Progress (The Progress Series) (5 page)

“I’ll come in.”

Overestimating the weight of the car door, she slammed it too hard. “Oops. Sorry.”

“Gentle! She’s a ninety-four, she’s getting old!” He winked.

What’s with this winking business? He’s winked twice at me today!

When Charlie walked in the door, the scent of man and bacon was the first thing to hit her senses. There was a small entryway that was clean and inviting. It was a split-level and the landing had a tiny coat closet and simple wood banister leading upstairs. On their way up, she peeked at the down stairwell to see nothing but a closed door.

At the top of the steps was a living room and kitchen. The window was open behind the dining table, blowing the curtain sheers elegantly. Faded green wallpaper covered two walls and the others were painted dull yellow. The cupboards were white and the countertops were an old vinyl. Dirty dishes were everywhere.

“It’s big. I didn’t picture your place looking like this.” She turned to Jesse, who had already walked up another four steps to a hallway outside his bedroom.

“Make yourself at home! There are cups in the cupboard by the sink and pop in the fridge!” he yelled down.

Charlie walked over to the bookshelf near the couch and started studying his small library. Classics like
Tom Sawyer, Great Expectations, Tess of the D’Ubervilles, Moby Dick.
As she kept perusing, she discovered different kinds of books. Everything from self-help to science fiction.
Has he read all of these?
She saw another book, titled
How To Cope With Bipolar Disorder;
and another,
Commonly Prescribed Medications, Interactions and Side Effects.

“Finding anything interesting?” He smiled, appearing behind
her.

“Oh! Um. Have you read all of these? It’s quite the collection. Varied,” she said.

“Most of those are Dennis and Jake’s. But, I’ve read a few of them, I guess.” He shrugged. “Are you ready?” He gestured towards the front door.

“Lead the way!”
Damn.
He smells so good.

*

“Where are we going?” Charlie asked, watching the woods as they drove.

“Just a quiet place I used to go. Good greasy food.”

Charlie watched the greens, yellows, and browns pass by them in a blur as Jesse exceeded the speed limit. The windows were down and her short red hair was whipping around her forehead, hitting the lenses of her sunglasses. She couldn’t stop smiling. He seemed to be enjoying himself, too as he rolled his window up momentarily to light a cigarette, smiling, and popped a different CD into the player.

“If you like this kind of music, I’ll copy one of my favorite albums for you.”

“Really? That would be great. Thanks!”

They drove
forty-five minutes west, passing corn fields and woodlands. Just as they were passing a large field of young sunflowers, Jesse signaled his blinker on and turned down a small dirt road.

“You found a place to eat down here? What were you doing?” she asked, puzzled.

“I’ll explain later.” he said, his attitude suddenly bellicose. “We’re here.”

Charlie turned to look
at the small, log country house. Two tiny tables with two chairs sat on the porch. Stepping out of the car, she was able to study the house further. There was a hand-written OPEN sign hanging from the window and an old Labrador lying in the yard.

“Come ‘ere, Sadie.” Jesse slapped his knee and the dog slowly jogged toward him.
Kneeling down, he began scratching her ears. “Yeah, that feels good, doesn’t it?”

He stood again, slapping his hands together to discard the dog hair. Stretching from the long drive, he slid his hands in his pockets. Strolling toward the house, Charlie watched him in awe.
I haven’t seen him this relaxed before. He’s usually so anxious and apprehensive. But he seems calm. At home.

“Jesse Anders! It’s been too long!” A petite, middle-aged woman wearing jeans, a blue T-shirt, and an apron came walking out the front door and wrapped her arms around him for a hug. She had grayish-brown hair that she wore up in a sloppy bun. “Hey there, Lil.”

Charlie turned her attention to the dog as the two old friends embraced.

“This is my friend, Charlie. We were hoping you had some patty melts and fries for a couple of strays.”

Charlie was suddenly famished. A greasy patty melt sounded delicious. She reached her hand out to greet Lily. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”

“You too. Come on in, kids. My lunch rush of four just left. The best seat in the house just opened up!” Lily said just before whistling for Sadie to follow her.

Charlie could see why Jesse’s attitude had softened. The house was decorated in antiques and checkered tablecloths. There were three tables set inside the room just as they entered. It had old, worn hardwood floors and small windows. The short handmade curtains were red cotton and didn’t do well to keep the light out. A small breeze carried a fresh, green scent of spring and soil throughout the house, masking the smell of greasy comfort food. On the other side of the room sat a counter with a cash register, and just behind it was a cooler filled with bottled sodas. A jukebox sat near the stairwell, and a single chain closed off the steps for entry. John Denver was playing softly in the background.

“Have a seat. I’m going to see if Lily needs some help,” Jesse said.

“Okay.”

Charlie sat at the table next to the window and opened the curtains so that the sun could beat down on her face. She closed her eyes and breathed in and out. Peering out the window, she watched the short sunflower stalks swaying gently in unison with the wind.

“Okay, okay! I’m leaving!” Jesse laughed, exiting the kitchen with a handful of fresh grated parmesan. Popping it in his mouth, he walked towards Charlie grinning and shaking his head. “She didn’t want my help.”

“So, you used to live around here? I wouldn’t blame you if you did. I love it here.”

“Kind of. I was pretty young, and when I saw the sunflower field...” He stopped. “Do you want something to drink?” he asked, walking toward the soda cooler.

“Um, sure. Anything is fine. Water or soda? So, you were saying…”

Removing two bottles and making his way back to the table, he said, “Yeah. I used to live near here.” He sighed, sat down, and looked out the window. “I…I ran away from my first foster home when I was fourteen. This place is where I ended up. Lily took me in for a couple of months and I helped her out with this place.” He gave a tight smile and his leg started bouncing under the table.

