by DW Cee
Sadly, Jamie didn’t notice my pain this time. He walked towards the front door and I followed. I followed, but was desperately searching for a way to keep him here – with me. My arm, with a mind of its own, bridged itself towards Jamie’s body. Before my fingers could brush him, he sensed my need and turned around to catch my fallen fingers in his hand.
With some difficulty I asked, “Can you stay a bit longer?”
Almost as though he’d been wishing for this request, he put both his arms tightly around my body and answered, “I’ll stay as long as you need me.” I enjoyed this momentary affection but he soon let go and casually asked, “Where should I set up camp?”
“Why don’t you work in the office. It has all the equipment you’ll need. Do you mind if I stay in there with you?” I asked unsure of his response.
“I’d love the company.” His gracious answer along with a genuine smile erased these guilty feelings. I felt guilty towards Paul for being dependent upon someone other than him; I felt guilty towards Dani for feeling so comfortable with someone other than her father; and lastly I felt guilty towards Jamie for making him shower attention upon someone other than his girlfriend.
Jamie got to work on the computer while I put earphones on my head to work on a translation that was two weeks overdue. An hour into work, I was hungry again so I went in the kitchen and started baking.
“What smells so good?” Jamie walked in as the first batch of madeleines were coming out of the oven.
“You have perfect timing,” I said putting a madeleine in his mouth.
“Oh, these are good, Olivia.” He grabbed another one.
“Sit down, I have coffee ready as well.”
We sat and Jamie talked more about Melinda and his parents.
“Melinda and I met at a CPA conference.”
My lips tightly formed so as not to burst out laughing.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I answered weakly. “Go on.”
He gave me a strange look and continued his story. “It wasn’t love at first sight but she made the first move and invited me to dinner and we got to know each other over the years. We kind of grew into a couple and have remained there ever since.”
“What does that mean?”
“That means, one day we were friends, fellow CPAs… next day we’re boyfriend and girlfriend. Kind of boring, huh?”
“No… not boring.” I lied. “It’s kind of like me and Paul. One week we’re strangers, the next week we date, then the following week, we get married.”
“Olivia, you’re the worst liar!” He poked me in the rib.
Noticing my knee jerk reaction, he poked me in a different rib.
“Stop!” I got off the stool and tried to get away. “I get really ticklish.”
He grabbed me with both arms before he finished saying, “I’ve noticed,” and played a mean game of tickle-Olivia-till-she-hyperventilates-from-squealing.
When he finally let go, I took the madeleines along with some popcorn and drinks and we got back to work.
“So Jamie?” He looked up at me. “What do you and Melinda do for fun? I assume you see each other regularly?”
“We haven’t seen much of each other this April for obvious reasons, but we usually go have dinner or watch a movie. We’re actually supposed to go on a trip beginning of summer. I’m not sure. She has it all planned.”
I just nodded my head and let him get back to work. About ten minutes in, I had more questions about his girlfriend. “What is she like?”
“Who?” he comically asked.
“What do you mean, who? Your girlfriend, that’s who. Tell me what she’s like.”
“She’s kind and gentle. Quiet and reserved would be other adjectives I’d use to describe her. She likes order but will let loose here and there. Overall, she’s very sweet.”
“Sounds wonderful… any negatives?” Probably wasn’t the best thing to ask but I was curious.
“If I had to pick one negative, I’d say she’s insecure. If she knew I was here with you late at night, alone, she’d be unnecessarily worried.”
“Oh my gosh, have I caused problems between you two? I’m sorry. You don’t have to stay here if it upsets Melinda.”
“Yeah.” He sounded serious. “You’re such a trouble maker, Olivia. Melinda’s threatened to leave me if I spend any more time with you.”
I was mortified. “I’m so sorry!” I got up to help Jamie pack up his stuff. “Why don’t you get going?”
He started laughing. “Relax. I’m only kidding.”
“I can’t believe you just lied to me. I was so freaked out.” With that I threw a handful of popcorn at him.
