A Cyber Affair

by Lonz Cook

  “Really?” Tom looked at Tiffany again, before arriving to the road that would place them in front of the building. He parked near the front door to avoid valet parking. Tiffany didn’t wait for Tom to open her door, she jumped out of the car, closing it quickly and led Tom to the building’s entry. They entered the art gallery and saw the band setting up. As they turned to walk into the larger space, Tiffany’s phone alerted her to a new text. She looked at her phone and read Manny’s text. She smiled and looked at Tom before putting her phone back into her purse.

  “What is it?” asked Tom.

  “It’s nothing.” Tiffany said as she moved inside the door.

  “That’s a good nothing to get a smile like that.” Tom commented as he followed Tiffany. They ran into Valerie as they walked further into the large room.

  “Hi, so glad you two made it,” she said, greeting Tiffany and Tom.

  “I wouldn’t miss it even if it were in Egypt. And I had to drag the cat from the house.”

  “Oh, stop it. I’m not a hermit, I do get out. Can I help with anything?” Tom said.

  “No, I don’t think so, I’m sure JT has everything under control. Find yourself a drink and take a look around.”

  “I can do that, and maybe find something to snack on,” Tom said and took Tiffany by the hand to direct her away from Valerie. “We’ll let you get back to greeting other guests.”

  “Right, I should. See you two later.” Valerie smiled and turned to greet new arrivals.

  The venue was roomy, an empty middle floor, with six bars strategically set around the building. JT’s paintings, photos, campaign posters were positioned on the walls around the main floor. He had his model portfolio streaming on the overhead screen centered on the back wall above the band. Servers walked the floor with trays of wine, champagne, and hors d'oeuvres. Around the room were random tables with chairs, situated so they wouldn’t interfere with the traffic flow of those who wanted to look at the artwork or people who wanted to dance.

  Tom stopped near a painting and took Tiffany’s arm. “I know the answer, but I have to ask again. Why on earth would you invite an old boyfriend of hers?”

  “Well,” Tiffany sighed, “Like I said earlier, I didn’t know how serious she was about JT at the time. At first, I could have bet Valerie was just another notch to his belt. After I got a chance to talk to her I realized I was so wrong. Those two are really in love,” Tiffany paused before finishing her response, “Or at least I think they are.”

  “What are you going to do when he shows up?”

  “I don’t know and I hope he doesn’t. But the way this guy treated Valerie, and the way she played him, I know he’ll be here.”

  “Then you better screen the door for every man that walks through it.”

  She nodded at Tom, said “Good idea,” and then maneuvered towards the front entryway with a drink in her hand. After twenty minutes of screening, she’d only met a couple of old friends and a few of Valerie’s relatives. With most of the RSVPs already there, Bobby was nowhere in sight. Tiffany recognized a woman who was an old acquaintance. They had a quick conversation, which helped her realize the attendees were comprised of a crowd of techies and standout models. She did not see Bobby nor get an answer from the text she sent him. His not responding made her nervous. She feared shame would rear its evil head, embarrass her, and make her friend very angry. Another ten minutes into the party and JT had the band kick up a song that made most of the people dance. The party was in full swing and still no sign of Bobby. Tiffany felt relieved that he didn’t show. She mingled with the crowd and danced with some old friends she and Valerie shared.

  Tiffany stopped dancing long enough to notice JT positioning himself in front of the band and pick up the microphone. He welcomed everyone to his appreciation party and encouraged the crowd to eat, drink, dance, and enjoy the occasion. Tiffany moved from the open floor amongst the few couples following JT in hopes he didn’t see Bobby. Instead she observed JT greeted someone, who probably did business with him. The person must have said something funny because JT laughed while he looked in Valerie’s direction. Her curiosity piqued and she walked over and took hold of his arm. Tiffany didn’t mean to be nosey but she walked within an earshot of their conversation.

  “So this is the lucky woman who's got your focus,” the businessman said.

  “Yes, she certainly does. Makes it hard to get things going the way I want,” JT replied.

