Rico fidgeted with his keys as he waited in the baggage claim area of the airport. If he’d read the arrival information correctly, Debbie should be appearing at the carousel to his left. He scanned the crowd of people jockeying for position but didn’t see her. He was wearing a neon green T-shirt, just like he’d told her. It would be easier for her to spot him. Rico stood and tried to be conspicuous.
Debbie tapped Rico’s back. “Hey, there.” she said, happily. “I’m over here.”
Rico turned, somewhat confused, and smiled at Debbie. She was motioning to the carousel to the right. Rico grimaced as he realized his error. “Sorry,” he said.
“No problem. You’re close,” Debbie put her arm around Rico. “And that’s where I like you.”
They made their way to the carousel and Rico retrieved Debbie’s suitcase. Rico led the way, trying to remember exactly how to get back to his van. As they stepped outside, Debbie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It was an oppressively hot day but it still felt refreshing after being cooped up in an airplane.
“I’m glad you could pick me up,” Debbie said, as Rico unlocked the van. “I was worried you wouldn’t be able to get away from work.”
“I asked Nina and she said no, so I quit.” Rico replied, plainly. He loaded Debbie’s suitcase into the back of the van and climbed into the driver’s side.
Debbie watched him, dumb-founded. Finally, she opened the passenger side door and slid in. “Just like that?” she asked. “You just quit? What did she do?”
“She thought I was kidding at first. Then, when I started to leave, she got angry, real mad. She was yelling at me when I left. She called me later and tried to get me to come back. I think she was even crying a little.”
Debbie nodded. She knew that Rico cared about Nina and she sensed his discomfort discussing this topic. “So, does this mean you’re going to give modeling a try?” she said, hopefully.
Rico started the van and glanced at her before turning his attention to the road. “I thought I might. That is, if you still want me to.”
Debbie smiled. “You know I want that! Will you fly back to Minnesota with me? I can arrange for your ticket if you’d like.”
Rico laughed. “I still don’t know if I can do it. What if I mess up?”
“Rico, all you need to do is wear fancy clothes, walk and look good. I think you’ll be fine. Besides, I already have a team working on a new ninja-inspired line. You’ll be a natural for it.”
Rico nodded. The thought of donning some ninja apparel was tempting. He glanced at Debbie again. He still suspected she might be part ninja, or at least related to one; maybe a second-cousin. “Let’s just get through this wedding first. I’m still not sure how I got invited.”
Debbie chuckled as she recalled the wedding invitation she’d received. It had originally read “Debbie Glass and Guest” but someone had crossed out ‘Guest’ and written ‘Rico?’ above it. Debbie guessed that Cindy wanted to nurture the relationship. Exactly what I would do, Debbie thought, if I was getting married and my fiance’s girlfriend suddenly showed up. Debbie liked Cindy. In her mind, she was going as a friend of the bride more than a friend of the groom. It wasn’t that she felt any animosity towards Rod, she just didn’t really know him anymore. He had changed. Good for him. He’d found love. Good for him, again. She’d found Rico. Very good for her.
Rico explained that he regularly spoke with Chet. Apparently, the wedding was going to be quite extravagant and Chet was almost giddy about some of the things he’d created. Rico’s mood improved as he talked about Chet. Rico tended to strongly empathize with those around him, feeling their sorrow and joy as if it were his own.
“Sounds like tomorrow’s going to be a pretty fun day,” Debbie noted.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Rod, again - Chapter 21, Debbie prepares
Debbie looked at two dresses spread across her bed and picked up the blue one. It shouldn’t be this difficult to choose an outfit for a wedding, she thought. After staring at herself for a few minutes in a full-length mirror, she tossed the blue dress back on the bed and grabbed the yellow one and repeated the exercise. Uninspired, she put the dress down and went to her closet. Somewhere in her vast wardrobe, she hoped to find the perfect dress, the perfect look.
She was still a little surprised to be invited to the wedding. She liked Cindy, but they didn’t know each other well and that whole ex-girlfriend of the groom thing usually ensured exclusion from the event. She took the invite as a sign that Cindy really believed that she was over Rod. Debbie paused as she thought about this; she was finally, completely over Rod. He had changed so much. He seemed like a better person, but also a different person, not the guy she once dated. She was glad for him and for Cindy. They seemed happy together.
Debbie realized she was excited about the wedding - not so much because of the event, but because she would be seeing Rico again. They’d spoken often since she’d returned home, but he hadn’t yet come for a visit. He was still working for Nina, whose unpleasantness grew with each day she was unable to find a replacement cook. Rico was unhappy at work, but he stayed out of a sense of obligation to Nina. Debbie aimed to get Rico out of the situation while she was in Phoenix.
Debbie thought about the telephone conversation she’d had with Cindy earlier that morning. Cindy had called to let her know that the dress had been delivered intact and undamaged. The dress reportedly fit perfectly and Cindy was pleased with every aspect of it. Debbie wondered if Cindy had noticed the little decorative pit pockets that she’d added at the last minute. They weren’t part of any of the design drawings, but Debbie just couldn’t resist including her unique signature.
As she idly flipped through dress after dress, Debbie wondered if she would ever find the right one. There was always a certain pressure, as the head of a design firm, to look stylish. Plus, she wanted something that would make Rico take notice. She pulled out a deep orange dress with a bold flower print. Perfect, she thought. She knew the dress accentuated her best features. Rico would see her now, she thought. And he’ll come back to Minnesota with me.
She was still a little surprised to be invited to the wedding. She liked Cindy, but they didn’t know each other well and that whole ex-girlfriend of the groom thing usually ensured exclusion from the event. She took the invite as a sign that Cindy really believed that she was over Rod. Debbie paused as she thought about this; she was finally, completely over Rod. He had changed so much. He seemed like a better person, but also a different person, not the guy she once dated. She was glad for him and for Cindy. They seemed happy together.
Debbie realized she was excited about the wedding - not so much because of the event, but because she would be seeing Rico again. They’d spoken often since she’d returned home, but he hadn’t yet come for a visit. He was still working for Nina, whose unpleasantness grew with each day she was unable to find a replacement cook. Rico was unhappy at work, but he stayed out of a sense of obligation to Nina. Debbie aimed to get Rico out of the situation while she was in Phoenix.
Debbie thought about the telephone conversation she’d had with Cindy earlier that morning. Cindy had called to let her know that the dress had been delivered intact and undamaged. The dress reportedly fit perfectly and Cindy was pleased with every aspect of it. Debbie wondered if Cindy had noticed the little decorative pit pockets that she’d added at the last minute. They weren’t part of any of the design drawings, but Debbie just couldn’t resist including her unique signature.
As she idly flipped through dress after dress, Debbie wondered if she would ever find the right one. There was always a certain pressure, as the head of a design firm, to look stylish. Plus, she wanted something that would make Rico take notice. She pulled out a deep orange dress with a bold flower print. Perfect, she thought. She knew the dress accentuated her best features. Rico would see her now, she thought. And he’ll come back to Minnesota with me.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Rod, again - Chapter 20, Chef Chet
Debbie and Rico left the couch and joined the others in the kitchen. Cindy, Rod and Chet were discussing wedding catering ideas. Cindy smiled at them, noting that they were holding hands. She liked Debbie, especially if she was interested in Rico and not Rod.
“Hey, guys.” Cindy said. “Chet’s got some great ideas.”
Chet smiled sheepishly. “Well, they’re not all mine. I mean, you guys already have a pretty good idea of what you want.”
Rico looked at Chet. Ever since he’d picked Chet up that evening, Rico had noticed a change in him. Gone was the grumpy fry-cook, replaced by a pleasant and professional chef. It didn’t make sense, Chet was out of work. Rico assumed that would make him even more crabby. Instead, Chet seemed almost happy.
As the talked returned to cake and hors d’oeuvres, a low growl filled the room. “Sorry,” Debbie said, blushing. “I haven’t eaten in awhile and all this food talk is killing me.”
“Oh, my!” Cindy exclaimed. “Let me fix you something.” She opened the refrigerator and began scanning its contents. “Let’s see, we have carrots and celery, maybe some fresh spinach?”
Debbie smiled as her stomach growled in protest. She needed something more substantial than rabbit food. She glanced hopefully at Rico. “Thanks, Cindy, but I don’t want to impose anymore. I think I’ll head out and find something on my way back to the hotel. I’m beat.”
“I-I haven’t eaten yet.” Rico stammered. “I mean, if you’re looking company.”
“I would like that very much.” Debbie said, smiling.
After making certain that Chet had a ride home, Rico left with Debbie.The others moved the conversation to the living room. Rod and Cindy were pleased with Chet’s understanding of what they desired. But Rod could sense some hesitation in Chet’s demeanor.
“So, Chet.” Rod began. “Do you think you’d like to cater our wedding?”
Chet sighed. “I’d like to, but...I’ll need access to some equipment. I’ll need to talk to my boss.”
“Boss?” Cindy interjected. “I thought you were out of work?”
“No. I have a job, sort of. Even before I quit Nina’s I’d been looking for an opportunity to start my own restaurant. I finally found this little cafe and bakery downtown. The owner’s been there forever and he’s looking to retire. I’ve been working for him while I try to figure out a way to finance buying the place. He’s a pretty nice old guy and we get along well. I think he’ll let me use his stuff, I just need to check.”
Cindy smiled at Chet. “Chet, you simply must do our wedding! You need to meet my father. He invests in new businesses. He could help you start your restaurant!”
Chet looked at Cindy, astonished. He’d been struggling to figure out how to obtain funding. Restaurants are a risky investment and the bankers he’d contacted were reluctant to take such a chance. “Do you really think he’d help me?” Chet asked.
“Trust me.” Rod said, chuckling. “If his most trusted advisor recommended it, he would.” Rod looked over at Cindy and smiled.
“Sounds like I’ve got some work ahead of me then.” said Chet, grinning.
