“Easy.” She leans against the wall, watching me walk like a baby giraffe on ice.
“I’m not wearing these.” I stumble back to my bed, where I collapse, and kick off the heels. “Sorry, Tina. But there’s no way at all.”
“You’re right. You can barely walk in flat shoes, so high heels aren’t going to cut it.” She pushes off from the wall, bends and sweeps the shoes up in one fluid movement. “What shoes have you got?” She heads to my wardrobe, walks in and looks at the rows of shoes. Mine are all practical, and comfortable. “You don’t have anything here you can wear.”
“I can wear them.” I point to a red pair of Converse.
Tina’s mouth falls open, as if she’s disgusted with my suggestion. “You aren’t wearing Converse with that dress. I told you that already. Let me go to Mom’s closet.”
“Mom’s foot is also two sizes smaller than ours. So no, that’s not going to work. Let me wear the Converse. I think it’ll be really nice. Especially if you make me up too, no one will be looking at my feet.”
“Hmm. I know what you’re doing,” she says with narrow eyes as she walks toward the door. “You’re trying to distract me so I don’t make you wear these shoes.” She looks me up and down while she drums her fingers on the red, shiny high heels. “But you’re right. You need to be able to walk, and not break your neck. But I’m doing whatever I want on your face.”
“Can you just go, and let me relax before you make me into your own personal Barbie-doll?”
“Hey, I’m allowing you to wear your Converse. You should be happy.” I lower my chin, and raise my brows. “I’m going, I’m going.” She walks out, and closes my door behind her.
I lay down again on my bed, and stare up at the ceiling. Reaching over, I get my Air Pods, switch my music on, and close my eyes.
Zhen has been curled up at the foot of my bed, sleeping this entire time. Zhen’s my chocolate Labrador. He’s our family’s dog, but for some reason, he really gravitates toward me.
Meditation starts and I instantly relax as I listen to the cool drawl of the woman who’s narrating. There’s something about meditation that helps me calm down when things get to be too much. It takes me away from the now, and allows me to live in a harmony.
“Wow, you look really nice,” Mom says as I make my way down our grand staircase.
“I did her make up,” Tina proudly says as she looks up at me.
“You both look amazing,” Dad says as he slides his suit jacket over his shoulders. “I can’t believe my girls are eighteen.”
I get to the bottom of the stairs, and Tina looks at my shoes. “They actually look good,” she says, though I can tell it’s killing her to admit it.
“See, told ya.”
“Are you two ready?” Mom asks as she slings her bag over her shoulder. Mom always looks beautiful. She has this old-world glamor about her. Like she’s a black-and-white movie star. Mom’s fair features are truly breathtaking, but her heart is even more exquisite.
“We’re ready,” Tina answers for us both.
“You be a good boy, Zhen. We’ll be back home soon,” I say to my boy, who’s wagging his tail. I know he’ll disappear upstairs to my room and go to sleep, waiting for me.
“I’m the luckiest man in the world, to have such a breathtaking wife, and two perfect daughters.” Dad hugs both Tina and me together, then places gentle kisses on our heads. “Come on; I’m hungry,” he says.
“You’re always hungry,” Mom teases.
Mom locks the front door, as Dad reverses the car from the garage. We all get in, and Dad starts driving toward the restaurant they picked. I’m never fussed by extravagant things, they’re simply objects. I’d be just as happy going to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, as I am going to Chapter, the two Michelin star restaurant we’re heading to.
Mom, Dad, and Tina talk, and I look out the window. Distant from the happy, animated conversation they’re having. Going to fancy places isn’t my scene, but I know Mom, Dad, and Tina love going.
I take my Air Pods out of the charging case, and slip them into my ears. Turning on some gentle, easy listening music. No one talks to me, or if they do, they know I’ve got my headset in, which means, I’m zoning out.
Another easy song comes through the headphones, then another, and I close my eyes and relax.
I feel a soft whack on my thigh. Looking over, I see Tina smiling. I can faintly hear her over the music. “We’re here.”
