Second Street // Part Twenty Six

                         Second Street

     Part Twenty Six

Carmen led them to her section and sat them in the best seat she had available, a view of the garden and waterfall. It’s so very nice to see you both again, she said giving Andy a smile. She placed the menus in front of them, asking towards drinks. Charlie looked at Andy, Sangria? Yes Charlie , that would be nice. Charlie looked at Carmen and she nodded, be right back she said but not before supplying them with chips and salsa. Andy removed her coat and Charlie saw she was wearing his gifts. This brought a smile to his face. Andy looked at him quizzically? I see you’re dressed in your gifts, Charlie said. Andy gave him a broad smile and asked, how do I look? Just wonderful, he replied. I am glad to see that I spent enough time so that you were not forced to return them. Charlie I would never do that, unless it was Danny. Fat chance of that ever happening! Charlie asked her if Danny was upset about the gifts? Andy let out this laugh and told Charlie of the look on Danny’s face when he found they were not for him. It was priceless she told Charlie! Well you look great in them, Charlie said. Carmen returned with their sangria. Are you ready to order, she asked? No Hon, not yet, we are going to take our time if that’s alright with you, Charlie, said smiling at her. You take all the time you want came the reply, I’ll be here for you. Andy looked at Charlie and said, I think she has a huge crush on you! Charlie blushed and muttered something she could not make out. Andy thanked Charlie again for her gifts, telling him you have no idea how good that made me feel, almost human, as if I mattered again. Andy asked after Pam and if she was pleased with the gift they had picked for her. Charlie beamed, I honestly think so and then told Andy of the gifts Pam had given him. He told her of the upcoming trip to the city, Andy could see how excited he was and silently wished he would have the greatest time. He described the journal to her and told her what had happened when he sat to write in it for the first time. Charlie, I am so pleased this journal has made you happy, it sounds simply wonderful. The way you describe it, Pam must have put a great deal of thought into it.

Charlie waved Carmen over and she was there in a hot second. Carmen can we have a Quesadilla appetizer? Of course, do you want to order or finish your appetizer first, Carmen asked? I think when you bring the appetizer, we’ll order then. Carmen nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. Have you decided on your entrée, Charlie asked? I have she replied. Charlie asked of Andy’s family and what had transpired on Christmas day. They spoke of her sisters and daughter, she told him of the upcoming surgery. Andy was impressed by Charlie’s sincerity. Andy had told Danny of the surgery and he had the look of a glazed ham, just grunting. Charlie on the other hand paid attention and asked questions. She truly appreciated him. Their Quesadilla arrived and Charlie told Carmen, I guess were ready to order. Great she said, what will it be, looking at Andy. Andy said I’ll have the Enchiladas de Jaiba, Carmen telling her how she would enjoy that and that it was wonderful. She turned tom Charlie, smiling, pen at the ready. I will try the Grilled SpicyTequila Chicken. Oh you found one of our spiciest dishes, she told Charlie with a grin. Good , he replied I love warm food. Carmen was about to leave and Charlie caught her, Carmen Hon, can we have a couple golden margaritas? She nodded and said I’ll be right back. Charlie looked at Andy and said, I appreciate your help today. It seems I am lost at everything other than teaching. I don’t remember being this dense. He related his laundramat, experience to her and she quickly broke out in laughter, telling him, I wish I could have been there. I can just envision the ladies having a great time at your expense. Their meals arrived, Carmen reminding them that the plates were exceedingly hot. Andy looked at her meal and leaned in to inhale the wonderful smell of it. It was a crab stuffed enchilada, topped with a spicy tomato sauce, topped with sour cream, topped with parsley and crushed almonds. Charlie looked on in jealousy. His meal was chicken infused with Chile tequila and lime. Carmen, can we have two extra plates, Andy asked.  Of course, best way to go she smiled at Andy. Charlie was happy she did that and told her so. I was looking longingly at your plate he told her. I know she said, Babette gets that same drooling look sometimes. They laughed. Carmen brought their drinks and plates, wishing them a good time, I’ll be right here if you need anything. They turned their attention to their food and were not disappointed. Oh Charlie, I am so glad we came here again. The drinks and food are spectacular and Carmen is the best, even though she has the hots for you, Andy told him. I don’t think she could be any more obvious but you’re single and so is she. She is stunning, don’t you think Andy asked? She most assuredly is Charlie replied but so is Pam and I think I am with her at least I hope so. Charlie, I want to thank you so much for these forays into life again, Andy told him. Charlie said to her, you have become my friend and there is nothing I would not do for you if I was able. The more I hear of your so called husband the more disgusted I become.  Andy filled Charlie in on the latest Jim details. He smiled and said, Hon, I sure hope that works out for you. He sounds like just what you need! They took bits from one plate to the other, thoroughly enjoying the food. They had another margarita, just gabbing on and on. Charlie loved the way Andy looked in her new clothes and was happy he had purchased them. Charlie loved women, plain and simple. He never viewed them as sex objects, more of mystical creatures, never understood completely and changing from moment to moment, always to the bafflement of the opposite sex. He found this so incredible and was in awe of this ability. He desired Pam sexually because she had instigated it, his thoughts to Andy and Carmen in an entire different perspective. He loved them both for who they were and how they presented themselves. They were done with their meals and drinks. Carmen brought the check. Charlie took out his wallet paying the bill and leaving a twenty five dollar tip for Carmen. He loved this girl for who she was and admired her. She picked up the check, looking at the tip, she looked around and gave him a kiss on the cheek, hoping Andy would not mind but knowing in her mind it was not a problem. Charlie said thank you so much Hon. You have made things wonderful. Not quite what she wished to hear but better than no words at all. Carmen bade them to come back soon, secretly hoping Charlie would come alone.

