Man of Mystery

by L. B. Wilde

  Her tm back “Don't worry BFF I have your back; that is ‘sooo’ awesome! I'll see you at home around 6 and I aced my finals! Girls night at home to talk OK?”

  “Awesome news for u, Tif what would I do without you! See you soon! You're the best!”

  Thanking God that she has Tiffany to talk to. She doesn't think she could handle this without her.

  We finally close up, counting down her drawer ready to head out when Mr. Bradshaw steps up to her and asks if he can have a word with her in his office. Holy cow, what did she do? She has been on time; her drawer is always on, was it the flowers? She tries to calm herself walking to his office taking several deep breaths. Brandy knocks on the door softly hoping that he has changed his mind and headed home.

  “Come in please” Mr. Bradshaw says calmly.

  “Sir, you wanted to see me?” she politely ask

  “Yes I do, come in have a seat Ms. Whine.” He says with good humor. She’s perplexed but not reassured.

  “Well, Ms. Whine I want to put you at ease. You have been an excellent employee and you have always done exceptional work” pausing and looking at her intently, she swallows hard not knowing what he is going to say next. “I want to be the first to tell you that there is a great opportunity opening up that I personally feel you're very qualified for. It is a full time position and I feel you can handle it while still continuing your studies. This opportunity is coming up in my personal opinion at a time that gives you enough time to learn the position before you start your new classes in the fall. May I ask you how you would feel to become a full time employee before I continue?” Taking in what he is telling her, this is job career that has come true! She gathers her thoughts for a moment so she doesn’t jump up and kiss the man.

  “Sir, I appreciate that you are taking this time to talk to me and yes I am very interested in a full time position here at the bank.” she says trying not to sound desperate but professional in this situation. This day just keeps getting better and better. “Please continue.” she implores.

  “Well Pam has posted for a different position at the main office to further her career and it seems she will most likely get the job. Here position will be opening up here. I wanted to inform you about it before it is posted throughout the bank or on the internet. I always feel that if we have someone such as yourself who is very qualified for a job opening they should be the one who should get the position. Now I can't guarantee you will get it but I want you to get yourself prepared by updating your resume and applying for it when it posts which will be by the end of this week. Is that something you will be interested in?”

  “Yes” saying a little too high pitched clearing her throat. “I'll touch up my resume this week and apply for the position as soon as it is available.”

  “Good” Mr. Bradshaw smiles “The details of the position will be in the listing. It will explain the hours, benefits starting pay and such. Good luck Brandy, I'll make sure I put in a good word for you.” as he extends his hand showing our conversation is now over.

  “Thank you Mr. Bradshaw that is very kind of you” Shaking his hand politely saying good bye and restrain herself from doing a touchdown dance when she leaves his office! She can't wait to tell Tiffany, Mikey and Pete. Quickly, she tm Tiffany to tell her she has awesome news, see if Mikey and Pete want to come by for dinner and she’ll whip something up when she gets home. Her tm back, “Really you’re going to keep me in suspense till you get home! :( I'll call them now see you soon!”

  In all this excitement she almost forgot her roses; they are definitely coming home with her too! The drive isn't too bad and she has three smiling faces when she comes in the door. Mikey is the first to speak, “Oh it's the roses; I can only imagine who bought those for you, that is so sweet! Hey Pete when was the last time you bought me flowers?” He pouts. Pete just laughs, “Only when you deserve them if I do it all the time you wouldn't appreciate flowers anymore!”

  We all start giggling she says, “Yes the roses are from Nathan but that isn't all my news I have for you.” Pausing and soak up the anticipated looks they are giving her, “Well Mr. Bradshaw pulled me into his office today. He wants me to apply for a full time position that is opening up as of this Friday! He gave me a heads up so I can update my resume and he is putting in a good word for me!”

  Mikey starts applauding jumping up and down, Tiffany runs over and gives her a huge hug and Pete saunters over to kiss her on the cheek “That's our girl, I know you deserve it and I'm confident you'll get it” he says warmly.

