A Cyber Affair

by Lonz Cook

Suzie glanced at Manny, shaking her head from side to side. “Come on, Dad, it’s not like you and I are living together. We can see each other just like we’ve done for years. So what’s really holding you back from dating her?”

  Manny didn’t immediately respond to Suzie’s question. He had no real explanation. Being near Suzie was his excuse. “Look, if you’re not afraid of my being far away again, I could date a woman who lives across the country.”

  “Across the country? You never said where. Or did you?”

  “You’re not paying attention. I told you San Francisco.”

  “Yeah, I remember. So why haven’t you gone to visit?”

  “Because we’re just warming up to the idea,” said Manny. “We both wrote about it in our emails and I’m waiting for a response.”

  “I’m sure she’s leaning towards visiting you or she wouldn’t have written you encouraging you to think about it.”

  “Actually you had me thinking about it before I read her email.”

  “I know my dad.” She chuckled, “And how to influence your decisions. I’ve known how to get you to do things since I was a kid.”

  “Manipulative kid.”

  “Proud sales professional, it’s what I do at the coffee shop.”

  “My damn kid, the most influential person in my life.”

  They laughed and recalled their first excursion to Key West when Suzie was a child. She had cried over everything Manny encouraged her to do. He remembered she told him that her mother had warned that everything he would try to get her to do, would be a disaster and she had believed it. It took years for him to earn her trust.

  Manny kept talking while he parked in the Holiday Inn parking lot. They were too early for check in, so he checked on their reservations and they changed in the lobby’s bathrooms. They went downtown to the far end of the island and boarded the ferry to Fort Jefferson. They snorkeled for hours and returned in time to check into the hotel. Next, they rented bicycles and rode around the island, just like they had done years ago. They stopped at their favorite Cuban restaurant for an early dinner, enjoyed people-watching on the pier, and watched the sunset. Being in her life since he retired from the Navy, opened doors for them to get closer. Manny realized one day soon he would have to let his daughter become a woman. While they sat on a bench and watched the crowd and entertainment, he put his arm around Suzie.

  “You know, I’ve been thinking. You’re right. We’re pretty solid, better than we have ever been. I don’t think adding a woman to my life will impact our relationship.”

  “Dad, I told you that earlier.”

  “Well, now I’m admitting it. I want to spend days with a wife like I’ve spent so much quality time with you.”

  “You can never replace me Dad, but I understand what you’re saying. It’s been awesome and I’m always up to doing stuff like this with you anytime. Today was just like when I was a kid, but better this time, because I’m old enough to let you go and young enough to remember how we always loved being together.”

  Manny hugged Suzie closer. “You’re a hard act for any woman to follow kid,” he said before he kissed her forehead.

  ***

  Monday morning came too quick for Manny. He and Suzie had returned Sunday evening.

  No matter how often he worked out, swimming always took a toll on his body. Muscles he knew weren’t trained, hurt. By the time he made coffee for his morning drive

  It wasn’t long after Tiffany arrived home from work that she read Manny’s email. She smiled at his message, picked up the cell phone and dialed his number.

  “Hello Manny, it's Tiffany,” she said.

  “Wow, I’m happy you called.” The sound of her voice brought a smile to his face. “I have lots to share. Let me start by saying thanks for calling.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s good to hear you’re excited I’m on the phone with you. I love a man with enthusiasm.”

  “I don’t know if its enthusiasm, but I know I’m nervous. Let me tell you, it’s been a long time since I’ve courted a woman on the phone.”

  “Really? Why are you nervous? We’ve talked for months on Skype. I don’t see the difference.” Manny didn’t want to sound overly anxious and contemplated about his next words before speaking.

  “I, ah, think a phone call is more intimate than Skype. Even though we can see each other on video, it's nothing like a phone call. You know, now we get to talk on the run. I like being able to talk with you at a moment’s notice.”

  “I see your point. I don’t mind you calling. This way I can share what’s on my mind without having to wait until I get home, especially since I don’t have the latest iPhone.”

  “Exactly, see we’re on the same path. I’m convinced it’s more important we talk. It's as if we’re thinking alike.” Manny chuckled, “I think we can talk our way into a good position. Wait, that didn’t come out right.” Manny laughed and then said, “I mean we can keep our connection going.”

  “I hear you,” Tiffany agreed. “So what’s next?”

  “I believe we should be spontaneous. Whenever the urge hits, we’ll make a call.”

  “You wouldn’t mind a call at any time day or night? Don’t forget we’re three hours apart.”

  Manny didn’t wait to answer. “Anytime. If I don’t answer, I’ll get back to you right away.”

  “That’s fair. The same goes for me.”

  Their conversation went for an hour. They talked about how they connected and specifically discussed the path they took to arrive at their current conclusion.

  “I’m happy we finally got here.” Manny paused before asking.

  “Have we reconsidered meeting in person? Do you think you’re still up for it?”

  Tiffany had her reservations. Her goals didn’t include an involvement with someone far away. After a moment of silence all she said was, “Well…” and Manny felt he had pushed her too early in their first conversation.

  “Well? You think I’m overstepping my boundaries?”

