Second Street // Part Seventeen

         Second Street

        Part Seventeen

Pam woke around two in the morning, Charlie stretched out on the sofa next to her. He still had his wine glass in his hand. She gently loosened his grip and took the glass away to safer territory. She made her way to the kitchen gathering her bag and coat. She sat at the table and wrote Charlie a quick note. She folded the paper and wrote his name on the front, placing it where he would surely see it first thing. She dug into her handbag removing three hundred dollar bills. She folded them in a third and went to Charlie. She slipped them into the back pocket of his jeans, not disturbing him in the least. She gently kissed his forehead and stroked his hair. She smiled and quietly left, locking the door behind her. She was aware of her surroundings and kept a close eye on her walk to her car. All was quiet as she got in started the car and drove off. Andy not being able to sleep, watched out the window as Pam left.

Eight am came before Charlie awoke. He sleepily looked around in a haze not being fully awake yet. He wondered where Pam was. He sat up and put his hands to his face, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He got up and headed to the bathroom, noticing the note on his way. He did his business and returned to the kitchen table and sat to read the note. He opened the note and read the following. Honey, I wish to thank you for the most wonderful weekend I have had in so many years! Scotty was the best gift you could have given me! I have to return to work. I will be in touch by Christmas Eve. Big wet kisses! Pam. There was a big lipstick kiss on the paper. Charlie smiled and thought, how wonderful. He headed for the shower as he shampooed his hair he just had thoughts of that incredible bath of the previous day. As he showered he pulled back the curtain to take a peek into the back yard and see what was going on in the trailer park! He quickly was done, dried himself and shaved, returning to his bedroom to dress. He took his clothes and threw them into the hamper putting on some chinos and an oxford shirt and his buckskin desert boots.

Charlie suddenly was lonely and did not like the feeling whatsoever. He was wandering from room to room and just felt lost. As he peered from his living room window, he noticed Andy out with the dogs. He went to the front door and stood on the porch. He waved to Andy and said good morning. She smiled and said, are you alone? He replied, I believe so. Well how about coming over and having some coffee? That would be great, be right there.

He put on his Pea Coat, locked the door and walked next door. Andy opened the door just as he was about to knock. She had a big smile and told him to come in. He closed the door behind him and followed her to the kitchen. Andy said, give me your coat and sit awhile. She fixed a cup and handed it to him. He took it with both hands and thanked her, loving the warmth it brought to him. So how have you been? Haven’t seen you in a few days, Andy said. I had a friend come by unexpectedly but was a great weekend he told her. And how about you? Well after decorating your tree I made Danny go and buy one for me. Even made him buy dinner. He wasn’t happy but knew he had better do as I asked if he wanted any peace this month. He makes my life miserable but I get my shots in here and there. Charlie shook his head and asked, how do you manage this every day? Andy asked, have you had any breakfast? Would you like some? Never mind I know you haven’t eaten yet, let me fix something for you. She got out a frying pan, eggs and bacon along with some home fries leftover from the previous day. She fried up some over easy eggs, an English muffin, fries and bacon and handed it to him, providing him with utensils and salt and pepper. He loved this and thanked her profusely as she refilled his coffee cup. He said to her, Danny has no idea what he is missing. He ate his breakfast and relished it. That was wonderful he said to her, thank you so very much. It is my pleasure she replied as she reached for his hand. She took his hand and said come with me. She led him to the tree. Oh Andy, how beautiful. I love the popcorn so much. It feels so down home and comfortable. She was pleased he liked her work and smiled broadly. Come on let’s get some more coffee and catch up. They returned to the kitchen and sat and chatted. Andy was curious about the mysterious woman over the weekend. Charlie was glad to have the company and happily related the weekend’s activities, leaving out the lovemaking and baths. Andy smiled as he related his story. Charlie, that sounds like the most wonderful time I could ever imagine. Never in my poor life have I had such a beautiful time. Charlie said, it was awfully great! She did fall in love and not with me, he said laughing! He said to her, I am thinking of going to the mall and do some Christmas shopping would you like to get out of the house and go with me? The words had barely escaped from his mouth before she had accepted. Can you give me a little time to get ready, she asked? Of course take whatever time you need just knock on the door when your all set, ok? I’ll be quick she replied. Charlie thanked her for his breakfast and headed home.

