by Lonz Cook
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I better let the dead dog lie in his own crap. I don’t need the headaches.”
“I think you better check your credit records just to be on the safe side. And leave his ass alone. Let Brad have all the money and finally say good riddance. ”
“You know Valerie, that’s good advice. Good riddance Brad, you can’t make me angry. I won’t allow it. Thanks, Val. I’ll talk with you later, okay?” Tiffany ended the call, ripped the check into small pieces and threw it in the box. She tossed the box into the trash. When I needed money, he was nowhere in sight. I am on my own and even though it’s a struggle, I have peace. On that note, she turned in for the night.
The next morning Tiffany sat up in bed, looked at her alarm clock, and pressed “off.” She planted her feet on the floor, stood and went into the bathroom thinking of the day ahead, showered and coiffed, Tiffany chose her outfit. She was happy she only had one job and not three jobs as she had while supporting Brad. It would have been nice to stay in bed and I could do it if I accepted my share of the money. But is it worth it? I did the right thing, she whispered aloud convincing herself it was the right decision.
By the time she’d gotten dressed, had breakfast, and checked her email account there were only moments left for her to catch the bus. She put on her jacket, picked up her purse and left the apartment headed for the bus stop. When she got close, she saw Tom and sighed.
Tom spoke loudly, “Good morning, world.”
Tiffany didn’t respond and looked at the ground, in hopes he would take the hint. He spoke again, this time directly to Tiffany. “So you’re ignoring me this morning?”
She didn’t respond because she knew her response would open the door to a conversation she didn’t want to have. But on second thought, she didn’t wish to be rude. “No not at all. But could you have said good morning like a normal person?”
“Looks like someone’s in a bad mood,” he frowned, “You're not yourself today. I think I’ll stay in my corner.”
“Today, that would be a good thing.”
“So you are in a bad mood. What happened?”
“It’s nothing worth discussing. Have a good one.” She moved away from the waiting crowd and avoided a conversation with anyone else. Tiffany felt silence was more than a treasure. When the bus arrived, she boarded and went to the back for a seat as if to hide from the world. Her mood was somber and her frustration with men ran rampant. She recalled the pain from her past relationships - from her father to her divorce from Brad — men were not in her favor. She looked at Tom and her anxiety grew. She considered using him as a target to release her anger. Tiffany changed her mind and decided to get off the bus at the next stop and walk the rest of the way. She allowed her mood to overtake her sensibility; she didn’t care if she made it to Macy’s on time. She needed to walk and felt it important to avoid Tom. She realized Tom hadn’t done anything to deserve her anger.
Minutes into her walk, she contemplated her decision not to claim her share of the inheritance. Though she had her doubts, it seemed like the right thing to do; leave Brad and the money alone. Her mood improved with her final - final decision and although her current attitude towards men was still guarded, her dream of having a lifelong love still resonated. She couldn’t help but wish for a strong man in her life, someone who was well on his way, emotionally and financially. She fantasized of the man she’d love to meet and have the life she had always dreamed of having.
When Tiffany arrived at the store, she went into her work routine and kept small talk with co-workers to a minimum. It wasn’t long before her day ended and her travel home would reestablish contact with her fellow bus patrons. She decided to detour to a coffee shop and look for solitude while still trying to embrace her decision about the inheritance and daydreaming about her ideal man. She ventured into the same coffee shop where she’d met Steven; the site of her disappointing date. Fortunately, it didn’t deter her from enjoying the moment. She reminded herself that the guy hadn’t been so bad except for the one-sided conversation. Tiffany sat at a table, coffee in hand, and chuckled at her own thoughts. Within minutes her mood changed as she watched patron traffic as it amused and entertained her.
Person after person entered the coffee shop and purchased coffee or some sort of pastry. She watched the influx of customer movement and on down time she could count on one hand the number of patrons that sat in the shop until again it was engulfed in a crowd of folks. One young man asked to share her table and Tiffany gladly obliged. Her eyes scanned him from head to toe and noticed every obvious physical feature about him. She noticed his hair, nose, eyes, and of course his chest being proportionate with his body. She assessed his age and guessed at his marital status. Before she started a conversation, a young woman arrived and he asked was it okay for her to join them. Tiffany knew her opportunity had ended. After two hours, she left the coffee shop for home. Her mood had improved and she found herself eager to get online. She hoped for a positive email or note from anyone. When she logged in to her email account, she found a few inbox messages. She scanned senders and decided to open Manny’s email first.
Tiffany,
Are you kidding me? You and your ex inherited money? Don’t give up your share. Who knows how much you’ll receive, but at least you get something. I read where you asked for peace, but wouldn’t you like to live better off than you are now? I think money brings improvement.
So I guess my vote would be to claim what’s legally yours. I dislike people who play games. I understand that having less stress in your life is a good thing. Especially with an ex, so, maybe you’re right about walking away. God knows I don’t like my situation with my ex, but since we have a daughter, our paths still cross occasionally.
