by Sammi Cee
Bobby immediately pipes in, “Coop! If you didn’t get her number I’m never…well, I’m never something. I’ll think of something to never do for you again. She’s a doll-baby. I’ve been serving her for a couple of years now, and she’s alone a lot. Even if you’re not gonna date her, I really think she’s lonely, and she’s a pretty cool lady.”
“Oh yeah, Bobby. I definitely got her number, and my friend, I have no intention of being friend-zoned.”
At my declaration, Bobby squeals and does a little dance, Sean rolls his eyes at me, and I begin to plot how I’m going to ease Shayna into a date.
Elijah
“Yes, this is Elijah Norton,” I answer my phone.
“Hi, Mr. Norton. This is Cecile with JFC Construction. We received your resume, and we’d be interested in discussing a career opportunity with you.”
Biting my lip, I try not to laugh. A career opportunity? Really? It’s a labor job. “Oh, that’s great. Do you want to set something up? As my cover letter stated, I’m moving there from out of state, so we’d either have to do a phone interview, or I’d need a week or so to plan to get there in person.”
The lady on the phone, Chelsea maybe, ugh, I should have written it down when she said it, asks, “Well, I actually do all of the hiring for Mr. White. Based on your resume, if you have time to answer a few questions, I’ll have a better idea of how we need to proceed.”
It’s not like I have anything better to do. “Sure. I’ve got time.”
“Wonderful,” Cherry? No, definitely not Cherry says. “It says here that you were in the military for sixteen years. Is that correct?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Oh, no ma’am’s here. If we end up working together, I insist you call me Cecile.” Quickly, I reach over and grab my notepad and pen off the coffee table and write down her name.
“Yes, ma’am, I mean Cecile. I’ve only been out about six months.”
“Okay, and it says for fifteen years you did construction?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Wonderful, wonderful. I believe we have the perfect position for you.”
“That’s great. Wow. Don’t you have any other questions or anything?”
“Nope, I believe that’s it. Would it be possible for you to be here in a month’s time? That’s when we’ll begin the planning stages for the job I have for you.”
“Oh, yes, ma’am. That is definitely doable for me.”
“That’s great, Elijah. May I call you Elijah?” she asks.
“Yes, of course.”
“Good, Elijah. And since we officially know we’re going to be working together, I insist you call me Cecile. If you walk around calling me ma’am, it’s going to make me feel old. Can you do that for me?”
Genuinely laughing for what feels like the first time in a year, I say, “Yes, Cecile. I can do that for you.”
“Wonderful,” she says again. “I’ll be sending you over an email with documents I need filled out. I don’t care if you send them back electronically or if you print them and fill them out and bring them in with you. On your first day to the office, I’ll also need your social security card and your driver’s license. If I think of anything else, I’ll be sure to email you. You may call me if you have any questions, and please reach out and let me know when you’re settled into town.”
“Yes, Cecile. I sure will. Thank you so much.”
“Thank you, Elijah. I look forward to meeting you in person. Have a good day now.”
“Bye.”
Phew! I got a job. I can’t believe I got a job. Turning my phone back over in my hand, I dial my best friend, Coop.
“Hey, Eli. How ya doing, man?”
“Hey, Coop. You know how you keep saying you wished I moved closer to you instead of coming back to live by my parents when I got out?”
“Yes! Why? Are you finally gonna take me up on my offer and move here? The house is plenty big enough. Please tell me you’re thinking about it. I mean, you haven’t even met my dog, man.”
Getting totally distracted from the reason I’m calling, I ask, “Your dog, what are you talking about your dog?”
“Ha-ha. Yeah, well, I went to the shelter and rescued a dog.”
Laughing, I shake my head and roll my eyes. Same old Coop, always rescuing someone or something. “That’s cool. Well, I hope your new friend likes me cause I just got a call, and I’ve got a job there.”
