by Lonz Cook
“It’s a place Orlando told me about.”
“Orlando’s gay. What do you think we’ll find there?” Tiffany put on her shoes, moving to the vanity.
“Straight men. It’s why he didn’t like it. So for us, that’s good news. Now keep moving, or the place will close before we get there.”
“I’m moving, I’m moving,” replied Tiffany. “Hey, whatever happened to Joe?” she asked while applying her makeup.
“It didn’t work.”
“That simple?”
“Just that simple; it didn’t work.”
Chapter 2
Manny broke from his daily routine of working out at the factory’s gym, before heading for home after his shift. He worked on the factory’s production line, stamping metal for calipers. He took the job after retiring from the Navy five years ago, just to be closer to his daughter. It was the only decent paying position in a bad economy, and it was perfect for his true objective; supporting his only child. His lack of motivation for the job made him consider discontinuing his employment. The work wasn't horrible or stressful by definition; it was redundant. He realized that this routine was too humdrum in comparison to his fleet days. Employment at the factory, was nothing like being underway, on one of America’s finest Navy ships.
Manny remembered ship life was from sun up, to the next sunrise on any given day. He remembered the group of rambunctious sailors in his section that kept him on his toes. Each day aboard ship was never a bore, and underway operations were intense during any deployment. He thought about his former life during the last stamp of his machine before his shift ended.
He left the factory for his two bedroom apartment in the middle of West Palm Beach. It wasn't the fanciest place nor very appealing, but the location was perfect. The apartment complex did not have a pool, or display strategically placed tennis courts, nor have a secure entry gate but it was decent. His job didn’t pay as well as a seasoned Chief Petty Officer, but he managed his finances well enough to live comfortably. Manny, divorced, was supporting his only child in her sophomore year of college. With both his military retirement and his job income, he managed to pay Suzie’s tuition. During his divorce proceeding, Manny inquired why his ex-wife should escape the responsibility of helping to support his daughter. His resentment never interfered with his charge to provide for his child, but to do it alone challenged his logic. He didn’t understand his ex-wife not wanting to assist Suzie in spite of her financial capability to do so. He felt fortunate to have learned financial management; a lesson he mastered as the third of four siblings reared in Tamiami, Florida and money saving techniques he picked up as a sailor.
Manny’s appearance had remained the same; lean, muscular, sea worthy — the look he had maintained throughout his naval career. His strikingly handsome presence drew attention as he worked on the production line. His physical prowess, dark eyes, auriferous complexion and chiseled cheeks turned women’s heads. Often during his shift, he’d catch a lady’s lustful eyes gazing at him. And when he shared his suave demeanor — a smile, a muscle flex or gave a compliment — they fantasized about entering his world.
Manny’s cell phone rang as he walked to his apartment. He put his gym bag on the stoop, grabbed his cell from his pocket and answered, “Hello.”
“Hi, I’m coming over. I have dinner,” his daughter Suzie informed.
“No, not tonight,” said Manny, “I’m not up to it.”
“What’s wrong, Dad?”
“Nothing, I just need to be alone. I do love the idea but not tonight. Maybe we can catch up tomorrow.”
“Call me if you change your mind Dad,” Suzie suggested before she disconnected her call.
Manny tapped his cell phone off, turned around and glanced at his desktop. He walked to it and pressed the ON button, then went to retrieve a beer from the fridge. He returned to the desk and sat at the computer, feeling homesick for the Navy. He typed the URL for the Navy’s website and found the profile of his old ship. Clicking on the website link and while waiting for the page to load, mindful images flashed to life on the heavy cruiser. He realized how fortunate he was to have seen the world. His last ship changed fleets during his tour; it transferred from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This gave Manny the experience of exploring Europe and Asia, in a little over three years. “I met some great guys on this ship.” Manny chuckled remembering a few crazy sailors, who shared his escapades during liberty. There was nothing like libbo with those guys - good times!
Before he could move his mouse to another link, an online dating pop-up appeared;
Find the right mate, it’s only a click away.
At first, Manny moved his mouse and clicked on the “X” in the upper right corner, deleting the popup. He adjusted his pop-up blocker and moved his mouse back to the Navy’s site. He checked out the reenlistment section of the website and as he read the first paragraph, the popup returned. He didn’t fight it a second time; instead, he looked at the couple’s picture and acknowledged how happy they looked. Manny clicked on the dating site link, and the page appeared blaring of pictures of beautiful people. Browse without completing a profile, the site advertised. Manny moved his mouse over to the women’s link and clicked. A full page of available ladies appeared, with profile pictures and a brief bio for each. He clicked on one and read the descriptive write-up. Before he knew it, Manny had scanned over a dozen profiles. He stopped on one profile that peaked his interest. The shapely brunette, wearing an orange colored football jersey, caught his eye. He contemplated what would happen if he wrote her a note. Manny clicked on the ‘send a message’ icon, looked at the blank chat space, had second thoughts and closed the browser.
