First Mates

by Cecelia Dowdy

  After hearing someone knocking at her door, she found the energy to walk to the door and open it. She groaned with relief. “Winston.” He still wore his business suit and carried three bags of McDonald’s food.

  “What happened? You look awful.” He entered the house, and after placing the food on the coffee table, he sat beside her on the couch. He ran his finger against the large bruise on her shin. Her panty hose were torn and in spite of the soreness, her skin sizzled from his gentle touch.

  “Believe it or not, Amber did it to me.”

  “Amber? That sweet little girl?”

  “You only see her good side! I think she’s trying to get away with as much as she can since she’s not on the farm. I also think she’s still hurting from her mother’s abandonment.” She leaned her elbows on her knees and tunneled her fingers through her hair. “This has been a rough two weeks. I never knew a child could be so much trouble. I hope she sleeps through the night today, because I need my rest.”

  He rubbed her shoulder. “Well, I really like Amber, but I did come over here tonight hoping to speak with you alone for a few minutes. I brought McDonald’s for all of us.” He lifted a bag of food. “I know how much she likes McDonald’s.”

  “Well, she’s not getting McDonald’s tonight. Not after the way she acted today. She can eat a sandwich or some leftover chicken.” She leaned back onto the couch.

  “Did you call Mark and your parents about it?”

  “No, not yet. I love my niece, but I think I’m ready to send her home and get my life back.” She glanced at the food still gracing the table. “I am hungry, though. Why don’t we go into the kitchen and eat. I’m thinking you came over here to talk about something.”

  Minutes later they entered her kitchen. She cringed when she saw the mess left behind. She had not washed dishes in a few days, and they littered the sink. An open carton of milk sat on the table. The scent of sour milk filled the kitchen. “Oh, I forgot to put this away this morning after Amber ate her cereal.” She poured the liquid down the sink and threw the carton away. “Sometimes I think I’m losing my mind since Amber came to live with me. I wanted to help my brother out but if this keeps up, I’m going to need some help.”

  He chuckled as he opened a sandwich. After they prayed they enjoyed the simple meal. “Don’t be so hard on yourself.” He sipped his cola. “I think you two just need to get used to living together.” He glanced at her bruised leg. “I hope she doesn’t try kicking you like that again.”

  She sighed, leaning back into her chair. “If she does, I’m sending her back to the dairy farm. I’m so tired that I don’t know what to do.”

  He cleared this throat. “Well, I didn’t come over here tonight to talk about Amber. I came to talk about us.”

  She shrugged. “What about us? I thought we’d agreed to give our relationship a chance before we went to the farm.”

  “I know. But since you’ve had Amber, I haven’t had any time alone with you. Do you think we could get a baby-sitter so we can go out on a date?”

  She smiled as she finished her burger. “I think I could ask Sarah or Rachel to baby-sit on Friday night. I’ll let you know what they say.”

  The next day, Rainy opened the glass door of the restaurant, eagerly scanning the lunch crowd. She hoped Rachel or Sarah were free on Friday night. I can’t wait to spend some time alone with Winston! The server guided her through the crowded restaurant, and she was surprised to see Rachel had already arrived. She clutched her napkin as she looked through the menu.

  Rainy sat beside her friend. “Any of the specials look good today?” She touched Rachel’s arm. “What’s wrong?” Her hair was tousled and uncombed and her eyes were red-rimmed and tired. She was wearing faded jeans and an old white T-shirt. Rainy gazed at Rachel’s hands and saw the nails were bitten down to the skin. “You’ve been biting your nails! What’s the matter and why aren’t you dressed for work?”

  “I didn’t go to work today, or yesterday, either.” Her eyes darted around the crowded restaurant. “I hope none of my co-workers are here today. I called in over the past few days. I told my boss I wouldn’t be able to come to work.”

  “Well, if you’re sick you shouldn’t be here. You don’t look so good.”

  Sighing, she continued to clutch her napkin, pushing Rainy’s hand away. “I’m not really sick, but I do have a few problems to deal with. I just can’t cope with work right now. My car was repossessed.”

