The Improbable

by Tiara James

  “What’s that?” I looked at him expectantly.

  “Don’t forget to buy her flowers, David.” Clayton winked.

  I chuckled and shook my head. “Will do, Clayton, will do.”

  The night air was cool and refreshing, leading me to let the top down on my car. After I stopped by the market to pick up Eva’s bouquet of flowers, I made my way to the county fair. As I drove, I tried to figure out the perfect way to present the flowers to her. Would I give them to her first and then say hi? Or would I hide them at first and surprise her with them later to see that beautiful smile?

  “Good evening, Eva…” I practiced to myself. I shook my head, not liking that greeting.

  “How are you tonight?” Pretty sure I’d used that one before.

  “Uh, did you miss me?” What the hell was I thinking?

  “Hey baby…” Wow, were we even on that level yet?

  “Ugh!” I shook my head, irritated. The woman was driving me crazy! It was as if I had been in a mental asylum my whole life and she had come in and taken my pills away, the very pills that kept me sane and on track. She was breaking my normal routine and I couldn’t go back no matter how hard I tried. I ran out of time to think of any worthy greeting as I was pulling up to the fairgrounds. My heartbeat quickened when I saw the lights and heard the thrilled shrieks coming from inside the fair – I knew she was in there. I anxiously made sure my hair was slicked the right way and my shirt was tucked in. Carefully picking up the ribbon-tied flowers, I headed in to the fair.

  Handfuls of women eyed me down as if I was their next dessert course as I walked through the crowd, and not a single one of them had my attention. I was searching for one face and one face only – Eva-Marie’s. My stomach twisted in fear that I’d gotten there too late, after all I was nearly three hours late! Was she going to be disappointed? Had I let her down? Face after face and none of them were Eva! Where in the hell was she? I then began to search for any signs of her.

  I began turning toward every southern accent I heard, in hopes that it would be Kathryn but I still had no luck there. Skimming the lines for the games, I still had no luck in finding anyone in their group. I sighed and began to realize that I actually might have been too late; if I hadn’t been so caught up with my work at the station I would’ve remembered that I’d made plans to come out! I grew angry with myself as I headed back toward the entrance. It wasn’t until I heard a familiar southern belle whining to her boyfriend in line for the Ferris wheel when new hope arose inside of me.

  “I knew we shouldn’t have let people go before us!” The girl whined.

  I traveled toward the couple, cutting in line and moving past people without apologizing. I knew it had to be Timmy and Kathryn!

  “We’re next, baby, don’t worry.” Timmy assured her.

  Kathryn spun around to talk to her friends but caught sight of me and paused with wide eyes and a gaping mouth as if she was terrified to see me.

  “There you are, brother!” Chris greeted when he noticed me. He gave me a handshake, smelling of reefer. I turned my police-mode off and ignored it.

  “Hey Chris,” I was plenty relieved to see that they were all still at the fair.

  “My brother!” Timmy exclaimed and patted me on the back, so far the only one who didn’t smell like he’d been smoking. “Thought you were kidnapped or somethin’.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle, “How’s it going, boys?”

  “We thought you’d never show up!” Chris said.

  “Yeah we told you six, what kind of time are you runnin’ on?” Timmy asked in a sarcastic tone.

  I sighed. “I got caught up in some work at the office.”

  Chris nodded, “We understand you’re a working man, respect.”

  “We’re wrappin’ it up here, but we could all still head out after this if the ladies are okay with stayin’ out a little late.” Timmy told me.

  I felt bad for showing up so late but at the same time I was thankful he was willing to extend the night for me. However, the main reason I had come out was nowhere in sight… where was Eva?

  “We shouldn’t do that it’s gettin’ late…” Kathryn finally spoke up. She grabbed Timmy’s arm and noticeably squeezed it, looking at him with warning eyes.

  “Where’s Eva?” I asked, looking directly at Kathryn.

  “Oooh, are those flowers for Eva, David?” Eva’s red head friend, Sarah asked me.

