by Lonz Cook
“I understand it’s been a long process for you. I admire your persistence in trying to make it work.”
“She was my best friend, my companion, and my wife. I had to make it work. I took our vows seriously.”
“You’re a sweet man Tom. I know you’ll bounce back soon. I think I understand why you didn’t tell me and I feel better about it. It’s time I say good night Tom. We’ll catch up tomorrow.”
“Bye, Tiffany and thanks for another great night.”
***
Lunch at Macy’s highlighted Tiffany’s day. She had the time to focus on two invitations without interruption; the first when Tom texted her with ideas on how to spend the evening, and the second when Valerie called and invited her to a girls’ night out. What she discovered about Tom decreased her desire to spend time with him even though she enjoyed his company. Valerie needed advice; she heard it in her voice during their conversation. Tiffany responded to both invitations and decided to focus on Valerie for the evening. She told Tom it was a friend in need, which he surely understood. At the end of Tiffany’s shift, she walked to Valerie’s area.
“Are you ready?”
“I’ll be just a minute.” Valerie cleaned her area while Tiffany waited and within minutes they both headed for the door.
“Are we going closer to home or staying downtown?” Tiffany said.
“Let’s do the wharf.”
“We haven’t been down there in a long time.”
“It’s because it’s so touristy, but tonight I want to feel like I’m from a different city.”
“Okay Valerie, I hear it in your voice. What’s going on?” Tiffany gave Valerie a concerned look. “I haven’t seen you so serious in years. What gives?”
Valerie didn’t respond right away, she walked in silence until they approached Tiernan’s Irish Pub. “Let’s go in here,” she said. Tiffany followed without question.
“Will you tell me what’s going on?” asked Tiffany. They took seats at the bar and ordered drinks. “Come on the suspense is killing me.”
“You know I love life and going the extra mile to have fun keeps me in tune. Well, I’m lost this time Tiffany. I’m like really confused about JT.”
“JT, the artist who confessed he loves you? The one man who wants to give you the world?”
“Okay I get the point, but he’s such a womanizer.”
“Womanizer? Honestly I can see why. He’s not a bad-looking man and he’s a photographer who is a painter. He’s had a lot of women come on to him. I have no doubt he’s been a player for a long time. You knew this in the beginning — right?”
“That’s just it. I knew and I came on for fun. Now he’s in love with me and I don’t know if I can love him in return.”
“Valerie you’ve had worse men in your life, some who’ve treated you like a sponge —give you things you can soak up and then squeeze the life out of you. I don’t think JT is going to do that to you.”
“I knew what to expect with those men. I was out for fun and knew nothing serious could ever come of it. Now, JT seems so serious. He’s always trying to prove I should trust him.”
The bartender placed their drinks in front of them, put their receipt upside down between their two glasses, and returned to the other side of the bar. Valerie waited to continue, “Just the other morning I saw him behave in ways that would make any woman cringe. I mean, he had this nude woman posing in front of him in such an inviting way.”
“You were there the entire time?”
“Yes, I was his helper.”
“Did he make a move on the woman?”
“No not in front of me. That isn’t the problem. I know he’ll respect me when I’m around, but what about when I’m not? That’s my concern —what he does when he’s alone with those beautiful women. I’m not sure I can trust him.”
“I see. It’s a trust issue. I know how trust is a huge factor for you.” Tiffany looked down at the bar, then raised her eyes at Valerie, “If you can’t trust him, why do you want him?”
“Because I love the way he makes me feel. I haven’t had a man show me so much or share so openly. It’s like he knows what I’m thinking and for the first time in my life, someone can finish my sentences before I do. Do you know that feeling?”
“It must be a great feeling. You’re blushing and I haven’t seen you blush without a man in your presence. I mean you’re really feeling JT.”
“One day, he took me to Napa Valley and we had breakfast in a vineyard on a ridge overlooking the valley. It was amazing and simple, but so different. On our second date, we went to Angel Island. He took so many pictures. I never knew how lovely the park was from a photographer’s view. He opened a new appreciation of nature for me.”
“I don’t understand. You love being with JT, but you can’t trust him when he’s around other women. Has he shown you anything suggesting he’s even angled about being unfaithful to you?”
“Tiffany I don’t think he is. Even when I visit unannounced he’s doing exactly what he said and always excited to see me.”
“JT is in love with you.”
“I know, but what should I do - ignore my gut instinct?”
“That’s a tough question only you can answer.”
Valerie took another sip of her drink and held up her head in her hand with her elbow resting on the bar. “You know it’s a simple thing to deal with as long as I don’t find out something that will hurt me.”
“Valerie you’re making this worse. I know you‘re afraid of being hurt. But this guy is showing you so much. I can’t remember a man who’s shared more with you. It’s like he breathes to be with you. Are you afraid?”
“No, I’m not afraid. But you’re right, no man has openly shared so much with me.”
“It’s different. I remember my ex-husband used to do that and it made me happy.”
“I should be happy with JT being an open book.”
