by Lonz Cook
Manny left work after visiting the gym. On his way home, he decided to stop at a grocery store and pick up a few items. While walking down an aisle he bumped into a lady. His apology opened a door for conversation. Within minutes, his new acquaintance had given him her cell number and a smile to remember.
Once home, Manny put his grocery items away, jumped in the shower, and dressed for the evening. It was his weekly dinner night with Suzie; their custom when she didn’t have a boyfriend. The weekly dinners helped their father-daughter relationship. He had missed a lot of her younger years when the Navy kept him away on duty.
Now that he was retired, Manny rationalized how to strengthen their relationship that was weakened by her mother’s negative influence. These dinners helped and besides, he liked sharing time with her. After his shower, he called Suzie. “What time are we getting together?”
“Dad, did you forget?”
“Yes, that’s why I’m asking. What time are we meeting?”
“We said 7, Dad, and I have a surprise for you. I think you’ll like it.”
“No way Suzie, I know better. Your surprises usually cost me. What’s the surprise and how much?”
“Come on, Dad, it’s nothing bad and there’s no money involved. Give me a chance.”
“We’ll talk about it over dinner. See you in 20 to 30 minutes.”
“Love you, Dad.”
“Love you too, sweetie.”
Manny dressed and rode his 2008 Benelli BN6000GT motorcycle to the restaurant, a bike he fell in love with while living in Naples. He arrived, parked his bike, secured his helmet, and walked to the entrance. Manny saw the reflection of two women in the mirrored glass paneled insert of the door. He turned to look and noticed it was Suzie and she wasn’t alone. A well-dressed woman accompanied her. She wore a tasteful blue form-fitting dress that revealed her figure. Her hair was short, in a complimentary style, making her face slim and youthful with features that met Manny’s basic requirements.
“Hey, baby girl.” Manny held his arms out for their usual hug.
“Hi, Daddy,” she answered. Suzie turned to introduce her friend. “Daddy, this is Camille Peters. Camille, this is Manny Perez, my father.”
“Hello, Camille,” Manny said as he reached for the traditional handshake.
“Hi Manny, nice meeting you,” Camille said taking his hand with a firm grip.
“It’s nice meeting you too,” Manny released her Camille’s hand and opened the door for them to enter the restaurant. He looked at Suzie as she passed, raising his eyebrow. Camille led the way towards the hostess. Manny touched Suzie’s arm, before leaning to her ear to whisper, “I hope the restaurant doesn’t mind adding one more to our reservation.”
“Don’t worry Dad, I called ahead and added Camille.”
“How thoughtful of you,” Manny smiled at his daughter.
Suzie poked Manny and rolled her eyes. They followed the hostess to their table. The table was set for three. Suzie deliberately chose the setting that would allow Camille and her father to sit next to each other. Manny pulled out a chair for Camille and waited.
“Thank you Manny,” Camille said and smiled. “It’s pleasant having a gentleman at dinner.”
“You’re welcome,” Manny smiled and walked over to his chair. “How do you ladies know each other?” Manny asked while taking his seat.
“I own a coffee shop, not far from the campus. And Suzie became one of my regulars. One day she came in the coffee shop during the busiest hour. She didn’t ask for my permission before she volunteered her services. Thank goodness she jumped in, because I had a staff no show. I was so impressed that I offered her a job. You did a great job raising her.”
“Thank you, Camille, but I can’t take full credit for her manners,” Manny admitted.
A waiter approached the table and announced the specials of the day. After listening to him, Manny allowed the ladies to order. After the waiter left Manny broke the awkward silence.
“Camille, how long have you had your coffee shop?” said Manny.
“Over a year,” she replied. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I love the independence.”
“So you met Suzie and were impressed by her kind heart.”
“Yes, she’s a charmer and I’m so grateful to have her. You know when I first offered her the job, she wouldn’t take it.”
Manny looked at Suzie, “You were offered a job at the coffee shop and didn’t take it?” Manny frowned in surprise as he always encouraged Suzie to work for her spending money.
“Dad, don’t have a coronary,” Suzie smiled, “I’m working there now.”
“I guess we’ll see less of each other unless I ….” Manny caught himself before making a harsh remark and getting into a heated father-daughter discussion in front of Camille.
“Dad, the class load I’m carrying right now doesn’t allow me to see you most weeknights anyhow.”
“Yes, I know, Sweetie…umm, we’ll work it out.”
The waiter returned with a pitcher of water and poured each a full glass then left. Manny looked up at Suzie before he glanced at Camille. “So Suzie, you’re enjoying coffee these days?”
“Actually no Dad, I don’t drink coffee, but I like my job because I get to see my friends more often.”
“That’s good to hear.” Manny winked. “Camille, how do you like being around these college kids?”
“The kids keep me young and the business strong,” explained Camille. “You know Manny, your daughter is a great employee, and always eager to work whenever I need her; she’s a hard worker.
“She’s always been like that,” Manny smiled, “She’s always been amazing at everything she does. I remember during a deployment, I called and she told me about her dance class, gymnastics, and all of her student counsel work. She was impressive at 10.”