  After putting her flowers on the counter in a perfect place, she starts rummaging through the frig to start on dinner. Chicken Marsella over rice looks good tonight and her three friends agree. We start to talk about the job position filling them in with what she knows of Pam's job. They all are so enthusiastic for her of course Mikey states you need a new wardrobe when you get the job. She is like if, please don't jump the gun. Pete reminds her that she still works at Arnold's and wondering if she will keep working there if she gets full time? Politely he tells her that all work and no play will make her a workaholic way too young to do that. He's right, if she does get full time, she will have to quit working at Arnolds. She will miss everyone doesn’t want to overdo herself. While the food is cooking her cell rings, looking down she sees it’s Nathan. Brandy Answers with a chirpy hello excitement in her voice.

  “Well, it sounds like you have had a good day was it the flowers?” Nathan asks.

  “Yes, your flowers brought me good luck!” she exclaim “They are home with me now so I can smell them every evening before I go to bed and mornings when I wake up. This whole week they will remind me of you.” sighing and wishing he was here.

  “Hmm, well I need to figure out what I can get from you that will remind me of the same happy thoughts when you’re not with me.” he chuckles, “So what kind of good luck did the flowers bring you?”

  By this time my friends notice that her talking to Nathan and they all say in chorus “Hello Nathan” we all start chuckling and Nathan replies “Tell everyone hello back!”

  Politely telling them he says “Hi” and shoo them away so she can cook and talk to Nathan in some kind of privacy. They smile and go hang out on the couch and make small talk so she can finish.

  “Well, you know I'm going to have to think of something for you to remember me by the next time I see you. Now the good luck is that Mr. Bradshaw has told me about a position that is opening at the bank that he thinks I'll be perfect for. Its full time and this is the opportunity I have been waiting for!” excited again at telling Nathan, she just doesn't want to end up disappointed but living for the moment.

  “That’s great news Brandy! I’m sure you’ll be perfect for the job and I have confidence you will get it!” He sounds excited for her too, “So when will you find out?”

  “Well I have to brush up my resume and then apply for the position; it’s a little premature to say yet how long I will know once I apply. Pete also reminded me that if I get the job, I will have to quit working at Arnold’s. I start this Saturday night too. I might talk to the owner then just so he has a heads up, not wanting burn bridges per say.” she sighs again because she really does like the owner and the people but working there is not a life time goal for her.

  “That’s a very smart thing to do by telling them. You have a good heart Brandy and I’m sure they will understand. It sounds like you have a busy week ahead of you?” he implores.

  “Yes Nathan I do, but let’s get off that subject, how was your day?” really wanting to hear more about him not always about herself.

  “Not as exciting as yours, but that’s Ok.” For some strange reason the only exciting part of his day was remembering his weekend with her. He would like to do that again soon! Feeling like he smile through the phone, her heart starts to race she slightly blush, oh he is going to give her hot dreams tonight.

  “So” she coos “When will I see you next, and yes I would like a repeat of our yacht tri
p encounter again” saying it low and seductively. This isn’t normally how she talks but he brings it out of her, her mind and body just reacts together.

  “I wish it could be now, but since it can’t I’ll come up with something. I don’t think I can wait till Friday to see you.” He sounds physically excited as much as her. “Listen Babe, I have to go for now but be ready, I’ll see you sooner than you think.” He softly whispers as she melts on every word.

  “I’ll miss you until then, have a good night, I’ll be dreaming of you” sighing with a smile

  “You’ve been in my dreams for a long time, now enjoy your night and I’ll see you very soon.” He states matter of fact, kind of weird again since she has only known him for a few days.

  They say their goodbyes with perfect timing; she doesn’t want to burn dinner! She snaps back to reality while her friends are ravished. Mikey and Pete have brought over a bottle of wine to celebrate her possible promotion and we laugh and enjoy our dinner together. We keep it to being any early night since we all have jobs or school to attend to.