Okay, enough of that talk. How was your day? I hope it went better than the tone of your last email. I’m sure you’ve moved on to some other adventure. I’d love to hear about it. I didn’t have much to share this time. I am more concerned with you and the decision ahead. Let me know what you decide. Drop me a line and share. I’m all ears.
Manny
Tiffany responded to Manny’s kindness. He didn’t judge or push - he simply gave his opinion.
Manny,
I see your point about the money. Thanks so much for the advice. I didn’t think you’d feel so strongly about it. It's good you have that spirit. I will consider your suggestion. As far as my day, it was better and I got a chance to enjoy a couple of hours at a coffee shop. My day ended much improved than how it started. I wasn’t much on conversation today but I enjoyed your email. You made my evening.
Tiffany
Tiffany clicked send and closed her browser, shutting down the laptop. She got ready for bed and eventually fell asleep. The next morning her mood was much better and she was thankful she had decided on peace. She flashed to Manny’s last email and remembered his support; …having less stress in life is a good thing; especially with an ex. “It’s as if he read my mind, well, back to the grind,” and returned to her daily work routine.
Chapter 16
After hours on the job, when Manny arrived home, he jumped in the shower. He always liked to clean up before cooking. After he started dinner he sat at his desktop and logged in to his multiple dating sites and email accounts. He found Tiffany’s email and clicked “open.” Manny didn’t find her email response soothing. He thought she gave up too quickly, but understood fighting for her rights would be difficult. He agreed with her about being free from drama. He too didn’t like drama from his previous marriage or relationships. If it weren’t for Suzie, he would never interact with his ex-wife. He had to deal with Cheryl until Suzie’s college graduation. Manny was not comfortable being in Cheryl’s company because of hard feelings and the dislike that never seemed to settle. Any interaction with her reminded him of their failed relationship. He understood not having conflict with an ex-spouse was a gift. Shortly after he read Tiffany’s email, he responded:
Tiffany,
Let’s Skype soon. This email exchange is fun, but I think we have so much to share on this subject. What do you think? If you agree, look me up with my email address [email protected] on Skype. Send me an invite and I’ll connect. We can catch each other online and share much more.
I too have ex-spouse drama and maybe we can share our ideas on handling situations when they arise. I know I need help and it seems you could use a guy’s perspective.
Looking forward to your invite,
Manny
Manny left his desktop and went into the kitchen for a beer. He returned to the computer and found he’d received new emails. He clicked on one which read:
I’m looking for a serious relationship. I’m a great friend, fine lover, and a contributor. If you’re interested, contact me at [email protected].
He deleted the email; too forward he thought and selected another message from a dating website.
You’re a handsome man. I’m here to find a man who is ready to settle down, get married, and create a family. I’m God-fearing and love the Lord, so you’ll have to be a Christian. I think within six months we could be walking down the aisle. What do you think? Are you up for a serious relationship with marriage as the objective?
Manny shook his head in disbelief, deleted the email and decided to clear all messages in his inbox. He couldn’t believe how some women were so forward and direct.
When he finally shut down his desktop, he reflected on his Navy days hitting ports of call. He knew how wild many guys were when it came to addressing women and compared those years to today. “Times sure have changed.” Manny decided to hit a local pub, to escape his empty home. He knew Suzie was upset with the way he and Camille had not connected. For the first time, Suzie’s selection was an unforeseen mismatch at an unprecedented level compared to any of her introductions. He realized Suzie had gone out on a limb when she introduced him to her boss.
After dinner Manny dressed in jeans and a nice polo shirt, got into his truck and drove to City Place. He pulled into the parking garage, climbing level after level making it to the rooftop before he found a parking spot. He caught the elevator to the ground floor and walked to BB King’s Blues Club. He saw people he had met and waved at a couple he knew who were sitting on a bench along the path. The night was typical for summer; a cool breeze and a clear sky with bright stars. He entered BB King’s Blues Club, found a spot at the bar, ordered a beer, and opened a tab. Manny watched people enter and exit. He struck a conversation with a gentleman who sat a couple of stools over. Together they spoke to a couple of women who sat nearby. The guys found both ladies interesting and Manny took to one in particular. She was slender in build, smooth legs, with a bronze complexion. Her unique features hid her ethnicity - high cheek bones, sensual lips, and a small nose. Her eyes looked perfect to him and her smile was gravitational. She wore a flowered tank top and jean shorts. Manny being observant took a good look at her legs on his way to the seat next to her. It was his complimentary stare that grabbed her attention. He was not sure about her height, but he figured she had to be around 5’5”.
Manny smiled as he sat in the chair next to her and the other guy took the seat across from him. Manny made conversation by adding comments to any subject the four discussed. During the band’s break, he attempted to get her personal attention. “Okay, we’ve talked for a while and I still don’t know your name. I’m Manny and you are?” He extended his hand in a traditional greeting. She took it.
“I’m Frieda, and this is Heather,” she said pointing to her girlfriend. “I’m happy you took this seat.”
“Me too. I had to meet you.”
“Who's your friend?” said Frieda.