“A busy young lady,” Camille commented.
“Dad, I invited Camille to dinner to meet you. She’s your surprise.”
“Yes, she is,” Manny smiled.
“You didn’t tell him I was coming?”
“Nope,” Suzie explained, “But he’s always okay with having one more for dinner. I usually bring a friend or a boyfriend, so I knew he wouldn’t mind.”
“You know, I like this a lot better than one of her boyfriends,” Manny laughed.
“Dad, be nice.”
“I’m just saying some of those young men were…”
“A father stressing his expectations of the men you choose to date. Suzie, be glad you have a father who loves you enough to teach you those important characteristics.” Camille advised.
“I guess that’s tough for you, Dad. I mean, me trying to find the right guy. Am I right? I mean, we think we have the right man and get surprised when we start dreaming and our dreams shatter. It’s tough.”
“Depends on what you call tough,” responded Camille. “I see your point, but every woman handles disappointment differently. I, for one, didn’t see it as painful.”
“Dad, Camille was married to a sailor. I told her you are a retired Navy Chief.”
“Wait I didn’t come to dinner to meet a sailor. I came because she asked me to dinner and said you were coming, I thought, why not?”
“I’m glad you’re here Camille.” Manny looked at Suzie, “What else did you tell her about me?” Manny lifted an eyebrow.
“Enough.”
Throughout dinner the conversation was easy. Over dessert Suzie and Camille entertained Manny as they spoke of incidents at the coffee shop.
“Where is this coffee shop? I’d like to visit one day,” he asked after taking a bite of his key lime pie.
“Sunset Drive in Coral Gables,” Camille responded.
“Dad, it’s really close to campus. Everybody loves it.”
“Is that so? What’s the name, Camille’s Coffee, or College Caffeine?” asked Manny, smiling at his guess.
“Cupcakes and
Coffee, Dad. If you’d increase my allowance, I could get more than the house special.” She turned to Camille, “Oh, no offense.”
“None taken. I get your drift,” Camille let Suzie know that she understood.
“Good try, kid.” Manny looked around the restaurant, which gave him time to come up with ideas and change the conversation. He noticed Cheryl, Suzie’s mother and stepfather George approaching their table.
“Incoming,” Manny touched Suzie’s arm and nodded towards Cheryl and George.
Suzie looked in the direction Manny nodded. “Mom, what are you doing here?” Suzie stood to greet her mother with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“We were having dinner, and George saw you guys, so we decided to say hello.”
Cheryl glanced at Manny, “Hello Manny.”
“Cheryl, George,” Manny replied with a stoic face. Once the greetings ended, an awkward moment lingered until Suzie remembered Camille and said, “Mom this is my friend, Camille. Camille, this is my mother, Cheryl Davis.”
“Hi,” said Camille as she stood and greeted Cheryl with a traditional handshake. “It’s very nice meeting you.”
“Lovely setup — you three. I guess Manny needs help getting dates these days,” Cheryl huffed.
“Mom…please.”
Manny took a sip of water, placed the glass on the table and took a relaxing breath before facing Cheryl. “Most married women respect their marriage vows even when they’re lonely. But not the selfish and self-centered, she finds a man to fill those lonely moments during her husband’s deployment instead of waiting for him.” Manny tried to keep his tone pleasant.
“Manny, let it go, she’s my wife now.” George proudly proclaimed.
“I’m glad she’s your wife, George. Don’t let your guard down for more than a week or she’ll replace you, too.”
“I don’t want to entertain this discussion. Cheryl, let’s go, baby,” George said.
Cheryl kissed Suzie on the cheek and turned to follow her husband. “He’s an ass George; ignore his remarks.”
Manny, Suzie, and Camille watched George and Cheryl leave. Camille looked at her plate and mumbled, “You have interesting parents, Suzie.”
Suzie was embarrassed but said, “Yes, interesting, because Mom holds a grudge when it comes to Dad.”
“Really, I thought your parents were rather cordial.” Camille said.
“Cordial?” responded Suzie with a gasp.
“Yes. I’ve seen worse.” Camille patted Suzie on the shoulder.
“What is worse than your parents not getting along? I should have attended Florida State so I wouldn’t have to see you two fight all the time.” Suzie said.
“That would have been fine with me kiddo,” Manny smiled. “I always told you it’s a better school.”
“Dad, how many times do I have to tell you the U (University of Miami) is forever?” Suzie reminded him with a look of disdain that Manny knew so well.
“Do I sense a little school rivalry?” Camille nodded as she smiled, glancing at one and then the other.
Suzie and Manny both smiled at their inside joke and simultaneously answered, “Yes,” and like kids, they began to argue why their school was better. It was a dueling contest .The two of them entertained Camille with their stories. It was an hour later when Manny looked up and saw the waiter hovering with the check folder in his hand. “Sir will there be anything else?” he asked.
Manny looked at Camille and Suzie for a response. “No, I don’t think so,” Manny grabbed the folder and glanced at the bill. He pulled out his wallet, placed a credit card in the folder and handed it to the waiter.
