Animate Me / Chapter Twenty-Eight / Home Delivery

“Golly, I sure wish I had a girl.” ~Cecil the love-sick Sea Serpent

I’ve just brushed off the cover of my sketchbook for Brooke when my phone prompt goes off. I feel a surge of hope seeing Morgan’s name on the text line. Maybe she’s heard more from Brooke.

Hey Nathan. I’m leaving for lunch now. Are you around? Can we talk in ten minutes?

Yes! I reply.

“Shit, all hell is breaking loose,” Morgan says dramatically.

“What’s going on?” I ask. My grip on my cell phone is tight.

“Brooke’s computer is back, but they went through her office last night. They weren’t even clean about it. It was obvious as soon as I went in to leave mail on her desk. Then Arnauld was yelling at someone like a wild man this morning. I could hear it all the way down here.”

“Damn.” I take a deep breath.

“But the big news is that I finally talked to Brooke this morning.”

“She called you?” I ask as I try not focus on the fact that it’s so messed up it wasn’t me she called.

“Yes, and the first thing she did was ask about you…if I’d talked to you or heard anything about you.”

“What’d you tell her?”

“That I wish she’d call you. I hope you don’t mind, but I told her I thought you were really hurt that she hasn’t called you yet.”

My heart sinks with the truth of it. As much as I’m trying to stay positive, the fact that she hasn’t called is eating away at me. “Yeah, I don’t mind that you said it. It’s true. What’d she say then?”

Morgan’s voice gets sad. “Well, it sounded like she was crying, and she mumbled something about needing just a little more time. I didn’t know what to say, so I quickly changed the subject. I asked her when she’s coming back to work.”

The idea of Brooke back at Sketch Republic with Arnold makes me want to double over, but I don’t let go of the phone. “Is she going back?”

“Actually, she was really surprised I asked. She thought HR would have talked to me already about another position. Evidently, Tuesday she called and told them she was taking an extended leave.”

“Really?” I ask hopefully.

“Yes, but I’m thinking she’s just stringing them along until she has her showdown with Arnauld.”

I hope she never returns to Sketch Republic, but I can’t be sure what she really wants. It’s so frustrating not to know any of this firsthand.

“And since then I think Arnauld’s gone over the edge. Knowing his ego, he probably assumes she’s just doing this disappearing act to upset him, and that she will come to her senses sooner or later. I mean, right before I called you, I called HR and they confirmed that nothing about my position has changed. And yesterday, Alana said Arnauld had her make reservations for him and Brooke Saturday night at The Ivy. He even had her get his favorite jewelry story on the line.”

I feel sick hearing his desperate plans. He’s either deluded or fighting for his last chance with Brooke. The one thing I’m sure of is that even if she doesn’t want me anymore, there’s no way Brooke would go out to dinner with him now.

“So I’m going to meet her after work today to take her some of the industry files she asked for. Luckily those were still in her file drawer.”

“Can I come too?” I ask, knowing the answer.

“No, she told me not to tell you where we’re meeting. She’s not ready yet.”

My anger flares. “Not tell me? She doesn’t think she’s ready yet? What in the hell does that mean anyway? Well, you tell her that I’m mad at her for not talking to me. This is making me crazy.”

“Please don’t make me tell her that. She’s not well, Nathan. I know it doesn’t seem fair, but you need to give her some space just a while longer.”

“She needs space? What about what I need?”

“She has it in her head that she has to finish something before she can face you. If you ask me, she’s sounding a little crazy now, too.”

Great… just great. “Honestly, Morgan. Should I be even more worried about her than I already am?”

“No, I’m not saying that. Just please give her a little more time. She still loves you so much, I can hear it in her voice.”

Her words break down my anger just enough, and I remember the sketchbook in my studio. “Morgan, I have something I need you to give Brooke. If I bring it to you after work, before you meet her, will you do that?”

“Of course.”

Later, when Morgan opens the door to her apartment, she gives me a curious stare.

“What?”

“You just don’t look as bad as I expected. I’m surprised.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Well, considering what you’ve been through,” she tries to explain.

I wave my hand at her. “It’s okay. No worries. I took a long run this afternoon to clear my head. I also listened to stuff on my iPod. It’s helping me keep my spirits up.”

“Good for you. Take care of yourself, and don’t let this stuff get to you too much.”

“If I fall apart now, it’s just one more thing that asshole took from me. I’m not going to let that happen.”