Andy threw on her favorite jeans and turtleneck, brushed her hair and put on makeup. Something she would never do for Danny. She grabbed her coat and scarf along with her purse and went to Charlies. She knocked and was quickly met. He had his coat and scarf in hand and they headed for Charlie’s car. He opened the door for her and as she climbed in she just smiled to herself. As they drove along, Andy asked, Would I be wrong if I guessed you were on a mission to get your new girlfriend something special? He laughed and said, I know the perfect gift but doubt I could afford it. Andy looked at him quizzically? A friendly little fellow named Scotty was his reply. They both broke out laughing. You are right, I don’t think you could afford him and the owner would probably never let him go. They got to the mall and found their way in. It was crowded for being so early. Andy asked , do you know what you have in mind for her ? I really don’t know what to look for. I can tell you she’s a classy and classic woman, Charlie replied. I have seen her coming and going and have to agree with you. Well I don’t think you buying her clothes would be a good idea. She has her own style. How about jewelry? They were just passing a Victoria’s shop and Charlie looked at Andy and said What do you think? Andy shrugged and said sure, why not? Charlie felt a bit strange being in the store but having Andy with him left him more at ease. Andy moved seamlessly through the isles touching the garments and taking from the racks holding them up for Charlie’s inspection. He suddenly had better thoughts about this place and told Andy he probably made a mistake. She smiled and silently agreed with him and they left the store. One of the sales girls giving Andy a knowing smile. They passed a day spa and he noticed a large sign in the window. Complete day package, massage, manicure, pedicure, make up package, cut color and style. Just $200.Charlie looked at Andy and asked her what that was all about. She explained it all to him and said, do you want to spend that  much? Do you think she’ll like it he asked? Oh I’m sure she would adore it she told him. He went in and got a gift certificate. As he paid the girl she gave him a quick smile and said she’s going to love this, we promise to spoil her. Her words gave him assurance and he felt good about this. The girl put the certificate in a large deep red envelope and wrapped a small ribbon around it handing his purchase to him. Thank you so much she said. He nodded and thanked her as well. Care for lunch he asked Andy? She looked at her watch, it was almost noon. I could eat she replied. What do you feel like having? How about some seafood he asked? That sounds good to me she said. There’s a little place around the corner, Barby Ann’s, they have decent food.

They drove to the restaurant and found their way in. They got seated at a nice table with a window for their view. The place was rustic but comfortable. The tables had blue and white plaid table cloths a candle burning in a small jar. Across the room was a large glass tank filled with lobsters. There were decorations scattered about. A lobster trap here and there, fishing nets hung on the ceiling, various floats and fishing and boating gear placed about the dining room. The specials were written on small chalkboards and delivered with  the plastic covered menus. MMMMM, looks so good Andy said. Any suggestions? Well do you prefer baked or fried? I like both but maybe this baked grey sole with butter crumb topping and rice. Sounds great. Charlie ordered the fried whole belly clam plate served with fries. They ordered glasses of chardonnay and just chatted as they waited for their meals. Their waitress was a pretty blond,  dressed in jeans and a polo shirt with the Barby Ann’s logo on the breast. She came to the table carrying a large try with their food setting it down on a nearby tray station. She delivered their plates and Charlie just happened to notice her name badge. Your called Charlie he said to her? Yep, for sure. Me too, he told her. She said well Charlie hope you enjoy? Can I get you anything else. All the condiments were already on the table along with a small bowls of fresh cut lemons. Charlie looked around and told her, I don’t think so, thanks. Andy took one bite and all she could say was oh my! This is delicious! It is so delicate, I just love it. Charlie spooned some tater sauce on the side of his plate, dipping his clams in and enjoying his meal as well. They ate laughed and talked as if they had been friends all their life. They talked about Pam, Danny, Charlene, the neighborhood and anything in general. They finished their meal, paid the bill and left for the trip home. Soon enough Charlie was parking in the driveway and he invited Andy in for a glass of wine and chat, he was not ready to be alone just yet. She followed him in the door and they sat and drank, enjoying each other.