by Lonz Cook
“Not at all, I love driving. Look Manny, you have to understand, this is my life and I need to enjoy it.”
“You don’t have to enjoy it with me.”
“And why not?”
“Do I have to remind you that you’re married?”
“I know who I am and what I’m doing.”
“Okay. Misses Frieda, if that’s your real name. I’m curious, so what’s your story?”
Frieda turned onto the Interstate heading towards West Palm Beach. “Before I tell you, promise me you’re open to continuing our relationship.”
“Oh hell no Frieda, we don’t have a relationship and there’s no way this will continue.”
“Why?
“Need I remind you? I don’t do married women. It’s not an option.”
“You’re telling me you didn’t enjoy our sexual excursions?”
“That isn’t up for discussion,” He frowned at Frieda. “I need to know your story.”
“As if knowing will help you sleep better with a clear conscious.”
“Maybe it will. But right now I’m more curious than needy. Why don’t you start with your real name?”
“I think that’s fair. I’m Pamela Friedman. I married a lovely man fifteen years ago. What happened is youthful misconception.”
“Youthful misconception? Meaning you married young. We all do that.”
“Young, not really, but younger by far, yes.”
“You married younger by far, meaning he’s much older?”
“He was nearly twenty years my senior.”
“Your husband is twenty years older than you?”
“Yes, and we got married when I was twenty-two years old, fresh out of college.”
“You graduated from college and married a forty-two year old man. Didn’t you feel like you were out of your element?”
“No, I had everything I wanted, including good sex with my husband.”
“Okay, fifteen years later and here we are. What happened and why?”
“What do you say we find a coffee shop and talk?”
“I don’t know, I feel like I’m under surveillance now.”
“No way, I wouldn’t put you in jeopardy. I know what I’m doing.”
“So, you do this all of the time?”
“No, but I have fun when I can,” Pamela admitted with a sly smile.
“What made you want to get out and mess around on your husband?” Manny needed to know. He wanted to get the whole story.
“You don’t beat around the bush do you?”
He looked beyond the car into the night sky and remembered the time Cheryl answered that same question for him.
“No, I usually don’t.”
“I guess you could say - time happened. He got older and I got wiser and found less satisfaction in our marriage. I wanted more without losing everything that I gained in the marriage. Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband, but I’m not satisfied with our sexual intimacy anymore. We’ve tried everything and the problem is he’s not interested in sex like he was before.”
“He’s older.”
“When I met you, I’d finally realized that was the case. I’m lucky if we get together twice a year.”
“Twice a year?”
“Twice a year. And it doesn’t matter what I do to him, he’s just not that interested.”
“Why don’t you leave him?”
“And go where to start over? I love my life, my freedom, my commitment. I love my kids.”
“Kids? You have kids?”
“Yes and I love them to death. They’re home now. They’re beautiful.”
“If he’s not that into you, when did you get pregnant?”
“Obviously before he lost interest, Manny. That was a dumb question.”
“Okay, I get it. It’s nearly perfect except for the sex and sex is important.”
“Sex makes me feel alive. Doesn’t it do the same for you?”
Manny remembered how excited Pamela seemed at every sexual excursion. He couldn’t believe a woman so alive, so gorgeous was on the prowl with so much to lose.
“Does your husband approve of your excursions with men?”
“He doesn’t know.”
“So you’re taking a hell of a chance. Is this one of your cars too? The one he knows and can spot at any corner?”
“Yes, of course. I usually use my friend’s Toyota, but she was using it tonight. She doesn’t mind when we exchange cars.”
“I see. I understand how you creep now…Hmmm, smart move.”
“I don’t let things get between my husband and me. This way I can enjoy life.”
“And I guess for you that’s a great accomplishment.”
“Are you still with me?”
“No I’m not. I won’t be involved anymore.”
“We were doing so well. I wanted you to know so that we could continue. I need you Manny. I want you and I like being with you,” Pamela insisted. “We can finish our night at your place, like the first time we slept together.”
“We shouldn’t have then and we’re not going to now. I don’t want anything to do with this.”
“Why?”
“You’re married and I respect marriage. If you want another man, leave your husband or get his permission. And even with his permission, I’m still not the man for you.”
“Manny, you’re the one I want.”
He noticed he was within walking distance from his apartment. “Stop the car, stop the damn car.”
“I’ll take you home.”
“No, you won’t. This is good enough. Just stop the car.” Manny pulled the door handle and released his seat belt. Pamela quickly stopped the car and he jumped out.
“Look, Frieda, Pamela, whoever you are. It was an experience and I enjoyed the ride. Now lose my number.”
Manny arrived home and grabbed a beer from his refrigerator for a nightcap. He sat next to his desktop, took a sip of his beer, and logged on. In minutes, he was in his email account.
Tiffany,
When you think you have something special, strange things can happen to change your thoughts. I may have had a blast with this woman, but she turned out to be a liar who totally deceived me. Why can’t a woman be honest? I’m sure you’re asking the same about men. One day we’ll find the reason for both.