She nods and gives me a small smile. “Well, I applaud you.” She reaches her hands out. “Is that what you want me to give Brooke?”

“Yeah.” I hand it to her.

“What’s with the package of colored pencils?”

“I left the last page blank. She’s the only one who knows the ending…so I want her to show me what it is.” I point to the envelope pressed against the sketchbook in the clear plastic bag. “The note explains it.”

Her smile gets bigger. “I see. Okay, I’ll make sure she’s gets it, Nathan.”

I step back to leave. “Thanks, Morgan. Hey, will you call me after you see her. You know…just so I can hear she was okay.”

“I will. Hang in there,” she says. “I know this is going to work out for you guys…I just know it.”

“Well, she may have given up on us, but I haven’t. I’ll just have to be positive and fight for both of us.” I nod my head goodbye and turn to leave.

• • •

“Curtis?”

“Hey man, I’ve been worried. Why haven’t you answered my calls?”

“There’s so much going on,” I reply. “Honestly, I’m trying to handle one thing at a time.”

“I get it. This whole situation sucks.”

“Yeah. Besides, Billie really threw me when she went off on Brooke. I’m still not sure what to say about it.”

“Yeah, she was a little worked up.”

“I’ll say. Do you think you can work on her so she gets over being so furious with Brooke?”

Curtis sighs. “Yeah, my fiery girl was a bit too intense. I think she’s very protective of you. It’s really sweet. Don’t you think?”

“Sweet? No, I wouldn’t say that was sweet.”

“Yeah well, she’s still mad, but she’s calmed down a lot. So does this mean you and Brooke have talked?”

“No. But we’re going to…and it will be soon. I just sent her a message through her assistant and I’m hoping she won’t be able to resist reaching out to me.”

“That must be some message,” he says, his tone edged with skepticism.

“I have had my low moments this week, Curtis…but I know she still loves me. I just have a feeling…”

“Well, I hope you’re right. Maybe you’ll hear from her, and this crap will be over soon. Then you guys can start over.”

“Yeah, we can start over. Besides, I’m still planning on marrying her one day. It’s going to be a drag if Billie doesn’t like her. I bet she won’t even come to our wedding.”

“Marry her? Dude, your woman has left the building, and you’re talking about marrying her? You sound as loony as you were the first time we talked about her. Remember that? She was going to be your girlfriend, and she barely knew who you were yet.”

“I remember,” I respond, smiling to myself. Dad’s right, I’m pretty determined when I make up my mind about something.

“Are you listening to those crazy CDs again about manifesting your future and that kinda crap?”

“Don’t knock Wayne, Bro. He got me where I am today.”

“Well, right now, where you are today isn’t that impressive. I hate to say it, but face the facts.”

“But this is just one faulty step along my path. I’ll overcome it and be better for it. And I will marry Brooke one day…it may take a while. But just you wait and see.”

“Sure you will.”

“And you’ll be my best man.”

“And Sgt. Pepper will be the band at the reception.”

“I mean it Curtis.”

“Of course you do. And despite my giving you shit, I want to believe it too.”

• • •

Just before I leave to meet Joel for burgers and beers, I finally hear from Morgan again.

“How was Brooke?”

“Well, she looked like hell. She needs to get on your Pollyanna plan. But she seems determined. She said her lawyer has set up a meeting with Arnauld tomorrow.”

“She’s going to meet with him?”

“Yes. She wouldn’t tell me why, but if her lawyer is with her, it must be pretty serious. That isn’t Brooke’s style.”

“Did you give her my sketchbook?”

“Of course. Once I handed it to her she clung onto it like a life raft. She didn’t even let go of it to drink her coffee.”

“Thank you for taking care of that for me.”

“Of course. You know, Nathan, I’m worried about her. I hope whatever she’s doing tomorrow goes the way she wants it to.”

I realize that if whatever she’s planned with her lawyer doesn’t work, she may never be able to get past her guilt. What will that mean for us and our future? Even if I’m willing to forgive her for not being by my side this week, will she ever be able to forgive herself for all she feels responsible for?

Will she be willing at all to try to work things out with me? Can I keep waiting, knowing her reluctance? I take a deep breath and respond to Morgan’s hope for Brooke.

“Me too.”

• • •

“You’re dating Brooke Tobin? The Brooke Tobin in development…Arnauld’s girlfriend?” Joel gasps, completely stunned.