  “I was going to say I was thinking about it.”

  “Is that a positive? Are you finally coming to grips with our reality?”

  “Grips with our reality? Are you planning to move if things work between us?”

  “You know, I haven’t thought that far ahead, but I’ve been told I’ll never lose my daughter if I did. What about you?”

  “I’ve never been to Florida. I hear it’s a nice place to visit.”

  “I’ve been to San Francisco and it´s one place I wouldn’t mind seeing again.”

  “I’m up to meeting you, but let’s hold off on moving.”

  “Who’s moving? We have to see if there’s a physical attraction first.”

  “I agree. We’ve been so deep on Skype and from what I see we shouldn’t have a chemistry problem, but you know physical chemistry is very important.”

  “Extremely important! I’m willing to find out. Thinking about it has me excited. When are you flying to Florida?” asked Manny.

  “As soon as you get to San Francisco,” Tiffany said. “I can show you a great time. Why don’t you think about coming here?”

  “I have and I’m eager to travel under one condition.”

  “I’m not promising anything sexual.” Tiffany made sure she put that out there, so there was no misinterpretation. “I’m no floozy and unless we’re serious, it’s not going to happen.”

  “I respect you for that. I believe if it’s meant to happen, it will. Look, if we’re together day in and day out, I’ll get to know you better and I hope you would get to know me as well. By then we’ll know whether or not we’ll look forward to getting back to one another or anxious to stay away.”

  “I have an idea and I want you to really think about it,” said Tiffany. “If we visit each other in our hometowns, we can’t let other people get involved. I want your total focus and no one else’s opinion means a thing.”

  “There is on
ly one person’s opinion I’ll seek if there is a need for an approval. We’ve talked about it and she’s the person who matters most in my life; my daughter, Suzie”

  “Well, of course I’d love to meet your daughter but that can come later. I don’t expect to see her during our first meeting.”

  “What if I know you’re the one?”

  “Don’t you think I need to know I’m the one too before we start planning a family?”

  “Good point and I agree. We’ll meet others only after we’re sure.”

  “If that’s the case, we should meet someplace neutral.” said Tiffany.

  “Yes, someplace where neither of us has friends. I’m limited because I’ve been in the Navy and tend to run into so many people I’ve served with.”

  “I understand and that’s fine as long as no one influences or interferes with us.”

  “Not one, not one sailor at all.” Manny pondered a location.

  “Hey, how about San Diego?” Tiffany suggested.

  “No, I have too many friends there and that’s a big Navy town. I’m sure I’d run into someone.”

  “Tell me three places you’d like to visit. Don’t tell me now, let’s wait until we talk again. We’ve already been on the phone for over an hour.”

  “Time flies when you get lost in the conversation. I can tell you tomorrow.”

  “Good, let’s share then. Thanks for letting me call you.”

  “Good night, Manny, I enjoyed talking to you. Let’s put a rush on our meeting. I know we’ll have a great time.”

  “I know, right. I can feel it too. Take care Tiffany and you’ll hear from me later tomorrow.” Manny ended the call and reviewed a few travel websites before he crawled into bed.

  ***

  Tiffany surfed a few websites to research about Florida. She explored cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. She read about the Florida Keys and especially the island near Fort Myers. Tiffany became excited about meeting Manny and ecstatic over their future travel — she scanned many reviews on each location, and investigated cities between Florida and California. She focused on tourist towns in Colorado, Missouri, Arizona, and Texas. When she saw pictures of San Antonio, she smiled because it’s a place she’d always wanted to visit. She imagined what they would do during their time at each location.

  A beach picture on the Gulf Coast caught her focus next, San Padre Island took her into a daydream of her and Manny hand-in-hand on the beach. An advertisement banner for New Orleans appeared on the web page and she clicked on the link. It was the jazz and the food that made her want to explore the city of music.

  Before Tiffany knew it, time had crept into the wee hours of the morning. Tiffany crashed when her head hit the bed pillow. She dreamed of places to explore and felt excitement about enjoying it with someone. Her heart felt complete and filled with hope. She couldn’t wait to meet the man she had talked with for so long.

  ***

  The next day, Manny didn’t waste any time when he explored travel opportunities. He remembered when travel was part of the job but since retiring from the Navy, his focus had been on Suzie. Their father-daughter relationship kept him grounded. Manny raveled in his excitement to meet Tiffany and he concentrated on various locations for the visit. He needed an impressive city for their adventure because he didn’t want to end up in some town, with little or no entertainment; he feared they would run out of things to do. Manny couldn’t allow boredom to set in. He didn’t want an empty moment between them, where they looked at each other with a blank stare, or a forced conversation that included small talk. Manny didn’t like limitations, if conversation was going to happen, he wanted a location that offered a lot to talk about. He surfed the web for cities between San Francisco and West Palm Beach.

  After reviewing Cancun, he stumbled on a page where he read about a city of serenity and a plethora of activities, easy travel, and entertainment. What he didn’t know was if Tiffany would be up to the challenge. Manny researched his perfect location and began pricing his ticket. He ventured on the city’s webpage and scanned the opportunities for fun under the sun, and in the cool shade of night. Page after page, he found facts of interest and something that supported his idea, that it would be a perfect setting to get Tiffany into his arms.

