by J. D. Walker
Right before we got to the spot where we’d met for the first time, Murphy stopped and picked up a piece of smooth glass. It was bright blue and fit in the palm of his hand.
“It’s pretty,” I said. “Wonder where it came from.”
Murphy tucked it in his pocket and replied, “Could be anywhere, right? It’s like me, once adrift, but finally finding a place to rest, whether it be for a short while or forever.” He turned to face me and took both my hands in his. “Think you can handle that?”
“I can sure try.”
THE END
Can’t Buy His Love
Mrs. Ragsdale was seventy years old and still very agile. She came to the gym like clockwork every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to use light weights and walk on the treadmill or use the exercise bike. She was my inspiration, especially on days when I despaired of getting anywhere with my worst crush ever, Gregory Wang.
The owner of the daycare center across the street from my gym was a few years younger than me, and absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful brown eyes, perfect cheekbones, hot body, waves of raven-colored hair…my dreams every night featured him in every position imaginable. And I had yet to get much further than halfway to first base with him. Still. After almost a year of living in this sleepy beach town.
I would be the last to admit failure in getting the man I wanted, but I was fast giving up hope. Usually having money or good looks and charm helped smooth my way into someone’s bed, whether or not that was a good thing. In this instance, it hadn’t done me any favors. Although, even if I were flat broke or homeless, I thought that Gregory would still avoid me like the plague.
Something about me made him clam up from the first time we met, though I could tell he was into me. The eyes never lie, and his were telling all kinds of truths he wanted to explore. But that was it. And each time I’d tried ever since, that mile-thick concrete barrier around his heart got harder and harder to penetrate.
Tory Cuthbert—owner of the Misty View Motel on the beach and a childhood friend with whom I’d become reacquainted when I showed up here last year—told me I might have to prove myself. He said it could take time, that I’d have to wait. All the things I’ve never had to do before. It was driving me nuts.
Perhaps I could be called arrogant and self-involved, but that was nothing new. This time around, however, it was a problem. And I admitted to being clueless when it came to serious relationships, most of the time. Tory pointed that out to me often enough.
I liked it here, though. My brand new house was about a mile from the beach, and the view around me was spectacular. Usually, after setting up a gym in my franchise, I hung around long enough to ensure success, then moved on. But something about this place made me want to stay. And likely the reason was he-who-refused-to-sleep-with-me. Hell, he hadn’t even consented to coffee!
Every Tuesday, Gregory and some of his staff took the daycare kids to the bookstore for reading and play time. I always made sure that I just so happened to drop by when he was there, if only to get a glimpse of the man.
It was true. I had no shame anymore, though perhaps I never did. Austin Murray, who owned the bookstore, always gave me a knowing look dangerously close to pity whenever I stopped by. What could I say? I was besotted, after all. I never stayed in the store very long. Maybe I was hoping that, one day, Gregory would get so sick of me not so pseudo-stalking him that he’d give in and let me take him out on a date. Or call the cops. One could only hope for the former.
And then, one such Tuesday afternoon, as Gregory and the staff were taking the kids back to daycare, one of the toddlers broke free of the long line snaking along the sidewalk and ran into the street. I happened to be peering out the glass windows of the gym at the time and saw what was going on.
I ran outside as the little boy made it to the middle of the road, a pickup truck bearing down on him, fast. Someone screamed as I made it to where the child was now standing frozen as the vehicle came ever closer to his tiny body. I scooped him up into my arms as the vehicle screeched to a stop, hitting me hard enough to send me rolling on the asphalt. Man, that hurt!
* * * *
I lay there for a minute, eyes tightly closed as I held the squirming body of the child against my chest. All I could think right then was, “he’s okay, he’s okay.” I heard the murmur of voices around me, and I felt someone next to me gently remove the boy from my arms. The child was crying now, and I felt like shedding tears myself.
“Dude, I am so sorry,” said a male voice, deep and sultry from nearby. “I didn’t mean to hit you. It was so sudden, and I…damn it, I almost killed two people!”