  Rainy gasped. Before she could respond, Sarah appeared, swinging her small handbag. She placed her purse on the table as she gazed at her friends. “What in the world is wrong with you two? Rainy, you look awful! You’ve got circles under your eyes, and your hair’s pulled back into a hideous-looking ponytail.” She paused and gazed at Rachel. “And you look awful, too. You’ll never find a husband walking around in public looking like that.”

  “I’m not desperate to find a man, unlike you,” Rachel retorted. She took a deep breath and told Sarah about her recent dilemma.

  Sarah’s dark eyes softened with concern. “You’re kidding? Your car was really repossessed?”

  “Yes, and don’t ask me how it happened. You get the general idea of how these things work.”

  “Well, maybe you needed to be attending those financial seminars that Rainy and Winston were doing at the church,” suggested Sarah.

  “That was for kids. I’m too old for them.”

  Rainy nodded. “I agree with Sarah. Even though those seminars were for the church youth, they teach young people basic financial skills to use for the rest of their lives. Skills that a lot of African-Americans are never taught. I’ll bring over the study plans we used. If you want to talk to either of us about it, feel free to do so.”

  The server approached the table, placing a basket of hot rolls and a china dish of butter in the center. “Are you ladies ready to order?”

  After they placed their orders, Sarah and Rainy began eating the rolls. Rachel placed her forehead on her palm. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I think I might ask my mom to help me get my car back.”

  Sarah frowned. “You mean you can pay the amount owed for back payments and get your car back?”

  Rachel nodded. “I think so. Oh, I don’t know, just thinking about it gives me a headache. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

  Sarah nodded as she focused on Rainy. “Okay, we’ll drop the subject. So, Rainy, what’s been going on with you? You don’t look like your life’s been easy lately.”

  Rainy sighed as she pushed her soup aside. Since Amber started living with her, her appetite had lessened considerably. “Well, I was wondering if either of you could do me a favor this Friday night.” She told of Amber’s recent antics, and then she asked if either would be available so she could go out on a date with Winston.

  Rachel folded her arms across her chest. “I think Amber is a dear, and I’m sure her behavior problems will get better. Don’t be so discouraged. But I’m just not in the right mindset to baby-sit a child right now, even if it is only for one evening. I’m so depressed about my car and my finances that I don’t feel like doing much of anything.”

  Sarah sipped her water. “I’d watch her for you, but I already have plans for Friday.”

  “You do? Did you meet another guy through that dating service?” asked Rainy.

  “Nope, I’m still dating Carl, the blind man who answered my ad a while ago.”

  Rainy leaned back into her chair, impressed. “Wow, this is a record for you. You’ve never been out with someone from the dating service so many times. I never figured you’d find someone who is disabled on the dating ads.”

  Sarah sighed. “Carl doesn’t consider himself disabled. I forget sometimes that he’s blind. I’m kind of excited about it. We have so much in common. I don’t know what will happen between us, but I can at least see us being good friends. So, Rachel, are you ready to get out of this funk and try to straighten out your life?”

  Rachel rolle
d her eyes. “Please, I’m not in the mood for your lectures right now.”

  Sarah placed her hands on her slim hips, glaring at Rachel. “You should just heed my advice. You know God would want you to pay back the money you borrowed for your car. It’s the right thing to do.”

  “I know it is. But I don’t have enough money to pay everybody. If I did, I wouldn’t be in this mess.”

  Sarah smirked. “Hmph, you wouldn’t be in this mess if you’d stop your crazy spending habits. You need to stop buying clothes and jewelry that you don’t need!”

  Rainy glared at both of her friends. “You two, stop bickering about this. Rachel, you know you can come to me or Winston about your money problems. We might have some suggestions to help you out. Also, there are counselors who help with this sort of thing.”

  Rainy nibbled on a roll while Sarah continued to preach to Rachel. Closing her eyes, Rainy dreamed about seeing Winston on a real date again. As she chewed, she recalled the last wonderful kiss they had shared.

