A Cyber Affair

by Lonz Cook

  “Hi, Tiffany.”

  “Hello, Tom. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “No. I’m asking are you okay? Tom what’s wrong? Are you ill?” Tiffany looked concerned. “You aren’t playful or loud as usual.”

  “You think I’m loud?”

  “Loud may have been harsh but today you’re something different. You’re not the same man I’ve come to know over the months we’ve taken this bus.”

  “I didn’t think you’d noticed.”

  “Really Tom, how couldn’t I notice? I think you nearly asked me out the first time we met. I only stopped you because you’re married.”

  “Well, I’m not married anymore but, I’m not asking you out.”

  Tiffany gave him a look of surprise and placed her free hand on her hip. “Did you get divorced?”

  “Not at all, I loved my wife. I loved her with all my heart. I was only trying to get you to meet her.”

  “Loved your wife? Did she leave you?”

  “You could say that.”

  “No wonder you’ve changed.” Tiffany placed her hand on his back.

  “Nothing like that Tiffany, It’s not what you think.”

  “I’m here if you want to talk about it. I won’t push you to share, but if you ever need an ear.”

  “Thank you, I may take you up on it.”

  Tom stepped onto the cable car and took a seat in the middle. He didn’t say goodbye to Tiffany - he just left. She was shocked at his behavior because he wasn’t the gentleman she had seen before. Man, that woman took his soul. She went to work with Tom on her mind. She called Valerie on her cell phone to share her morning experience.

  “Valerie, remember I told you about this guy on the bus? There’s something seriously wrong with that man.”

  “Yes, you mean the married guy?”

  “That’s the one, the nice guy who’s always a gentleman. He had it all; good humor, great looks, and a decent conversation.”

  “Yes, did he finally ask you out?”

  “Valerie, you forget I don’t do married.”

  “I know but why are you talking about him? What was his name?”

  “Tom, Valerie, Tom. His name is Tom.”

  “Why now? You aren’t going to go out with him, so why bring him up?”

  “Listen, and don’t jump to conclusions. Something is wrong with him. I can’t place it, but he said his wife left him.”

  “Well then, there you go, opportunity knocks. You should pounce while you can.”

  “No not at all. The wind has gone from his sail.”

  “Tiffany - why would you want a man in a bad state of mind? Don’t you know all you can offer is to be the transition woman?”

  “You aren’t listening again. Something is wrong and I wouldn’t date a broken man.”

  “Maybe he’s the type for you after all. You don’t like men who are energetic or well put together. And surely don’t like creative type.”

  “Valerie, you’re spinning my wheels. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Later then.”

  Tiffany returned her focus on work, finished her day, and hustled to the bus stop. She had high hopes of seeing Tom again. Her nervous energy nearly drove her to find him. She looked in every direction. Tiffany considered walking to his office but she never asked where he worked or even inquired to what he did for a living. When the cable car arrived, she stepped on and looked for Tom. He wasn’t there. She watched for him at every stop until hers, exited the cable car, and waited for the last leg home on the bus. When the bus arrived, she searched for him amongst the passengers on the bus just like she did for the cable car. Once home, Tiffany poured a glass of wine, sat at her laptop, logged in on Skype and Manny.

  Tiffany asked, Hey, are you around?

  Manny responded, I am. How are you?

  Tiffany sent a video cam invitation and Manny accepted. Her excitement to share her discovery took over the moment of greeting, “Remember Tom? the married guy I told you about that I nearly dated? He seemed so lost today.”

  “Nearly dated?”

  “He’s married and I don’t do married.”

  “Oh, he was flirting. How do you know he was serious?”

  “He was, I’m sure of it.”

  “Okay, so you didn’t date him. Why are you telling me about him?”

  “Because I saw him again today and he seemed so lost. Usually he’s bubbly, a jokester, and always bringing attention to himself. Today, he hid in public.”