Manny looked at the guy he had just met at the bar. “Hey, friend, what’s your name?”
“Ladies, I’m Jim. And you are?”
“Manny, good meeting you. This is Frieda and Heather,” he said and followed with an explanation of his and his new acquaintance’s decision. “Jim and I were chatting at the bar and we both wanted to talk to you ladies. I hope you don’t mind.”
“If we did, do you think you two would be here?”
“Good point,” Manny said.
They conversed on multiple subjects, laughed, and even danced. They had a pleasant evening and the fun ran into the wee hours of the morning. It was coincidental that Jim and Heather hit it off. Manny watched Heather lean close and share something with Frieda and the next thing he knew Jim was saying farewell and passed Manny his business card. Frieda looked at Manny. “I hope you don’t mind hanging out with me alone,” she teased.
“I prefer just the two of us. This gives us time to get better acquainted.”
“I guess so. Where would you like to go?”
“I have someplace in mind.”
“Is it someplace we can talk without interruption?” Frieda looked into Manny’s eyes and winked.
“I can think of a place with just that in mind.” Manny blushed with a big grin while making his suggestion.
“I’m game. We can take my car or would you like me to follow you?”
“You can ride with me. I don’t mind.”
Frieda downed the last of her drink and stood. “Are you ready?”
“I am.”
“I’ve decided I’ll follow you,” Frieda insisted. “That way I can leave without you having to make an added trip back to get my car.”
“It’s no problem. I can take you to it. I don’t mind.”
“What if we don’t hit it off? Will you still want to drop me off?”
Manny looked at her from head to toe reversed his stare and stopped at her eyes. He grabbed her hand and led her towards the parking deck. “I don’t think we’re going to have a problem, at least not from my perspective. Can I have your cell number in case I lose you?”
“No, but I’ll take yours if you don’t mind.”
Manny stopped, “Do you have a pen?”
Frieda grabbed a pen from her small purse and said, “I never leave home without one.”
Manny smiled as he wrote his cell number on the back of the business card he had just gotten from Jim and handed it to her.
“Okay, got it, thanks,” Frieda stopped at the parking deck entrance. “It’s comforting to have your cell number. Let’s go, time is precious. Where did you park?”
“I’m on the top floor of the parking deck. How about you?”
“I’m on the first floor. I’ll wait for you. I’m in a white Toyota Corolla.”
They walked hand in hand until they got to her car. Manny noticed she didn’t stumble after she drank most of the evening and he was very impressed with her body. Earlier he had dared to stare at her while they danced. It was his habit to notice a woman’s body, especially when they were close. Unlike his forward behavior in past, Manny didn’t want to make a comment or seem like the aggressor for intimacy. Instead he held his initial impressions of her body and looked at her with his eyes, in a way he had hoped would telepath an enticing signal.
While they had been talking and dancing, he visited thoughts of using her sexy body for his pleasure. With her hand in his, walking to the parking garage, he on occasion brushed closer which created the chance to feel her body. And at one moment down the main street, he placed his arm around her waist as if to publicly claim his prize. He admired her soft smooth hands, and appreciated her butt every time he led her to step in front of him for whatever reason. Manny was excited and imagined how he would enjoy a night of sexual indulgence.
“This is my car.” Frieda stopped just short of the white Corolla and pulled out her keys.
“Okay, good, now I know what car to look for.” Manny extended his hand for her keys and accepted them as she dropped the key ring. He unlocked the door and opened it for her.
“Thank you, I haven’t seen that move in a long time.”
“You’re welcome.”
Manny bar
ely gave her room to enter the car and when she stepped towards the opened car door, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. She responded and held on for a second kiss. She threw her purse into the passenger’s seat just as she broke the embrace, and before Manny could turn to leave, she clutched his ass and pulled him back to her. “Not so fast, we’ve just started.” Her lips explored his kissing ability which Manny took as an indicator of pleasurable confidence. She pulled him tighter and started to grind her hips against him. Manny loved it and happily reciprocated. They kissed for what seemed like ten minutes, longer than Manny spent making moves on new prey, and yet he enjoyed the display - crossing the line of acceptable public affection.
They ignored people who passed by and behaved as if they were all alone. When Manny finally broke the embrace he had gone beyond excitement. His erection throbbed as if in a battle to escape his jeans. His mind focused on ideas of how he would release his sexual tension. “We need to go to my place to continue.” Manny jumped in her car. “Don’t worry about my truck. I’ll pick it up tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m more than sure.” Manny buckled in and gave instructions. “Turn left after you pass the cashier’s booth.”
“Okay and then?”
“Once we get to highway one, turn left again. I’ll give you directions from there.”
Frieda followed his instructions and drove to Manny’s apartment. When they arrived, Manny jumped out of the car and hurried around to her door, opened it and took her hand. She turned off the engine and stepped out of the car with his assistance. Frieda scanned the apartment complex, “Nice looking place.”
“Yeah. I like it. I hope you enjoy it tonight.”
“Something tells me it’s not all I’ll enjoy.”