“Yes, you should. If I were you, I’d put my fear aside and enjoy the relationship. Don’t look for reasons to stop. Open your heart for a change. You’re crazy about JT, so make it work.”
“Make it work.”
Tiffany decided to let Valerie in on Tom’s newfound information. “I found out Tom is a widower.”
“What? Are you kidding?”
“No I’m not. All this time I thought he was getting divorced.”
“What game was he playing?”
“He has his reasons, but it’s all about his perception. You know he believed I would be overly sympathetic.”
“You weren’t sympathetic at all. I bet you nearly pounced on him. I knew you liked him.”
‘No not now, because I don’t want to be that transition woman; it would be like walking into a wasps’ nest of emotions. Either you feel left out because you’re compared to his dead wife or if he’s divorced, it’s like walking into an angry storm. He would treat me like I’m the one causing him pain.”
“I heard of women waiting it out. Either they’ll be friends until his wall falls, or wait in the wings until he’s forgotten his lost wife. Some women will do what it takes. I am so glad you aren’t one of them.” Valerie raised her glass for a toast. Tiffany obliged and they heard the soft drink of their glasses touching.
“You’re right. I’m glad I’m not one of those women.”
Chapter 24
Manny waited for Frieda at the corner store, just like she instructed. He got there just before sunset. “I know she’ll be here,” he looked at his watch. It wasn’t long after he’d scanned his wrist for the third time when she arrived. She waved from a blue convertible 2010 Mercedes SLK55 AMG with the top-down. He couldn’t believe his eyes. This wasn’t the older Toyota she normally drove.
“Hey, nice car,” Manny complimented. “You look great driving it.”
“It’s a friend’s,” Frieda informed him.
“Really? Some friend. I’m impressed.”
�
�Get in and let’s go. I have someplace special to take you.”
“You didn’t tell me to dress up.”
“You look good enough. You’ll fit right in.”
Manny sat in the passenger’s seat and buckled in. She took off, heading south on US1. She turned right at a crossroad and entered 1-95 South towards Fort Lauderdale. They drove in silence and watched the sun disappear as day became night. Frieda exited the Interstate on Boulevard Gardens and drove into Fort Lauderdale until she reached Broward Street. She entered the parking lot to Johnny’s Club-Bar-Lounge, an all-male review of strippers. Surprised, Manny looked at Frieda and shook his head.
“I don’t think you want me to go in there,” he said.
“I can’t believe you. You’re a world traveler, a man who lives for excitement and thrills, and a retired sailor who’s seen it all. Are you telling me you’re afraid to be here?”
“It‘s not fear. It doesn’t interest me.”
“You can do it for me, just this once. Who knows, you might enjoy watching women react to male strippers.”
Manny got out of the car and followed Frieda. She makes a good point, but I’m not here on the prowl. I figured she had another sexual excursion planned. Five feet away from the entrance, Frieda was swept into a dancer’s arms. He was youthful, built with a physique most women drooled over, and did not have one hair out of place. He wore tights that showcased his manhood which appeared to have a vile look of intent for use. He walked Frieda to a booth near the stage. She pushed him back and dropped in a seat. She looked for Manny and waved for him to join her.
“Are you sure you want me here?” Manny asked.
“He’s harmless. Of course I want you here.” Frieda pulled him closer to sit next to her. As the music played, she watched the dancer on stage and pointed to the women on the left side of her.
“See her? She’d pay anything for a night with him.”
“Is this your idea of seduction?”
“Not at all. Just watch for a few minutes.” When Frieda finished her comment, a tall, dark and physically impressive man walked in front of her - stopped, winked, and then flexed his butt cheek.
“Whenever you’re ready, call me,” the dancer suggested.
“No way, I’m not watching you get a lap dance.” Manny said.
“I don’t let them dance in my lap, but I love the entertainment.”
“Girl, you’re a wild one.”
Frieda moved to the next table where four women sat. She whispered to one lady and pointed at Manny. One woman smiled as she looked at him and before he could wink an eye in the smoke-filled room, there she stood in front of him.
“I hear you’re a dancer too. You give private dances during your off time?”
“What? Ah no, you can’t believe what that wild woman told you.”
“You’re a nice looking man and there isn’t anything I can do to get you in tights?”
“Not my cup of tea but I appreciate the interest.”
“One hundred dollars for a ten minute dance.”
Manny looked at the woman with a raised eyebrow. “What? Are you serious?”
“Sure I’m serious. I want a ten minute private dance from you for a Benjamin.”
Manny shook his head in disbelief. “I appreciate the offer but I’ll have to pass.”
“Are you sure you won’t do it? How about two hundred?”
“I’m not for sale and besides, I don’t work here.”
“I know you don’t and that’s why I want you to give me a private dance.”
Manny stood and looked toward Frieda before responding to the woman. “I appreciate the offer, I really do, but I can’t do it for a thousand dollars. I’m not that kind of guy.” He stopped one of the dancers. “Hey buddy, this woman wants a private dance. How much do you charge?”