  When she returned home that evening, she put Amber to bed and called Winston. He answered on the first ring.

  “Winston, I have bad news. Both Rachel and Sarah can’t baby-sit on Friday night.” She explained Rachel’s financial state and she told him about Sarah’s date.

  “She’s dating a blind man? I always thought Sarah was kind of superficial.”

  “Hmm. She is very superficial when it comes to looks. I’m not sure what this blind man looks like.” After they talked about Sarah, he came up with a solution for their baby-sitting dilemma.

  “Well, as far as baby-sitting goes, I think I might have a solution. My aunt and uncle owe me a few favors, so I’ll see if they’d be willing to keep Amber on Friday night. I’m almost sure they’d love to have her. Amber will probably have such a good time that she won’t be willing to leave when it’s time to go.”

  She grinned, eagerly anticipating the time alone with Winston. “That’s a great idea!”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The following Friday, Winston graced Rainy’s doorstep, glancing at his watch. He sighed, relieved that he arrived on time. He grinned with anticipation as he rang her doorbell. Amber opened the door. “Hi, Mr. Winston.” She grabbed his leg.

  “Hi, squirt.” He lifted her and kissed her chubby cheek.

  “Yuck!” She rubbed her face.

  He chuckled as he returned her to the floor. When Rainy strolled out of her bedroom, he whistled. She sported a bright orange sundress that accented her slim yet shapely figure.

  “Winston.” Her voice was a bare whisper as he took her in his arms. She smelled like spring flowers after a cool rain.

  “It’s so good to see you again. This’ll be our first real date in a long time.”

  She nodded, her long soft hair tickling his face. Moments later, they deposited Amber at his aunt and uncle’s house, where his aunt welcomed them with open arms. Gladys smiled as she embraced Rainy. “So you’re the reason my nephew has been so moody lately. It’s nice to finally meet you.” She released Rainy and quietly complimented Amber on her outfit.

  Winston chuckled as he hugged his aunt. “Aunt Gladys, I haven’t felt this good in years! You take good care of Amber for us tonight. Hey, where’s Uncle Greg?” He glanced around the living room.

  “Oh, he had some church stuff to do tonight, but he’ll be back later. I’ve got things to keep Amber busy all evening.”

  Rainy embraced Amber and kissed her cheek before Winston led her back out to the car. As he drove through the streets of Miami, he found it hard to concentrate on his navigation skills. The night was warm and breezy, so he opened his sunroof.

  She crossed her legs. “Where are we going for dinner?”

  When he tried to pull a CD from his case, he accidentally brushed her leg. He wondered if Rainy was the woman God intended to be his wife. Being around her was like a ray of sunshine on a cold cloudy day. She haunted his dreams, and he craved her company daily.

  “Winston?” He pulled his eyes from the road and stole a glance in her direction. Her mocha-colored eyes were full of excitement as she eagerly gazed at the passing scenery.

  “Uh, it’s a surprise. You’ll see in a few minutes.”

  Minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. Jesse’s Seafood House was packed; however, for a nominal fee, they had small rooms for diners who wished to eat in private. He held her soft hand as the hostess led them to the private room he’d reserved. Rainy laughed, covering her mouth with her hand. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she gazed around the festive room.

  Minutes later, the waiter offered a shrimp cocktail. She brushed the crystal bowl with her long slender fingers. “But we didn’t order this.”

  “I know. We’re not ordering anything. I already told them what to serve us tonight. I hope you don’t mind.” He gazed around the private dining room. Tiny white lights twinkled against the dark walls, reminding him of a Christmas tree. Soft music chimed from the speakers, and a vase of roses decorated the table.

  “This is so nice.” Her voice was barely above a whisper as she gazed around the room. “But why did you go through so much trouble? This isn’t a special occasion.”

  Before he could respond, the waiter returned with their entrées. After they said a brief prayer, he took both of her hands and massaged her fingers. “You’re wrong.” He paused. “This is a special occasion. This is the first date we’ve had since we’ve decided to try this relationship. I’m hoping and praying this’ll work out. I just want to tell you that I’m pleased you have faith in me.”