He retaliated with two fistfuls of popcorn while I ran and ducked behind the couch. Then it was an all out popcorn war. We took turns running to grab more ammunition. When all the popcorn was gone from the bowl, we started grabbing chunks off the ground and throwing them at each other. Finally, I grabbed the carbonated water and shook it with the spout aiming at Jamie and that was when he drew up the white flag.
“Okay. I give up.” Both hands were literally up. “Don’t spray."
“You sure you give up?”
“Yes. Uncle.”
“What’s Uncle?”
“Didn’t you say that back in your generation? When you give up, you’re supposed to call out Uncle.”
“No.” I thought about it for a second. I didn’t recall any Uncles when giving up a fight. “Wait! Did you just call me old? You’re making cracks about my age?”
“I don’t see anyone else here over forty but you.”
That did it. I let go of the bottle and the fizz went everywhere. Not only was it all over the furniture, but Jamie looked like he had just taken a shower with his clothes on.
“You want to play like that?” He asked lunging for me. “Here’s a taste of your own medicine.” He grabbed me before I could get away and he soaked me with a tight bear hug.
“Oh, real nice…” I called out in a pretend angry voice. "If I’m old, you’re childish.”
“You’re calling me childish after you sprayed carbonated water all over me?”
At this point we looked at each other and laughed hysterically. We were like two little kids fighting but not remembering what started the fight.
“Come with me, I’ll get you some clothes.”
While changing into dry clothes, I realized I hadn’t laughed since Paul died. In fact, the last time I had this much fun was when Paul and I had a dance-off while his family was in town. I won, of course.
“I won’t bother you anymore.” I apologized to Jamie back in the office. “I know you have a lot of work to do. I’ve wasted enough of your time.”
“Olivia, this was a great distraction from my boring work. Thanks.”
“Why are you thanking me? I should be the one saying thank you. We barely know each other but you’ve been so good to me. Thank you, Jamie. I won’t forget your kindness.”
“Olivia.” He complained. “Are we never seeing each other again? Why the farewell speech?”
“Well, I figure once you leave tonight, there’s no more reason for you to come back here and spend time with us. Taxes will be done and you’ll be back to doing whatever it is that you do on a regular basis.” Acknowledging this truth made my chest tighten again. I wanted Jamie to stay our friend but he really had no reason to stay.
“Olivia!” He admonished this time. “I told you the other day I enjoy being here with you and Dani. I’m not going to ride off into the sunset and forget you. We’ll still see each other.”
I gave him a doubtful look. Why would he want to spend time with a widow and her teenage daughter?
“You don’t believe me?” he asked. “I promise.” He held one of my hands. “When is Dani’s next softball game?”
“Monday.”
“Okay, I can’t on Monday since taxes are due Thursday. I won’t see the outside world for a while. What about the next one?”
/>
“I think she has a Saturday morning game.”
“Perfect. I’ll come to that one.”
“You will?” This considerably brightened my gloomy outlook on our future friendship. “Can you bring Melinda? I’d love to meet her.”
“Sure,” he answered but didn’t sound quite sure. He probably just needed to check with her first.
I smiled and went about translating my new novel.
DANI 2005
“Hey, Dani. Hi Ian. Did you guys have a good time?”
“Um… yeah… but what are you still doing here and why are you wearing my dad’s clothes?”
“Oh.” He looked at Dad’s clothes almost like he’d forgotten he was wearing them. “Your mom had a panic attack after you left.”
“Oh my gosh, is she okay?” I knew she wouldn’t be fine with me leaving her. She was so weak. Some days I wondered who the mother was and who the child was in this family. Ugh!
“She’s fine. Your Uncle George tried to stay with her but he got called home so I stayed instead.”
“Why are you wearing Dad’s sweats?” I must have sounded mean because I felt Ian’s hands squeeze my arms as a warning to calm down. I was a bit mad. Who did this guy think he was taking over my father’s belongings – his office, his clothes, his wife. That last thought was unjustified but I didn't care. I needed a good explanation.