Chapter 3
Valerie and Tiffany entered the bar, found a tall pub table in the back and stood next to it. The music blared and folks mingled about the club as if on a treasure hunt. Both women received interested looks as they scanned for available men. Patronage population was accommodating. An equal ratio of men to women, was a situation that was seldom seen in any dance club on a Thursday night. A couple of men approached them as a popular dance song played; they suggested dancing. Valerie smiled at the guy closest to her, answered “Yes,” and then moved to the dance floor. Tiffany hesitated in her response, looked at the guy next to her, Hmmm, he’s not so bad.
“Sure,” Tiffany smiled while thinking, It’s only a dance. The four danced near each other.
Tiffany turned to face Valerie, raised an eyebrow and opened her eyes wide while nodding her head to express her surprise to his unique dance moves. When the music mix changed to a slower rhythm, Tiffany’s dance partner attempted to engage her in conversation.
“Hey, I’m Steven.”
“Excuse me?”
“Steven,” he repeated tapping his chest.
Tiffany didn’t respond because she missed what he attempted to say. I hate when people try to talk over loud music.
Steven moved closer to her ear, grabbed her hand, and in a louder voice asked, “What’s your name?”
“Tiffany.”
“Steven,” he replied as he extended his hand to shake hers. After a short pause he asked, “Do you like it here?”
“I suppose so. It’s my first time.”
“Mine, too.” Steven answered as he danced. He captured her eyes pointed to the tall table near the bar. Tiffany looked at him and decided to talk although he indicated leaving the dance floor. She was glad his initial questions didn’t include any inappropriate pick up line.
Valerie maneuvered towards Tiffany, caught her attention and signaled for their return to the table. Tiffany followed but not before she waved her finger to let Steven know of her exit from the dance floor.
Steven looked for his friend, but noticed he’d left the floor in the opposite direction from Valerie. He followed the ladies with hopes of a further conversation with Tiffany. He stood next to her and waved at Valerie as he joined them around the high table.
“Hi, I’m Steven,” he introduced himself.
“Valerie,” she responded.
“So, Tiffany, what brings you out tonight?” asked Steven.
Tiffany hesitated before responding. She contemplated multiple sarcastic comments as a reply but reconsidered and chose to share the truth. “She did,” Tiffany pointed at Valerie.
“Oh, I thought you were out looking for fun.”
“No, I was happy being at home,” Tiffany confessed.
“I’m glad you came out. It’s a good thing you did since you got a chance to meet me,” Steven grinned.
“Good one,” Valerie laughed.
“Glad you think so. Hey, what happened to Earl?” Steven said while looking around the club.
“I’m sorry to say your friend is a jerk.”
“My apologies; it’s Valerie, right?” Steven responded before turning his attention back to Tiffany. “What do you do when you’re not dancing in a nightclub?”
“She plugs her face into a laptop,” Valerie said. “It’s why I dragged her out tonight.”
“Oh, really? I’m a techie, too.” Steven’s face brightened at the mention of shared interest.
“No, I’m not a techie.” Tiffany said, “I like the social interactions, and it’s fun surfing websites. I’m a dreamer, and the Internet gives me access to see whatever it is I might be missing,”
“Surfing the web is horrible for you, isn’t it?”
“Not at all. If you don’t dream, you don’t have much of a future.”
“True, but what do you do to make any of your dreams a reality?” Steven probed.
Before Tiffany could answer, another high intensity song played, and Valerie took Steven‘s hand. “Hey, dance with me.”
He waited for Tiffany’s reaction. When he saw her shoulders shrug, he turned to Valerie and said, “Sure, why not?” and off they went to the dance floor. Tiffany stood alone and observed them dance. Valerie is such a party animal, and looked about the club. In her observation she watched people exchanging business cards, laughing, drinking, and socializing in groups or in couples. Tiffany suddenly felt lonely.
When Steven and Valerie returned to the table Steven immediately focused his interest on Tiffany.
“I’m glad you didn’t mind me dancing with your friend. If you feel like hitting the dance floor, just say so.”
“Thanks, I’ll let you know,” responded Tiffany.
“Now, where were we? Oh, yeah, I remember. What do you do when you aren’t in a club?”
“I do a lot of things, but mostly I work.”
“What type of work?”
“Floor sales in a department store.”
“Nice perks, I bet.”
“Sometimes,” Tiffany said and considered asking Steven what he did for employment. Before she voiced her question his friend Earl approached and interrupted.
“Hey dude, I need you.”
“Not now, give me a few,” Steven turned his attention back to Tiffany.
“Are you ready to dance?”
“Not at the moment. I’ll pass. I’m sure Valerie will.”
“She said no. Now come on,” Earl insisted.
“Give me a minute,” Steven responded as he pulled a card from his pocket and handed it to Tiffany. “Here, give me a call, and let’s do lunch or something.”
Tiffany took the card and smiled. “Thanks.”
The girls spent the rest of the evening conversing about different subjects while they scanned the club. They danced and talked with other men, but not one man tried to win Tiffany’s interest the way Steven had.
Valerie was scanning the crowd and noticed Steven walking towards the exit with Earl who was flanked by two women, his arms locked around their waists. Valerie tapped Tiffany on the shoulder and pointed to the exit. When she looked, she saw Steven glance towards them, raised his hand signaling goodnight before he walked out. Valerie couldn’t wait to ask.
