Just in Time

by Steven Manchester

She shook her head. “Thanks, but I don’t like beer,” she said, and then stared straight into his soul. “So you did the divorce thing too, huh?”

  He shrugged. “I did. Seems like the ‘in thing’ these days.”

  “Any kids?” she asked, shifting from one hip to the other.

  Rick’s eyes lit up. “Zachary…the love of my life. He just turned two.” He took a swig of beer. “I’m thinking about getting him a bigger bowl.”

  Abby’s eyebrow rose in confusion.

  “Zachary’s my gold fish,” Rick explained, chuckling.

  Even through the laughter, Abby kept staring. At one point, she slid closer to him.

  Her presence felt so comfortable and familiar to Rick. “And you… any kids?” he asked.

  “Paige,” Abby answered, with the same twinkle in her eyes. “She’ll be nine next week…just old enough to be brokenhearted.”

  Rick nodded. “Boy problems?”

  “No. Daddy problems.” She shook her head, the twinkle gone. “Her father hasn’t made a whole lot of time for her lately,” she explained.

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” As a light drizzle began to fall, Rick leaned into Abby’s face. She smelled as good as she looked.

  Abby nodded, but quickly changed the subject. “So how long have you known Carol?” she asked.

  “Too long,” Rick answered with a smirk. “Actually, I met Danny in college and met Carol after their first date. He was my business colleague for a while. He and Carol have been together for almost three years now. She’s great. She loves Danny’s two boys like they’re her own.”

  “Business colleagues?”

  “Investments. Stocks, bonds… really, really important stuff like that,” he added, sarcastically.

  “You two still together?” she asked.

  “Nope. Danny and I have broken up. I recently discovered that I liked sunshine a little more than fluorescent light.” He thought for a moment. “I just started doing some consulting work, and I write a little now.”

  “You do? That’s great!” Abby said. She smiled like an angel. “I’d love to see some of your writing.”

  Rick’s skin tingled over the suggestion.

  ~

  Beneath a wet sky, the rest of the night was spent getting caught up. For Rick, it felt like old times—even though he had no idea who Abby was as an adult.

  They reminisced first about Rick’s grandma and father. “So how are they?” Abby asked. “I always loved them, you know.”

  He smiled. “Dad lives in New Hampshire now, working with delinquent kids.”

  She smiled, her head cocked. “Did he ever remarry?”

  “No. He’s never stopped loving my mom enough to pursue another woman. I guess in his own way he still grieves her death.”

  Abby’s mouth twisted slightly, forming itself into a frown; she was clearly touched by the undying love the man had for his wife.

  “I think Grandma’s right,” Rick added. “When my dad passes, I’m betting that he and my ma will spend eternity making up for lost time.”

  Abby nearly cooed at the sweet sentiment. “I’ll never forget his dog, Roy,” she said.

  Rick took a sip of beer and chuckled. “Believe it or not, he actually has Roy’s grandson now—Ray.”

  She shook her head and laughed. “Roy and now Ray. What was the dog’s name in between?”

  “Screw Up.”

  Abby was sent into a state of hysterics.

  Rick shrugged and laughed along with her.

  “And Grandma?” she asked, regaining her composure.

  Rick nodded. “Still spry and spunky…just a really cool person. You know her motto: ‘The body doesn’t wear out, it rusts.’ She’s still listening to her music and raising holy hell.”

  Abby smiled at the familiar phrase.

  “And she got married,” Rick said.

  “Married?”

  “Yep. His name is Bill Stryker and they’re perfect for each other.” He took another swig of beer. “She still makes me sit for dinner every Sunday.” Rick then asked about Abby’s parents.

  There was a sad pause. “My mom passed away,” Abby said, “from a lack of purpose, I’d say. And I haven’t spoken to my father for a few years now.” She tried to shake off the pain. “We no longer share a relationship… just some really bad memories. I imagine he’s still committing suicide the long way.”

  “Drinking?”

  “Yup, still doing laps in his bottle.”

  Rick put his beer on the table and quickly changed the subject.

  “Have you heard from any of the old Wilbur Avenue gang?”

