by Emily Sharp
“That would be great. Do you want to go to that taco place again? They were really good,” he said.
“Don't you want to go to a restaurant?” Cathy said, looking at my dad.
“Well, we can tomorrow, but these tacos are something else, aren't they kiddo?”
I smiled. “They are.”
Cathy had an air about her, an arrogance that came off in waves. But seeing my dad smile, his eyes lighting up, I let it slide.
“Do you guys need a place to sleep tonight? You can take my room.”
“No, that will not be necessary. I already booked a room at the Five Branches,” Cathy said pretty hastily.
“Oh, OK.”
We made small talk for the next ten minutes with Cathy telling me about her work.
“So, basically you manage stocks for big companies and get to work anywhere you want? That’s the perfect job!” I said smiling at her.
“Yes, I suppose so,” she said, a smile on her face.
I felt like puking, but instead smiled back. You could tell she came from money and was one of those people that thought it made her special.
“OK, kiddo, we are going to go check in. So, can we meet you back here tonight? Say around five?” he said, standing up from the couch.
“Yeah, that would be perfect. You want to grab some food on the way over?” I said, grabbing my bag and purse and then opening the door.
“You bet, sweetie. Love you,” he said giving me a hug. I shook Cathy's hand and watched as they walked off to the parking lot. I saw Dad grab her butt, and Cathy shake her head. I was glad Dad was happy.
I wanted to be happy as well.
“Oh, Veronica, I miss you,” I said, sighing. I put the key in the door and locked it.
***
After school, I stopped by the liquor store and grabbed a six pack for us to have with dinner. Once home, I set the alarm on my phone and started an hour worth of school work. The wind picked up, and looking out the open blinds, I saw a big storm was rolling in. The sky was dark and lighting flashed in the distance. Going back to the computer screen I typed away, the words coming easily to my fingers as they danced across the keyboard.
The alarm went off, and since it was five, I closed down the laptop and stretched. The wind was really blowing and the rain was pelting against the window.
Heading into the kitchen, I pulled the beer from the fridge and set it on the counter as the sound of knocking came from the door.
“Wow, you’re soaked!” I said, seeing my dad standing there with two bags in his hands.
“Absolutely downpouring. The streets are all like rivers,” he said, stepping in. I looked out the door and then turned back to Dad.
“Hey, where’s Cathy?” I asked.
“Oh, she was feeling tired and decided to stay in,” he said and then added, “Which is fine by me. That leaves more tacos for us.” He grinned
He went to the couch, and grabbing the six pack, I brought it over and handed him a beer.
“Thank you,” he said. Undoing one for myself, we clinked our glasses and took a drink.
“So, how are you? How’s school?” he said, digging into the bag.
“School is good. I have lots of work, but I have a break coming up for a few weeks before the next semester starts,” I said, taking the wrapped goodness he handed me.
“That’s good,” he said, grabbing one for himself and quickly unwrapping it.
I giggled as he hurriedly started taking bites, and grabbing a napkin, handed it to him.
“Can’t take me anywhere,” he said, wiping sauce off his mouth.
“So, how is it with Cathy? Are you guys getting close?” I said, waiting for his reaction.
He grabbed his beer bottle and took a drink.
“You know, she’s a good woman. A bit high and mighty…” he said, grinning and causing me to laugh. “Don't deny it. It’s obvious and I see it. But besides that, she’s all right. She’s just got a tough exterior, but she’s coming around.”
“She won’t have a choice. You’re a bad influence on everyone.”
He laughed, grabbing another taco. “And why would you say that?”
I raised my own taco and beer. “How many dads let their daughter have this combo on a Friday night?”
“I'm sure lots do,” he said.
“When they’re fifteen!” I said.
He laughed. “And you turned out just fine. Now pass me that napkin, I’m making a mess.”
We ate our food and talked back and forth.
“So, the trip was fine. Sometimes she’s a little high maintenance…” He flashed a grin.
I rolled my eyes. “Yes, I guess all young women are like that.”
He laughed. “OK, I shouldn't, but mind if I eat the last one?” he said, nodding at the bag.
“Go for it, I'm done,”
“Thank you.” He grabbed it and ate it like there was no tomorrow.
I wished Veronica was here sitting with us. I think she would adore him and get along great with him.
“So, what about you?” Dad said, breaking me from my thoughts.
“What about me what?”
“I know when my girl is la-la land. Who's the lucky lady?”
I curled my legs up under me.
“Well, her name is Veronica. She’s older than me by seven years.”
“Chasing after older women? I never should have let you go to college.” He handed me a new beer and took one for himself.
I laughed, grabbing the beer. “Anyway, we are just friends at this point. She’s in New York, training as a restaurant manager.” I took a drink. “We have tons in common, from reading to swimming, and everything in between.”
“Well, good. It sounds like she’s definitely someone you like.”
I smiled. “Yeah, it’s weird, but I really liked her… from the first moment I saw her. Does that sound kind of silly?”
