Who Gets the Friends? (7 page)

She took a small bite of food and chased it with coffee. It was Thanksgiving and she found herself thinking about her family. She smiled wistfully as thoughts of holidays past flooded her memory.
The smell of turkey and fresh bread coming from the kitchen, everyone visiting, laughing, catching up on things. Why did I volunteer to work today? Was I really afraid of being alone?

Jessica’s thoughts had been pre-occupied with Tom the past few days and she couldn’t get her blunder out of her mind.
How can I get back in his good graces and convince him that I’d really like to get to know him better? He won’t return my calls. He might not be
someone I’d like to see on a regular basis, but I’d like to at least find out.
The smile returned.
He really is a good kisser and he didn’t push things the other night. He’s really nice, too, something I don’t get from most of the men I’ve been out with since my divorce. I think most of them have forgotten basic manners, but not Tom. Who am I
kidding? After
what I did, he’s probably on to the next encounter. I wouldn’t waste time on me, either, after that.

She looked up when she saw a man approaching her table, offering a big smile. Her eyes did a quick scan out of habit, taking in his cream-colored nurse’s aide uniform and trim physique. Jessica muffled a groan and felt her spirits sink.
Hank Mobley, one of my ex-husband’s buds. Five years since we’ve been divorced and he still never misses an opportunity to come on to me. Same thing he did after the divorce.

“Hi, Jessica,” he began. “Didn’t expect to see you here today.”

She pasted a smile on her face. “Hello, Hank.”

He took a seat, set his coffee on the table, then gestured at her plate. “Guess you wouldn’t recommend the holiday special, huh?”

“I’m not very hungry.”

He sipped his coffee. “I’m glad I ran into you. Do you have anything planned Saturday night?”

Jessica took a calming breath.
Here we go again.
“Actually, I do.”

“That’s too bad. I scored a coupla tickets for the hockey game and thought you’d like to go.”

If he was the least bit aware, he’d know how much I detest hockey
. “Sounds like fun, but I already have plans.”

He nodded. “I understand. Maybe we could get together for a drink after work some time.”

Jessica took a long swallow of water.
And as soon as we did, you’d be calling my ex to
brag about it. Might as well be direct.
“No, I don’t think so, but thanks for the offer.”

He gave her a curious look. “Hey, come on, Jessica, it’s me, Hank. We’ve known each other a long time. I never figured you for the big freeze.”

Jessica felt her blood pressure rising. “Just what did you figure me for, Hank? An easy lay? Maybe you heard about what happened to my last boyfriend and thought I was just waiting for someone like you to sweep me off my feet?”

He raised his hands in defense. “Whoa, wait a minute. Where’s all the hostility coming from?”

“The ink wasn’t even dry on my divorce when you started calling me. I was your best friend’s wife, for crying out loud. Did you secretly lust after me while John and I were married?”

He gave an uneasy laugh and avoided eye contact. “Well, I suppose…”

“I’ll take that for a yes. I also know how you like to brag about your conquests, but you won’t be adding my name to your list.”

“Aw, come on, that’s just talk. You know, guy stuff.”

“Hank, you have a lot to learn about sensitivity. I don’t want to be rude, but I told you before that I wasn’t interested and I’m still not.”

Hank stood and retrieved his cup. “Sorry, Jessica. Didn’t mean to upset you. See you around.”

She finished her water.
I don’t know what made me go off on him like that. Actually, I
do.
I want to give Tom another chance.
Maybe it’s time to call in some help.

She took out her cell phone and punched in a number. “Hello, Peggy? It’s Jessica. I need a favor.”

* * * *

The Sunday after Thanksgiving found Tom home alone, contemplating the upcoming holiday season. He had survived the big dinner with his family, deftly deflecting the well-intentioned homilies and sage advice from brothers, sisters and in-laws who clearly didn’t have a clue what he was going through. Black Friday came and went without so much as a thought of visiting a retail establishment. Tom used the time instead to ponder recent events.

Much of that pondering revolved around Jessica Mays. Tom hadn’t called her since their disastrous first date. He had wanted to, but came up short on things to say.
How would I start a conversation—Hi, Jessica, it’s Tom. You know, the guy you renamed Brad?