  “You have a good man,” the businessman looked at Valerie. “But you’d have a better man if you talked him into joining my company as a partner. He’s got the right drive and vision to help us. I love his eye and would love having him full-time.”

  “Really now?” Valerie looked at JT for confirmation.

  “Yes, Babe, I do more than art you know.”

  “I’m learning.” Valerie smiled at JT who turned his attention back to the guest.

  “Enjoy yourself, and please excuse me. I have to dance with this lovely woman.”

  “Sure,” The businessman raised his glass which gave an affirmative nod.

  JT and Valerie walked passed Tiffany to the dance floor and she watched them dance, moving fluidly to music while focused on each other. To onlookers, it seemed like their dance was choreographed to show how connected they were. At the end of the third song they left the floor and JT excused himself to mingle with his guests. Tiffany tried to catch Valerie but she managed to maneuver to a position where she chatted with old friends. While the band took a break, JT went to the center of the venue and spoke to the crowd. Tiffany connected with Tom and waved him over to stand next to her. They watched JT announce several gifts to his patrons and supporters. He gave gag gifts where everyone laughed, and handed strategic gifts with impacts for future engagements and business deals. At the end of his gift distribution, JT made an announcement.

  “There is a special presentation ahead where I will unveil my latest masterpiece. It’s a work of love and hopefully it’s accepted with the compassion I share. Oh, and no peeking behind the veil.”

  The party grew in size as everyone seemed to enjoy the outing. Tiffany and Tom were in conversation with others when she spotted Valerie’s old boyfriend. “Damn he showed!” She bit her lip in angst and tapped Tom on the shoulder before walking to him.

  “Hey Bobby, it’s been a while.”

  “Hi Tiffany, I haven’t seen you in a long time. How are things?” His smile seemed genuine to Tiffany.

  “Good, good,” Tiffany pointed to Tom, “This is Tom, Tom this is …”

  “Bobby?” Tom smirked offering his hand as a greeting.

  “Nice meeting you Tom,” Bobby shook his hand. “Tiffany and I go back a few years.”

  “Yes,” Tiffany moved by Bobby’s side. “Excuse us Tom,” She took Bobby’s arm and guided him to a corner near a bar setup. “I wanted to talk to you before Valerie sees you.”

  “Oh really? You have something in mind?”

  “Well…not exactly,” Tiffany looked around before she continued her comment. She devised a plan to get Bobby’s support and get him to approach Valerie without any lustful intent. “I sent you the invitation because I know you’ll always be in love with Valerie, but in this case, I hope you don’t do anything to get her attention. I mean, not like you have to do something to get her away from her current guy. This isn’t sounding right, is it?”

  “Actually, I think I understand what you’re trying to say. Believe me, I’m over Valerie and came only as a friend.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really.” Bobby pointed to a tall red-headed woman in a coral chiffon dress. “That’s my date.”

  Tiffany’s facial expression could have waken the dead, surprised to see the woman bore no physical resemblance to Valerie and said, “I’m happy for you.”

  “Thanks, don’t worry about me and Valerie. I only wish her the best.” Bobby left Tiffany and strolled over to his date. I sure called
that wrong. Tiffany watched Bobby greet his date with a kiss on her cheek. There was something about Bobby’s act that made her feel jealous. Valerie saw Tiffany from a distance and walked over to her. “Why are you frowning?”

  “Am I?”

  “I saw you.” Valerie touched Tiffany’s shoulder, “Hey, there are too many men in here for you to stand alone in a corner. Why aren’t you out there dancing or flirting with one of JT’s single friends?” Valerie looked around, “Where’s Tom?”

  “He’s around.” Tiffany looked at Valerie with a raised eyebrow. ”I was just talking to Bobby.” Tiffany pointed to Bobby and his date.

  “Wow, she’s very pretty. I’m glad he’s here with a date. I’m surprised he showed up considering how bad I treated him.”

  “I guess he got over it.”

  “I’ll go talk to him.” Valerie started in his direction and Tiffany grabbed her arm.

