by Davee Jones
“Hey, hey, you’re really getting worked up over this.” Clicking like a Rubik’s cube, Mindie’s brain began putting like lines together. An obvious scenario popped in her mind. “You like this guy! As in maybe crushing a little bit? You had a total boo response to this guy you barely know. Something was flying in the air between you two. Dammit I missed it.”
“Okay, now you’re moving too fast for me. Like you said I barely know the guy, we barely know him, even if we do know they bought your cousin’s farm. There is no such thing as love at first sight.”
“Whoa, slow your roll. You just said the L word. All I said was like, and girlfriend you went the extra mile. You’re the one getting results from a love ritual.”
“This is why I don’t like conversations with you. You read too much into my confusion.”
The morning sun reflected off of the plate glass windows across the street. More people began bustling around, getting another lazy day started. No matter how hard anyone down town worked, the pace appeared fluid, never rushed. The graceful busy-ness reminded Mindie they had bigger topics to tackle. “I’ll let this go for now. But you’ll owe me girl talk later.”
Nixie stood and stretched, smiling toward the sky above. “Yes, yes, I know you won’t let this go. Like you, I’m excited to get to the bank. My craziness will wait for a better time.”
Hopping up, Mindie clapped her hands together. “We have a date at the bank, that’s who we need to butter up. Who cares about pig farmers?”
Nixie piled her hair on top of her head with both hands, letting out a sigh. Words spilling from her mouth so low Mindie couldn’t hear. “Maybe I do?”
****
"Who needs a tiger when we have a cougar?" Nixie wrinkled her nose never taking her eyes off the beautiful woman and her obviously younger companion. “What am I doing wrong?”
“You aren’t wrong, absolutely nothing is wrong with you. Will you be easier on my poor best friend?” Mindie snacked on popcorn, staring into the tiger enclosure. “You had a great idea to come to the zoo, it’s been way too long. I guess I’ve been way too stressed out.”
“Nothing like childhood to bring a smile, huh?” Finally turning around away from the snuggling couple, she snagged a few pieces of popcorn from Mindie’s bucket. “Today, we don’t think about men, wine, money, business, or being an adult. We pretend we are young again, when these creatures fascinated us.”
“We are supposed to not think about men when you just described them perfectly? You know, creatures, but, maybe not fascinate me as much as irritate me.”
“You’re still judging all men by some glied-face named Charles. We should ban the name Charles from our vocabulary.”
“As good as done, I won’t ever use that name again. At least not today, not on such a beautiful day.”
Before the sun beat down relentlessly from the clear mid-western sky, the girls took the opportunity to visit a nearby zoo. The early morning dew still sparkled on blades of green grass. Smells of enclosures without the harsh stench of wildlife invigorated promise of the warming day. Animals readied for guests, if not domesticated, at least accustomed to human presence. The afternoon heat drove them inside shades or quasi-caves making morning the perfect time for the girls to visit. Neither one had been to a zoo in years, evidenced by youthful enthusiasm, frequent giggles, and pointing in many directions.
“Why can’t things be as simple as today, all the time?” Mindie sighed, grimacing at the same time.
“Simple fades with age. Responsibility replaces anything simple, life isn’t fair in that respect.”
“When life isn’t fair, we get cotton candy as solace.” The small stand of spun sweetness beckoned with heated scents of sugary potential. Growing up, Mindie favored the days of the circus, zoo, or the local carnival simply for the joy of blue, pink, or purple fluffy poofs on the paper stick. Watching the workers swirl sugar granules into the bouffant treat amazed and delighted her. The thought of making something so good in its essence even more superior with a slight change encouraged her to believe something better always existed. She shouldn’t stop searching-sugar can turn into cotton candy. Leave it to her to be so pensive. Even in youth, she’d always been a dreamer.
“Okay, more junk food, you know what this means?”
“Yes, more laps down the rows of our future empire, that’s what this means. I’ll be busting my ass up and down the dirt, it’s all worth it.” Mindie handed the attendant money for two paper batons. “We need blue and pink, please.”
