6 posts tagged “stories”

Friday night “babysitting” Terri turned out to be rather uneventful. I have to confess I was anxious about it all day. I worried about her getting bored, or what if we just didn’t get along for some reason. Suppose she went Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde on me and turned out to the spoiled brat teenage girl from hell. What if she insisted on not listening to me or ignoring her mom’s instructions and slipped out after dark while I was in the bathroom.

 

My overactive imagination was in hyper-drive most of the day.

 

Carol dropped Terri off on time. Terri had her laptop and some other stuff in a dark blue Friends of KHPR canvas bag. I later found out the bag contained her iPod and a couple of books, along with hand lotion and a small bag of “girl things’, like cosmetics and small grooming implements.

 

Although this was suggested by Carol as a “get acquainted” visit, Terri and I talked very little. She kept herself entertained doing homework, or whatever on her laptop, which had no problem picking up an internet signal from my DSL modem.

 

She seemed content being quiet and staying busy, and I was glad to play along. If she was happy, I was happy.

 

She had brought rice crackers, or arare to snack on. She offered to share, but I opted for my own wheat crackers and cheddar cheese instead. Typical local kid and typical haole (Caucasian) man. I like arare, but prefer flavored rice cracker covered peanuts, called iso peanuts better than the more plain crackers she had brought. Carol had fed Terri dinner prior to dropping her off.

 

At some point during the day, my gut had told me all my worrying was for naught, and everything would be just fine. Like most people, I don’t usually listen to my gut even though it’s always right. Go figure.

 

Carol picked Terri up around 10:30, right in the middle of the agreed upon window. So far, Carol has been very prompt, very polite and Terri has been very nice. Why do I still feel like the other shoe is going to drop at some point?

 

Carol came in for a couple of minutes when she picked Terri up, but our conversation was pretty much just Carol and Terri thanking me, and me assuring both of them it was no trouble, and I’d be glad to have Terri over anytime. Everyone showing off their best manners and social skills.

 

We didn’t discuss when, or if Terri would return. However, I’m pretty sure we all assumed it would indeed happen again…soon.

 

On Saturday morning my cell phone chirped and vibrated to life around 11:00 AM.

 

Nobody ever calls me on the weekend, especially in the morning, so my immediate thought was, “who the…?” Before I could unleash the expletive on the tip of my tongue, I saw it was Carol.

 

“Hello?”, I answered pleasantly, instantly changing gears.

 

“Good morning Rick. Carol. How are you?”, she answered in her now familiar business-like manner.

 

“I’m good, thanks”, I replied, purposely speaking slower than normal. My way of having some one-sided fun with someone in too much of a hurry to have fun otherwise.

 

“Just wanted to say thanks again for watching out for Terri last night. She had a really nice time.”, was mom’s report after apparently debriefing Terri about her initial visit.

 

“No worries. It was nice for me too, although I have to admit she was very low maintenance and seemed perfectly content to self-entertain pretty much the whole evening.”, I replied truthfully.

 

“She’s really good that way.”, said the proud mom.

 

Before I could reply, Carol continued, “so it’s so far, so good?”

 

“Absolutely”, I said trying to make sure I genuinely sounded positive and sincere.

 

“I think she’s planning on Monday after school again if that’s okay. I told her to call you tomorrow to confirm.”, came the ever efficient business woman.

 

“Works for me”, I confirmed.

 

“I’ll send some money with her for you guys to eat on”, Carol let me know.

 

“Great. Thanks, Carol”, I told her.

 

“Okay. Thanks again. Talk to you next week.”, Carol said ending the conversation.

 

“Bye”, I said as the phone went dead.

 

The rest of the day consisted mostly of a little shopping. I needed a few household things for some extra cleaning up around The Crib. If I’m gonna be having Terri over some more, I should probably upgrade the environment in the apartment.

 

The apartment is always fairly clean and neat, but it’s old-man-bachelor-who-lives-alone clean and neat, not necessarily young-teenage girl-and-her-mom clean and neat. I’m not really sure exactly what that means, but I wanted both of the women to be comfortable when they come over.

 

My mom was a meticulous housekeeper and I’m pretty sure I’ll never be that good, but I do have some reasonable room for improvement. Who knows, I might even dust the tops of the tall bookcases.

 

I was somewhat proud of myself that despite not having lived with a woman for over 14 years, I managed to keep the toilet seat down while Terri was over. When I’m alone, I hardly think about it. Mostly I need the seat to be up when I use the bathroom and on the off occasion when I do need to sit, I never, ever, ever, ever sit my naked butt down anywhere without looking first, so accidentally sitting on the cold slippery rim of the toilet has never been an issue for me.

 

Girls…

 

After a good day shopping and getting my one hour of exercise walking in, I decided to take in a DVD to pass the evening.

 

The feature for the evening was a compilation of Johnny Winter concert performances from the 70’s that I discovered on Netflix pretty much by accident. I typed in Johnny Wi looking for old Tarzan movies and up popped Johnny Winter. Although I’ve become quite fond of and even create, modern electronic music, particularly soulful House music, I still love the kick-ass stuff from the 70’s. Once a rocker…

 

The high energy level is one of the things I like most about some of the electronic music, especially Trance music. The incessant, hard throbbing bass drum beat and the myriad of synthesizers and faux explosions gets me pumped. It ain’t Johnny Winter, or Blackfoot, or The Allman Brothers, but then again, it ain’t 1975 anymore either.

 

Just as I crack open an ice cold Tsing Dao beer imported from China, my cell phone goes off again. A cuckoo clock announcing no particular time. It’s the tone I assigned to Terri’s cell phone. Don’t want to miss her calls.

 

“Terri”, I answered as friendly sounding as possible considering she’s interrupting cold beer and a concert on Saturday night. A nearly unforgivable transgression for almost anyone else.

 

“Hey Rick”, she said in a soft but cheery voice. I like that she chooses not to use the “uncle” honorific when she addresses me. Despite our rather wide difference in age, it’s a little more comfortable to try to think of her as just another friend, although she’s anything but.

 

“Everything okay?”, I wanted to know, always close to paranoia.

 

“Everything’s fine. Are you busy?”, she replied, wondering if she had interrupted.

 

“Not busy at all. Just getting ready to watch a DVD. But no rush on that.”, I told her truthfully.

 

“You talked to mom this morning?”, she wanted to confirm.

 

“Yeah. She was just checking in and thanking me for last night.”, I told Terri.

 

“Well, thanks from me too. It was nice.”, she said and after a short pause, added, “and comfortable”.

 

“Comfortable matters. I’m happy to hear you say that”,  I told her honestly.

 

“Mom’s out for a while tonight, so I thought I’d check in and thank you, too ”, she confessed, sounding a little lonely…or something.

 

I took a sip of the cold beer as I listened to her, then replied, “that’s very sweet of you. Keep in mind though, you really don’t need an excuse to call. I’m usually here by myself, and it’s always nice to have someone to talk to.”

 

“I will keep that in mind. Thanks. Is Monday after school okay for me to hang out again?”, she wanted to know.

 

“It’s just fine. Your mom said you’d call to confirm. Is this that call?”, I wanted to know.

 

“Yeah, this is that call.”, she giggled.

 

“So what’d you do today?”, I asked sensing she might want some company for a bit.

 

We talked about her day, my DVD choice for the evening and some other non-topic kinds of stuff for about half of my beer, which was almost 30 minutes.

 

She didn’t sound sad, or anything, but I couldn’t shake the feeling she might be a little bored, or lonely, or something. I didn’t mention it since I don’t really know her well enough yet to judge such things. I didn’t want to embarrass her, if I was right.

 

She had already spent time on the phone with her friend, Karen, so I guess she was working her way down her phone list to pass the time. I felt good she called. It’s always nice when people think enough to call and chat without any particular reason. This call could certainly have waited had Terri not been in the mood for some casual chatting.