  “Wait, are you sure you want to do that?”

  “Why not? There is nothing between us and he’s here supporting JT right? I want everyone to have fun and there’s no bitterness between Bobby and me. We talked long ago and even got together once. I didn’t tell you, but we came to a friendly agreement. He wouldn’t stalk me and I don’t need to get a restraining order.”

  “And it worked?”

  “Funny thing, he was already breaking up with me right after we met. I didn’t think anything of it because he had met the woman he’s with now.”

  “Guess I worried over nothing.”

  “So, you’re the reason all my friends are here.” Valerie pulled Tiffany into a hug.

  “Thank you so much. You’re the best.” She let go and Tiffany watched her head directly for Bobby and his date.

  JT took the microphone from the band and walked towards his veiled painting. He waved at the band to lower the music and spoke loud to get the attention of everyone. “Folks it’s time for the main event.” He looked around, but couldn’t find Valerie. “Valerie, please join me?” JT waited a few moments before he spoke again.

  “He’s at the mic. You better go,” Tiffany released Valerie who walked towards JT as he spoke.

  “As I said earlier tonight, there are a few things you are fortunate to do in life. One is enjoy the work you do so much, that it isn’t work at all. I am fortunate to do just that, play at my job.” Some in the crowd laughed and others nodded in agreement. Someone from the group shouted, “You play a lot, JT,” and laughter filled the room. JT waited for the chuckles to die down before he continued. “In this case, I followed my passion which resulted in this inspired painting.” Valerie made it to the front and stood by JT’s side. Tiffany positioned herself for a perfect view and Tom moseyed up beside her.

  “I met Valerie months ago and we’ve become inseparable. I admire the way she supports me, picks up after me, and then encourages me to make life fun. She became my inspiration for this painting and I’m fortunate enough to have fallen in love with such a woman.” JT waved his hand high and the band played a new song. It had become their song, a classic by Barry White, “My First, My Last, My Everything.” When the band kicked up to the lyrics, JT spoke again.

  “It’s not every day you find someone who makes your heart flutter. You only dream of meeting that special person who takes your breath away and simultaneously makes you want to live. I am fortunate to have met that special woman.” JT turned towards the painting and asked Valerie to center herself in front of it. “Stand right here, Sweetie,” he directed and gave her the string attached to the veil covering his masterpiece. He moved to her right side and placed one hand in his pocket. “I dedicate this picture to you, my Valerie.” JT knelt on one knee to the right of Valerie. “Pull the string,” he coaxed and retrieved a ring box from his pocket. He opened it and waited for the veil to fall to the floor. When it did and the picture was displayed, a whispered “Ah,” went through the crowd. It was an abstract painting of a diamond ring. Valerie’s eyes widened in surprise. Tiffany covered her mouth in awe of his work.

  “It’s beautiful.” That was all she managed to say.

  JT continued. “I want this life we’ve recently created to last forever. I need you to be my inspiration, my joy, my sun and moon. I want us to bring new life into this world created by our love. I want us to endure everything together and most of all I want you to be my partner, my best friend, and my wife.”

  Valerie looked at the painting while she listened to JT describe what he wanted for them. A little confused, she wondered how she was supposed to wear a picture of a ring. Tiffany, Tom, and Bobby shouted in unison from various positions in the crowd. “Look at JT.”

  Valerie didn’t understand and kept facing the picture.

  More people from the room shouted. “Look at JT.”

  Valerie finally looked and saw JT on one knee, holding the exact ring from the picture in his hand.

  “Will you?” he asked. Valerie covered her mouth with both hands and started shaking.

  “Well?” Members of the crowd asked.

  “I, I …” Valerie, held her right hand over her mouth, extended her left hand towards JT and shook her head to acknowledge agreement. With tears in her eyes, she watched JT place the ring on her finger and stand up. She threw herself into his arms. “Yes, yes, yes,” she said.

  The crowd clapped and Tiffany ran to her. JT released Valerie, giving her the opportunity to hug Tiffany.