He almost breaks my ear drum with his, “Woot!” in my ear. “Yes! Yes! Yes! About time you took me up on my offer. You’re miserable there. I know you want a relationship with your parents, but you won’t be too far away. You can go visit and maybe take some time to build back up to it. Now, what kind of job did you get?”
“Coop, the only kinda job I can get, construction. You know I’m not good at anything else. But thanks for letting me come stay. I have to start getting some things together right now, but I’ll give you another call as soon as I have an idea what my moving schedule is gonna look like.”
“Yeah, yeah. No problem. Let me know if you need help. Whenever you want; I’ll rearrange my jobs if I need to.”
“Thanks, Coop. Talk soon.”
I hang up before he can say another word. Sadness settles back over me after the high from the job offer recedes. It occurs to me I didn’t even ask— I glance down at my notepad— Cecile what exact job she was hiring me for or what I’d be making. But the company had only listed two job openings online, and she wouldn’t be hiring me for foreman, so I know roughly what I’ll be making. Although that whole thing seems a little unusual. Maybe they’re one of those companies who like to hire vets.
It hurts to move back away from home, but after all these years, the pain I caused my family obviously still affects them. Coop had offered me a place to stay as soon as I decided to leave the military, but I didn’t want to accept his offer. After meeting me sixteen years ago, he’s gotta be sick of taking care of my ass. Best friends or not. But it’ll be nice to live somewhere I feel wanted. Here, I’m nothing but a visual reminder to my parents of what a disappointment I ended up being. My hand moves automatically to rub up and down the scar that runs down the length of my stomach. I may not be able to escape seeing the results of my wayward behavior, but there’s no reason to punish my family by making them feel like they have to interact with me.
With a resolve I haven’t felt in a year, I turn my notebook to a fresh page and begin planning my move.
Diary Excerpt
Talking to Coop has really helped open my mind further than I could imagine. After the little bit he’s shared with me, it has me more convinced than ever that the series I have outlined is the one I want to write. There’s so many dynamics and emotions to human relationships. I find it so fascinating. I wrote my prologue and first chapter today and sent them to Irene. She has them now, but said she won’t have time to read it until tomorrow. The anxiety is overwhelming waiting to get her opinion. I wonder if all writers feel this way the first time; I wonder if this feeling ever goes away. I’m going to take a break though, and spend some time reading. Carl finished writing his first book last night and it just popped up on my kindle. I’m excited to read it. This will be the first time someone publishes a book that I know that I actually got to help when they were having trouble with the storyline. I can’t believe how much a part of this I feel now.
Shayna
Two
Shayna
At the sound of the windchime, I look down to see another message from Coop. It’s been fun having him call and text me the last few days.
*Coop: It’s so cool- got a call from my bff and he’s moving in with me
*Me: Eli?
*Coop: Yeah, Eli. Elijah. I’m impressed you remember his name
*Me: Coop, lol, you realized you can’t go a whole conversation without talking about him
*Coop: Yeah, we’ve been tight for almost half my life
*Me: Oh, I didn’t mean that mean. I think it’s cool you
guys are so close. Maybe you can start picking up girls together again
*Coop: (Eyeroll) Hmm…I don’t think we’ll be doing that anymore
*Me: Why not?
*Coop: Oh, I don’t know. Since I have my eye on a certain someone?
*Me: Ohhh, do tell.
*Coop: Maybe I could tell you at dinner tonight. Have plans?
*Me: No, I could stand to get out of the house a little
*Coop: Then it’s a date!!!
*Me: A date/date?
*Coop: You heard me. Send me your address so I can pick you up at 7:00
* * *
Huh? A date? Sometimes I’ve gotten a vibe from Coop that he likes me, but I’ve dismissed it based on the fact he’s been willing to go into such detail about his sex life with me. I send him my address as I think about what he’s told me about him and Elijah.
