A Life Less Ordinary

by Bernadine, Victoria

  “Your father got me pregnant then buggered off for parts unknown the day after I told him,” she said slowly. “His parents refused to believe he was responsible. My parents disowned me. If it hadn’t been for the Mankowskis, I would have had to have you on some street corner in that shitty little town! As it was, I was a wreck for the first year – more! - of your life. I – I did lots of things I’m not proud of – lots of things that still make me ashamed when I think about them. I did my best to hurt the only people in my life who had proven they loved and accepted and believed in me no matter how much I fucked up.

  “I’m talking about the Mankowskis, of course. Mrs. Mankowski tried to talk sense into me – and I said things to her and Mr. Mankowski that I’ll regret until the day I die. Everyone but them thought I was white trash – and trust me, I did my damnedest to live down to expectations! Everyone but the Mankowskis thought I would end up with a houseful of brats, all with different fathers, living on welfare, and drinking and whoring myself into an early grave. And looking back, that’s exactly what would have happened if I’d continued the way I was going.

  “But the Mankowskis not only gave me a home – they also gave me tough love. You were about a year, year-and-a-half when they sat me down and laid out my options.”

  “Options?” Jaime asked faintly, her eyes wide.

  “They offered to support me if I wanted to go to school. They’d help me out if I wanted to get a job. They even -” she clamped her mouth shut, blinking back tears. She took a small sip of hot tea as she struggled to compose herself.

  “They even...?” Jaime prompted.

  “They offered to adopt you if I thought that was what was best. The only thing they wouldn’t do was let me continue to throw away my life and yours – for nothing. They warned me they’d try to take custody of you if I continued the way I was going.

  “At first I was furiously angry and I felt horribly, horribly betrayed – again. But once I calmed down – and, yes, sobered up – I took a cold, hard look at myself, realized they were right. I cleaned up my act, enrolled in the same university as Daisy, and life was beginning to – to turn right side up again.”

  “And then they died,” Jaime said flatly.

  “Yes. And then they died, and it was my turn to be the strong one, to help Daisy and Manny work through their grief and come out the other side.”

  Rebecca barked out a harsh, bitter laugh, a tinge of hysteria in the sound. “Perfect? Hell, no, I’m not perfect! And if I’ve never said a word against your father in your hearing that doesn’t mean I haven’t said plenty out of it. But no. I don’t hate him. Hate implies I give a damn about him. I don’t. I’m indifferent. I’ve made a good life for us in spite of him and what he did.

  “If you want to find him – then find him. I hope he’s grown into a decent man – for your sake.”

  “I want to hear his side of the story,” Jaime said stubbornly and Rebecca wondered what, exactly, Jaime hoped to hear him say.

  She took a sip of tea, her eyes steady on her daughter’s face. She carefully set her cup on the table.

  “Then I hope you find him.”

  * * * * *

  Minus Fourteen Days

  The coffee shop wasn’t very busy. Only a couple of tables were occupied, with several more people standing in line. Manny sat rather nervously at her table sipping her third vanilla latte and wondering if she was as crazy as Rebecca and Daisy claimed. This would be her fourth interview today of a potential travelling companion and she hoped this guy would be more of a possibility than the other three she’d already met. Oh, they all seemed nice enough, but Olive had been jittery and they’d quickly realized their personalities would never mesh well enough to travel together for six months. Isaac had had a predatory, speculative gleam in his eyes as he looked her over – and she hadn’t needed Harvey to tell her to stay as far away from him as possible.

  Darius was very sweet and charming, just eighteen, but he couldn’t pay his own way, and Manny wasn’t about to support him for six months. He’d shrugged and accepted her decision with an adorable smile and she offered to call Daisy’s boss, Max, to see if he had any work that Darius could do. Darius had thanked her and even paid for their lattes, and they’d chatted for a good forty-five minutes before he’d finally gone on his way. Yes, he would have been a good choice – and she might change her mind if she didn’t find anyone before she left in two weeks.