“Thank you,” the waiter took the folder and left the table.
“This was fun,” Camille smiled at Manny and touched Suzie’s arm, “We should do this again.”
“Yes, we should. If Dad’s okay with it.”
“I enjoyed the company and doing it again would be nice.”
The waiter returned with the folder and placed it on the table. Manny signed the check and put the credit card back in his wallet. He stood from the table, put the wallet in his pocket and moved to pull out Camille’s chair as she rose. “Thank you.”
“No problem.” Manny walked next to Suzie and put his arm around her. “Next’ time no surprises,” he whispered. He kissed her on the cheek. “Let me walk you to your car.”
Suzie led the way to the exit with Camille following, and Manny walking in her shadow. He looked around the restaurant, scanning for Cheryl, in hopes there wouldn’t be another unpleasant interaction.
***
Manny arrived home, dropped his coat on the couch and picked up the phone to share his dinner experience. He’d had fun tonight and wanted to tell someone. He ran through a mental list of friends and realized nearly everyone he remembered was either down for the night or away at sea. He walked to his desk, set his phone to charge and booted his desktop, then went to the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the fridge. He sat at his computer and clicked the shortcut for his dating site email. After logging in he selected ‘composed’ and wrote.
Tiffany,
I hope you are having a pleasant evening. I had a great night and I hope you don’t mind me writing about it. I had an experience I’d love to share with someone.
Since we’re new acquaintances, I thought sharing our life experiences would be an interesting way of getting to know each other. Maybe you can share something going on in your life. I’d love reading whatever you send.
Tonight, I had a blast with my daughter, Suzie and her boss/friend Camille. Suzie is a sophomore at the University of Miami, and Camille is a coffee shop owner around my age. Funny thing is my daughter introduced us because she thinks I’m lonely, which is far from the truth. I’m an active person, and I don’t allow loneliness to set in. Dinner was fun and Camille and I seemed to hit it off. We didn’t make any future plans, but I think I’ll drop by her coffee shop.
Do you think tomorrow is too soon? She seemed interesting and I admit, she is an attractive woman, but in that environment and company, I couldn’t gauge if she liked me enough to date. But, I believe her first impression of me was favorable.
Okay, I’ve shared my experience and would appreciate any advice you’d give me. I get a lot of tips about women from my 19-year old daughter, but what does she know about dating in your 40’s?
Manny
Chapter 13
Tiffany put her dinner plates in the cupboard while analyzing her friendship with Valerie. She realized listening to Valerie wasn’t always right. Tiffany knew Valerie’s intent was for her best interest, but there were times she went too far. Like on multiple occasions when Valerie would strike up conversations with guys she found interesting and invite them to meet Tiffany. Not many of those men fared well with her, and on one introduction, the guy was a total sleaze ball and ended up being a stalker. He lacked the mind-set, much less the attitude, for dating a mature woman. When Tiffany asked, “why him?” after discovering how crazy he was, Valerie shrugged her shoulders and answered, “He seemed ok in the short conversation we had. Besides, you needed entertainment. I thought he’d at least be fun.”
Valerie entered Tiffany’s apartment, a warm, cozy two bedroom nestled in the confines of the city, and announced herself as usual. “Hey, Tiffany!”
“Hi, before you ask, I didn’t call the guy you suggested.”
“What happened? I figured he was pretty nice.”
“First of all, I was busy surfing online. And to be honest, I get more from people online than one of your blind dates.”
“It’s because you’re afraid of real people.” Valerie sighed of disagreement, “I don’t understand why you’re on it so much.”
“It’s entertaining and fun. Don’t you get it? You can travel the world with a click of the mouse.”
“Wouldn’t you rather travel in person and not use your imagination so much?” asked Valerie.
“No, but when you find people sharing a lot of their experiences it’s better than a movie. And it’s at your fingertips. I talk to all sorts of people.”
“But you’re still alone.”
“Only when I’m offline.”
Tiffany moved to the coffeemaker, poured coffee into two mugs and handed one to Valerie. “Let’s go into the living room.”
“Yeah sure.”
They walked to the couch with their cups in hand and sat on the sofa. Valerie faced Tiffany and said, “If you want someone local, you have to focus here. If you target your online search to a local area, maybe, just maybe, you’ll find someone.”
“I do focus locally when I consider a date. But that doesn’t mean I don’t interact with people from all over.”
“What happens when you log off? Online friendships fill a lonely heart only for a short time,” Valerie sighed.
“Don’t I know, don’t I know.” Tiffany frowned remembering the disappointing online interactions with some local men she’d chatted with. It was unnerving how a number of men didn’t care about being honest or how they avoided getting to know her before trying to lure her into a sexual conversation. Other local men failed to spark any interest. “You know, Valerie, it’s not like I’m searching for a hunk of a man, a perfect model or gorgeous actor. I want a decent guy who carries himself well. Isn’t there one available in San Francisco?”
“They’re here, trust me. I know they are,” Valerie sipped her coffee.