club meeting. I think I had everything covered.

  I called Sue and got an update on Gina. Sue said Gina and Daisy were doing great. Daisy had dark hair like Mike and a lot of it. She weighed six pounds and was nineteen inches long. Sue said Gina didn’t want to put Daisy down. That made me smile. I remember those days when all I wanted to do was cuddle.

  I remember rocking Katie and John when they were babies, their tiny fingers wrapping around mine. I thought they were perfect in every way. Hard to believe they turned into such mouthy kids.

  I figured I would give Gina a few days before I popped over to visit. Sue told me Mike had taken the rest of the week off, so I knew she’d have help.

  John got home first and loaded up on snacks.

  “Don’t eat too much or you’ll spoil your dinner.”

  He sat down at the table. “What are we having anyway?”

  “Pasta and hamburger casserole.”

  “With lots of cheese melted on top?”

  I nodded. “With loads of cheese.”

  Katie walked in as John finished his cheese stick. She dropped her bags and headed for the refrigerator. She opened the door, peeked inside and turned around. “Did you eat the last cheese stick?”

  John nodded.

  “Pig.”

  “I didn’t see your name on it.”

  “But I like cheese sticks more than you. You only ate it because it was the last one.”

  “Did not.”

  “Did, too.”

  I took a deep breath. “Not now, you two. Finish your snacks and go do your homework. If you can’t be nice to one another, stay away from each other. Remember, Cassie is babysitting. Both your dad and I have meetings.”

  “I’m not looking forward to being an adult,” John said.

  “Why?”

  “Because all you do is have boring meetings—especially Dad.”

  “And when you’re not meeting you’re cooking and cleaning and washing clothes,” Katie said.

  I rolled my eyes and went upstairs to change. I wasn’t sure what to wear to my meeting with Richard. I didn’t want to be overdressed, but I knew he was coming right from work. I decided on tan slacks, a floral blouse and blazer.

  No sooner had I changed when I heard Katie answer the door and let Cassie in. I looked into the mirror one last time. I hoped Richard liked what I had to show him.

  ***

  Jeremy

  The Rotary Club meeting was at the Washington Club, a couple blocks from the old bistro building Tess seemed overly interested in. Usually Keith and I go to the meeting together, but I still felt a little awkward about what happened, so I didn’t call. He didn’t either. But when we ran into each other, everything fell into place.

  “Kris is so excited Gina had a girl,” Keith said. “Went shopping already and bought a boatload of pink stuff.”

  I laughed. “Tess texted me; she did, too.”

  “When I talked to Mike, he seemed really excited.”

  I agreed. “He made me excited just listening to him. And getting up every two hours with a newborn is not something that excites me.”

  “I know what you mean. I’m glad we’re done.”

  “Hell, you have an entire basketball team. I hope you’re done.”

  Keith laughed. “I think the meeting’s starting. We’d better grab a seat.”

  The president talked and talked and talked. I think the guy liked hearing himself speak. He went through the various community service projects and then discussed some international projects. The water project in Nicaragua seemed like a good one to get involved with.

  “Jeremy,” the president shouted. “Will you chair the scholarship committee this year?”

  I jerked to attention. I felt like I'd been caught daydreaming in cla
ss.

  “Sure, but I’d like to have a co-chair.”

  Keith raised his hand. “I’ll co-chair the committee.”

  “Fantastic,” the president said. “We think we’ll have enough to give four deserving seniors college scholarships this year, and there are usually a lot of applicants. Next on the agenda.”

  I nodded at Keith.

  By the time the meeting was over, I was yawning every minute.

  “Feel up to getting a beer?” Keith asked.

  “Not tonight. It’s been a long day. I’m heading home.”

  ***

  Tess

  I saw Richard as soon as I entered the restaurant. He was an older man, maybe 60ish, with salt and pepper hair, blue eyes and an easy smile. He was tall and thin like Jeremy and when I stood next to him, I had to look up.

  He held out his hand to shake mine. “Tess, good to see you again.”

  I smiled.

  The restaurant wasn’t busy and Richard asked the hostess to seat us in a quiet area.

  “Would you like the wine menu?” the server asked.

  I held up my hand. “None for me, thank you.”

  Richard ordered a martini and some dinner. I was too nervous to eat, so I told him I’d eaten with the kids before coming.

  “So, what did you come up with?”

  “I like the idea of opening a tea room.”

  “And you think this will be a viable business in this economy?”

  “I do. I think location is important. Perhaps locating it downtown near the historic district and tapping into the tourism market. People are touring the area and need a break, something different. I’ll create a laid-back atmosphere in which they can escape the busyness, likewise for locals. And I could feature special events, like mom and daughter teas, or girl and doll teas.”

  Richard sipped his martini.

  “Do you have a particular property in mind?”

  “I’d love the old bistro building. And I love the idea of incorporating a gift shop into the space. I could sell not only tea-related items but other items as well. Maybe even sell locally made items, which I’m sure the tourists would be interested in. By diversifying my inventory, the gift shop could serve the non-tea crowd and be another source of income.”

  “Do you think the old bistro building will offer some semblance of tranquility?”

  “I think with noise buffering walls, plants and the right furniture I can create a relaxing haven where when people walk inside, they feel like they’ve entered a garden. I want unique, something that sets it apart.”

  “Would you buy a franchise?”

  I shook my head. “I’d like to open my own.”

  “Well, you certainly seem to have the interpersonal skills for such a business. Are you prepared for the long hours?”

  “I’m still working on that. But I would definitely need help.”

  “And what are you seeing in terms of trends?”

  “My research shows fruit and herbal teas have increased by thirty percent, and specialty teas, such as green tea, have grown fifty percent.”

  “How far are you on your business plan?”