Can’t wait to chat with you,
Manny
Chapter 25
Tiffany’s cell phone rang. When she answered, JT got down to business. “Do you have the list?”
“I have it, but I’m not so sure I should give it to you,” Tiffany said. “She’s not feeling you like she used to.”
“You’ll have to trust me on this one Tiffany. I’ll show everyone that she’s the woman of my life. I really mean it. You have to give me those names and addresses.”
“I’ll do it under one condition. Don’t tell her I gave you this tip. She loves when a man takes her shopping for shoes.”
JT laughed at Tiffany’s response. “Okay, I’ll remember to take her shoe shopping. I don’t know how that helps build trust, but we’ll catch several shoe sales. Should I be afraid now?”
“Afraid of what?”
“Have you seen her closet? She’s got hundreds of shoes. I didn’t know she has a shoe fetish. It’s like she wants several pairs to match every outfit. I should be afraid of shopping all day for shoes, and if I make an insensitive comment my efforts will be lost.” JT shook his head in disbelief.
“No, JT, I’m telling you she’ll fall for you deeper than she already has. Her philosophy is if a man has good taste in shoes, he’s a man after her heart. Once you advise her to buy an awesome pair of shoes, you’re in for life.”
“Picking out a pair of shoes she’d love will make her trust me?”
“I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s Valerie we’re talking about. You love her right? Then try to understand some of her logic.”
“Ah, that’s sweet JT, really sweet. I’ll send you the list.”
“Thank you so much. Here’s my email address: [email protected].”
Tiffany emailed JT the list she had created. After an hour of reading the local newspaper, she went on with her day. It was the weekend and she had no inclination about contacting Tom. It was the third Saturday since he had told her the truth about his wife. Recently, Tom had been her focus and she had created an active schedule to get him out of his mood. Today, since she was educated on the truth, she felt used by him. She felt her efforts had not been for her benefit but for his change. Tiffany fiddled with the idea of helping Tom find a new woman, but her heart wasn’t in it. For a few moments during her effort, Tiffany found Tom attractive and pondered about becoming the next woman in his life, but after he finally told her the truth, she decided it would not be in her best interest. Tom was worth it, but his dishonesty was a deal breaker. Tiffany had the urge to fulfill her empty void. She navigated Tom’s address on her cell phone and by mid-afternoon Tom answered a knock at his door and there she stood.
“Hey, I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I don’t know why I came,” she said as she stood at his front door.
“Are you coming in?”
“I’m not so sure I should.”
“What’s bothering you?” Puzzled, Tom stepped outside and closed the townhouse door behind him. He walked around Tiffany and took a seat on the stoop.
“Sit with me.”
Tiffany did and although she was unsure where to start, she forged ahead. “I want to share something with you.”
“I figured as much, I know you well enough to know that something is bothering you.”
“I like you and what you withheld had an impact on me. I think I wanted more from you, maybe for us. Now it’s like I want you, but I’m not sure how to go about it.”
“Let me save you some time and effort. Please stop thinking about us as an opportunity. I like you, enjoy your company, love your spirit, but I’m not ready for a relationship.”
“I figured that, but I had to ask.”
“You have to follow your instincts. You knew I’m not quite right yet. I haven’t let go of Mary long enough to start another relationship. Hell, I haven’t even thought about having sex yet. I wouldn’t know where to start. All I know is I’m not ready.”
Tiffany gave him a halfhearted smile. “I’m so glad you’re being honest with me. Here I am not sure why I’m visiting and you’re telling me you won’t give me a chance.”
“Is this your way of saying you’re vulnerable and I can take advantage?”
“I have to admit, yes, I am. With a little effort, you could have your way with me.”
Tom placed his arm around Tiffany, pulled her close and moved in for a kiss. She responded, only to find Tom’s lips on her cheek. “You are a wonderful friend and I’d rather keep it that way. I’m not ready for anything more right now.” Tom kept his arm around her and gave Tiffany this advice. “One day you’ll find a man you can love. Just make sure he’s your friend first and let it thrive. Remember me telling you this once before?”
“I remember. I’ve considered it. But which friend are you referring too? I have a lot of acquaintances, but very few friends. I wondered if you were talking about yourself. I mean, I know you were pushing me away. Now I understand why, but I had a feeling you were the one and we were starting as friends.”
“I am your friend, but not the one I’m referring to. He’s the guy you can say anything and everything to without worrying about any backlash. He’s the guy you know is exciting in one way or another, because there’s a little chemistry between you two and he provides you with a comfortable connection. The man who shares with you and isn’t afraid to give you his honest opinion, even if it hurts sometimes, is the one you need to think over.”
Tiffany sat and pondered who in her life, fit what Tom was describing. She considered her recent dates, her past relationships, and since Tom wasn’t the possibility, Manny became the selection.
