by Beth Rinyu
“It happens…a little bit of wine, some high heels, and the next thing you know, you’re on the floor.”
We both busted out with laughter and suddenly I wasn’t feeling so embarrassed anymore. “I had a lot of fun tonight,” I said.
“Me too. So, I was wondering, do you like baseball?”
“Not particularly. Why do you ask?”
“I have tickets to a Yankees game tomorrow night, and since my buddy backed out on me, I was hoping you’d go with me.”
“Hmm…I suppose I can survive a couple quarters in exchange for your company.”
“Actually, it’s innings in baseball.” He chuckled.
“Oh…whatever it is, I’d love to go.”
“Okay…I’ll pick you up at six?”
“Sure.” My mind was going at warped speed. I had fallen on my ass and made a total fool of myself and he was still asking me out on a second date.
“Hello, earth to Rose.” He waved his hand in front of my face.
“Oh, I’m sorry. What were you saying?”
“Where should I pick you up?”
I gave him the address to my aunt’s place and we were now at the dreaded or most anticipated part of every date—the goodbye.
“So, I’ll see ya tomorrow?”
I nodded up at him as his lips came closer to mine before gently touching, leaving me wanting so much more.
“Thanks again for a great night.” I couldn’t resist stretching my neck and placing a kiss on his dimpled cheek after he flagged down a cab for me and opened the door.
“Sweet dreams.” He winked at me just before shutting the door and stepping back onto the sidewalk.
I was unable to control my smile as the cab pulled away. My dad had sent me to New York to learn the value of working for a living. Little did he know, he was leading me right into the arms of my Prince Charming.
Chapter 16
___________________
Alex
MY SUNDAY MORNING WAS spent helping out at the shelter. I was hoping William would have shown up like he had promised, but it was almost noon and there was no sign of him.
“Alex?” a familiar voice beckoned.
I was shocked to find Rose approaching me. I thought the chances of her showing up were even less than William. I was certain something would’ve come up that changed her plans—like a sale at Bloomingdales or a hair appointment. I was glad to see her dressed a little more appropriately for the occasion this time, wearing shorts and sneakers. “I’m sorry I’m so late. I went to brunch with my aunt and ended up spilling orange juice down the front of me, so I had to run back to her place and change.”
“Okay...no need to explain yourself to me.”
“Well, I didn’t want you assuming I was blowing this off.”
“I didn’t assume anything. I didn’t even remember you were coming,” I lied.
“Oh, okay…whatever.” She seemed a little offended. “So, is William here?”
“Nope. I kinda knew it was a shot in the dark.”
She sighed heavily. “It’s sad to think he’s in such bad shape and sleeping out on the streets.”
“Yeah, well, unfortunately there are a lot of people who are in the same situation.” Something she would never understand.
“I showed for our date.”
Rose and I turned our heads to William, who had just entered. He was winded and having a hard time standing. I rushed over to him and grabbed him by the elbow just before he went down.
“William, sit down.” I guided him over to the chair. His breathing was labored, and he was disoriented.
“I’m fine…I fine.” He panted.
“No, you’re not fine,” I replied.
“Rose, you showed for our date.” He managed a smile, but each word he spoke was a struggle.
“I did.” Rose smiled back and took a seat next to him, my eyes immediately focusing on the huge black and blue mark on her knee.
“The last…” William paused and struggled for air. “The last time I had a date…she stood me up. That was forty-five years ago.”
“Well, she was a foolish woman then,” Rose remarked.
“No, she was probably smart,” he answered before going in a full-blown coughing fit.
“I’ll go grab some water.” Rose started to get up and William placed his hand on her arm to stop her. I was just about to get it for him when one of the volunteers came over with some.
“You remind me of someone I used to know.” William’s coughing subsided, and his speech became a little clearer as he stared into Rose’s eyes.
“Who?” Rose asked.
“She was around your age the last time I saw her about twenty years ago.” He continued. “She couldn’t forgive me.” His voice cracked, and the coughing began once again.
Rose lifted her head and creased her eyebrows in confusion. I hadn’t a clue who William was talking about. I didn’t know much about his personal life except his time in the military and his battle with drugs and alcohol. He never really spoke about family, only his lack thereof.
“William, you need to see a doctor.” Rose was gentle in her request. Even though it was fruitless, I had to give her credit for trying.
My eyes widened when he nodded in agreement. Rose looked my way, seeming just as shocked as I was.
“I’ll take you to the hospital and we’ll have a doctor take a look at you,” I said.
He turned his head in Rose’s direction.
“Yes, I’ll come with you,” Rose answered the question he was trying to convey.
He went to stand up and let out a sharp gasp for air. I redirected him back to his seat and tried to help him get his breathing under control.
“I think he needs an ambulance,” I said to Rose.
She nodded in agreement, pulled out her phone, and called 911.
I was able to keep him comfortable until the paramedics arrived. They gave him some oxygen and took his vitals before heading on their way with him. I found out from the ambulance driver which hospital they were taking him to, so I could be there for him.
