CHAPTER 12
Daisy
I ’m making mistake after mistake on my work and eventually click on the “clock-out” button on my computer. I do accounts payable remotely from my computer, but today I just can’t focus.
I hear the doorbell and know it’s Dawna. She said she’d be over at this time, and she’s always reliable.
“Girl, give me the goods!” she says as she gives me a hug as she comes inside.
I realize I haven’t spoken to her since that afternoon we first saw Duke. I’ve been so caught up in everything I haven’t even returned her messages. It’s so unlike me, but right now I don’t even know what “me” really is.
“Where do I start?” I say, not really wanting to begin.
“Did you go out there and get that guy? I want the 411! All the dirty details.”
I put my head in my hands and the waterworks begin. Dawna immediately wraps me up from behind in a hug.
“He better not have hurt you, because I’ll go over there and kick his butt! I’ve been taking Tae Bo. You have no idea how effective it can be.”
I’m still crying, but Dawna always makes me laugh. “He’s a SEAL,” I say as I wipe my face with my sleeve.
“Shiiiit. SEAL, dolphin, crab, it doesn’t matter. This octopussy is a shark that will eat his ass alive if he made my best friend cry.”
I get Dawna caught up. I don’t hold anything back, as she patiently listens to every single word I say, without interrupting. I’m lucky to have a bestie like her.
“What are you going to do, beautiful?”
“That’s just it. I don’t know.”
“You’ll be twenty-one in a week. At that point everything is fair game.”
“I was thinking that actually.”
I’ve got my elbows on my knees and I’m leaning forward. Dawna leans in in front of me until we make eye contact. “Oh my gosh. I can see it.”
“See what?”
“You.”
“Of course you can see me, silly. I’m right here.”
“Not you, as in you. You as in you.”
“What?”
“You. You’re in love with this guy.”
“No I’m not.”
“Daisy, it’s written all over your face. It’s so clear. This is your guy. This is the one for you.”
“Maybe.”
“Don’t try that maybe nonsense with me. How long have we been friends?”
“Forever.”
“And a day, and in that forever and a day I have learned a thing or two about you. And I know you love this guy.”
“And how do you know.”
“Girl, you’ve got it bad. This is more serious than that last guy. What was his name? I forgot already.”
I laugh. Of course she remembers, but her words always lighten me up.
“No need to talk about him.”
“Obviously, because Mister Seafood has obviously taken his place.”
“SEAL, Dawna. As in Navy SEAL.”
She tickles me in the ribs letting me know she’s goofing around. I’m feeling better by the minute.
“So…twenty-one in a week.”
“That’s the problem.”
“Don’t you mean that’s the solution?”
“No. The problem.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I don’t know if I can wait that long.”