“Hey, guys.” Cindy said. “Chet’s got some great ideas.”
Chet smiled sheepishly. “Well, they’re not all mine. I mean, you guys already have a pretty good idea of what you want.”
Rico looked at Chet. Ever since he’d picked Chet up that evening, Rico had noticed a change in him. Gone was the grumpy fry-cook, replaced by a pleasant and professional chef. It didn’t make sense, Chet was out of work. Rico assumed that would make him even more crabby. Instead, Chet seemed almost happy.
As the talked returned to cake and hors d’oeuvres, a low growl filled the room. “Sorry,” Debbie said, blushing. “I haven’t eaten in awhile and all this food talk is killing me.”
“Oh, my!” Cindy exclaimed. “Let me fix you something.” She opened the refrigerator and began scanning its contents. “Let’s see, we have carrots and celery, maybe some fresh spinach?”
Debbie smiled as her stomach growled in protest. She needed something more substantial than rabbit food. She glanced hopefully at Rico. “Thanks, Cindy, but I don’t want to impose anymore. I think I’ll head out and find something on my way back to the hotel. I’m beat.”
“I-I haven’t eaten yet.” Rico stammered. “I mean, if you’re looking company.”
“I would like that very much.” Debbie said, smiling.
After making certain that Chet had a ride home, Rico left with Debbie.The others moved the conversation to the living room. Rod and Cindy were pleased with Chet’s understanding of what they desired. But Rod could sense some hesitation in Chet’s demeanor.
“So, Chet.” Rod began. “Do you think you’d like to cater our wedding?”
Chet sighed. “I’d like to, but...I’ll need access to some equipment. I’ll need to talk to my boss.”
“Boss?” Cindy interjected. “I thought you were out of work?”
“No. I have a job, sort of. Even before I quit Nina’s I’d been looking for an opportunity to start my own restaurant. I finally found this little cafe and bakery downtown. The owner’s been there forever and he’s looking to retire. I’ve been working for him while I try to figure out a way to finance buying the place. He’s a pretty nice old guy and we get along well. I think he’ll let me use his stuff, I just need to check.”
Cindy smiled at Chet. “Chet, you simply must do our wedding! You need to meet my father. He invests in new businesses. He could help you start your restaurant!”
Chet looked at Cindy, astonished. He’d been struggling to figure out how to obtain funding. Restaurants are a risky investment and the bankers he’d contacted were reluctant to take such a chance. “Do you really think he’d help me?” Chet asked.
“Trust me.” Rod said, chuckling. “If his most trusted advisor recommended it, he would.” Rod looked over at Cindy and smiled.
“Sounds like I’ve got some work ahead of me then.” said Chet, grinning.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Rod, again - Chapter 19, Debbie comes clean
Cindy walked Debbie down the hallway to Rod’s apartment. Once inside, she released her grip and ushered Debbie to the sofa. Debbie sat down and quietly waited as Cindy joined her and Rod settled into an easy chair. For a moment, the three sat quietly, exchanging glances. Finally, Debbie cleared her throat and sat up. Since her capture, she’d been considering how to explain herself. She could see that, on the surface, one might come to the conclusion that she was some sort of obsessed stalker - the ex-girlfriend that never got over Rod and wouldn’t let anyone else have him. She was sure that was how Cindy saw her now and she realized that it was Cindy she needed to convince. Rod was almost irrelevant to the conversation. He wasn’t upset, just confused. Cindy, that girl she’d just met but felt like she’d known forever, needed to understand. Debbie felt like she could make her understand. After all, they were kindred spirits.
Debbie took a deep breath, calmed herself and began speaking. She fixed her gaze at Cindy and spoke earnestly. She started with the initial letter from Cindy’s father and took Cindy step by step through the design process, noting that the groom’s name was never mentioned. She cited an inexplicable connection she felt with Cindy as the reason why she came to Phoenix personally. Cindy smiled a little at this - she’d felt a connection as well.
Debbie hesitated as she started to explain that first night in the hotel - studying the route because she was often nervous when driving in a strange city. Cindy nodded, another thing they shared. Debbie described her anxiety when Spencer informed her that the groom was Rod. Here, Debbie admitted that she’d behaved irrationally. But, she was distraught, surely Cindy would have felt the same. Cindy smiled sympathetically. The hotel room felt so confining and she just needed some air. She was acting on instinct, Debbie explained. Is it any wonder she followed the path she’d just been so keenly examining? Cindy leaned over and patted Debbie’s knee before reaching for a box of tissues. Both women had moist eyes. Rod watch, somewhat dumb-founded, unsure if he should keep listening to what appeared to be a very private conversation.
Once at the apartment, Debbie explained that she just needed to know. To really know for sure that it was the same Rod. She was anxious, nervous. She’d entered the apartment building to erase some of the unknowns - to help her when she returned the following day. Once in the hallway, she heard someone and feared it might be one of them. She was embarrassed, so she ran down the hall and out the side door. Debbie paused and touched Cindy’s hand. She admitted that she should have gone back to the hotel at this point but she didn’t. She still didn’t know, for certain, that it was really the Rod she knew. She entered the courtyard and saw the two of them through the patio window. When she realized it was him she left. Debbie paused again, sensing that Cindy wanted to speak. Rod stood and quietly slipped out of the room.
“But, why didn’t you tell me earlier, when we met?” Cindy wondered.
Debbie shrugged. “I should have. I almost did. I didn’t know how to bring it up. It felt so awkward. When I came over here, I expected Rod to be with you. When he wasn’t, well, I thought he’d show up any minute and then we’d clear the air. As the meeting wore on, I realized I might be gone before he came back. I guess I hoped I could just sneak back to Minnesota without either of you ever knowing.”
Cindy nodded and the two women sat for a few moments in silence, looking idly at Rod’s empty chair. Suddenly, Cindy turned to Debbie. “There’s one thing I don’t get.” she said, slowly. “Your plan would have worked if you had left when we were done. Why were you in the courtyard tonight?”
Debbie grimaced, obviously embarrassed. “You told me about the security you’d hired. I was worried they would hurt Rico.”
“Rico?” Cindy responded, surprised. “You know Rico?”
Debbie nodded. “I met him in the courtyard last night. I know it sounds silly, I mean, I barely know him, but I like him. I think he’s sweet.”
“And cute.” Cindy added.
“Very cute.” Debbie confirmed, with a grin.
“Really?”
Both women turned at the sound of Rico’s voice. While the women were talking, Rod had left to let Rico and Chet into the apartment. Debbie blushed and put her hands over her face. “Ah, well there you have it.” she said, sarcastically. “I believe I have completely embarrassed myself with every person I know in Phoenix. It must be time to fly home.”
Rico stepped over to the sofa and wedged himself between Debbie and Cindy. Cindy stood and walked over to Rod, giving Rico and Debbie a little privacy.
“You shaved.” Debbie noted.
Rico was momentarily confused, then he remembered the moustache. He pulled it from his pocket. “I can put it back on, if you like.”
Debbie grabbed the moustache. “No, no. This thing has no business on your face. Trust me.”
“Do you really have to leave soon?” Rico asked, quietly.
Debbie nodded. “My flight is tomorrow morning. I have a business to run back home.”
Rico nodded, unsure of what to say.
“Have you ever thought about visiting Minnesota?” Debbie asked, hopefully.
Rico shrugged. He wasn’t really sure where Minnesota was. “I’ve never thought about it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to. It’s just that, well, plane tickets are expensive and I don’t make very much money. Plus, I don’t know if Nina would let me take a vacation anyway. She’s going to be pretty mad at me when she finds out I talked to Chet.” Rico frowned, suddenly worried that he might get fired.
Debbie put her hand on Rico’s shoulder. Poor sweet Rico, letting Nina push him around, not realizing how much Nina depended on him. “Rico, have you ever thought of pursuing another career, something a bit more lucrative?”
Rico shrugged. “Not really. I mean, I don’t know how to do anything else. Plus, I’m not real smart.”
Debbie smiled at Rico. “You’re smarter than you know.” she said, assuredly. “And I can think of at least one job that you would be awesome at. Have you ever considered being a model?”
Rico frowned. “Do you think I’m smart enough?”
Debbie chuckled. “More than smart enough, Rico. Trust me.”
Debbie took a deep breath, calmed herself and began speaking. She fixed her gaze at Cindy and spoke earnestly. She started with the initial letter from Cindy’s father and took Cindy step by step through the design process, noting that the groom’s name was never mentioned. She cited an inexplicable connection she felt with Cindy as the reason why she came to Phoenix personally. Cindy smiled a little at this - she’d felt a connection as well.
Debbie hesitated as she started to explain that first night in the hotel - studying the route because she was often nervous when driving in a strange city. Cindy nodded, another thing they shared. Debbie described her anxiety when Spencer informed her that the groom was Rod. Here, Debbie admitted that she’d behaved irrationally. But, she was distraught, surely Cindy would have felt the same. Cindy smiled sympathetically. The hotel room felt so confining and she just needed some air. She was acting on instinct, Debbie explained. Is it any wonder she followed the path she’d just been so keenly examining? Cindy leaned over and patted Debbie’s knee before reaching for a box of tissues. Both women had moist eyes. Rod watch, somewhat dumb-founded, unsure if he should keep listening to what appeared to be a very private conversation.
Once at the apartment, Debbie explained that she just needed to know. To really know for sure that it was the same Rod. She was anxious, nervous. She’d entered the apartment building to erase some of the unknowns - to help her when she returned the following day. Once in the hallway, she heard someone and feared it might be one of them. She was embarrassed, so she ran down the hall and out the side door. Debbie paused and touched Cindy’s hand. She admitted that she should have gone back to the hotel at this point but she didn’t. She still didn’t know, for certain, that it was really the Rod she knew. She entered the courtyard and saw the two of them through the patio window. When she realized it was him she left. Debbie paused again, sensing that Cindy wanted to speak. Rod stood and quietly slipped out of the room.
