Chapter Twelve: Gabriel

 

 

She was still there when I woke up, curled up into a ball, and wrapped in the entire sheet. I didn't mind, it was too hot for a sheet anyway. I rolled over and looked at her sleeping peacefully beside me.

Most women would cringe at the thought of having a guy watch them as they slept. It sounded creepy and unsettling, and I could just imagine what it would feel like to open your eyes and see someone staring at you.

I just couldn't help myself.

She was so beautiful.

The day was starting out great. I had an amazing woman lying next to me and surprisingly my leg didn't ache one bit.

Why wouldn't I be in the best of moods?

She groaned sleepily and rolled onto her back. Opening her eyes, she peered over at me.

“Morning, ma’am.”

She chuckled.

“Good morning to you too. I must look like a fright.”

“How did you sleep?”

“Like a baby.”

“You know, I’ve often wondered about that saying.”

“Sleeping like a baby?”

“Yeah. Babies don’t sleep well in general.”

“And how would you know that?” she asked.

“I watched a television show once.”

She grabbed a pillow and playfully smacked me with it.

“Liar.”

“My cousin had a baby last year, and she told me how rough it was.”

“So I’ve heard,” she muttered.

“Do you want kids?” I asked.

She sat up abruptly and looked at me with wide eyes. I burst out into laughter.

“That wasn't a demand, or a request for that matter. No need to panic”

“Right, I knew that.”

“Do babies terrify you that much?” I asked.

“A little. They’re so small and fragile. Completely dependent on their parents. That’s a big responsibility.”

“I agree.”

“But, maybe one day. If I was ready. How about you?”

“When I’m ready, and in a financial position to do so. Definitely not before.”

“Oh, shit,” she exclaimed and jumped out of bed. “What time is it?”

I glanced at my phone and answered, “Just after nine.”

“Oh, no,” she muttered.

She quickly got dressed fast.

“What is it?” I asked.

“I have a meeting.”

“With who?”

She hesitated.

“Lynette?”

“The bank,” she replied.

“Why? Are you in financial trouble?”

“No,” she said and shook her head. “I really have to go.”

“Can I at least buy you breakfast?”

“There’s no time. I’m already late as it is.”

“Can I drive you?”

She nodded and tied her hair up.

“Please. I need to hurry.”

“Are you sure everything is okay?”

“Yes. Everything is fine. I promise. Could we get going?”

“Sure.”

I didn't ask any more questions despite the feeling that there was something Lynette wasn't telling me. Something important.

I dropped her off at the bar and since I was starving, I headed to the diner. I found myself a booth in the back and set up my laptop in front of me.

I went to work searching for a better and more comfortable hotel. Hopefully Lynette would be spending more nights with me.

The young waitress from the other day approached me with a smile and said, “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” I greeted her politely and closed my laptop.

“What can I get you?”

“Coffee, and I’ll have the waffles today.”

“Excellent choice.”

“Yeah, I wasn't in the mood for eggs today.”

“Looks like you have our menu memorized.”

“No offense, but it’s not a big menu.”

“None taken. I just work here.” She shrugged. “I’ll bring your coffee.”

“Thank you.”

She was back within a few minutes and placed a cup of coffee in front of me. I gave her a grateful nod and reached for the sugar at the other end of the table.

My phone vibrated in my pocket and I dug it out. I sighed half-heartedly and answered it.

“Hello, Dad.”

“Good morning, Gabriel.”

“Is everything okay?” I asked, as I ran my free hand through my hair.

“Yes. I was just wondering when you’ll be heading home. I tried to check your return flight but the airline doesn't have you on record.”

“That’s because I haven't booked a return flight yet.”

“Why not?”

“Things are taking longer than I thought they would.”

“And why is that?” he asked.

“It’s complicated.”

“With you, it always is, son,” my dad muttered. “Please don’t tell me it’s something illegal.”

“No, it’s not. You don’t have to worry.”

“Did you deliver the package yet?”

“I did.”

“And?”

“It’s a long story,” I said.

“I have time.”

“That’s the complicated part.”

“Is Terry’s sister giving you trouble?” he asked.

I stifled a laugh and shook my head. She was doing quite the opposite.

“No, not at all.”

“Then what is the hold-up?”

“I just have to stay for a few more days. I’ll be home soon, I promise.”

“Your mother and I are worried about you.”

“She shouldn’t be, neither should you. I’m fine. I just have to make sure Lynette is okay. There’s a lot going on with her and her father, and...”