I assumed it was the driver speaking since I couldn’t yet bring myself to open my eyes. “Shit happens, man, though you were going a little fast, there.” I replied. “It was an accident. I’ll live and the kid is fine. Don’t sweat it.”
“Still, it’s…I’m a horrible person! God, how stupid can a guy be?” The man sounded like he was about to lose it.
Ah geez. “Look, stop by the gym one day and I’ll figure out how you can make it up to me, if that’ll make you feel better.”
His voice trembled slightly when he said, “Okay.”
“Wheeler,” another voice whispered in my ear. “Are you all right?”
Of course I’m not all right, my snarky inner voice said. I opened my eyes this time and looked into the lovely brown peepers of Gregory Wang. “Everything hurts,” I replied, “but I’m pretty sure nothing’s broken. I’ll just be really sore for a few days.”
I sat up slowly with Gregory’s help, and the crowd gave us a little more room. The cops had also turned up, and were taking charge of traffic. Gregory’s touch on my body made me want to pretend to be hurt worse than I was—would a limp be too much?—but that would be over the top. Right? “Is the kid okay?” I asked, looking around to see if I could spot him.
“Greta has him,” Gregory replied. “He’s fine and unharmed, thanks to you.” His earnest gaze and gratitude made my heart beat faster. I wanted to stretch out this moment in time, in spite of the circumstances. It was the first time he’d ever been this…solicitous about my welfare. This was our longest conversation to date.
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“What about the driver of the truck?” I held out a hand and Gregory helped me up.
“Woody? He’s pretty shaken up. I’d be mad, but he’s really sorry and, given his past…If you want to press charges, though, that’s up to you.”
I’d thought about it for a fleeting second but decided to be a nice guy. “It will be fine. I’ll find a way for him to make it up to me. What’s this about his past?”
“Car accident when he was three. He was in the vehicle with his parents and watched them bleed to death. Woody didn’t say a word for seven years. I guess we all treat him like glass. It probably wears on him.”
“That’s messed up.” No wonder he was freaked out. “Walk me back to the gym?” I asked, making sure to look as pitiful as possible. What? I was hurting. Make the most of a moment, my papá always said.
“Sure,” he replied, strangely eager to be of assistance. I could get used to his hovering. Gregory turned and instructed his staff to take the kids back to the center, and the rest of the crowd melted away. The truck that hit me was now parked in front of the Sherriff’s office.
Leaning heavily on the man, I walked to the gym and he helped me sit behind the front desk. While he hovered, members who’d witnessed what happened came up to me to see if they could help.
“Did you hurt anything?” one person asked.
“Don’t be stupid. Of course he did,” another retorted. “I bet he broke his ribs.” So bloodthirsty, these people.
“Did you get his license plate number?” was another comment.
“Any bruises? Can I see?”
Through all the murmurs and suggestions, Gregory’s made the most sense. “Go home, soak your bones, take some Extra Strength Tylenol and get some rest.” Thankfully, I h
ad some in my bathroom above the sink.
I looked at the patrons around me. “Mind if I close early?” I asked, and that was fine with them.
Five minutes later, I moved stiffly to my car, accompanied by my human walking stick, Gregory, who helped me into the front seat. “You sure I can’t drive you home?” His worry for me eased my mind.
“I’ll be fine, but thank you. Maybe you can have lunch with me sometime soon as a ‘thank you’?” I grinned, never one to turn down an opportunity to flirt, no matter what.
Gregory gave me a ghost of a smile. “I should say ‘no,’ but after what you did today, it’s the least I can do. Lunch on Thursday at the daycare center. Noon. Be prepared to have fruit cups, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and juice.”
I would have laughed out loud had I not been worried I would ache even more. “Sounds like a cuisine to the stars.” I groaned as I started the engine. “See you then,” I said before driving off.
