by Lonz Cook
“Okay, okay, I trust you,” Tiffany sighed under her breath. “Is this the place?”
“Sometimes, I wonder about you. I love you to death, but at times you burst my bubble and then start asking silly questions. It’s the place Tiffany.”
“Bugger off, as my friends across the pond would say.” Tiffany giggled.
Valerie gave Tiffany a puzzled look. She knew her best friend saw the destination since the gallery was well marked. “Come on,” Valerie directed and stepped inside. The gallery’s entrance was impressive. The Works on Paper was the first showcase (It’s the creative use of newspaper clippings composed to images and thought provoking symbols). Valerie directed Tiffany’s attention to the section because her new acquaintance had identified a piece of work he boasted was excellent. They looked for her friend’s show and since it was not on the first or second floors, they took the elevator to the third.
Tiffany and Valerie heard the sounds of faint music as the elevator rose towards their destination. When the doors opened, music from a three piece jazz ensemble met their ears. A guy wearing a black blazer, a black shirt, black pants, and black shoes, stood in the middle of the crowd. He was the in the direct view from the elevator. Both Tiffany and Valerie looked at the statuesque picture he presented. His shirt was accented by elegant silver cuff links, and opened to the middle of his chest where there dangled a silver dog tag necklace that caused a contrast against the shirt. Tiffany knew this man was Valerie’s new friend. She was impressed with his slender build and exquisite demeanor. He commanded attention and Valerie confirmed Tiffany’s assumption. Valerie coaxed Tiffany to follow as she approached him with a huge smile.
“JT,” Valerie called. He turned to their direction with a sparkling smile. His veneer white teeth added to his perfection. As Tiffany got closer to JT, she noticed his hair was immaculate without a strand out of place. It was as if he had just left his barber. Every ounce of him exuded charm — down to the simple silver ring large enough to share a unique English design of his initials on his left pinky finger. He reached for Valerie with his open hand and took hers when she got within reach.
“Valerie, I’m glad you made it.”
Valerie said, “I wouldn’t have missed it for all of the money in the world.” She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. JT responded and looked at the woman standing in front of him. He didn’t include her when he greeted Valerie, but he nodded his head towards her acknowledging her presence. JT smiled and distanced himself from Valerie. “And who is the lovely woman with you?” said JT.
“Where are my manners? JT, this is my friend, Tiffany.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
JT reached with his open hand and attempted to make Tiffany feel at ease. When he touched her, he felt a spark of electrifying energy and quickly pulled away. He said, “Do you always have this effect on people?”
“What do you mean?” Tiffany dropped her hand and looked surprised.
“I felt a shock and it can’t be static electricity. The floor doesn’t have carpet.”
“She shocked you?” said Valerie. “You aren’t trying to come on to her, right?”
“No, Valerie, I’m not that type of man. I haven’t gotten to know you yet.” He looked at Valerie with seductive eyes, hinting at the inevitable. “You and I have a lot of dancing ahead.”
Tiffany glanced at Valerie with eyes that questioned the veiled comment. She gave a slight nod of approval and without words, warned Valerie to be careful but encouraged her to have fun.
“Aren’t you going to show us your work?” Tiffany said.
“Of course, come with me.” JT led them and started from the far wall. “This is my favorite. It’s called ‘Trouble in Paradise.’ What do you think?”
Valerie saw a personal message in the picture and smiled. “I’m your trouble, aren’t I?”
JT grinned and without hesitation he approached Valerie, reached for her cheek with his hand and gently kissed her lips. He whispered, “I can only imagine.”
His actions caused Tiffany to sigh and move towards the next painting and Valerie walked to the other side of the open room for a painting that got her attention. Tiffany stopped at a wall picture that appealed to her - an abstract of nature’s field of flowers – and it reminded her of a place she visited as a child. Tiffany looked at the painting’s cost and the sticker price shocked her, If I fought Mr. Jerk for the money, I could buy this painting. She stared at the brilliant colors and distinctive lines and revisited the idea of having enough money for a comfortable life. She focused on the myriad of colors and meditated on the painting’s message while she stood in front of it. Those pictures spoke to her — a whisper to her spirit as if a guide to another place in time. For a moment she saw her body lying in the field of beautiful flowers.
“Excuse me,” JT interrupted her subconscious journey.
“Yes.”
“I couldn’t help myself when I saw this. I took the picture and then painted it. It’s influential to the spirit.”
“You know, I felt the influence.” Tiffany paused, looked around, and said, “I’m surprised Valerie isn’t with you. Where is she?”
“Walking around, I guess. I had hoped she would be near you. I came to find her.”
“Last I saw of her, she was with you.”
Let me formally introduce myself,” JT extended his right hand. “I’m Jorge Tanksley — that’s Jorge with a J.”
“Jorge Tanksley, nice to meet you, again. But how do you get the ‘J’ from George?”
“Good question. It’s from the Latin spelling of George, J-O-R-G-E and its pronounced ‘hor-hay’ in Spanish.”
“Family ties, I guess. Different,” Tiffany took a step towards the next painting.
“Why are you alone this evening?”