  “That’s a big difference. Maybe he had a bad day.”

  “He said his wife left him.”

  “I know that feeling so well. He’s grieving and it shows he didn’t want her to go.”

  “I had no idea men grieved over a failed marriage, too.”

  “Come on, we’re human and we feel. Most of us don’t show our pain. This guy is showing his. I should take his man card.”

  “Man card?”

  “Yes, his man card for showing pain in public over a woman.”

  “Are you that barbaric? I thought you were more sensitive than the average guy.”

  “I am, just not in public”.

  “See, now I’ve learned something else about you.” She paused, “You have no feelings for your fellow man and then you seem to hit Tom hard when he’s down. I’m shocked at you, Manny.”

  “Understand my life in the Navy. I’ve seen death, hardships and have experienced trouble most people never think about. I did what I had to do without emotions getting in the way.” Manny waited for a response, hoping his explanation wasn’t too harsh. When she didn’t say anything, he uttered, “I guess it's still with me.”

  “So, in essence, you ignored what your heart told you.”

  “Let’s say rechanneled because the pain is always there, like memories of the worst day of your life, those days seem like yesterday.”

  “You don’t forget?”

  “I don’t think it’s possible to forget. But back to your friend. Reach out to him. He may need a friend or a listening ear.”

  “That’s a good suggestion. There is hope for you Manny.”

  ***

  When Tom arrived at the bus stop, Tiffany was already there. She had fallen asleep with Tom on her mind. She had decided to follow Manny’s advice to reach out to him. She stood at the side away from the growing crowd of regular patrons and approached him at a good spot, just shy of an earshot to the others.

  “Good morning Tom,” Tiffany smiled, eager to get a conversation going.

  “Hi, Tiffany, how are you?”

  “I’m glad to see you this morning. I noticed you came from a different direction. Did you take a morning stroll?”

  “Not exactly, I went to breakfast.”

  “Alone?”

  “Thanks for reminding me.”

  “I’m sorry. I meant no harm.”

  “None taken.”

  “I’ll tell you what, if you ever need someone for a conversation or a companion to go with you to breakfast or lunch, just give me a call. I would love to join you.”

  “I’ll remember that. It’s kind of you to offer.”

  “I mean it.” Tiffany pulled out a business card from her purse and wrote her cell phone number on the back. “Here, keep this and call whenever you like.”

  “Thanks,” Tom replied and placed the card in his pocket. Tiffany noticed that he didn’t even look at it.

  “Well, off to work we go. I’m supposed to do inventory when I get there. I hate inventory.”

  “I don’t know what I’m doing today if I do anything at all. I can’t seem to get back into a groove and my guys at the office are covering for me. I know I’m not pulling my weight, but they’re such an encouraging group.”

  “I think it’s great that they’re supporting you after your wife left. I never knew men could give that kind of support after a break up.” She turned to enter the arriving bus. T
iffany’s face wrinkled in a puzzled expression as she took a seat near a window and invited Tom to sit with her.

  “So tell me, how did it happen?”

  “How did what happen?”

  “Your wife leaving.”

  “I’d rather not talk about it, Tiffany. Right now, I’m better off just focusing on going to work.”

  “I remember when my husband left. He was such an ass. I only wondered if what she did was extreme.”

  “I said I’d rather not talk about it.”

  “Okay, let’s talk about something else. I haven’t seen you for a while. I would have bet you’d taken a different job.”

  “No, I went to Baltimore for a few weeks.”

  “Baltimore —a city I’ve always wanted to visit. Does it get cold there?”

  “Winters can be harsh some years. Others aren’t so bad. Colder than here I’m sure.”

  “San Francisco gets cold. But you’re right, not cold like the East Coast.”

  Tom didn’t respond and sat in silence for a good stint of the ride.

  Tiffany couldn’t bear the silence. She wanted Tom to share. “Why are you so unhappy?” she said.