“Thanks, I think I know what to do,” she said, giving Tom a goodbye hug. Tiffany left him on the stoop and headed to her apartment.
Chapter 26
The Floridian sunset caught Manny sitting on his deck, enjoying a beer and surfing the Internet with his newly purchased laptop. His cell phone rang and he checked the flashing ID. No way! Pamela doesn’t give up, he ignored the call. He dialed Suzie instead.
“What’s up kiddo?”
“Hi, Dad, glad you called. Are we still on for tonight? You didn’t confirm and I really need to get away.”
“Get away? Is it Camille? Is she giving you a hard time? Did something change?”
“No Dad, nothing changed with Camille. She’s great, but between work and school, I’m burned out.”
“We’ll talk about it over dinner. I’m cooking. What time are you arriving again?”
“I’ll be there by 8.” He heard Suzie sigh and assumed it was from exhaustion. Manny searched the web for a chicken recipe and found one he knew Suzie would enjoy. He knew his kid well. Whenever Suzie felt tired or irritable, he would create a masterpiece dinner giving her what he called a slice of comfort and love. Usually the result would be her spilling every inkling that affected her attitude. Once Manny got dinner started, he sat at his laptop and read the latest email from Tiffany.
Manny,
I know your feelings well. Deceit is evil. I am still in shock over Tom’s situation too. I am so mad at myself for playing at the mercy of a man hiding the fact that he’s widowed when I thought it was a divorce in the making. I could have done something really stupid. He isn’t fun anymore and my effort to bring him into my world turned out to be a big NO-NO.
One day, I hope you and I will meet a pair of honest people who
will embrace having a down- to-earth companion. I know that you’re a down-to-earth person since we complain about and experience the same things in life.
Keep your head up. I know the best is about to present themselves to us. I can feel it.
Talk to you soon,
Tiffany
Before Manny responded to her email, his cell phone chimed. He reached for it, scanned the caller ID, and pressed ignore, “Pamela keeps trying. He shook his head in disgust when he realized the sexual escapades may have added spice to his life, but they weren’t under the conditions he wanted. He felt the need for more.
Suzie entered the apartment with her book bag, laptop, and a large soda. She walked into the kitchen and greeted Manny. “Hi, Dad,” she said, and kissed him on the cheek.
“Glad to see you, baby girl. How was your drive?”
“Not bad, just long. Today it seemed longer than usual, probably because I’m so tired.”
“You aren’t sleeping well these days?”
“No, I’m not. Midterms, and projects, then work at the coffee shop. It keeps me running every hour of the day.”
“No worries kid you’ll get through it. You’ve been a serious trooper all your life and I know whenever life gets tough, you somehow pull through.”
“You should tell Mom that.” Suzie opened the soda bottle, poured a glass and got a bottle of wine from the counter rack. She opened the bottle with the corkscrew she got from the drawer and poured a glass for Manny. “She’s on my last nerve, Dad.”
“I can’t think of a day when your mom hasn’t gotten on your bad side.”
“Good point. How can I keep forgetting it’s the norm?”
“Imagine her not saying anything,” Manny said while draining the water from his pot with noodles in preparation for the chicken pasta dish he created. “We would think something was wrong.”
“When does it change Dad? When will she realize I’m not a kid anymore?”
“You’ll always be her k
id but you have to tell her how you feel. Tell her and be honest. That’s the best advice I can give you.”
Suzie set the table. It was her routine every time Manny cooked. She took a seat and waited for him to place dinner in front of her. When Manny put dinner on the hot plate holders, she served herself and waited for Manny to do the same.
“So, what makes life so unbearable these days?” Manny said.
“Like I said before Dad; it’s exams, work, and the pressure to do well. My brain is fried. I can’t find time to relax and close my eyes.”
“Do you have to work tomorrow?”
“Fortunately, I don’t. I don’t have anything scheduled for tomorrow, but studying and completing a project.”
“Good, so you can crash here and take your time for your school work. I’ll help if you need me. I’m not planning anything either, so it’s a quiet day tomorrow.”
“Quiet for you? That’s unusual Dad, most of the time you’re busy on your off days. I figured you were dating a woman. What happened?”
“It’s really something, talking about my love life with my daughter.”
“Never stopped you before,” Suzie said, “You don’t have to spill the detail, but at least tell.”
“I’m not dating right now. I’ve run into a few roadblocks and I’m getting tired of the games women play.”
“You mean, at your age, women still play games? I believe they would have subsided by then.”
“My age?”
“You know, mature Dad, you’re mature.”
Manny put his fork down and looked at his daughter. Tempted to share the excitement Pamela brought him, but he found it inappropriate to tell her details of his sexual excursions. What he told Suzie caused him heart felt pain. “I’m afraid of meeting someone you won’t get along with. I’ve got you in my life and I’m not willing to give you up for anyone.”
“Dad, I’ll always been in your life.”
“You know what I mean. It’s better than just a weekend here or there and separated for months in between. Right now, it’s like we’re beginning a new phase.”