 

After we hung up, I finished the beer, got a fresh one and some kim chee tako poke to munch on during the concert. Had someone told me in 1975, I’d be in Hawaii today drinking Chinese beer and eating a hot, spicy mixture of Korean kim chee flavored nearly raw octopus, I would have been sure their destiny was a quick to trip to a padded room guarded by men in little white jackets, but here I am.

 

Johnny rocked as only he can (can/could?…whatever) and the refreshments were a perfect companion. I finished the beer and poke just as Johnny finished the last song on the DVD. A legendary song about aging rockers penned by one of Johnny’s partners in crime, Rick Derringer, entitled, “Still Alive and Well”. True dat!

It’s been a couple of days since I met Carol, and I’ve managed to think about little else since. One of the problems with not working, or having much structure in my life is I have way too much time on my hands, sometimes.

 

Almost all of my thoughts about our evening together are good ones. She does seem a little more high-strung than I might prefer, but then again, we did tank up on coffee pretty heavily. I think it’s only fair to give her the benefit of the doubt on that one, for now.

 

I’ve been tempted to call her, but have been saved by Carol twice. Both times we had long chats about all kinds of things. Each time we talked over an hour and covered almost every imaginable subject. It was more interesting than just playing 20 questions and Carol and I managed to learn quite a bit about each other.

 

It’s apparent Carol has conducted her share of interviews. Probably at work, but regardless, she’s a very skilled interviewer. Skilled enough it came off like really good conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed both talks with her. Plus, she gave up as much information as she sought out.

 

Of course, I still had a few questions, but I prefer to let the answers come as they will in the course of spending time together.

 

As I’m making sure I remember everything I want to pick up at Wal-mart, I feel my cell phone vibrating in my pocket. I’m outside without my reading glasses, or a magnifier, so I haven’t much idea who is calling. I answer anyway.

 

“Hello”, I answer, less than friendly. Friends almost never call, and I hate those solicitation calls and don’t want to encourage them.

 

“Rick, it’s Carol. How are you?”, came the voice on the other end.

 

“Carol. I’m good. How are you?”, the requisite answer.

 

“Sorry for the short notice, but are you free this evening for a quick dinner and some talking?”, she asked sounding as if in a hurry.

 

“I’m okay for that. What do you have in mind?”, I inquire.

 

“How about I pick up Chinese and bring it to your place. Since I’m imposing and being so last minute, it’s my treat, if that’s okay.”. she said sounding like she’s been hitting the coffee again.

 

“Perfect. What time?”, I ask trying to help her keep the conversation short and sweet.

 

“Would 7:00 be okay?”, she suggested.

 

“Works for me”, I confirmed.

 

“What should I get for you?”, she asked.

 

“No bones, less sugar is better with chow fun, or noodles”, I reply.

 

“Got it. Talk to you closer to 7:00”, she spit out.

 

“Thanks. See ya’”, I retuned. The phone went dead.

 

I had paused outside Wal-mart to have my conversation with Carol, and now had to regroup and make sure I’m not going to forget anything. I remember the names of people I went to elementary school with, but sometimes only hit 3 out of 4 from my shopping list. Of course, actually taking the shopping list with me might improve those odds. Who knew?

 

Free dinner is always good, I’m thinking. Obviously, she has something specific on her mind, other than treating me to Chinese fast food. Even if all she wants to do is see me again, and buy me dinner, I’m okay with that too, but I have a feeling this busy, complex woman is probably up to something.

 

Walking back from Wal-mart, with everything I went for, my cell phone vibrates again. Luckily I have only one bag and am able to fish the phone out of my pocket. Best I can tell, it looks like Carol again.

 

“Hello?”

 

“One more thing. Can I bring my daughter?”, she wanted to know.

 

“Of course. Just don’t forget to get food for her too.”, I answer.

 

She laughed before saying, “Thanks. Talk to you later.”

 

Interesting twist. I had envisioned meeting the daughter might take a while, and might be a bit more of a “formal” affair. Oh well, it’s too close to 7:00 to spend much time contemplating such things. I’ll know soon enough.

 

In the mean time, I need to do a little “touching up” around The Crib. My place is usually pretty close to “guest ready”, but I still want to tidy up a little bit.

 

I have some time left after my cleaning up, so I head off to Don Quijote and grab a bag of Chinese black tea to serve with dinner. I know it’s only Chinese fast food, but I should contribute something to the evening, and Chinese tea seems to be a reasonable choice. I don’t do ice cream or desserts, so tea is as good as it gets.

 

I figure out the portions for the tea and take a shower by about 6:15. I hate being late. There’s nothing on TV, so I just check e-mail and messages on my web sites. Of course, it’s a quiet day and I still have almost a half an hour to kill, if Carol is to actually be on time.

 

My phone goes off at 6:43. It’s Carol.

 

“Hello?”

 

“On my way. We’ll be there in about 10 minutes”, she announced.

 

“Great, I’ll find a place for all of us to sit.”, I reply. The phone went dead. Not much on niceties, this one. Habits of a busy woman, I suppose.

 

I buzz them into the building and wait by the front door for them to get off the lift. Momentarily, here comes Carol and a very tall, very beautiful young girl. Both laden with bags of wonderful smelling food.

 

I reached out and took the bags Carol had as she kissed me on the cheek and said, “Hi. Thanks. This is my daughter, Terri. Terri, this is my friend, Rick”.

 

“Hi”, said the young girl in a pleasant and confident tone.

 

“Nice to meet you”, I replied. Terri’s smile broadened in response.

 

“Come on in. Follow me and we’ll take those packages off your hands.”, I told Terri. Carol had come in, slipped off her shoes and put her purse down.

 

We all ended up at my kitchen counter. Carol and Terri unpacked and separated the food. It smelled wonderful.

 

“We got this near our house. It’s always good. I got you black bean chicken and shrimp with vegetables over chow fun. Hope that’s okay.”, she said as she handed me my dinner and smiled.

 

“Sounds great. Smells great. You sure you don’t want me to help you pay for all this?”> I asked to be polite.

 

“No thanks. My party, my treat”, she said.

 

Terri had the cat that swallowed the canary grin going on, making me feel for the first time that dinner might not exactly be free.

 

Terri was lovely. She stood a full 5’11”, with a slim athletic build and jet black Asian girl hair tossed up and clipped to the back of her head. Seemed like a lot of hair clipped together. Carol is Chinese, and Terri also looks Chinese, although I have no idea what her dad’s background is. She was dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt with no printing, or logo. She seemed very pleasant and comfortable. A similar self confidence to Carol’s, although much more subtle and understated.

 

Dinner was excellent and we mostly ate with a little small talk thrown in. Everyone was hungry, so eating was the immediate priority.

 

I put on the water for the tea as we gathered up the rubbish. Carol thought the tea was a nice touch. Terri and I took the rubbish around the hallway to the rubbish chute and returned to find Carol had poured cups of tea for all of us. I have a really nice Japanese tea service I had never used until tonight.

 

“Love the tea pot and cups”, Carol said.

 

“Wedding present. Not sure how I came to keep it, but I like it.”, I replied.

 

“Nice tea”, Carol added.

 

“Good. Glad you like it. Terri, are you okay?”, I said.

 

“I’m good”, the young girl replied politely.

 

Carol had said she was 16. She gives the first impression of being fairly mature for 16, although I’m getting the feeling Carol wouldn’t put up with less. Seems like a nice kid, but then most kids are nice when sitting within arms length of their parent.

 

Carol chuckles to herself as she says, “I guess you are all wondering why I’ve called you together here tonight”.

 

Terri blushes slightly as if almost embarrassed at her mom being more than a little corny.

