by Harlow James
I left the diner and waited around the corner, peeking into the window to watch her unfold the paper. Her hazel eyes lit up, her long black hair framing the smile beaming across her face, telling me her answer before she ever returned the note to me the next day at Mic’s Garage, the local automotive shop where I worked with my brother up until three months ago when I started my furniture business. She came into the office, handed the note to Mic to deliver to me, and walked right back out.
“Mail for Michael Kelley!” Mic teased as he leaned into the garage from the door frame to the office. I perked up and practically ran over to him, swiping the paper from his hands in a rush to open it.
“So, what did she say?” My brother lunged at the note in my hands before I swiftly turned and dodged his attempt at retrieving it.
As I suspected, the ‘yes’ box was checked with her cell phone number written underneath. I was on cloud nine, a smile so wide across my face someone could slap me, and it would still remain.
“You’d better not mess this up,” he teased before he returned to work, knowing damn well how I’ve felt about her all those years. My brother is the only person I’ve confided in about my feelings towards Victoria, even though most people have caught on to the blatantly obvious adoration I carry for her. I simply nodded back at him, before folding the note back up and stuffing it deep in my pocket and returning to work with the grin still plastered on my face.
I called her later that night to arrange plans, which quickly unraveled and had no hopes of being put back together the next day. Her dad, the least of all my biggest fans, cornered me at Mic’s the following morning and warned me to stay away from his daughter.
“I know who you are, son, and who your father is. You have no business dating Victoria, and if you know what’s good for you, you will leave her alone. My daughter is headed for big things, her whole future ahead of her still. The last thing she needs is a Kelley boy to deter her from her goals. Your father was worthless and a drunk who only knew how to turn a wrench when he was around long enough to keep his job, and I won’t be surprised if you end up the same way. This is the only warning you’ll get from me before I take matters into my own hands. Stay away from her. You’ll never be good enough.”
His height and stature were intimidating, even though we pretty much saw eye to eye. But the fierceness of his words are what assured me he wasn’t playing. My gut told me she was worth it, but the more I stewed on his warning, the more I realized the fight we would be up against, and the more I questioned my worth. Was he right? Would I ever be good enough for her? She deserved the world and I was just a nineteen-year-old mechanic who still lived at home and didn’t know what his future would entail.
I didn’t want to jeopardize her relationship with her parents, her future, or her goals. So instead of meeting her at Tom’s Burgers that night, I left town and drove out to a field to sulk in my misery of missing my chance with her; hoping that it wasn’t the only one I would ever get, vowing to make something of myself so the next time I took a chance, there would be no reason for her dad or myself to believe that we shouldn’t be together.
I imagined the look on her face when she’d realized that I wasn’t coming, the tears that would surely trickle down her cheek as she wiped them away discretely. The thought of how much I would hurt her felt like a knife stabbing me in the chest, the realization that I might have just blown my chance with her sinking in.
I remember the look on her face when I saw her just days later after I left her alone at the restaurant, her sadness so visible. But when her eyes met mine, hatred replaced her despair, and I convinced myself that I deserved it, even though I was just trying to look out for her. We never spoke of that event, burying it deep in our past. And it hasn’t been an issue until the past year or so when Hayley started dating Tyler and my brother got back together with Pauline, forcing us all to see each other more often than before. The tension is still there, but five years and an expanse of maturity has displaced the anger some and replaced it with a mutual understanding to tolerate one another for our friends while avoiding our true feelings for each other.
I shake my head, bringing myself back from traveling down memory lane and focus on the task ahead of me tonight. I am ready to fight for her this time, slightly more confident that I have something to offer her and a reputation that is not that of my father’s. I’m hoping her dad can see now how different I am from him too, not a drunk and far more responsible than he ever was.
About three months ago I purchased my own home, a property about twenty minutes out of town with a large farmhouse and a fifteen-hundred square foot shop in the back that I used to start my own furniture business. Kelley Furnishings is prospering thanks to the inheritance I received from my grandmother for start-up costs and loyal customers. I’ve quit partying and doing stupid shit with my brother and friends, mostly because they are all beginning to settle down now, but also because I knew this day was coming when Victoria would finish school and I would get my chance again. I wanted to be ready, committed to a future that she could be a part of, willing to offer her something besides a shell of a man who knew how to turn a wrench. More importantly, I didn’t want to give her dad any more ammunition to hate me, but rather, a reason to see that maybe I could be a man worthy of his daughter.
I took one more deep breath before nodding at myself in the mirror, gathering my composure, and turning to leave my house and make my way to BJ’s for Victoria’s graduation party. I left right after the ceremony to deliver a table to a customer and return home to compose myself before the festivities began. The drive gave me plenty of time to stew over my plan, the note in my pocket folded and prepared for delivery. I would try this again, but this time, the plan was to follow through, no matter what the costs. I just had to convince her to give me the opportunity to prove that I am serious about her and our future.
