“Tricia, Richard and Denise are such dedicated doctors they never leave the hospital on time. Denise says she should be home by the time we reach there. Here, let me take your luggage.”
Tricia pulled her coat closer as she started the walk to the car. “I can’t believe I’m actually in New York again,” she remarked. “It’s been quite a while since I’ve been here.”
She recalled her nephew’s words that made her decide to make this trip. “Auntie, why don’t you spend the holidays here in New York with Denise and me? It’s been awhile since you’ve visited and we’d love to have you,” Richard had said to her just a few weeks before. So, here she was after such a long absence, and in the company of a man who made her heart flutter the first time she laid eyes on him.
As Carlos placed her luggage in the back seat of the Porsche, she continued, “Carlos, for some reason I believe I’ve heard your name before. You’re not a movie star are you? Your name is so familiar, and you remind me of someone I’ve seen on the big screen.”
“A resemblance to a movie star? Now that’s a compliment if ever I’ve heard one! Perhaps at some time Denise or Richard may have mentioned my name.”
“Perhaps.”
It was a long drive from the airport to her nephew’s home and they chatted all the way, like old friends.
“How did you and Richard become friends anyhow?” Tricia asked.
“My son, Jonathan, was a friend of Richard’s.”
“Was? Are they no longer friends?”
“Jonathan passed away suddenly six years ago.”
She heard the pain in his response and her heart saddened. “Oh, I’m so sorry about your loss. I can’t imagine your pain.”
“It was very difficult for a while, but Richard and Denise have adopted me as their father now, and their support has been phenomenal and very comforting. Jonathan was at NYU with Richard, and they lived like brothers. I think Richard was the brother he always wanted.”
“What about his mother? How is she doing?”
Carlos bit into his lip before breathing a heavy sigh. He kept his eyes straight ahead. “My wife, Sylvia, passed away one year after Jonathan did. She never got over his death. She was heartbroken and lost the will to live.”
“Oh my goodness. That’s so tragic. You’ve certainly had your share of sorrow. How are you now?”
“I’m doing all right. I’m not quite alone in the world. I do have a daughter, but she lives in New Jersey with her husband.”
“Do you have any grandchildren?”
“Not yet, but I know that Christina and her husband, Derek, hope to be parents someday and I look forward to being a grandpa. Jonathan was married for a short period and had no children.”
Tricia detected a change in his voice as he continued. “He’d just recently moved back to our home when the accident happened. What about you? Do you have a family?”
Tricia frowned. She turned to look at Carlos. She was not prepared for his question and began to fidget with her fingers. She took a deep breath before responding. “I’m the mother of two young adult children, Kirk and Katrina. No grandchildren, yet, as they’re both still single. I’m recently divorced, and don’t say you’re sorry, because it was necessary.”
“Then I’m not sorry because if you were married, you probably wouldn’t be taking this trip and we would not be chatting like this. I’m glad I got to meet you. Richard told me that you’re here for the holidays.”
”Yes, my dear niece and nephew decided that I needed to get away, and to be with family during the Christmas holidays. Richard suggested I spend a month, if possible. My children will be away with their dad for his niece’s wedding during the holidays, and I would have been alone. My children don’t live at home with me, but we have a great relationship, and this will be the first Christmas that we won’t be together.”
“Have you no other relatives back in Toronto?”
“No. Not anyone that I’d want to spend the holidays with anyway. As you may know, my brother, Julian, and his wife, Theresa, Richard’s parents, now live in Australia, and that’s a long way and a very expensive one too. One day I hope I can visit them there.”
“I do hope you get to go. You’ll love it. I’ve been there twice, quite a number of years ago, and to New Zealand as well. I fell in love with both places. Oh, the memories!”
His voice quivered, and he swallowed hard. On impulse, she reached over and touched his arm.
He offered a weak smile.
Too soon, they arrived at Richard and Denise’s home where Tricia would be spending the next month. Carlos helped her with her luggage and together they entered the house where Denise was waiting for them.