 

I looked at Terri and asked, “you don’t know why we’re all here?”

 

“No clue”, she said smiling and shaking her head.

 

Looking at Carol, I ask, “so you grab Terri by the arm and tell her that you’re picking up Chinese and we’re going to a strange man’s house for dinner?”

 

“Pretty much”, Carol confesses with a blush of her own.

 

Looking at Terri, with my eyebrows raised in astonishment, I ask, “she do this to you often?”

 

“Never.”

 

“Okay, then. I guess I should shut up and let you clue us in.”, I say looking directly at Carol.

 

“Terri is a wonderful young girl and a very loving, considerate daughter. Not because she’s my daughter, but just because that’s the way she is. I’d love to take all the credit for it, but some of it comes from her dad and some of it comes from goodness knows where.

 

“It’s the goodness knows where part that has me a little concerned. As you know, I’m a single mom and because of that I do everything possible to provide the best I can for Terri and myself. I have turned myself into an over achieving workaholic. I work very hard and work lots of hours, and therefore I’m not always sure where Terri learns the things she knows about life.

 

“Don’t get me wrong. We’ve had the requisite mother-daughter talks about the birds and bees and men and the like, but we really haven’t had nearly enough time together for me to have taught her all the qualities she has that make her a very special girl.

 

Terri is squirming on the couch next to Carol, not completely comfortable hearing all this true confession from her mom.

 

I’m loving every minute of it. I love when people wear their heart on their sleeve. Eliminates the guess work. More to the point, Carol seems very sincere.

 

“My concern is, no matter how good Terri is, she may find herself in, well, bad situations if left to her own devices all the time. I don’t think she’d ever go looking for trouble, but it seems that trouble often finds teenagers with too much time on their hands, despite everyone’s good intentions.

 

“I’ve seen lots of articles and TV shows on latch key kids, and don’t want anything bad to happen to Terri just because she spends a lot of time at home, usually alone and unsupervised.

 

Terri’s look turns a bit more serious. She doesn’t seem upset, but she is definitely paying close attention.

 

I have no idea where Carol is going with this train of thought.

 

“I’d like both of you to think about something for me. I know Terri is too old for a babysitter, per se, but Rick, I’d like it if she could call you, or even come over from time to time. I’d like her to have a person to talk to, or to be with that could offer some adult supervision, or adult influence.

 

“I have a sister, but she’s as busy as I am and her kids are all grown and moved out of the house. I think from the time we’ve spent together, and the time we’ve spent talking, and from all the nice things AC said about you, you’d be a good resource for Terri. And for me.

 

Carol settled back into the couch and took another sip of her tea, indicating she had said her peace.

 

Terri and I looked at each other. Deer meets deer in the headlights.

 

“No clue, huh?”

 

Slowly shaking her head from side to side, she replied, “None.”

 

“I’m guessing that for the cost of dinner, you’d like some instant gratification in the form of a pretty quick answer.”, I suggest to Carol.

 

“If you can, sure. If you need to think about it, please do. We are talking about the welfare of my daughter here.”, Carol said very businesslike.

 

“Certainly, if there’s anything I can do to help either of you out, I’m happy to oblige. However, I’d like to hear how Terri feels about all this. I don’t want her to have to be dragged over here kicking and screaming.”, I answer

 

Carol nods, and looks at Terri, then says, “do you need some time to think about this, honey?”

 

Terri starts shaking her head, slowly back and forth, her brow furrowing in the process, then says, “I actually think it’s a good idea. I know you work hard, so we can have stuff and live in a nice place and all that and I really appreciate it, but it would be nice to have someone around more often. I also know you really love what you do almost as much as you love providing for us, so I can’t ask you to let go of any of that.

 

“I’m okay to give it a try. I think Uncle Rick and I need to spend some time getting to know each other before we can say for sure it’s a good thing, but I’m willing to try it out and see.” Terri said.

 

What a kid. I’m wondering if there’s more going on here than meets the eye. Has something happened? I hope not. This could become very interesting. Hell, it’s already very interesting.

 

“If you’re okay to try it, I’m okay to try it. I agree we need to spend a little time together to see how this might work, or not, but I’m okay to give a shot.”, I reply.

 

“How can I compensate you?”, Carol asked.

 

“I don’t care about money, or anything for my time, but if I’m gonna feed Terri, it’d be nice to get a little help with buying food. I have limited means, as I’ve told you before.”, I respond.

 

“No problem, at all. Of course, I’ll take care of any expenses you incur on her behalf, especially food.”, Carol replied with relief in her voice.

 

“Do you have a specific schedule in mind at all?”, I ask Carol.

 

“Not really. After school is probably the most obvious time. Sometimes, I work Saturday’s and even Sunday’s, but we can play the schedule by ear as you two get to know each other and we all figure out how this is working and so on. Is that okay for now?”, Carol wanted to know.

 

As Terri sits nodding in agreement, I answer, “sounds good to start with. I guess Terri and I can work out the schedule as we go.”

 

Looking at Terri, I suggest, “I’ll give you my e-mail address and cell phone number. Use either anytime, okay?”

 

“Thanks.”, came her sincere sounding reply.

 

“I know I’m going to be working late tomorrow night, so would that be a good time for you guys to spend some time getting to know each other?”, Carol asks.

 

“Fine with me”, I answer.

 

“After school okay?”, Terri asks.

 

“Sure, what time would that be?”, I ask.

 

“Between 3:30 and 4:00?”, Terri says.

 

“No worries. Just call when you’re downstairs.”, I reply.

 

“I know I need to talk to you, Carol about ground rules and such, but I’d like to say one thing out loud in front of both of you before we start.

 

“I don’t care about making a regular schedule, but can we agree that if we plan on a time for Terri to be here and something happens, please let me know as soon as you can.”

 

I look at Terri, as I continue, “You are a teen age girl, after all, and more importantly, not my teen age girl, so nothing is more important than your safety.”

 

Terri and Carol both nod as I continue, “And one more thing. I think two rules are probably enough for now. That one and Terri, if Mom says no, the answer is no. Okay?”

 

“Two good rules. I totally agree.”, Carol stated.

 

“Sure.”, Terri added.

 

“As far as other rules go. I don’t have many rules for Terri. Of course, no drugs, no smoking and no roaming around with friends in cars without prior approval from me.

 

“If she’s here with you, she shouldn’t be out at night alone. I’ll leave it up to you if you want to let her girlfriend, Karen come over. Karen is a very sweet girl and she and Terri are very close. I trust them together, but they shouldn’t be out at night without you either. Karen’s mom is also very nice”, Carol added.

 

“Terri, anything you wanna ask, or say?”, I ask the attentive young girl.

 

“Do you have internet I can use? I need it for homework, and stuff,” she wanted to know.

 

“Sure. I have DSL. It ain’t Roadrunner, but it’s okay enough and you’re welcome to share.”, I tell her.

 

“Mom, any rules about online?” I ask Carol.

 

“She knows way more about that stuff than I do. It’s one of those things where I have to trust her.” Carol replied.

 

“Cool. For now, my computer is off limits. I’ll do a couple of things so that we can share if necessary, but not right away, okay?”, I ask Terri.

 

Terri smiled as she said, “Sure. I have a laptop I’ll bring over.”

 

“Anything else?”, I ask Terri.

 

“I don’t think so. At least not for now.” She said, then after a short pause added, “and thanks”.

 

“Happy to help out”, I added.

 

“Of course, I have complete bathroom facilities if you need to shower, or whatever. And, I’ll try to remember to keep the toilet lid closed.”, I said laughing.

 

Terri laughed as Carol said, “Thank you so much.”

 

“So, you’ll pick her up sometime tomorrow night?”, I asked Carol.