“Your mother,” he emphasized mother pretending to sound annoyed with her, “and I got into a bit of a verbal argument and she sprayed carbonated water all over me.” Jamie now sounded more amused with her, maybe even borderline enamored.
“She what?” We walked into the office where Mom was sleeping on the couch. “And what’s with the popcorn everywhere?”
“Yeah, we kind of had a popcorn fight as well.” He started picking up after their mess.
“Wow, you and Mom had more fun than we did at our prom,” I added sarcastically.
“Hey! Prom with me was way more fun than a popcorn and water fight. I resent that statement. Take it back.” Ian complained with a chuckle.
“Yeah, whatever. I’m going to go up and change. You want me to walk you out now or can I get out of this dress, first?”
“Go change. I’ll help Jamie clean up in here.”
I didn’t know whether to be annoyed or grateful for all Jamie did tonight. Walking upstairs, I decided to give Jamie a break. After all, I was sure he was super busy with tax day being less than a week away, and yet he agreed to stay with Mom when she was in need. Jamie had a girlfriend. He wasn’t interested in Mom. Why would a young guy be interested in a forty year old woman with a teenage daughter? What a crazy thought.
I walked Ian to his car to say goodnight and he boldly put both arms around my waist just like he did when we were slow dancing – yet, we weren’t slow dancing anymore.
“What are you doing?” I asked. His face turned a bit red.
“I was hoping to kiss you goodnight.”
“Um… no.” I cut him off. I pushed his hands away and said goodnight.
“Can I still come pick you up on Monday?”
“Yeah, as long as you promise not to try and kiss me again.”
“I can’t promise that.” Ian yelled a bit too loudly for a 4:00 am goodbye.
I shrugged my shoulders and didn’t look back while shutting the door. Inside, the office light was off so I looked around for Jamie to see him off as well. There was no sight of him so I went back to the office and found him sitting in the dark, on the edge of the sofa where Mom was sleeping. He had mummified her in a blanket and was moving away the whisps of hair covering her face. The palm of his hand landed on Mom’s face and he didn’t let go. He caressed her face a few times and just sat there staring at her.
“Jamie?” I whispered.
“Yes?” He said so nonchalantly like there was nothing abnormal about him staring at Mom adoringly. Either he loved Mom and wasn’t afraid of what anyone else would think about his feelings, or everything he felt was completely platonic and thus he felt no shame in his feelings towards her.
“Isn’t it time for you to leave?”
“Oh, yeah. Let me go get my stuff.” He stayed, staring at Mom for a few more seconds, then went to the door. “Hey, I’m going to come watch you play short stop next Saturday. Is that okay?”
“Sure.” My demeanor changed as soon as the attention shifted from Mom to me.
“Can I bring Melinda?”
“Of course.” My heart breathed a sigh of relief at the mention of his girlfriend.
“See you then, Dani.” He hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. I couldn’t read anything into this embrace as it felt so much like a father saying goodbye to his daughter. Yuck! I couldn’t think of this guy as a father figure. Yuck!
“Good morning, my beautiful daughter. How was prom?” Mom was beyond cheerful today.
“It was fun. I had more fun than I thought I would and Ian was pretty cool.”
“Do I hear an I like him, Mom, tone?” she teased.
“No! I don’t like him. He’s just a friend.”
“Well, I like him very much. He seemed thoughtful and caring and he’s really cute.” Mom flashed me a smile.
“You just like him because he brought you flowers. He reminded you of Dad.”
“He did. Your dad was the most thoughtful man ever. I don’t think I’ll ever meet anyone like him again.”
“I thought you weren’t ever remarrying.” I accused. Mom stayed mum. “Hey, what was with Jamie and that mess last night?”
“Oh.” Mom looked a bit embarrassed. “We got into an argument and we had a popcorn war.” She giggled. I hadn’t heard her giggle in a long time.
