Second Street //Part Eight

A Story by David

Second Street

Part eight

Thursday morning came quickly and required lots of aspirin and copious amounts of orange juice and water. Charlie looked at his watch. It was only seven thirty and he would stand under a nice warm shower for awhile. His previous depression was now replaced by headache. He dried himself and got dressed. Nine o’clock came and a soft rap on the door was heard. He went to the door and opened it to find Andy standing there bright and cheery as could be. Good morning hon, she said. She was wearing jeans with boots, a kind of pea coat, scarf, knit hat and black gloves. Hi Andy, good to see you, we have a busy day ahead. Tell me, just what errands do you want to do, so we can make a plan. Oh sure she replied. Every year I make thousands of cookies and candies as gifts, so I would like to get those supplies. If possible, I would like to stop and see my son for a few minutes. I haven’t seen him in a month. He is always so busy. Certainly, not any problem what so ever. Did you say thousands of cookies and candies? Do I need a bigger car? She laughed and put her hand on his chest in a friendly manner. No your car is just fine. Danny is too cheap to buy presents but my kids and family love my cookies so it is what I can do for them. Sounds simply down home and really wholesome. I think we all have kind of lost the meaning of the season and a trip back to the days of the past would do us all wonders, he said. Let me get my coat, I’ll be right there. When they got to the car he went to the passenger side, unlocked the door and opened it for her. She had a look of shock on her face. Did I do something he said, looking at her? No not a thing. She got in and reached over to unlock his door. Where shall we go first, he asked? How about Walmart first, that way we won’t miss out on the good stuff. Great, I’m not sure how to get there can you direct me, Charlie asked. Of course, take a left here and then the second right, just go straight and we’ll run right into it. He did as he was told and was watchful to drive carefully, remembering yesterday’s words. Have you thought about lunch, she asked? I have a surprise for you, at least I think it will be a surprise? Oh good, I love surprises! The drive did not take long and pulling into the parking lot they found it half full already. Guess your intuition about coming here first was spot on, he said, looking at her. They locked the car, found a carriage and waded into the mass of other bodies all looking for deals. Andy stayed close to him. He found this interesting. His ex got into a store and was gone. He would have to search her out. They wheeled their cart to the seasonal isle and began exploring. He said, the first thing we need is a stand. Always start at the foundation he grinned. He found a suitable fit and moved along. She was perusing the shelves up, down behind her and around the corner. He thought to himself, this has to be a female DNA thing. She brought this and that back to the carriage and asked for his approval. God, Andy just get what you would like. You’re doing a fantastic job. I never would have picked out half this stuff but it all looks great. She had found just the right colored garland, single ornaments rather than the mass produced cheap junk. Tinsel, although she didn’t know if he was a tinsel guy. It was so cheap it didn’t matter much. She found a wonderful tree topper. Charlie, are you a colored or white lights guy? I vote for colored, how about you? For sure, she smiled. Lots of em! Hell they are only a couple bucks a string. She loaded six strings into the cart. What else do you need she asked? Wrapping paper, some stuff for the house, anything? Wine glasses? She teased. Great idea, he responded. Finding their way to house wares Andy sought out just the right glasses. She found some for red and some for white. Charlie looked at her selection and asked, why so many? She said, Charlie, you’re not a big wine man are you? Listen, red requires one shape and white another. Unless you are thinking of continuing the practice of drinking everything from water glasses, and gave him a big smile and wink. Are you kidding? Really? Ok then, I’m on board! Thanks for the lesson! As they were on the way out, Charlie spied some candles. Wait a minute he told her. He went and got several boxes of them and some holders. He was starting to almost feel kind of normal. It felt good shopping with her instead of being alone and lonely all the time. He found a large box of extra long matches. They went and checked out. The total was surprisingly low. He congratulated her on her shopping acumen. She wallowed in the compliment and thanked him.

So what now he asked? It was eleven thirty. How about we go get cookie materials? Sure. Where to? Oh just around the corner, she said. He found the confectionery store and parked. They went in and she proceeded to order this and that seemingly with abandon. When all was delivered the price was well within reason. He was surprised at the lack of space required to make thousands of candies and cookies. She was pleased and he could see it in her face. Well it is nearly noon. Do you want to see your son or have lunch? Let’s see my son before he goes to lunch. It will not be long. Don’t worry one second about it he said. I have all the time in the world. He works at the tire shop just over there, as she pointed. He pulled across the street and parked in the lot of the store. She got out and walked to the building. As she approached a young man came from the building and greeted her with a big hug. He was large and had arms thick and muscular. Sturdy legs and closed cropped haircut. He picked her up and spun her around, a smile on his face. She tilted her head back and laughed this great laugh. She was obviously so very happy to see him. Charlie loved the sight of this. His own childhood closed and cold. This was a sight he would store.

