Out in the Open

by Glazer, J B

  We finish our sandwiches and walk to the parking garage. On the ride over, I muse about kissing Jason. I’m not against it, but I’m not exactly for it either. I find him attractive, but I don’t feel a connection with him. Perhaps it’s normal at this stage of the dating process. Although when I think about the time when Jake almost kissed me, I definitely envision sparks flying. I’m glad I didn’t have any direct encounters with Jake today; it’s exhausting trying to ignore him.

  Liv and I arrive at Toys “R” Us, and I find the costume.

  “What do you think?” I ask her.

  “I like it, but do you think you should get her a princess dress instead? All the girls these days are into princesses.”

  “No, she’s into superheroes. She’s a bit of a superhero herself.”

  Liv looks at me a bit quizzically and says, “Then I’m sure she’ll love it.”

  I buy the outfit and a gift bag, then tag along with Liv while she shops. I end up getting groceries for myself too. It’s rare that I have access to a car, so I typically buy only what I can carry. We get back to our building and load our bags on the luggage cart. We help each other unload, and then I bring the cart back down to the lobby.

  “How are things going, Lexi?” asks Roland.

  “Same old, same old,” I tell him. Sometimes status quo is good, but I’m yearning for a change.

  On Friday I briefly stop by happy hour. I don’t want to overdo it because Molly’s party starts at ten, so I have to be up early. I see Jake hanging out by the bar with Ross. We make eye contact, and he holds my gaze until I look away. As much as I try to avoid him, my eyes keep casting glances in his direction. Not once has he looked my way. I notice that he doesn’t approach any of the girls, but plenty search him out. I watch as he flirts with them, knowing he used to act that way with me. A seed of doubt is planted: Perhaps I’m not that different after all. I sneak out quietly after staying for an hour so people won’t give me a hard time about leaving. It proves to be successful.

  When I get home, I keep busy by doing final preparations for the benefit; I can’t believe it’s next weekend. I’m double-checking the invite list when my cell phone rings. I look at the caller ID and see that it’s Ben. I’m tempted to answer but decide against it. He leaves a message, and I try to ignore it, but my curiosity gets the best of me. I call my voice mail and tense as I hear his familiar voice. “Hi, Lexi. I was just thinking of you and wanted to see how you were. I know your benefit is next weekend, so I’m sure you’re busy preparing. If you get a minute, I’d love to talk to you. Please call me. I miss you.” For a minute I get a horrible feeling he’ll show up uninvited to the benefit. But I immediately dismiss the thought; he knows how important this event is to me, and I don’t think he’d want to compromise it. My phone rings again, and irritated, I check to see who’s calling. This time it’s Jules.

  “Hi, Jules. What’s up?”

  “Hi, Lex. I know it’s last minute, but our sitter canceled for tomorrow night, and we have plans with Scott’s coworkers. Would you be able to watch Charlie?”

  “Of course. That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.”

  “Thanks. I owe you. We’ve been trying to get together with them for weeks, but something always seems to come up. I would have felt terrible canceling.”

  “I didn’t have plans anyway. And it actually works out because I’ll already be in the suburbs for a birthday party.”

  “Whose party are you coming out this way for?”

  “It’s a long story,” I say. “I’ll tell you when I see you.”

  “OK, can you be here by five?”

  “Sure. The party is in the morning, so I’ll just come by afterward. Tell Char I’m excited to see him.”

  “I will, and believe me, he’ll be thrilled you’re coming.”

  I’m in a much better mood knowing I’ll get to see Charlie. He’s the only man in my life right now.

  I wake up early on Saturday morning, shower, wrap Molly’s gift, and print the directions. I’m a bit nervous about going to the party because I don’t know what kind of condition Molly will be in. I figure I’ll stop by briefly to make an appearance. Liv was nice enough to let me borrow her car. I find Molly’s house and hear animated voices coming from the yard. I take a deep breath then head out back to discover a large inflatable bounce house and various activities set up. Molly sees me and runs over to me.

