CodeY

by Lamar Rutherford

  Pele had spent most of the weekend preparing. His presentation was to the top US Military brass for their Strategic Innovation Conference, or more often referred to as the “SIC Review.”

  As he entered the room, the previous presenter was hurriedly gathering his things, clearly flustered. The guy brushed past Pele as he scurried out, whispering under his breath through clenched teeth, “Good Luck.”

  From his hasty departure and the lively discussion still going on amongst the small group of heavily decorated commanders, it did not appear the presentation had gone well. Pele thought to himself, well I guess that’s one way to warm up an audience.

  The room was formal, starkly decorated, and chilly with an overactive air-conditioner. There was a jumbo-sized screen behind the presentation podium and several smaller ones along the sides for those joining in virtually. The lights were dimmed, and the blinds drawn, both to make viewing the screen clearer and for secrecy. Pele looked a bit longingly at the side screens. He would have preferred to present remotely and skipped all the flying time, but, according to his boss, that was not an option.

  As soon as he plugged in and his presentation popped up on the screen, the room quieted.

  “Welcome, Dr. Rosen, we look forward to hearing your presentation. I’m General Adams. Let me just get those joining us remotely up on the screens,” said a severe-looking gentleman in full military regalia.

  Pele, a little nervously, “Thanks.” The situation highlighted the strange bifurcation of his life after he had agreed to work on this military project. One minute he was cloistered away in deep secrecy performing experiments and tests with the hope of changing the future of warfare, the next he was in a bright, cheery hospital meeting patients and performing surgery, mostly on athletes whose biggest concern was when they could get back on the field or court. Some days it felt almost surreal. The current scenario was one of those moments. How had he ended up here, presenting to the US Military’s top officials?

  He tried to remain focused on the task at hand. His presentation consisted of slides, videos, and diagrams explaining how his team hoped to enhance basic motor skill functions through muscle and nerve augmentations. The project was years away from trial, and the risks many. In theory it was possible, but there were many potential pitfalls. Part of the show was the hand and arm encasement he and Johann had been working on recently. It showed the basic mechanics of the hand and arm movements and where they were connecting with the subject’s real nerves and muscles to stimulate and enhance the movements. It was very rough at this stage, but it was the beginnings of a working prototype.

  As Pele wrapped up the presentation and started to field questions, there were some clear naysayers who did not believe there was any hope of the technology working. But there were also strong advocates. As Pele fended off questions; ranging from the ridiculous, “What color will it be?” to the more serious, “How will you strengthen the bone structure so it will hold up under the extra pressure of a super-powered punch?”, one commander interrupted announcing the project was so far-fetched he couldn’t believe anyone was still supporting it. He essentially accused Pele of intentionally misappropriating government funds. Pele, completely taken aback, was not sure what to say.

  Fortunately, General Adams interrupted the commander, “Gentlemen and Lady (to the one woman in the room), this is a very early stage project with tremendous potential. You all know we have to take chances on projects like this, knowing that some of them will fail. If we don't try, we will never keep ahead of the enemies. Dr. Rosen has done a fine job of presenting the current status here. So far, there are no major setbacks, his team is still working within their budget, so let's let the doctor continue with his work and move on. We've got twenty other projects to review today.” With this, Pele was dismissed.

  Still stunned by the abrupt end to the meeting, he quickly collected his things and left. Shortly thereafter, he was on a plane back to San Diego, relieved to be done and not at all sure whether things went well. He hoped, for his boss’s sake, they had, but either way, he was sure he would hear more about it on Monday.

  Back home, he decided he might as well enjoy himself. He headed straight to the party where he was immediately immersed in normal day-to-day, seemingly carefree life. He was struck again by the contrast between the raucous, carefree bar scene and the intense national security meeting. But wasn't this why they did what they did for security? So, people could live freely without the burden of fear. He plunged into the party eagerly, buying a round of shots for any takers in the group.

  The bar was crowded and festive, typical on a beautiful evening right before sunset. The group had managed to score a large table outside on the deck. Luca was clearly the man of the hour, enjoying the drinks bought for him and encouraging everyone to come and visit him in Argentina. He promised to show them “real polo,” Argentinian style, and be their tour guide.

  At one point, both he and Pele were headed to the bar together. Pele, despite the merriment, wanted Luca to know he was concerned for him and his family, “Hey man, I’m sorry to hear about your worries for your family and farm. I hope everyone stays safe.”

  Luca wrapped his arm around Pele’s shoulders in a warm man-to-man embrace and replied seriously, “Yeah, between you and me, it’s a little scary. There were insurgents captured within five miles of our farm. And you don’t know my sisters, but I’m very worried about them. So, it’s best if I go. It’s hard for me to leave so many good things here,” he said with an almost longing glance in Keece’s direction, “but it’s time for me to leave.” Pele could not help but be impressed with his determination to take responsibility for his family and farm.

  The bartender dropped off the drinks they had ordered.