He smiled, his crow’s feet drawing tight. “No, honey, it doesn't. When I first met your mom I felt the same way. You should have seen her that day, absolutely gorgeous. I thought the sun must have risen each day just to highlight her beauty.”
I knew exactly how he felt. And seeing him mention mom, I saw his eyes wince for a moment.
“Aww, Dad, you still miss her, don’t you?” I said.
“I do, every single day. Her laugh, her smile. But I moved on now. The depression is gone.”
It had taken me a few years with my depression, and at times, I missed her as well. But thankfully I was able to deal with it.
“Anyway, to new beginnings,” Dad said, raising his glass.
“Agreed!” I said, clinking against it.
***
We talked for the next few hours, then Dad looked up at the clock.
“All right, kiddo, I better get going,” he said, standing up.
“What’s going on tomorrow?” I said.
“Well, I was going to take her shopping,” he said rolling his eyes. “And we’ll be leaving right after that.”
We walked over to the door. “I could see about a late lunch if you want?” he said, looking at me.
“No, that’s fine. To be honest, I have a lot of work to do this weekend.”
“All right, then. Well, if I don't see you before…You’re still coming over for Thanksgiving, right?”
“You bet. And maybe I’ll be bringing someone else.” I laughed.
“What’s so funny?” he said.
“Nothing. it’s just that Veronica is almost thirty and Cathy is thirty-seven,” I said shaking my head.
“That is funny. I didn't think of that either until now.” I gave him a hug and he smiled at me, then kissed my forehead.
“Now, listen, make sure you’re locking up at night. And be careful out there. I saw one of them lights in the parking lot flickering.”
“Oh, I have been leaving my windows open at night, should I stop doing that?” His eyes went wide as I laughed. “Every time, you’re slowing down in your o
ld age.”
“Old age? You see the young women throwing themselves at me?” he said, laughing as he opened the door and stepped out. The thunder boomed as the sky lit up.
“All right, Romeo, love you. Call me tomorrow when you get home.”
“All right, princess, love you. Talk to you later.”
I watched as he ran out into the rain, trying to hop across the puddles before I heard a “Dammit!”
Laughing, I went back inside to lock the door and close the windows.
I felt upbeat after Dad left and making a pot of coffee, poured myself a cup, and then headed back into the bedroom to fire up the laptop. I had plenty of work, and a few hours tonight would make less for tomorrow. For the next three hours I typed away, made notes, and presentations. During my second trip for a refill, my phone buzzed. Leaning against the counter, I opened the text from Veronica.
“I have been crazy busy, but having a fun time. I love it here! We have to come out together. I think you would love it.”
I smiled and then took a sip of the hot coffee. Thinking about it for a minute, I replied back.
“I would love to. I couldn't think of anything better.”
And the truth was I couldn't.
Chapter Nine
It had been nine days since Dad had left, and I hadn't heard back from Veronica, though I thought about her every day.
And now pulling into the parking lot at school, I was to give my final presentation in Professor Roberts’ class.
I had dressed up, wearing a business outfit complete with jacket, and a pair of heels. And though I liked the feel of it, I was a tank and jeans girl at heart.
Grabbing my backpack, I walked through the parking lot and then heard a wolf whistle coming from behind me. Turning around, I saw it was Travis.
“You’re lucky I didn't slap you!” I said, laughing.
“Sorry! I had to get you. Are you ready for your last day?” he said, holding his book against his chest.
“Yeah, I have a big presentation, then one more class tomorrow. Then, break time, here we come! What about you?” I said as we started walking to the building.
“Just a final exam. I’ve been studying all night. Alice called though and encouraged me. Oh, she said to tell you hi and was sending you an email or something.”
I smiled. “Yep, already got it.” She had asked me if I would go Christmas shopping with her when she returned. And of course, I had said yes.
He held the door open for me as we walked in.
“Look, I better get going. If you want to head on over this week, we will get a game going,” he said.
“Sounds good. And good luck on the exam!”
“You too,” he called back.
I watched as his tall frame walked among the other people, his cowboy hat rising high above them all.
I hurried to my own class. There were three final presentations today, and as luck would have it, I would be the last one.
I went through the door as Professor Roberts leaned against his desk.
“Ms. Summers, you’re looking mighty professional today,” he said. He had a binder opened, and a girl in class swore to me after class one day it was full of topless women.
“Thanks!” I said, hurrying to my seat.
A few minutes later class started and a young guy who looked extremely nervous started his presentation.
“Th-thank you all for be-being he-here,” he stuttered.
The professor came up and whispered in his ear. I saw the guy close his eyes for a moment then opened them and smile. He then continued and his voice was much steadier and clearer this time around. The time flew by quickly and then I was called to go up. Grabbing my notes, I headed to the front of the classroom to the small podium.
Arranging my notes, I looked over and saw Professor Roberts grinning at me. It was that type of grin when someone knows something but won’t tell you. I panicked, running my hand through my hair, then taking a breath began.
