by Rich Amooi
“Hello, Tofu. You are just the sweetest thing, aren’t you?”
Ellie turned around and put her seat belt on as Cedric turned on the stereo. Music blasted through the car.
He turned downed the volume and looked embarrassed. “Sorry.” He pulled out of the parking lot and stopped at the red light, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, looking nervous.
“Barry Manilow.”
“Huh?” Cedric glanced at the stereo and then back to the road in front of him.
“You were listening to Barry Manilow.”
Cedric was silent for a moment and then pointed to the stereo system. “If that’s what was on the radio, then … sure. I guess so.”
She pointed to the stereo. “You’re in CD mode. That means a Barry Manilow CD.”
Cedric looked at the stereo, where it clearly showed it was in CD Mode. “Odd. Tofu, did you put that CD in there? Teach him a few tricks and the dog likes to show off.”
Ellie reached over and turned the volume back on the stereo and heard Barry Manilow again. She smiled. “Mandy. I love this song.”
Cedric stayed silent.
“Are you embarrassed?” Ellie asked.
“Oh look, the light’s green. I guess I should go then.” Cedric accelerated and didn’t answer the question. He turned to the left to look out the window. “That looks like a new restaurant over there. Indian food.” He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel again. “Yup, new restaurant for sure. I’ll have to check the reviews on Yelp. I like food. Food is good.”
Ellie leaned in toward Cedric to read his face. “You think you can fool me?”
Cedric let out a huge sigh. “Okay, I admit it. I was listening to Barry Manilow.”
“There’s no need to be embarrassed. I love Barry Manilow.”
Cedric stayed silent.
“This isn’t some sort of a macho thing, is it? You don’t want me to know you listen to Barry Manilow because you’re a man and men don’t listen to Barry Manilow?”
Cedric swallowed hard. “Well … look at that, we’re here. That was fast.”
He pulled into the parking lot and took one of the reserved spots for patient drop-off upfront. Cedric was hiding something. Ellie knew it. But she’d have to wait to find out what.
“Just a minute.” He got out of the car and ran around to the passenger side. He opened Ellie’s door and she got out.
Ellie looked back at the car. “You’re going to leave the car running again?”
Cedric nodded. “I try not to leave Tofu in the car, but if I have to, I leave the car running with the AC on. It can get hot in there and I don’t want to take a chance.”
Ellie had to admit that was so sweet.
The waiting room inside the Urgent Care Clinic was completely empty. The only noise came from the television on the wall. Cedric stood by Ellie’s side as she checked in with the nurse, explained what happened, and handed over her insurance card.
“We have a standard concussion protocol,” said the nurse after getting Ellie’s information. “Follow me and we can take you through it. It’s pretty straightforward.”
Ellie turned to Cedric. “Thanks for the lift. I’ll call someone to pick me up.”
“I’ll wait.”
“That’s not necessary.” She felt guilty that she said it so harshly and tried to smooth it out. “Thank you, though.”
Ellie disappeared behind the double doors with the nurse.
Cedric wandered around the waiting area with Ellie on his mind. Was she serious about asking someone else to pick her up? There was no way he was going to just leave her. It didn’t even occur to him to do such a thing. Who was he, the mailman? Just drop off a package and then take off?
No way!
He wanted to make sure she was fine. He’d stay there all night waiting if he had to. That’s what you do when you care about someone.
You’re there for them when they need you.
Where did that come from? It shouldn’t have been a surprise he cared for her that much. How could he care so much about her? They hadn’t even been on one date. That needed to change, even though he still couldn’t figure out what was going on between them. They needed to talk and clear up some things. A glass of wine—or two—would loosen them up, and then they could talk about things.
He stood underneath the television as the host of some show gossiped about a woman who was cheating on her husband. He reached up and turned the television off.
No use poisoning his mind.
He sat down and eyed the magazines on the table in front of him, leaning forward to shuffle through them.
Cedric grabbed the golf magazine, flipping through the pages. He stopped when he came across one particular article that caught his attention.
The Top 100 Celebrity Golfers
Curious, he checked the list to see if Samuel L. Jackson made the cut. Kenny G was number one on the list, which he thought was pretty odd. He just couldn’t picture the jazz saxophonist golfing. Wouldn’t his long hair get in the way?
As for Mr. Samuel L. Jackson …
Cedric smiled. According to the article, Samuel was the seventh best celebrity golfer in the world. Cedric felt the bump on his forehead and had to disagree. Maybe that day at Pebble Beach was not a good representation of his skills. Cedric couldn’t help but think what a great memory he was given on that day. How many people could say they were almost killed by Samuel L. Jackson?
Fore motherfuckers!
Cedric threw the magazine back on the table, changing seats to face the reception area where Ellie entered.
Thirty minutes later, she walked out.
Cedric jumped up as Ellie stood there like a deer in headlights, staring at him. She obviously didn’t expect Cedric to still be there.
“That was fast,” said Cedric. “Everything’s fine then, right?”
“Everything is good. They did a few concussion tests with my eyes and ears and balance. I passed with flying colors. The main thing was that I didn’t have a headache. If I had one, that would have been a big warning.”