  Pele knew he would miss Luca. “Well, man, we’ll all miss you, but hopefully you’ll be back before long, or we’ll come visit you. You’ve been a great instructor—except maybe those few times you stole all my balls!” Pele added with a cheeky grin. He continued on a more somber note, “and a good friend to all of us. If there’s ever anything I can do for you, please ask.”

  Luca picked up his drinks, “Thanks Pele. It’s been a pleasure teaching you. I will keep your generous offer in mind.” Then, as he started to walk away, he turned back for a second. “And take good care of her for me,” he said with a wink and walked away.

  Pele turned back to the bar. Luca’s comment was a clear man-to-man acknowledgment that Luca knew Pele was interested in Keece. Pele’s mind churned. Was it that obvious? Did Keece know? Slowly he picked up the drinks, took a deep breath, and plunged himself back into the party, making small talk and bantering with the others, his mind still circling back to his conversation with Luca and the questions and possibilities about what might happen next between him and Keece.

  Luca flew out the next Sunday morning. Pele sent Keece a text to check on her.

  “How are you?”

  She texted back quickly, “I think I could use that commiserating drink soon.”

  Pele replied, “How about Tuesday? 6pm, Market?” He wanted to go someplace relatively quiet.

  Her response was brief, “Perfect. Thanks.” Without her saying it, he could tell she was still grieving. He knew it was probably best to simply give her some space. He would see her soon enough.

  The Market was an old-school staple in Del Mar, a restaurant and bar recently remodeled for a more hipster look. A favorite among the locals. Its reputation was more for its delicious, creative fare than an active bar scene. The original chef simply oversaw operations now, but his young protégée was doing a fine job continuing the avant-garde cuisine.

  The dining room was typically busy and stuffy, but the bar was small, cozy, and discreet. It was almost always easy to find a table for two.

  Pele rushed in a few minutes late. He hated to keep a woman waiting, but his surgery had gone long, and traffic was a bear. He scanned the room and saw Keece in the corner. One of the lights glanced over her head, highli
ghting her golden blonde hair. She looked up just as he saw her. Her face lit up with that beautiful smile. He marveled at how it could still catch him off guard, so bright and warm and kind. He felt a tender rush of excitement to see her.

  He slid into the seat next to her, giving her a warm hug. Was it his imagination, or did she hold him just a second longer than normal?

  “It’s good to see you,” he said sincerely.

  Keece, looking directly into his eyes, “It’s good to see you too.”

  “How’re you doing?” he asked, searching her face for her real feelings.

  Her eyes got a little extra shiny, but she managed to hold back the tears. “I’m okay, sad, but okay. I know it’s for the best, but it’s still an adjustment. I keep trying to focus on the things about him that drove me crazy,” she said with a mischievous grin.

  Pele laughed. “You do know how to look on the bright side!”

  Keece, more serious now, continued, “You know I loved Luca, but he wasn’t right for me, so it was time to make a change. It’s a little easier now that he’s left town. In many ways, I’m lucky. We had a lotta fun, but it’s a good time for it to end before he drove me totally crazy, and we had to go through a messier breakup.”

  She paused and took a deep breath before continuing, “That being said, I do hope nothing happens to his family or their farm!”

  “Agreed, but I’m sure his being there will prevent that,” replied Pele.

  Pele paused, then asked cautiously, a little nervous about the response, “Have you talked to him?”

  Keece shook her head no, “We actually made a deal. A very mature deal, considering this is Luca we’re talking about. We agreed that he would let me know he got home safe and would tell me if anything troubling happened to his family, but otherwise, we would have no contact for three months. We thought it was better for both of us this way. It will make the breakup easier. Although I admit, it hasn’t been too easy so far, but I do think it's the best way to let him go, which I need to do.”

  Pele surprised by the maturity and logic of their plan, and hoping they would stick to it, replied, “That does sound remarkably healthy and mature! Good for both of you for making that call.” He paused for a moment, trying to carefully formulate his next question, “If he’s not the right guy for you, what type of guy is?”

  Keece smiled up at him. Pele thought he might have detected even a slight blush before she continued, “Well, as I’ve told you before, I think I need someone who’s a little more on par in terms of maturity and education. He’s a bright guy, but there was still a gap. I’ve gained so many skills with my career and education, skills you take for granted until you’re with someone who doesn’t have them.”

  She continued. This was clearly something she had thought a lot about. “I don’t mean I need a perfect match, but someone with more similar life plans and experience would be nice. Luca went to college, but he was always focused on polo. Don’t get me wrong, I love to discuss polo strategy, but only so much. A little more intellectual insight would be nice, maybe someone who might challenge me a bit more. That would probably be good for me,” she replied with an almost guilty smile. “And maybe not such a heavy pot-smoker,” she added. “That can’t be good for one’s health!”

  Pele nodded with an understanding smile, “Yah, I’ve had some heavy pot-smoking friends. When they’re high so much they’re so mellow they can be outright boring!”