  “You mean have faith that you won’t return to your former drinking problem?”

  He shook his head. “No, not former. I’ll always be an alcoholic. The urge to drink never really goes away. I’ve just learned that I need to lean on God. We all have things we need to overcome when we become Christians.” He gazed at their hands. His mocha skin blended nicely with her cocoa-brown complexion. “You know, if we ever work everything out, I’m sure we could have some pretty children.”

  “Winston!” Her brown eyes widened and he squeezed her hand.

  “I’m just speaking freely. I think you’re a good woman, and in spite of what you think, I believe you’re doing a good job caring for Amber. I think we’re right for each other, I really do.”

  He watched her during the entire meal. Her delighted squeals echoed off the velveteen walls as she tried each luscious dish. The soft music played, engulfing them in the sweet notes of the classical songs.

  After dinner, he took her to the Black Comedy Theater downtown. When he pulled the tickets from his wallet, she gasped. “That show’s been sold out for weeks. How did you get tickets?”

  “Well, when you want something bad enough, you find a way to get it. I’ve got my connections.” He confidently placed his arm around her waist and led her into the crowded theater. He enjoyed the show, and he laughed so hard his throat was hurting after the performance.

  They stopped at Candace’s Creamery for dessert. Teenagers sporting shorts and bathing suits assembled at the round, vanilla-colored tables. Their loud howls of laughter exploded in the small ice-cream shop. She stared at the huge tubs of ice cream lining the refrigerated display cases, brushing her slim fingers against the glass. “Even though I work a few blocks from here, I never thought to come here for ice cream. There are so many flavors, I don’t know which to choose.” Ice cream in every color of the rainbow was available. After much deliberation, she touched his arm with her now-cold fingers. “Why don’t you choose for me?”

  He chuckled as he pulled her into his arms, relishing her sweet floral scent. He ordered two banana splits. Since each dish had three scoops of ice cream, he chose six different flavors. The shop was devoid of empty tables, so they carried their treats outside.

  The night breeze ruffled the leaves on the palm trees as it whispered through the sky. Her hair lifted in the wind before it settled upon her slim shoulders.

  He sighed
as he took a second bite. “Man, this is so good!” Nuts, caramel sauce and ice cream mingled on his tongue as he enjoyed each luscious bite. He was so enthralled that he barely heard the automobiles as they passed on the busy Miami street. Sweet notes filled the air, and he recognized the familiar tune playing from the jukebox inside the creamery. “I’m glad those teenagers picked a good song to play.” His spoon scraped the bottom of the yellow bowl. “Do you want to dance?”

  He stared at her mouth as her tongue swooped her lower lip, catching a drop of melting ice cream. She scraped the bottom of her bowl as she spooned the last bite into her mouth.

  She licked her lips and frowned as she glanced at her watch. “Look how late it is. I don’t think we have time to dance. We’d better get back. We promised your aunt we wouldn’t stay out too late.”

  He huffed as he held her hand while walking to his car. Warm, glowing feelings covered his entire being. The buildings that rose against the midnight black sky, the palm tree leaves as they fluttered in the wind, the raucous laughter in the creamery, the taste of chocolate, vanilla and bananas…he would remember all of this for as long as he lived. Most of all he would remember how pretty Rainy looked in her tangerine dress. Her brow furrowed with worry as she thought about her beloved niece. Lord, I hope she is worried and concerned about me like that…eventually. Oh, please, Lord, please make it happen!

  Before he opened her door, he pulled her into his arms. He held her so tight that he could feel her ribs beneath her cotton dress.

  “What’s wrong?” Her dark eyes were laced with concern as he touched her cheek.

  I love you, that’s what’s wrong with me. He caressed her flat stomach and held her slender arm. “You’ve lost weight. I hope you’re taking care of yourself.”

  “Since we arrived at the creamery, you’ve been acting strange. Maybe they put something in that ice cream.”