“I’m going with you,” Rose spoke up.
“You really don’t—”
“Alex, I’m going with you. I promised him I’d go, and I’m going. So, can we please put our personal feelings for each other aside and go?”
“Fine…let’s go.” I huffed.
We stepped outside and walked a few blocks in silence until we reached my car.
“Oh, is this yours?” she asked, no doubt surprised that someone who she assumed was beneath her drove an Audi RS 7.
This was the only thing I owned that screamed status symbol. My one and only passion in life was cars, and they were the one thing I had no problem spending money on. Even though I didn’t get to drive it often with living in Manhattan, and the amount I paid monthly just to have it parked somewhere was like a mortgage payment, I didn’t care. She got in and put on her seatbelt.
“Do you know where you’re going?”
I turned my head and glared at her for asking such a stupid question.
“Sorry, just checking.”
I turned up the radio to drown out the silence. I wasn’t much in the mood for conversation, especially with her. We had an agreement to be civil to each other and that’s as far as it went. I didn’t want to engage in idle talk because the truth was, I couldn’t care less about anything going on in her world. Unfortunately, the radio wasn’t the only thing killing that silence. Rose’s less than stellar voice singing to the music coming from said radio attributed to it.
I was happy when we reached the hospital and was finally able to put an end to my bleeding ears from Rose’s massacre of one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs. I wasn’t happy about spending the two hours spent waiting around. I wasn’t sure why I was even there or what I’d be able to do for him. It wasn’t like I was family or even a friend, but I knew he had no one else in this world. No one else who cared if he lived or died or who would’ve even noticed
for that matter. I shifted my eyes to Rose as she sat next to me in the ER and we waited to hear something. I couldn’t help but wonder why someone like her would have such a vested interest in what happened to someone like William. They were from two totally different worlds—maybe even planets.
“Oh my God!” Rose said in a loud whisper, covering her mouth to try and stifle her laughter. “Read this.” She handed me her phone.
Dear Miss Demeanor,
My sister is getting married to the man of her dreams in less than a month. Great, right? Well, in normal circumstances it would be great, but this is anything but normal. Here’s the dilemma. Actually, it’s more than a dilemma, it’s a catastrophe. I’m a single straight female and my best friend is a gay male. My future brother-in-law was introduced to my best friend last night for the first time at a family function, and it turns out, my best friend had a one-night fling with my future brother-in-law a few years ago before he and my sister were dating. So, my question is, do I tell my sister and break her heart or let the past stay in the past?
~Jennie B.
“That sucks,” I said as I handed her phone back.
“Apparently her sister’s fiancé sucks too…literally.”
I busted out with a laugh. “So, what are you gonna tell her to do?”
She shook her head, seeming totally perplexed. “I’m not sure. I mean, if her best friend was a girl this wouldn’t be such a big deal, but the fact he slept with another guy means he’s more than likely bi-sexual…don’t you think his future wife deserves to know that about the man she’s marrying?”
“You’re the relationship expert.” My words were laced with sarcasm.
“No…really, I’m not. Your uncle just has an unbelievable amount of faith in me for whatever reason, and I’m not sure why.”
“Me neither,” I muttered.
“Okay, smart guy…how would you answer this girl?”
“I’d tell her to leave it alone. It’s in the past and can’t be undone. If her sister’s happy with this guy, it’s not her place to ruin that happiness.”
She twisted her mouth in confusion. “Yeah, but they’re starting their life together with this major secret between them. Don’t you believe honesty is the best policy no matter how much it may hurt the other person? In a relationship, especially in marriage, there shouldn’t be secrets,” she argued.
“What’s the secret? He slept with someone before he met her sister…newsflash, most guys don’t marry the first person they sleep with.”
“Yes, but it was a guy, which means he’s attracted to men as well as women. I think I’d want to know that about my future husband.”
“Like I said, you’re the expert…that’s why my dear uncle put you in charge.” I sneered, dodging the daggers her deep brown eyes were sending my way.
“Hmm…guess I’ll have to think about this one.” She sighed.
“Are you waiting on William Benton?” a woman dressed in scrubs asked.
“Yes,” I replied.
“We’re going to keep him here overnight to run some tests, and we really won’t know much more until tomorrow. We gave him some medication in his IV that made him groggy, and right now he’s resting comfortably. There’s really not much you and your wife can do right—”
“We’re not married!” Rose and I exclaimed in unison.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I thought Mr. Benton said you were. He was a little disoriented when he came in.”
“I’d say so…” Rose whispered.
“So, like I was saying, there’s really no need for the two of you to stick around. Give a call in the morning and we should know more.”
I nodded, and Rose and I both stood up.
“Oh, and Mr.—” the nurse called as we started to walk away.
“Alex is fine.” I turned back around.
“Mr. Benton…he’s homeless?”
“Yeah, he is.”
