Making It Work Ch. 05

We enjoy smooth easy conversation and gratefully thank the waiter when our lunches arrive. He returns for our refills then leaves us in peace to eat. The food is delicious.

Michelle: "So...I had an ulterior motive for inviting you out to lunch and before you say anything just hear me out."

I wipe my mouth with my napkin and wait patiently for her to continue as she nervously toys with her steak.

Michelle: "This might appear to be crazy, but then again my entire history with Jason could be deemed in the same light. I wanted to know if you would give me the privilege of being my matron of honor."

Ananda [sputters] "What?!"

Michelle: "I've thought about it a lot and I don't see a better person to fill the position except you. I know that we've only known each other for two weeks, one day, two and a half hours—"

Ananda: "But what about your sister?" I didn't mean to cut off her rambling, but I don't want her to think that I'm bothered by her request. On the contrary, I'm actually pleased.

Michelle: "I love her and all, but we're not as close as sisters should be. We also have very different tastes and she's too opinionated for my liking. It'll be a handful planning my wedding with someone that I can't even agree to disagree with. Besides, I feel really close to you and we just seem to fit. I know that I'm being forward, but I really like you and you're the sister that Jason has never had. Therefore, not only would it be important to me that you are a major part of our wedding, but it would mean the world to Jason."

Jason. He's like my sixth brother. He's been there the entire way between all the bull with David and not once has he judged either of us. I would do anything for him.

Ananda: "What the hell."

Michelle [squeals and wiggles about] "Is that a yes?" I nod my head and she's practically about to fall out of her chair with excitement. "Thank you so much, Ana, you won't regret this and we'll have a blast together. I just know it!"

She makes me giddy. I'm grinning from ear to ear and I'm happy that I can make her this excited. I remember how stressful it was for my brother, Freddy's, wedding. She'll need all of the help she can get.

Ananda: "When do we start? Have you decided on the wedding date?"

Michelle: "Well, I wanted it to be timely, however my father is nitpicking and my mother is bawling her eyes out about losing her little girl so suddenly. Jason and I decided that perhaps next year would be a great idea. Since we met in Paris during the summer, we sort of want to make it a really romantic summer wedding. We're debating whether to have the ceremony in France or in the states. His grandparents are a little too old to travel and I'm worried that the flight would be too much for them."

Ananda: "It looks like you've already made a decision."

Michelle: "I guess you're right."

Ananda: "What about the cost of flying out so many people?"

Michelle: "My dad is covering the charges of my wedding. He insists. I think it's another way for him to "make up" to me for not being involved in my life until adulthood. My mom says that I should let him do it or he'll nag us. I'd like to come up with an overall budget and I don't want to do anything too fancy. I hate taking money from my father."

Ananda: [shrugs] "I don't see the issue. It seems to me that he has realized his mistake in not being an important part of your childhood and is willing to do anything to make up for it. However, that being said his presentation is somewhat lacking. He won't be able to get to know you if you keep pushing him away. Meet your dad half way. I'm sure that he has hurt you, but if you forgive him you can move on together."

Michelle: "You're right. I guess I'm still angry with him for having a mistress right after his divorce from Mom. It's as if he just forgot about us and felt that his money could replace his absence."

Ananda: "Help him to be more involved in your life. You'll notice the difference in no time."

Michelle: "I think I'll take your advice."

We terminate a very good lunch and we make plans to start going over wedding theme ideas. I make my way home and relax in the living room with my parents. I notice a contract on the coffee table and curiously reach for it. It's a business proposition for Randal Snack & Co. According to the contract they want to market my mother's snacks. I don't like it so I'll have Mike look over it. He's a big shot lawyer and he won't mind doing me a favor.

Quentin: "So what do you think?"

Ananda: "I don't know, Daddy, I've read over it, but it doesn't feel right. You remember Michael Jonahson, don't you?"

Quentin: "Like I could forget about that group of knuckleheads you and David used to bring home on school break."

Ananda: "Well, he's a lawyer, remember? I'll have him look over the contract, but I can't guarantee that he'll agree with some of these terms."

He gives me a nod of agreement then drops his heavy leg on my lap. I look at him and he's smiling and I can't help but to laugh.

Ananda: "Why don't you and Mom have dinner with me tonight, my treat."