He had maintained contact with Rashida after their hot motel romp, but hadn’t asked her out yet. He smiled at the recollection of their encounter.
I’ve been with passionate women before, but she took it to a whole new level. I wonder what it would be like to make love to Jessica? Looks like I’ll have to keep wondering.

He answered the phone.

“Hey, it’s Doug. Catch you at a bad time?”

“No, I’m good. What’s up?”

“I wanted to extend an invitation to go to dinner at The Oakwood Club tonight with me and Peg.”

“I don’t know, Doug. Three’s a crowd.”

“Come on, you need to get out of the dumps.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because you’ve been in a blue funk all week. What better place to cure that than a restaurant that overcharges for the best steaks in town?”

Tom chuckled. “Helluva sales pitch. What time?”

“Six. We’ll meet you in the bar.”

“Okay.”

He hung up, then retrieved his cup of coffee.
Man, I must be pathetic if my best friend and his girlfriend are inviting me to dinner.

Tom picked up the Sunday paper and idly scanned it, not really absorbing anything.
When things started going badly between me and my ex I couldn’t wait to get back out on my own. Now that I’m here it’s like I can’t stand the loneliness. How did I cope with it before I got married? It’s been so long I can’t remember.

He tossed the paper aside, then drank some coffee.
Time to take stock of things. I’m meeting some new people and trying to make the best of my situation, but maybe I thought it would go faster and easier. Jessica seemed like a good match but did I fall into a rebound situation with her? I know that’s what happens when you get out of a bad relationship, and it’s so easy to be attracted to the first woman who shows interest. Perhaps Rashida was right—close relationships do tend to screw up your life, not to mention friendships. Still…

Tom occupied a stool in The Oakwood Club a little before 6:00, nursing a scotch and soda. He looked around at the elegant muted décor, plush red leather seats and fine china on linen tablecloths. The wait-staff hustled from table to table, serving aroma-enticing entrees. He glanced at his watch again and was surprised when he felt an arm on his shoulder. He looked around at Doug’s smiling face.

“There he is,” Doug began. “Glad you made it.”

Tom leaned over and gave Peggy a quick hug. “Hi, Peg. What’s the occasion?”

“No occasion,” she answered. “We just felt like a night out and wanted to share it with you.”

He raised his glass. “I’m honored.”

Doug and Peggy took seats, then ordered drinks.

“What’ve you been doing this weekend?” Doug asked.

Tom took a sip. “Not much. I found some of my old prints when I was digging through a box in my closet. I matted and framed them. They look pretty good on the walls.”

“Good,” Doug commented. “Really getting the place in shape, eh?”

“Trying to.”

“Tom, are you going to have a Christmas party to unveil your new home?” Peggy asked.

He stared at her. “It never occurred to me.”

She rested her hand on his arm. “Not to worry—you’re always welcome at our house, and I expect you to be there New Year’s Eve.”

The hostess approached Doug, telling him that their table was ready. They started toward the main dining room when Doug suddenly stopped.

“Uh—could we get a booth over here in the bar?” he stammered.

Tom looked at him. “Why do you want to sit over here? A table is better for three people.”

Doug placed his arm on Tom’s shoulder and turned him back toward the bar. “You don’t want to sit over there.”

“Why not?”

Doug nervously glanced past Tom’s shoulder. “Just trust me, you don’t.”

Tom wrenched free of his grip. “What the hell is wrong with you tonight?” He turned his head and looked at the far end of the room where a large group was seated. His eyes narrowed when he spied his ex-wife in the group, laughing along with the others and sipping wine. “You’re right—I don’t.”

“Sorry,” Doug apologized. “I had no idea…”

Tom waved him off. “Don’t worry about it.” He looked at him. “But thanks. I appreciate it.”

They squeezed into one of the booths and scanned the menus. Tom took a few breaths to get his pulse under control.
I always knew we’d run into each other sometime, but I wasn’t ready for it. I’m sure she didn’t see me and I’ll just do some planned ignoring. Try to have a nice time and forget about it.

He was absorbed in reading the menu when he heard Peggy speaking.

“Well, this is a surprise.”

Tom looked up and saw Jessica standing next to the table. He stood out of reflex.