“Who said I’m alone, I’m with Valerie.” Surprised at his question, she looked for Valerie. “Hey, did Valerie put you up to being a matchmaker?”
“No not at all. I noticed you look as if you’re missing someone so much its painful.”
“Oh, you have got to be kidding. That isn’t a nice thing to say to a woman.”
“Nice or not, is it true?” JT inquired with a solemn scowl and waited for her response. Tiffany found his assumption pushy and said, “Don’t you think it’s a little too early in our conversation to reveal something so personal?”
“No, I don’t think it’s personal when you project a lonely persona in public. You see, some men can read your projection and tell if you’re approachable. He’ll know if you’re open to his flirts and even if he’ll strike out. I know you’re lonely because so many men have struck out.”
“This isn’t going well. You just told me I’m a cold bitch. Come on, JT, can’t you find anything nice to say about me?”
“I thought I was. I’m not intentionally trying to offend you. I’m sharing what I see. You don’t often find people who are honest and would even tell you their opinions.”
“It’s time we find Valerie, or better yet, you find her and let her know I’m headed home. And the next time you feel free to share your opinion and call someone a cold bitch, let it be with a woman who asks for it, ASSHOLE!” Tiffany rushed through the gallery, out to the street.
Valerie caught up with JT after she got a glimpse of Tiffany’s departure. She asked, “What happened?”
“I guess Tiffany got a taste of reality, that’s all.”
After she entered her apartment, Tiffany logged on to her laptop, went to her bedroom and changed into comfortable clothing. She returned to the laptop, sat on the couch, huffing in anger. She surfed one web page after the other with the inkling of finding JT on the street and pummeling him with her purse. Tiffany’s sixth sense told her that Valerie had done it again. Not only did she involve herself with a man she barely knew, she managed to drag Tiffany into it.
That damn Valerie, Tiffany reflected on Valerie’s excitement. She’s at it
again, wishing for a new beginning with too much blind energy for JT. I’ll pick up her pieces as I always do. JT is a disrespectful ass. How could he see a lonely spirit? No way, I’m not that damn desperate. When Tiffany logged in to her email account, she read Manny’s message.
Tiffany,
Join me on Skype. I sent you a link so it’ll be easy. I’m excited to chat with you. Lots to share and I hope we can reflect on the silly events in life. I’ll be waiting.
Manny
Tiffany clicked on the link in Skype unsure of what happened to her invitation. The window appeared and she typed her initial message.
Hey, I’m finally here, she waited for a response.
Manny typed, Hey. He smiled and his fingers kept moving, I’m here and it’s nice seeing you on Skype.
What a day I had. You won’t believe the comment I received from this asshole I just met.
Really? I hope it wasn’t something that bad. I’m sure no one can say anything bad about you.
I’m so ashamed of most men these days. They feel as if they can say anything to anyone. It’s annoying.
I get the same feeling with some women, especially those who don’t pay attention to the man who puts in the extra effort.
It’s not that they don’t pay attention, it’s that you’re not giving them what they want.
So it’s those guys who aren’t getting what they want from you who say dumb things?
Tiffany paused and thought about how they were stereotyping men and women. She wrote: No, that’s not right, we shouldn’t stereotype people. I’m just upset that an artist called me lonely and he’d just met me!
It was a pick-up line. I wouldn’t worry about it unless you like him.
I didn’t think of it that way. Maybe it’s because he’s supposed to be interested in my girlfriend.
Some men try for the prettier friend when he sees them for the first time or something like that.
No way, men don’t do that, do they?
Are you sure women don’t? I’ve known a few who did and would still do it today. As a matter of fact, I married one. I was the better-looking guy in the bunch.
That’s a conceited comment. I bet each one of your group thought he was the best looking.
LOL I didn’t think you would catch that comment.
Laughing is good. Life’s been so hectic lately.
Tiffany and Manny conversed for an hour, shared additional events from their day, told family history, and laughed about their horrible past dates.
Hey Tiffany, it’s time I turn in. I have to work in the morning and I’m not getting younger.
It was nice chatting with you. I have to remember you are three hours ahead. Talk to you again soon. Sleep well.
You too and thanks again for accepting the Skype request.
***
Days later, Tiffany rose from slumber at dawn. It was early for her although she was not scheduled to work at Macy’s until 10 am. She took advantage of her time, pulled out an exercise DVD and gave it the old college try. When she finished her workout, she showered, dressed, made coffee and ate fruit for breakfast. She remembered her chats with Manny on Skype the entire morning. Although she reflected on life, her mind stayed on Manny and compared his twenty years traveling around the world to her dream of seeing Europe. Tiffany always wanted to travel and it was her dream to do it with her husband at her side. She remembered a statement Manny had written, I married what I believed was a wonderful woman until she snatched my heart out from my chest. Tiffany connected to that very feeling. It was exactly how she felt when her husband admitted that he had an affair.
On her way to the bus stop, she admitted that she envied her new chat friend. He was the father of a daughter in college, was impressive with his positive energy and he liked his efforts building their relationship. How nice is that? Tiffany analyzed how chats with Manny intrigued her. She especially liked his cooking and dance club stories. Last night, she used a recipe he recommended and put together a dinner she thoroughly enjoyed. Tiffany smiled, grabbed her things, and went to Macy’s for her day of work.