I take my headphones off, and slide the small charging case into the pocket on the back of the passenger seat. “I was listening to music,” I say.
“We know,” Mom says from the front. Dad pulls up to the curb, where there’s a valet waiting to park our car.
Dad takes Mom’s hand, and they walk ahead of us. “You okay?” Tina whispers as we approach the doors to Chapter.
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“Cool.” She smiles. “You look so hot.”
“Thanks.”
We’re quickly shown to our seats, where a waiter in a full tuxedo approaches us with a bizarrely flamboyant glass pitcher of water. He doesn’t say anything, only pours the water and leaves.
“This is way too fancy for me,” I say as I look around the room. There’s another two families sitting on the far-right hand side of the restaurant, and several couples who are all eating, and enjoying quiet conversation.
“We wanted to make it special,” Mom says. “It’s not every day our girls turn eighteen.”
I feel awkward, way out of my comfort zone. That’s funny though, because Mom and Dad always give us nice things, and take us to expensive places. I just don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it.
“Thank you for bringing us here,” I say to them.
“Yeah, thank you. This place is sick,” Tina says looking around at the simple, stylish décor.
“This is why we work hard, because we want you both to have the best we can give,” Dad says.
They’ve never made us feel like we’re just two adopted girls. They’ve never talked about us like we aren’t part of their family. But I often wonder why they chose me. As for Tina, I understand that. She’s so bubbly and warm, it’s easy for anyone to fall in love with her. But I’m not like Tina. I’m more reserved, and introverted, the total opposite.
A different waiter approaches us. She’s dressed in smart black clothing too. She tells us the specials for the evening, without even reading it from a menu. Her voice is controlled and calm as she says words like, ‘truffle, lobster, kobe beef and caviar.’ Of course, they all sound delicious, but the moment she said lobster, my mouth began watering.
She stands and waits for our order.
She doesn’t write anything down, which blows my mind. If I worked in such a fancy restaurant, I’d want to write it all down to make sure I don’t screw anything up.
“I’ve got to go to the rest room,” I say as I stand. I look around the room, and quickly spot where the bathrooms are.
“Hurry back. We want to give you our presents,” Mom says with a huge smile.
Once I’m out of the restroom, I head back to our table. “Latte girl,” I hear from beside me.
The voice is familiar, and the hair stands to attention on my arms. Turning, I see Dylan. “Dylan.” I smile. “You already forgot my name? It’s good we’re not going on a date then.” I step away from him. Before I do, I quickly glimpse at his table. I’m half expecting to see a gorgeous woman sitting opposite him, but I don’t. I see an older man, who looks exactly like Dylan, only older.
“She got you good, son,” his father says as he chuckles.
“You’re supposed to be on my side.” He gives the man who must be his Dad a pointed annoyed look. His Dad flips his hand, and adds a chuckle. “Can we talk?” Dylan asks.
“Nothing to say.” I take a step away, but Dylan reaches out and puts his hand on my upper arm. It’s not hard, or forceful. “I’m sorry about yesterday.”
“What part? The fact you he
ard I was eighteen and you made the decision for me that you’re too old for me? Or was it something else?”
“Damn, she’s got you again, son,” his Dad comments.
“Dad,” Dylan says in a strained tone. His father gives me a little wink, and I instantly like him. “For all of it. I shouldn’t have done that.”
I shrug, and turn to see Tina looking over at me. I shake my head slightly at her. She appears to be ready to come over and rescue me. I don’t need rescuing. If anything, Dylan does. “Apology accepted. Have a nice night.”
“Please, don’t go,” Dylan begs. “Just hear me out.”
“I did. You said your piece, I accepted your apology and now I’m going back to my family.”
“You’re a damned fool if you let her go,” his Dad mumbles.
“Molly, please,” Dylan says again. Good, he remembers my name. “Please,” he says again, giving me a pleading gaze.
“Okay,” I say sassily, stepping closer to him. “What is it?”
