by TJWEST
Rolling my neck I reply, “Yeah, well, I'm as shocked as you are.”
“I want to give you my number.” Amy hands me a card.“I'll be staying in Del Mar for awhile.
There are a few pageants and such so they require me to reside in the city. Not sure how long I'll be around, but just in case, maybe we can get together and have a nice long chat?”
Oh boy. She wants to be friends. And she is residing in Del Mar of all places. My luck.
“Oh, uh, thanks. I'll keep that in mind.”
“Please don't hesitate. I really am a good listener.”
I feel like such a jerk for not being as nice to her as she was to me, but all I can say is, “Thanks.” The plane finally lands and I feel another sense of relief . A relief to finally be on my own. No one to hold my hand anymore. No one to feel sorry for me. I finally get to be.....Me.
*****
The condo is an oceanfront home, with a spectacular view of the ocean and beach. It's a quaint, two story gray house; covered with gray wooden shingles, and luscious vines that were growing around the property. My parents must have a gardener to keep up the area because the plants, along the side of the house, were neatly trimmed and the driveway was free from any fallen leaves.
I brought my bags into the house. Just like the Florida home, this place has windows in every
direction. I could see the ocean as I entered the den. The den is adjacent to the kitchen. There is also a beautiful deck that leads out onto the beach.
For the first time in a long while, I was able to smile. I could feel the energy - the positive energy filling me up. Finally a place I can call home. Oh shit, speaking of home I need to call my parents. I can't have them going insane if they don't hear from me. I dig through my bag and find my phone. It rings a couple times before anyone picks up.
“Hey dad! I'm here, safe and sound.” Please don't be having a cow right now. Please...
“Marty, my God we were startin' to worry!”
Yep, on the verge of having a cow.
“I'm sorry. I got caught up in the moment of getting here. I didn't mean to worry you.” I could hear mom in the background asking dad questions. “Dad, tell mom I'm okay and that I love her.”
“Calm down, Charlotte! Your daughter is A OK!” He shouted. “Anyhoo, Marty, I love ya and we're glad you made it. How's the place? Is it tidied up for ya?”
Sighing I answer, “It's perfect Dad. It's beautiful. So, I'm gonna go now. I have a lot of unpacking to do. I'll call you some time this weekend okay?” I could still hear some gabbing from mom in the background. I need to get off already!
“Okey dokey, darlin'. Talk to you soon. Bye now.”
“Bye Dad.” Click. Phone is off. I look at my luggage and decide that the unpacking can wait.Time to enjoy the beautiful view.
CHAPTER 4
MATT
“Guys! I'm ready to close shop now.” My shop was on the 101 highway strip in Del Mar. The location is busy and down right cool. Lots of great shops all around the area. The sidewalk is lined up with trees with beautiful yellow flowers on them. My storefront window display has many acoustic guitars hanging on a wood pallet back drop. I love my display. The window paneling and overhang are made of wood. It compliments the guitars nicely. When I first saw the place it reminded me of an old farm house. It's pretty classy.
Inside the shop I have guitars displayed on the walls and on stands. It's really a museum to me; I have photographs of famous musicians playing their guitars on every wall. Some are actually signed. I get a few famous people that come in and compliment me on my work. I can't take all the credit. I do have a couple guys that I hired and they design as well.
One of my guys, Chuck, is a Vietnam War Veteran. He was homeless when I met him. He came into my shop one day, browsing, and we started talking. I hired him on the spot. He told me he used to play in a band, way back in his day. He was the lead guitarist. He doesn't handcraft the guitar’s but he sure as hell can come up with some bitchin' designs. I have him manage the front part of the store. He comes in every single day, wearing his black leather vest, over a white t-shirt with our shop logo on it.He has tattoos up and down his arms; he may look big and creepy to someone who doesn't know him, but he's become a great friend. I admire him and look up to him. He's got nothin' but a big heart and loves country music and rock n' roll.