“Welcome, Auntie. It’s so good to see you again. It’s been a long time. Too long. Richard’s been counting the days to your arrival. I haven’t seen him this excited in a long time.”
The two women hugged. “It’s good to see you again too,” Tricia said. “I’m sorry for staying away so long. By the way, thanks for sending such a handsome gentleman to meet me.”
A chuckle escaped Denise. “I think you’re making Carlos blush.”
Carlos looked at Denise, then at Tricia, and the trio burst into laughter.
Denise continued, “I’m so sorry we couldn’t meet you ourselves. Our jobs seem to be taking over our lives.”
Carlos turned to Tricia. “I’ve been scolding your niece and nephew for months now. You know the saying about all work and no play. They work such long hours, I’m worried that they may suffer burn-out sooner or later.”
“Thanks for caring Carlos. I’ll have a chat with them, don’t you worry,” Tricia said.
“Good. I’ll be rushing off now. It was a pleasure to meet you Tricia. If you need someone to get you around the city, just call me. I’ll be your escort. How about that?” he said laughing.
“That’ll be so nice, Carlos, and thanks for meeting me at the airport too. I look forward to seeing you again.”
“Do you have to rush off Carlos? Can I offer you a cup of tea or something?” Denise asked.
“No thanks. I do have to go.”
“Okay, thanks again for getting Auntie here.”
“It was a pleasure. Tricia, I hope to hear from you. Say hi to Richard for me.”
Carlos gave both ladies a friendly squeeze on the shoulder and he headed for the door. Denise followed and closed it behind him.
As soon as Denise closed the door, the telephone rang and she went to the kitchen to answer it.
“That was Richard calling,” Denise informed Tricia. “He’ll be a bit late getting home. He says he can’t wait to see you.”
Tricia and Denise sat around the fireplace sipping hot chocolate and catching up on all that had been happening in their lives. When the conversation turned to Carlos, Tricia said, “It must have been devastating losing his wife and only son one year apart. How did he continue after that?”
“It was tough for him for a while, but he managed. He’s a strong man, and he has his faith.”
Tricia toyed with her cup. “It’s been five years since his wife’s passing. I guess he isn’t in a serious relationship since he picked me up and offered to show me around New York. Most men don’t wait that long to start dating again.”
“You’re right. Some have even gotten married in less time than he’s been widowed.”
“Do you know if he’s seeing anyone?”
“I don’t think he is seeing anyone. He spends a lot of time with his daughter, and with Richard and me, when we are available. I think he still misses Sylvia.” Denise’s eyes widened and an inquisitive look appeared on her face. “Why do you ask? Are you interested?”
Tricia touched her cheeks and hoped that her embarrassment did not show, but from Denise’s mischievous smile, she knew that her face had betrayed her thoughts.
Chuckling, Denise continued, “Auntie, you are interested!”
“Not really, just curious.”
That night as Tricia
got into bed she found herself thinking about Carlos and their conversation. She tossed and turned, her thoughts whirling, as many questions rushed through her head. After several hours she finally fell into a peaceful sleep.
***
The next morning, Tricia awoke to gently falling snow. She turned on the television to check the forecast. It called for two inches of snow, but clearing later in the day. That for Tricia was nothing, compared to the large snowfalls back home. As she was thinking about what her plans would be for the day, she noticed a note stuck under her door. Both Richard and Denise were called in to work early. A flu epidemic had the Emergency Department at the hospital going crazy. Tricia would be on her own on her first day, but she was not too disappointed. She decided that she would use that time to phone some of her relatives.
Her first call was to Aunt Stella, her late mother’s only living sister.
“Aunt Stella, its Tricia. How are you my dear?”
“Tricia honey, so good to hear your voice! How are you, and my dearest great niece and nephew?”
“I’m well Auntie, and so are Kirk and Katrina.”
“Richard told me you were coming for the holidays; I can’t wait to see you.”