“Is there something going on between… never mind.” I said. Mom barely heard me. She picked up her phone and started dialing instead. I’d hoped she wasn’t calling Jamie.
“Hi Meghan.” Whew! I breathed again. “How are the twins?”
Mom was silent on the phone for a long while. “Have you tried the Ocean spray and the nose bulb? You want me to come over and help today? I’m sure George is swamped at work. Okay. I’ll be over after I fix Dani something to eat. See you soon.”
“What was that all about? The twins ill?”
“Yes. Dani, would you mind if I went over to Aunt Meghan’s? She needs help.”
“Can I come too?”
“Sure. I’d love to spend the day with you. Meghan would enjoy that as well.”
The phone rang and this time I picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Hey, prom date. You’re up earlier than I thought.”
“Hey, yourself.” I responded.
“You busy today?”
“Not particularly. I was going to go over to Aunt Meghan’s house and help with the twins. What’s up?”
“Let’s go watch a movie.” It sounded a bit too much like a command.
“Didn’t we spend a lot of time together last night? You want to hang out again?”
“Is there something wrong with that?" Ian sounded offended. “Are you trying to say there’s something wrong with me?”
“You’re so sensitive. Lighten up,” I chided. “What shall we watch?”
“How about Star Wars Revenge of the Sith?”
“Maybe.” Secretly, I loved Star Wars but I wanted a choice in the matter since he was asking me to go to the movies.
“Come on. I already bought the tickets. Rob was supposed to go with me but he bailed at the last minute.”
“What?” The gall of this guy! “You mean I was second choice? Go call another friend – guy or girl!”
“Dani, it’s not like that. I didn’t ask you first because…”
Ding Dong.
“I gotta go. Someone’s at my door,” I quickly excused myself and hung up on him.
“Dani. I could have gotten that. You didn’t need to get off the phone.” Mom added without knowing the details of our conversation.
“He was lucky all I did was hang up on
him. He had the nerve to call me and ask me to the movies only because his friend couldn’t go with him.”
Mom had a blank stare. She was not going to be any help.
“Hi.” Of course it was Ian standing on my porch as I opened the door. I slammed it shut before he finished his greeting.
I saw Mom run to the door and apologize for my rudeness. “Hi Ian. Come in. Dani can be a little temperamental at times. I don’t know where she gets it from.” She hollered down the hallway. “Dani! You have a guest.”
“Tell my guest I don’t want to go to the movies with him.” I yelled back.
“Danielle Kingston! Come here now.” Mom commanded.
Not giving any credence to my state of anger, Mom shoved me out the door and forced me on a date with Ian.
“I like your mom!” Ian tried not to smirk.
“I’m sure you do.” I exaggerated my exasperated tone.
“Dani. I’m sorry. The only reason I asked Rob instead of you was because I didn’t think you’d want to go see Star Wars. Rob and I’ve seen every one of these movies together. We’re kind of Star Wars geeks. We don’t have to watch it if you don’t want to...although I’d really love to go see it if you are even slightly agreeable to it…” He trailed looking for a response. “Okay. We don’t have to go watch this movie. I’ll watch it another time with Rob. Can we just spend some time together? Last night with you was a lot of fun.”
Like a dork, my frozen heart instantly melted. There wasn’t even a thawing period. Ice cap to puddle in the span of a few sentences.
“Well?” He waited for a response.
“Alright. Let’s go see the movie.” I pretended to give in.
Star Wars was actually one of my favorite movies. I enjoyed Revenge of the Sith as much as all the other ones I’d seen with Dad. Somehow this guy knew all the right moves to win me over. For dinner, he drove me to Bob’s Big Boy so we could enjoy the classic car show while eating.
“Have you been here before?”
“Oh yeah. My dad was a huge fan of old cars. We had dinner here many Friday nights. Mom never really enjoyed it as much as we did.”
Ian reminded me a lot of Dad.
“Did you like the movie?" He asked in between ordering at the car hop. “Have you seen any of the other ones?”