She sensed his hesitancy and felt guilty for prying. “Do you want to talk about this?” she asked.

“Not really.” He looked relieved.

“Well then. Tell me more about third-wave SKA.”

An appreciative smile arose as he chatted for the next fifteen minutes about Less Than Jake, Rx Bandits, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and how first, second, and third-wave SKA came about and the bands that influenced each wave. He seemed somewhat of an expert on the subject, and although Charlie’s appreciation for music was superficial, she adored the passion he had for it. He was animated and used his hands often to speak, making her fixated on the conversation.

“Here we go!” Lily came out of the kitchen with two plates in her hands. “Do we need anything more to drink? Or ketchup?”

“A side of Ranch if you have it. Otherwise it looks delicious!” Charlie could already feel her stomach overloaded with the appetizing plate in front of her.

Here goes any weight I’ve lost in the past two weeks.

She took her first bite and closed her eyes in satisfaction as she savored the buttery-crisp goodness that lingered on the back of her tongue. She licked her lips and swallowed. “Oh my. Mmmm.”

She opened her eyes.

“I take it you approve, then?” Jesse was taking pride in his little restaurant and seemed happy to share it with her.

Charlie nodded and neither of them said a word during the whole meal.

*

“Well, I managed to eat the entire sandwich and half my fries. I blame you for the sixteen pounds I gained today.” She slouched in her chair. “Sorry, this has to be done,” she said, gesturing to her top button on her jeans that she had just unsnapped.

“No apology necessary. I’m about to do the same myself.”

“You two kiddos want some dessert? I just m
ade lemon meringue…” Lily asked, approaching the table with a smile and wiping her hands on her apron.

“Lily, you’ve been great, and the sandwich was to die for. But
I. Am. Stuffed.” Charlie chuckled, patting her belly.

“I’m good too. We’ve gotta get going. I have to work tonight,” Jesse said.

“Tonight? Aren’t we going to be late?” Charlie looked at the clock on the wall.
Four-thirty.

“No, it’s a bussing shift. I don’t have to be there until six.”

Lily smiled. “You liking your job then? How’s your mom?”

“Everything is good, Lil. I’ll stop back next week when I have more time to chat.” He threw a hundred dollar bill on the table.

A hundred dollars?

“I’ve heard that before. Just take care of yourself, Jess. Charlie’s gonna promise me she’ll keep an eye on you.”
Lily winked. “Say ‘hi’ to your mom for me, Molly and Donny too.” She hugged Jesse as Charlie walked out the door to give them a private moment if they needed.

Outside, Charlie wandered around the front yard and lit a cigarette. Sadie ran over and sat in front of her, smiling. She smiled back and patted her on the head. “Good girl.”

“You ready?” he asked as the screen door clattered shut behind him.

“Sure.” She smiled and waved at Lily standing at the door. “Thanks again!”

On the drive back to The Crimson Cellar, Charlie fell asleep. When she woke, they were only five minutes from the restaurant.

“I’m sorry I fell asleep.”
Did I snore?

He lit a cigarette and chuckled. “Don’t be.”

“Are you going to the Patio Party next weekend?” Charlie asked, yawning.

“The what?” He looked at her, confused.

“The Patio Party at the Crimson? You know, the grand opening of the patio?”

“Grand, eh? I don’t know. I hadn’t thought about it. Will you be there?”

“Yes, I think so.”

They pulled into the parking lot and he parked next to her car.

He got out and stretched. “See ya, Red!” He pulled his wadded up Crimson T-shirt out from the backseat and went toward the employee entrance. As he approached the door, he chatted with two other drivers and put out his cigarette as he walked in.

“See ya,” she said to the pavement.
So much for sentimental goodbyes.

Charlie smiled as she climbed into the front seat of the Taurus. The car had been a gift from her parents when she graduated from
Business College. It was teal and in fairly good condition. There were smelly trees hanging from the rearview mirror and the ashtray was always full.

She turned the key and pulled out of her spot just as she heard a knock on the glass. It was Jesse.

“You scared the crap out of me!” she said, rolling down her window. “What’s up?”

“I almost forgot, Lily told me to give this to you. You know, for ‘watching out for’ me.” He grinned as he handed her a large silk sunflower.

“Oh, that was sweet of her. Tell her I prefer daisies…” She winked.

“Good to know. Have a good night.” He tapped the roof of her car and ducked back into the restaurant.

Dear Journal,

Okay, I feel like I should write more about Jesse, because I can’t seem to get him out of my head. We’ve sort of become friends. I use that word lightly, because he doesn’t seem to be friends with many people, so I can’t say if that’s what he considers me. We’ve hung out a few times, but he doesn’t really confide in me; he only volunteers bits and pieces of information. Either he doesn’t trust me, or he just doesn’t really care. Either way, this guy is unlike anyone I’ve ever met, and I’m not quite sure what to make of him. He’s sensitive, insensitive, secure, insecure, beautiful, unreliable, uneasy, passionate and he’s always winking, touching and flirting. He’s got dark blonde hair, bright blue eyes, a labret, and a body from HELL. He’s a twenty-six year old SKA punk boy and I find him absolutely irresistible. Well, except for the times he’s acting like an immature jackass.

He’s jaded, tainted and seems to have a problem opening up. Even just as friends, I don’t know if he’s capable of having a relationship. And, I’m certain he’d never want an
actual
relationship with me, I’m sure he likes skinny chicks. The crush I have on him is barely worth mentioning at this point, but there’s something about him that makes me feel… special. No one has ever made me feel this way.

Charlie looked in her closet, mortified.
Crap crap crap! Angie!

Quickly, Charlie picked up the phone and dialed Angie’s cell.