“You’re dragging me into your sucrose sins. You’re a wicked influence.” Picking a dainty section of the top, Nixie popped the wad of floss into her mouth. Closing her eyes at the same time, a smile perked up the corners of her lips. Holding her mouth closed for a few seconds, she pursed her lips before taking another bite. “Gut, gut, gut…you know as you Americans say, good.”
“I know what gut is in German, I’ve been around you a little bit. I also know this stuff is incredibly good.”
Sharing bites of each other’s colors for a subtle flavor exchange, the girls gobbled up the cotton candy before the humidity turned it to sticky, gel strands of mess. Sticky hands and mouths later, they’d had their fill of a childhood treat. “Okay, while very good, I don’t think I could do that again today.” Mindie patted her belly. “I expect a sugar crash anytime soon, that stuff was intense.”
“Maybe you burned it off faster when you were a kid, you know, all the energy. I agree, I don’t want any more of that today. Maybe not again this year.” Nixie took a long sip of water.
“I wouldn’t go that far. A year is a dang long time to deprive myself of such a fun thing to do.”
“I need to wash all this sugar off my teeth. They’re coated. Please tell me I don’t have blue teeth.” Opening her mouth, revealing teeth and tongue both tinged incredibly blue.
“Yes, I’m afraid they’re blue. It’ll wash off. Besides, who will we see here today anyway? A bunch of families with excited kids, they won’t give a crap if you have blue teeth.”
“What if the man of my dreams approaches me? He’ll run for the nearest exit if I smile at him.”
“C’mon, you’re crazy.” Mindie tugged Nixie along, approaching the next exhibit. “Besides, Brent probably works today.”
“You suck as a best friend.”
Walking through the zoo, sunshine bright on their trail, laughing at animal poses and some antics intended for their audience. Mindie wondered how pent up they must feel at times, even in the best care and surroundings. Sometimes she also felt restricted by her surroundings. Hopefully, the vineyard allowed stretching room for her eager wings. She shook off the heaviness of her thoughts, trying to simply enjoy being with her best friend for the day. However, every once in a while, Charles Stansfield crept into her consciousness, jolting her off her center of joy.
Saving the indoor enclosures for the heat of the early afternoon, they covered every single outdoor habitat. Walking away from the alligator pit, Nixie finally broached the forbidden subject. “Those are like Stansfield you think? Just waiting for the best time to drag you under.”
“I thought we weren’t going to discuss assholes and other nastiness today?” Leave it to Nixie to change the rules midstream. She enjoyed keeping Mindie on her toes.
“Did you really think we could go an entire day without talking about guys? Especially the current despicable specimen you found? We need to reinforce how to stay away from such repulsiveness.”
Confusing at best, Mindie’s visual memory scanned over the despicable specimens’ physique. If he were mute and normal he’d be perfect. His personality really ruined an impressive package deal of a man. She’d never been one attracted to the popular looks. Charles mysteriously invigorated her sense of female adventure. A typical tall dark and handsome, he epitomized the definition of classic attractive male. Being very tall, towering at least a foot above her, he carried his height with manly grace. Broad muscular shoulders bumped perfe
ctly into impressive biceps, triceps, forearms, and finally those strong hands. However, his hands contained no calluses, the palms of his hands too soft for desirability. Still, they probably felt really good against smooth creamy skin.
His muscular chest rippled underneath those expensive business shirts. He’d feel like a wall next to a woman’s ear, resting upon his chest. She could only imagine six pack abs, solid, unforgiving, like a human punching bag. Continuing downward, the curve of his ass pressed against the slightly loose dress slacks. He’d fill a Speedo for sure, probably the front and the back. Heat instantly filled her face, giving away naughty thoughts. Why the hell was I thinking about his junk? Please tell me Nixie didn’t pick up on my guilty reaction. Say something, divert attention from my inflamed face. “Guys are guys. No matter how sexy or good-looking they might be, none of that means a thing if their attitude sucks.”
She friggin caught me. “Look out! My girl has a lady hard on for the asshole in an expensive suit.” Nixie laughed, rolling her hips into a large circle, while snapping her fingers out in front of her.