“But, why didn’t you tell me earlier, when we met?” Cindy wondered.
Debbie shrugged. “I should have. I almost did. I didn’t know how to bring it up. It felt so awkward. When I came over here, I expected Rod to be with you. When he wasn’t, well, I thought he’d show up any minute and then we’d clear the air. As the meeting wore on, I realized I might be gone before he came back. I guess I hoped I could just sneak back to Minnesota without either of you ever knowing.”
Cindy nodded and the two women sat for a few moments in silence, looking idly at Rod’s empty chair. Suddenly, Cindy turned to Debbie. “There’s one thing I don’t get.” she said, slowly. “Your plan would have worked if you had left when we were done. Why were you in the courtyard tonight?”
Debbie grimaced, obviously embarrassed. “You told me about the security you’d hired. I was worried they would hurt Rico.”
“Rico?” Cindy responded, surprised. “You know Rico?”
Debbie nodded. “I met him in the courtyard last night. I know it sounds silly, I mean, I barely know him, but I like him. I think he’s sweet.”
“And cute.” Cindy added.
“Very cute.” Debbie confirmed, with a grin.
“Really?”
Both women turned at the sound of Rico’s voice. While the women were talking, Rod had left to let Rico and Chet into the apartment. Debbie blushed and put her hands over her face. “Ah, well there you have it.” she said, sarcastically. “I believe I have completely embarrassed myself with every person I know in Phoenix. It must be time to fly home.”
Rico stepped over to the sofa and wedged himself between Debbie and Cindy. Cindy stood and walked over to Rod, giving Rico and Debbie a little privacy.
“You shaved.” Debbie noted.
Rico was momentarily confused, then he remembered the moustache. He pulled it from his pocket. “I can put it back on, if you like.”
Debbie grabbed the moustache. “No, no. This thing has no business on your face. Trust me.”
“Do you really have to leave soon?” Rico asked, quietly.
Debbie nodded. “My flight is tomorrow morning. I have a business to run back home.”
Rico nodded, unsure of what to say.
“Have you ever thought about visiting Minnesota?” Debbie asked, hopefully.
Rico shrugged. He wasn’t really sure where Minnesota was. “I’ve never thought about it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to. It’s just that, well, plane tickets are expensive and I don’t make very much money. Plus, I don’t know if Nina would let me take a vacation anyway. She’s going to be pretty mad at me when she finds out I talked to Chet.” Rico frowned, suddenly worried that he might get fired.
Debbie put her hand on Rico’s shoulder. Poor sweet Rico, letting Nina push him around, not realizing how much Nina depended on him. “Rico, have you ever thought of pursuing another career, something a bit more lucrative?”
Rico shrugged. “Not really. I mean, I don’t know how to do anything else. Plus, I’m not real smart.”
Debbie smiled at Rico. “You’re smarter than you know.” she said, assuredly. “And I can think of at least one job that you would be awesome at. Have you ever considered being a model?”
Rico frowned. “Do you think I’m smart enough?”
Debbie chuckled. “More than smart enough, Rico. Trust me.”
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Rod again, Chapter 18, Office time
Debbie leaned forward on the metal folding chair and cupped her hands over her knees. There were nicer chairs in the office but Lloyd had directed her that one, apparently intent upon keeping her uncomfortable. He needn’t have worried about that, Debbie was tired, hungry, scared, embarrassed and a host of other things far from comfortable. She stared at the floor, rocking slowly, waiting.
Debbie found Lloyd to be a repulsive creature. He smelled of old cigarettes and overly ripe bananas. This was especially evident when he leaned close to gleefully inform her that Rod and Cindy were on their way. He seemed to enjoy taunting her and kept at it until she began sobbing. Satisfied that he’d shown her who was in charge, he sat down behind the desk and began eating a mostly brown banana. Debbie stifled her sobbing, angry that she’d allowed Lloyd to get to her. She tried her best to block out the sickening smacking sounds he was making as he slurped up the mushy fruit. Lloyd, noticing that Debbie had ceased crying, began wondering aloud what sorts of criminals she might meet when he took her to the police station. Debbie glanced at the door, wondering if the security guards were still in the hallway.
Lloyd finished the banana and dropped its brown peel in the waste basket next to the desk. He then proceeded to wipe his hands on the front of his sleeveless T-shirt, adding new stains to the ample collection already littering his chest and pot belly. The shirt was a couple of sizes too small and had been white at one time. Lloyd’s terrycloth green shorts were on the small size as well, giving them a tendency to ride up his chubby thighs. Lloyd finished the look in classic style with calf-length black socks and open-toed sandals. He looked over at Debbie, trying to think of another taunt to throw her way. Before he could come up with one, he was distracted by voices in the hallway.
Debbie heard them as well. The voices were muffled but she still recognized Rod and Cindy. Her stomach tightened as the door slowly opened. The wait was finally over. Rod stepped into the office, followed closely by Cindy. They both stopped short just inside the door.
“Debbie?” Rod and Cindy said together, staring in disbelief.
Debbie peered up at them. “Hi.” she said with a tight smile, lifting the fingers on her left hand in a tiny wave. She returned her gaze to the floor.
Cindy looked at Lloyd. “This is some sort of mistake. This woman is my friend and she most certainly is not a prowler. I cannot believe you are holding her like some sort of criminal.”
Lloyd pushed his chair back from the desk and folded his arms. “See here, Miss. This ain't no mistake. We caught her creeping around the courtyard. Maybe you should reconsider how you choose your friends. Why was she out there, anyway? She won’t tell us anything.”
Cindy stared at Debbie, hoping a reasonable explanation would come forth. But Debbie sat silently, unsure how to begin and not wanting to say anything around Lloyd. “Debbie?” Cindy pleaded.
Rod hadn’t moved since he recognized Debbie. He was still trying with no success to make sense of the situation. The putrid odor of cigarettes and bananas was only making things more difficult. Rod swallowed hard, fighting his gag reflex and turned to Lloyd. “Lloyd, she can’t be the prowler. We know who the prowler is. We were confronting him when you called. He confessed to everything. He’s taken care of.”
Debbie glanced up momentarily as Rod spoke. That was the last thing she’d been holding onto - that somehow her suffering would at least save Rico from the same fate. A short sob slipped out before she could stifle it. She hadn’t thought she could feel more miserable but she was wrong.
Cindy had still been staring at Debbie and noticed the quick sob. Lloyd was just beginning to argue with Rod when she turned to him with angry eyes. “Listen Lloyd. We told you we got the guy. All you managed to do was grab a friend of mine and hold her here against her will. We’re leaving now. All three of us. If you’re lucky, she won’t press charges against you.”
Cindy stepped over and took Debbie’s arm and helped her from the chair. Rod stepped back and let the two women leave the office first before following behind. Lloyd opened his mouth but couldn’t think of anything to say. It was still open when Rod closed the office door.
Outside the office, Debbie took a deep breath and looked at Cindy. “Thank you” she said, trembling. “Thank you so much.”
Cindy smiled at her. “Don’t worry about it. Lloyd’s an idiot. I’m sorry you had to sit in that office so long.”
“I should be going.” Debbie said, trying to step away from Cindy.
Cindy kept her grip on Debbie’s arm. “Not so fast.” she said in a calm voice. “I think you’ve got some explaining to do. Let’s go back to the apartment.”
Debbie felt a sense of dread returning. She looked over at Rod. Rod looked grim. “I know you’ve got some explaining to do.” he said. Then, remembering Cindy’s dislike of secrets, he turned to Cindy. “Honey, this is Debbie...Y’know...my Debbie.”
Cindy let out a gasp and tightened her grip on Debbie's arm. "C'mon," she said sternly, pushing Debbie down the hall. "It sounds like you've got some secrets. Did I ever mention how much I detest secrets?"
Debbie found Lloyd to be a repulsive creature. He smelled of old cigarettes and overly ripe bananas. This was especially evident when he leaned close to gleefully inform her that Rod and Cindy were on their way. He seemed to enjoy taunting her and kept at it until she began sobbing. Satisfied that he’d shown her who was in charge, he sat down behind the desk and began eating a mostly brown banana. Debbie stifled her sobbing, angry that she’d allowed Lloyd to get to her. She tried her best to block out the sickening smacking sounds he was making as he slurped up the mushy fruit. Lloyd, noticing that Debbie had ceased crying, began wondering aloud what sorts of criminals she might meet when he took her to the police station. Debbie glanced at the door, wondering if the security guards were still in the hallway.
Lloyd finished the banana and dropped its brown peel in the waste basket next to the desk. He then proceeded to wipe his hands on the front of his sleeveless T-shirt, adding new stains to the ample collection already littering his chest and pot belly. The shirt was a couple of sizes too small and had been white at one time. Lloyd’s terrycloth green shorts were on the small size as well, giving them a tendency to ride up his chubby thighs. Lloyd finished the look in classic style with calf-length black socks and open-toed sandals. He looked over at Debbie, trying to think of another taunt to throw her way. Before he could come up with one, he was distracted by voices in the hallway.
Debbie heard them as well. The voices were muffled but she still recognized Rod and Cindy. Her stomach tightened as the door slowly opened. The wait was finally over. Rod stepped into the office, followed closely by Cindy. They both stopped short just inside the door.
“Debbie?” Rod and Cindy said together, staring in disbelief.
Debbie peered up at them. “Hi.” she said with a tight smile, lifting the fingers on her left hand in a tiny wave. She returned her gaze to the floor.
Cindy looked at Lloyd. “This is some sort of mistake. This woman is my friend and she most certainly is not a prowler. I cannot believe you are holding her like some sort of criminal.”
Lloyd pushed his chair back from the desk and folded his arms. “See here, Miss. This ain't no mistake. We caught her creeping around the courtyard. Maybe you should reconsider how you choose your friends. Why was she out there, anyway? She won’t tell us anything.”
