Second Street // Part Thirty Three

      Second Street

    Part Thirty Three

Andy caught her breath and headed for the bathroom. She hadn’t put on any makeup and wanted to appear prettier for Jim. She was quick about it and changed into some better jeans. She had taken about ten minutes and hoped that Jim had not driven off in exasperation. She would soon come to find that he was exceedingly patient. Andy put on her coat and locked the door behind her, joining Jim in the car. Jim smiled at her and said, it is so great to see you in person. It has been a long year on the computer. Andy smiled and told him, I am so happy to see you. Jim admitted to her that as he drove to meet her he had become apprehensive and had hoped he hadn’t been too bold. Lord no, she said to him, I love the fact that you drove all this way to see me, I was just a bit shocked and nervous at first to see you in front of Charlie’s house.

 Oh is that your friend Charlie’s place he asked? It is she replied, I would take you in to meet him but he is away with his girlfriend for the weekend. Well I planned to stay a few days so maybe I will still get the opportunity. I’m booked in at the Sheraton. I had hoped we could spend some time together over the next few days and see how things go? Why Jim that would be just lovely Andy replied. I just need to be home in time to prepare Danny’s gruel she said laughingly, this bringing a chuckle to Jim. They hadn’t been in one another’s company fifteen minutes yet but both felt at ease.

 You are much more handsome in person than in the photos you sent, Andy told him. This made him blush and he thanked her. Why don’t we drive a bit Andy said, not wanting to be seen with a man sitting in her front yard. She never knew when that pain in the a*s sister-in-law would show up. She told Jim that Denise, the sister-in-law, had just returned from Arizona and was making her life hell, showing up at all hours, unannounced and staying way longer than Andy could bear. This was Danny’s older sister and as dense as the rest of the family.  The woman just would not shut up. Jim started the car and drove away, Andy much more at ease. I love your car she said to Jim. Danny has an old beater truck. He is a half a mechanic and keeps it running but the heater doesn’t work well and I freeze anytime we go anywhere. Jim looked at her and asked if she was comfortable enough? She replied that this was like heaven and she was fine.

Is there any place in particular that you would like to go Jim asked? No Andy replied; let’s just get away from this neighborhood. This place is such a dump and I hate living here. I would love to get out of here, away from these dope dealers, criminals, meth heads and hookers. Jim headed back towards the highway thinking he could get her far away quickly from this place she hated ever so much. Andy made small talk, asking him of his trip here and how long it took. Jim talked of their conversations over the past year and said , Andy, I need to thank you so much for bearing with me all those long and depressing nights. I loved my wife so and her death just rocked my world. I started drinking and lost the few friends I did have. I thought very often of suicide and probably would have accomplished just that if it had not been for you. You brought me back to humanity, back to sanity when all about me was so sad and desperate. I can’t begin to tell you what that meant to me.

 Jim, Andy said, it was important for me to help you. I could feel all that anger and pain inside you, just festering, getting uglier each and every day. I knew that was not you, all you needed was an outlet and some patience. I knew you could come back and I was ever so glad to be there for you, although I must admit it was not a one way street. There were many nights that I felt hopeless and you were right there for me. Danny does his best at making me feel useless and humiliated, I really don’t know why he stays married to me other than to have a maid and someone to belittle. He hasn’t touched me in over three years. Jim just shook his head. He took one look at this wonderful, warm, giving woman and wondered what kind of monster this thing called husband was? Jim, how about this? Why don’t we call your hotel our home base? We don’t have to drive all over the place to simply talk, Andy suggested. Jim agreed and maneuvered the SUV in the direction of the Sheraton.

It was not long before he pulled into the parking lot and the pair headed for the door. He brought her to his room and made her comfortable, taking her coat. Listen he said to her, I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable here in this tiny room and certainly do not want you to feel in some way obligated. Why don’t we head off to the pool? They have a wonderful indoor area we can sit and talk in a beautiful setting. It is warm and comfortable. Why that would be lovely, Andy replied. Jim grabbed his key and opened the door for her. She gave him a look she was getting used to this door opening stuff and just loved the feeling of being thought to be important, not some mule or housekeeper. She smiled at him and proceeded to the elevator. Jim pressed the button to the floor just below the rooftop and they were whisked away.

 The doors opened and Andy was taken aback. There was this huge swimming pool, magnificent ferns and tropical plants surrounding the pool and everywhere. It was like paradise to her. There were tables, chairs and loungers all about, even sofas with coffee tables farther away from the pool. Two of the walls were of glass and gave a great view of what was going on outside. Andy grasped Jim by the arm and said Lord how beautiful! This pleased him no end to have made her happy. Would you like a cup of coffee and a bite to eat he asked? Oh yes, Andy replied. Jim picked up the house phone and called room service, requesting a pot of coffee and some breakfast rolls, pool area please he told the party on the other end of the phone, thank you. Jim waved his hand, as to say please pick your place.

Andy found a table at the edge of the pool and just loved it she actually took off her shoes and stuck her feet in the water, just loving this place. Jim sat at the table watching her, reminding him of his wife, her sense of joy at the most simple of pleasures. He could not help smiling. It was not long before room service showed up with the request. Andy joined Jim at the table, Jim pouring her a cup of coffee and placing a roll before her. Andy was feeling like a queen. This feeling she had long, long ago forgotten but was now so adamant to once more reclaim. Jim looked across the table and said you seem happy? I sure hope so. Andy let out this little laugh and told him, this is one of the best days of my miserable life! Jim said, it hurts me to hear you speak like that, I know what you mean but it just propagates this existence I hope to take you away from. I’m sorry she replied, I didn’t mean to hurt you. It is fine Jim said to her, we have talked about this many times he reminded her. We have to let go of these killers of our sprit and move forward with love and generosity, only then we will heal a bit. I’m not sure if it will ever disappear but we have each other to console and it my great pleasure to have you to be with.

 Andy understood completely and agreed with him vowing to never speak in those terms again. Jim, Andy said, I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow and can’t be here with you, I am so sorry. Is Danny taking you he asked? Hell no, came the reply. He said to get there on my own so I guess I’ll have my daughter try to take me. I would be more than happy to take you and wait with you he told her. Andy cocked her head and replied, are you certain? It would be my pleasure to go with you and to know you are ok. Really, she asked? Of course, don’t be silly. What time do you have to be there and how long does it take to get there, Jim asked? Andy was amazed at this man called Jim. He barely knew her and was so caring, so gentle, mannerly, observant and devoid of arrogance and derision. It was like a love story unfolding before her eyes! They spent the morning enjoying the pool and one another’s company. It had been so long since Andy had such a pleasant day and wondered to herself if this was real? They had lunch and this conversation they had started a year ago continued, only in real life and in real time.