  Tom looked at her just as the bus stopped at the cable car connection point. “I guess I’m not supposed to be happy right now. How can you be happy when your whole life goes wrong?” He stepped off the bus and onto the curb.

  Tiffany followed, “Well aren’t you going to finish your thought?”

  He looked back, “I just did.” He turned towards his direction home, “I think we’ll have to catch up another time.”

  Tiffany walked by his side trying to keep up with him, “If you say so. Remember I’m available to talk or have dinner. All you have to do is ask.” She slowed to her normal pace and watched him create distance between them. Tiffany walked home while looking at her surroundings, considering what she could do for Tom. His demeanor was eating at her soul, the friendly outgoing man was merely a lifeless functioning body. Tiffany remembered what Manny suggested and his words ate at her, like an internal worm nibbling at her heart as a main course. It bothered her enough to push her mind into a frenzy of escape. She went to her favorite spot on the couch and booted her laptop.

  Tiffany heard her phone while she was checking her email and messages. Before she could answer her cell, the ringing stopped. She looked at the caller ID on the screen and didn’t recognize the number. Tiffany avoided answering the phone to numbers she didn’t recognize and therefore thought nothing more of it. She returned to another Skype video conversation with Manny.

  Manny; “I remember my duty in Italy. What a place. Naples was a charming city, full of history.”

  Tiffany; “Italy? Sounds lovely. What did you do?”

  “Believe it or not, I went to cooking class. Southern Italian cuisine. What an experience.”

  “I bet you can make one hell of a dish.”

  “Yes I can. Maybe one day I’ll get a chance to show you.”

  “I’d like that. What else did you see in Italy?”

  “I visited Rome, Florence, and Milan on long weekends. It’s a country you’ll have to visit someday. The trains make it easy to get around and the people were very nice. I mean really nice. Oh, and the gelato; wow!!!”

  “I would love to travel there one day. I’ve always wanted to see the Vatican.”

  “It’s breathtaking.”

  “The Navy had to have been a lot of fun for you. I can only imagine what else you experienced.”

  “It was a good life, but you sacrifice so much.”

  “Yeah, you told me. Family is a big sacrifice. I know you traveled a lot but look where it got you.” Tiffany hesitated before she put words out there that may turn the conversation sour. “No wonder it’s hard for military folks to have a family.”

  Manny wasn’t surprised at her comment, instead he agreed, “Yeah, it’s hard on military families but like anything else, there are successes.” Manny touched his chin, “For some it’s a mess from the start and for others,” he smiled remembering a fellow Chief who had a very successful relationship with his wife and kids, “I’d say not so much of a challenge. I’ve seen both sides of the coin.”

  “And you were on the side that lost their family?”

  “No, I mean yes, I lost my family but I gained respect for meeting the perfect woman. You need her to have a great marriage and have a good family. I think a good marriage is the family backbone.”

  “I see your point. Do you think you would ever marry again?”

  “At this point in my life, I think I would, but she’d have to get along with my daughter. I’m not sacrificing my kid anymore. I did that for way too long.”

  Chapter 20

  Manny didn’t expect using Skype would lead to intense conversations. His enthusiasm grew after he realized Tiffany was a genuine woman, instead of just a pretty face and sexy voice. She was nothing like he had thought from her pictures and emails. He admitted that her voice was unique, sensual and soft, but powerful, elegant at times when she projected a sensitive moment. Impressive. Too bad she has that no long-distance relationships rule, Manny drove to his job. I’m out before the race starts. Oh, well.

  By the afternoon, Manny had gotten three calls on his cell. Suzie’s message was first, reminding him of their weekly dinner and that she was coming alone. The second call came from an old Navy pal who shared their early days as sailors on board the aircraft carrier, the USS Eisenhower. The third call was from a woman, a familiar voice that he couldn’t quite place. “Hi, I’m available for a drink tonight, are you interested?” Manny wanted to wait until he remembered a face to match the voice before he redialed the number. By the time he had narrowed his choices, it was quitting time. He went to the gym for a workout session and his cell phone rang.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, Manny, how are you?”