Cindy stared at Debbie, hoping a reasonable explanation would come forth. But Debbie sat silently, unsure how to begin and not wanting to say anything around Lloyd. “Debbie?” Cindy pleaded.
Rod hadn’t moved since he recognized Debbie. He was still trying with no success to make sense of the situation. The putrid odor of cigarettes and bananas was only making things more difficult. Rod swallowed hard, fighting his gag reflex and turned to Lloyd. “Lloyd, she can’t be the prowler. We know who the prowler is. We were confronting him when you called. He confessed to everything. He’s taken care of.”
Debbie glanced up momentarily as Rod spoke. That was the last thing she’d been holding onto - that somehow her suffering would at least save Rico from the same fate. A short sob slipped out before she could stifle it. She hadn’t thought she could feel more miserable but she was wrong.
Cindy had still been staring at Debbie and noticed the quick sob. Lloyd was just beginning to argue with Rod when she turned to him with angry eyes. “Listen Lloyd. We told you we got the guy. All you managed to do was grab a friend of mine and hold her here against her will. We’re leaving now. All three of us. If you’re lucky, she won’t press charges against you.”
Cindy stepped over and took Debbie’s arm and helped her from the chair. Rod stepped back and let the two women leave the office first before following behind. Lloyd opened his mouth but couldn’t think of anything to say. It was still open when Rod closed the office door.
Outside the office, Debbie took a deep breath and looked at Cindy. “Thank you” she said, trembling. “Thank you so much.”
Cindy smiled at her. “Don’t worry about it. Lloyd’s an idiot. I’m sorry you had to sit in that office so long.”
“I should be going.” Debbie said, trying to step away from Cindy.
Cindy kept her grip on Debbie’s arm. “Not so fast.” she said in a calm voice. “I think you’ve got some explaining to do. Let’s go back to the apartment.”
Debbie felt a sense of dread returning. She looked over at Rod. Rod looked grim. “I know you’ve got some explaining to do.” he said. Then, remembering Cindy’s dislike of secrets, he turned to Cindy. “Honey, this is Debbie...Y’know...my Debbie.”
Cindy let out a gasp and tightened her grip on Debbie's arm. "C'mon," she said sternly, pushing Debbie down the hall. "It sounds like you've got some secrets. Did I ever mention how much I detest secrets?"
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Rod, again - Chapter 17, Rico comes clean
Rod stormed into his apartment, slamming the door behind him. Cindy looked up from the sofa, sensing that he was upset. She’d been excited for him to return so she could tell him how great the meeting with Debbie went. She was even considering asking him if it would be okay to invite Debbie to the wedding. That discussion would have to wait. Rod was rarely upset. Something must have gone wrong at Nina’s. Rod flopped himself into an easy chair and stared at the floor, breathing in snorts.
“Trouble with Nina?” she asked, quietly.
Rod glanced at her and then returned his focus to the floor. “She won’t do it, or more likely, she can’t do it.”
“Why on Earth would she say no? Doesn’t she need the business?”
“She said the cake was a mistake that shouldn’t have been served. She offered up some alternatives but nothing edible. I think she lost her cook. When we were there, someone else was doing the cooking. She claims she’s the only cook now.”
“Can we get the name of her old cook?” Cindy knew Rod had likely already explored this avenue, but she didn’t know what else to say.
Rod looked at her. “Nina wouldn’t tell me his name. She’s such a pain.” Rod let out another snort.
Cindy thought for a moment. “Too bad you couldn’t get a few minutes alone with that guy taking the orders. Seems like he might be convinced to be a bit more forthcoming.”
Rod considered Cindy’s words. “That’s it! I’m sure I could get Rico to tell us.” Rod stood. “I’m going back to the restaurant and wait until they close. Maybe I can get a moment alone with Rico.”
Cindy jumped off the couch. “You’re not going back there again without me.”
“Then let’s go.” Rod said, smiling. “They don’t stay open real late, especially on the weekend.”
“Right,” said Cindy, chuckling. “Because nobody goes out to eat on a Saturday night. It’s no wonder business is suffering.”
Rod and Cindy rushed out of the apartment and sped off to Nina’s. It was almost six o’clock when they arrived. A short line of customers waited at the order window.
“Why would they close at six if they’ve got customers?” Cindy wondered.
“I’m not sure,” Rod replied. “To be honest, Nina doesn’t seem to have the keenest business sense. It’s kind of surprising she’s managed to stay open this long.”
They watched as the last customers left with their frybread. At precisely six o’clock, Rico closed the order window and put out the “Closed” sign. A potential customer pulled up and then drove off as Nina came bustling out the side door. She hurried to her car and sped away.
“Wow,” Cindy remarked. “She wasted no time getting out of there. I guess we won’t have to worry about getting Rico alone.”
“I guess it must be Rico’s job to clean up.” Rod observed.
Cindy nodded, wondering if clean up was even a priority for Nina. She imagined the kitchen was probably greasy from all the deep frying. Maybe she didn’t want a cake from this place. “Should we wait here, or should we see if he’ll let us in?” she asked.
“Let’s give him a few minutes. I’d rather catch him outside so he can’t avoid us.” Rod replied.
While they waited, Cindy relayed the details of her appointment with Debbie. Rod was happy that everything had gone so well. Cindy posed the possibility of inviting her new friend, Debbie, to the wedding. Rod was fine with it, even though, privately, he couldn’t help but think of the Debbie from his past. She was also from Minnesota. But this Debbie was president of a design firm. As far as he knew, his Debbie still worked at the bait and ice cream shop. She was smart enough to run a company, but far too timid. Rod finally realized this was one of the reasons he’d left her. She was always so cautious, too nervous to ever take a chance.
Cindy opened a bag of carrots and the two munched and watched the store. Already, an hour had passed and Rico still hadn’t emerged. They decided that if he didn’t show by seven-thirty, they would knock on the door and hope he’d let them in. They began discussing the best way to approach him, like a couple of detectives preparing to interrogate a suspect.
Twenty minutes later, the building went dark and Rico emerged from the side door. Rod and Cindy hastened across the street and positioned themselves next to his VW van. When Rico saw them he stopped short, unsure of what to do.
“Hi Rico,” Rod said in a friendly tone.
“W-we’re closed.” Rico stammered.
“Rico, I think you know why we’re here,” Cindy said, stepping toward him.
Rico stepped back and gulped. “I-I’m s-sorry. It was Nina’s idea.”
Cindy looked back at Rod and shrugged. Rod shook his head, unsure of what Rico was talking about. “Rico,” he began. “You don’t have to do everything Nina tells you to do. She’s your boss, not your master.”
Rico thought about this but he was having a difficult time understanding the distinction. Still, he thought he knew what Rod was implying, that even if he’d been following Nina’s orders, he was still guilty of spying on them. “I’m sorry.” he pleaded. “I won’t do it anymore. Nina doesn’t even want me to. She’s given up on you.”
“Given up on me?” Rod asked.
“You were so mad when you left earlier. We know you aren’t coming back, even if we figure out what you like to eat.”
Rod thought about the carrot cake and the deep-fried carrot and spinach entree that Nina had tried to serve him. “Rico, how is it that you know I like carrots?”
Rico smiled, happy to finally be asked an easy question. “Gosh, you eat them just about every night. You must like them.”
Rod looked at Cindy. She looked back with a knowing smile and then turned to Rico. “Rico,” she said, smiling, “Have you ever considered growing a moustache?”
Rico put his head down and stepped back again. He’d been caught, discovered. He’d let down ninjas everywhere. He waited for Rod to start yelling at him, or worse, call the police.
“Rico,” Rod said. “I want you to tell me everything. I want to know how long you’ve been spying on me. I want to know who you’ve been reporting to. I want to know who made the carrot cake. I want to know everything. Otherwise, you’ll be talking to the police.”
Rico looked up. Rod sounded stern but not angry. And, it sounded like there was a chance he could avoid being arrested. Rico started talking. He spilled everything, the ninja nights, Chet, everything, except Debbie. She was only there that one night and she wasn’t really working with him. He didn’t want to take a chance and rat on a ninja.
Rod and Cindy listened, amazed at the lengths Nina had gone to. When Rico was finished, Rod stepped up to him. Instinctively, Rico flinched. Rod paused, realizing how truly frightened Rico was. “Okay, Rico.” Rod said in his gentlest voice. “Here’s what we need you to do. You need to find Chet and bring him to my apartment. Cindy and I really want to speak with him. Don’t worry, he’s not in trouble. In fact, we might be able to help him out. Can you do that Rico?”
Rico nodded. He had given Chet a ride home a couple of times. He knew where he lived.
“Great,” Rod continued. “Do that and we’ll forget about the whole spying thing, okay?”
Rico nodded again and waited for Rod to say something more. Rod nodded at the van and Rico ran to it, happy to be free again. He sped off intent upon finding Chet and redeeming himself.
Rod and Cindy were returning to their car when Rod’s cell phone rang. It was Lloyd, apartment’s assistant manager.
“Hello?” Rod answered.
“Rod Piston? This is Lloyd, from the apartment. I just wanted to call to let you know we caught your prowler.”
“You what? That’s not possible...” Rod replied.
“Oh it’s more than possible, it’s done.” Lloyd crowed, triumphantly. “What’s more, it wasn’t a he at all. It was a woman!”
“What?” Rod replied, confused.
“I know, I don’t know how you two mistook this one for a man...must have been one heck of a disguise. Anyway, we brought her by your apartment but you weren’t there. One of your neighbors remembers seeing her in the hallway last night though.”
“Did she say what she was doing?”
“She won’t say anything except that she wants to be arrested and taken to the police station. She won’t even give us a name. She just wants to get out of here.”
“So, she’s still at the apartment?”
“Yeah, we’re holding her in the office. Thought you might want to talk to her before we took her downtown.”