 

“Should be around 10:00, or hopefully not later than 11:00 if that’s okay.”, Carol answered.

 

“Well, I’m not gonna kick her out, so as long as I have an idea, it’s no problem.”, I respond.

 

Carol looked at Terri and asked, “you okay, sweetie? Should we get going?”

 

“I’m good”, Terri replied.

 

“Rick, thank you again. And thanks for letting us have dinner here. I hope you liked the food”. Carol said.

 

“Happy to help out. The food was great. You can bring, or send dinner anytime.”, I said with a smile.

 

Terri and I sort of looked at each other. She was smiling pleasantly when I said, “The Uncle thing is optional. Whatever you’re comfortable with is okay with me.”

 

“Cool”, she replied.

 

Carol smiled and gave me another quick peck on the cheek as we all exchanged good-bye’s.

 

I packed them off into the elevator and returned to my apartment wondering what I had just gotten myself into.

 

The premise for the whole thing is certainly legitimate enough, I’m just wondering why I was picked for the job. What about Karen’s mom? Maybe Carol thinks Terri could use some kind of male influence. Time will tell.

 

Oh well, if Terri turns out to be as nice as she seems, all of this should be just fine.

Girls Night Out, Part Three

The car ride from Zippy’s to my place took barely five minutes. The roads were shiny and reflecting all the surrounding lights due to the light rain that had fallen while we were trying to rid the island of coffee.

The conversation on the way home was fast paced. We started to step on the ends of each other’s sentences. Thankfully, the subject matter was nothing of consequence, just high-speed jibber-jabbering.

We got lucky and found an available parking space right in front of my building. As we got out of the car, Carol was going on and on non-stop about something that she had seen at Wal-mart a couple of days ago. I was only half listening, although I love Wal-mart stories, I was more interested in what I was going to do with this woman once we got upstairs into my apartment.

I showed her in and we both took a seat on the couch and in unison sighed to relive some of the energy that had built up in each of us.

“I don’t really have much of anything to offer you except water. I don’t entertain very much.” I said as we both settled into my futon-turned-couch.

“I’m sure I don’t need anything right now. Maybe some water later.”, she replied hastily.

“I could use one thing”, she said after a moment.

“Okay?”, I answered.

“I need to pee. Some of that coffee wants out”, she said, as she stood up.

I grinned and nodded toward the bathroom as she almost trotted away.

Another deep breath release for me. I suppose I could pee when she’s done, then I can work on plan A some more. Plus, we’ll both have empty bladders, for whatever that might be worth.

“I like your place”, she said as I retuned from the bathroom.

“Thanks. It’s kinda crowded, but that’s because some of the furniture belongs to the apartment and some belongs to me.”, I replied.

“I saw lots of CD’s in that bookcase. Do you mind if I take a look?”, she asked politely.

“Go right ahead. If you see anything you really like, we can play it, or copy it, or whatever.”, I told her as she got up again.

“You have all guy paperbacks, too”, she commented while looking over the CD’s and books on the tall, teak bookshelf.

“I’m all guy”, I replied with a faux question mark in my voice.

She giggled. “I suppose you are.”

“My mom was a big Danielle Steel fan, but I never read any of her stuff. My mom even bought the hardbacks.

“My ex #2 buys the hardbacks of John Grisham’s books.” I tell her.

“I don’t read novels very much. It seems I’m always too busy.”, she confessed nonchalantly.

Ouch, a chink in the armor. I get queasy when I hear people say, “I’m too busy”. It’s become the mantra for today’s over-achieving workaholics. I’ll give her the first one for free, but if it turns into a trend, we may be in trouble.

She had fun looking through my CD collection and picked The Pretenders Greatest Hits CD to listen to. Had she picked almost any other CD, I could have drawn some kind of opinion about her, and her tastes, but The Pretenders, while 80’s and all, are way too “middle of the road” for me to get a read on Carol. I played the CD anyway. I happen to like it, too.

While I was putting the CD into my player, Carol’s cell phone went off. Her ringtone sounded like an old-school phone ringing. Either she’s very much a no nonsense kind of lady, or very technologically challenged. I’m guessing the former.

“I’m gonna be out for a while longer. Do you need anything?”, she said to the caller.

“What did you do tonight?”, she wanted to know.

She was friendly, but not overly friendly with the caller. Obviously someone she knew, but maybe someone she didn’t really want to be bothered by at the moment. The coffee’s making me think too much, I’m thinking.

“Okay, I’ll call you when I leave here.”, she said just before closing her flip-style phone.

“Everything okay?”, I ask her.

She nodded, then answered, “my daughter checking in.”

“As long as she’s okay”, I offered.

More nodding from Carol before she noticed the other bookcase in the room and said, “wow, more books.”

“Pretty much more of the same”, I told her truthfully. More guy stuff. I don’t read Mary Higgins, or Martha Stewart.

Since my vision went south, I don’t really read much at all. Mostly I just write my own stuff. It’s a fun way for me to self-entertain, plus it passes the time nicely.

I opted to not tell her about my stories for now. All my stories are totally clean and inoffensive, but I’m thinking I should save something for next time…if there is a next time.

If she’s not careful, she could end up beint the subject of one of of my “tales from The Crib”.

“You had a paper day-planner, too”, she said in amazement.

“Yeah. One of my all time favorite toys and one of my all time favorite tools. If I could see better, I would still be battling with myself over whether to use a paper day-planner or a computer.”, I replied honestly.

“I try to use the computer, but I need to know more about it”, she confessed.

“What do you want to know more about”, I wondered out loud.

“I have to use Outlook at work, and I think I could probably use it for personal stuff too, but I never have time to sit and dig into it while I’m at work, and I’m never in the mood when I get home”, she said in one long breath. Need to keep her away from the coffee next time.

“If you’re ever in the mood, I can show you whatever you want to know about Outlook”, I volunteered.

“Wow. Really? I’d like that,”, she said, sounding relieved.

“Maybe next weekend sometime?”, she suggested.

“Sure. Anytime.”, I confirmed.

She looked uncomfortable as she tried to adjust herself on my couch, so I said, “Sorry the futon cushion has seen better days. It’s come kinda hard.”

“It’s okay.” She replied, still looking uncomfortable.

“I’m not suggesting anything out of the way, but the bed is way more comfortable, if you’d care to sit or lay there.”, I told her and immediately feeling like I’d totally said the wrong thing.

She cocked her head to one side, looked over the back of the couch to the bed and said, “sure. Sounds good.”

My apartment is a one room studio, so the bed and couch are only about five feet apart with a small desk in between.

I got up from the couch first and offered her my hand as she arose from the couch.

She held onto my hand during the half a dozen steps we took from the couch to the bed.

She crawled in first, leaving the comforter in tact on top of the bed and leaving room for me to join her.

I sat down on the edge of the queen sized bed and asked, “better?”

“Yeah, nice.”, she said with a smile on her face.

After a few minutes of talking, I asked her, “is it okay if I lay down while we talk. My back is kinda tired.”

“Not at all. I was just thinking the same thing”, she answered with a little relaxation in her voice and her movements.

“I feel like a college kid again. I’m thinking, okay she’s in bed with me, now what.”, I told her sheepishly.

She laughed out loud as she answered, “I was waiting for you to try to reach out for me, or roll over on top of me, or something.”

Laughing too, I said, “not the worst idea you’ve had tonight, but I’m not thinking about doing either of those things.”

“I couldn’t make up my mind about what I’d do if you did”, she admitted.

“I’ll spare you the heavy decision making tonight. I’m just enjoying talking and getting to know you better.”, I told her as I gently patted her hand.

“I’m having fun too, and it’s nice to not have to worry, or think about that kind of stuff tonight.”, she said frankly.

“Next time we end up in bed together, we can flip for who jumps on whom first”, I suggest to lighten the moment.