My other guy, Mitch, came a year after I opened the shop. We were in the air force together. He was ready to retire from the service about the same time as I was, but he had a year to finish. I promised him a position and to look me up after he got out. He used to work in his uncle's garage, designing and building guitars. We hit it off pretty fast. He's the same age as me and gets along great with Chuck. Every so often we go to the gym together or hang out playing basketball.
Chuck, myself, and Mitch are a great team. I can't imagine having this shop without them.
“So who's buying tonight men?” I slap Chuck on the back.
“Well, If I'm correct I think the old geezer, as in me, paid for your ass last night!” He shows me his wallet. “No one is touchin' this tonight, pretty boy.”
I chuckle and turn to Mitch. “I think I'm buying.”
Mitch claps his hands and shouts, “Awesome! Onward to Reds!”
Reds is our hangout across the street; live bands, happy hour food, and killer beer. Every so often Chuck and I play a few tunes up on stage. He's not much on singing, but his guitar playing is no joke - he plays a mean tune. I love it up on that stage. I never wanted to be a famous musician and singer. As long as I had my guitar and was able to play in front of an audience; that's all that mattered to me. Reds was the perfect place to play.
We always end up sitting outside where the bands play. String lighting hanging above our heads in every direction, and heating lamps surround the tables. Right now there is a band tuning up before they start playing.
Our waitress comes up to our booth. “Well, hey there fellas! How's it going?” Her name is Sandy. We used to date about three years ago. As you can see the relationship didn't go anywhere. She's a great girl though.
“It's going great, thanks. How about you?”
She shrugs. “Oh you know, same ole same ole. Shall I start you guys off with the norm?”
“Sounds great, thanks. Oh and uh, put it on my tab tonight.”
“Sure thing.” Before she walks away to turn in our order she asks, “So it's been awhile since you and Chuck played. You think you wanna give it a go tonight?”
“Yeah, I guess....sure why not?” I lift my chin to Chuck. “You in it tonight, old man?”
“I need my beer first, pretty boy, but hell yeah!”
Mitch, myself and Sandy laugh. She wraps her arm around Chucks shoulders and exclaims, “Good deal, Chucky, I'll set you guys up and get your orders.”
When Sandy is out of earshot Chuck asks, “Tell me again why you didn't stay with that gal?”
I roll my eyes and chuckle along with Mitch. “I swear you ask me that almost every night. Put it to rest already.”
He mutters, “She's quite the looker, that gal. And damn Sweet!”
Chuck is like a father to me - just looking out for my well being. “I agree, old man, Sandy is great, but just not the one for me.”
“Damn shame, son. Damn shame.”
All I can do is nod my head in reply.
After a few minutes Sandy brings our beers and some appetizers. The band revs up their instruments and plays some old classic rock. Nothing can beat this.
After Mitch takes a sip of his beer he announces, “Fuck me, but get a load of that. Damn, hot chick alert, guys.”
Chuck and I both look. Yes, she's hot alright, but not my type. Before I got a chance to intervene my opinion, Chuck and I were asked to come on stage and do a number. We played a couple of my favorites; 'Heaven' by Brian Adams and a Scorpions song, 'Wind of Change'. The acoustic sound of these two songs always makes me think of Marty. I'm not sure why the memories of her com
e back to me every time I play, but every verse I sing she haunts my thoughts. When the last string of music ends I open my eyes and see people on their feet, clapping. I almost had forgotten there were people in the room. I speak into the microphone, “Thank you everyone. Have a great evening.” More applause from the crowd.
Chuck and I settle back down in our booth. Mitch had seemed to disappear. “Hey, where did Mitch go?” I ask Chuck.
“He's with blondie, over there.” He flicks his thumb towards the back of the patio. He takes another sip of his beer and smacks his lips. “That boy doesn't waste any shit!” He points his bottle at me. “You need to take some tips from our very own prince charming. He quietly laughs.
I let the old man have his say and stay quiet. Not worth getting into another argument over. I finish my beer and decide to head out. “I'm beat, old man, so I'll see you in the morning.”
Chuck lifts his bottle and responds, “Roger that.”
