It's a Waverly Life

by Maria Murnane

  I wasn’t before that moment.

  “Yes,” I said, looking at the floor.

  Monday I took the bus to the Sun office to work on my column in an empty cube. I was feeling restless at home, so I thought a change of scenery would help me focus. I plugged in my laptop, then went to grab a cup of coffee in the kitchen. On the way I pulled the crumpled yellow Post-It that said HONEY BRAINSTORM from my pocket. For nearly two weeks I’d been doing my best to concentrate on that piece of paper and not on Jake. I hadn’t been entirely successful, but I’d made a ton of progress on the project. At least I was moving forward with my career, if not my heart.

  On my way back from the kitchen, I ran into Nick. He was wearing a plain white button-down shirt.

  “What’s wrong?” I pointed to his chest.

  He shrugged. “Even the president needs a day off now and then. So what happened on your trip? You can’t leave your fans hanging.”

  I made a sad face.

  “Not good?”

  “Not good. Want the executive summary?”

  “Lay it on me.”

  I gave him the highlights. Or rather, the lowlights. When I was done, I crossed my arms in front of me. “So what do you think?”

  “You really hid behind a tree?”

  “Oh yes. And did I mention I ripped my jeans when I fell on my face?”

  “Impressive.”

  I laughed. “That’s hardly the adjective I’d choose to describe it, but thanks. So what’s going on with you? Have you heard from Ivy?”

  “Wasn’t that your move?”

  “Oops, you’re right. I’m sorry, I’ve been a little distracted lately.”

  “So I’ve heard. Just don’t forget. You owe me.”

  “I know I do, and I won’t forget. I promise. I’m going to owe you even more soon.”

  “For what?”

  “You’ll find out soon enough.”

  “Okay then, hang in there.” He blew me a kiss and started walking backward down the hall.

  I sat down at my computer and scrolled through my e-mails. One was from a woman who went on a first date with a man who casually pointed across the bar and said, “That’s my probation officer.” Another woman wrote that she’d briefly dated a policeman, who apparently used his access to classified information to mysteriously show up everywhere she went, even after she’d stopped returning his calls. A third e-mail was from a male attorney who signed up for an online dating service and was unexpectedly matched up with a senior female partner in his firm—who, as far as he knew, was married with three kids.

  Nothing to brighten your day like a reminder that we have kinks in all three sides of the legal triangle. No wonder Law and Order has been around for like fifty years.

  I called Ivy later that afternoon, after I’d returned to my apartment. We’d never chatted outside the office, so I wasn’t sure exactly how to approach the call.

  “Ivy, hey, it’s Waverly.”

  “Waverly! How nice to hear from you. How are you?”

  “I should be asking you that. I can’t believe the layoffs. I was so sad when I heard what happened.”

  “I’m doing fine. Great, actually. I hated it there anyway, so this is forcing me to really give the photography thing a try.”

  “Did they at least give you a severance?”

  She laughed. “If you can call it a severance. I think I already spent it at Starbucks. But it’s all good. I’ll be fine.”

  I swallowed. “So how are things going with Casey?”

  “The same. I was hoping we’d be living together by now, but he’s been so focused on work lately I hardly ever see him.”

  “Work?”

  “Yeah, he’s been traveling a lot.”

  “What does he do again?”

  “He’s in pharmaceutical sales. He loves it though.”

  I scratched my cheek, trying to figure out how to ask his last name without blowing it. I would have been a horrible trial lawyer. “So what’s going on with the photography thing?”

  “I’m going to try weddings. I was thinking children, but then I realized that I don’t really know any kids out here, and I didn’t think putting an ad on Craigslist looking for children to photograph would be a good idea.”

  I laughed. “You’re probably right. I’d hate to see you end up in jail.”

  “So I thought maybe I should go the wedding route. You know how much I love weddings.”

  I bit my lip. If Casey was cheating, I felt horrible for her.

  “Good for you. I’d plug you in my column, but something tells me that most people who read it aren’t in the market for a wedding photographer.”

