The alarm going off dragged me from the arms of deep slumber; bring to an end yet another dream I should have never had. Eyes still closed I reached out, batting the clock to the floor in a surge of frustration. It fell silent with a harsh clang of protest. Lying back, I rubbed my eyes trying to forget the vision of the one I loved with all my heart. A dip in the bed alerted me to a presence. Turning my head as I opened my eyes I came nose to nose with Arty.
"Meooww"
She nuzzled my cheek. Sitting up, I pulled the dark tortoise shell onto my lap. Scratching him under his chin I laughed as her purr ratcheted up in volume. The sudden ring of the bedside phone startled me. Automatically I looked to see what time it was, forgetting for a second what I'd done till I saw the clock resting in the far corner of my bedroom. I was forever buying new clocks to replace the ones that broke when they hit the wall.
"Hello" I reached for the bottle of water on my side table. I nearly choked on a mouthful as dulcet tones caressed my ears.
"Hey girl, you just pulling your lazy butt out of bed, it's nearly ten o'clock?"
I rolled my eyes. "How can you possibly ask that, you didn't leave until almost four this morning. You just had to stay and see that damn movie you love so much?twice. Not everyone can exist on a few hours sleep like you can Jen" I sighed knowing I was up for good now.
How anyone could truly enjoy the Garbage Pail Kids was beyond me. I winced as the image of several of the characters came to mind.
Jen's laugher filled the phone. "Hey, its not my fault you channel surfed after we ate. Anyway, you better get moving I'm calling from the car. I'm almost there. I was kind enough to pick you up some breakfast so you better be nice to me" A light click broke the connection as she hung up.
Time passed unheeded as I sat there fixed in place with the phone still in my hand. The beeping eventually broke into my chaotic thoughts. Hanging up the phone, I opened the side drawer pulling out my wristwatch. The royal blue face read ten o' five. "Shit" jumping to my feet I ran into the bathroom. Wrenching the shower on, I tore the boxers and muscle shirt I slept in off. Naked, I paused to consider myself in the mirror. I wasn't what you would call pretty; in the past I'd even been occasionally called handsome. Personally, I thought that was a copout, it's almost as bad as being called the dreaded four-letter word. Say it with me now?cute. There now, see what I mean.
Thick brown shoulder length hair framed a face that was broader then normal with an average sized nose and a strong chin, a small cleft in its center. Blue gray eyes looked back at me as I studied myself. Jen often told me that if people paid close attention my emotions were reflected by the changes in my eye color. I wasn't sure if I liked being that exposed to people. The one thing I did enjoy was having a light bronze skin color. It was like having a permanent tan all year round.
At 5'10 I had a stocky build that I'd inherited from my father, he'd been a full-blooded Cherokee. My shoulders were wide enough that I often had to shop from the men's section for clothes. I had a little extra weight around the middle that absolutely refused to move. Slim hips caused another problem making me frequently need to have slacks tailor made. I shifted watching as the muscles flexed in my arms and legs as I moved. I turned sideways visually tracing the dragon tattoo that started on my lower back. Its tail wrapped around my waist with its body stretching out over my back, feet tipped with razor sharp talons gripped my hips and my right shoulder. Its neck and head laid regally on my left shoulder and arm, its yellow eyes watching. It was a whirlwind of reds, yellows and blues. Shaking my head I dismissed the image reflected back at me and stepped under the warm spray. Washing quickly, I got out and grabbing a towel hastily dried off.
Wrapping it around me, I hurried back into the bedroom. Pulling out underwear, jeans and one of my much-loved t-shirt's, this one with a picture of a roaring dragon. I dressed quickly then slipped on my newest sneakers. I was back in the bathroom pulling my damp hair in a loose ponytail when I heard the click of the front door closing then a set of rapid footsteps. Quietly padding into the hallway I stuck my head around the corner. A smile tugged at my lips as I spotted Jen unpacking a bag on the kitchen counter. Sneaking up behind her I grabbed her around the waist. A shriek echoed in the room.