  “She’s going to love those!” Rita gushed in a goofy tone.

  “But what about…?” Yvonne trailed off and burst into a fit of laughter. It was clear that they were all high.

  “What’s going on?” I demanded, still looking at Kathryn.

  Kathryn sighed. “Oh ignore them. Come on, let’s talk over here.” She pulled me aside out of line.

  “What the hell is going on, Kathryn? Where’s Eva?” I questioned.

  She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. “I swear y’all are goin’ to give me a heart attack faster than my grandaddy’s cookin’.”

  I furrowed my eyebrows at her. “Where is she?”

  Kathryn opened her eyes. “She’s on the Ferris wheel.”

  “By herself?” I asked, thrown off.

  Kathryn sighed. “David, look, you can’t be here…”

  “What? Why?” I asked, growing angry.

  “Eva’s here with Ray tonight.” She watched me take in the information. “He’s been with us all night, darlin’. She’s just now gettin’ back on good terms with her parents and she knew this was a way to for sure win them over.”

  I could feel that my expression had gone cold.

  “Now she’s told me all about you and she’s crazy about you.” Kathryn rubbed my arm sympathetically. “But you know the situation with Ray is…complicated.”

  All I wanted to do in that moment was climb up the Ferris wheel and beat Ray until he had no sense left in him. For crying out loud she didn’t even like him! I hadn’t left work for nothing, I was going to see Eva and that was final. I looked Kathryn dead in the eye. “Get her away from him, I’ll be waiting.”

  Before she could protest I turned and began walking, aimlessly to blow off some steam. What the hell was Ray doing there anyways? I wish he would just get the hint and leave her alone! I stopped and decided that I would keep an eye on her from a distance. Yes, I was that crazy about her. I kept myself hidden behind a balloon booth as I watched and waited for Eva to get off of the Ferris wheel. Kathryn, Timmy, and the rest of our friends had stepped out of line to wait for her as well. Kathryn’s face looked troubled, as she knew what she had to do.

  My heart dropped to my stomach when Eva stepped off of the Ferris wheel; she looked absolutely perfect. It took everything I had to not go up to her and kiss her right in front of everybody! However, anger took over me when I saw Ray behind her with his hand on her lower back, guiding her to her friends. Eva’s expression caught me off guard; she actually looked like she was…enjoying herself. Was this why Kathryn had tried to get me to leave? Because it was more than just trying to please her parents? My fingers tightened around the flowers and I nearly slammed them to the ground before I told myself to get a grip and calm down.

  “Before we leave let’s all go on the carousel!” I heard Eva suggest.

  The rest of the girls cheered and clapped in agreement while Kathryn appeared reluctant. She tried to get Eva to stay back while the group walked ahead but Ray intervened and tugged her along. Eva looked back at her with a questioning look but continued to follow Ray. Kathryn caught sight of me and looked at me with a helpless expression; I returned it with a warning glare. She huffed and caught up with the group.

  The guys stood aside and watched as all the girls got up on the carousel. Seeing that Ray was preoccupied and talking to one of his friends, I took a few steps closer until I was a few feet behind him to get a better view of Eva – I knew I was pushing it, but I thought maybe if she saw me it’d make Kathryn’s job easier. The ride began rotating a
nd the girls burst into yet another fit of giggles… but Eva’s laugh was magical. I could’ve been side by side with Ray and he still wouldn’t have noticed me because he was watching Eva intently as he spoke to his friend.

  “Eva-Marie!” He called and waved as the ride rotated.

  She came around the corner of the carousel and searched for the person that had called her, a grand smile on her face. Her eyes scanned the crowd and she waved as she mouthed the word ‘hi’ when she saw Ray and without me even having to say a word or make any gesture, her eyes found me. Her smile faded noticeably but she quickly forced a smile at Ray again and then gave me a knowing nod. Her intense eye contact found me once again as she circled around once more. Great! Now she knew she had to get away from him. I turned and began walking toward the exit, deciding I’d wait at my car until she came out. As I was walking I heard someone call my name from the crowd.