I reached the bar slightly after nine, arriving over three hours late to the party so the parking situation was beyond hopeless. I made my way around to the back where the employees parked and noticed a spot open next to my brother’s truck, so I snagged it before thinking otherwise. My dark blue Ford F250 fit snugly in the spot, but with limited options, I made it work. Hopping down from the cab, I ran my hands down my slacks, removing the clamminess that accumulated and braced myself on my thighs while I hunched over, fighting off a panic attack. Why was I reacting like this? You’d think by my behavior I’d never asked a girl out before, which was not true. But none of them had ever been Victoria, and my head and heart both knew that’s what made tonight different.
Standing up tall, I pressed my shoulders back and mustered up the confidence to walk in and scope out the situation, resolving to play it by ear until I saw the opportunity to make my move, hoping that my hesitation in arriving on time wouldn’t come back to bite me in the ass. The large wooden doors to the bar felt heavier than cement as I pushed my way through, greeted by laughter and music, the sounds of celebration wafting through the air in a symphony. Almost everyone from the town close with the Baker’s was in attendance, a table full of gifts portraying the pride and adoration they held for Victoria.
I spotted my friends in their usual corner, my brother seated right next to Pauline with his arm around her, Tyler and Hayley cuddled up across from them, but no sign of Vic. My eyes surveyed the room, penetrating the throws of people in search of stark black hair and hazel eyes that haunted my dreams every night, but there was no indication of her whereabouts.
I decided to say hello to my friends in the meantime, knowing that she couldn’t have gone far from a party in her honor. Striding up to the table, I’m met with a knowing smirk from my brother.
“Glad you decided to show up finally,” he teases. “Are you ready to do this?”
“Do what?” Hayley chimes in, her eyes moving back and forth between my brother and me.
“He’s going to ask out Vic tonight.”
I close my eyes and take a deep breath to wi
ll my heart to slow down, but also to refrain from decking my brother due to his outburst.
“Thanks for sharing my business with everyone, bro.” Turning to my brother, I shoot him a death glare that only makes him laugh at me.
“Come on, Mike. Everyone already knows how you two feel about each other. Why does it need to be kept a secret? I’m ecstatic that you’re finally going for it.” Dean’s eyes soften as he nudges me playfully.
“Yes, finally!” Pauline interrupts. “Please put us all out of the misery of watching you two pretend that you’re not dying to jump each other’s bones and get it over with already!” Her comment warrants a chuckle from everyone in our group, including me.
“One thing at a time, please,” I reply, the nerves increasing once again as I survey the room for Vic. “Have you guys seen her?”
Hayley rises up off her stool, her head pivoting around the room to help search. “Last I saw she was talking to Phil and Jeannie Thomas, but that was like thirty minutes ago. It is her party, so I’m sure she’s having to make small talk with everyone right now.”
“Well, here goes nothing. I’m going to try to find her. Wish me luck,” I concede, standing up tall and faking all the confidence in the world. I amble through the crowd, saying polite hellos to neighbors and friends, and a customer or two, but there is only one person I care to speak to, and I can’t find her. Drinks are flowing, music is drifting softly in the background, and as I gaze around I’m rewarded with the sight of her in a sleeveless navy blue dress, smiling from ear to ear, the vision of her is enough to take my breath away. However, the person she’s talking to is not who I expected to find beside her, the air robbed from my lungs by the image in front of me. I’m too late.
Chapter 3
Victoria
“We can’t wait for you to join our staff in September, Victoria.” Principal Winston has held me captive for the last fifteen minutes discussing my new job at Hopetown Elementary. Even though I am beyond excited to teach, there is a room full of people that I need to converse with before the night is over.
“I am thrilled as well! Thank you again so much for the opportunity.” My smile is genuine, but the desire to end this conversation is slowly making itself known. “I hate to run, but I need to make sure to say hello to everyone.”
“Of course, dear. Congratulations again and we’ll see you in August for orientation.” The short, gray-haired woman turns on her heels and saunters away from me as I exhale a breath of relief. I twist around, observing the room full of people here to celebrate my accomplishment. My chest fills with gratitude as I take in the family and friends that have supported my dream over the past seven years, but there is one face in particular that I want to see more than the rest. He said he’d be here, but his dark eyes and burly demeanor have yet to cross paths with mine. Curiosity is coursing through my mind as I decide to seek him out. I need to know what he has to say, whether he will finally follow through with what we both know we want.
Taking one step forward, I’m stopped momentarily by a hand on my arm from behind me, the warmth of skin on skin sending a message to my brain that this is it. He’s found me.
Slowly turning in hopes of seeing Mike, my desire is shattered as I see Ben standing there, a sweet smile on his face while his hand still grasps my arm. His dark brown hair and deep blue eyes make him more than attractive, but he’s always just been Ben, one of the bartenders at BJ’s and a man I never paid attention to, just like the rest of them. He also works at Mic’s garage a few days a week and is a friend of ours we’ve known since high school. He moved here to Hopetown when his parents opened a timber company in Lincoln years ago, and he also has a significantly younger sister. We’ve always been polite to one another, acquaintances in social settings, but I’ve never looked at him as more than just a friend.