She jumped dropping the container in her hand. I caught it just before it hit the floor. Before she could react to what I did I seized the opening to slip it onto the countertop behind her. Jen turned in my arms and swatted at my head. "Damn you Franklin, what are you trying to do give me a heart attack?"
Ducking her smack I snickered. Backing up, I raised my hands in self-defense. "I certainly hope not. Besides who else do I have that can put up with working with me?" I could hear the pain that tried to sneak into my voice. I was relieved when Jen acted like she hadn't heard it.
Jen shook a finger at me. "That's because no one wants to deal with all your weird quirks. I still don't really understand why I do myself sometimes"
I laughed. Avoiding her raised hand I hugged her. I spoke without thinking. "It's because you love me" I joked. My eyes closed as I was wrapped in an affectionate hug in return. Warm air tickled my ear as she breathed.
"Hmm, it might be at that, you never know" She whispered softly.
Shocked I pulled back; a calm brown gaze met mine. At a loss for words I fumbled for something to say. I watched as a smile emerged on her face as she started laughing. "Ha, I thought I'd never see the day when Franklin Grencen would be at a loss for words" A surge of disappointment flooded me as I realized she hadn't meant it.
Dropping my arms, I moved away towards the cupboards. Taking down my favorite mug, the one with a cat dressed in a waiters uniform holding a platter that said Meow Chow, I poured a cup of coffee added some sugar then took a seat at the kitchen table silently stirring the steaming liquid. The rattle of dishes faded as I tried to rein my feelings back in.
Gods Franklin, she works for you, it's sticky enough just being friends. Anything more would be crossing the line. Tears burned my eyes.
Face it; she's not interested in you like that anyway. I blinked them away as a basket filled with bagels was set on the table in front of me. A container of cream cheese joined it along with a jar of raspberry jam. Jen settled in the chair across from me cradling her own coffee cup. The one she always left here. Heavy white china was decorated with a grinning great white that said BITE ME. I had given it to her on her last birthday. She'd turned the big two-eight recently. Sometimes I tried to remember what it was like being twenty-eight. At thirty-six I sometimes felt like an old fogey next to her.
Reaching for a blueberry bagel, I slathered it in cream cheese. Biting into it I hummed in approval at the taste. It remained one of my favorite foods no matter what time of day it was. When I noticed that Jen wasn't eating I shot her a questioning look. She was studying the bottom of her mug, a worried expression on her face. I slowly set my bagel down; wiping my fingers on a napkin I reached over and gently touched her arm. I hid the upset I felt when she jerked away from my touch.
"Sorry" I drew my hand back and fiddled with the bagel, my appetite for it gone. Pushing my plate away I wrapped my hands around my still hot coffee. The heat slowly seeped into my chilled fingers.
"No, it's o.k. I was just thinking. You startled me that's all" Reaching across the table she grasped my wrist. I studied the sight of her fingers on my bare skin for a moment before looking up.
"Still sorry" I watched as she took that in. She slowly released her hold on my wrist. Leaning back in the chair, Jen slowly shook her head in bemusement.
"I don't know what to do with you sometimes" she said wryly.
I decided to help lighten the atmosphere. "Anything you want" I leered at her playfully, yelping when she kicked me in the shin.
"Hey, what was that for?" I rubbed my ankle as I acted like it hurt more than it actually did.
"I didn't hurt you too bad did I?"
Picking up on the hint of worry that entered her voice I carried on the charade for a few more seconds then jumped to my feet. "Nah, you gotta kick a lot harder then that" I darted from the kitchen toward the living room hoping to get to the backyard before a raging Jen could grab hold of me. I didn't make it.
**************
Arching my back to relieve some of the stiffness, I wiped my face with a handy rag. Tucking it into the rear pocket of my khaki shorts, I surveyed the neatly stacked bags of cedar chips that I'd just transferred from the storage area to the main floor. The ten-pound bags had gotten steadily heavier as the hours had passed. I flexed an arm; still it was a good workout. With all the hours it took to keep the business flowing I didn't have time to hit a gym. Winding my way through the orderly rows of potted annuals I headed inside to the office. I'd avoided the dreaded paper work for as long as I possibly could.