  You can always go by yourself.

  I know. But it would be more fun with someone else.

  You’ll have me.

  Manny glanced at Harvey sitting in the chair across from her. He was dressed casually in jeans and a button down shirt open at the throat to show the strong lines of his neck and chest.

  You’re not real.

  Harvey winked at her. Just checking.

  She shook her head and Harvey blinked out of existence as the door opened and a darkly handsome man walked in. He paused in the doorway and removed his sunglasses as he glanced around the small room. Securely hidden in her corner, Manny considered him.

  Tall; over six feet. Dark. Handsome, with large, dark eyes and full pouty lips. His black, tousled hair and dark stubble on his face gave him a sexy, scruffy appearance. He was slim, with broad shoulders, narrow hips and long legs encased in jeans.

  I’ll bet he has a great ass.

  I’ll bet you’re right.

  He’s like a younger version of me.

  Manny blinked at the man standing in the doorway and realized Harvey was right. Oh, they didn’t exactly look alike, but they had similar colouring, and a similar underlying confidence and arrogance in their stance. Probably something natural when you’re that naturally gorgeous, Manny thought ruefully, or, in Harvey’s case, that unnaturally perfect.

  I’d almost be jealous...if I was real.

  But you’re not – and he’s quite something. I wonder who he’s here to me...eeet.

  Her internal dialogue trailed off as the stranger’s gaze met hers. He gave a half smile and headed towards her.

  Shit. Manny could feel her eyes getting bigger as he came closer. She fought the urge to look behind her – but only succeeded because she knew she was sitting in the corner with her back against the wall.

  This could be interesting.

  Shit!

  She looked up and up as the stranger stopped at her table.

  “Manny?” he asked.

  And an accent! Now I really am jealous.

  Why the hell did I wear these sweats and this sweatshirt? Why didn’t I check my hair before he arrived? Why didn’t I at least try to look presentable for these things?

  Because you’re getting rid of all your boring work clothes, you haven’t bought casual clothes in ten years, and your hair hasn’t been out of that bun since the year 2000?

  Oh. Right.

  Manny pulled herself together. She gave him a half-smile of her own and stood. “Yes. Manny Mankowski.” She held out her hand. “You must be Zeke.”

  Zeke nodded and shook her hand. His grip was warm and firm and lasted exactly long enough to be polite without being too friendly before he released her hand.

  Obviously not love at first sight.

  Shut up.

  “Did you want to get a coffee or anything?” she asked, getting herself under control. She was forty-five years old, for God’s sake, and he wasn’t the first handsome man she’d met up close and personal.

  He is the first one you’ve met outside of a work context in over fifteen years.

  Please shut up.

  “No, no thanks,” he said.

  They sat down, and Manny nervously played with her latte while they assessed each other.

  “Manny Mankowski?” he finally said, breaking the awkward silence. “Your parents ran out of ideas, did they?”

  Manny huffed a short laugh. “It’s a nickname. My real name is Rose.” She made a rueful, self-deprecating face. “It doesn’t suit me.”

  They lapsed into anothe
r awkward silence.

  This bodes well, Harvey said, watching with avid interest.

  “So...,” Zeke said, gesturing helplessly, “how does this work?”

  “Well, we just...talk. See if we have anything in common; see if we can decide if we could spend six months travelling together. So far, nobody else has worked out.”

  “Yeah? Have you had many people answer your ad?”

  “A lot, actually, but counting you, I’ve only met with four of them. Most of the people who responded were obviously nut jobs, another pool of them just wanted to wish me luck and tell me how much they wished they had the courage to do what I’m doing. Almost everyone else backed out when I insisted they would be paying their own way. So, the only ones I’ve actually met at least told me they were willing to pay their own way and confirmed it when we met. Well, except Darius, but he was so sweet I didn’t have the heart to be annoyed with him. Anyway, obviously most people get turned off when I remind them I won’t be supporting them for six months.”

  “No free ride then, I take it.”

  “Is there ever a free ride?”