“Tell lover boy, over there, I won't expect him too early tomorrow.” I slap Chuck on the back and hear him chuckle as I leave.
Walking out of Reds I have people telling me how much they enjoyed my performance. On
occasion I get a few phone numbers from women, and on occasion I take up on their pursuing. A lot of these women don't mean anything to me except for a good time in the sheets. I'm not a disrespectful kind of guy, but sometimes it's hard to turn down a beautiful woman.
I get to my Harley, put on my helmet and cruise home.
CHAPTER 5
MARTY
During the past week I've stayed sheltered in the condo. I've been ordering take-out every day, and drinking wine I found in the wine cellar. I did take a few walks up and down the beach, but other than that I haven't left home. I've managed not to go on the internet or use my phone for anything. The peace and quiet along with the roaring sounds of the ocean has been bliss - but bliss can only last for so long. I decided that tomorrow I was going to go grocery shopping and get things for the house. My toothpaste was on the verge of being empty and I needed to stock on more wine. That was a must have.
I haven't touched my camera in nearly two years. Sitting out on the deck, drinking my wine I find that I'm itching to take pictures of what I'm seeing in front of me; I see a mom and dad sitting on the sand as their children run along the shore, splashing in the water. I see couples walking, holding hands and others kissing while the sun is setting. It was such a stunning scene. I put down my glass and find my camera bag. I hesitated before I opened it; scared shitless of opening up my past. No...I needed to do this. So I carefully open the bag, take out my camera and realized that my whole life was right here in my hands.
I got back outside and lean forward against the deck railing, ready to snap a picture when I see a new person sitting in front of the ocean - a man with his guitar. He's wearing a dark blue hoodie sweatshirt with the hood covering his head. He starts to play. It's hard to hear what he's playing but hearing the sound of the guitar is beautiful. I start taking pictures of this man. The silhouette of him seems lonely. It's a haunting, but breathtaking silhouette. I forget about the families, the couples, and focus on this lonely man with his guitar. I can't recall how many pictures I took because I became so fascinated. The feel of my finger, pushing the button on my
camera has opened up a very dark world that is now seeing light again. I owe it all to this 'lonely silhouette.'
*****
MATT
I live right around the corner from the beach. After I get home from hanging at Reds I take a walk to the ocean. My guitar sits in the corner of my bedroom and decide to take it along with me. I like to sit on the beach, play some soft tunes and watch the sunset. Summers are the perfect time to come down here. Late nights with the sun going down, and the cooling of the ocean breeze, I'd say it's pretty romantic but I haven't shared this experience with anyone. Not sure why though.
As I sit down on the sand I see a couple, kissing, on the right of me. They are probably still in high school from what I can see. The guy has his lettermans jacket wrapped around his girl. He is holding her around the shoulders. I feel like I'm invading their privacy for a moment, but it reminds me of those times with Marty. We'd come to the beach like them and watch the sunsets. It feels like yesterday we were doing exactly that. I miss those moments a lot. I play 'our song.' Brings back more memories. I shouldn't torture myself with thinking about the past, and especially playing this song. It always affects me the wrong way. I wonder how can I still feel so lost without her?
I wonder if she still thinks of me? Crazy, and as pathetic as this sounds, I hope she does. I was such a jerk back then. If only I had written letters back to her. What would have become of us? I finish the song. The couple to my right has left. I'm feeling pretty alone right now.
“Fuck.” I whisper to myself.
What a douche I am. I get up and walk back home.
*****
MARTY
My dad has kept an old silver 1960's Porsche 356B Roadster in the garage for whenever we came for a visit. It's still in mint condition and is as powerful as ever. The speed is amazing. I take the top down and let my hair blow in the wind.
Before I go grocery shopping I take a little detour where all the great shops are located. There is the wine store I read about in some wine magazine, so I head over there first. It's summer time and many people are walking down the sidewalk, window shopping, going to the beach, or having their morning java.