"FRANKLIN"
Turning at the call I saw Jen waving me over. She went back to helping her customer once she'd seen I was headed her way. Any chance to avoid being stuck in the office was welcomed.
I smiled at the elderly lady as I neared. "Mrs. Carmicheal, how are you doing today, finding everything you need?"
Mrs. Carmicheal covered her mouth as she giggled. "I always know I can if I come here. Mirncer's never seems to keep anything in stock nowadays"
"Well, I'm happy we can be of service. If we don't have what you're looking for you know we're more than happy to order it for you at no extra charge and with the family discount" I winked at her. I had known her most of my life. Even as a teen I'd taken it upon myself to make sure her grass was cut in summer and that the drive and walkways remained clear during the winter. I never accepted any money for it. I was much happier to join her for cold lemonade or a steaming cup of hot chocolate and just chat for a while. Most days' it almost seemed as though I was the only company she'd had for the whole week. Even as an adult I still made time to keep up on it.
Mrs. Carmicheal patted my arm. "You're such a sweet thing," she said with an affectionate look.
I flushed as I heard Jen try to choke back a laugh. Running my hand over my face I sighed in resignation. "Well, don't go spreading it around" I mumbled under my breath. I smiled and picked up her flat of Petunias. "I'll load these for you. If you'll wait a little bit, I can come over Sunday and plant them for you," I'd noticed lately that she'd been having difficulty getting up from her knees. I waved away her protests. "It'll be my pleasure, just have a cold lemonade ready for me all right?" She happily agreed and I matched her pace as we slowly walked to her car.
I blinked rapidly as I came in from the bright sunshine after making sure Mrs. Carmicheal got off safely. When the spots finally cleared from my vision I glimpsed a grinning Jen watching me closely. "What have I done now?"
"You try to act so tough but you're just a big softy aren't you?" She teased.
"Depends entirely on the person" I shot back defensively. I tried to soften the remark with a little teasing of my own. I didn't want Jen to know how sensitive I truly was about it. "Besides only my best girls get to see that. Why, you getting jealous?"
Jen's face lost its smile. "You've got a best girl?"
I almost didn't answer the question. I forced the smile to stay on my face as I gazed at the girl I've wanted for the past two years. "Of course I do" Putting my hands on my hips, I tilted my head. "How could you ever think otherwise. If Mrs. Carmicheal ever heard you say that she'd be downright offended. She considers me quite the catch if you must know"
Something that looked like relief flooded her face as she laughed at my lame joke.
What could she of all people possibly be relieved about I wondered mutely. I hurriedly pushed such thoughts out of my head, that road lead to madness. "I've got tons of paperwork to plow through" I checked my watch, almost twelve thirty. "Why don't you head for lunch. I'll leave the door open so I can hear if a customer wanders in" A few minutes to pull my frazzled nerves back together would be welcome.
Jen dug her purse out from underneath the counter. "That'd be great, thanks. See you in about an hour" she started walking away then paused. "Joe called, he and Phil finished the install at Mrs. Martinez's house. They'll be on the way back after stopping for a bite. John asked me to let you know he's out back in the greenhouse" she kept her back towards me as she talked.
"I saw him. Thanks for letting me know Joe called" I answered puzzled by the odd way she was acting.
"No problem, just doing my job" She called offhandedly as she headed for the door.
I frowned as she almost rushed out of the building. After locking out the register I slowly walked into the office. Sinking into my desk chair I propped my chin in my palm, my eyes fixed on the framed picture sitting beside the computer monitor. A gaily-laughing Jen had her arms slung around my neck as she leaned over me from behind. A beer bottle dangled from one hand while she looked towards the person taking the photo. It'd been taken during one of the many summer cookouts I'd had last summer. Several workers and friends appeared in the background, but the smile on Jen's face pulled your attention to her. I'd been caught looking up, a smile growing on my face. I knew if the picture had been taken a scant second later the love I had for her would have been captured forever on film.