Andy motioned for him to come and see them. He climbed from the car and went to meet the son. His name was Roger and was an incredibly strong young man. Charlie could tell he was so very protective of his mother. Andy put Roger at ease. They shook hands and it took all Charlie had not to wince at the strength of the grasp. Listen, Charlie said, were heading off to lunch? Maybe you could join us? This pleased Roger. Sorry, this is a real busy time and can’t go but you guys have a good time. Roger did not care for Danny or for Sonny for that matter. He was curious about this new man with his mom. He could tell from one look he was not a Danny. He shook hands and bid him goodbye. Charlie returned to the car and climbed in. He watched as Rogers mother caressed and kissed him. It was so bizarre to Charlie but he loved the sight of it. His mind wandered to his own childhood. It had been filled with coldness. Empty and disgusting behavior. A fight each and every night, all night until sleep overtook the antagonists. Some times in the chair and sometimes carried on to the bedroom where they were closer than ever to young Charlie’s room. He covered his head with his blankets but it did little to stifle the angry words coming from next door. He grew used to it. Such a shame any child should get used to. She returned to the car and climbed in. That was so nice she told him! It looked great he said to her. Like you guys have missed one another so much? We have she said. I love him so much. He really hates Danny so he doesn’t come around as much as he would like to. I miss him so. I guess it is better than a fist fight that Danny would lose in a heartbeat. Roger is so very strong and loves Momma. So where to, Andy asked? Lunch, Charlie replied. He drove off and found his way to his surprise place. It was a place called “The Brazillian Grille”, he had been here once with the ex. Thought Andy would enjoy such a place. This is a wonderful place he told her as they pulled up. She had a curious look to her but not apprehensive. They parked the car and went inside. The hostess seated them right away. Andy looked around and was impressed. Table cloths, wine glasses,linen napkins. Danny never took her anywhere like this. She was fortunate he ever took her to Sizzler! This had the makings of a treat. Their waitress came and asked for their drink order. She was incredibly pretty. A tall brunette, maybe 30, huge brown eyes that one could easily get lost in. She introduced herself as Carmen. Just so stunning she had no business waiting tables. Charlie looked at Andy and said, shall we be a little adventurous? How about a Golden Margarita? Sounds exotic she said, of course. They ordered two golden margaritas and smiled. What is a golden margarita Andy wished to know? He went on to explain, it was Cuervo Gold which was 100 proof tequila , instead of simple syrup or triple sec they used Grand Mariner, an orange flavored liquor that was also high proof. He assured her they were good. She believed him.

The waitress returned with their drinks and handed them beautiful colored menus. Andy opened her menu and took a sip of her drink. My God! That is delicious she whispered at Charlie. He got a big grin on his face but said nothing. He was glad he had made her happy. Another sip and , Oh my, as she licked the salt from her lips. The menu was filled with all kinds of things she had never even heard of.

There were Rotisseried Garlic Rolls, Sirloin Empanadas, marinated chicken legs, chicken hearts. Maminha, a mustard glazed sirloin. There was Chile Lime Pork Loin, Garlic and Lime Marinated Prawns, Feijoada, a black bean stew, Beef Alcatra and so much more. Charlie this looks so wonderful, every single item. So exotic. I have not one idea what to order Andy said. He looked at her and said , you’ll figure it out, I’m sure. She did just that and ended up with Marinated Prawns and Feijoada. Charlie decided on Maminha and also got some of the wonderful sounding garlic rolls. Andy looked at him coyly and leaned in to whisper, You know we could share everything? I would love to taste as much as possible. Charlie also leaned , put his hand to his mouth as if to tell a secret. I think that would be great he whispered and gave her a wink. She almost blushed and was so glad she was here. This was a real treat. Carmen came back and took their orders and picked up the empty glasses. She held them up as to see no contents and looked back at Charlie quizzically. Carmen we would love two more. Is that good with you he said to Andy who nodded in complete agreement. More drinks and food arriving , they laughed and talked and kept changing plates back and forth . He was having a great time and she was enjoying herself as she could not remember.