  I reached for my bag and pulled out a manila folder. “It’s all there. The business plan, marketing plan, projected income and financial needs. I even worked on a menu.”

  Richard smiled. “Very good. I’ll look this over and then we can meet again. In the meantime, work on finding local suppliers. And make sure you research which licenses and permits you need to open a tea room in the historic district.”

  I nodded. “I’ll get on it right away.”

  “I like the idea of opening a business that puts money back into the community,” Richard said.

  “My thoughts exactly.”

  Chapter 15

  Jeremy

  On the way to my car, I took a detour to check out the bistro building. I remember the night I proposed to Tess. I was in dental school and we came home for the weekend to visit my parents. I took Tess to the bistro. I knew it was her kind of place. Kind of artsy with its exposed brick walls and panel ceiling and original wooden floors. The bistro also supported local artists by showcasing their work. Customers could buy the pieces.

  We sat in the back booth, which was shaped like a U. It could seat six, but I asked the waitress if she would give it to us. I was a regular before going away to college, so when I came home, Jackie, the waitress, always made sure I got top-notch service. I wanted the extra privacy, and with its high walls and flickering candle in the middle of the table, the booth was cozy and romantic.

  I can’t remember what we ate that night. I’m sure it was good. But I will never forget what happened when Jackie brought the bill. Tess had this annoying habit of always grabbing the bill to look at it first. The bistro used old books instead of leather bill folders. In our past visits, Tess always enjoyed this particular aspect of the dining experience. She loves books, especially old ones, and always looked forward to seeing what book the bill was presented in.

  “Are you sure you don’t want any dessert?” Jackie had asked Tess.

  Tess held her stomach. “I couldn’t eat another bite.”

  “I guess that means we’ll take the check,” I told Jackie.

  When Jackie returned, I thought I would have to pick Tess off the floor. As soon as Jackie placed the book on the table Tess’s eyes sprung out of their sockets.

  She ran her hands over the cover of the book, which was Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. “Oh. My. God. This has to be old. It’s beautifully aged.”

  “Yeah, it’s no Dover Thrift Edition, that’s for sure. My guess is it’s a rare 1871 leather bound published by Scott Webster and Geary.”

  Tess flashed me a puzzled look. She opened the book to examine it further and the hefty price I paid for the book was worth it just to see the look on her face. She picked up the check, but there weren’t any numbers on it. A diamond ring was taped to the slip with a note that said, “Will you marry me?”

  Tess cried and I got down on my knees and she said yes and when Jackie saw the proposal was made and accepted, she announced it to all the patrons. We ended up staying for a while because people kept buying us drinks.

  God, I hadn’t thought about that in years. We were so in love then, so happy. And like the book, I thought we’d be around for a long time.

  ***

  Tess

  “Are you sure you don’t want something to drink?” Richard asked.

  I sighed. “Well, maybe just one.”

  Richard called the server over and I ordered a glass of white zinfandel. I guess I hadn’t realized how nervous I was to share my research. When I first thought about starting my own tea room, there was so much I didn’t know. But I’ve learned a lot from Richard, who volunteers his time to advise and mentor small business owners. I found him through a non-profit program administered by the Small Business Association. Having someone to talk to who’s been in my shoes is a huge help. I appreciate his expertise and wisdom.

  The server brought my wine and I dropped my shoulders, trying to relax as much as I could.

  “What’s your biggest concern about this?” Richard asked.

  I smiled. “Do I have to pick just one?”

  He laughed.

  “I suppose getting the start-up financing. My husband, Jeremy, wants to put an addition on our house. I haven’t shared this idea with him yet. He knows I’m looking for a job, but he doesn’t know I’ve been considering starting my own business. I want to have everything figured out before I talk to him about it. But I’m worried we won’t have the money to sink into this if he has his mind set on the addition.”

  Richard sipped his martini. “So you might need some investors.”

  I nodded.

  “I can’t wait to read your plans more carefully,” Richard said. “I do think it’s a good idea to increase your income by selling retail products. Incorporating a gift shop into the plan is smart. Even if people don’t want to come in and sit for
a tea, they can shop in the store and buy tea, accessories, food products and other gifts. And I also like that you want to include locally made products in your inventory.”

  “I agree. Diversification is key. I also think offering tea tastings might be profitable.”

  “Any idea for a name?”

  “I’ve been playing around with a few but haven’t come up with any that completely wow me.”

  Richard took the last sip of his martini. “Picking a name is the fun part.”

  “And it’s an important part. Any ideas come to mind?”

  Richard smiled. “Maybe Tess’s Tea Room. Simple and straight forward and the alliteration gives it a nice ring.”

  “Thanks. I’ll add it to my list. Maybe the next time we meet I’ll have some to share with you.”

  “In the meantime, I’ll look over what you’ve given me and you work on the new stuff I asked for tonight.”

  I laughed. “It’s been a long time since I had this much homework.”

  Richard smiled. “But it’s doing the homework that leads to success.”

  “That’s what my mom used to say when I was in school. I hated homework, but she’d always remind me that we learn by doing the homework, so when we’re tested we know exactly what to do.”

  “Your mom was a wise woman.” Richard asked.

  “Yeah. Try telling that to a teen who thinks she knows everything. It took me until my mid-twenties to realize how smart my mom and dad were.”

  ***

  Jeremy

  I turned the corner and walked toward the bistro building. There weren’t many people on the street. Like a lot of downtowns, retailers fled the city when malls popped up in the suburbs. There were a lot of empty storefronts that in their heyday were bustling places of commerce, but slowly the city was coming back through various initiatives aimed at revitalizing the downtown. It was great to see more and more independent shops opening. Together they created a vibrant arts district, which drew people into the city for special events.