My Beck Valentine

by Andria Large

  He storms out and I practically have to run to keep up with him. I finally catch up with him when we get outside and he stops by the hot dog vendor who’s set up on the sidewalk.

  He buys two hot dogs and two Pepsis, handing me one of each.

  “Seriously, a hot dog and a soda, that’s all you can afford?” I mutter in disgust.

  “No, I can afford much more, but this is all I’m willing to spend on you,” he says and takes a bite of his hot dog before walking away from me.

  He stops and sits on a bench in the park that is across the street from the office. I follow him, sit down on the other end of the bench, and eat my hot dog.

  “You’re so childish. You know that right?” I murmur quietly.

  “I don’t give a shit,” he says, opening his soda and taking a sip.

  We sit in silence for the remainder of our lunch hour and the elevator ride back up to the office. The rest of the day goes okay. I don’t have to be near Ethan anymore, thank god. He has his own office that he is working in, and it isn’t near mine. Small miracles and shit.

  Five o’clock rolls around and I gather up my things then walk down to Henry’s office to say goodnight. I can hear talking coming from his office as I get closer, so I stop a couple of doors down to listen.

  “I can’t believe that you only got her a hot dog and a soda for lunch. Where did you learn to treat women? It wasn’t from me…” I hear Henry say, his tone expressing the hurt and disappointment that he’s obviously feeling.

  “What did she do? Rat on me?” Ethan replies nastily.

  “No, Ethan! I watched you from my office window. I’m so disgusted and disappointed to see my son treat someone like that!” Henry snaps heatedly.

  “You don’t know what she’s really like, dad. You don’t live next to her. She’s a nasty bitch who doesn’t have anything better to do than complain about me and my music…”

  “Don’t you ever call her a bitch again!” Henry barks and pounds on his desk with what must have been his fist. “Do you understand me? I’ve known Gabby a lot longer than you have. She’s worked for me for four years now, so I think I know her a lot better than you do. And did you ever stop to think that maybe you’re the problem? This is not the man I raised. I don’t know who you are anymore. And for shit’s sake, have some consideration for others and keep the music down in the middle of the night!”

  “It’s the only time I’m clear headed enough to do my work. You know that!” Ethan argues.

  “Then put some damn head phones on,” Henry bites out.

  “But it’s my apartment. I should be able to play my music as loud as I want,” Ethan says, sounding like he’s pouting like the big baby that he is.

  “Not when you live in an apartment building. You have to be considerate of other people,” Henry replies wearily.

  I’ve had enough of listening to the thick-headedness of Ethan, so I walk to Henry’s door and knock on the frame.

  He looks up while Ethan keeps with his back to the door.

  “I’m gonna get going, Mr. Beck,” I murmur quietly.

  He smiles softly. “Okay, see you tomorrow, Gabby.”

  I smile and nod. “Have a good night.”

  Dear Reader,

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