I look around the dive burger joint in Sun Valley to make sure no one we know hears us, and then realize that no one we know would ever come here.

“Ex-girlfriend,” I correct him.

“How in the hell did that happen, and how could I have not known?”

“We kept it quiet.”

“But wait a minute; he can’t fire you for dating her.”

“No, but he can fire me for doing the wild thing with her in a conference room. They got it on video.”

“Dude, no.”

“Yes.”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“I guess I’ve lost my mind over her…I’m in love…does that count?”

“If I wasn’t so pissed at you, I’d be impressed.”

“I hope you know, Joel, the last thing I wanted to do was to let you down. I really wanted to work on Robbie from Romania. It spoke to me, you know?”

“I know…I know.” He takes a sip of his beer and then suddenly looks inspired. “Hey, why don’t you get a DBA, set up a business with another name and your parents’ address, and I’ll hire you freelance. They won’t even know.”

“Isn’t that risky for you? I would feel like crap if you got in trouble.”

“Why don’t you let me worry about that?” he says with a confident look. “This show has to be great. I need the best…I need you.”

Joel saves the uprising talk for when Nick and Dani join us, so when they storm into the place at seven-thirty, it’s like an explosion.

“Nice place!” She jabs Joel, while sliding into the booth next to me.

“We’re safe here,” he replies with a shrug.

“How’s my buddy?” she asks, grinning at me.

“Hi, Dani,” I say, giving her a hug.

Nick nods. “Hey man.” He smiles as he slides in across from her.

“It’s the dynamic duo,” Joel says. “Ready to stomp out evil at every turn.”

“Damn right,” Dani agrees.

“You are unbelievable, my friends. People are still sending me updates and pictures. I am in awe of your talent,” I say.

“I know, right?” she agrees. “The execution was close to flawless. I swear my brother is a genius.”

“I doubt we could have pulled any of it off without him,” Nick chimes in. “He hacked into the security system so that a constant loop of previous footage played on screen. The security guards, who probably were asleep anyway, would’ve never known what was happening.”

“Whoa…impressive,” I say with a low whistle.

“I was wondering how no one noticed the set-up,” Joel responds.

“But what was even more impressive is that he hacked into the website. They had to pull the site down once they figured out what was on their homepage, and they still can’t get it fixed and back up live.”

“Well, it was up for a while, but just for giggles. Before they took it down he rigged the Danny Deletes contest that was going on so that everyone who entered won a new laptop. They have a big fucking mess on their hands now.”

“Your brother must be a genius,” I say, incredibly impressed.

“He’s brilliant,” acknowledges Nick.

“Did you hear about the rest?” Dani asks, delighted.

“No,” I answer slowly. “There’s more?”

“Some of the stuff today was managed by other people. We alerted the media. I can’t wait to see if the news covers it.”

Joel nods, and Dani winks at Nick, and in that moment I feel so grateful for my friends. I hope they know that I will always stand up for them, just like they have for me.

I stop drinking after my second beer realizing that I don’t want to drive with a buzz. I’ve got enough trouble without a DUI to deal with.

When we finally head out to the nearly empty parking lot, I agree to meet my friends for Kevin’s birthday gathering at the miniature golf place in Sherman Oaks a week from Saturday.

“Please stay out of trouble,” I say sternly to Dani as I give her a hug.

“And miss all the fun?” she teases.

“Please watch her, Nick,” I say.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on this one,” says Nick as he pulls her close. “I hope you and Brooke work it out soon,” he says.

“Me too. Thanks, man.”

“You still haven’t talked to her?” Dani asks, worried.

I shake my head no.

“You will soon,” she says, hugging me.

“Yeah, good luck with everything,” Joel adds, nodding in agreement, and then turns to me.

“DBA dude, DBA…I need you,” Joel chants, pointing at me as he slips into his convertible.

I nod, smiling, and give a wave before getting into my car.

I’m home and just letting myself into my front door when I sense someone is behind me.

“Hey…are you Nathan?”

I quickly turn to see a young guy wearing the green Starbucks apron and hat over the usual black pants and shirt, standing in my walkway.

“I’ve been waiting in my car for you to come home. I’m afraid your coffee is cold,” he says, holding the white cup out to me.

I shake my head. Is this a dream? I only had two beers.

“Sir?”