Quentin: "Really? Where did you want to go?"

Stacy: "I don't know, Quentin. I think that she should get some rest."

Ananda: "Mom! Jeez, I'm not a baby anymore." She gives me the mother look that says she's not changing her mind. I modify my tactic. "Fine, I will take a two hour nap if you promise to come out to dinner with me and Dad. I promise. Pleaassee!!!"

Stacy: "All right just stop whining. I guess I can be a little lenient."

Ananda: "Yay, I love you Mommy!"

Stacy [huffs] "Now I'm Mommy? What are you up to?"

Ananda [mouth opens in shock] "There's nothing up my sleeve. I would like to spend time with my parents to express my gratitude for loving me unconditionally yet you repay my attempt of appreciation with doubt and disbelief? Mother, you injure my tender feelings." I dramatically throw a hand over my heart and pretend to swoon. My mom is trying not to laugh, nevertheless she's smiling.

Stacy: "You should have become an actress instead of an accountant. Okay, nap time."

Ananda: "Already?"

Stacy: "You said a two hour nap. If you take it now, you'll wake up with enough time to shower and dress."

By golly the woman has a point. I head upstairs after kissing them on the cheek and to my surprise I'm sleeping as soon as my head hits the pillow. The nap lasted longer than I expected and I had a difficult time waking up. We all get dressed and head out to the restaurant. It is packed. We waited fifteen minutes for a table, but when we were finally seated we received great service. I love the lively atmosphere however the portion sizes could have been a little smaller. We could have fed three additional people with the amount of food left on our plates.

Stacy: "Sweetheart, this was wonderful. Thank you for bringing us here."

Ananda: "What kind of daughter would I be if I didn't treat my parents every once in a while?"

Quentin: "We should come back again."

Ananda: "Nah, I think we should go elsewhere to keep things fresh."

We ixnay on the dessert and pay the bill before I take them home. They eye me suspiciously when I inform them of my movie date with Murphy. It was that "you're going to get some" look. If only. I shoo them inside and let Murphy know that I was on my way. He sends me his address which I punch into my GPS. It was smooth sailing after that.

Ananda: [phone rings] "Yello?"

Who still says that nowadays?

Ananda: "Bite me Jason. What do you want?"

Jason: "Your agreement to come out with me and the fellas for a night of debauchery."

Ananda: [giggles] "I don't know..." [Makes left turn onto interstate]

Jason: "What do you mean you don't know? You have to be there. David is already gone, don't bail on us too. Whatever happened to us being best friends?"

Ananda: "Are you trying to make me feel guilty?"

Jason: "Yes, is it working?"

Ananda: [grumbles under breath] "Okay, okay, when should I expect this evening out?"

Jason: [celebrates under his breath] "It's a night out and probably in three weeks after Mike and Harry's move."

Ananda: [squeals] "What?! I didn't know that they were moving back to Columbia! It'll be like back in college all over again. Yeah buddy!"

Jason: [laughs over the phone] "Except we won't get into much trouble now that we're more mature."

Ananda: "Where are they moving to?"

Jason: "They'll be less than ten minutes away on Clemson Road. They found a nice two bedroom in some upscale housing community. You'll practically be neighbors."

Ananda: [exits off interstate] "Cool, then I guess I'll be helping them out with the unpacking. Look, Jay, I have to get going."

Jason: "All right, I'll call you back when I further details. Just remember to have a date ready."

Ananda: "Will do."

I'm pretty excited that the gang will be back together again. Sometimes I feel ashamed that I live so close to Tommy and Jason yet I don't make time for them. I'm working on changing it. So...I'm at Murphy's house. I'm not too sure if I should be preparing myself for round two. His front door opens as soon as my feet are out of the car. He looks really nice in laid back attire: black slacks and a flannel shirt. I'm taking it that his house shoes are preventing him from crossing the threshold to greet me. I lock up the car and join him at the door where he kisses my cheek.

Murphy: "You look beautiful as always."

Ananda: "Thanks. You don't look too shabby yourself." We take our small talk into his house and it's really neat. Everything had its place and if it didn't, Murphy would find one. I'd hate to see what he would do with dust mites.

Murphy: "Here." [hands over new set of house shoes] "I have this thing about not bringing in dirt from outside.