  “Lexi, you made it!”

  “Hi. I wouldn’t miss your party for the world. Happy birthday!” I study her, taking in her frail features and the bandana that hides her hair loss, but her eyes are still full of life.

  Rachelle comes over and introduces me to her husband, Jeff, and various friends and family members. Everyone is really nice, and I end up staying longer than I intended. Rachelle and I have a moment alone, and I ask her about Molly’s prognosis. Her eyes tear up as she tells me she isn’t responding to the treatments as they’d hoped. “It isn’t good,” she whispers. Although it’s what I suspected, I’m very upset by this news but put on a brave face. “I think it’s time for cake,” Rachelle says, dabbing at her eyes. Then she calls everyone over to sing “Happy Birthday.” “Now close your eyes and make a wish,” she says before Molly blows out her candles.

  “I wish I could star on TV,” she says, then blows them out in one breath.

  “Molly, you’re not supposed to say your wish out loud, or it won’t come true,” says Molly’s sister, Emma.

  The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Fate works in funny ways. While things may not be meant to be with Jake, now I realize I was brought into Molly’s life for a reason. Not only do I have the means to make a TV spot, but it’s also weird that I was thinking about volunteering at the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and now I’m here to witness Molly’s wish. I do think our meeting was meant to be, because I’m probably the one person who can help make her wish come true.

  On Monday I stop by Morgan’s office.

  “Do you have a minute?” I ask her.

  “Sure, Lexi. Come on in.”

  “I was wondering if the agency does pro bono work.”

  “Yes, we do, although Bill has to approve it. What’s on your mind?”

  I tell her about Molly’s wish. “My initial idea was to film her and create a pretend commercial. But there are so many other inspirational patients like her that I was thinking we could capture their stories as well. I did some research and found that a handful of other patients from the hospital had a wish granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We could capture each of their testimonials and weave together an emotional spot on behalf of the foundation.”

  Morgan studies me for a moment then says, “I like the idea. Let me run it past Bill, and I’ll get back to you. I have a contact at the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and I’m sure he’d be thrilled to partner with us. Are you sure you have time to take this on in light of your other commitments?”

  “Yes. I’ll be able to get it all done. The pitch is almost over.” It’ll be a lot of work, but it’s worth it. I leave her office feeling encouraged.

  Morgan e-mails me the following day and says that Bill is onboard. She tells me to work with the head of each department to determine who has capacity to work on the project. She’s also reached out to her contact at Make-A-Wish, and he’s very interested in working with us. She arranges a conference call for later in the week so we can discuss a joint vision for the project. I decide not to tell Molly about it yet; I don’t want to get her hopes up in case it falls through. Once I’m confident, I’ll discuss it with Rachelle first to make sure she’s comfortable with the idea. I suspect she will be. How can she not be over the moon about having the chance to fulfill her daughter’s wish?

  The rest of the day passes uneventfully. I leave shortly after five to get ready for my second date with Jason. Once I’m changed, I head downstairs to wait in the lobby. This time I accepted his offer to pick me up. The cab pulls up in front of my building, and Jason slides over in the bac
kseat. He doesn’t get out to open the door for me, which Jake would have done. I’m irritated with myself for even comparing the two, and I make a point not to let thoughts of Jake infiltrate my evening.

  “You look nice,” he says.

  “Thanks. So do you.”

  He’s wearing a fitted, long-sleeve, button-down black shirt with a black-and-white plaid pattern on the rolled-up cuffs; jeans; and black leather sandals. His wavy hair is slicked back, as though he just got out of the shower. I notice his face is a bit scruffy, like it was on our last date. It makes me wonder if I’m not worth the effort of shaving or if he thinks it gives him sex appeal. I notice he’s left his top two buttons undone, so I decide it’s the latter. We make small talk in the cab until we arrive at our destination. He’s chosen a relatively new wine bar in Lincoln Park.

  “I thought we were going for pizza,” I tease him.

  “That was my plan, but you look too nice for pizza.”