“Are you sure you’re at the right place?” I ask, confused. “I didn’t order any coffee. Besides, I didn’t think Starbucks delivered.”

“We don’t deliver. This was an unusual circumstance,” he confirms with a sly smile. “Nathan Evans, right?”

“Yes,” I respond. He steps closer and hands me the lukewarm cup. I lift it up, trying to read the markings on the cup sleeve in the dim porch light. “Venti cappuccino with extra foam.”

My heart thumps hard. That’s the drink Brooke got for me the first time she brought me coffee.

“Who ordered this?”

“I don’t know her name,” he replies anxiously. He seems in a hurry to finish this up. “She was really pretty, with long reddish-brown hair.”

“Big blue eyes and a beautiful smile?” I ask.

He nods. “Is she your girlfriend?”

“I think so,” I answer honestly.

“Well, she sure seems crazy about you, if that helps. She begged me to do this for her the moment I got off work.”

“Well, thanks,” I say, not sure what else to do. I don’t even want coffee. I mean, it’s time for bed.

I fish for my wallet. “Here, let me give you a tip.”

“No, that isn’t necessary. Your girlfriend paid me a hundred bucks to do this. I didn’t want to do it. I could get fired, and I told her no five times, but man, she was really insistent.”

“A hundred bucks?” I ask, incredulous.

“Yeah, and she said I had to keep on my apron and hat and that I had to give you this exact cup.”

“A hundred bucks?” I ask again.

“Please don’t be mad at me. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. My girlfriend and I even missed our movie for you to get this cup of coffee.” He shakes his head. “And you don’t even want the coffee…I’ll never understand the point of this. Can I go now?”

“Okay, sure. Tell your girlfriend I’m sorry you’re late.”

“It’s all right; she’s okay about it,” he admits. “She thought it was really romantic.”

I smile. “Well then, thank her for me.”

“Can I take this apron off now too?” he asks.

I laugh and realize that it’s the most relieving laugh I’ve had since Sunday.

“Sure, take it off.”

“Well, try to enjoy your coffee. I hope you like it…that’s the most expensive cup of coffee in history, I bet.”

He nods and rushes to his car, pulling off the apron and hat as he goes.

Once I’m inside, I turn off the alarm and flip on the lights. I’m overcome with curiosity.

There has to be more to this than just a cup of coffee.

I move into my dining room and set the cup down. I begin to study it. I never put the sleeves on Brooke’s cups, so I’d have room to draw on them. I carefully remove the lid and gaze inside. Most of the milk foam bubbles have popped and the liquid is a lazy brown. I sniff it and it has the oldish coffee smell from sitting so long, so I snap the lid back on and slowly turn the cup so that I can examine it further. I discover that on the edge of the sleeve she wrote start here.

I lean back in my chair and stare at it some more, delaying what I hope is the big reveal. Finally, I lean forward and carefully wedge the cardboard sleeve down to the bottom of the cup, as gently as a man who slides the panties off his lover.

My heart starts pounding. Sure enough, there’s a message hidden under the sleeve.

She wrote in small letters in the center of the cup:

I loved our sketchbook story so much. And realizing that despite everything, you still love me. It gives me hope.

“Oh, Brooke, after everything I’ve said to you how could you doubt that?” I say out loud.

There I go again, talking to myself like a crazy man. At least I’m a crazy hopeful man at the moment. I look back down at the cup and realize there are dots that lead me further around the cup…

There are things I need to tell you. Will you meet me at the Starbucks in Toluca Lake tomorrow at 4pm?

As much as that first line scares me, at least she’s finally ready to see me. Finally…I almost can’t believe it. Of course I’ll meet her—wild horses couldn’t keep me away.

One more twist of the cup reveals the best part of all.

See you tomorrow. Love, Your B-Girl

Love…my B-Girl.

My eyes instantly well up and I take a deep ragged breath. It feels like the first full breath I’ve taken all week. I cradle the cup in my hand and gently turn it to reread her words again and again.

Tomorrow I will see Brooke. She knows everything now and she still wants to see me.

She still loves me.

When I finally rise to go to bed, I stop in the kitchen, pour out the coffee and carefully rinse out the inside of the cup. I finish by gently patting it dry with paper towels. Before I crawl in bed, I set it on my nightstand so it’s the last thing I look at before I close my eyes to sleep.

It may have been the world’s most expensive cup of coffee, but it was worth every cent.