* * * *
Ouch. I stared at my body in the mirror. There were bruises on my torso and a few scratches on my legs and arms. And I had to choose today to wear my brand new short-sleeved baby blue Polo shirt. It was road kill now, as were my Nordstrom shorts.
My mother was originally from Honduras and had gifted me with her thick black hair and darker skin tone. The green eyes came from my dad. If either of them were here right now, they’d fuss me to death.
Sighing, I filled the hot tub, turned on the jets, and soaked my body for a long time as I sipped mineral water in between taking Tylenol. Right before the incident, I’d had a sizeable lunch, which was feeling a little unsettled at the moment. I hoped it would pass. Later that afternoon, as I lay on my couch in the living room watching bad TV, there was a knock on my door. Groaning with each movement, I got up to see who it was.
My friend Tory walked past me and into my house the minute the door was open. “Wheeler, what the hell?” he asked, looking me over from head to toe.
“It’s not that bad. I’ll be sore for a while, but nothing’s broken.” I made my way slowly back to the couch and lay down again.
Tory muted the TV and sat in a nearby chair. “You should go the emergency room and get checked out to be sure you didn’t, maybe, bruise your kidneys or something.”
I shook my head. “I’m sure it’s not that serious. I’ve been hurt enough playing sports to know what a serious injury feels like. I’ll be fine.”
“It’s all over town, you know. Some of the guests at the motel were even talking about it, and Maury”—Maury Landrum was Tory’s boyfriend—“called me from the bookstore. You’re a hero, buddy.”
I rolled my eyes. “Not even. Although it got me a lunch date with Gregory and his little munchkins on Thursday.”
Tory was astonished. “Really? You save a kid, get hit by a car and you land a date with your obsession?”
“Who knew that’s what it would take, huh?” I grumbled as I turned onto my back. “It’s a step in the right direction.”
“Only you would be able to turn something like this into a potential adult sleepover.”
“Ha.” I briefly closed my eyes. “I’m relieved he’s finally giving me the time of day. I plan to make the most of it.”
Tory stood and brushed hair off my forehead. “I’m sure you will, Casanova. Need me to make something for dinner later?”
“Nah. I’ll be fine. Just need rest right now. Thanks, love.”
He smiled. “Anytime, small-town hero.”
I glared at him. “Stop that.”
“Don’t be surprised if you get visits from that kid’s parents or free food for a while.”
I shuddered.
“Gift baskets, flowers, balloons,” he continued with an evil grin, enjoying my discomfort.
“You’d better be wrong.”
He tapped me lightly on the shoulder. “You love being adored, don’t pretend.”
“Depends on who’s doing the adoration.”
Tory walked to the door. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.” Even as he closed the door behind him, I fell asleep.
* * * *
Wednesday morning was pure torture. I awoke at four o’clock, stiff as a board and aching all over. The journey from my couch to the bathroom was utter torment. By the time I got into my car at ten minutes to five, I was in anguish.
It was usually just me and the machines first thing at the gym until seven or so. I turned on the lights, TV, and some music, then checked the equipment. Moving slowly, I made sure the bathrooms were pristine and gingerly took my seat behind the desk.
Across the street, the daycare center lights were on, which meant that Gregory was preparing for the first of his little charges to arrive at six-thirty. I didn’t usually get a glimpse of him until then. I thought briefly of our lunch “date” on Thursday.
Would I be able to penetrate that thick wall of his? It wasn’t only me who got the cold shoulder, either. I’d noticed that anyone who even showed mild interest in him was rebuffed. I’d never thought through why that would be, except that now, after seeing the possible warmth beneath that frigid exterior, I was definitely curious.
My pocket buzzed. I checked the cell phone to see that Mamá had sent me a text. She had always been an early riser.
Mamá: Mijo, you didn’t call me yesterday
Me: Lo siento.
Mamá: Something happened, didn’t it?
Me: Estoy bien, stop worrying.
Mamá: Don’t lie to your mother.
Me: Why would I lie to you?