“All I could think about yesterday was you.” I lift my brows, surprised. “I’d still like to take you out to dinner.” I smile, waiting for him to continue. “Anytime you want. Can I give you my number? Will you give me yours?”
I wait five heartbeats before I say anything. “I’d like that,” I say.
Dylan visibly lets out a sigh. He pulls his phone out of his pocket, unlocks it, then hands it to me. “Can I have your number?”
“You can.” I take it, and put my number in under Latte girl. He sees me put in that name, and chuckles. “There you go.”
“Do you want my number?” he asks, looking at my empty hands.
I shake my head. “If you want to take me to dinner, you can call me. I’m not chasing you.” I’ve never said anything so assertive to anyone in my entire life. It’s shocking, but so damn freeing too.
“Son, marry this one,” his father eagerly adds.
“Sorry, sir. I’m only eighteen, and marrying isn’t on the agenda for me.” I shock myself again. I’ve never considered marriage. Never really thought of spending my life with anyone, other than myself.
“I’m Harold Walker.” His Dad stands, and extends his hand. I take it, and smile. I really like him.
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Walker.”
“Pish posh. It’s Harold.”
“Well, it’s been a pleasure. I hope to hear from you soon, Dylan.”
“You will,” Dylan says to my retreating back.
“She’s a keeper,” I hear Harold say to Dylan.
I go back to my seat, and the conversation at the table instantly dies. Mom, Dad, and Tina are all staring at me.
Here we go.
“Who’s the young man?” Mom asks.
“Young man? He was drooling all over her. He could barely contain himself,” Dad says, definitely irritated.
“She met him yesterday at the mall,” Tina replies.
“Did you tell him we were coming here?” Dad asks.
“How could she tell him, when she had no idea we were coming?” Mom snaps at Dad.
“What happened?” Tina asks leaning in, but looks over to Dylan and Harold.
“Is everyone done speculating so I can actually tell you what happened?” I ask.
“He’s too old for you,” Dad says again. “How old is he?”
“I have no idea,” I answer truthfully. “But I met him yesterday when he accidently knocked into me. He asked me out for dinner, and when he found out my age, he freaked out.”
“How did he freak out?” Mom asks.
“Yeah, how?” Tina’s voice drops, as she turns to give Dylan the stink eye. “I think I’ll go have a word with him.”
“Tina,” I say sharply. “No, you won’t. Leave it alone.”
“No one hurts my little sister.”
“We’re the same age.” I shake my head. “Anyway, he said he was too old for me. So I left. I thought, no use in trying to change his mind. It was already set. But just then, as I was coming back from the rest room, he stopped me. Apologized,” I pause before adding, “a few times. And he asked me out again. I didn’t make it easy for him. His Dad told him I was a keeper.” I smile.
“He’s here with his father?” Mom asks. “That’s a good sign. Means he’s not a total loser.”
I laugh a little too loud then snort in error. I cover my mouth as I try to contain the laughter. “No, he’s not a loser. He’s a security analyst and works at Collins and Partners.”
“Oh, he’s just moved up on the shit list,” Dad says.
“He’s not a lawyer, Dad.”
“I meant he’s moved up in a good way. He has a decent job, and works for a good firm. I’m still not liking him yet.” Dad holds up a finger at me. “But I’m not as upset as I was. But I’d like to know how old he is.”
“Would it make you feel better if I go ask him?” I slide my chair back.
“No, not now. We’re here to celebrate,” Mom injects. “Oh, look, our dinner.” Four waiters bring all our dinners out at once, and place them in front of us in unison. Now that’s fancy.
My phone buzzes in my clutch. I reach for it, and see there’s a message. Sliding my phone unlock, it’s from Dylan. Love your shoes is all it says.
This makes me smile. Instead of replying, I put my phone away and enjoy dinner with my family.
I try not to look over toward Dylan as we enjoy dinner, but out of the corner of my eye, I notice he and Harold swap seats, so Dylan can watch me and I can watch him. I have to say, it’s cute and it makes my stomach flip flop with excitement.