Tiffany was into her work at the store focusing on the new inventory when she lost track of time and worked through lunch. She hadn’t felt the urge for food, but her mind anticipated the conversation she and Manny would enjoy after she arrived home. When she finally clocked out, she rushed to her dwellings jumped onto her laptop and logged in on Skype.
Manny wrote: How was your day?
Tiffany responded, Fine, I was so busy. I tagged and hung new inventory. That was huge because we’re getting ready for the new season.
Cold weather has never been my friend.
It doesn’t get that cold here, but it’s cold enough to start a fire in the fireplace and use an electric blanket.
Winters are warm here. I’m sure you know this. But in the fall, during hurricane season we get so much rain. Sometimes, a storm passes through.
I’d take a storm any day over freezing. I’m such a warm-blooded person these days.
I’m sure you’ll find the right kind of warmth in the future. You are such a wonderful woman. I’ve never had so much fun chatting with anyone.
You know, I’ve really enjoyed our chats. I wish you weren’t so far away.
Distance is always a battle.
Yes it is.
I know how we can get closer.
Are you planning to move?
No, not at all. I’m thinking of using a video camera. It’s time we tried, don’t you think?
Tiffany feared their emotional connection would lead to that question. She liked his conversation and the way they shared history, family stories, and long discussions. He was so open with pictures that she knew he was a handsome man. What’s the worry? He’s three thousand miles away. What can it hurt?
Manny waited while she pondered if she should agree to his invitation and just when he started to type: No worries, we’ll do so in time, Tiffany responded; Yes, let’s video cam.
Manny backspaced his text, and wrote, AWESOME!!! and sent the invite. Tiffany clicked ‘accept’ and Manny’s picture appeared on her screen.
“Can you hear me?” he asked as he waved in the video.
“Sure I can,” Tiffany responded. “I hear you just fine.”
“How’s the picture?”
“Fine. Can you see me?”
“Yes, I can,” Manny said and smiled while he viewed Tiffany for the first time. “Pictures give you no justice.”
“Thank you. I can say the same about you.”
“You’re kind. So, what were we typing about?”
Tiffany stared into the laptop screen. “We were saying how much we enjoyed our chats.”
“Oh, yeah, that’s right. I enjoy your conversation. I bet men compliment you on your voice.”
“No, not one ever have. If they did, they never told me.”
“I can’t believe you. Anyone of them should have listened because they would have melted. I mean a person’s voice is unique and says a lot about them.”
“What does my voice say to you?”
“You’re lovely, exciting, admirable, witty, and strong.”
“My voice says all that? Wow, I must be saying too much.” Tiffany watched Manny’s expression and waited for a response. “I got you on that one.”
“No, you didn’t. I’m sure you have ideas on what you should and shouldn’t say to a person. Especially someone you meet online.”
“You know Manny, it’s not like you’re going to jump on a plane tonight and be here tomorrow.” Tiffany covered her giggle with her hand, “I’m sharing just enough. Don’t you think?”
“No doubt — just enough.” Manny paused shaking his head, looked at the desktop and raised his head catching Tiffany’s eyes, “What about me? Do you see as much in me?”
“I see a lot in you Manny. It’s because you’ve shared so much about your life. I was thinking about that today. I
f you weren’t so far away, we’d probably have something together.”
“Tiffany, we do have something. We’re on Skype video camera together now. How many other men have you video called?”
“You’re the first. I don’t do long-distance.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Manny paused. “Should we stop to keep your sanity?”
“It’s too late for that. I could learn to enjoy this.”
“Enjoyment, good word,” Manny smiled, showing Tiffany his best feature — his teeth. “Now, that’s what you should do the next time we chat. Show me a huge smile.”
“The next time?”
“Yes, the next time because I have an early morning tomorrow. I’ll call you when I get home.”
“You don’t have my phone number.”
“No silly, I’ll video call you on Skype tomorrow.”
“Oh okay. Sleep well Manny. Enjoy the night. Catch you later.”
“You too, my friend, you too.”
***
Tiffany watched Tom walk past her without saying a word. His silence surprised her because he didn't seem his usual smart, energetic self. She walked to Tom and stood next to him, comparing him to other times at the bus top. She noticed his lower bearing - a shift in his posture. Tiffany looked at his face, “I ah,” stopping in mid-sentence because his response was lacking. She hesitated to say another word, frowned looking toward the ground and raised her head to see if the bus was arriving. She looked at him a second time, crossed her arms and held her tongue not to say what was on her mind. “Should I ask him how he’s doing?”
The bus arrived and she boarded moving to the back and sat in the center of the back row. She watched him find a seat and noticed he hadn’t said a word to anyone. His gaze was the stare of loneliness.
Something is really different about Tom, thought Tiffany while watching Tom until he left the bus. She walked behind him to the cable car stop and as they stood waiting for the next cable car arrival, she decided she had gone long enough without speaking. Tom looked her way recognizing her presence.