Mamá: If I was there, I’d pinch your arm.
Me: I love you, too
Mamá: Papá sends his love.
Me: Tell him I love him, too.
Mamá: Have a good day, amorcito.
I looked up just in time to see Gregory step outside and greet the first of his daycare charges. A member of his staff was also there with him. There was a light breeze and Gregory’s hair moved gently around his face. It was bright enough to see his smile as he gave hugs to the parents and took charge of their little ones. I heaved a besotted sigh. I wanted him to smile at me like that. Someday. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.
Mrs. Ragsdale arrived on time and fussed over me even as I worked with her on the weights. “You should be resting at home, Wheeler Ridley. I can watch the gym for you, you know. I’ve nothing else to do today.” She used to coach the girls softball teams among other things in her younger years. She was retired and likely bored out of her skull, what with her husband now deceased. She’d never had children.
I smiled. “I know that, Mrs. R. and I appreciate it. If I don’t feel better as the day goes on, maybe I’ll take you up on your offer.”
By lunchtime, it seemed like half the town had stopped by. Tory hadn’t been kidding. I received gentle hugs, roses, and the diner sent me lunch. I was overwhelmed. Right before the gym closed that evening, a tiny woman almost half my height came inside toting the little boy whose life I’d saved the day before.
When she stopped before me, the boy lifted his arms and I had no choice but to take him. He bussed my cheek and squeezed the daylights out of my neck. I hugged him back.
“Mr. Ridley,” the young mother said, “my name is Rebekah. I don’t know how to thank you for what you did yesterday for my son.” She sniffled and wiped her nose with a tissue she’d had in her hand. “If there’s ever anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. I owe you that and so much more.”
I blushed, unused to such sincere, effusive praise that didn’t stem from my bedroom prowess. “It was nothing, really. I just…reacted, I guess.”
She came forward and gently touched my forearm. “It’s everything to me. Jamie is all I have left in the world, and if he were…gone, I don’t know what I’d do.”
Jamie started to wiggle, so I handed him back to her. “Well, you’re welcome.” I ruffled the boy’s hair. “Don’t run into the street anymore, okay?”
He nodded
and gave me an impish grin.
Rebekah said, “Woody stopped by the daycare center just now, hoping to catch me when I picked up Jamie. He was very apologetic, but after chewing him out, I told him it was okay. Woody’s been through a lot, and while I’m mad, I just didn’t have the heart to…Anyway, he’s coming over to my place this weekend to do some renovation work for free.”
“Oh, before I forget,” she said as she used a free hand to dig into her handbag. “Gregory asked me to give this to you. It’s his cell phone number. He said to tell you that, if you need dinner or anything, no matter what, just call.” She smiled shyly at me. “Believe me, this is unprecedented. Gregory never lets anybody in. I went to school with him, and he’s the most closed-off person I know.”
With a wink, she and Jamie were gone.
* * * *
Should I call?
I drove home and sat in the car for a while, watching the sunset. It would be the perfect opportunity to get to know Gregory better, now that I had an opening. But, while in the past I would have used any means to get what I wanted—scrupulous or not—I figured that being a selfish, arrogant Don Juan wouldn’t get very far with a guy like him.
Something about Gregory proclaimed, “Beware, careful handling required.” I didn’t want to make him think any less of me that he probably already did, no matter how much his eyes scorched my skin whenever he looked at me.
When I climbed the porch steps, I spied a basket of goodies. There was no card. I unlocked the front door, groaned as I bent over and picked up the gift, then went inside. I placed the item on the table along with the piece of paper with Gregory’s number.
After I showered and changed into shorts and a T-shirt, I stood in front of my open refrigerator. I had meant to go to the grocery store today, as was my habit on a Wednesday, but with all that had happened, I wasn’t feeling like it. My fridge was bare, and I was really hungry. I decided, what the hell?
I grabbed the piece of paper, dialed Gregory’s number, and hoped for the best.