  Abby’s smile returned. “From what I hear, Vinny became an attorney and is living with his wife in Vermont.” She thought for a moment. “I don’t know how anyone could stand to live with him.”

  Rick laughed.

  “Tracy became a psychologist and moved to Utah.”

  “Married?” Rick asked.

  “A-sexual, I think.”

  They both laughed. Rick couldn’t stop staring at her great smile and adorable dimples.

  “Actually, I heard she lives with her lesbian lover and goes by the new name Cheyenne.”

  “You’re kidding me, right?”

  Abby shook her head.

  “Good for her,” Rick said.

  “But I haven’t heard anything about Grant,” Abby added.

  Rick leaned forward. “You’re not going to believe this, but the first day I walked into college…there was Grant talking to some pretty, unsuspecting freshman.”

  Abby shook her head.

  “I still see him every Tuesday night,” Rick said. “We shoot a little pool and a whole lot of bull.”

  She was shocked. “How is he?”

  “The same…emotionally amputated; socially challenged.”

  As the laughter continued, she asked, “Do you remember the last time your dad brought us all to Lincoln Park? Believe it or not, I still think about that sometimes.”

  “Are you kidding?” Rick said. “I could live a hundred lifetimes and never forget that day!” And without his permission, his mind immediately raced back to the smack of screen doors and the echoes of foolish, barefooted children running toward the future.

  ~

  As a going away gift to Richard and his friends, Jim Giles announced, “I’m treating you all to Lincoln Park.” It was a local amusement park that was famous for its epic Easter egg hunts and The Comet—the largest and most feared roller coaster on the East Coast. The park also had the reputation of hosting some lifelong memories from early spring until late fall.

  Jim Giles pulled the station wagon into the front of the park and shut off the ignition. From sheer excitement, the back doors flew open and Richard, Abby, Grant, Tracy and Vinny piled out like a trained circus act. They waited. Jim Giles never opened his door.

  Richard ran around to his father’s window. “Aren’t you comin’, Dad?” he asked, still resentful over their upcoming move.

  Jim handed his son some money and winked. “This is your day,” he said, and then looked at Abby beside Richard. “Stay together, all right?”

  They both nodded. “Absolutely,” said Richard. “I’ll be seein’ ya.”

  “We will,” Abby promised.

  Richard’s father smiled. “Meet me back here at six,” he said, and drove away from the curb.

  The gang watched as the wood-paneled wagon disappeared into traffic. They looked at each other and smiled. They’d been set loose for one last hoorah. This entire day was going to be their last great adventure together. Past the roller-skating rink and bowling alley out front, they sprinted toward the ticket gate.

  Murals of smiling clowns holding balloons and lollipops beckoned them inside. A hand stamp cost five dollars and fifty cents and allowed them to ride all the rides for the day. Once paid, the land of thrill seekers, big crowds and long lines opened up to them. “That’s expensive,” Richard blurted, while Grant discreetly talked Tracy into paying h
is fare.

  Three steps in and a slew of stimuli nudged them into a frenzy of squeals and high-fives. Flashing lights, carnival sounds and joyous screams filled the park. From popcorn to vomit, the smells were overwhelming. A world of vivid colors—dark reds and yellows and blues—covered everything. One look around, and it was clear that romance could blossom here, as well. Richard glanced over at Abby to find her staring at him. Smiling to himself, he turned, waved his friends toward him and ran for the rides. “Come on!”

  Everyone took chase.

  The gang worked its way through the park. Hidden speakers spouting the moans and wails of ghouls and mutants soon had them standing before The Monster Ride. “Looks like Old Lady MacDonald’s place,” Richard said and everyone agreed. Those who dared to ride were greeted by gaudy, lurking statues of hideous creatures with horns, sharp teeth and insane eyes. Of course, to the older, more discerning eye, the giant plaster of Paris knick-knacks were no less than absurd.

  Richard led his friends toward the unknown. Tracy wouldn’t hear of it. “Come on, Scaredy-Cat,” Grant taunted. It didn’t matter. No matter how much teasing they heaped on, Grant and Vinny were forced to share a car. Abby had already jumped in with Richard.