“Thanks Lloyd. We’ll be back soon.”
Rod relayed the information to Cindy. As they sped back to the apartment, they wondered who this mystery woman could be. An accomplice of Rico’s? An innocent person caught by some overzealous security guards? They were anxious to find out.
“Trouble with Nina?” she asked, quietly.
Rod glanced at her and then returned his focus to the floor. “She won’t do it, or more likely, she can’t do it.”
“Why on Earth would she say no? Doesn’t she need the business?”
“She said the cake was a mistake that shouldn’t have been served. She offered up some alternatives but nothing edible. I think she lost her cook. When we were there, someone else was doing the cooking. She claims she’s the only cook now.”
“Can we get the name of her old cook?” Cindy knew Rod had likely already explored this avenue, but she didn’t know what else to say.
Rod looked at her. “Nina wouldn’t tell me his name. She’s such a pain.” Rod let out another snort.
Cindy thought for a moment. “Too bad you couldn’t get a few minutes alone with that guy taking the orders. Seems like he might be convinced to be a bit more forthcoming.”
Rod considered Cindy’s words. “That’s it! I’m sure I could get Rico to tell us.” Rod stood. “I’m going back to the restaurant and wait until they close. Maybe I can get a moment alone with Rico.”
Cindy jumped off the couch. “You’re not going back there again without me.”
“Then let’s go.” Rod said, smiling. “They don’t stay open real late, especially on the weekend.”
“Right,” said Cindy, chuckling. “Because nobody goes out to eat on a Saturday night. It’s no wonder business is suffering.”
Rod and Cindy rushed out of the apartment and sped off to Nina’s. It was almost six o’clock when they arrived. A short line of customers waited at the order window.
“Why would they close at six if they’ve got customers?” Cindy wondered.
“I’m not sure,” Rod replied. “To be honest, Nina doesn’t seem to have the keenest business sense. It’s kind of surprising she’s managed to stay open this long.”
They watched as the last customers left with their frybread. At precisely six o’clock, Rico closed the order window and put out the “Closed” sign. A potential customer pulled up and then drove off as Nina came bustling out the side door. She hurried to her car and sped away.
“Wow,” Cindy remarked. “She wasted no time getting out of there. I guess we won’t have to worry about getting Rico alone.”
“I guess it must be Rico’s job to clean up.” Rod observed.
Cindy nodded, wondering if clean up was even a priority for Nina. She imagined the kitchen was probably greasy from all the deep frying. Maybe she didn’t want a cake from this place. “Should we wait here, or should we see if he’ll let us in?” she asked.
“Let’s give him a few minutes. I’d rather catch him outside so he can’t avoid us.” Rod replied.
While they waited, Cindy relayed the details of her appointment with Debbie. Rod was happy that everything had gone so well. Cindy posed the possibility of inviting her new friend, Debbie, to the wedding. Rod was fine with it, even though, privately, he couldn’t help but think of the Debbie from his past. She was also from Minnesota. But this Debbie was president of a design firm. As far as he knew, his Debbie still worked at the bait and ice cream shop. She was smart enough to run a company, but far too timid. Rod finally realized this was one of the reasons he’d left her. She was always so cautious, too nervous to ever take a chance.
Cindy opened a bag of carrots and the two munched and watched the store. Already, an hour had passed and Rico still hadn’t emerged. They decided that if he didn’t show by seven-thirty, they would knock on the door and hope he’d let them in. They began discussing the best way to approach him, like a couple of detectives preparing to interrogate a suspect.
Twenty minutes later, the building went dark and Rico emerged from the side door. Rod and Cindy hastened across the street and positioned themselves next to his VW van. When Rico saw them he stopped short, unsure of what to do.
“Hi Rico,” Rod said in a friendly tone.
“W-we’re closed.” Rico stammered.
“Rico, I think you know why we’re here,” Cindy said, stepping toward him.
Rico stepped back and gulped. “I-I’m s-sorry. It was Nina’s idea.”
Cindy looked back at Rod and shrugged. Rod shook his head, unsure of what Rico was talking about. “Rico,” he began. “You don’t have to do everything Nina tells you to do. She’s your boss, not your master.”
Rico thought about this but he was having a difficult time understanding the distinction. Still, he thought he knew what Rod was implying, that even if he’d been following Nina’s orders, he was still guilty of spying on them. “I’m sorry.” he pleaded. “I won’t do it anymore. Nina doesn’t even want me to. She’s given up on you.”
“Given up on me?” Rod asked.
“You were so mad when you left earlier. We know you aren’t coming back, even if we figure out what you like to eat.”
Rod thought about the carrot cake and the deep-fried carrot and spinach entree that Nina had tried to serve him. “Rico, how is it that you know I like carrots?”
Rico smiled, happy to finally be asked an easy question. “Gosh, you eat them just about every night. You must like them.”
Rod looked at Cindy. She looked back with a knowing smile and then turned to Rico. “Rico,” she said, smiling, “Have you ever considered growing a moustache?”
Rico put his head down and stepped back again. He’d been caught, discovered. He’d let down ninjas everywhere. He waited for Rod to start yelling at him, or worse, call the police.
“Rico,” Rod said. “I want you to tell me everything. I want to know how long you’ve been spying on me. I want to know who you’ve been reporting to. I want to know who made the carrot cake. I want to know everything. Otherwise, you’ll be talking to the police.”
Rico looked up. Rod sounded stern but not angry. And, it sounded like there was a chance he could avoid being arrested. Rico started talking. He spilled everything, the ninja nights, Chet, everything, except Debbie. She was only there that one night and she wasn’t really working with him. He didn’t want to take a chance and rat on a ninja.
Rod and Cindy listened, amazed at the lengths Nina had gone to. When Rico was finished, Rod stepped up to him. Instinctively, Rico flinched. Rod paused, realizing how truly frightened Rico was. “Okay, Rico.” Rod said in his gentlest voice. “Here’s what we need you to do. You need to find Chet and bring him to my apartment. Cindy and I really want to speak with him. Don’t worry, he’s not in trouble. In fact, we might be able to help him out. Can you do that Rico?”
Rico nodded. He had given Chet a ride home a couple of times. He knew where he lived.
“Great,” Rod continued. “Do that and we’ll forget about the whole spying thing, okay?”
Rico nodded again and waited for Rod to say something more. Rod nodded at the van and Rico ran to it, happy to be free again. He sped off intent upon finding Chet and redeeming himself.
Rod and Cindy were returning to their car when Rod’s cell phone rang. It was Lloyd, apartment’s assistant manager.
“Hello?” Rod answered.
“Rod Piston? This is Lloyd, from the apartment. I just wanted to call to let you know we caught your prowler.”
“You what? That’s not possible...” Rod replied.
“Oh it’s more than possible, it’s done.” Lloyd crowed, triumphantly. “What’s more, it wasn’t a he at all. It was a woman!”
“What?” Rod replied, confused.
“I know, I don’t know how you two mistook this one for a man...must have been one heck of a disguise. Anyway, we brought her by your apartment but you weren’t there. One of your neighbors remembers seeing her in the hallway last night though.”
“Did she say what she was doing?”
“She won’t say anything except that she wants to be arrested and taken to the police station. She won’t even give us a name. She just wants to get out of here.”
“So, she’s still at the apartment?”
“Yeah, we’re holding her in the office. Thought you might want to talk to her before we took her downtown.”
“Thanks Lloyd. We’ll be back soon.”
Rod relayed the information to Cindy. As they sped back to the apartment, they wondered who this mystery woman could be. An accomplice of Rico’s? An innocent person caught by some overzealous security guards? They were anxious to find out.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Rod, again - Chapter 16, Stakeout
As Debbie left her meeting with Cindy, she couldn’t stop thinking about Rico. He seemed like a sweet guy and she hated to think about him getting hurt by some security thugs. Sure, he shouldn’t be lurking around the courtyard, but he seemed harmless enough. Debbie smiled to herself when she thought about him trying to convince her he was bird watching.
Debbie pulled out of the parking lot and started back to the hotel. As she drove, she continued thinking about Rico, imagining him being grabbed in the dark courtyard. Debbie bit the inside of her lower lip as she drove, trying to concentrate on the route. When she got to the hotel, she drove past the entrance to the parking ramp. Instead, she turned around in hotel's drop-off area and headed back to the apartment complex.
When she arrived back at the apartment, Debbie followed the frontage road and found the side parking lot she'd seen the night before. The lot was mostly empty and Debbie was able to find a corner spot where she could also see most of the main parking lot and entrance. Debbie felt confident that, from her position, she could monitor most activity at the apartment complex. Her plan was to wait for Rico, she assumed he'd use the side lot, and warn him before he entered the courtyard.
Debbie settled back and adjusted the air conditioning. She wondered what time Rico would show up. Rico hadn't been clear as to whether his surveillance was in addition to a regular work shift or part of it. She hoped she wouldn't have to wait long. She was feeling tired from the previous night's antics.
As Debbie waited, she drifted in and out of a light sleep. The rental car was comfortable, better than sitting in her hotel room. She tried looking through the notes from her meeting with Cindy but had little enthusiasm for it. She was anxious to see Rico again. Debbie yawned and tried to shake off her sleepiness by focusing on a small electric car pulling into the main parking lot. She slunk down in the seat a little when Rod stepped out of it. The Rod she knew had always been a truck man. It was hard to imagine him driving anything else. Rod slammed the car door a little too aggressively and stomped into the building, obviously upset. Whatever wedding errand he'd been on must not have gone well.
Debbie settled back into the car seat and closed her eyes. In the quiet of the rental car she became aware of how hungry she was. Tired and hungry, waiting in a car for a guy she hardly knew, Debbie conceded her life was straying from normalcy. She decided to wait another half hour and then go back to the hotel. Rico who have to fend for himself.