  Keece nodded, “Yes, boring, except when you’re in a relationship with them, then it kind of feels empty and almost lonely.”

  The conversation paused as Pele debated if he could ask what he really wanted to know. His friends would tell him to man-up and just do it, so he decided to take the plunge. He needed to know. He couldn’t wait any longer to see if she might be interested.

  “Keece, I know we kind of got off on a bad foot the other day when I asked you to the wedding.”

  Keece looked down for a moment then met his gaze with a slight sheepish smile, “I’m so sorry about that Pele. That was really unfair of me. I should have been flattered by your offer. I think I was just feeling insecure because of what was going on with Luca at the time.”

  Pele confident enough to continue, answered, “I can’t blame you. I sort of surprised myself by asking, and then completely botched my response to you. The truth is, I really wanted you to go with me.” Pele took a deep breath and then added cautiously, “And I wasn’t completely honest in my response to you. I do find you attractive, as more than a friend. But I’d dug myself into a hole because you were right, you were with Luca. It was not appropriate to ask you as my date.”

  Keece, smiled at him, a little coquettishly. “I guess that’s no longer an issue.”

  Pele looked at her questioningly. “Would you go out with me now?”

  Keece replied slowly with a broad, almost shy smile, “It might be worth a try.”

  Pele grinned, “Really? Well then, maybe we should arrange that.”

  Keece replied playfully, “What did you have in mind?”

  “How about dinner?” he asked. Then after a pause, he teased, “Then, I know this terrible play we could see…” referring to their conversation about Scarlet and how awful her play sounded.

  Keece groaned, slugging him. “Ugh, it was going so well. Definitely not that play. I might have to re-evaluate this.”

  He laughed. “Okay, wait, you’re right. Skipping that play is a very good call. How about something else? Maybe a hike or a beach day after polo this Saturday.”

  Keece exaggerating her relief but still playfully acting skeptical, “Well, that’s starting to sound better.”

  Pele pulled her close to him and gently kissed her on the lips once, then a second time, more deeply than the first, both clearly enjoying the moment. Pele felt almost drunk with sensation, struggling to pull away, he commented, “You know I’ve wanted to do that for a very long time. You have the most tantalizing lips,” he said as he looked into her face.

  Keece smiled warmly. “Well, I’d like to say it’s about time you got around to it, but actually, I think you’re timing is impeccable,” she laughed, clearly referring to her recent change in status.

  Pele smiled. “Well, yes, there was a good reason to hold off on that. I do value my life, and I’m not sure Luca would have spared it!”

  “You make a good point. Good thing that’s no longer an issue,” she replied.

  “Well, let’s order some food. Then we can discuss our illustrious future together,” joked Pele.

  Keece, giggled, “Easy Tiger, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I still need to be wooed and impressed.”

  Pele rolled his eyes. “Let the wooing begin. I’m sure I can make some kind of impression.”

  Chapter 12

  Pele anxiously dialed Keece again. It was the third time, and the only response he’d gotten was a very curt text saying she was swamped. She did say she would get back to him soon, but that did not give him a lot of comfort.

  He hadn’t seen or spoken with her since their last meeting. They’d had a few playful exchanges after their dinner, but then he’d had a last-minute trip to Tokyo to meet with a surgeon doing research on connecting nerve tissues, another meeting his boss was unable to attend due to health limitations. This time both he and Johann had gone.

  Between juggling different time zones and their hectic schedule, he had barely had the chance to text Keece, let alone call. He was concerned now because, over the past week, her responses had trailed off. She had alluded to a family issue, but she had not made it seem like a big deal. Was there something else? Had she gotten back together with Luca? Had she lost interest? He certainly hadn’t been able to “woo” her much while he was away. Maybe she was frustrated with his lack of attention.

  He had arrived back in town yesterday, late due to a flight delay. Now home, but still jetlagged, he called her first thing.

  “Hi Pele. You must be back. How was your trip?” answered Keece.


  Pele thought she sounded distant. All his concerns rushed to the surface.

  He replied cautiously, “To be honest, I’m exhausted. A bit of a wreck. Between the travel and our crazy schedule, I think both Johann and I will be useless for at least a couple of days.”

  “Well, I hope you don’t have any impending surgeries!” exclaimed Keece, a glimmer of the familiar bantering he adored shining through.

  This gave him a little confidence, so he rushed into his next words anxiously, “Keece is everything okay? I’ve hardly heard from you. Did something happen? Did I do something to offend you?”

  “Oh, Pele no, it’s not you. I’ve just had some family issues come up that have been challenging,” she replied sincerely.

  “Anything you can share with me?” Pele asked gently. He was a little hurt she had not shared with him already, but he had been difficult to reach.

  “I’m sorry Pele,” she clearly sensed he was a little put-off. “I’ve simply been engrossed in it, and I didn’t want to bother you while you were traveling.”