  “I guess not.”

  “So what is it?”

  “What?”

  “Money problems or women problems? Or – I’m sorry, I shouldn’t assume – maybe it’s men problems?”

  I’ll break down in tears if he’s gay.

  I’ll join you.

  Zeke blinked at her in surprise. “None of the above. And if you’re asking if I’m gay, the answer’s no.”

  There really is a God – and He apparently loves you.

  “I wasn’t asking – I just didn’t want to presume.”

  “Hmmm. So, tell me about yourself.”

  “I thought the ad was pretty self-explanatory.”

  “If you’re this talkative all the time, it could be a very long six months.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m...to be honest, I’m a little nervous. I never thought anybody would answer the ad. I mean, not to actually meet with me, and here you’re number four.”

  Zeke gave her a polite smile. “So, tell me about yourself.”

  Manny sighed. “I’m forty-five and trying to put some spark back into my life. I’ve spent the last fifteen years being defined by my job – so much so I’ve lost sight of who I am without it. I don’t know if this road trip will help me rediscover myself, but I think I’ll enjoy giving it a try. Now, tell me about yourself.”

  “I’m thirty-five. I’m a freelance multimedia developer and can basically work from anywhere. I’m originally from New Zealand -”

  “I was trying to place the accent.”

  “Yes. Anyway, I’m originally from New Zealand and even though I’ve seen a lot of this continent, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of it. This seemed like it could be fun.”

  “I think so, too.” She paused and considered him thoughtfully. “I’m guessing it’s women problems.”

  Zeke heaved an exasperated sigh. “I’m guessing your reasons are women problems, too,” he said.

  Ooooh. Ouch, Harvey winced.

  Manny blinked at Zeke, brows raised.

  “Wow,” she said. “Okay. Well, if you’re this forthcoming all the time, this could be a long six months.”

  “I’m sorry,” Zeke said, “but I don’t think my reasons for answering your ad are all that important.”

  Manny frowned. “Except we’re both thinking about leaving town with a total stranger. Even though we can both leave at any point – one reason for having your own money – you don’t want to have a miserable time, even if it’s only for a few days.”

  Zeke cocked his head to one side and considered her thoughtfully before he answered. “Oddly, I don’t think we’d have a miserable time, although I have a sneaking suspicion we’d fight a lot.”

  Manny chuckled slightly. “That assumes I’d care enough to argue with you. Look, if we agree that you’re the one, then I suggest you think of me as an older sister – or...or your aunt. If we go on this trip together, I don’t care what you do. If you decide at some point to not continue, then I’d like to know as soon as possible so I can make other arrangements if necessary.”

  Zeke leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed as he considered her carefully. There was a speculative gleam in his eyes that puzzled her although it didn’t alarm her the way Isaac’s had. Whatever was going on in his head, Manny instinctively believed he would never hurt her.

  “What do you expect from me,” Zeke asked slowly, “if I go with you?”

  Manny shrugged. “Companionship, mostly. I don’t mean we’re joined at the hip. I mean, what I’m hoping is if I want to take a tour of an historic site, for example, that you’d go with me – at least occasionally. Basically do things with me while we’re travelling. I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone, try new things, meet new people. I’d like somebody to be with me while I do that. I can do it alone but it’s sometimes more fun with someone else there.”

  Zeke frowned. “Don’t you have any friends?”

  Manny shrugged but she couldn’t quite meet his eyes. “Sure – but they all have to work, or they have families, or they just have no desire to bum around for six months. Or they don’t have the money to bum around for six months.”

  “No boyfriend of your own? Or – I’m sorry, I shouldn’t assume – no girlfriend?”

  Manny chuckled again. “Neither one. And it’s boyfriend, by the way. I haven’t had one of those in...decades, I think. It certainly feels that way. And I was never any good at all that...” she waved vaguely, “stuff anyway.”

  “Stuff?” he asked, amused.

  “You know. Relationship stuff. I guess it didn’t help that I never wanted to be married or have kids – but I did expect to at least have sex on occasion.” She shrugged. “I was wrong.”