Debbie was fifteen minutes into her half hour when she noticed activity in the main parking lot. Rod and Cindy were hurrying to Rod’s car. They jumped in and sped out of the parking lot. Debbie looked at the dashboard clock. It was almost six o’clock. Probably late for another wedding-related appointment, she concluded. Debbie decided it was unlikely she would see Rico tonight. She reclined the seat a bit more and got comfortable, determined to give Rico another fifteen minutes before leaving. Within five minutes, she was asleep.
She was walking on the beach with Rico. Rod and Cindy were there too, in the distance, walking toward a policeman. Debbie realized they were afraid of Rico and wanted him arrested. She started shouting at them, trying to explain that he was not a threat but they couldn’t hear her. Instead, they thought she was calling for help. The policeman started talking on his radio and soon there were police everywhere. Sweet Rico, looking confused and scared, was being taken away. Debbie shouted, “No!”, and awoke with a start.
It took Debbie a moment to remember where she was. She’d been sleeping deeply, evidenced by the drool on her chin and right cheek. She searched through her bag until she found a tissue to wipe her face. Debbie gasped when she noticed the time. It was slightly after eight o’clock. She had slept for two hours. Debbie looked around but no one seemed to be aware of her presence.
Debbie scanned both parking lots. Rod and Cindy appeared to still be out. There were a few additional cars in both lots and she wondered if any of them belonged to Rico. He may have walked right past her. Silently, she berated herself for falling asleep and contemplated her next move. She was famished. Finding food seemed like a good idea.
The rental car was still idling, as it had been since Debbie parked it. She was relieved to see that the fuel gauge still showed more than a quarter tank. Debbie returned the seat to an upright position and prepared to leave. As she scanned the lots one last time, she thought she caught a glimpse of movement near the corner of the building. She stared awhile longer, trying to convince herself that she’d imagined it. Instead, she convinced herself that it could have been Rico slipping into the courtyard.
Debbie turned off the car and stepped outside. It was still warm but not as intense as earlier in the day. She made her way quickly to the corner of the building. Long shadows from the setting sun enveloped the area. “Rico!” Debbie hissed, trying to simultaneously whisper and shout. “Rico!”. Debbie stepped closer to the courtyard and stopped to listen. At first, it was quiet. Then, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching from behind.
Debbie pulled out of the parking lot and started back to the hotel. As she drove, she continued thinking about Rico, imagining him being grabbed in the dark courtyard. Debbie bit the inside of her lower lip as she drove, trying to concentrate on the route. When she got to the hotel, she drove past the entrance to the parking ramp. Instead, she turned around in hotel's drop-off area and headed back to the apartment complex.
When she arrived back at the apartment, Debbie followed the frontage road and found the side parking lot she'd seen the night before. The lot was mostly empty and Debbie was able to find a corner spot where she could also see most of the main parking lot and entrance. Debbie felt confident that, from her position, she could monitor most activity at the apartment complex. Her plan was to wait for Rico, she assumed he'd use the side lot, and warn him before he entered the courtyard.
Debbie settled back and adjusted the air conditioning. She wondered what time Rico would show up. Rico hadn't been clear as to whether his surveillance was in addition to a regular work shift or part of it. She hoped she wouldn't have to wait long. She was feeling tired from the previous night's antics.
As Debbie waited, she drifted in and out of a light sleep. The rental car was comfortable, better than sitting in her hotel room. She tried looking through the notes from her meeting with Cindy but had little enthusiasm for it. She was anxious to see Rico again. Debbie yawned and tried to shake off her sleepiness by focusing on a small electric car pulling into the main parking lot. She slunk down in the seat a little when Rod stepped out of it. The Rod she knew had always been a truck man. It was hard to imagine him driving anything else. Rod slammed the car door a little too aggressively and stomped into the building, obviously upset. Whatever wedding errand he'd been on must not have gone well.
Debbie settled back into the car seat and closed her eyes. In the quiet of the rental car she became aware of how hungry she was. Tired and hungry, waiting in a car for a guy she hardly knew, Debbie conceded her life was straying from normalcy. She decided to wait another half hour and then go back to the hotel. Rico who have to fend for himself.
Debbie was fifteen minutes into her half hour when she noticed activity in the main parking lot. Rod and Cindy were hurrying to Rod’s car. They jumped in and sped out of the parking lot. Debbie looked at the dashboard clock. It was almost six o’clock. Probably late for another wedding-related appointment, she concluded. Debbie decided it was unlikely she would see Rico tonight. She reclined the seat a bit more and got comfortable, determined to give Rico another fifteen minutes before leaving. Within five minutes, she was asleep.
She was walking on the beach with Rico. Rod and Cindy were there too, in the distance, walking toward a policeman. Debbie realized they were afraid of Rico and wanted him arrested. She started shouting at them, trying to explain that he was not a threat but they couldn’t hear her. Instead, they thought she was calling for help. The policeman started talking on his radio and soon there were police everywhere. Sweet Rico, looking confused and scared, was being taken away. Debbie shouted, “No!”, and awoke with a start.
It took Debbie a moment to remember where she was. She’d been sleeping deeply, evidenced by the drool on her chin and right cheek. She searched through her bag until she found a tissue to wipe her face. Debbie gasped when she noticed the time. It was slightly after eight o’clock. She had slept for two hours. Debbie looked around but no one seemed to be aware of her presence.
Debbie scanned both parking lots. Rod and Cindy appeared to still be out. There were a few additional cars in both lots and she wondered if any of them belonged to Rico. He may have walked right past her. Silently, she berated herself for falling asleep and contemplated her next move. She was famished. Finding food seemed like a good idea.
The rental car was still idling, as it had been since Debbie parked it. She was relieved to see that the fuel gauge still showed more than a quarter tank. Debbie returned the seat to an upright position and prepared to leave. As she scanned the lots one last time, she thought she caught a glimpse of movement near the corner of the building. She stared awhile longer, trying to convince herself that she’d imagined it. Instead, she convinced herself that it could have been Rico slipping into the courtyard.
Debbie turned off the car and stepped outside. It was still warm but not as intense as earlier in the day. She made her way quickly to the corner of the building. Long shadows from the setting sun enveloped the area. “Rico!” Debbie hissed, trying to simultaneously whisper and shout. “Rico!”. Debbie stepped closer to the courtyard and stopped to listen. At first, it was quiet. Then, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching from behind.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Rod, again - Chapter 15, Deep-fried cake?
Rod waited in his car as the last of the lunch time rush trickled away from Nina’s restaurant. He knew Nina was inside; he’d caught a glimpse of her in the window when he pulled up. He assumed there would be a lull after lunch and reasoned that would be an opportune time to chat with her. After letting a full fifteen minutes pass without any customers, Rod climbed out of his car and approached the order window. The all-too-familiar-looking Rico was working again.
“Hello, Rico.” Rod said, cheerfully.
Rico gulped and pulled the brim of his “Nina’s” baseball cap down low, almost over his eyes. “H-Hi” he stammered.
Rod noticed a hand-written note posted on the corner of the window announcing new weekend hours. Closing time for Friday and Saturday had been moved from 10 PM to 6 PM. “Kind of early to be closing on the weekend, isn’t it?” Rod noted, nodding toward the sign.
Rico swallowed. Now that Nina was doing the cooking, she couldn’t run off when the restaurant was open. Rather than have her weekend night life interrupted, she’d simply shortened the work day. Nina had given him explicit instructions on how to respond should any customers ask about the change. Rico closed his eyes for a moment as he tried to recall the exact wording. “Nina’s restaurant values its employees and wants to ensure their well-being by giving them some extra time off for family.” Rico delivered the phrase in monotone, looking up into the bill of his cap - too preoccupied with getting the words correct to worry about inflection or believability.
Rod nodded. It was obvious that Rico had been told what to say. He assumed that the real reason for the shortened hours was that business had dropped off and Nina couldn’t afford to pay staff to hang around with no customers. It should be easy to work out a deal with Nina. “Say, Rico.” Rod began, “Tell Nina that Rod Piston is here with a business opportunity.”
Rico nodded, happy to be done discussing the reduced hours. He scurried to kitchen to tell Nina. After a moment, he reappeared, followed by Nina. She looked hot and tired.
Nina looked out through the window and grinned. “Hi, Rod.” she cooed. “Rico says you want to do some business. Are you interested in trying a healthy snack?” In Chet’s absence, Nina had been working on her own menu additions.
“Actually, I wanted to speak to you about the cake Cindy and I tried earlier.” Rod stated.
Nina shot a glance at Rico. Rico winced and looked down at the counter. “Ah, yes.” Nina responded, slowly. “The cake. That was a mistake. It was not supposed to be served.”
“But, it was wonderful.” Rod interjected. “Cindy and I both loved it, so much so that we’d like it to be our wedding cake.” Rod paused and lowered his voice. “Just name your price. Plus, if you’ve got other healthy items, we’d consider having you cater the whole wedding.”
Nina took a moment to digest what Rod was saying. A catering deal could open up a whole new revenue stream. Plus, it would be an effective way to promote the restaurant and expose people to its fine fare. But Chet was gone and she’d already tried unsuccessfully to get him to return. “We have plenty of healthy options,” she said, smiling. “And we would be thrilled to cater your wedding.” Nina noticed Rico looking confused. She caught his eye and gave him a hard glare. She didn’t need him screwing anything else up.
“Great!” said Rod. “What sorts of entrees do you have?”
“Hold on, just a sec,” Nina said, rushing back into the kitchen. She returned with a plate containing something brown. “Here,” she said. “Try this. I just came up with it. I think you’ll like it. It’s got carrot...and spinach.”
Rod took the plate but held it at arm’s length when he smelled it. “Is it deep fried?” he asked, trying to contain his gag reflex.
“Of course,” Nina replied. “Everything we offer is deep-fried in our special, secret batter.”