“Two hundred for fifteen minutes,” the dancer said.
“You have a customer,” Manny took the woman’s hand and placed it into the dancer’s. “Enjoy!” Manny gave the woman a smile. He walked to Frieda and reached for her to take his hand. “Okay, I guess you’ve made your point. Why don’t we leave?”
“I’m not ready. You have to come with me.”
“I think it’s time we talked.”
“Come with me first and we’ll talk afterwards.” Frieda took him by the hand and led him to a back room. “Drop your pants,” she instructed once they were behind closed doors.
“No, I’m not doing it,” Manny angrily replied.
“You’re cramping my style. What’s wrong with you?”
“I don’t think being at a male strip club works for me.”
“You aren’t with men. I didn’t think you would have a problem with it.”
“I don’t exactly, but I have a greater problem with you trying to pimp me out.”
“It would have been fun. She’s harmless.” Frieda giggled.
“That’s not the point. I’m still not interested. I’m beginning to wonder what gives with you.”
“You’re not dropping your pants,” Frieda scolded him while she reached for his belt and zipper. “You aren’t helping.”
“Let’s go, I believe we were supposed to talk tonight.”
“Talk?”
“Yes, talk.”
“Now, you sound like my husband.”
Manny fell silent. This was the first time she mentioned being married. “Damn it.”
“Damn what, Manny?”
“You’re married. I knew it.”
“Damn it, yes, I am, but don’t get angry. I can explain.”
“Explain?”
“Yes, I can explain.”
Manny left the room and headed for the front entrance. He left the strip club and went to the side of the road, picked up his cell and called for a taxi.
“I knew she was a bogey.”
Frieda scurried after him and grabbed his arm. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Home.”
“Why?”
“I don’t do married women. I asked you that and you lied to me from the very beginning. Although I’ve been asked by other women, it’s not what I’m into. I don’t get involved with another man’s woman.”
“I’m married, yes, and you’re right, I wasn’t honest with you. If I had been you wouldn’t have done what I wanted.”
“No shit.”
“Don’t get angry, hear me out.”
“You enjoy yourself and go back to those strippers. I’m heading home.”
“But you have to hear me out,” Frieda insisted. “Then I’ll take you home so you don’t waste money on cab fare.”
“Frieda, whoever you are, I don’t like the fact you put me in a defensive position. I don’t like the fact you could have gotten me shot over stupidity. I’m not a fan of married women who try to make their husbands jealous.”
“It’s nothing like that. I don’t make him jealous. I make him quite happy.”
His face wrinkled. “He’s happy you’re out with me. Yeah, right, I’m supposed to believe you.”
“Drive back with me and we’ll talk on the way. I won’t try anything and you’ll see. I just hope you’ll understand.”
Manny turned back and followed Frieda to her car. He admired the sexy, smooth way she walked, but angered with each step she took. His number one rule was not to get involved with a married woman. He watched her with memories of their sex-capades and became disgusted with himself and disappointed with her when he imagined what happened to him. Manny remembered when he returned from a deployment and no one waited at the pier for him. It had been his fourth tour on a West Pacific cruise. Suzie was an infant when he left. He was excited over his reunion with his wife and child. When Cheryl and Suzie weren’t on the pier, he pushed back the inner doubts he felt because he hadn’t received letters from Cheryl during the last month of his deployment. He remembered he called his house only to discover their phone had been discon
nected. Manny had to contact his neighbor in base housing to find out if his wife was okay. Frieda ignited those ill feelings of how he dealt with his wife leaving him for another man.
He watched Frieda get into the Mercedes — he stood at the
passenger’s door for a moment and flashbacked on a conversation he had with Cheryl years ago.
“What happened to the phone?” he asked.
“Nothing, I changed the number. You shouldn’t call here anymore.”
“What do you mean, not call my wife and kid anymore?”
“Wife is a technical term.”
“Wait, so you’re not my wife? Are you saying you don’t love me?”
“I’m not the same little girl you met years ago. I’m a woman now and you being at sea so much, was not what I signed up for.”
“You knew I was in the Navy when we met. I told you about my travel and that there would be times you could meet me in liberty ports. I can’t believe you’re changing on me.”
“You’re the one who has changed and I’m tired of being alone.” Cheryl countered.
“Being alone? Damn, Cheryl, I thought we had a great marriage.”
“If you were here, it could be, but you’re never here,” Cheryl sighed. “I want a family, not to be responsible for raising our daughter alone.”
“Are you leaving me?”
“I’m moving soon. I’ll be out of this house Friday and don’t try to stop me. I suggest you find a barracks.”
“But what about Suzie, will I get to see her?”
“You’re her father. We’ll work something out. We have to.”
Frieda broke into his reverie when she shouted at him. “GET IN MANNY!”
Manny snapped his focus to Frieda and sat in the car. He was about to click his seat belt when Frieda left the parking lot on screeching tires.
“So now you’re angry?” Manny asked.