“Would you stop that? Folks will think a monkey got loose.” Looking around for the amount of attention she’d surely attracted, Mindie bowed her head. Hating to be the one on the other side of people watching, she wanted a hole to crawl into. Maybe one would magically appear in the asphalt walking path. Uncharacteristic for a normally reserved personality, she busted out all the months of reticence into a pent up display fitting for someone intoxicated. “That man is incorrigible, he’s a dick, a walking dick with nothing on his mind but hurting people. He happens to be attractive, but, that’s way beside the point. He doesn’t deserve good love.”
Nixie jigged around, completely ridiculous from the sugar buzz. “Mindie’s got blue lady balls.”
How neither of them missed the young guy approaching was a mystery. Nixie continued her exaggerated dancing, unaware of her audience He approached with a goofy grin spread across his face. Before Mindie could intervene, he put a finger across those lips as if asking to keep a secret. Not really knowing this guy from Adam, she only had a moment to wonder why she should allow her best friend to be humiliated? Just who did this guy think he was? He wasn’t invited to their stress meltdown.
Mindie tried to say something but he began clapping first. “Now that’s the way you have a good time. It’s good to see a girl loosen up and show her wild side. Get it wild side? We’re at the zoo?”
Freezing in place, she looked like the tin man from Wizard of Oz, or a living street statue like seen on the streets in Vegas. “Oh my heavens! Hey, I’m just being silly. I lost a bet, you know, darn best friend and her big brain. Did you know flamingos aren’t pink by birth? Boy, I sure didn’t know that. I didn’t mean to gather spectators.” Looking toward the ground, Nixie covered her face with her hands. “Shows over. You can turn around and go about your day.”
“Don’t you remember me? I’m Brent Taylor, I delivered some fertilizer for your vineyard.”
Mindie interjected, forcing her hand forward. She had to repair this situation as best as she could. “Hi, so nice to see you ! How goes things? I didn’t get to talk to you the other day. I stayed inside doing paperwork. Thank you very much for showing up so promptly and doing such a great job.” Turning toward her best friend, she patted Nixie on the arm. “Come on, it’s fine, he’s good as family. He doesn’t care that you were working it. At least no one else approached or threw money at you.”
Well, well, what rugged eye candy. Her attention now completely focused on this guy standing between them. His ice blue eyes could reveal everything much about him without a word. Muscled just as well, but from different movements, Brent gave Charles a run for his money in the attractiveness department. Shaggy hair scraped across his sunburned neck, while day-old whiskers dotted his cheeks. No wonder Nixie didn’t say too much about him, she had to be crushing. With age came a few secrets, even between best friends. Sometimes the heart is too difficult to put into words. Mindie decided to forgive her friend, even though they hadn’t even talked much about Brent yet. Maybe someday, she’d actually be a bridesmaid for her best friend.
“I was just making fun, that’s it. You caught me in a rare moment of being a girl.” Visibly uncomfortable, Nixie shuffled her feet still peering at the ground. Looking toward the bathroom, she clearly made a mistake in direction. “Okay, we’ll see you later, Brent, were headed to the reptiles.” Pointing in the direction of the facilities, she didn’t even look at the signage.
“I hope they don’t keep snakes in there, would be a horrible surprise when you sat down.” Brent smiled even bigger, showing a few teeth this time.
“Oh, dear Lord, I can’t catch a break.” Nixie closed her eyes and shook her head.
“We can start over, and I’ll completely forget your attempt at twerking, I promise.” Tilting his head to the side, sincerity replaced the amused smile with a more forgiving one.
Not saying anything, Mindie watched the interaction of these two. She quickly realized she barely knew this side of her best friend. In all the years they’d known each other, not many guys caught Nixie’s eye, even though she had plenty of would-be suitors. So focused on self-awareness, very few people shook Nixie the way Mindie saw Brent visibly distract her sensibilities. Feeling a bit like an intruder, Mindie attempted to make herself as non-descript as possible while they talked. However, she didn’t have to try too hard, they barely knew she was there after the initial hello. Was this going to happen when Nixie finally had a new best friend as in, her future boyfriend? Mindie almost felt sad, before she mentally kicked the pitiful version of her personality. Stop with the drama.