  “It’s been a long time coming. Congrats girl, he’s a good man.”

  Valerie nodded, “Thanks and you’re going to be my maid of honor.”

  The crowd surrounded JT and Valerie, and gave their congratulations. The band roared into a festive song and one of JT’s friends took the microphone and shouted a toast, “To JT and Valerie, we hope your marriage will be as stellar as his proposal.”

  ***

  When Tiffany arrived home, she went straight to her bedroom, changed into her pink nightgown and prepared for bed. She selected a magazine from her nightstand and found an interesting article, “Why Don’t You Find Love.” Points made by the author touched Tiffany on many levels and one in particular hit closer to home more so than the others. The advice to “Remove those obstacles to finding love” bought her to tears. She mustered the strength to avoid a fall into depression. Her mind reviewed numerous conversations with friends on finding love, taking a chance, and reducing her strict standards of quality.

  She laid in bed, looked at the circle of light on the ceiling from her night stand lamp. “If Valerie can find love with all of her flaws and weird habits, I can, too. What am I not doing? What am I not doing?” Tiffany pondered while she reached for the lamp and turned it off. The room went dark. “What am I not doing?” she repeated before falling asleep.

  Chapter 30

  The weekend found Manny and Suzie excited over their spontaneous drive to Key West. In the past, from time to time, Manny would get up early, call Suzie and invite her out for a drive. They hadn’t done it since Suzie started college. Manny felt it was time for an excursion. He capitalized on the fact that he lived in close proximity to Suzie. He rose before sunrise, drove to her college dorm and retrieved Suzie for a ride down Highway 1 towards the Florida Keys.

  “Dad, can you stop for coffee?”

  “We’ll stop at the next gas station”, responded Manny.

  “Good, it’s early and I can use a cup.” Suzie yawned and reclined the seat to get as horizontal as possible. “I stayed out too late and didn’t sleep.”

  “We haven’t done this in a while. I’m surprised you didn’t want to bring a friend.”

  “Dad, we haven’t done much together outside of having dinner lately. I think we’ll have fun. I want to visit the fort this time.”

  “I haven’t been there in a while. We can catch the late morning ferry. Are we snorkeling or not?”

  “I’m more excited about snorkeling around there. We’ve been to the fort only once and once you see it, you want to go ba
ck and explore it over again.”

  “So we’re water folks for this weekend. What are we doing tomorrow?”

  “Let’s play it by ear. We should relax and have fun, do a little sunbathing, drink a few margaritas, and just chill.”

  Manny couldn’t believe his daughter’s comment. “You want to drink margaritas with your old man? I don’t know about that, but since you’re a young adult, I guess you can have one. Guess I have to let you grow up. Okay, so it’s one night in Key West and we’ll drive back tomorrow. Sounds like something a doctor would order.”

  Manny stopped at the next Quick Stop near Homestead. They got out of the car and went straight for coffee, he poured a cup while Suzie selected a doughnut. “Get me one too,” Manny suggested. He gave the cashier an extra ten dollars for gasoline. “Anything else you want?”

  “No, not really.”

  Twenty minutes into the drive and neither had spoken a word. Suzie broke the ice. “Well Dad, did you decide to go see that lady you’ve been Skyping?”

  “I did. I sent her an email for that reason. What’s funny is I hadn’t read her email considering the same thing. I tried to Skype with her and talk about it.” Manny chuckled.

  “Dad, you’re lame.”

  “Why lame? That’s no way to talk to your dear, old dad.”

  “Because you’re not making more effort. Why haven’t you called her outside of Skype?”

  “You know, that’s a great question. We should try calling one day. We talk so often on Skype, we didn’t think about it.”

  “And why haven’t you used her cell numbers?”

  “Honestly, I didn’t think I’d need to. But this past week, after I sent her my note, I’m not sure. I mean it wasn’t like it’s so hot that I wanted to throw myself into dating long-distance. How often will I see her?”

  “Dad, you’ve met women from all over the place and now you’re worried about distance? I can’t believe you.”

  “I have a good reason not to move.”