  After Mikey and Pete leave Tiffany turns to her with a big smile. “Well, girlfriend you haven't told me what happened yesterday? I have a feeling there is more to tell me!” she pries

  “You right, not that I'm going to tell you everything exactly but I have finally found the romantic gene and it blossomed. How's that for an answer!” blushing slightly

  “You go girl and good for you! You did use protection right? Just asking to make sure you play it safe, you don't want your career interrupted if you know what I mean?” She inquires.

  “Yes of course, but honestly I have told you I'm on the pill anyways to regulate my menstrual cycle. She started it about a year ago, so obviously it's coming in handy now. He doesn't know that yet but if it happens again, she will tell him if she gets a moment to do so!” she giggles

  “Good, stay safe and enjoy life for once. So when are you going to see him again?'

  “We are planning on Friday again at Denny's Den I can’t wait.” She has never felt this way before about anyone, she thinks of him all the time. Is something wrong with her? Her expression is somewhat dumbfounded because she really doesn't know what she is feeling. It is all so new to her.

  “Girl, it’s called serious attraction which can lead into the next step. It’s OK just taking it slow and you will be fine. Keep your head together and follow your heart for now. That's the best advice I can give you.” Tif tells her so sweetly, giving her a big hug and saying goodnight. Her words have helped her relax feeling more in control of her emotions. She is right, just keep her head together and follow her heart for now. Enjoy it while it lasts.

  Going to bed with her mind whirling, normally not liking Mondays but this has been an exciting one that's for sure.

  Nathan is pleased to hear that his girl Brandy will be getting the job. Obviously his influence has helped but he can never present her to his parents if they even think she is a waitress. His mum would have a heart attack on the spot. He is pleased that it is working out fast and she will know after this week so she will not ever waitress again; not that he doesn’t believe waitresses have a place and are well needed in this world but his parents would look at her like she was a servant which won’t help in winning them over.

  Chapter 7

  She awakens from some really hot dreams of Nathan. Hoping this week flies by so she can see him soon. Getting the emotional urge to call him, quickly just sending a tm so she doesn't end up saying anything goofy like tell her about the dreams.

  “Thinking about you and looking forward to seeing you on Friday. My flowers will remind me every day of you. Keep in touch hugs and kisses:-*”

  Hoping he responds but not wanting to be over anxious. She showers to get ready for her class finals. It will be a perfect day to touch up her resume after school. She really wants to be ready for the job opening.

  While towel drying her hair she sees that the phone has a tm. He did respond to her, she’s thrilled.

  “Hey baby, I did dream of you last night and it was hot! There might be some changes to our plans for Friday but I'll touch base with you soon and let you know. Kisses back”

  Ok, she will flow with that. Not wanting to sound anxious so she will let it go. He is a mystery of sorts knowing he is here on business. She will patiently wait as Tiffany said keep her head together for now.

  The day passes by without incented. Being really busy getting everything done with school and when she gets home reviews her resume updating it. Seems just like a relaxing Tuesday. Tiffany tm’s that she will be home soon and let’s do dinner with a movie which we haven’t done in so long. Agreeing a cozy night home will be an excellent idea. Prepping dinner and Tiffany will pick up a movie for use to watch on her way home.

  Deciding she could really use some music right now while cooking. She always cooks unless we do take out. Tiffany is a sweet girl but a mess in the kitchen. She’s lucky if she doesn’t burn toast. We joke about it all the time but love how she appreciates her cooking. Not like she is a gourmet cook or anything but living in a small town you learn to bake and cook for so many functions it’s almost natural to do so.

  Her mind starts thinking that she should find a nice recipe to make for Nathan sometime. He has expensive tastes but if he really wants to get to know her she’ll have to make one of her specialties for him. Thinking which one or maybe if things go well she’ll bake one of her friend’s favorite cut out cookies. Having cut outs for all occasions so it doesn’t have to be Christmas or anything. It’s just time consuming and they gobble them up before you know it. Appreciating that because it obviously means they are really good.