I drive around until I find a decent space to park at. The wine store is down a ways, but I don't mind the walking - window shopping is part of the fun. As I was walking I noticed something from across the street. Something that made me stop dead in my tracks. I see a sign to a shop. I take off my sunglasses and stare at it. The sign was labeled, 'Limbo Guitars' and has an engraved picture of a limbo tree. I try not to think too much of the name, but how can I not? I'm not sure how long I was staring, but eventually I close my eyes, shake my head and just chuckle to myself. Of course I'm gonna think of Matt. Guitars and the limbo tree was from my past. He was from my past. I stop my crazy staring, put on my sunglasses and move along. I still think it's odd seeing that sign though..... Ugh! Why does everything have to remind me of my past? It's like a recurring dream.
I finally arrive at the wine store. I think I'm gonna need an early drink even though it's only ten in the morning - but it's five o'clock somewhere in this world right? - So wine tasting it is. The store wasn’t too big, but had a very homey feel to it; beautiful brown, worn out leather chairs with dark round, wooden tables in the middle, made the place feel comfortable. Plants hang all around the walls with pictures of wine glasses and Paris inspired art. There is a bar straight ahead of me, toward the back. I take a seat on a swivel leather bar chair and was greeted by a woman who owns the store. We talk about the wine list; I chose a simple Pinot Grigio to start out with.
Mmmmm....The first sip hits the spot. I may sound like a total drunk by having wine this early but I'm not. It's actually my first time wine tasting in the morning. I'm about to take my second sip when I hear my name being called. “Oh. My. God.! Marty?”
What the hell?
I spin towards the voice.Holy shit - It's Amy from the plane.
“Marty?! It's me, Amy! Amy Heart?” She questions her name thinking I have no idea who she is; she could be sooo further from the truth.
She actually looks a bit different; hair isn't as big and she's wearing a casual summer sundress that suits her figure. She is actually very pretty - not so pageantry looking - Amy is all big smiles. She comes closer to me and gives me a hug.
“Oh wow, Amy, how are you?” Yes, I'm trying to be nice.
She takes a seat next to me, and crosses her legs. “I am doing great! I cannot believe we ran into each other! Of all places in Del Mar you and I pick this sweet little store.”
Well, I don't think we ran into each other, but I won't dampen her day by saying that.
I pick up my wine and ta
ke another sip. No, more like a gulp.
“Yes, it's a small world” Another gulp.
“So, tell me, how are you doing?” She smiles. She puts her finger up and says, “Oh, hold that
thought, sugar, I want to order a glass myself.”
Okay by me...sip. Gulp.
Amy orders her drink and I was asked if I would like to try another type of wine. I told the owner no, but would like another of the Pinot.
Amy takes a sip of her wine. She closes her eyes “Mmmm... This is divine.”
I was given another glass. Gulp.
I wasn't meaning to get another drink but desperate times calls for desperate measures.
“So...Marty, how the heck are you?” She clasps her hands together in her lap. “You look very well rested.”
I'm not even sure how to take that compliment. “Umm...Yeah...I guess you could say that.” Sip. I'm not sure what else to say.
“Believe it or not, I've been thinking about you. I was hoping you would call me.” This time she
doesn't smile.
“Sorry.” Why am I sorry? “I've been staying away from my phone and the computer this week. Just taking a break.” I'm not sure why I keep talking, but I do. “I've had a pretty rough year. Lots of spilling my emotional baggage to a shrink.” Sip. I wonder if I said too much? I'm not sure why she needs to know my business. It's not like she's going to become my BFF or anything.
“Sugar, I completely understand.” She put her hand on her chest and the other hand touches my shoulder. “If it makes you feel any better, I've had a pretty shitty week myself.”
Oh boy here we go. BFF talk. Sip. Gulp. Okay, here goes.
“What happened? I thought you were doing a pageant?”
She takes a big gulp of her wine. I guess I'm not the only one who likes her morning vino.
“Girl, I'm soooo done with pageants. I've come to the conclusion that these contests are too
melodramatic for me now. I know I said I would never give up but this week,” She takes another sip. “I have just had it with all those whiny, little bitches!”