“Honestly, I don’t normally act that way. I guess I’m just in a happy mood today.” Obviously, the blue teeth didn’t phase her.
“I think it’s great. You were so serious the first time we met, I thought I’d done something wrong. All I did was show up for work.”
“So, are you here alone?”
“That sounds like a pickup line.”
Nixie dipped her head, visibly self-conscious again, a repeat of his intrusion into her interpretative dancing. “Sheesh, we’re at a stinking zoo.”
“I didn’t notice much of a smell, not bad stinky. I think the zookeepers are doing a pretty fantastic job.” Reaching out, he tapped her gently on the shoulder. “It’s okay, relax, we can joke around.”
“Joking, yeah, right, that’s what we’re doing.” Clearly not relaxing, Nixie braved a smile, revealing light blue stained teeth.
How did Mindie tell her best friend? Maybe Brent wouldn’t notice. Dammit there wasn’t a good answer to this one.
“I’m here with my brother and his family. I hadn’t been to the zoo in forever, and decided to tag along when they invited me. I used to want to work here, animals are fascinating.” His gaze briefly went directly to her exposed choppers.
“So, I’d offer you a snow cone, but, looks like you probably already had one.”
“No.” Nixie gave a one-word answer before studying Mindie’s expression. “Why do you think we…”
Mindie had to do something to diffuse heaping more embarrassment onto her bestie. She’d probably explode from the inundation. “No, no, Brent, we haven’t had snow cones. Are you offering us one or two?” Raising one eyebrow, Mindie sent the telepathic message hoping he’d catch her request. Don’t ask her about the blue teeth. Lowering her head slightly, she narrowed her eyes, willing him to keep his mouth shut from any further teasing. When Brent furrowed his brow in confusion, Nixie happened to turn away toward the food booths. Mindie took advantage of the opportunity to swipe her pointer finger across her neck, as in, cut it. Then, she pointed at her own teeth, hoping he’d finally get a clue. Finally nodding in understanding, he made an OK sign with one hand.
“Yes, ladies, I’ll buy you both a snow cone. Please, lead the way.”
Nixie called from up ahead. “Yes, more sugar, just what we need. I thought we agreed to no more t
oday.” Her request fell on deaf, meddling best friend ears.
Continuing light discussion, the trio meandered in the warming sunshine to the nearest snow cone sand. The warmth melted Nixie’s shyness away, revealing an incredibly light hearted bubbly side Mindie enjoyed. Of course, she’d grill Nixie all the way home during the car ride inquisition. After purchasing a few rainbow cones, they found a place in the shade to sit and finish them. More families gathered around. Children walked invisible pets on stiff leashes, played with stuffed toys, and some tugged on parent’s shirttails demanding food.
“I guess it’s lunchtime.” Mindie laughed, looking around at all the amusing commotion.
“Yeah, we’ve had nothing but junk food all day. I’ll be ready for something substantial before long.” Nixie drank the remainder of her melted flavored ice.
“My sister-in-law packed a picnic, we probably have a few extra sandwiches.”
Allowing Nixie to take the lead, Mindie would follow whatever she chose to do. Nixie looked at her for help, but, Mindie simply shrugged her shoulders. “It’s your call.”
“I really appreciate… I mean we really appreciate the offer. But, we must leave soon.”
Brent’s shoulders drooped almost instantaneously. “You guys are such good company. It’s a gorgeous day, are you sure? Mindie, don’t you wanna meet the new owners?”
Sensing Nixie’s overwhelmed aura, Mindie interjected. “We’ve got an appointment back at the winery, otherwise, we’d love to take you up on lunch. How about we make it up to you? Give them all a hug from me, tell them we’ll have to get together soon.”
Perking up, Brent nodded. “Absolutely, I’d like that.”
“Okay, how about supper at the winery tomorrow night. We’re trying out some new recipes for the deli we want to open.”
“Deli? I didn’t know you guys wanted to get into the full on restaurant business.”