“I met him when I was twenty. He was this little pain in the ass eighteen-year-old. He’d just got done with basic, and he had such a huge chip on his shoulder. Honestly, people couldn’t stand him. He was this little rich kid who seemed like he was trying to play military. Anyway, we had to work on this project together, and I noticed that whenever anyone said anything nice to him, it seemed to fluster him. I couldn’t imagine how a spoiled rich kid could get so thrown by kindness. So I went out of my way to talk to him and say nice things to him, and before I knew it, we were spending a lot of time together. We went out one night, and this girl was all over him, and I could tell he was in to her, but as the night went on he started to get kinda standoffish with her and upset. I took him outside and asked him what the fuck his problem was. That’s when he pulled up his shirt and showed me this massive scar he had running down his abdomen. At that point I found out why he’d enlisted, which I hope you meet him someday so he can tell you that story. Anyway, he wasn’t a virgin or anything, but the only girl he’d tried to pick up since he got hurt was disgusted when he took his shirt off, and she blew him off. Needless to say, he was apprehensive about putting himself in that situation again. I mean, honestly, who likes to be rejected. That’s the first night Eli and I took a girl home together.”
We didn’t get a chance to talk about it much more after that, but he had promised me he’d share some of their stories together. Thinking about it, I wonder again if I can have a relationship with someone who’s talked to me about his prior sex life. Generally, I’ve never wanted to hear the intimate past details of someone I’m interested in, but I’ve also never needed information about how two men have sex. Even contemplating it now though, I don’t feel weird or uneasy about it.
And Eli’s coming here, what could that mean for a possible relationship between us? Yet, Coop didn’t actually ask me on a date until after he knew his friend was moving here. My windchime goes off again, and I look down to see a picture of Coop with a big smile on his face. Underneath it says, “Can’t wait for tonight.” Smiling to myself, I decide that I’m going to let this play out and see what happens. Maybe spending time with Coop will be the adventure I need to keep my creative juices flowing. With resolve I send back, “Me either!”
Around five o’clock it suddenly hits me, I have a date tonight. Picking up my phone, I call my daughter, Shelly.
“Hey, Mom. What’s up?”
Feeling a little dumb, I ask, “Um…if I was going on a date, what would I wear?”
“Wait. What? You’re going on a date? About damn time.” She sounds so I happy that I know she means it.
“Watch your mouth, I’m still your mother.”
“Yeah, yeah, like you don’t know I curse like a sailor. And like I don’t know you do, too.”
“Anyway, answer the question. I’m nervous, what do I wear?”
I hear her blow out a breath before she responds, “Mom, you always look so nice. You never leave the house not looking nice. What’re you worried about? Now, tell me about this guy who got my mom to go out on a date. I’ve gotta hear this.”
“Oh, well, um…I met him at restaurant when I went for dinner the other night. We’ve been talking and texting ever since. He seems really nice.”
“Does he have a name? How old is he? Most importantly, is he hot?” She breaks out into giggles.
“His name is Cooper, well, he goes by Coop and he’s thirty-six, and yeah…”
“Ohh…Mom found her a younger man! Go, Mom!”
“Omg. You’re right. Maybe I shouldn’t go. He’s too young for me, isn’t he?”
“You’ve gotta be kidding me. Mom, get a grip. He’s six years younger, that’s so not a big deal. But you didn’t answer the most important question, is he hot?”
Wondering why I thought calling my twenty-year-old daughter about what to wear was a good idea, I say, “Well, he’s not ugly. At all. He’s a little over six foot, but he’s like a bigger guy. You know, like muscly and stuff. His hair’s a little longer, and he keeps scruff on his face. He was in the military, so he likes that he doesn’t have to be all perfectly groomed now.”
“Ok, then in all seriousness, you need to go all out. Get you a man. And for fuck’s sake Mom, at least get laid. Geez!”
“Shelly! Good grief! I’m never calling for your opinion again. I’m your mom. You’re not supposed to tell me to get laid! I’ll figure it out myself. Bye.” With that said, I hang up on my only child and go to stare in my closet. What was I thinking?
