It was clear the bartender wasn’t used to a hip-hop environment. He just stood behind the bar wild-eyed, as if at any moment gunfire was going to erupt.
When the song ended everyone laughed and went back to their seats. Except for Téa, she lingered just a moment longer to talk to one of the guys from the other group. After a few more minutes, she made her way back to her friends.
Tony was shaking his head at her, “So, did you get his number?”
Téa smiled like a Cheshire cat, “Now Jake what do you think?”
Gray gave Téa a high five, “Now that’s how you do it. I hate women who try to play hard to get. If you see something you like just go and get it…right Jessie?”
Gray, Tony, and Téa were all nodding their heads in agreement. They were usually in agreement on things.
Jessie took a sip of her beer before responding, “Some of us like to take a more subtle approach.”
Gray put his glass down mid-sip, “That’s the one thing that puzzles me about you. You’re absolutely fearless in every other aspect of your life except for men.”
Max and Jake didn’t say anything. They continued to sip on their beer and knew better than to weigh in on this conversation. Everyone just looked at Jessie and waited for her response.
Jessie sat up straighter with her elbows on the table; she put her drink down and entwined her fingers together before responding. “Gray, I’m fearless in all aspects of my life and that includes men. Just because the approach is different doesn’t mean it’s lacking.”
Tony being the trouble maker chimed into the conversation, “Max and Jake, you guys are awfully quiet, what do you think? What’s your preference, bold or a subtle?”
Max and Téa had known Jessie the longest. They understood why she was so reserved. It was survival for her. None of them could possibly understand the weight she carried on her shoulders.
All eyes turned to Jake. “I’m married to a wonderful woman; I’m not chasing any, so this doesn’t really pertain to me. What about you Max?”
Just like Jake. He always managed to find ways to get out of an intra-family squabble and pass the buck to Max.
Max considered his words for a moment, as he rubbed the stubble on the bottom of his chin before answering, “I don’t think the answer is bold or subtle. I want a woman to be both.”
It was silent for a moment before everyone started laughing.
Tony still laughing slapped Max on the back, “Leave it to Max to get philosophical on us and, as usual, not take a side.”
The team spent the next few hours laughing and talking until they were the only people left in the bar. Once the bartender changed the radio station back to country music, everyone knew it was time to go. It was purposely timed as the after work crowd started to file into the bar.
Everyone exchanged hugs and goodbyes in the parking lot as they left to go their separate ways, everyone except for Téa and Jessie. Jessie was going to hang out at Téa’s place for the next few days before flying home to Phoenix.
Téa fired up her jeep. She and Jessie were the last to pull out of the parking lot as they drove off into the direction of Téa’s condo.
*****
Three hours later, Téa and Jessie had kicked off their shoes and were spread out on opposite ends of Téa’s oversized sofa. A half empty pitcher of adult lemonade sat on her table as they sipped their drinks and stared out of the picture window. The orange and purplish view of the sky was breathtakingly beautiful. The fireplace was blazing even though the sun hadn’t fully set, and somewhere in the background music was playing softly.
“This day is almost over Jessie.”
Jessie nodded. “Thank you for not allowing me to spend it alone.”
“I never have and I never will.”
A tear rolled down Jessie’s cheek, “This day comes every year, and every year I still feel this ache, deep within my heart, as if it was just yesterday.”
“I know. That’s why I’m here. You’re my sister in every way and when you hurt…I hurt. Whatever I can do to make this anniversary easier for you, then you’ll find me trying to do it.”
Jessie was physically and emotionally exhausted. Her eyes felt so heavy. She blinked a few times before the darkness finally took over.
Chapter 3
Early the next morning, Téa left to run some errands. It worked out perfectly; for as much as Jessie loved hanging out with her, this was definitely one of those times where she needed her space and solitude. Jessie typically started her day with a vigorous routine of yoga. It helped to clear her mind and made her feel refreshed. After a physically and emotionally draining week, this was just what she needed.
The view from Téa‘s balcony alone was worth whatever ridiculous amount she paid for the condo. Who could ever argue that there wasn’t something greater than themselves while watching the arrival of morning? The sky changed from a deep purple to an orange to the clearest of blue with what looked like the fluffiest cotton balls placed delicately throughout; a fitting playground for the gulls flying through them as they skimmed the ocean for their morning meal. The sun wouldn’t let you forget who was really in charge. It glowed brightly and took its rightful place high above everything else, establishing its majestic power. As Jessie finished up her morning routine, she closed her eyes one last time to bask in the sun’s warmth while listening to the oceans waves roll gently onto the beach. Jessie deeply inhaled the salty fragrance of