  She laughed. “Actually, I already have a gig lined up. Well, sort of. They’re friends of friends. I’m taking their engagement photos on Saturday, and if that goes well, they’ll let me do their wedding.”

  “Really? That’s great.”

  “Thanks. It’s near your hood, so you should stop by to say hi if you’re out and about. Casey and I are meeting them at two o’clock at Crissy Field.”

  “Casey?” Andie’s CJ was supposed to be out of town for the weekend.

  “He’s my staff until I actually make some money. He’s going to help with the lighting and stuff.”

  “At two o’clock on Saturday?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, I’ll try to stop by,” I said casually, trying to sound, well, casual.

  “Cool. I’ve got to run now. Casey’s on his way over. I’ll see you Saturday, I hope?”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “Okay, cool. Bye.”

  “Bye.”

  I hung up the phone, then called Andie at work.

  “Andrea Barnett,” she said in her work voice. I loved Andie’s work voice.

  “Hey, it’s Waverly.”

  “What’s up?” Her work voice disappeared.

  “Just checking in. Want to have brunch at the Grove on Saturday, then maybe take a walk on the beach?”

  “A walk? As in exercise?”

  “Okay, let me rephrase. How about we take a stroll along the beach, drinking coffee and making fun of the windsurfers when they bite it?”

  “Much better.”

  “Okay cool, I’m going to see if Mackie can join us.”

  I hung up and called McKenna but got her voicemail. I left a message, then pulled out the HONEY BRAINSTORM Post-It again and stared at it.

  I took a deep breath and dialed Smithers Publishing. I made an appointment to go see them in three weeks’ time, then hung up the phone and made fists with my hands.

  Crunch time.

  That Saturday was bright and clear and crisp, and as I began to descend the Fillmore Street steps toward the Marina to meet Andie, I stopped for a moment and gazed out at the sailboats moving gently across the San Francisco Bay. After nearly ten years, I still found it breathtaking. A jogger slowly trekked up the hill toward me, and I smiled at him as he passed by. Just try to find a better place to live than this, I thought. It was March and at least sixty degrees. Behind me I heard a noise. I turned around to see a couple cruising down Broadway on a Vespa, and I smiled again. I bet it’s snowing in New York right now.

  Ten minutes later, I entered the Grove on the corner of Chestnut and Avila. I scanned the room for Andie but didn’t see her. As usual the place was packed, so I went outside to check the benches on either side of the entrance. I saw about a dozen dogs and nearly as many owners, plus at least twenty dog lovers petting the dogs. I knew at least half of them were complaining that they wanted to get a dog but couldn’t because their building didn’t allow it. It’s amazing what people will put up with to live in San Francisco: no parking, no pets, high rent, awful public transportation, freezing summers, lame cell phone reception, and a terrible football team that makes the whole city long for the glory days of Joe Montana. You name it, we deal with it. And we love doing so.

  No sign of Andie.

  “Hey, Waverly.”

  I turned a
round to find a face I hadn’t seen in months.

  “Brad?” It was the ubiquitous Brad Cantor, or should I say, the formerly ubiquitous Brad Cantor. He had moved to Los Angeles several months earlier for his job, and when he left, a little piece of small-town San Francisco went with him. Running into congenial yet dorky Brad Cantor everywhere I went used to drive me nuts, but now that it didn’t happen anymore, I had to admit that I missed it. I even missed him a little bit.

  I gave him a hug. “How are you? How is LA?”

  He shrugged. “It’s okay.”

  “Not your scene?”

  “Not really. It’s just so big and spread out. I can go weeks without running into anyone I know. Not that I know that many people yet.”

  I patted him on the arm and smiled. “It’s only a matter of time. So what are you doing back in town? Are you still seeing Mandy?”

  His face lit up. “Yes.”

  “How’s it going with the distance?”

  “It’s not ideal, but we make it work.” The way he said it made it sound so…easy.

  “That’s…great.” I hoped he couldn’t see what I was really feeling behind my smile. “So you’re in town to visit her?”

