Rod, again - Chapter 22, The Day Before The Big Day

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.