“We’re going to have to get social services involved. A man his age and in his condition shouldn’t be living on the streets.”
I stared into space, collecting my thoughts. “Actually, he’s a veteran, so he does qualify for some programs that would assist him.”
“Okay, that’s good to know. Every little bit will help.” She smiled.
Chapter 17
___________________
Alex
“SO, WHAT’S GONNA HAPPEN to him, once he’s released?” Rose asked as we walked through the hospital and into the parking garage.
“Don’t really know. It could take a while to get him assistance through the VA.” I unlocked the car doors and we got in.
“We have to do something to help him. We can’t just let him go back onto the streets.”
I turned my head in her direction and rolled my eyes. “We? What are you gonna do, have your father write out a check to pay for his living expenses?”
Her jaw dropped, and her eyes glassed over, making me instantly regret my words. She was trying, and I didn’t have to be such an asshole to her.
“If that’s the only way…then yes.” Her voice faltered. “I’m sure my father owns property in the city somewhere, and—”
“Look, Rose, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that to you. I know you’re only trying to help, but some things aren’t always cured by throwing money at it. William may be just a homeless guy to most people, but he’s a Marine, and they’re stubborn.”
“Oh, so that explains why you’re the way you are.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Because you were a Marine.”
Were. That word in that sentence always struck a chord with me. “How the hell do you know that?” I snapped, knowing more than likely my uncle had divulged that information.
“Geez, someone is sensitive! You think you’d be proud of that instead of trying to hide it. What’s the matter, did you fail out of boot camp or something?”
“You know nothing about it or me, for that matter, so just keep your mouth shut!” I hollered.
Her eyes widened. “You know what? You’re right. I don’t know anything about you except you’re a complete and utter dick.” She got out of the car and slammed the door. I let out a frustrated breath and threw my head back against the seat before jumping out and going after her.
“Where are you going?” I shouted.
She picked up her pace until she reached the elevator then frantically pounded on the button.
“Come on, let me give you a ride,” I pleaded once I caught up to her. “You know that’s not gonna make it open any faster,” I said as she continued her assault on the button.
“Just go!” A lone teardrop streamed down her face when she finally turned around to face me.
“Rose, I’m sorry. That’s just something I don’t like to talk about with anyone.”
“That’s fine because I don’t want to talk about it to you anyway. In fact, I don’t want to talk to you about anything.”
“Okay, that’s fine. We don’t have to talk, but can you please let me give you a ride back?”
“I can get my own ride, thank you!” she snapped just as the elevator doors opened and she stepped in. “What are you doing?” she yelled when I followed behind her.
“You’re going to let me give you a ride.”
“No, I’m not!”
“Yeah, you are.” I hit the emergency stop button.
“Alex, stop that! Make it move again!” she demanded.
“Not until you say you’ll let me give you a ride.”
“No!” she shouted, reaching around me and pressing multiple buttons at the same time. The elevator ascended then came to a bumpy stop. “Wha-what just happened?” Her voice shook.
“You made it get stuck by hitting all those buttons!”
“I made it get stuck! If you hadn’t stopped it in the first place this would’ve never happened!”
“No…if you had just gotten in the car like I asked, this would’ve never happened.”
“Oh my God! We’re stuck!” Panic overtook her.
“It appears we are.”
“Well, do something!”
“What would you like me to do?”
“Pry the doors open!” She paced back and forth like a caged tiger.
I hit the emergency call button and took a seat on the floor.
“Wait…that’s all you’re gonna do?” she asked.
“There’s nothing else to do. That will alert the maintenance people, and now we have to wait for them to fix it.”
Her eyes widened. “Wait? I can’t wait!” She looked down at her watch. “I have to be somewhere in a few hours.”
“Don’t know what to tell you.” I shrugged and pulled out my phone to check my email.
“How can you just sit there and be so calm?” Rose barked.
“What would you like me to do? Pout like you?”
“I’m not pouting…oh my God, what if they never find us? What if we starve to death? What if you’re the last person I ever talk to?” she moaned, sliding her back down the elevator wall and taking a seat. She buried her face in her knees, and I couldn’t help but chuckle over the state of hysteria she had gotten herself in.
The silence between us was welcoming, but in a way, not so much because it allowed me to obsess over the email I had just read from Vanessa. How I wished I could go back in time and do things differently.
“Oh my God, it’s getting hot in here. What if we run out of air?” Rose complained, breaking my thoughts of the she-devil whose email I had just deleted.
“We’re not gonna run out of air.”
“It’s totally plausible, you know?”
“Then you better stop talking so we don’t.” I threw my head back and closed my eyes. I was exhausted. I hadn’t been sleeping much. I had so much on my mind, and it didn’t seem to be ending anytime soon.
“Where are you from?” Rose asked.
“What?” I opened my eyes and looked at her.
“Your Southern accent?” she clarified.
“Accent? I don’t have an accent?” I teased.
“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes.
“Georgia,” I replied.