  From the moment the car hit the double doors and entered pitch darkness, Abby shut her eyes and never opened them. While hideous mannequins waited in the shadows, the car took jerky turns on a squeaky track. “Eeeek,” Abby squealed, while Richard did his best not to laugh. Through all the screaming, the smells of the midway wafted in, while several rays of sunlight streamed through the cracks in the old, wooden boards. Though these reminded everyone that his or her plight was surreal and only temporary, it still didn’t matter in the belly of the beast. At one point, Abby placed her trembling body against Richard’s.

  He’d never felt such warmth. His whole body tingled and he instinctively tightened his grip. It was almost a hug. A swarm of butterflies fluttered in his guts, but even in the blackness he couldn’t bring himself to kiss her. He just couldn’t do it.

  As the car came crashing through another set of double doors and back into reality, Richard and Abby released each other. Through squinted eyes, they exchanged a grin. The crush was their little secret.

  ~

  Once Rick returned to their conversation, he looked hard into Abby’s eyes and his Adam’s apple took forever to travel south. “Those were definitely the days,” he said.

  She nodded. “Find a penny, pick it up and all that day you’ll have good luck.”

  “As long as it’s heads up,” he added, with a grin.

  Between the conversation and shared laughter, the entire night seemed to last all of three seconds.

  Wilbur Avenue

  Wilbur Avenue (a novelette set in the world of Pressed Pennies) depicts Rick and Abby as children, planting romantic seeds that would unexpectedly blossom later in their lives. After a magical summer, Abby and the neighborhood gang receive bad news: Richard’s dad has accepted a new job and the Giles family is moving away. Abby is devastated. As a final gift to Richard’s friends, Jim Giles takes the kids to Lincoln Park, an amusement park that hosts a day of unforgettable memories.

  After packing their bellies with hot dogs and French fries, the gang sprinted off to the Trabant—a devilish ride that used a spinning motion like a penny spun on its flat side. As if it wasn’t enough that the ride spun quickly in circles, midway into the journey the platform raised and tilted. Even the most iron stomachs would be tested. The gang looked at each other. “Let’s ride the Carousel,” Tracy said, her eyes pleading for a consensus.

  “Fine with me,” Richard said. “I can still taste lunch.” Grant and Vinny half-shrugged in agreement.

  The Carousel was more romantic than thrilling. Hand-painted panels along the outside roof depicted murals of yesteryears, while hundreds of mirrors and clear light bulbs decorated the inside. Though the majestic carousel had lions and tigers mixed in, horses posed in various positions were the coveted prize. As a brass bell sounded the beginning, each of them searched out the grandest horse. Abby hoped Richard would choose the double-seated chariot. He didn’t. He looked at her and then over at Grant and Vinny’s grinning faces before he grabbed a horse. A moment later, the sweet notes of a calliope and the beat of a marching band set them off on their course. It was long and boring—even for Abby—but from the smile on her face it was perfect for Tracy.

  To redeem his childish sense of honor, Grant pressured Vinny into jumping off the Carousel before it came to a complete stop. At a sprint, they headed toward the Flying Cages. Once the ride stopped, Abby and Richard followed—to watch.

  This test of strength and endurance usually catered to adult men. The idea was to stand upright within the heavy steel cage, and work its weight back and forth by pushing against the padded bars at the front and back. Each time Grant and Vinny pushed, the cage climbed higher toward the top in a circular motion. If enough momentum was gained, the riders were able to muscle their weight and the weight of the cage right over the top and keep going. There’s no way Grant and Vinny are ever going to make it to the top, Abby thought. Men twice their size can’t get the cages to go all the way around.

  As they waited for the boys to finish their failed attempt, Abby, Richard and Tracy took a seat on a nearby bench to do some people watching. Lincoln Park was the perfect melting pot. From every walk of life, people came in droves to experience the thrill rides and crooked games of chance.

  Panting and soaked in sweat, Vinny and Grant returned and offered their excuses, taking turns playing the blame game. “Vinny wasn’t even trying,” Grant complained.