Ananda: [changes shoes awkwardly] "So what movie did you have in mind?"

Murphy: [clasps her hand] "Saving Private Ryan"

Nooooo!!!! I absolutely despise war movies. I can't handle the violence. Do you know how hard it is to not already have seen it or any other film of its caliber with five older brothers, a cop father, and a male best friend? Why am I being punished? I'm a comedy type of gal. Romantic comedies even, though I do find them incredibly cheesy and unreal at times. Hell, I'd rather watch documentary marathons than a war movie.

Ananda: [with feigned enthusiasm] "Great...this'll be fun..."

Murphy: "You don't sound very amused."

Ananda: "All right the jig is up. I can't stand violent movie. I'm squeamish."

Murphy: "Really? It's not that bad in comparison to some of the other films I've seen. Have you ever watched it?"

Ananda: "No." And I don't want to.

Murphy: [guides her into living room] "Then how about we give it a try and if it's too much, we'll choose something else?"

I look at his collection and there's not much else that I'd want to watch. It was however a man's fantasy DVD collection. It made me miss my own back at my apartment. I can't wait to go home once I'm all better.

Murphy: "Would you like anything to drink?"

Ananda: "Water will be fine. I had a big dinner and I'm not so sure that anything else will fit."

He returns with two glasses of water and some popcorn. Once the movie is started we cuddle up together and wait out the previews instead of skipping them.

Murphy: "Are you ready for this?"

Ananda: "Am I ever..."

********

Washington, Washington, Washington. Where do I begin? Today marks the third week I've been here. I'm still transitioning, but all is well. I have so much work to keep me occupied that I don't have time to worry about not getting accustomed to the difference. My new apartment is empty even though it's nicely furbished. Something is missing.

Not that I've spent more than an hour inside its confinement. I've been ripping and running. As a matter of fact, I'm about to head out to grab a bite to eat with a friend. Her name is Leleti Pierterse . I met her sometime last week after I got lost downtown and she was nice enough to take me under her wing and show me around. She told me that I reminded her of how hopeless she was when she first arrived from Arkansas with her parents as a kid.

It's good to know that I'm not really alone out here. I think that I can grow to like it. Aside from the difference in climates, Washington seems like a nice place. I'm still using my GPS to get around though. Give me another couple of days and I'll know this city like the back of my hand.

As for back home, I've stayed in touch with everyone—except Ana. It's been hard not contacting her, but that's why I've been keeping myself busy. Besides everyone talks about her enough for me to know that she's doing fine. Apparently, she's Michelle's matron of honor. I'm happy for her.

I get in the car and let my navigator guide me to Leleti. I notice her right away in the restaurant. Her curly sandy blond hair is hard not to notice. She's a beautiful woman, gorgeous smile with dimpled cheeks, big bright brown eyes, nicely arched eyebrows, and the most delectable butterscotch skin that I've ever seen. She's tall, her head reaching my jaw, but when she wears small heels we're eye to eye. In spite of her girlish appearance she possesses a husky cinnamon voice that is all woman.

Leleti: "Dave, I thought that you had gotten lost again."

Yea, she calls me Dave. Nicknames are something I've never favored for myself, but what the hell; I'm in a new state. I'll go with the flow.

David: [greets Leleti with a hug] "I used my GPS this time. How long have you been here?"

Leleti: [pushes hair out of face] "Just made it myself. I ordered us drinks. I hope that you don't mind."

David: "Not at all. What did you get me?"

Leleti: "Pineapple juice. You don't look like a soda man."

David: [chuckles] "Nah. Not unless it's Ginger Ale or Canada Dry—any beverage with ginger is pretty much my favorite."

Leleti: "How was your day?"

David: "It's going well. This morning I went to the building site and I must commend the contractors. The new gym is coming along nicely. I've started looking for an interior designer."

Leleti: "Why? You've already shown me the designs."

David: "I know, but I want to make sure that it doesn't clash. It's easy to please men. You give them weights, towels, and free beverages and powers bars and they'll be happy; women, on the other hand, need to be pampered."

Leleti: "No, we don't."

David: "I once had a client complaint because the beige towels in the peach colored spa was offensive to her eyes. I had to change them to cream because she would come to me every day with the same b.s."

Leleti: "Maybe some women are hard to please, but not me. I'm a tomboy at heart."