  “Yes and no. The real reason is for a buddy’s wedding. Seems like everyone I know is getting married these days, or having kids.”

  “I’m not!” I blurted, then covered my mouth when I realized I’d practically shouted. “Oops, sorry. How long are you in town?”

  “Just for the weekend. And hey, I’m glad I ran into you. I wanted to tell you that I’ve been reading your column online. It’s funny.”

  “You think so?” I was intrigued. Brad was as kind as they come, but he was completely lacking in the humor department.

  He nodded. “I’m impressed. I never thought of you as being funny.”

  I nearly laughed out loud. Given how many times I’d made fun of him behind his back, I totally deserved that. I smiled. “Thanks, Brad. I appreciate that.”

  “Well hey, I’ve got to head back to Mandy’s place before these get cold.” He held up his Noah’s Bagels bag. “It was nice running into you.”

  “It was nice running into you, too.” For the first time maybe ever, I meant it.

  I watched him disappear down Chestnut Street, thinking about what he’d said. Then I heard Andie’s voice behind me. “Hey, woman.”

  I turned around and saw that McKenna was with her. I hugged them both before stepping back to admire McKenna’s growing belly.

  “Wow, baby Kimball’s getting big.”

  “Tell me about it,” McKenna said. “I’ve think I’ve got a sumo wrestler growing in here.”

  “You’ve got to see her butt when she sits down,” Andie said. “It spreads out behind her like a fan. It’s fantastic.”

  “Thank you for pointing that out,” McKenna said.

  Andie put her hands up in front of her. “Hey now, don’t shoot the messenger. Was that Brad Cantor?”

  I nodded. “Can you believe it? The first sighting in months.”

  “Doesn’t he live in LA now?” McKenna said.

  “Yep. He’s just in town for the weekend. And now that I’ve run into him, I feel like order has been restored to the universe. I’m so glad you’re here, by the way. I didn’t know you were going to make it.”

  “Yeah, I’m sorry I didn’t call you back. Just swamped.”

  “We’re going to have to start calling you McKenna MIA,” Andie said.

  “I know, I know. Especially since after brunch I need to take off to meet Hunter.”

  “More house hunting?” I said.

  She nodded. “It never ends. Every weekend is like Groundhog Day.”

  We walked into the Grove, and Andie pushed her sunglasses up to rest on her head. “So how’s it been going?”

  McKenna sighed. “They say real estate is all about location, location, location, but it seems like no matter what the location in Mill Valley, the operative word is expensive, expensive, expensive.”

  “That’s why I go with rent control, rent control, and more rent control,” I said.

  We got in line and ordered three coffees (decaf for Mackie) and three veggie scrambles, then took our numbered flag stands and sat down at a table. When we finally had our meals, McKenna put her hand on my arm.

  “How are you holding up?”

  I smiled weakly. “I’m trying, but I wouldn’t say I’m succeeding.”

  “Have you heard from him?”

  I shook my head.

  “Have you e-mailed him?”

  “I wouldn’t know what to say.”

  “I’m sorry, Wave.”

  “Thanks, Mackie. I’m doing anything and everything I can not to think about him for now and accept whatever the world is trying to tell me, although I fear it’s telling me I suck and will be alone forever.”

  She laughed. “Please. You’re way too loveable to be alone forever.” Then she looked at Andie. “Am I right?”

  Andie nodded and looked at me. “You rock.”

  I forced another smile. “Thanks. Actually, I’m making a big effort to focus on important things in my life other than romance. Like my friends, for example.” I pointed to both of them with my fork.

  “I like it,” Andie said. “Anything that focuses on me, I like.”

  “Also, I went to see my dad last weekend.” I was glad to change the subject.

  McKenna reached for a napkin. “Your dad? Really?”

  “Yep. He has a girlfriend. I met her. Can you believe it?”

  “Your dad has a girlfriend? How did that go?” I could see the surprise in her face.

  “It was weird at first. But it ended up going really well because she helped keep the conversation going. I mean, I love my dad, but we never seem to have that much to say to each other, you know?”