“Deal”, she said with a very nice smile on her face.

The pace of the talking continued to slow for the next hour, or so as the coffee started to wear off.

Finally, she decided to pull the plug on the evening and said, “I really should be getting home”.

“I wasn’t gonna throw you out, but I’m getting a little sleepy myself.”, I told her as I started to slide off the bed.

We made sure we had each others e-mal and cell phone information, then we had a nice extended hug and friendly kiss on the lips before I walked her down to her car. She buckled herself in and drove off into the night, waving as she pulled away.

As I watched her disappear into the pitch black early morning, I was reminded of what Steve Kerr, General Manager of the Phoenix Suns said when he traded for Shaq near the end of the 2007-2008 NBA season. “I’m either going to end up being brilliant, or an idiot because of this”.

Unfortunately, Shaq didn’t have enough left in the tank to be much help for that season, and Phoenix was beaten into an early exit from the playoffs.

I’m hoping for at least a second round with Carol.

Just after returning to my apartment, my cell phone went off. It’s 1:30 in the morning. I check the display and see it’s Carol. so I answer.

“Hello”

“I just wanted to say thank you and let you know I got home okay, and my daughter’s fine”, she said, again all in one breath.

“I had fun too, and thanks for the call. I meant to ask you to do that, but got distracted”, I said laughing softly.

“Good night”, she said.

“G’night”

Girls Night Out, Part Two

Carol’s car turned out to be a fairly normal looking car. At least to me. It was that sort of blue-grey looking sort of non color that I see all too often. I haven’t owned a car in over 15 years, and don’t pretend to keep abreast of what’s what these days. It was two door, so it looked borderline sporty, or something. Overall, it looked like a nice single mom’s car.

I’m just grateful to get away from “the gang” and to be able to spend a little quiet time with Carol. So for me, anything above a moped is a blessing. Sure, I love the girls, and I’m really glad I got to see them, but I’ve also had my fill for a while.

The seats are covered in a deep blue-ish fabric, but very comfortable. Her radio is tuned to the local adult soft rock station. All songs everyone knows, and for the most part songs that don’t get on anyone’s nerves. Right now, we’re hearing a woman, who sounds familiar singing a song that sounds familiar, but I’m unable to put a name to either. Modern radio is something else I don’t pretend to keep up with. I’m pretty much stuck in the 80’s when it comes to radio stuff.

As we pull away from the curb Carol’s maternal instincts kick in as she asks, “are you hungry, do want to stop someplace to eat?”

“I’m fine, but if you’re hungry, feel free to stop”, I reply trying to sound agreeable. It’s two people who have just met playing the “where do you want to go? Anywhere, where do you want to go” game.

“Do you think Zippy’s would be too crowded for just coffee, or something?”, she presses the issue.

Obviously, she wants to stay out longer and I take this a good thing, so I continue to be agreeable and answer, “let’s find out. Coffee sounds good right about now. Plus, it’s perfect ‘let’s talk some more’ stuff”.

She chuckles as she answers, “Yeah, and it’s easier than either of us having to decide whether or not I should come up to your apartment.”

“Truedat. I was going to ask, but I was afraid I’d be asking one thing too many, too soon.”, I confessed.

“Me too . I’m not ready to go home, but I’m also not sure I’m ready to come home, if you know what I mean.”, she answered honestly.

“Well put. Let’s see if we can just have some coffee and we’ll tackle the hard questions later.”, I reply as I smiled at the clever way she turned a phrase. I always appreciate that, but not enough people do it. She’s scoring brownie points, and probably doesn’t even know it.

“I know you were kind of anxious to get away from there, but I’m glad AC invited me, and I’m glad you were there. It was fun.” More honesty. More brownie points.

“Me too. I had fun with the girls and although I was very skeptical about meeting you, I’m really glad I did”. Trying to match her honesty.

Five minutes, or so later, we whip into the parking lot of Zippy’s, a local family restaurant with several locations around the islands. We easily find a place for her car. There’s no line out the back door, so it looks like we’re in luck. Often, this place can be packed late at night since it’s open 24/7. It’s early enough, we’ve probably beat the late night crowd.

We’re seated right away in a booth where it looks like we can continue talking and getting to know each other. She orders coffee and a slice of apple pie. I opt for coffee, solo.

“So, you’re sure your daughter is okay?”, I ask. I’m somewhat genuinely concerned, but more about her parenting skills than I am about her daughter. Looking under the hood, so to speak.

“She’s fine. I called her just before we left, while you were in the bathroom.”, she answered.

“Cool. I’m not sure I’d know whether or not to worry, or not worry about a sixteen year old home alone.”, I tell her.

“I know what you mean. She’s a good kid. I always worry, but I’m almost never concerned. For a sixteen year old, she makes pretty good decisions.” She says.

Excellent answer. With a mom who communicates this well, it’s no wonder the girl makes good decisions.

“Are all the kids on that year around school schedule these days?”, I ask in complete ignorance. I’m actually curious about what it’s like being a single parent, but I’m also trying to show her I’m interested in things other than how the fastener on her pants works.

“I think so. I don’t know about all the private schools, but I think pretty much everybody is on that schedule now.”, she answers before taking a sip of her water.

We continue talking about mundane daughter and family stuff, from which I garner lots of good insight into the woman. Very nice, indeed. Bright, articulate, without sounding stuffy. Hell, she’s even kinda cute. Okay, she’s beyond kinda cute. She’s very attractive. All of this, and I’m starting to wonder why she’s apparently available. I’m half way waiting for “Ms. Hyde” to rear her ugly head.

Our coffees and her pie are delivered. Her pie looks good and she confirms it’s just what she was in the mood for. Maybe I need to learn to bake. Then, she asks, “so, if you don’t mind my asking. What happened to you? Your health and all.”

“I don’t mind at all. Just understand it may take longer than one piece of pie to tell you.”, I chuckle back to her.

I took a long, deep breath and explained to her how I came to be the way I am. I took my time and made sure I didn’t leave out any of the gory details. It’s not a fun story to tell, nor I would imagine to listen to, but she was very attentive and even asked some very good questions along the way.

Half an hour or so later, I finished up with, “and that’s how I got here from there.”

A serious look full of concern had come over her lovely face. She was leaning forward, her elbow resting on the table with her arm extended up to support her chin.

“Sounds miserable. I don’t mean any offense, but it just sounds like quite an ordeal. Especially when it sounds like you went through the bulk of if by yourself.”, she said reflectively.

I nodded as I answered, “I had lots of good help when I needed it. Especially from AC, bless her heart, but you’re right; day in and day out it was mostly me waiting for something else to go wrong, or stop working.”

“How did you pass the time?”, she wanted to know.

“I typed a lot. Mostly diary stuff. Sometimes I’d type about learning software programs. I really dug into things like Outlook and Access and even Word. It killed a lot of time and kept my mind off the bad stuff.”

“Denial got me into trouble, but it has also helped me get through it. Even to this day. I’m a little too good at being able to ignore almost anything until I absolutely have to deal with it.” I told her in true-confessions style.

“I suppose it’s that, or let it drive you nets”, she replied trying to wrap her head around it all.

I laughed as I answered, “I’m already nuts. No need to go any further down that road, so I just kinda let everything run its own course. I mean, I do what I can, then I just let it go and try not to worry about it. It works most of the time.”

She related a couple of horror stories about bad health things in her family in a nice, but conciliatory sort of way. I guess she understands misery love company, or so they say. I don’t wish what has happened to me on anybody.

We’ve both had two refills on our coffee and her pie has been reduced to crumbs, and she eventually got every one of them. Not from gluttony, but just from absent mindedly keeping her hands busy.

She has beautiful hands. I’m not sure why, but I almost always notice. Sometimes I’ll notice a woman’s hands before I notice her overall figure.