Picking up the picture, I gently traced her features. Brown eyes sparkled like rare jewels; the happiness' within them made you wonder what she'd been thinking about at the time. Short black hair appeared to shine with a blue fire in the bright sunlight. About 5'8 with a body that was slim and fit she was the poster girl of health. I paled in comparison next to her. Jen Rangel was one gorgeous woman. Once again I wondered why she hung around me so much. Sure we were friends but didn't she want someone in her life besides friends. Anyone with half a brain would jump at the chance. Hell I'd give my right?well just about anything for that.
A light knock on the half open door had me flipping the picture facedown on the desk. I picked up a handful of papers before answering. "Yeah, C'mon in" I called. Slipping my reading glasses on I tried to appear busy. I marked a few papers while comparing them to the conveniently open account ledger.
"Hey"
I jerked my head up when I heard Jen's voice. She stood in the doorway holding a white paper bag and a large styrofoam cup. My brow furrowed a little as I noticed her uneasy stance. I grinned trying to act as if nothing strange had happened.
"Hey back, whatcha got there?" My stomach growled at the wonderful aromas that were emanating from the sack. I had to admit I was so hungry after my busy morning that my stomach was convinced my throat had been cut.
"I brought you back a roast beef sub and fries" She seemed to relax as she stepped further into my office.
"Awesome!!!" I gleefully accepted the offered bag. Taking the cup I took a sip. "And a coffee shake too. Woman, you rock" I moved the picture out of the way then unwrapped my sub. I hesitated before taking a bite. "Did you eat?"
"Franklin, I've been gone an hour. Believe me, that's more then enough time to grab something to eat"
"Oh" I said surprised. "Didn't seem like it's been that long"
Jen tucked her hands in her pockets. It'd taken months of knowing her to realize that this was a tell tail sign of nervousness. I waited patiently with an inquiring expression. Finally she spoke. "Um, today's Friday"
I nodded in encouragement. "Yes it is. Did you want your check a little early?" Without waiting for an answer I pulled my desk drawer open. Rummaging through the disorder I eventually pulled out the rubber-banded envelopes. Thumbing through them I pulled Jen's out. "Here ya go"
Jen accepted the envelope. "Thanks, but that wasn't what I meant"
I raised my eyebrows. "So what was it then?"
"I'mhavingapoolpartywillyoucome?" She rattled off.
I raised a hand trying to slow down the deluge of words. "Whoa, I didn't catch all that"
"I just got a pool put in. I was wondering if you'd like to come over for the first official use. I'm throwing a small pool party on Saturday"
My eyes were riveted on the white teeth that were worrying her full lower lip. Jens voice broke into my fascination. "Will you come or not?"
I covered myself by coughing. Taking a drink of my shake to buy a little time to compose myself I restrained my initial reaction. The vision of her in a very?very?small bikini flared in my mind. I just kept myself from drooling and possibly letting the cat out of the bag, so to speak. "I'll be there with bells on. What time?"
I watched a smirk appear on her face. "Bell's huh. That the only thing you're going to wear?" I felt my face grow hot when I realized I'd made a fopa. I braced myself for more but groaned in relief when she let it go at that. "I was thinking about noon would be good. We're going to cookout for lunch so don't eat to much beforehand"
"What do you want me to bring?"
"I've got the food covered. It's bring your own bottle, so just you and your swimsuit" She seemed pleased at my agreement to be there.
"Guess I better get back to it," I noticed her gaze lingered on the right side of my desk before she left. I followed her line of sight to see what had caught her attention. The edge of the picture lay uncovered from underneath my sub wrapper. I knew she'd know what picture it was since she was the one who'd given it to me in the first place.
Oh boy, who knew what she'd be thinking about it. I mulled over what possible things could happen then shrugged. Right now, I had a good sandwich the woman I loved got for me and Saturday I'd get to see her in a bathing suit. Taking a bite I munched contentedly, life was good.
Continued...