“The ethics of business in the twenty-first century and the global workforce can both grow equally together,” I said. Feeling a bit confident I continued. About five minutes in, a man in a suit came into the classroom and pulled up a chair next to the professor. For the next twenty minutes, I spoke, shared data and in the end, ended with the following: “The answer is, yes, because it’s the ethical thing to do.” This brought about some laughs as people clapped.
“Excellent job, Ms. Summers,” the professor said. Then he turned to the class, his hands raised high like a Caesar. “Everyone, enjoy your break. I will see some of you in a few weeks.” He stood next to me. I went to leave but he held up his hand as the class scurried out. The man in the suit walked over. He was in his mid-forties, clean-shaven, and had dark hair and eyes. You could feel the confidence ooze off him as he approached.
“Julie Summers, I would like you to meet Mark Hedges, CEO of Dentane Manufacturing,” he said.
“Nice to meet you,” the man said, extending his hand. I took his in mine giving it a firm shake. I knew of the company, they were a huge manufacturer of products ranging from automotive to household. “Excellent presentation, Ms. Summers.”
“Thank you. I have a good professor.”
Mark laughed. “Yeah, don't tell him that, it gets to his ego.” This caused the professor to snort.
“Anyway, I won’t keep you, but have you thought about where you’re heading once you graduate?”
“I'm not sure. I have been so focused on schooling,” I said, then felt foolish for my answer. Here was a big-shot CEO and here I was saying I had no idea what I wanted to do.
“Understandable. Well, when you get close to graduating, shoot me an email,” he said, reaching in and handing me a business card. “We are looking for new talent, and you may just be what we need.”
“Wow, thank you,” I said, noticing both he and the professor smile. I stood there not sure what to say and then the professor leaned into me. “Have a great three weeks,” he said.
“Right, thank you both,” I said, then hurried back to my stuff. I couldn't believe it, a huge billion-dollar company showing interest in me. I was so excited, and grabbing my stuff, I hurried out of the room and then popped my head back in. “Bye!” I said and then giggled.
They both laughed. I was so excited, I sent Veronica a text and then drove home. I felt like I was floating on clouds. The world was mine and I was ready to take it. Later I wanted to celebrate, to take Veronica out to dinner, to spend time with her, to hold her hand.
Instead, I fell asleep alone, missing her more than ever.
Chapter Ten
Two days later, I walked out of class, ready for my three-week break. The sun was shining and I felt the tension and stress leave me the moment the sun’s rays came over me.
My phone rang, and seeing it was Veronica, I answered it.
“Hello,” I said so happy to hear from her.
“Hey, girl, you want to go on a date?”
“What? When?”
“Now,” she said. “I just got home an hour ago.”
“No way! That’s great, and yes, school just got out, it would be perfect.”
“Great! Where do you want to go?” she said, as I walked to my car. Opening it, I threw my purse on the passenger seat.
“Hmm, surprise me. And you’re picking me up this time.”
“Well, aren't we demanding?” she said and then laughed.
I started the car up, the AC blowing on me.
“Tell you what, give me an hour to shower and I’ll come get you,” she said.
“Perfect,” I said, then hung up.
Driving home I sang and felt very much alive.
***
“Wow this is nice,” I said, getting into the passenger seat. The leather was smooth, the interior spotless. A pair of fuzzy purple dice hung from the rear-view mirror.
“Yeah, she is,” Veronica said, smiling at me. I had showered and changed into denim shorts, a t-shirt, and my sandals.
“Well, give me a hug,” I said, holding my arms out. She put her arm around me, then smiled as she sat back.
“Good to see you,” she said, biting her lip. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” I said and then added, “So, where are we going?”
“That is a surprise,” she said, backing the car up. I looked over at her. She wore the same violet lipstick, matching the purple and white shirt she was wearing. Her shorts were really short showing off her creamy tanned thighs and legs that ran down to a pair of heels.
“Is it hard driving in those?” I said, nodding toward her feet.
She looked down and then laughed. “No, not really. I’m used to them. I love heels, always have.”
“So, tell me, how was New York?”
“New York was awesome. It’s so busy all the time, and it’s not like the movies. I mean people are blunter there, but it’s just a cool melting pot. I could see myself living there.”
“Really?” I said, looking at her.
“Yeah, you would love it too I bet,” she said.
I smiled, even if she was in the middle of the desert, I would love wherever she was.
For the next hour we talked about her job, my school, and everything in between. I felt like I had known her for years. Her stories were great, her smile addicting, and I found myself happy just listening. We had entered the mountains, and pulling off, we stopped at a gas station.
“I'm thirsty. Let’s grab a drink,” she said.
“Me too,” I said.
We went in and got a couple of fountain drinks, and coming back outside, a guy around thirty was checking out the car.
“Is this yours?” he said, looking at us.
“Yeah, it’s mine all right,” Veronica said smiling.
“Man, don't see them that often nor this clean. Mind if take a peek at the engine?” he said.
“Sure, let me get it,” Veronica said. She leaned through the open window and bent over, her shorts rising dangerously high. The guy’s eyes went wide, a huge grin on his face, and I laughed, quickly covering my mouth.
Five minutes later, he shook her hand and went back to his car and we got back into Veronica's.