Just for the record, I did notice Carol’s overall figure. Almost perfect. A grown woman’s figure, but trim, taught and firm in all the right places.

“Now, I’m going to be awake all night.” She giggled as she looked at her empty coffee cup.

Not sure what she meant, and not wanting to over react in my heightened caffeine induced state, I laughed softly when I answered, “I almost never drink real coffee. I’ll be bouncing off the walls until Tuesday.”

She chuckled as I continued, “what time is it, anyway?”

She checked her watch, then replied, “almost 11:00. Not bad.”

I nodded slowly as I contemplated my next move. We’ve have reached the crossroads of the evening. She’s obviously not in a hurry to get home, and I haven’t invited a woman back to The Crib in years…yes, years, so I’m not sure what I’d do with her if she said yes. I’m praying it’s like riding a bicycle, or swimming. Both ideas seem like really bad puns in light of the moment, but I can’t help the way my mind works.

I decide since we’ve both been way more honest with each other than we’ve needed to be so far, I’ll see if I can milk this cow one more time (Another bad pun. I’m on a roll, or something), so I just sort of blurt out, “I’m not very good at this, so I’m just gonna ask. Do you want to come up to my place for a little while, or have you had enough of me for one night?”

She laughed out loud as she answered, “I was afraid you’d had enough of me prying into your personal life. I’d love to talk some more, if you’re up for it.”

“I’m probably up for days, so sure, I’m in a perfect condition for more talking…and more talking…and more talking.”, I answered matching her laugh.

She gathers up her purse and snags the check off the table while she looks at me with a look that says, “don’t even thing about it”, while her mouth says firmly, but nicely, “I got this”.

I smiled with an open moth and big eyes while I held both hands up as if begging her not to shoot me and replied, “thanks, huh”.

We laugh, she paid the bill and I resisted the urge to sprint to the car, thanks to all the coffee.

Girls Night Out

 

I don't get a chance to see my former co-workers much these days. Primarily because we're no long co-workers, but some of us have stayed in close touch, and I still get along well with everyone I used to work with. Considering I've been gone four years, I believe this speaks well of our friendships.

 

Every now and then "the girls", as they are affectionately known, (even though there's a guy in the crowd as well), get together after work for what I call grazing and gabbing. None of them are big drinkers, or party people, but they always pick a nice bar/restaurant to get together. Everyone has a couple of drinks, some non-alcoholic, and lots of pupu's.

 

Since they all work together, and not everyone attends these ad hoc functions, there's the requisite talking about those who aren't there. Also, there's some talking about kids, husbands and the like, but the family stuff usually makes its way into daily conversations.

 

I have to admit, when I used to work with them, I avoided these outings, even at the risk of being talked about. When I go out drinking, I go out drinking. Minimal food, plenty of beer and lots of bulls@#t conversation, or not. Sometimes it's just beer and TV, or beer and karaoke.

 

I love the girls dearly, and always will. They, especially a couple of them, have been absolute angels in checking on me and helping me during the ugly times I've been forced to suffer through since leaving my job with them. (I'll save those gory details for another treatise.)

 

However, while they are top choice for friends, they are not top choice for party partners. Different mind sets, attitudes and priorities. The way of the world.

 

Nowadays, I go whenever I'm able if invited, because it's the only chance I get to see most of them, and the only chance I get to see all of them in a relaxed environment.

 

That said, I love getting to see them, but I still don't really like partying with them. Tonight, I'm trying to put that out of my mind, and I'm trying to concentrate on the fact I get to do something different, with people I really like.

 

"It'll be okay", I keep telling me.

 

Every once in a while other friends gather with us. Friends of friends, potential girlfriends in the case of the one dude in the bunch. Tonight, I have been promised, (or threatened) that there will be a nice, available lady for me to meet.

 

It seems I've been talked about and this lady, for God only knows what possible reason, said I sound interesting. Careful what you wish for.

 

I've never liked being setup. I'm especially skeptical tonight because I'm not sure the "sister" who has set me up and I have the same idea of what would make a nice girlfriend candidate for me. She's my favorite sister, and she knows full well what kind of women I like, but she tends to go against the grain sometimes, so if you tell her you like red, she's liable to insist on green.

 

Despite all of this, I have agreed to hook-up with the gang and try to be on my best behavior. I never behave badly in public, especially with them, so I'm not sure why I had to promise to behave, but it's okay. I'm trying to be grateful for CA's thoughtfulness.

 

In addition, I haven't had so much as a movie buddy for so long, I'm not much in a position to be picky at this point. The problem is, she knows this all too well.

 

Anyway, I said I'd behave and I'm a man of my word, or at least will be tonight.

 

As usual, I meet the girls at the office in downtown Honolulu. We hug and kiss on the cheek and make nice when I come in and see everyone. Thankfully, the people I don't want to see have left for the day, so even with my untimely departure from the company, I'm among friends.

 

The mystery lady is meeting us across the street at Aloha Tower Marketplace. Yes, it's the famous Hawaii landmark, right on the waterfront. Several years ago, this area was renovated and built out with new shops and restaurants. A nice trendy kind of place to hang out. Not my normal stomping grounds, but I do like it there, especially the places right on the water. Perfect Hawaiian atmosphere. Despite the dark, dank places I usually haunt, I like being reminded of where I live and just how beautiful it is here.

 

At 4:30, the girls are free to leave the phones on voice mail and we're off to see the Wizard. Conversations revolve around what we've all been up to since we last got together. Nice to catch up.

 

The walk across the street takes about 15 minutes. I mean, it's across the street, but it's really across a couple of streets. From the 25th floor office where the girls work, the place looks like you could just throw a rock at it, but once you're on the ground, there's a different perspective.

 

We work our way past restaurants and shops until we get to a nice bar/restaurant that is popular here because it's a micro-brewery and brews what I think is pretty good local beer. The food is also very good and the outdoor tables and chairs are right on the waterfront. When I do come to Aloha Tower, I like to come here.

 

Our mystery guest is due around 5:30, so I have some time to anticipate her arrival. I've tried to pump sister CA for details, but she's been pretty tight-lipped about the whole thing.

 

"Never mind. You're gonna like her. Trust me.", she responds every time I ask her to tell me more about this woman. I never trust people who say, "trust me". If I could trust them, they wouldn't have to tell me.

 

I was able to find out the woman I'm about to be thrown into the sandbox with is a local lady of Japanese ethnicity. This is a good thing. I love local Japanese women. I love real Japanese women too, but while abundant here, they're a little harder to meet in my circles.

 

I also found out she has a 16 year old daughter. Just the one youngun. I'm pretty okay with teenage girls, so this, too, is okay with me.

 

Mom's ex, the daughter's dad, now lives in Cali with his new family, which I understand features a younger wife figure. Nobody is sure about his ethnicity, but based on my time here in Hawaii, I'd guess Asian of one kind or another. I need to hasten to add white boys will also leave a wife, or significant other for a younger woman too, but it's very common here among Asian men. Of course, Asian men are very common in Hawaii. Caucasians are a minority here. I'm cool with that.

 

Drinks are ordered and the pupu menu is circulating while I'm just enjoying good company and the beautiful view from our table. We have a perfect view of the entrance to Honolulu Harbor and the deep blue Pacific waters are very calm. There's a gentle, cool breeze blowing. You can hear the palm fronds rustling near by. I love this place.

 

At precisely 5:25, there's a dull buzz of excitement around our table. It seems her highness has arrived. I pretend not to notice until she's right up to the table.

 

CA gets up to greet her friend. They exchange girl-hugs and friendly kisses on the cheek. Girl hugs, mean their bodies don't actually touch. Kinda like when you hug your auntie, or grandma. I'm a full body hugger anytime I think I can get away with it. Why not. If we're gonna hug, then by God, let's hug. I've always been a fairly affectionate sort.