They found their way to the car, Charlie asking if there was any place Andy needed to go or be? Andy responded, I don’t have to be anywhere but if you don’t mind I wouldn’t mind dropping by my daughter’s. Charlie immediately told her it was surely not a problem and he was more than happy to do it. It was soon coming to the surgery date and Andy was worried for her girl. Charlie understood this and was happy to be of help. Andy gave him directions and he complied. They arrived and were met at the door by Antonio. He had recently had a spate of bad luck employment wise. The politicians had been killing the workplace with cheap illegal workers and every citizen was suffering. It was a damned crime. Antonio invited them to come in.  Charlene saw her mother and immediately went to hug and kiss her. Mom, I am so happy to see you, even if I just saw you. You look beautiful in those clothes, Charlene told her mother. Thank you honey, Andy responded, introducing Charlie to the family. Charlie is my new neighbor and the man that gifted this to me. Charlene had always hated Danny and knew him for the fool he was. He had once tried to hit on her when in a drunken binge. She truly despised him. Charlene said to Charlie, I am so glad mom knows you. I know she thinks the world of you. It was the most precious thing to see Danny’s face on Christmas.  He was devastated those gifts were not for him. We all enjoyed his rejection so much. Charlie said, so very nice to meet you and your husband. Oh no were not married but maybe should be, Charlene said. Well anyway nice to meet you all, Charlie replied. I hear you’re soon to be under the knife? I will be Charlene replied. I am scared and also hopeful for no more pain. She relayed to Charlie the facts of the accident that had put her in this shape. Charlene pulled Charlie aside and told him she was so glad her mother had found a dependable friend, one that listened and did not denigrate. Charlene offered pie and coffee. Charlie watched the interaction between mother and daughter. Just another thing to admire of women he thought to himself. They stayed around a half hour, making sure all was alright. Andy seemed more at ease at the end of the visit. Charlie and Andy bid all good bye with well wishes and headed for home. During the drive home Charlie told Andy, her daughter was charming but reeked of tobacco. It is very distracting Charlie said. On one hand you have a pretty young woman but on the other hand she pushes you away with that stench. I know Andy told him. I have been trying to get her to quit for years, You can see the success I have had. Well it would be to her benefit to get rid of that habit Charlie told her. They drove home. Charlie taking his music and inviting Andy in to guide him around this new music. Andy looked at her watch and found she had plenty of time before she went back to indentured servitude. I would love to she told him. Charlie poured several glasses of red wine while Andy put on the new music. She began with Santana Abraxis. Charlie was awed.