  “Thanks, although that’s a cop-out. You’re just worried you’ll actually like deep dish.”

  “It so happens that I chose this location because there’s a pizza place a few doors down. If you’re still hungry afterward, we can stop in for a slice.”

  “Deal.”

  When we walk into the bar, it’s fairly crowded, but we’re able to get a table. It’s a charming place, with rustic-looking stone walls that have built-in wooden wine racks. An entire wall has been finished with chalkboard paint that showcases the wine list. There are rows of closely packed tables, and upon closer inspection, I notice the bases are made out of large wine barrels. The lighting is very dim and accented only by candelabras that flank each corner of the room. Empty wine bottles create a piece of artwork behind the bar.

  “What’s your preference? Red or white?” Jason asks.

  “Red is fine. Do you like Cabernet?”

  “Yes. And let’s order some appetizers.”

  “OK. Do you want to get the cheese-and-fruit platter?”

  “Done. Let’s get a flatbread too, your pick.”

  “The margarita one looks good.”

  The waitress comes by, and Jason chooses a bottle of Cabernet and puts in our appetizer order. “So how have things been?” he asks.

  “Fine. Work has been crazy, but I like being busy.”

  “What are you working on?”

  I tell him about the pitch and my Make-A-Wish spot.

  “What inspired you to want to do pro bono work?”

  “I volunteer at Lurie Children’s Hospital. I met a patient there, and she told me her dream is to be on TV.”

  “Wow. It’s lucky she met you.”

  “I know. I figured it must be fate. What’s the likelihood of her meeting someone who can actually make her wish a reality?” To be honest I’ve never been a big believer in fate, but lately I’m starting to change my mind.

  “How did you get into volunteering?” Jason asks.

  “I don’t know. It’s something I’ve started recently. I love kids, and I’ve always wanted to give back and do something meaningful. I applied at the hospital when I moved here, but it’s kind of hard with my work schedule. So I decided to focus on Make-A-Wish instead. I would love to grant wishes and help kids feel that all is not lost. No child should have to give up hope.”

  “That’s very noble of you.”

  I feel like the conversation has turned serious, so I try to lighten the mood. I ask Jason how his job is going and whether he’s met any interesting new people. He entertains me with funny stories about his boss, who sounds like an overbearing micromanager. He keeps topping me off, so it’s hard to keep track of how many glasses I’ve had. I excuse myself to use the restroom and feel a bit dizzy when I stand up. I’m definitely buzzed and plan to slow down my drinking. Jason seems like a nice guy, but it’s only our second date, so I want to keep a clear head.

  When I return to the table he says, “So Liv’s cousin told me you used to be engaged.”

  And there it is. I wondered if he knew. “Yes, I was. Things didn’t work out, though, which is why I moved back here.”

  “I take it things didn’t end well?”

  “I wish I could say it was amicable, but no.”

  Jason is quiet for a moment then says, “Look, you’re smart, successful, and compassionate, and I find you very attractive. But it’s obvious you’re still getting over your ex; you kind of give off a closed-off vibe. I just moved here, and I’m looking to meet new people. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I like you, but the timing seems off. I’d normally ask you out for a third date, but then we’d be heading in a direction I’m not sure either of us is ready for.”

  Wow. At least he’s being candid, which is refreshing. “I appreciate your honesty. Dating after being with someone for so long is definitely a new experience, but I’m glad I got to share it with you.”

  He smiles and says, “The pleasure was mine.”

  I guess this means there won’t be a third date, which leaves me feeling very relieved. Jason pays the bill, and we head outside to wait for a cab.

  “You know what’ll help you get over your ex?” he says.

  “What?”

  “Getting past the hurdle of a first kiss with someone new.”

  I stare at him incredulously. Does he really think I’m going to kiss him after we’ve established we aren’t going out again? But then I think, Why not? I’ll need to do it sooner or later, so now is as good a time as any. I nod, and he leans in and kisses me. His lips are surprisingly soft and inviting, and while it’s a nice kiss, I don’t feel anything. “Something to look forward to when you’re ready to date,” he says. I manage a smile and thank him for a nice evening. Perhaps the kiss was a bad idea. I was hoping it would somehow fill a void, but it’s left me feeling emptier than before.