“I can’t wait to see you either.”
The two spoke for a few minutes and then Tricia called her cousin, Mavis, who had moved from South Carolina to New York some years before. She chatted with Mavis for at least half an hour. Mavis was the funny one in the family and most thought that she could easily do stand-up comedy. Mavis made Tricia laugh so much and so loudly that morning, especially when, in her Southern drawl, she teased, “Tricia, my dear, what you need is a rich old guy who is just happy with a younger woman at his side to make him look like there’s still fire in the fireplace, and I know a few.”
“Oh Mavis, that’s not why I’m here.”
“Never mind that. There’s no harm in looking. That ole fool Wesley couldn’t appreciate you, but I know some real gentlemen here who would.”
At the mention of her ex-husband’s name, Tricia’s thoughts began to wander back to her empty and emotionally abusive marriage and the circumstances that convinced her to make this trip to New York. She had no regrets for staying in the loveless marriage. At least during those miserable years she’d had a role, if not as wife, as a mother, and Katrina and Kirk made her proud. Still, she could not help but feel resentment for Wesley at times.
“Tricia, are you still on the line?”
“Oh, so sorry Mavis. I’m here.”
“What’s Wesley doing these days anyhow?”
“Wesley’s still the same, and doing the same. As my mother always said, ‘a leopard can’t change his spots now, can he?”
Mavis laughed. “Your mom was right. What are Kirk and Katrina doing for the holidays?”
“They’re accompanying their dad to St. Lucia for their cousin Jennifer’s wedding. They’ll be spending the holidays there. That’s why I’m spending mine here. You know, once you’re divorced, you’re no longer a part of his family. Anyway, I’ve got to go now. I’ve some more calls to make. Talk to you soon again, and I’ll see you Christmas Day, right?”
“Of course, honey. I might even pick up Aunt Stella and pop over to visit you some time before the holidays.”
“That’ll be lovely!”
“You take care now, hear?”
“I will. See you soon. Bye”
The quiet in the house was a bit depressing for Tricia and allowed her mind to wander into places where she’d rather it not go. She propped herself up on the cushions on her bed and stared out the window at the snow as it gently touched the earth, and covered the bare trees. As she sat on the bed gazing out the window, her thoughts whirled and she recalled Pastor Butler’s words. “Tricia, live in the present, learn from the past, and look forward to the future. It’ll be wonderful, because God has great plans for you.”
Tricia thought of Carlos and their conversation of last night. She smiled as she remembered the compliment he had paid her. She got out of bed, showered, dressed and made a light breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast and green tea. After a couple of calls to Toronto, she turned on the television to the news, and then watched some sitcoms. She found herself laughing at times and actually enjoying her day. Later, she surprised Denise and Richard by making them dinner. Denise had left some steaks marinating, so Tricia cooked them, along with baked potatoes, green beans, carrots and a garden salad.
“Thank you so much Auntie,” Denise said almost in tears. “My feet are so tired. You have no idea how thankful I am for this meal. It’s been years since I’ve come home to a meal. Did you find everything okay?”
“Yep. I enjoyed doing this for you two. I couldn’t just sit here all day and have you come home to make dinner, no way! My dears, while I’m here, prepared to be pampered.”
Richard hugged his aunt. “Thanks so much. I love you.”
“Love you too. Now get washed up and let’s eat.”
***
Tricia was eager to do some shopping, so was thrilled when, a few days later, Carlos stayed true to his word and made himself available. “I’ll be there at ten sharp,” he said when they spoke. The doorbell rang just as she was coming down the stairs. Tricia glanced at her watch. It was exactly ten o’clock. She grabbed her coat and raced to the door.
“Hi Carlos,” she said smiling, as she fumbled with her coat.
“Good morning Tricia. Here, let me help you with that,” he said as he helped her into her coat.