  Chapter 31

  Tiffany left her job and met Valerie for an evening drink at a local pub. They sat at the bar having been served beer. “How’s it going?” Tiffany asked.

  “It’s going good, but hasn’t changed much. The only difference is I’m wearing an engagement ring.”

  “And a beautiful ring, too.” Tiffany stared at Valerie’s hand, holding it for a better view. “He did a good job.”

  “You didn’t have anything to do with it, did you?”

  “No not at all. The only thing I did was give JT a list of our friends.”

  “He did everything,” Valerie smiled and then added, “I’m so proud he’s my fiancé.”

  Tiffany looked at Valerie’s engagement ring a second time and smiled. “He did great and seeing you in love, after all those years of ups and downs, is definitely worth the wait. I mean, it’s fortunate you found JT when you did.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Weren’t you on one of your usual manhunts when you met JT? I don’t remember you telling me how you two met.”

  “I didn’t?” Valerie looked surprise. “I thought I did.”

  “No, you didn’t. It’s no big deal. You found the man of your dreams and that’s all that matters.”

  “I did and yes it is, but I don’t mind telling you.” Valerie sipped her beer and told Tiffany of her journey into the art store where she first bumped into JT. “He was handsome and the only reason I went there, was to attend a wine and art class. I guess you were probably online because we didn’t go together. Anyway, he attended the class, and I was mistaken he was a student and a wine connoisseur, like me. We chatted for a few minutes and when people began filling the room, he excused himself and headed to the front of the class. It surprised me that he didn’t mention he taught the class. After class, we talked and it went on for hours. He’s one of the few men I’ve met who didn’t talk about sex that first night. I knew then he was different.”

  “Wow, you met at a wine and art class. Is that why we went to the art gallery that night?”

  “Partially. But actually, that wasn’t the first night JT and I spent time together. It happened a couple of weeks after we saw each other for at least five of those fourteen nights.”

  “Where was I during your dating?”

  “I think you were focused on surfing or maybe chasing Tom.”

  “We both know online didn’t work. Well not yet, but I don’t think Tom and I were supposed to work. I don’t think.”

  “And I thought you were busy with Tom.”

  Tiffany placed her empty mug on the edge of the table to signal the waiter for a refill. “At least I had some activity, not like yours, but some fun with Tom.”

  “No one is saying you didn’t, but I’m glad you aren’t upset with me.”

  “Upset?”

  “Yes.” Valerie looked into Tiffany’s eyes. “Jealousy is hard, but when one has something the other wants badly, resentment can make a person ill. I feared you would envy JT and me.”

  “I’m happy for you and I’m not jealous.” Tiffany looked at her beer, “You know I’ve had my share of men.”

  “But not the type of men that sweeps you off your feet at any given moment. JT does that to me.”

  “So, you’re in love.” Tiffany smiled.

  “Shouldn’t I finally be in love? I mean, like you said, it’s been a well-traveled road to find a love worth having. You can find it too Tiffany. I have faith in you. You have to be careful with the men you choose.” Valerie paused for a moment and looked at Tiffany for a reaction. She searched for a response or an attentive facial expression. When she saw it she said, “How’s that online thing
going?”

  “It’s going great. As a matter of fact, I’m thinking about meeting him.”

  “Meeting who?” Valerie moved her head indicating disbelief. “What part of the city does he live in?”

  “He doesn’t live near San Fran at all. He’s across the country.”

  “You’ve lost your mind. I mean, what happened to your “locals only” rule?”

  “Things change. I see something different in him and think he’s worth giving a chance.”

  “Are you that crazy or deranged? What are you going to do, travel across the country to meet a man you only chatted with online? He may be a rapist or worse, he could be a serial killer! I mean, come on Tiffany, don’t be silly, it’s dangerous.”

  Tiffany disagreed with Valerie’s comments that Manny was a maniac or something. “Valerie, don’t go there. Manny and I have talked for months. I can’t imagine not talking to him every day. He’s sharp, funny, looks good, and has values I like.”

  “You can’t be serious? I mean, he’s across the country. Why can’t he find a woman where he lives?”

  “Now, that’s a double standard. You would go to a club, meet a guy on the street or in a store, and eventually sleep with him in the first week. You’re worried about a man across country? Remember, I know your past.”

  “Okay, you made a valid point. Can you check his police record or get a private investigator or something so you get an idea of his background?”

  “I would, but I think I know him well enough from all of our conversations. I mean, he hasn’t revealed anything out of the norm or said he had any specific challenges. I have a great feeling about him. I can call him at any time, discuss anything, and he’s straight forward about himself. But I guess it wouldn’t hurt to do a little investigating.”

  “You should have done that long ago or at the first idea of meeting him.” Valerie said and gave her a look of deep concern.

  “I don’t do that for local men. Why would I do that for someone across the country?”

  “Because you can have someone come and get you in minutes when you are local, whereas if you’re lost in the middle of nowhere across the country...” Valerie advised.