“And what?” he asked.

“Why all the questions, Dad?”

“Why are you so defensive?”

“I’m not, I just feel like I’m being interrogated.”

“Well, you were supposed to be home a few days ago. We haven’t heard from you, no calls, no messages. Just silence. It felt like you were on a tour again. We sat by the phone waiting. Your mom was getting worried.”

“You’re being dramatic. I’m in Tampa, not the Middle East.”

“I know, but you don’t know the things that went through our minds back then.”

My shoulders slumped.

“I’m sorry. I didn't mean to make you and Mom worry. Tell her I’m sorry. I’ve just been dealing with a few things that are a bit out of my control.”

“Anything that we could help you with?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“We’re here if you need us. Please let us know when you’ll be coming home. We miss you, and Roz misses you too.”

“I miss you too. I’ll let you know as soon as I wrap things up here.”

“Love you, son.”

“Love you too,” I muttered and lowered my phone just as the waitress reached my table.

“Pretty intense conversation there,” she said.

“You could say that,” I muttered and slid my phone into the front pocket of my jeans.

“Don’t worry. I didn't eavesdrop.”

“That’s comforting,” I said and looked at her.

“You’re not in a very talkative mood today, are you?”

“Can I ask you something?” I asked.

She smiled and shrugged.

“Sure. Ask away.”

“If you were dating a guy-”

“Is the guy you?”

“Does it matter?”

“Is it?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Carry on.”

“If you were dating me, and there was something going on in your life, something important, would you keep it from me?”

“Depends on what it is.”

“What if it were financial problems?”

“I wouldn’t tell you.”

“Why not?”

“Well, even though I like you a lot, there are some things you don’t tell the guy you’re dating. It’s kind of a pride thing.”

“Really?”

“Yes. We have as much pride as guys do, and if guys knew that we were in trouble money-wise, they might try to help us out. Then we’d feel like they’re only doing stuff because they feel sorry for us.”

“That’s stupid.”

“I never said it wasn’t,” she answered with a shrug. “The point is, we’re all trying to be strong, independent women, even if we’re down and out in one or more areas of our life.”

“Right.”

“Would you tell her when you’re feeling vulnerable, or scared, or sad?” she asked with a knowing look.

“Maybe.”

“Would you cry in front of her?”

“Maybe.”

“Liar. Maybe means no.”

I glanced at her and smiled slightly.

“What’s your name?”

“Sophie. Yours?”

“Gabriel.”

“That’s a great name.”

I smiled at her and nodded.

“Thank you, Sophie for your words of wisdom. I’ve never thought about it that way before.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help,” she said with a smile. “Oh, and if it doesn’t work out between you and Lynette, you know where to find me.”

“Wait a minute. How did you know...”

“Oh, come on. Everyone knows who Lynette is. She runs her father’s bar after he became such a drunk that he couldn't function any longer.”

“That’s not a very nice thing to say.”

“It’s the truth though.”

“You don’t know anything about what she’s going through.”

“I know more than you do. This is a small town. Everyone knows each other’s business whether we like it or not.”

“Meaning?”

“The bank is foreclosing on the bar.”

“Bullshit.”

“No, it’s true. Apparently, they haven't been able to pay their rent for more than a year.”

“Damn.”

The anger rose up inside me and I stood up from my seat. I grabbed my laptop, slammed a bill on the table and stormed out. I reached my car, climbed inside and drove.

Not anywhere in particular.

I just had to get out of that damn diner.

Away from Sophie, and everything she said.

It wasn’t the waitress’s fault and I was glad she told me. Otherwise, I would’ve never known.

I drove around town, unsure of whether I should confront Lynette about what I heard. I didn't want her to feel embarrassed to know that stories of the foreclosure, her drunken train-wreck of a father, and her relationship with me – if it could even be called that – were being circulated around town.

I decided to let it go and wait for her to talk to me about it first. A sinking feeling inside me wondered whether she would ever tell me about her problems.

I realized that Sophie was right.

Lynette had been too proud to tell me about the foreclosure. If I’d known, I could have possibly done something to stop it. I didn't have all the money in the world, but I could have helped her out.

Or at least offered to try.

Like Terry would have wanted.

Like I promised.

That was why she had a meeting with the bank this morning and didn't want to tell me any of the details. She would never admit to needing help.

“Dammit, Lynette. You’ve been strong on your own for way too long,” I muttered.

I parked the car on a secluded hilltop, where I could calm down, and figure out the best way to help her.

If only she’ll let me…