  “David, is that you?” The voice asked.

  I turned around, my eyes doubling in size when I saw my father surrounded by rookie cops coming toward me. “Pop? What’re you doing here?”

  “I was honored tonight with an award from the state. What’re you doing here is the question?” Pop looked at me expectantly.

  I raised my eyebrows, impressed. “Uh, congratulations, Pop. I…I was just coming to visit my friends.” I stammered, not exactly wanting to mention that I had left my work to Clayton to see Eva.

  “You will address me as Sir, while we’re here.” Warren pursed his lips.

  “Yes, sir.” I nodded. Why did he have to show up and immediately start belittling me?

  “Any who, I thought I had asked you to stay late at work tonight to finish organizing all of your information?” He looked at me quizzically.

  “I’ve got that all taken care of, sir.” I lied.

  My father nodded and eyed the flowers in my hand. “Very well. But son, please help me understand why you brought flowers for your friends.”

  Shit. I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to think of another lie. Anything besides the straight truth about Eva and me – I knew how that was bound to end. “I –”

  “Who is she?” My father didn’t give me the chance to explain. “Clayton warned me there was someone.”

  “It’s no one.” I said, not making eye contact with him. Damn Clayton. And did my father have to do this in front of the rookies?

  “That’s where you’re wrong, son. A few rookies have told me they’ve seen you around with Percy Hutchinson’s daughter, are you going to deny that?” He eyed me.

  Dammit, I was caught with no way to lie myself out of the situation. I was ready to deal with any judging, any disapproval, and any comments he would have for me hanging around a negro girl – I was mature, I could handle it. “No, sir, that is correct.” I answered.

  “Must be one hell of a woman for you to be buying carnations for her. Red carnations at that! The flower of admiration.” Pop said, however, his voice didn’t sound as if he was complimenting her.

  “I won’t deny that she’s special to me, sir.” I finally made eye contact with him.

  “Apparently so, considering the fact that you were arrested for her, son.” He looked at me with a serious expression. Oh why did he have to bring that up?

  “We’ve all confirmed it was a misunderstanding, chief. We’ve moved past that.” I informed him.

  Pop looked at the two of his rookies, one of which was a young African-American male, and pulled me out of hearing distance from them. He held my arm tightly. “I don’t know what kind of stunt you’re trying to pull, son, but you need to get it together. You need to decide what’s more important – solving this case or spending time with your negro. I’m counting on you with this case; don’t force me to hand the position of Chief over to Clayton, don’t disappoint me.”

  “Her name is Eva-Marie,” I yanked my arm away, feeling extremely defensive of her. “And I’m twenty-four I’m capable of making my own decisions on how I handle my time in the day. I haven’t forgotten about the case.”

  My father raised his eyebrows. “Dammit David, what in God’s name made you think it was alright to start messing around with a negro? You know damn well that is not how you were raised. Do you ever wonder what your mother would think of that?”

  Anger flared up inside of me. “At least I’ve found someone who puts joy back in my life ever since mom passed away, unlike you! All that work she did in Africa changed the way she and I view the world, you’re the only one stuck in your ignorant ways! ” As soon as the words left my mouth I wanted to take them all back; that was the lowest blow I’d ever given anyone…and it was my own father.

  Pop looked me up and down as if he had no clue who I was. He pursed his lips and shook his head. “What’s going on with you David?”

  I didn’t answer.

  “Getting so defensive over a woman that’s no good for you, it’s sick.” My father said in a disgusted tone.

  “You don’t know her.” I spat. Yes, I did feel sorry for insulting him but I still didn’t want him talking down on Eva.

  “Oh son, but do you?” He looked me in the eye with a blank face.

  I’d had enough of him. “Is this what you stopped me for? To talk down on my relationship? Well you wasted your time because nothing you say will change my mind about her.”

  My father chuckled. “Keep wasting your time on your negro and let this case slip, David, and I will make sure of it that you are not only taken out of my generous will but disowned from the O’Neil family, do you understand me?”