“Anything else?”
“The doctor said that the only thing I have to worry about is a scary-looking bump on my forehead for a couple of weeks. That’s it.”
“Just like mine.”
“Yeah.”
Cedric watched as her gaze went from his bump down to his lips.
He grinned. “What are you doing?”
“What do you mean?”
“You were looking at my mouth.”
“Right. Dream on.”
He grinned. “I will. But for now, let me get you back.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to.”
“Why?”
“Why not?”
“Not good enough.”
Cedric scratched his chin and thought for a moment. “I’m doing it because of Tofu, okay?”
“You need to take me back because of your dog?”
“He was asking about you.”
Ellie smiled. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation. Okay, so, the dog was asking about me, and what did he say?”
“He said he liked you. Then he wanted to know how the hell I got so lucky to have a beautiful woman like you in my car.”
Ellie looked like she was trying to hold back a smile. “And what did you tell him?” she asked as they exited the building.
“I told him I was pretty sure you liked him too, and as for the beautiful woman in my car, I said that I wasn’t sure how I got so lucky. But I was hoping to get lucky again.”
“This sounds very realistic … a talking dog.”
“Not that crazy. You know there’s a talking horse?”
“Of course, of course.”
Cedric opened the back door. “I just need to let Tofu out for a pee. It will only take a second.”
“Okay.”
Cedric clicked the leash on the dog and he jumped out of the car
, immediately pulling toward Ellie.
“You are just a sweetie pie, aren’t you?” said Ellie.
“He drives me crazy sometimes, but he’s not too bad.”
After Tofu sniffed out the perfect bush to piss on, they headed back to the car.
Cedric turned up the volume on the stereo before he drove off, and Barry Manilow started playing.
His hand shot back up to turn it down again.
Ellie poked Cedric in the arm. “You have issues.”
Cedric grinned. “You already knew that.”
“It’s just Barry Manilow.” She reached over and turned the volume up. “Copacabana, great song.”
Cedric didn’t say a word, but secretly enjoyed the music. Two Barry Manilow songs later, they arrived at her house.
He walked her to the door and she turned to face him. “Thanks. I mean it. You didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it.”
“Hey, no need to thank me. I did it for Tofu, remember?”
“That’s right.”
Cedric stared at her lips and, man, he wanted to kiss them. “I was wondering …”
“Yes. What were you wondering, Mr. Stubborn?”
He stuck his hands in his front pockets and eyed her lips again. “Are you in a slapping mood this evening? Because I was hoping—”
Ellie giggled. “Goodnight.”
Cedric’s shoulders slumped as he pulled his hands out of his pockets and ran them through his hair. “Right. Goodnight, Ellie.”
He turned to walk away and Ellie stopped him. “Actually…”
Cedric turned around quickly, but didn’t speak.
Ellie pulled his business card from her purse. “I think I would like to use my thirty second hug card now.”
Cedric grinned. “I’d be happy to redeem that for you. And you’re in luck, I’m having a two-for-one special this evening.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Two things were making Ellie’s hands sweat.
Number one, she found out from Peggy that she was losing the fundraising battle. She needed a miracle to win now. She had set up a table with a few bricks and an explanation of her project with the oak tree in hopes of grabbing a few last minute donations from some attendees with deep pockets. It was her last shot.
Yes, she could stay in her current job as librarian—and that wouldn’t be such a bad thing, since she enjoyed it—but she had dreams of moving up and taking on more responsibility. She loved giving more and being more. Branch Manager was her ticket to do so.
Number two, Cedric.
It wasn’t like they had a date or anything. She knew how he felt about those. She and Cedric were simply going to be in the same place at the same time. But being in the same room with him was not easy when all she wanted to do was kiss him again. Still, she had those conflicted feelings and unanswered questions about him.
She looked at her watch again. The event at the San Jose Museum of Art had started over twenty minutes ago and Cedric was still nowhere to be seen. She just needed to relax and drink more.
“Would you like to trade that in for a new one?” The waiter asked, staring at Ellie’s empty wine glass.
Bingo.
“That would be great. The red, please.”
The waiter took her glass and handed her a full one. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” Ellie immediately took a sip. More like a big gulp.
She scanned the room for Grandpa Frank, but didn’t see him. He wandered off earlier into one of the exhibits. She sighed and took another sip of wine.
“Fancy meeting you here,” said the familiar male voice behind her.
Pickles!
It was Vlad. The last person on earth she wanted to see.
“You look beautiful, Ellie. You always do.”
Ellie spun around. “What are you doing here?”
Vlad jumped back. “Jesus Christ. What the hell happened to your forehead?”
“You know how to make a girl feel pretty.”
“That lump would scare the hell out of anybody. Are you dying or something?”
“Are you seriously asking me that?”
Vlad waved his hand in the air. “Forget it. Sorry.”
Ellie waited for him to say something intelligent.
“I’m a new man and I want to prove it to you.”
Right. Like she was going to believe that.