  “Is that on the agenda for this trip?”

  “Sex?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, I’m not intending to have sex with anyone. And like the ad said, no sex is offered or expected from whoever I take with me.”

  “That’s good to know. I have to tell you – I...I like younger women.”

  “You and every other straight man on the planet. So, you’re trying to say my virtue is safe with you?”

  “Like you were my sister,” he said with a charming smile, “or my aunt.”

  Shit – and he’s got a great smile, too. I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

  Those are just hormones. Remember them?

  ...I can’t believe I created you.

  “Well, that’s a relief,” Manny said drily. “Now, are you going to tell me the truth?”

  Zeke sighed and shrugged, but avoided her eyes, “Women problems.”

  Manny hummed. “Well,” she said, finishing her latte, “I think you’ll do.” She met his gaze steadily, seriously. “I’m leaving in two weeks – you can let me know any time up to the night before I leave if you’d like to go with me. Think it over, try to work things out with your girlfriend, and let me know. You have my phone number and my e-mail address.” She stared hard at him. “I won’t be chasing you down for an answer,” she warned. “I’m not going to phone you in a couple of days asking if you’re going to come with me or not. Let me know – or don’t.”

  Zeke blinked at her, then raised his eyebrows in amusement. “Pretty cut and dried.”

  “I’m too old and tired for games,” Manny said, “even if it’s only to go on a trip.”

  They stood and headed outside. She smiled and held out her hand. “Either way, it was nice to meet you, and if I don’t see you again, good luck with your girlfriend.”

  “Thanks,” he said. She watched him walk away.

  Told you he’d have a great ass.

  Never doubted it for a minute.

  ~~~~~

  Leah watched with amusement as Zeke paced around her boardroom.

  “I’m telling you, she won’t last a week! A more...prudish, repressed woman I have yet to meet! I doubt she’s done a
nything just for fun in her life!”

  “Doesn’t mean she won’t go the full six months,” Leah replied mildly.

  “Oh, please! She wears her hair in a bun! A bun! And if her face has seen makeup in the last ten years, I’ll eat my socks! She’ll get scared at the first loud noise and skitter home to safety.” He shook his head. “This is a non-story. Trust me.”

  “Well, I think you should still take the trip. You can write this blog you’re currently working on if you want to – but you’ll probably be wrong.” She frowned thoughtfully. “You know...I wonder if she’d be interested in writing a guest blog.”

  Zeke stopped in his tracks. “What?”

  “Sure,” Leah said, gaining enthusiasm. “That’s not a bad plan B. She could write updates of her journey – I mean, my subscribers are absolutely rabid about this – and absolutely passionate about you going with her if the poll results and the comments are anything to go by. Half want you to expose her as pathetic; the other half want you to be surprised and humbled and knocked off your high horse.”

  “Hey!”

  “Some love you; some love to hate you – but they all want you to document this woman’s adventure – no matter how long it lasts, or what you learn.”

  “Well, it’s a non-story – I’m telling you. She probably won’t even make it out of town. I doubt she’s ever been anywhere!”

  “That’s...actually kinda sad.”

  Zeke shrugged. “Yeah, well – those were the choices she made.”

  Leah frowned at him. “You don’t know what she’s faced in her life. You shouldn’t be so judgemental.”

  Zeke grinned at her. “Hey, that’s why you pay me the big bucks, you know – because I’m so judgemental.”

  “You know, if I didn’t know that sometimes you can actually be a really nice, understanding guy, I’d think you were the biggest jerk that ever walked the planet.”

  He shrugged again. “People don’t want to read the blog of a nice guy.”

  “But they would love to see you taken down a peg or two.”

  “Oh, like any tightly wound old lady could do that!” he scoffed.

  Leah gave him a reproving look as she stood and walked over to him, a hand cupped around her ear. “Do you hear that? That’s the sound of fate taking aim right -” she poked him hard in the middle of the forehead - “there.”