“Are you going to call him?”
“Probably not,” said Tiffany.
“Why not? He seemed nice.”
“He did, but I think he’s a little young.”
“He sure can dance well and you know what that means.” Valerie fanned her face with her open hand.
“Yes, it means he can dance,” Tiffany said, shaking her head in disagreement.
“Oh, you know, it’s more than just dancing.”
“Myths, Valerie, myths. We always fall for those damn myths about men. Why can’t we simply say he’s an attractive guy and leave it at that?”
“Because that’s no fun. Dang, sometimes you bore me.” Valerie grabbed her purse, took the last swig of her drink and proceeded to the exit. Tiffany had no choice but to follow. They had driven Valerie’s car to the club.
The following day, Tiffany called Steven’s number from the business card he gave her.
“Hello,” he answered.
“Hi,” she paused, “Steven?”
“Yes, this is Steven.”
“We met last night,” Tiffany said without identifying herself.
“Tiffany, I’m glad you called,” Steven smiled.
“How did you know it was me?”
“You’re the only one I gave my card to last night.”
She frowned at his response since she was sure he gave his card to all sorts of women. She knew her best friend Valerie would have been the first to take it had he offered it.
“You said to call if I’d like to have lunch or coffee.”
“Oh yeah! When are you available?” Steven asked.
“How about tomorrow evening for coffee; where would you like to go?”
“I have a place in mind but I don’t know how far you are from it.” Steven waited for a response.
“It doesn’t matter, I don’t mind meeting you.”
“Okay, let‘s say Caffe Trieste on Vallejo?”
“Yes. How do you know about Trieste? It’s a nice place.”
“I’ve been there a few times. I love the atmosphere. How about 6:30 this evening?”
“Perfect. I look forward to seeing you.”
“Me too, Tiffany, I can’t wait to see you.”
Chapter 4
It was late night when Manny finally stopped surfing multiple dating websites and focused on one. He found a couple of profiles of interest and decided to write them. When he clicked on one of them, the site asked him to complete his profile description. Manny paused once the form window opened and asked, Should I? while he stared at the screen. A calculated idea ran across his mind. If I get a response would it change my life? Maybe. Oh. What the hell … why not? He typed in his name and created an online ID. He called himself “Lost Sailor” because of his mood. Manny typed as if his life depended on it. Maybe it will, in response to his own question.
He selected what he considered an appealing picture for his profile - a perfect beach sunset, with just enough sunlight to capture his features and physique. He was prideful of being the aging sailor, who maintained a youthful shape. The beach scene seemed appropriate for his profile name. It was nearly three in the morning by the time he completed the profile. Once done, he logged off and went to bed since the work day always came too soon. Before dozing off, he recalled a few profile pictures that sparked his interest. Manny made a mental note to contact these women.
***
Manny was in the gym and before starting his workout, he called Suzie. Her cell phone rang several times and skipped to the automatic answer recording. He worried when Suzie did not answer; assuming it was trouble because she always had the phone glued to her hand. Manny continued thinking about his daughter throughout his cardio routine. He called her again without success. He maintained control of his imagination, trying not to panic or overreact. He remembered the fiasco that ensued, when she was on a date and deliberately did not answer. He had made a mad search for her, and called in favors to get the police involved to find her vehicle
. When the police called him, they informed him about her location and the compromising position she was in with her date. He was furious, but managed to rein in his emotion realizing she was growing up. He knew she was developing into a young woman and those embarrassing experiences were on her of the path to maturity.
Manny finished his workout and headed home. He wanted to call Suzie to extend a dinner invitation, and maybe let her help him navigate through the dating websites. It was his attempt to make up to her, after declining her dinner invitation the previous night. When he arrived at his apartment, he saw Suzie’s car parked out front. He rushed inside, surprised she was in his apartment. He worried about Suzie, and often times his worrying got the best of him. He felt guilty that he had missed so much of her childhood while at sea, but happy that they had still managed to stay close. He had used every communication tool available, especially the phone and internet. Manny kept his spirit in her presence even though Suzie watched her mother struggle as a single parent. Not having him around finally got the best of Cheryl. Things didn’t change until Manny and her mother Cheryl divorced.
Manny accepted Cheryl fast marriage to George. During one of his visits, Manny talked to Suzie about how her life had changed with her step-dad being involved. Suzie admitted it never felt the same after her mother remarried. To her, George was doing everything a father would do for a daughter and she liked him but didn’t like his attempts to replace her dad. She also admitted it became somewhat difficult for her and Manny to visit when he returned from deployments. Suzie also mentioned how she eased dropped on their heated discussions, to stop George from adopting her. She was angry with her mom’s attempt, to phase him out of her life.
Although his apartment was not on a bad side of town, he was still very protective of his child and never took her safety for granted. He was relieved Suzie was safe. When Manny entered, the aroma of a home cooked meal tickled his nose. Loud gangster rap music blared from his MP3 player and he saw Suzie, busy in the kitchen. He went directly to his MP3 player on the desk in the living room, changed the music and then headed to the kitchen.