“Hi, Jessica.”

She smiled tentatively. “Hi, Tom. Are we still speaking?”

He peered into her soft eyes. “Of course. Won’t you sit down?”

Jessica slid into the booth and Tom sat next to her. He looked at Peggy and Doug. “A surprise, huh?”

Doug looked sheepish. “We thought you two needed another chance.”

Tom looked at Jessica. “What do you think? Do we deserve a second chance?”

“The question is, do I deserve one?”

His face broke into a smile. “For what?” He placed his arm around her shoulder, leaned in close, then spoke in a low voice. “Do you suppose we could start over?”

Her smile broadened. “I’d like that.”

“So would I.” He addressed Doug and Peggy. “Would you excuse us?”

He escorted Jessica through the rear-canopied entrance to the parking lot, then pulled her into a dark spot. He wrapped his arms around her, then kissed her deeply, inhaling her scent. Jessica rubbed the back of his neck and got more into their passionate embrace.

Tom pulled away and peered into her eyes while caressing her cheek. “Jessica, I don’t want to take the place of someone you were in love with, and I’m not looking for a replacement, either. I’m starting over and I know I’ll make mistakes, but I’d really like to take the journey with you and see where it leads us.”

She gave a shy smile and brushed his cheek. “Thank you. I’m truly sorry for what I said that night, but I’ve had a lot of time to think about it.” She paused. “I’m ready to move on, too.”

He kissed her. “Then let’s go back inside and get started.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist and walked her inside. When they reached the door, Tom stopped in surprise. His ex-wife was leaving the restaurant with a tall distinguished-looking man with sandy brown hair. He regained his composure and forced a cordial smile.

“Hello, Judi. Nice to see you.”

She gave him a smug look. “Same here. Tom, I’d like you to meet Stan. He’s a doctor.”

Tom shook hands, then looked at Jessica. “And I’d like you to meet Jessica. She’s my new friend.”

Tom looked around his apartment, assuring himself that everything was tidy and presentable.
This is the first time I’ve had anyone over besides Doug. Hope it looks okay.

He answered the knocking at the door and smiled when he saw Jessica. He let her in, then gave her a hug.

She shrugged off her coat while scanning the living room. “Very nice. I see you have all the creature comforts.”

“Thanks. It’s taking shape.”

Jessica looked at the framed photographs adorning the walls. “These are yours, I take it?”

“Yeah, they are.”

She slowly nodded while looking at each detail. “You have a real knack for capturing the mood.” She pointed to one picture, taken in the mountains. “I recognize this place. Cade’s Cove, down in the Smokeys, right?”

“Good eye. I took that one a few years ago.”

She gestured at another one. “Sausalito, San Francisco.”

He chuckled. “Okay, so you’ve been around. I’m impressed. Would you like a glass of wine?”

“Love it.”

Tom returned from the kitchen with two glasses, then handed her one. They toasted each other, then took sips.

“I like this,” Jessica commented. “Niagara?”

“Yeah, from one of the Lake Erie wineries.”

She curled up on the couch and Tom sat next to her.

“I like your Christmas tree,” she said while looking at the four-foot decorated tree on an end table. “Do the decorations mean anything?”

“Some do. I’ve had a few of them for years. Strictly sentimental value.”

“I think that’s nice. It’s like you’re keeping family tradition alive.”

“Do you do that with your tree?”

“Yeah. I like to add ornaments that mean something, whether it was a family heirloom or something I picked up on a trip.” She sipped her wine, then set her glass on the coffee table. “I seem to recall someone telling me they were going to show me their portfolio when I came over.”

“Who told you that?”

She laughed. “You did, silly. Coming back to you now?”

Tom answered by retrieving a thick photo album from the table and resting it in her lap. Jessica eagerly flipped through the pages, but stopped at one showing two young children playing on a Jungle Jim, all smiles.

“Who are they?”

“My niece and nephew. They were having so much fun I couldn’t resist capturing the moment.”

She flipped to another series of shots featuring a bulldog puppy. “Aw, he’s adorable. Yours?”

“Family pet named Brutus. Puppies make the best photo subjects because they love to explore everything. All you have to do is follow them around.”