 

CA introduces her friend as Carol and everybody says hi and waves. Local style. Good manners here.

 

Coincidentally, there's an empty seat next to me, and CA ushers Carol over to it and says, "you can sit by Rick. He doesn't bite."

 

I look at CA like now might be a good time to start, but I smile at Carol, help pull out the chair and in my best, genuinely friendly tone say, "hi, nice to meet you".

 

She sits, pulls up her chair, returns my smile and offers her hand as she says, "nice to meet you too. I've heard a lot about you".

 

"And you came anyway. I'm even more glad to meet you", I joke in response.

 

Everyone, especially Carol giggles. Every now and then I get off a good one.

 

Our server magically appears and takes Carol's drink order. The girls and B², the other dude I used to work with, have already ordered concoctions I've never heard of. Some are sans alcohol. They look pretty and everyone has to sample everyone else’s drink. I'll show you mine, if you'll show me yours, run amuck.

 

Carol orders one of the micro-brewery beers. We're off to a good start. Not only is she a local Japanese woman, she's a beer drinking local Japanese woman.

 

Carol presents at about five and half feet tall. She has slightly highlighted black, shoulder length hair. She's dressed in a denim skirt cut nicely above the knees, topped off with a comfortable looking light blue button up almost man-style shirt. One of my favorite girl outfits. CA doesn't know this, so I'm pretty sure it's  just good luck on my part.

 

The only jewelry I see is a nice watch on her left wrist. She has nicely manicured medium length nails with a neutral beige based polish. Classy, but not ostentatious.

 

She seems pleasant, and seems very comfortable around the girls, B² and me. Nice.

 

"So, we've been set up", she says rather abruptly as she turns to me after taking a sip of her beer.

 

"Quite", I answer with a chuckle.

 

"I usually hate being set up, but CA did a nice selling job on you", she said with a subtle grin and cocked head.

 

"Being setup by CA scared me to death, plus she told me virtually nothing about you. She kept saying 'never mind. Just meet her and find out for yourself'", I returned.

 

With a look of sincere concern, she said, "I guess you've been through some rough times".

 

I raise my eyebrows and gently nod my head, while addressing CA, "Yo, CA, haven’t you every heard of HIPPA? Have you been disclosing my confidential medical information?"

 

The girls work in an business that sees and handles lots of medical information. The privacy of which is treated with the utmost care.

 

Carol isn't sure if I'm upset, or just causing trouble, as CA responds stuttering, "I-I-I didn't really tell her anything confidential, plus, I've never seen any of your medical records, so I'm just telling her what you've told all of us".

 

Quick thinking. She does this kind of stuff for a living.

 

I feign outrage as I begin to nod my head while staring at CA, then turn to Carol and say, "and again, you came anyway?"

 

She smiles and nods as I look back to CA and say, "A'ight...This time."

 

Everyone giggles. HIPPA violations are no joke, but since I don't work there anymore, I can joke about whatever I like.

 

Carol looks somewhat relieved as she says, "so, how are you doing now?"

 

"In the big scheme of things, pretty okay, I guess", I answer truthfully.

 

"My uncle had diabetes", she said in a consoling, but genuine tone.

 

"We all tried to help as much as we could, but he hated to eat right, he hated to exercise and he didn't like taking his meds", she followed.

 

"That's a dangerous combination", I say.

 

"Unfortunately, it probably killed him sooner than it should have. His doctors said if he had taken better care of himself, he would have lived longer and would have had fewer complications", she offered.

 

"Well, ignoring it for a while didn't work for me either. Now, I can't see well enough to work and I'm lame. I could have probably avoided, or at least postponed all of that. Thankfully, I wised up before it actually killed me, although I may well have knocked a few days off my perpetual calendar.", I confessed.

 

Before she could continue this morbid, yet insightful conversation, I continued, "So, you have a daughter? She’s 16. Just about the only thing CA told me."

 

"Yes" she said proudly.

 

"Cool. Where does she go to school?", I asked, actually interested.

 

"Roosevelt", she replied almost embarrassed.

 

"My ex went there", I said, trying to make it sound okay. Public schools in Hawaii are unfortunately not among the top in the country and most people who can, send their kids to private school. I'm sure it's hard for a single mom.

 

"It's okay. I like to think you get out of school what you put into it, regardless of where you go", she said optimistically.

 

"Does she do well?", I asked giving her a good opportunity to brag about her daughter. I've have this backfire on me before, but I have a good feeling tonight.

 

"She does. Mostly As', a couple of B's", she answered, still proud.

 

"Excellent.", I said.

 

"Do you guys get along okay?", I asked, my curiosity expanding a little.

 

"Actually, we do", she said with surprise in her voice.

 

"Good for you. I'm sure you've heard some of CA's horror stories, although I happen to like both her girls.”, I tell Carol.

 

Carol nodded and chuckled, deciding not to answer out loud, letting her good manners prevail.

 

I excuse myself, as I need to make room for another diet soda. I’m alcohol free tonight. I don't often drink when I go out with the girls.

 

When I return, Carol stops talking to one of the other girls and looks at me with that curious, cocked head look I saw before. It's kinda cute. She's kinda cute.

 

"You live near Ala Moana?", she asks.

 

I nod.

 

"How are you getting home?, she inquires

 

"CA offered to take me, or I can catch a cab. I always find my way home, somehow.", I laugh softly.

 

"I live in Makiki. I'd be glad to give you a lift. CA lives totally the other way". Carol offers.

 

"Are you sure?", I ask.

 

"Sure. It doesn't make sense for CA to go out of her way, when it's right on my way", Carol says convincingly. I don't need much convincing at this point. This lady is very cool.

 

"Shoots. That'd be nice of you. Plus, we could get to talk a little more", I said, hoping I didn't say too much.

 

"Yeah, we could talk where it's not so hectic and noisy", she agreed.

 

This is almost too easy. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop here. There has to be a catch. I'm never this lucky, although, I must say, I'm way overdue.

 

Carol lets CA know she's going to give me a ride home. CA is surprisingly agreeable. Surprisingly, because CA likes to make all the plans herself, but obviously recognized a good deal for all concerned here and goes along without argument. I need to write this one down.

 

Carol and I continue to play 20 questions when I decide to ask her, "what time does your kitchen pass expire tonight?".

 

"I'm the mommy. I get to come home when I want to, but I did tell my daughter I wouldn't be very late.", she laughed in response.

 

By now, it was almost 8:00 and I was getting close to my capacity for "girl stuff" for one night. Like I said, I love them dearly, but I have my limits.

 

"I've had a full dose of the girls for one night. We can leave whenever you're ready. We can also stay if you want, but whenever you're ready to go, I'm ready.", I whisper to her after leaning close to her ear. She smells good, too. Something a little spicy, not too sweet. More classy stuff.

 

She nods thoughtfully, then says, "Ben-jo, then go?"

 

Ben-jo is a Chinese word for toilet, or bathroom. Although Chinese, lots of local people use it. That and lua, an Hawaiian transliteration of the British word lew, which means the same thing.

 

I nod and answer, "works for me".

 

Carol excuses herself and I tell CA that we're going to be leaving when Carol gets back. I give her $30 to cover my beer, Carol's beer and some of the food which we ate almost none of. She confirms it's enough money.

 

Another reason these outings aren't so much fun for me. $30 is a lot of money for me, and while seeing my old friends is well worth it, it still stings the wallet. The girls know my situation and are always very understanding. Sometimes to the point of helping me pay. More very good friend stuff.

 

The girls audit medical bills for a living and when they go out, they audit the check as meticulously as they do their work. It can often take up to an hour, or more. I always try to leave more than my share and dig out early.