  “I’m doing okay. How about you?” Manny managed to connect the earlier phone message voice to the person on the phone. “I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner.”

  “I’m good. It’s alright that you didn’t. So, what’s the verdict, are you free tonight?”

  “I would say so. Refresh my memory. I recognize the voice, but I can’t put a face or name to it,” Manny admitted his lack of memory, while he looked at his puzzled expression in the gym’s mirror.

  “It’s been a while. I wouldn’t expect you to remember me. Just know we had a blast together.”

  “That doesn’t really narrow it down, I still don’t know who you are. Can you give me a better hint?”

  “You’ll find out if we’re meeting. I’m sure you’ll recall then.”

  “Okay we can meet. Let’s say at 9 tonight. That gives me time to finish my work-out and get dressed. Are we having dinner?”

  “We can — actually I’d love to.”

  “I know this great Italian place on US 1. We can meet there at 9 and enjoy a light dinner.”

  “I never heard of anyone referring to Italian as light.” He heard her chuckle. Manny looked at his watch to confirm he could make it on time. “La Sirena is the name of the place. I can text you the directions.”

  “I know the place. Good choice.”

  “Awesome, see you there.” After a quick shower, Manny changed into something presentable – a dark dress shirt and tan slacks —dashed cologne on his face and neck, and made it to La Sirena fifteen minutes early for his mystery date. He got a table and waited for her arrival. The table was perfect for observing whoever entered the restaurant. By 9:15 no one showed and Manny got the waiter’s attention. He ordered a glass of wine and asked if there were any specials on the menu. His date arrived at the door while his face was deep in the menu. When the waiter asked him for his order, he dropped the menu and looked to the front where a beautiful woman with unforgettable features stood. He smiled and his heart beat increased from the surprise. Manny excused the waiter, stood and waved, grabbing her attention. />
  She walked to the table with grace, projecting the will of seduction. “I told you that you’d recognize me.”

  “You sure did. My goodness, you look great.” Manny hugged her.

  “Thank you. You‘re not so bad yourself.”

  “Forgive me, but I can’t recall your name.” Manny pulled out a chair for her. He remembered meeting her at BB King’s Blues Club over a month ago. She was the one who wanted total control.

  “I think I told you to call me Frieda.”

  “You think? Isn’t that your real name?”

  “Of course not.” Her smile broke the awkward moment. “I don’t always give out my real name until I’m comfortable with the person.”

  “No kidding? So you’re finally admitting me into your inner circle?”

  “Yes I am or I wouldn’t have called so you to meet me.”

  “Okay I get it, but it’s not fair. I don’t know who you really are.” Manny watched the waiter bring his wine order. “Can you bring the lady a glass?”

  “Yes sir and will the lady be dining with you tonight?”

  “Of course.” Manny listened while the waiter gave Frieda the menu specials and they both ordered. The waiter opened the bottle of wine and gave Manny a taste before going to get another glass from the bar. He put the second glass down and Manny gave him a thumbs up.

  “Thank you. It’s delicious.”

  “Your dinner will be out shortly.” The waiter confirmed before leaving.

  Frieda and Manny sat at the table in silence and in unison they both spoke.

  “What happened since…?”

  “I’m sorry, you first,” Manny apologized.

  “What’s happened since we saw each other last?” asked Frieda.

  “Before we go any further, I’d like to know your actual name.”

  “In time Manny, you’ll learn my name. Be patient and you’ll discover my identity before you know it.”

  “Discover your identity? The mystery woman wants me to be patient and she’s in control. Do you know how difficult that is? That’s like asking a pit bull not to eat a slab of steak sitting in front of him.”

  “I’m glad you consider me steak. Am I prime rib or roundhouse?”