  “Yeah right, Grant,” Vinny barked, “you’re the one who wanted to quit just as we got started.”

  No one doubted it and everyone laughed—everyone but Grant.

  The Carousel and Flying Cages bought time from facing certain illness. But unfortunately not enough, Abby realized.

  The Round Up was a twisted invention designed for the brave of heart. The five of them stood back and watched for a minute.

  It looked like a UFO turned sideways, red and yellow lights spinning out of control, human screams escaping from within. Essentially, each rider stood upright while the ride spun in circles so fast that gravity sucked them flush to its steel cage.

  “Let’s do it!” Grant egged them on.

  There was a pause.

  “You big chickens,” he said.

  Everyone—even Tracy—jumped in line. Oh boy, I’m gonna barf, Abby thought.

  Starting at a tilt, the ride lifted vertically until each of their bodies was parallel to the blurry ground beneath them. Richard pulled his wallet from his pocket and held on tight. Two minutes later, the world was one big smudge. What a mistake! Abby thought. Before the ride came to a stop, Grant was projectile vomiting. Only the irony of it made the others feel better. Through the queasiness, Tracy’s smile returned. “You okay, Grant?” she asked, while the others giggled at her rare display of sarcasm.

  Grant could only moan. “Go ahead, keep laughing,” he muttered. “I’ll get you back.”

  Another vote was taken. “Okay, Grant,” Richard said, “even though you don’t deserve it, we’ll give you a break and play some more of the games.” The first signs of relief appeared in Grant’s handsome but pasty face.

  The penny arcade beckoned with a game called Fascination. Each player rolled small balls under a plate of glass and into holes to form straight or diagonal lines. Though winners were paid in coupons to be redeemed for prizes or cash, each game cost ten cents and proved much too rich for the gang’s young blood. Instead, they settled for skeeball and the newest video games.

  At the end of the arcade, Richard, Abby and Tracy squirted streams of water into a row of clowns’ mouths until the first balloon broke. While Tracy won herself a small polar bear, Grant and Vinny abandoned “the game for little kids,” and hurried off to race the remote control cars at the park’s miniature speedway.

  With
fresh and disgusting memories of Grant’s recycled lunch, the gang passed the Scrambler and waited in line at the Ferris Wheel. The wait wasn’t long. From their swaying car, Abby and Richard were able to see all the rides along the midway and looming above them all was the giant roller coaster. To the right, they could also see cars traveling down Route Six, giving them glimpses of the real world and a reminder that six o’clock was quickly approaching.

  “This has been a really fun day,” Abby said.

  “Yeah, definitely,” Richard agreed.

  “I’ll have to thank your dad when he picks us up.”

  “For what?” Richard asked, sarcastically. “…making me move?”

  “No,” Abby said, and instinctively grabbed for his arm. “Of course not.”

  Richard shook his head and looked away, obviously struggling with his emotions.

  “I’m sure if your dad didn’t get promoted, he’d never make you leave Wilbur Avenue,” she said.

  “Yeah,” he said, avoiding eye contact.

  Sitting at the top of the world, the wind whistled past them and rocked the car back and forth. Abby gasped and clenched the bar tight.

  “You okay?” Richard asked, looking her in the eye again.

  Abby nodded, her knuckles turning white. “Yeah…at least I will be once the ride starts moving again.”

  Richard grinned and slid closer to her. In one quick movement, he threw his arm around her and gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Relax,” he whispered. “The ride will be over soon. We’ll be fine.”

  Abby’s fear was suddenly challenged by the excitement of Richard’s firm embrace. She glanced to her side and smiled at him. This feels so good, she thought, but I wish he’d just kiss me already.

  Richard returned her smile and was just starting to move closer to her when the ride started up again and they descended toward the earth. “See,” he said, “I told you we’d be okay.” But he never removed his arm from her shoulder.

  They were nearly to the bottom when Abby blurted, “You’ll come back and visit, right, Richard?”

  He looked at her again and his eyes filled. “Of course,” he said, his words muffled. “I’d never be able to say goodbye to you, Abby.”