  I take my own cab home and reflect on his comment that I’m closed off. I decide that’s not the case; it’s just that my heart belongs to someone else.

  The Make-A-Wish project is a go, and the foundation has approved our storyboard. When I call Rachelle and tell her the news, she’s overjoyed.

  “Thank you, Lexi. You don’t know how much this means to Molly, to all of us.”

  “You’re welcome. I’d love to tell her about it.”

  “Let me put her on the phone.”

  When I tell Molly she’s going to star in a TV commercial, she’s quiet for a few moments. Then she says, “Lexi, does this mean I’m going to die?”

  Her reaction stuns me. “No, that isn’t what it means. It just means you made a wish, and I’m helping to make it come true.”

  “Are you like, my fairy godmother?”

  “Something like that. Now can I tell you what the commercial is about?”

  “Yes,” she says, sounding more like herself.

  I do my best to be enthusiastic as I describe the spot. “You’ll get your makeup done, and we’ll pick out a special outfit for you, which you can keep afterward.”

  When she chats about what she wants to wear, I know she’s excited about the idea.

  Jake stops by my office the next morning.

  “Hey. How are things going?”

  “Fine. You?”

  “Good. I haven’t seen you in a while, so I wanted to check in.”

  “Well, as I said, everything’s fine.” I go back to typing.

  “I heard about the Make-A-Wish spot. Everyone’s talking about it. It’s really impressive that you took the initiative to make it happen.”

  “Thanks. And don’t worry—I’ll still be able to get the pitch done.”

  “I wasn’t worried about it.”

  “Good.”

  “I just want to let you know that I think what you’re doing is very admirable.”

  “Well, Molly’s a special girl.” I look up and meet his gaze. I haven’t truly looked at him in weeks, and he’s as handsome as ever, although I detect a hint of sadness in his eyes. I feel myself weaken and don’t want to be susceptible to his spell. “
See you later,” I say, effectively dismissing him from my office.

  My phone rings later that afternoon; it’s Liv. I haven’t heard from her boyfriend Jason since we went ring shopping, and I’ve been nervous every time she’s called me.

  “Lexi,” she practically screams when I answer, “I’m engaged!”

  “Congratulations! I’m thrilled for you. Tell me everything.” I close my door and listen intently as she tells me all the details.

  “So I was sitting here grading quizzes, and when I got to the last one, I saw Jason’s name at the top. It was like an out-of-body experience. I knew what was coming, but I couldn’t believe it. I started reading, and the questions were all about our relationship and his feelings for me. The last one was his asking me to marry him, which I barely could read because I was crying so hard. Then he was in the room and got down on one knee.”

  “Liv, that’s one of the best proposal stories I’ve ever heard.”

  “I know. I never realized he was so creative.”

  “I can tell you he put a lot of thought into it. He told me his idea. You should have seen how proud he was. How’s the ring?”

  “It’s gorgeous! Exactly what I wanted. Thanks, by the way.”

  “Did he tell you I helped?”

  “No,” she says, “but I assumed.”

  “Can I stop by on my way home from work? I want to give you a congratulatory hug. And we must go out tonight to celebrate.”

  “I’d love to, Lex, but I’ll have to take a rain check because Jason planned a dinner with our families. But you definitely can stop by to see the ring.”

  “How sweet is he? You’ve got a good man.”

  “I know,” Liv says. “I lucked out. I can’t wait to see you later.”

  “Me too! Love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  I’m ecstatic for Liv; it’s nice to see one of my oldest and closest friends so happy. I send Jason a text congratulating him and ask him where they’re going for dinner. I want to arrange to have a bottle of champagne sent to their table. He texts me back, saying they’ll be at Spiaggia, so I call the restaurant with my request and provide my credit card information. After that I call it a day. I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster all week, and I’m looking forward to going home.