 

Carol returns and sits down, but not all the way back in her chair. She's ready to go. I tell her I've paid for us and we're free to leave.

 

She starts to argue with me for paying for her, and I tell her it's the same I'd pay for a cab ride and maybe next time, if there is one, she can pay. She's appeased and we faux hug everyone and head off to the valet pick-up area to retrieve her car.

 

To Be continued (:

Chapter One

 

It was mid-November in Honolulu, and everywhere else, when Soon Ji stepped off the Korean Airlines 747 at Honolulu International Airport.

 

Her first trip to a foreign country. Although still inside the terminal building, she immediately noticed the warmth and humidity of the tropical air.

 

It had been 48 degrees and very windy when she left Seoul earlier the same day, or late the day before. She wasn’t yet sure what day, or time it was in this new country where she had landed.

 

Her modest, but well made skirt and jacket ensemble was a bit heavy for the tropical weather. Her mom had made the outfit specifically for Soon Ji’s first trip away from home.

 

The thought of her daughter moving away made her mom sad and had caused her to cry in private moments several times.

 

Mom had never let Soon Ji see her cry, nor had mom ever tried to discourage Soon Ji from “jumping across the pond” to look for a brighter future.

 

Mom was the sole proprietor and sole employee of a small clothes making business in Seoul’s garment district. Thus, the home made outfit for Soon Ji.

 

Mom made most of Soon Ji’s clothes. Most of the things she made were stylish enough, although a bit plain, but everything was impeccably sewn and stitched together with a lot of a special kind of love mom rarely showed Soon Jin physically.

 

Soon Ji is the younger of two children. Since her older brother is both a boy and older, he is the more “important” child. Nobody really ever says it out loud, but it is nonetheless understood. The oldest boy is generally the “chosen” one in most Asian families.

 

Despite obvious disparities as they grew up together, Soon Ji and her brother, Jae Min have always gotten along fairly well.

 

He secretly gave her $500 of his own money and wished her well before she left for America.

 

Jae Min works in an office for the local government, where his father has worked for almost 30 years.

 

Yes, dad had pulled some strings to get Jae Min his job, but hadn’t lifted a finger for Soon Ji, despite her superior education and qualifications.

 

It seems everyone automatically thought Soon Ji would go to work with mom and eventually take over her business. Everyone but Soon Ji.

 

Sure, she had dutifully learned the basics of the business and often created gifts for friends, in addition to more stylish things for herself than her mom usually made, but she had no intention of spending her life behind a sewing machine as her mom had done.

 

A respectable living, to be sure, and Soon Ji was proud of her mom and the clothes she had made for her, but it wasn’t the career path she had in mind for herself.

 

Soon Ji arrived in Honolulu on this November day barely three months past her 24^th birthday. She was five and half feet tall, with long, straight black hair, deep, dark soulful brown eyes and a trim figure. Yes, except for her beautiful alert and expressive  eyes, she looked like half of all the other girls in Korean around her age.

 

She rarely wore make-up or jewelry, and although not unattractive, she was not cute enough to make men, or boys automatically look at her a second time.

 

In America, she would soon find out she had the “plain Jane” look. She didn’t know it had a name. She had never been interested in fashion for herself, despite her mom being “in the business”. She had always considered herself in humble terms and had never tried to be flashy or flamboyant.

 

A couple of years ago, Soon Ji’s best friend’s sister had moved to Hawaii to pursue a better life, and to get away from nagging parents.

 

Doo Ri’s sister, Min Hee, was the oldest and was expected to marry well, and start churning out sons. Doo Ri and Min Hee’s parents had already made a specific plan for the marrying well part.

 

Min Hee not only didn’t really care for the young Korean man her parents had picked for her, but she was nowhere near ready to start having children. She enjoyed the night life and being young, and having fun.

 

Min Hee was 25 when she moved to Hawaii. Since then she had been sending money home on a regular basis.

 

Although Min Hee wanted no part of the life her parents had envisioned for her, she still respected and loved them and Doo Ri, so she always sent money whenever she could.

 

Min Hee had told her mom and dad she was a hostess in a classy Korean restaurant in a nice part of Honolulu. She implied hostess as in someone who dressed nicely and greeted guests at the door, then showed them to their tables.

 

In fact, her job sort of worked that way, but not exactly. Min Hee hadn’t told Doo Ri the whole truth either. Min Hee didn’t want Doo Ri to slip and say something she shouldn’t to her parents, plus Min Hee didn’t want Doo Ri to worry about her.

 

In Korea, bar girls are considered bottom feeders and the jobs are not only unsavory, but can be physically dangerous.

 

In Hawaii, girls who work in bars have it marginally better, but it’s often a slim margin.

 

Doo Ri suspected what her sister actually did for money, but didn’t make an issue of it. Soon Ji, too had an idea, but figured it was just because Min Hee enjoyed the night life and had chooses to work in one of those places.

 

Soon Ji was aiming higher.

 

When Doo Ri told Min Hee that Soon Ji wanted to come to America, Min Hee offered to help.

 

For reasons unclear to Doo Ri, Min Hee had always balked at the request when Doo Ri had asked if she could come to America too.

 

Min Hee couldn’t stop, or influence Soon Ji, so the next best thing she could do was try to help her baby sister’s best friend if she could.

 

Soon Ji had just retrieved her bags and cleared customs when she saw a familiar face in a sea of unfamiliarity.

 

Min Hee was smiling, jumping up and down and waving frantically to get her attention. There was another Korean girl with Min Hee.

 

Soon Ji was relieved to see a friendly face and happily hugged Min Hee as Min Hee places a colorful, fragrant lei around Soon Ji’s neck and kissed her on the cheek.

 

“Aloha. Welcome to Hawaii”, Min Hee said laughing in English as Soon Ji adjusted the position of the lei around her neck.

 

Soon Ji then bows respectfully and smiles as she says, “thank you” in English.

 

Min Hee continues in Korean, “this is my friend, Connie. We work in the same place.”

 

Turning to Connie, Min Hee then says, “this is Soon Ji. My baby sister’s best friend.”

 

The two new acquaintances bow, shake hands and exchange polite greetings in Korean.

 

Min Hee makes sure Soon Ji has all her bags and belongings, then ushers her off to the parking area, where she has left their car.

 

“It’s hot here”, Soon Ji remarks as they step out of the terminal into the mid day heat.

 

“Every day is like this”, Min Hee laughs in return.

 

“It sure beats winters in Korea”, Connie adds.

 

Once settled into the car, Min Hee asks Soon Ji, “are you hungry?”

 

“I think so. I hadn’t really thought about it, but now that you ask, yes, I could eat.”, Soon Ji responds.

 

“Okay, we’ll take you where we work. They’ll feed us there.”, Min Hee said, again with a laugh.

 

After paying the parking toll, the girls headed up the ramp to the freeway. Soon Ji was noticing how beautiful Hawaii was when she heard a bottle being opened in the back seat where Connie was sitting.

 

“We brought beer to celebrate and welcome you to your new home”. Connie said proudly as she handed Soon Ji a bottle of American beer.

 

Both girls were smoking cigarettes. Soon Ji didn’t smoke, and she rarely drank beer, but took the beer and thanked Connie while bowing respectfully.

 

“We’re not as formal here as people in Korean. You don’t have to bow every time”, Min Hee giggled as she touched her beer bottle to Soon Ji’s in a toast to Soon Ji’s arrival.

 

Of course, Soon Ji’s automatic response was another polite bow, which caused all three girls to laugh as they drank their beers.

 

The two girls were a little more American-ized than Soon Ji had expected, but they were both trying to be nice and make her feel welcome, so Soon Ji did her best to loosen up, relax and enjoy the day and the new country to which she had come. She was there to be happy, after all.