Talk around the dinner table is about everything. Dad’s work as an aircraft mechanic, Mom’s a financial manager, even the college Tina is planning to attend. I’m glad I decided to take a gap year, because I don’t yet know what I want to do with my life.
Instead, I’ll work for a year, and see where that path takes me.
Our dinner is finished, and the plates are all taken away.
Mom reaches over and takes Dad hand. “Your father and I want you both to have the best birthday ever.”
“I already have,” I say.
“Well, we’d like to give you this.” Dad lets Mom’s hand go, and takes out two identical boxes. Both are black with a blue ribbon tied around them. Dad slides one over to me, and one to Tina.
Tina is already excitedly trying to tear off the ribbon. But I want to savor every moment.
She lifts the lid, and screams. I look over to her, and she holds up a car fob.
I open mine, and have the same car fob. They bought us a car to share. I look down at the box, overwhelmed with happiness. Our parents are always generous, but to get us a car…that’s amazing.
“Thank you,” I whisper as tears fall on the pristine tablecloth. I’m so moved by their kindness, and can only hope I’ll grow to be half-as-good a person as they are.
“Mom, Dad,” Tina says as she flies up to hug them.
I stand, and hug them too. “Thank you,” I say again.
“Thank you so much,” Tina says. We sit down, and Tina turns to me and says, “We’ll work out how to share.”
“Share?” Dad says. “Why would you share? We got you each a car.”
I stare at my parents, unable to verbalize what’s going through my head.
“Are you kidding?” Tina shrieks. Half of the restaurant patrons turn to look at us, including Dylan and his father. Tina’s excitement is infectious. Everyone’s smiling. “Thank you.” She launches herself into Mom’s open arms, nearly knocking Mom off the chair.
Standing, I give our parents another hug. There aren’t many words I can think of other than two. “Thank you,” I say.
Mom and Dad are beaming. They’re so proud of themselves. I’m so proud of them, too.
Tina sits again, and she wipes at her eyes. “I think I can speak for both of us, to say we never expected this.”
“That’s what makes it the best present. Neither of you had any idea your father and I had plans to buy y
ou girls a car each.”
“We appreciate this so much,” I say.
“We know. Now, don’t go thinking it’s a BMW or anything. You got a Toyota Corolla. One’s white, and the other’s black. We’ll leave it up to you two to decide who’s is whose. But we wanted to make sure you’re both safe when you’re driving.”
“What color do you want?” Tina asks.
My forehead crinkles, as I stare at Tina. “Are you actually asking?” That’s not like Tina, she usually tells me, and I go along with it. I know she’s always got my back so something like the color of a car is inconsequential.
“Shut up,” she playfully grumbles. “And yes, I’m asking.” I’m about to tell her which one I’d prefer and she cuts me off. “Actually, I want the black one.”
“There it is.” I point to her.
“Fine, which one do you want?”
I let her sweat on it for a moment. Tapping my chin, and looking out at the distance (by distance I mean Dylan). “Um, I think I want…” I tap my mouth with my finger. I can see Tina jumping out of her skin, not able to contain her excitement. “I think…”
“I want the black one!” Tina snaps, unable to control her impulse.
“Wait.” I hold a finger up to her. Mom and Dad are chuckling to themselves. Tina’s like a kid in front of a candy case. She’s shaking from the excitement. “Yeah, I think I’ll take the white one.”
“Yes!” She fist pumps the air.
“I was happy with whichever color. I just wanted to make you sweat.”
“Grrr.” She narrows her eyes at me, grinding her teeth together. But I know Tina, she doesn’t mean anything nasty. She’s just impatient. “Well, I’m taking the black,” Tina announces dramatically.
“Okay,” I say.
“You can’t stop me.”
“I won’t.”
“You can’t beg me later to change.”
“I won’t.”
“Last chance.”
“No need.”
Tina gets up, and gives me a hug. “Thank you, you’re awesome. And I have something for you.” She goes back to her chair, and takes a little box out of her bag. She hands it to me.
Echoes of You Page 5