Coop
Pulling up outside of Shayna’s yellow, little ranch-style house, I see her personality all over it. There’s a stand of windchimes up near the front of the yard, and a huge flag hanging up next to the top of the garage that says Beauty Is All Around Us. It’s as adorable as her. While strolling up the walkway, I check my watch and am pleased that I’m exactly on time. Ringing her bell, I check that my shirts straight and put my hands in my pockets hoping that a casual look will relax her. I know she doesn’t really date, so I’m pretty sure at some point after she said yes today, she freaked out.
After a couple of minutes, I hear the lock click on the inside of the house, and she opens the door. Shayna looks beautiful. But she’s also looking a little nervous. “Hey,” I say softly, hoping to soothe her.
“Hi,” she says nervously. “I didn’t know what we were doing tonight. Am I dressed okay?”
Stepping closer so that I can lean down and kiss her cheek, I say, “Gorgeous.” Taking a step back so as not to come on too strong, I continue, “And you look perfect for tonight. I called Sean to find out where he’ll be playing. I figured it would make if more comfortable for you if we went somewhere where you saw a familiar face.”
Shayna’s hesitant expression immediately morphs into a radiant smile. “Well, Coop. That’s extremely considerate of you.”
“I do what I can,” I say before wagging my eyebrows at her.
She shakes her head at me before asking, “Did you want to come in and meet Kitty before we go?”
“Nope, why don’t you grab your purse and whatever, and maybe you’ll still want to introduce me to Kitty when we get back.” I waggle my eyebrows at her again making her laugh.
With a tiny smirk, she says, “Maybe I will.” She flutters her eye lashes at me before turning around to go and get her stuff so we can leave.
Across the room, Bobby is waving at us like a maniac. Shayna starts waving back at him as we make our way over to the bar. “Hey, Bobby,” she says when we’re close enough.
“Shayna-girl! I’m so happy to see you! When Coop called Sean and said he was bringing out a date tonight, I told Sean that if it wasn’t you, I wouldn’t serve Cooper tonight.”
“Really? You’d do me like that?” I ask.
“Absolutely.” He sticks out his tongue at me before looking back and forth between us. “Now, you’re on a date. You aren’t sitting at this bar. I’ll get the hostess to find you a table in the corner so you can bond.” He draws out bond all goofy, and Shayna and I both laugh.
When the hostess comes to lead us to our table, I place my hand on the small of
Shayna’s back thinking about how perfectly she fits next to me. She tilts her head back and smiles at me, and the certainty that I want to have a real relationship with her settles into me.
Just like last time when we ate together at the bar, we make small talk while enjoying appetizers and throughout our meal. Once the waitress removes our plates, I run up to the bar to order our after-dinner drinks directly from Bobby.
“Well, didn’t you get the prettiest date around?” he asks as he sets a gin and tonic and beer in front of me.
“She’s a doll, isn’t she?”
“Yes, she is. You better treat her right, Coop.” I’ve never seen Bobby talk so sternly. “If you’re just playing around, then she’s not the lady for you. In the couple of years I’ve been serving her, we’ve had many long talks, and I know she doesn’t put herself out here like this.”
“I know, Bobby. I have no intention of breaking her heart. I promise.”
Arriving back at the table, Shayna smirks. “I saw Bobby’s face. Was he playing dad for me and asking about your intentions?”
“How’d you know?”
“I know Bobby has a soft spot for me. I don’t know what I did to deserve it, but I know he does.”
“You’re right, he does. And you know, he’s right about one thing, I do have the prettiest date here.”
“Oh stop, I already came out with you. No need to try to sweet talk me now, Coop.”
“I’m being completely serious, Shayna. I love the way you carry yourself. It’s not even how beautifully you dress, but the way your smile lights up the room, and your eyes are always twinkling. You have a smart, quick-wit, and you’re so comfortable in your own skin. I’m into you, that’s all.”
The most charming blush blooms across her face and down her neck. Her smile borders on shy as she looks down into her drink and slides her hands back and forth around her glass. Finally, she looks up straight into my eyes and says, “You really mean it. You want to date me?”