“Look. If you’ve discovered life is not about power and money, that’s wonderful. The next person you date will benefit from those changes. What we had is over and you just need to accept it and move on. I don’t do second chances.”
He caressed the side of her arm and smiled. “I can’t accept that. I’m going to show you how I’ve changed. I’ll prove it to you. Then we can be together again, the right way.”
“I don’t think—”
“I’ve already shown how serious I am by making a considerable donation this evening.”
“What?”
That caught Ellie by surprise. She wanted to ask how much money, but she didn’t have it in her.
“I care about you and I care about the fundraiser. I want you to get that job.”
She stood there with her hands on her hips. “How did you know?”
“Does it matter?”
No. It didn’t. He always had his way of finding out things and she certainly wasn’t going to complain about his donation. She needed every penny possible if she were to get that promotion. Maybe now there was a chance.
“Thanks for your donation,” she said. “I appreciate it. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Ellie turned and Vlad grabbed her arm.
“That’s it?” he said.
“Please let go of my arm.” She closed her eyes, hoping when she opened them he’d be gone.
Nope. Still there.
“Ellie, I love you.”
Ellie shook her head in disagreement. “You love money more.”
“I’m changing.”
“Look, Vlad, I mean it. Thank your for the donation, but I stopped loving you a long time ago. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”
Ellie walked off before he could respond, but she knew he wouldn’t give up that easily. She knew him too well.
Cedric felt his shoulders tighten as he entered the museum and decided rather quickly he needed a drink to take the edge off. Magically, a waiter appeared with a tray of white and red wine.
“Wine?” asked the waiter. “I have Chardonnay and Cabernet.”
“Great,” Cedric answered. “Cabernet, please.”
The waiter handed him a glass. “Cabernet it is.”
Cedric took a sip and tried to relax.
“Well, look who’s here, Mr. Cedric in the flesh,” said Julio, smiling. “Glad you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” said Cedric, eying Julio’s clothes.
Julio raised an eyebrow. “You like what you see?”
Cedric laughed. “Just admiring the clothes. You ever have an off day in the wardrobe department?”
“Never. I always dress to impress. Even when I’m naked, I wear a bow tie.” Julio winked.
Cedric nodded, not sure how to respond. “Who doesn’t?” He glanced around the museum. “How’s the fundraising going?”
Julio frowned. “Not so good.”
That wasn’t the answer Cedric expected. He looked around the museum again. “Looks like a pretty good turnout to me.”
“Oops!” said Julio, covering his lips with his fingers. “I thought you were talking about Ellie’s fundraising.”
“Aren’t they the same thing?”
“Yes and no.”
Cedric squished his eyebrows together. “I’m confused.”
Julio looked around and then moved closer to Cedric. He grabbed his bicep and squeezed it. “I’m not supposed to say anything, but …”
“Just tell me.”
Julio shrugged. “Okay, here’s the deal, banana peel. Ellie has a little problem at the mom
ent. Actually, it’s a big problem. She needs a substantial donation in the next thirty minutes or she won’t get the promotion she’s after. End of story.”
Cedric jiggled his head as if he were trying to shake water out of his ears. “I don’t get it.”
Julio let out a loud sigh. “Okay, listen to me very carefully. You must be inebriated, but I think you can do it. Ellie is going up against another woman to be promoted to Peggy’s position, since Peggy is retiring. Are you with me so far, superstar?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Ellie and Margaret are both equally qualified. So, the brains at the district office thought it would be clever—a bunch of idiots if you ask me—to give the job to the person who raised the most money for the fundraiser. Margaret Rossewood has raised more money than Ellie, so Ellie needs a big donation and fast … or she won’t get the job. ¿Comprende señor?”
Cedric understood very well. He needed to help Ellie. “Sí.”
“Good boy. Of course you know, the money goes to help repair the damage in the children’s area.”
Cedric nodded and pulled out his checkbook; he’d brought it just in case he wanted to bid on something in the silent auction, but this was even better. He wrote the check, folded it in half, and handed it to Julio. “This is an anonymous donation.”
“Of course, thank you. Ellie is an amazing person and she deserves the best.”
“I agree,” said Cedric, smiling. “Oh, wait!” Cedric opened his wallet and pulled out a check from Michael and Veronica and another from Lucie and Sam. “Two more I forgot about.”
“You are a good guy, Cedric, I knew it! You shall be rewarded for your kindness.” He walked five, maybe six steps, and stopped, before screaming like a teenage girl at a Justin Bieber concert. He turned and ran back to Cedric, and practically knocked him over with an embrace. “You are fricking a-maz-ing!” He looked at the checks again. “Are you kidding me?”
“I told you it was anonymous.”
“I haven’t told anybody.”
“But you looked at it.”
“Somebody has to look at it, plus, when I give it to Peggy, she’ll see your name on the check. I can’t help that.”
“Uh huh.”
Cedric was feeling anxious. He took a deep breath, then a sip of wine, before wandering into the first exhibit room where “Pilgrimage” by Annie Leibovitz was on display. He recognized the photographer’s name and remembered seeing a documentary about her life on television.