  Suddenly, the song is on that she didn’t recognize when we were dancing. Now she hears the lyrics and it floods back to her. It is Billy Joel, “Just the way you are” smiling ever so warmly. It is a perfect song with the memories of their time on the Yacht and at the restaurant come flooding back. Missing him right now and pretend she is dancing with him.

  His warm caresses as he gently touches her body. His breath on her neck that sends shivers down her spine as he softly kisses her. Closing her eyes imagining he is showing off his elegance in front of everyone at the restaurant while holding her tightly against him. The song ends and she sighs, that is now her favorite song because it will always remind her of Nathan.

  Tiffany comes in and sees Brandy bustling in the kitchen with a sweet smile on her face with dreamy eyes. “OK, spill it what happened today, you look like all glassy eyes, what’s up?

  “Our song was on that we danced to on the yacht and at the restaurant. It just made me feel like I miss him right now. I was doing fine until it came on but it sent me heart fluttering.” Dreamily she replies.

  “You are so cute; I have never seen you gaga over anyone! Don’t give in yet, you still have time to get to know each other, remember what I told you last night. The only reason I’m telling you this is because I’m your friend. He is kind of mysterious, not that I don’t like him or anything but don’t rush into anything ok?” she implores.

  Knowing she means well and is just making sure she doesn’t get hurt. That is a true friend agreeing whole heartedly. Loving the memory though and it will haunt her all night that’s for sure. Getting back to reality letting her know dinner is almost ready and what kind of movie did she get for them tonight? She was smart enough not to get anything romantic or emotional knowing full well that they have both just met some really awesome guys and they need a comedy relief. She is very smart in trying to keep an even level on life.

  We start eating our meal and talk about what we have to look forward to for the weekend. Telling her that Nathan will be seeing her but she might not be going to Denny’s Den. She slightly pouts but telling her nothing is for certain yet.

  Getting in our night clothes, making some pop corn we get comfy on the couch and watch the movie. It was funny and it had us laughing out loud several times. The comedy relief was defiantly a good cal
l. Heading to bed shortly after since tomorrow is a work day having to be there by 8 am.

  Normal routine of the day starts as she goes to work in her lud. The day is bright with sunshine now seeing several robins starting to make nests in the surrounding trees. Soon there will be a lot of baby chicks chirping filling the air on her morning walk to the car. Her purse starts to chirp because of the phone; before she starts driving takes a look.

  “Hey babe, I never heard back from you yesterday. Is everything ok? “

  Oops, was she supposed to reply, guessing not used to that since she never really had a boyfriend before.

  “Sorry, got busy and had a nice girl’s night with Tiffany at home watching a movie. I did think of you when our dance song came on. I would like to that one again!”

  Boy is it easier to tm it then to actually say it. If she was talking to him right now she would be blushing. Really Brandy you need to learn to control the excessive blushing!

  “Well maybe I can make that happen! Are you working today?

  Make what happen, that we dance again or the other part? Now he really has her interest.

  “Yes I am heading there now, I have to go, I don’t tm and drive. I’ll call you later after work and see what your thoughts are for Friday if that’s OK?”

  “OK, drive safe, I’ll see you very soon! Keep dreaming of me as I do you!”

  Oh, don’t start to even drift off about the dreams she had of him. She will not be able to drive.

  Today she gets an hour break since it’s a full day she won’t be out until about 5pm. Banker’s hours are strange for what they consider a full day by comparison to a 9-5 type of job. It works for her since she wants to work and finish school. Right before her lunch break, starting to close up her window, her head is down as she is locking up her drawer catching a glimpse of someone walking up to her window. Don’t they see the closed sign, really people don’t you read. Glancing up to see and a smile broadens across her face, it’s Nathan.