Читать книгу My Words Were All I Had - William Sanchez - Страница 8

Chapter 4

Valerie Is Her Name

They can tell you to smile, I rather be the one to find you a reason to smile.

Most people in Massachusetts, when they see rain in the forecast, they frown. Changing their mood, along with their daily activities. Counting the days or hours that it eventually passes by diminish and leave. I have always thought of it under a different shade of thinking. The tune that the rainfall makes is enough calming music to sooth any cloudy mind. And watching it fall is just as relaxing. That is exactly what kind of day we are waking up to. The smell of fresh coffee was hovering all inside the truck after Mike and I had finished breakfast headed to Rich’s store.

“It’s almost 8:00 a.m. man, I hope she’s there already,” Mike mumbled, appearing half asleep still.

Taking my time down streets covered by streams of water, I drove in silence and said nothing in response. About twenty minutes later, we were carefully rolling the truck into the heavy, soaked parking lot. “Looks like the lights are on,” I pointed out to Mike. “Someone has to be there,” I then assured.

The carpets and padding were left inside yesterday. All we had to bring in were the tools, paint, rollers, and brushes.

A female figure approached the door as we were preparing to exit the truck. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll open the door!” shouted Valerie as she stuck her head out and back in the door in a peekaboo fashion.

“Sebastian, we have two trips so let’s make this quick!” shouted Mike.

We were partially soaked by the time we were settled inside. Valerie was holding an umbrella, rushing to leave. She carried the same beauty in person as in the pictures, the jet-black hair combined with the shine of her caramel skin. And her curves were still artistically displayed even through her raincoat, which was wrapped around her gorgeous self.

“Hey, guys, my dad told me about the work you guys had to do in the store.”

“Yes, we do,” I declared.

“I’m sorry but I have to go, but I will be back here later. If there’s anything you guys need, the number to reach me at is on the desk in the office,” she informed us.

I didn’t need the use of her number just yet. Just as much as I didn’t expect such a fast encounter. But we did have work to do. And it was best to get busy now, and catch her at a time when she was not in such a hurry.

Four hours had gone by. The painted walls made the room look brighter, the new carpet adding to the life of the store.

“She didn’t even introduce herself,” argued Mike.

“We shouldn’t take it personal. We don’t know exactly what was the reason or state of mind she could be in,” I explained.

“And it’s okay, there’s enough time for that,” I finished saying.

He looked me up and down, becoming even more impatient. “Time?” he blurted, with his eyes almost pushing out of his skull. “I think our time is up, we should get going. To top it off, it stopped raining,” he argued. I grabbed the broom and ignored the hell out him, then proceeded sweeping away the debris in the store. Suddenly from outside I heard a car pulling into the parking lot; it was Valerie.

“Good, she’s here,” Mike sighed, relieved. He proceeded to pace around, thrusting the stuff we brought in, as he grabbed it all. He then stopped and turned toward me. “Um…you plan on talking for a while with this chick? Or are we leaving right away? Just let me know what to expect,” he demanded.

I had a gift card in my wallet that I haven’t used. I pulled it out and held it in front of Mike, in hopes of him grasping what I was about to teach. “Sometimes, my friend, it’s not all about what you say. It’s also what you do,” I promised him.

Valerie rushed in the door, although it was a fast pace, and she was still breathing heavy. She did appear to be more laid back than when we first saw her. “Hey, guys! Sorry I left in such a hurry I—” she silenced herself. And took the moment to look around the store. “Oh! Looks a lot better, thank you! My dad will be happy with this,” she said.

I lowered my tone and spoke to her softly. “Your welcome, Valerie.”

She smiled, and completely relaxed was her breathing. “I’m sorry for not introducing myself. I’m Valerie, it’s just that I was in a rush,” she explained.

“And I’m Mike! That’s my best friend Sebastian,” interrupted Mike, looking like a happy child.

“Well, Valerie, the store is all yours now. We will talk to your dad soon about the work,” I assured.

Changing the mood in the room, I lowered my tone again and intimately stepped in close to her. “Hey, listen, your dad and I were talking about food. And I know he’s a steak lover,” I said.

“Oh god, yes he is,” she gushed.

“Well this is a gift card to Jimmy Jim’s Steakhouse. They have the best steak I’ve ever tasted. I forgot to mention this spot to your dad,” I added. “But hey, I know he’s been busy and he can use a break. Maybe dinner with his daughter,” I suggested. Her face was wrinkled with confusion, with her hand placed on her hip.

“Whenever is the next time you two spend family time together. I know how important that can be,” I explained.

Her eyes grew, and her jaw hung a bit in surprise as to why would I be so nice. “Wow, um, thank you! That’s so nice of you.” She accepted. Flipping the card over and observing it, she wondered, “Does my dad have any clue about this?”

“No, not at all. And don’t tell him,” I demanded. “Just surprise him, take him out, and don’t tell him where you got the idea. I’m telling you he’s going to love the steak there, everyone does! And I’m aware he’s never been to this one in particular,” I said.

She looked down at the card, almost ashamed to accept.

“There’s enough on that card to serve dinner for two and a bottle of wine if desired,” I also added.

The corners of her eyes were smiling, her lips slightly frowning but with joy. “I can’t wait to take him there now,” she promised. The short time that we spoke, Mike was already in the truck waiting for me. I walked off after saying goodbye, but I could sense her eyes watching my every step. You can hear a mouse walk, as quiet as it was. I rushed to the truck once I was outside. Sat down quickly and gazed down at my lap, smiling about my own ideas. “You gave her your number, right?” questioned Mike.

“And why would I do that? No, I didn’t,” I confessed. “But I did leave our business card on the keyboard in the office.”

His face slowly turned into a raisin wondering why. But as soon as I broke down what happened in there, he came to realize. That this gesture had the potential to drive her to eventually reach out to me. “Oh I see what you did. You think your slick, huh?” said Mike. He then grew curious. “What are you going to say to Rich?”

“That’s the easiest part. I’m glad you asked. I’m going to tell him this was all your idea!” I said, while I shoved my finger in his chest.

“Hell no, that’s your issue,” he argued.

I laughed and brushed it off. I then looked over at the store, just to notice Valerie’s backside as she walked away from the door. She must have been watching us this whole time we were parked. Mike started up the truck, and as we exited the lot, I answered his question.

“I’m not planning on saying a thing. I’m just going to let time tell us everything.”