“Hey, Vic.” He greets me, releasing my arm from his gentle grip, his hands finding his pockets almost immediately.
“Hi, Ben. What’s up?” I gain my balance on my feet before lifting my gaze to his face.
“I just wanted to come over here and congratulate you personally. What you did is one hell of an accomplishment.” His lips curve into a heartfelt smile, one I reciprocate easily.
“Thank you. It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it. Can’t say I’m not happy about it being over though,” I wink at him, his chuckle filtering through the noise.
Clearing his throat, his expression changes in an instant. “I have a confession to make, Vic.”
My pulse quickens instantly and I brace myself for the impact. “Okay,….”
“I know that you have dated little since you’ve been so focused on school the past several years. But now that you’re done, I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me sometime? I’ve always thought you were beautiful, but I respected your desire to finish your degree. Now that you’re done, I would love nothing more than to take you on a date.” His dark blue eyes are staring down at me, his face eager for an answer. The air in the room feels like it’s been sucked dry by a vacuum. What in the actual hell?
Ben wants to date me? Ben, the bartender at BJ’s? I can’t say I’ve ever paid him much attention, but then again, I’ve never paid much consideration to any guy in the last five years. I’ve always kept an eye on Mike, but never acted on the feelings I knew I felt deep down. I think about how long I’ve put my life on hold, how long I’ve been waiting for Mike to seek me out, and how many hours I’ve been in this bar anticipating our conversation regarding whatever it was that he wanted to talk to me about. But he never showed. I’ve been watching the door like some scared puppy, afraid of what awaited on the other side, but anxious to see if what I expected would come to fruition. If Mike can’t muster up the courage to actually follow through with what he wants, then why should I stand around expecting him to grow a pair? Ben is being proactive. He says he’s always wanted to ask me out, so why am I questioning this? Why shouldn’t I give my attention to someone who wants it?
“You know what? I would love that.” My answer is more enthusiastic than I intended it to be, but the look on Ben’s face says it was worth it. A mile-wide grin stretches across his face, his eyes light up like a kid on Christmas morning at my answer.
“Really? That’s great!” His hand actively seeks mine out, our palms meeting in a grip that melts away part of my reservations. He’s not Mike, but at least he’s trying. He deserves a chance.
“Sure. Let me know when you’re free.”
“How about Friday next week? I have the night off,” he asks boldly, wasting no time in solidifying our plans.
“Perfect.” I nod at him as he leans in and places a kiss on my cheek. I want to feel tingles. I want to feel the electricity. But all I feel is reservation.
“I’m really looking forward to it, Vic.” His voice is warm as he releases my hand to fetch his phone from his back pocket. “Can I get your number, please?”
“Of course.” Reaching for his phone, I program my number inside before returning it to him. “Talk to you soon.”
“You can bet on it,” he winks at me before turning and making his way to the bar for a refill.
I let out a long breath I didn’t realize I was holding while I process what just happened. I accepted a date with Ben, not Mike. That was not how I thought the evening would go. But Mike never showed, after his more than serious declaration in front of our friends and my family. I shake the thought from my mind, burying my disappointment beneath the realization that maybe Mike and I will never work, especially if he can’t follow through with what he says. This is the second time he’s stood me up and it will definitely be the last.
Chapter 4
Mike
Seeing his lips pressed to her cheek spikes my blood pressure beyond healthy levels. I can feel the anger radiating off my body in waves. Ben turns and walks towards the bar, away from where I’m standing so he never notices my infringement on their moment. What the hell was that about? Uneasiness courses thro
ugh my veins as I contemplate my next move, but I shake it off quickly and focus on the reason I’m here. I can’t walk away from her again. I have to see this through.
Taking a step forward, I stalk over to her as she turns to head down the hallway to the restroom. “Vic…” My voice booms through the enclosed space.
She freezes at my mention of her name before slowly turning and shooting me a death glare, her eyes narrowing into two thin green lines. Wow. Okay, that was not the reaction I was expecting.
“What do you need, Mike?” Her teeth are clenched, making her anger with me more than apparent.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” My mind instantly recalls Ben’s forward move, wondering if it made her uncomfortable.
She huffs at me, looking behind us before lowering her voice an octave.
“Am I okay? I don’t know, you tell me.” Her hands find her hips immediately. “I’ve been waiting for you to find me tonight, curious about what you wanted to talk to me about, and now you show up almost,” she glances down at her watch on her wrist before meeting my eyes again, “almost four hours late!”
“Calm down, please. I’m here, okay? I just had to make a delivery for a customer, and I needed a minute to compose myself, alright?” I reach out to touch her, but she pulls away quickly.
She laughs at me. “Don’t you know better than to tell a woman to calm down? That will only make the exact opposite occur.”
Brushing my hand through my hair, I look down at the floor, questioning what the hell happened in the last four hours. This is NOT how I envisioned this conversation would go down.