  My expression went cold. Why did he have to be so heartless? I nodded in understanding.

  He cleared his throat. “Invite her to the house for dinner Sunday, I want to make sure you let her know what you two have going on will be cut short.”

  This was unbelievable, he was being entirely unreasonable! And I couldn’t bear to watch her heart break like that! “I can’t do that to her, Pop.”

  “Then I guess you don’t want to be a part of this family anymore.” He responded. “It’s your position as chief and this family…or it’s her. But that’s for you to decide, son. I trust you’ll make the right decision.” He put his hand on my shoulder and leaned closer to my ear. “I’ve never known you to let me down.” He took a step back and smiled tightly. “Looking forward to dinner, son.” He turned and walked back toward his rookies. “On we go,” He commanded them as he continued walking through the fair.

  I sighed and continued walking to the parking lot. I crossed my arms and leaned on my car as I processed what had just happened with my father. On one hand, he had pissed me off degrading Eva like that and for giving me an ultimatum! But on the other hand he made a valid point with me not losing sight of what I was really after with the case. In my mind I debated if I had made the right decision in leaving my work with Clayton to see Eva at the fair. What did I want more? Who did I want to please more?

  “Don’t think too hard, it’ll make you age faster.” The familiar heavenly voice called out.

  I looked up to see Eva walking toward me. A sexy half-smile crossed her face when she made eye contact with me. She walked slightly wobbly with a beer bottle in her hand. Oh this girl! The sight of her was enough to dissolve the debate in my head and make every decision I’d made that night feel absolutely right. When all of me was down, she alone could lift my spirits up.

  Eva threw an arm around my neck and offered me the beer with the other. “You look like you need it more than me.” She laughed through her nose, shaking her head and resting it on my chest.

  I chuckled and took a sip – damn she was right, I really did need it. “Good to see you too.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulder.

  Eva exhaled loudly and took a step back, looking at me through slightly opened eyes with a goofy smile on her face. “Well, hello David it is so lovely to see you here tonight.”

  I laughed at her drunkenness. “How many times do I have to tell you about your drinking?”

  She
gave me a scolding expression. “Oh don’t be silly I’m fine.”

  “You had better be glad Ray fell for my story of Eva here gettin’ sick from the corndog she ate or else he wouldn’t have let me take her away.” Kathryn pointed at me with squinted eyes.

  I smiled warmly at her, feeling far more relaxed than when I demanded her to get rid of Ray. “I don’t know how I could ever repay you darling.”

  Kathryn rolled her eyes and nodded at Eva. “As long as she’s happy.”

  I nodded at her. Remembering the flowers I had bought, I picked them up off of my back seat and presented them to Eva. “Flowers, because I didn’t know what other way to describe how I feel when you’re away from me.”

  Every single one of Eva’s girlfriends let out a collective, “Awh!”

  “My man!” Timmy pumped his fist in the air.

  “Oh my God, David, that’s so sweet!” Eva exclaimed with her hand on her heart. She grabbed the flowers and jumped into my arms, wrapping her legs around me. Oh when she did that…

  “Anything for you,” I wrapped my arms around her and planted a kiss on those irresistible lips.

  She slid down and hugged the flowers to her chest like a child with a teddy bear. “I’ll put these in my room.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh at her drunken antics.

  “Where are we headed to now? The night is still young!” Chris hollered.

  “Oh! Let’s go to the pier!” Eva suggested excitedly.

  “Perfect idea, Eva. I’m feelin’ good! I’ve got my girl here with me,” Timmy grabbed Kathryn and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “And we got The Pack back together tonight like how it used to be!”

  I shut my eyes with embarrassment and shook my head when Timmy brought up that name. I began to snicker into my fist.

  “The Pack?” Eva questioned and began laughing. “What is that?”

  I began laughing with her, covering my face. Why did Timmy have to bring it up? “It’s what we called ourselves in high school.” I explained.

  She took my hand off of my face, still laughing. “That has got to be the funniest thing I have ever heard, you never told me that!” Eva playfully shoved me.