Rod set the plate on the window counter and took a step back, trying to escape its odor. “Hmm,” he said, trying to think of a polite way to tell Nina that her food made him ill. “I don’t think this is going to work. I have issues with certain aromas and foods and I can’t eat anything deep-fried. It doesn’t seem all that healthy either. Do you have any thing else?”
Nina looked at him with wide eyes and her mouth slightly open. “What kind of person doesn’t eat deep-fried food?” she said, exasperated. “Everybody eats deep-fried food. Everyone loves deep-fried food. America is founded on deep-fried food.” She glanced at him suspiciously, “You aren’t anti-American, are you?”
Rod looked at Nina and tried to decide if she was serious or just desperate. He concluded that she was probably both. “Listen,” he began. “I’m not anti-American. I just don’t like deep-fried food. Maybe we should just focus on the cake. We’d like a wedding cake made exactly like the one we tried here. If you can do that, we’ll make it worth your time.”
“Oh Rod, I do want to help you.” Nina replied, her voice dripping with condescension. “It’s just that I don’t want to sell you something that I know most of your guests won’t like. You and your honey might have thought you liked the cake, but I’ve been in the restaurant business a long time. I think I know better.”
“So you won’t sell me the cake.” Rod said, flatly.
“Of course I can, sweetie. But to serve that cake at a wedding would be a travesty. People would hate it and your wedding would be ruined along with my reputation. Let me put something together that people will love. Something tasty that reflects well upon all of us.”
Rod looked up at her. “You wouldn’t....deep-fry it.....would you?” he asked cautiously.
Nina smiled. “Like I said, everything I make is deep-fried. You just need to learn to trust the experts.”
Rod disliked Nina’s patronizing tone plus he sensed that she was covering something up. From what he knew of Nina, it was surprising that she wouldn’t make whatever he asked for. He remembered that Nina hadn’t been there when he’d had the cake. “Where’s your cook?” he asked. “The one who was working the other day.”
Nina glanced at Rico and then gave Rod a hard stare. “I do all the cooking.” she said.
“You weren’t doing the cooking then. And whoever was knew how to cook without a deep fryer. Rico told me you weren’t even at the restaurant.” Rod gave Rico a stern look. “You weren’t lying to me, were you Rico?”
Rico gulped and shook his head quickly. Then he noticed Nina glaring at him and stopped and nodded a couple of times. Unsure what he should do, Rico turned his back to Rod and Nina and started wiping down the soda dispenser.
Nina put her hands on her hips and frowned at Rod. “Listen, I’m trying to be cordial but I won’t have you harassing my employees. Rico was probably confused. He gets confused easily. Now, let’s talk some more about this wedding of yours.”
Rod shook his head. “Never mind.” he said, stepping away from the window. “If you can’t come through on a simple request for a cake, I’m sure not going to trust you with anything to do with my wedding. I guess we’re done.” Rod kept walking toward his car, raising his voice as he went. “And another thing, stop sending the hand-written coupons or I’ll call the cops. Trust me, there is no way I am ever eating here again!” Rod climbed into his car and slammed the door. If Nina had a response, he didn’t hear it.
Rico looked up at Nina. He didn’t have to ask her. He knew his ninja spy days were over.
“Hello, Rico.” Rod said, cheerfully.
Rico gulped and pulled the brim of his “Nina’s” baseball cap down low, almost over his eyes. “H-Hi” he stammered.
Rod noticed a hand-written note posted on the corner of the window announcing new weekend hours. Closing time for Friday and Saturday had been moved from 10 PM to 6 PM. “Kind of early to be closing on the weekend, isn’t it?” Rod noted, nodding toward the sign.
Rico swallowed. Now that Nina was doing the cooking, she couldn’t run off when the restaurant was open. Rather than have her weekend night life interrupted, she’d simply shortened the work day. Nina had given him explicit instructions on how to respond should any customers ask about the change. Rico closed his eyes for a moment as he tried to recall the exact wording. “Nina’s restaurant values its employees and wants to ensure their well-being by giving them some extra time off for family.” Rico delivered the phrase in monotone, looking up into the bill of his cap - too preoccupied with getting the words correct to worry about inflection or believability.
Rod nodded. It was obvious that Rico had been told what to say. He assumed that the real reason for the shortened hours was that business had dropped off and Nina couldn’t afford to pay staff to hang around with no customers. It should be easy to work out a deal with Nina. “Say, Rico.” Rod began, “Tell Nina that Rod Piston is here with a business opportunity.”
Rico nodded, happy to be done discussing the reduced hours. He scurried to kitchen to tell Nina. After a moment, he reappeared, followed by Nina. She looked hot and tired.
Nina looked out through the window and grinned. “Hi, Rod.” she cooed. “Rico says you want to do some business. Are you interested in trying a healthy snack?” In Chet’s absence, Nina had been working on her own menu additions.
“Actually, I wanted to speak to you about the cake Cindy and I tried earlier.” Rod stated.
Nina shot a glance at Rico. Rico winced and looked down at the counter. “Ah, yes.” Nina responded, slowly. “The cake. That was a mistake. It was not supposed to be served.”
“But, it was wonderful.” Rod interjected. “Cindy and I both loved it, so much so that we’d like it to be our wedding cake.” Rod paused and lowered his voice. “Just name your price. Plus, if you’ve got other healthy items, we’d consider having you cater the whole wedding.”
Nina took a moment to digest what Rod was saying. A catering deal could open up a whole new revenue stream. Plus, it would be an effective way to promote the restaurant and expose people to its fine fare. But Chet was gone and she’d already tried unsuccessfully to get him to return. “We have plenty of healthy options,” she said, smiling. “And we would be thrilled to cater your wedding.” Nina noticed Rico looking confused. She caught his eye and gave him a hard glare. She didn’t need him screwing anything else up.
“Great!” said Rod. “What sorts of entrees do you have?”
“Hold on, just a sec,” Nina said, rushing back into the kitchen. She returned with a plate containing something brown. “Here,” she said. “Try this. I just came up with it. I think you’ll like it. It’s got carrot...and spinach.”
Rod took the plate but held it at arm’s length when he smelled it. “Is it deep fried?” he asked, trying to contain his gag reflex.
“Of course,” Nina replied. “Everything we offer is deep-fried in our special, secret batter.”
Rod set the plate on the window counter and took a step back, trying to escape its odor. “Hmm,” he said, trying to think of a polite way to tell Nina that her food made him ill. “I don’t think this is going to work. I have issues with certain aromas and foods and I can’t eat anything deep-fried. It doesn’t seem all that healthy either. Do you have any thing else?”
Nina looked at him with wide eyes and her mouth slightly open. “What kind of person doesn’t eat deep-fried food?” she said, exasperated. “Everybody eats deep-fried food. Everyone loves deep-fried food. America is founded on deep-fried food.” She glanced at him suspiciously, “You aren’t anti-American, are you?”
Rod looked at Nina and tried to decide if she was serious or just desperate. He concluded that she was probably both. “Listen,” he began. “I’m not anti-American. I just don’t like deep-fried food. Maybe we should just focus on the cake. We’d like a wedding cake made exactly like the one we tried here. If you can do that, we’ll make it worth your time.”
“Oh Rod, I do want to help you.” Nina replied, her voice dripping with condescension. “It’s just that I don’t want to sell you something that I know most of your guests won’t like. You and your honey might have thought you liked the cake, but I’ve been in the restaurant business a long time. I think I know better.”
“So you won’t sell me the cake.” Rod said, flatly.
“Of course I can, sweetie. But to serve that cake at a wedding would be a travesty. People would hate it and your wedding would be ruined along with my reputation. Let me put something together that people will love. Something tasty that reflects well upon all of us.”
Rod looked up at her. “You wouldn’t....deep-fry it.....would you?” he asked cautiously.
Nina smiled. “Like I said, everything I make is deep-fried. You just need to learn to trust the experts.”
Rod disliked Nina’s patronizing tone plus he sensed that she was covering something up. From what he knew of Nina, it was surprising that she wouldn’t make whatever he asked for. He remembered that Nina hadn’t been there when he’d had the cake. “Where’s your cook?” he asked. “The one who was working the other day.”
Nina glanced at Rico and then gave Rod a hard stare. “I do all the cooking.” she said.
“You weren’t doing the cooking then. And whoever was knew how to cook without a deep fryer. Rico told me you weren’t even at the restaurant.” Rod gave Rico a stern look. “You weren’t lying to me, were you Rico?”
Rico gulped and shook his head quickly. Then he noticed Nina glaring at him and stopped and nodded a couple of times. Unsure what he should do, Rico turned his back to Rod and Nina and started wiping down the soda dispenser.
Nina put her hands on her hips and frowned at Rod. “Listen, I’m trying to be cordial but I won’t have you harassing my employees. Rico was probably confused. He gets confused easily. Now, let’s talk some more about this wedding of yours.”
Rod shook his head. “Never mind.” he said, stepping away from the window. “If you can’t come through on a simple request for a cake, I’m sure not going to trust you with anything to do with my wedding. I guess we’re done.” Rod kept walking toward his car, raising his voice as he went. “And another thing, stop sending the hand-written coupons or I’ll call the cops. Trust me, there is no way I am ever eating here again!” Rod climbed into his car and slammed the door. If Nina had a response, he didn’t hear it.
Rico looked up at Nina. He didn’t have to ask her. He knew his ninja spy days were over.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Rod, again - Chapter 14, Debbie meets Cindy
Debbie took a deep breath as she pulled into the apartment's main parking lot. It was almost one o'clock, the time she’d arranged to meet Cindy. Debbie parked and sat for a moment with the engine idling so she could run the air conditioning. Another hot day in Arizona, she mused. Debbie didn't mind it but she preferred cooler weather. After all, her company's success was built around a product spawned from colder climates. Debbie smiled as she thought back to her first and most important clothing design. At the time, fashion design wasn’t even on her radar. She was just looking for a practical way to keep her hands warm while waiting for the bus. Adding pockets to the armpits of her sweatshirt seemed like an obvious solution. It was Phyllis, another rider on her bus, who recognized its potential - her potential. Phyllis brought her into the firm, taught her how to be a designer and together they launched the CozyPits line of apparel. It was an instant success and kept the firm afloat through what would have otherwise been very lean economic times. In recognition of this, and in an attempt to put her own mark on the company, Debbie had recently renamed the firm CP Designs. It was company policy that all designs strive to incorporate a CozyPit pocket, even if it was non-functional. Some designers protested but Debbie felt it was important for establishing brand recognition. Pants and slacks were, of course, exempt. However, they were encouraged to at least consider the less popular CozyCrotch pocket.