Sometimes she'll say things that reminds me of Ananda. They look nothing alike yet their personalities are somewhat similar. Perhaps that's why we get along so well. The waitress arrives. I order a roast beef and provolone sandwich with a baked potato. Leleti gets a nacho salad with extra spicy hot sauce. She tells me that her mother is from Ghana and her father South African so they eat spices like they drink water. That's cool with me. My dad uses so much pepper that you'll wonder if you're eating beef with spices or spices with beef. You get used to it.

Leleti: "Any way you look at it, you're going faster ahead of schedule than the contractors. They've barely finished the actual foundation."

David: "Yeah, I'm Asian, I like to plan ahead, thanks."

Leleti: [giggles] "I see. Won't you get bored if you do everything all at once?"

David: [shrugs] "Not really. There's always something I can find to occupy myself. I still have to go through the five hundred stacks of resumes in my apartment and office. What about you? Aren't you busy being an environmental engineer? Shouldn't you be saving trees on your free time instead of eating?"

Leleti: "Funny. Just because I'm trying to save the environment doesn't mean that I kill myself in the process."

David: "How's your project coming?"

Leleti is currently trying to design some fancy schmancy generator thing that works off of solar energy...or is it wind? As you can see, certain science subjects weren't my best areas in school. I preferred math, art, anatomy and physiology—if you know what I mean—even history and literature. When you start talking about quantum physics and all that other stuff—you've lost my attention, but Leleti makes her work sound exciting. I also like to learn new things.

Leleti: "Don't even start me up. My grant was denied so now I have to go back and recalibrate my solar..."

She just lost me after recalibrate. Sometimes she gets so excited that she speaks in science jargon that sounds like a foreign language. Aside from English, Tagalog, and intermediate Spanish, I don't speak much else.

Leleti: "Sorry, I didn't mean to get so worked up. Long story short, I have to redo my proposal and recalculate my figures before I can get my grant."

David: "It's so nice to hear English again."

Leleti: "I thought I was speaking your language of romance?"

David: "Maybe that's why I'm still single."

[Food arrives]

Leleti: "I see." [mumbles] "That's good to know."

David: "What was that?"

Leleti: "Huh?"

David: "I thought you said something."

Leleti: "I did, I was wondering if you'd like to go to an orchestra concert with me? My dad got the tickets from a friend, but he and my mother can't make it. She has a neurosurgeon conference in Michigan and he hates when she travels alone."

David: "Am I your last resort?"

Leleti: "How did you know?

David: "Lucky guess."

As we finish up lunch and I'm preparing to return to work I receive a message that my two o'clock is canceled. I have nothing else planned for the rest of the day.

Leleti: "What's wrong?"

David: "My meeting is cancelled. I got all dressed up for nothing." [Fights with tie]

Leleti: "Well, I can show you the Lincoln Memorial like I promised since we both have nothing to do."

David: "Really? I can go home and change first?"

Leleti: "You can do whatever you want. You're a big boy now."

We head back to my place in two separate vehicles and I give her the grand tour, which isn't much except for a huge living room and a master bedroom. My motion detector lights up my lap top and someone is calling me to video chat. It's Jason and Michelle.

David: "Stalking me again?"

Jason: "David, my man!"

Michelle: "Hey David!!!!"

Michelle makes me giddy. I don't know why she's always so hyper, but I feel energized. She's adorable.

Jason: "I'm surprised that you're home. We normally don't get you on the first try."

David: "My meeting was canceled so you two got lucky."

Michelle: "What are you doing today then?"

David: "My friend Leleti is taking me around. Let me stop being rude and introduce you guys." [Grabs Leleti's hand and pulls toward computer] "Leleti, this one of my best friend's Jason and his gorgeous fiancée Michelle. Guys this is Leleti. She's the first, real friend I've made out here."

Jason and Michelle: "Nice to meet you."

David: "You both even talk in unison. That's freaky."

Michelle: [waves David away with a smile] "I hope he's not being a handful."

Leleti: "Not at all. He's great to hang out with. It gives me free time from my work."

Jason: "What do you do?"

Leleti: "I'm an environmental engineer."

Jason: "Damn! You automatically earned my respect. Anyone who is an engineer merits some props."

David: "That's because you're too stupid to understand what two plus two equals."