As they started down the steps on their way to the car, he took her arm in his. “It’s a bit slippery, wouldn’t want you to fall and hurt yourself,” he said while guiding her towards the car. Carlos opened the door of the passenger side for her before taking his place in the driver’s seat.
She watched him turn the ignition key. “Thank you Carlos,” she said.
He touched her hand, “You’re welcome.”
After shopping all morning they stopped for lunch.
The Maitre’D greeted them as they entered the restaurant. “Good afternoon Madam, Mr. DaSilva. Good to see you again. Just the two of you?”
“Yes, Paul.”
“Follow me sir. Your usual table is free. I see you’ve been Christmas shopping. Ah, it’s the one thing I hate about Christmas, too crowded in all the shops.”
“Oh, these are the lady’s packages. She’s the one who’s shopping.”
Paul escorted them to a cozy table near a window. Tricia allowed her eyes to wander around the beautiful room and decided that it must be expensive to eat here. The Maître’D pulled her chair out for her. Carlos waited until she was seated before taking his seat.
During lunch, Tricia could not help but admire the man she’d just met only days ago, but who was already occupying most of her thoughts.
“Thanks Carlos, this is delicious. Do you to eat here often?”
“Often enough.”
After lunch they shopped for another hour or so, before Tricia said, “let’s call it a day. My feet are starting to hurt.”
When they arrived at the house Carlos followed Tricia up the steps clutching her shopping bags in each hand. Tricia pulled the key from her purse and as she opened the door, she asked. “Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?”
“Sure, thank you.”
Tricia passed the cup of coffee to Carlos. “Thank you for today. And for making me feel like a lady. It’s been a long time since I’ve had anyone pay me so much attention.”
“Tricia, you are a lady, and a ray of sunshine.” He took a few sips of coffee before asking, “What are you doing tomorrow?”
She smiled. “That depends on you.”
“You’re cheeky and so adorable.”
“So I’ve been told.”
Carlos laughed. “My goodness, you really are cheeky, but I like it. Seriously now, shall I pick you up around nine? I want to show you a bit of the Big Apple.”
“Yes, that’s fine. I’ll be ready, and thanks.�
��
That night, Tricia knelt by her bedside and said a simple prayer. “Thank you God for blessing me with this beautiful day, and for Carlos.” She slept well.
When she awoke, Denise and Richard had already left for work. She found herself singing in the shower, and smiling as she readied herself for her outing with Carlos.
***
The day spent with Carlos was everything she hoped it would be. The highlight was their visit to the New York Museum of Natural History, followed by the Museum of Modern Art. They spent hours among the fascinating work. After the visits they walked among the hustle and bustle of Fifth Avenue, purchasing gifts and souvenirs and enjoyed a simple hamburger meal.
They were both quiet during the drive home. It was drizzling and Carlos was concentrating on his driving. As they were driving over the Brooklyn Bridge, Tricia noticed a huge billboard advertisement on a building nearby.
“Oh my goodness! Fiddler on the Roof is playing on Broadway! I’d love to see that musical. It came to Toronto twice and both times I had to miss it. I’ve always wanted to see a Broadway show.”
“So, you like the theatre?”
“Like is an understatement. I love the theatre, and so does Katrina. We go as often as we can.”
“Great, we have that in common. I love the theatre also. So does Christina. Our family went often, but since…well let’s just say I’ve not been in a while, that’s all.”
Tricia noticed a change in his voice. She glanced at him for a moment and the sad look on his face quickened her heart. Gathering her composure, she said, “My being in the big apple again is such a delight. I’d forgotten about all the glamour, the fine restaurants, shows and the shopping; the whole culture of this beautiful city. A few minutes ago I had to pinch myself to see if all this was real, that I could be in New York after such a long time. It has been almost twelve years since I’ve visited.”
Carlos glanced at her. “Why is that?”
“Wesley did not like coming to New York. As a matter of fact he hated travelling and his only love of entertainment was meeting with his friends every weekend to play poker. In the summer, it was golf.”
Walking Through and Other Stories Page 17