  They’d met my dad. They knew.

  “It was nice to have someone else there, to help us, well, talk. Plus, he seems really happy. He’s like a different person.”

  “I have something I need to talk about,” Andie suddenly said.

  McKenna and I both looked at her.

  “What’s up?” I asked.

  She lowered her voice. “Actually, the problem is what’s not up.”

  We both raised our eyebrows. “You know, down there.”

  Neither of us spoke.

  She sighed. “Come on, people, work with me here.” McKenna sat up straight. “Oh, you mean…”

  “I mean I’m not getting it,” Andie said. “Sex?” I said.

  She nodded. “You aren’t getting enough?”

  “I’m not getting any.”

  “Any?” McKenna said.

  “None.”

  “Like, ever?” McKenna said.

  “Like, never.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Wait a minute. Are you saying that you haven’t slept with him even once?”

  She picked up a piece of toast. “I prefer to think of it as he hasn’t slept with me. God knows I’m able and willing.”

  “I don’t get it,” McKenna said.

  She sighed. “Welcome to the club. At first I thought it was cool, because it was nice, for once, to be with a guy who doesn’t take sex so lightly. For a while it made me feel respected, but now it’s just driving me crazy.”

  “Has he said why? Or I mean, why not?” I asked.

  She waved the toast in the air. “It’s always some excuse, like he has to get up early, or he’s not feeling well, and lately it’s been that he wants to wait until it feels right.”

  I coughed. “He said he wants to wait until it feels right? In the history of time, I don’t think any man has ever uttered those words.”

  “Tell me about it. It’s so weird. I mean, he kisses me, and we cuddle, and he says the sweetest things, but that’s where it always ends. I’m beginning to think that…maybe…he’s not into me. Either that, or he’s seeing someone else and doesn’t want to sleep with more than one person at the same time.”

 
My ears perked up.

  “You think so?” McKenna said.

  “I don’t know. But what else could it be? I mean, what’s the problem? I’m attractive, right?”

  McKenna put her hand on Andie’s shoulder. “Of course. Don’t think for a second you’re not.”

  “You’re hot,” I said, nodding.

  Andie smiled. “Thanks. Good lord, ladies, what has it come to that I’m questioning how attractive I am to men? Me?”

  “Talk about a disturbance in the Force,” I said, pretending to wave a lightsaber.

  “Maybe he really is just waiting for the right moment,” McKenna said. “Maybe he’s really that into you.”

  I hoped Andie didn’t see the look of concern in my face. “Yeah, maybe that’s it.”

  She tossed the toast on her plate. “This is brand new for me. I’ve never been turned down by a guy in the bedroom, so I’ve got to admit that I’m a little freaked out.”

  “Wow, you’re never freaked out about anything,” I said.

  “I know. So the fact that I’m freaked out has me even more freaked out.”

  “What are you going to do?” McKenna said.

  Andie shrugged. “I guess I’ll just wait and see what happens. Although knowing me, what will happen is that I’ll crack after a couple glasses of wine and ask him why the hell he doesn’t want to sleep with me.”

  I laughed. “What does CJ stand for anyway?”

  “Casey James.”

  I sucked in my breath.

  This is unfortunate information.

  Then something else occurred to me. “You mean Casey James, like that hot guy who was on American Idol a few seasons ago?”

  She looked at me. “Are you really bringing up American Idol right now?”

  “You’re right, not good timing, sorry. Do you think…maybe he’s acting weird because of that comment I made on The Today Show?” I was afraid to hear her answer. Which was worse? For CJ to be cheating on her? Or for him to be thinking she was kind of a slut because of what I’d said? Maybe the unfortunate truth was…both? However you sliced the problem, the answer was not pretty.

  “It’s definitely not that,” she said quickly. “He didn’t even see it.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Totally sure.”

  McKenna checked her phone. “Damn it, I’ve really got to go. I’m so sorry to eat and run yet again, ladies. I hate leaving in the middle of this.”