Debbie shut off the car and made her way into the apartment. She paused at the mail boxes and double-checked Cindy’s apartment number. Retracing her steps from the night before, she quickly came to Cindy’s door and knocked twice. The door was immediately opened by a pretty girl with short, dark hair. She was smiling broadly.
“Hi!” Cindy said, thrusting out a hand. “I’m Cindy. How are you?’
Debbie smiled and shook Cindy’s hand. “Hi Cindy. My name is Debbie Glass, from CP Designs. I guess you already figured that out. I’m good, thank you. And you?”
“I’m super.” Cindy replied, bouncing back a step. “Please, come in. I’m so happy you’re here!”
Debbie entered the apartment slowly and tentatively looked around. “Nice apartment. Do you live here alone?”
Cindy closed the door and caught up to Debbie. “Yeah, but to be honest, I spend most of my time next door, at my fiance’s place.” As she spoke, she skipped in a loose circle around the living room, finally settling down on the sofa.
“Wow, right next door. That’s convenient.” Debbie set a bag on the coffee table and sat down at the other end of the sofa.
“Yeah, it’s how we met, really. He’s so sweet. I wish he were here so you could meet him but he had to run some errands. You know how it is, wedding plans and all. Gotta pack as much into every Saturday as you can.” Cindy popped up again and jogged out of the room.
Debbie breathe a sigh of relief as she watched Cindy disappear. “I suppose you guys are pretty busy.” she said, wondering if Cindy heard her. Debbie was about to get up when Cindy reappeared with a tray holding lemonade and cookies. “Anyway,” Debbie continued, “Should we get started? I need to get some basic measurements, plus I’ve got some almost-final design drawings for you to look at. I want to run a couple of ideas past you and get your input. Finally, I also have a few fabric samples that I’d like you to think about.”
“Let’s do it!” Cindy shouted, letting out a little squeal and spilling some of the lemonade as she abruptly set the tray on the table and jumped on the sofa.
Debbie winced a little. She was pretty sure she’d never met anyone as happy as Cindy. Happy and energetic and easily excitable. Yet, somehow not annoying. Like a puppy, a cute puppy with short brown hair. It was impossible to be annoyed by Cindy. Instead, Cindy’s enthusiasm was infectious. Debbie felt her spirits lifting as she rummaged through her bag for a measuring tape.
As the afternoon wore on, Debbie found herself chatting easily with Cindy. It was as if they were old childhood friends catching up again as adults. Debbie shared bits and pieces about her life and past, leaving out any mention of Rod. She wondered how long it would be until he returned, she was almost finished with Cindy. Debbie began to consider the possibility that she might not run into Rod at all. She thought this would relieve her, but instead, she felt a little disappointed.
Debbie packed away the last of the fabric samples after noting Cindy’s preferences. Cindy had strong opinions and, as expected, they mirrored Debbie’s own. She liked Cindy and was sorry she didn’t have anything else official to go over. “Well, “ said Debbie. “I guess that about wraps it up.” Debbie stood and reached for Cindy’s hand. “It was really a pleasure to meet you, Cindy.” Debbie said, shaking her hand.
Cindy sighed. “It was great meeting you too. I wish you could have met Rod, though.”
Debbie smiled and nodded. “I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.” she said, surprised to feel her eyes moistening. She turned away from Cindy and looked out the window. “Nice courtyard, do you use it much?” she asked, changing the subject.
“No, not really. It’s pretty hot out there during the day.”
“Maybe in the evening?”
“I suppose we could. There’s a creepy guy that’s been out there almost every night. Rod thinks he’s spying on us.”
“Really, that sounds scary.”
“Yeah, it won’t last much longer though. Rod called the apartment manager and he’s going to take care of it.”
“Take care of it?”
“Yeah, I guess he’s hired some of his ex-marine buddies to patrol the grounds and catch the guy. If he’s not a resident, he’d better have a really good explanation. Otherwise, ‘hello jail’.” Cindy paused. “It seems a little overboard, really. I mean, it’s just one guy. I hope they don’t hurt him.”
Debbie nodded but her thoughts were on Rico. Dear, sweet, easily frightened Rico. She remembered how he’d been scared of her. She imagined him encircled by muscle-bound, neck-less security guards. Rico would not have a good explanation nor would he be capable of fabricating one. Rico would end up in jail, or worse.
“I should be going.” Debbie said, trying to smile. “Again, it was great meeting you.”
Debbie left the apartment and briskly walked to her car. She’d spent the entire afternoon in Cindy’s apartment and hadn’t run into Rod. She still wasn’t sure if she was glad or sad about this. She spent little time pondering it, however. She was more concerned about Rico.
Debbie shut off the car and made her way into the apartment. She paused at the mail boxes and double-checked Cindy’s apartment number. Retracing her steps from the night before, she quickly came to Cindy’s door and knocked twice. The door was immediately opened by a pretty girl with short, dark hair. She was smiling broadly.
“Hi!” Cindy said, thrusting out a hand. “I’m Cindy. How are you?’
Debbie smiled and shook Cindy’s hand. “Hi Cindy. My name is Debbie Glass, from CP Designs. I guess you already figured that out. I’m good, thank you. And you?”
“I’m super.” Cindy replied, bouncing back a step. “Please, come in. I’m so happy you’re here!”
Debbie entered the apartment slowly and tentatively looked around. “Nice apartment. Do you live here alone?”
Cindy closed the door and caught up to Debbie. “Yeah, but to be honest, I spend most of my time next door, at my fiance’s place.” As she spoke, she skipped in a loose circle around the living room, finally settling down on the sofa.
“Wow, right next door. That’s convenient.” Debbie set a bag on the coffee table and sat down at the other end of the sofa.
“Yeah, it’s how we met, really. He’s so sweet. I wish he were here so you could meet him but he had to run some errands. You know how it is, wedding plans and all. Gotta pack as much into every Saturday as you can.” Cindy popped up again and jogged out of the room.
Debbie breathe a sigh of relief as she watched Cindy disappear. “I suppose you guys are pretty busy.” she said, wondering if Cindy heard her. Debbie was about to get up when Cindy reappeared with a tray holding lemonade and cookies. “Anyway,” Debbie continued, “Should we get started? I need to get some basic measurements, plus I’ve got some almost-final design drawings for you to look at. I want to run a couple of ideas past you and get your input. Finally, I also have a few fabric samples that I’d like you to think about.”
“Let’s do it!” Cindy shouted, letting out a little squeal and spilling some of the lemonade as she abruptly set the tray on the table and jumped on the sofa.
Debbie winced a little. She was pretty sure she’d never met anyone as happy as Cindy. Happy and energetic and easily excitable. Yet, somehow not annoying. Like a puppy, a cute puppy with short brown hair. It was impossible to be annoyed by Cindy. Instead, Cindy’s enthusiasm was infectious. Debbie felt her spirits lifting as she rummaged through her bag for a measuring tape.
As the afternoon wore on, Debbie found herself chatting easily with Cindy. It was as if they were old childhood friends catching up again as adults. Debbie shared bits and pieces about her life and past, leaving out any mention of Rod. She wondered how long it would be until he returned, she was almost finished with Cindy. Debbie began to consider the possibility that she might not run into Rod at all. She thought this would relieve her, but instead, she felt a little disappointed.
Debbie packed away the last of the fabric samples after noting Cindy’s preferences. Cindy had strong opinions and, as expected, they mirrored Debbie’s own. She liked Cindy and was sorry she didn’t have anything else official to go over. “Well, “ said Debbie. “I guess that about wraps it up.” Debbie stood and reached for Cindy’s hand. “It was really a pleasure to meet you, Cindy.” Debbie said, shaking her hand.
Cindy sighed. “It was great meeting you too. I wish you could have met Rod, though.”
Debbie smiled and nodded. “I guess it just wasn’t meant to be.” she said, surprised to feel her eyes moistening. She turned away from Cindy and looked out the window. “Nice courtyard, do you use it much?” she asked, changing the subject.
“No, not really. It’s pretty hot out there during the day.”
“Maybe in the evening?”
“I suppose we could. There’s a creepy guy that’s been out there almost every night. Rod thinks he’s spying on us.”
“Really, that sounds scary.”
“Yeah, it won’t last much longer though. Rod called the apartment manager and he’s going to take care of it.”
“Take care of it?”
“Yeah, I guess he’s hired some of his ex-marine buddies to patrol the grounds and catch the guy. If he’s not a resident, he’d better have a really good explanation. Otherwise, ‘hello jail’.” Cindy paused. “It seems a little overboard, really. I mean, it’s just one guy. I hope they don’t hurt him.”
Debbie nodded but her thoughts were on Rico. Dear, sweet, easily frightened Rico. She remembered how he’d been scared of her. She imagined him encircled by muscle-bound, neck-less security guards. Rico would not have a good explanation nor would he be capable of fabricating one. Rico would end up in jail, or worse.
“I should be going.” Debbie said, trying to smile. “Again, it was great meeting you.”
Debbie left the apartment and briskly walked to her car. She’d spent the entire afternoon in Cindy’s apartment and hadn’t run into Rod. She still wasn’t sure if she was glad or sad about this. She spent little time pondering it, however. She was more concerned about Rico.
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