Charley (22 page)

PJ laughed out loud. “I sure as hell would like to give that plan a try. We might have to get some special lotion from the Hustler Store and plenty of pain medication. But I’m up for the challenge, if you’ll come live with me.”

PJ was serious, he wasn’t kidding around. I sat on the edge of the lounge, and reached over to take his hands in mine. “Seriously, PJ, we just haven’t known each other long enough to be making those kinds of plans. I would love to spend a lot of time here in your world, but the reality is I live in a different world. And I’m not sure I want to give it up. I’m not as sure as you that Ronnie and Wilma can handle all of the details of running a multi-million dollar business. I deal with the bankers and the vendors, and handle all the advertising for the Bar. We’re just starting a line of products that capitalizes on the Bar’s reputation, and I’m not sure they can manage that and the Bar. And don’t forget there is the investor group wanting to partner with us.” I continued to ramble, voicing every reason I could think of why living with PJ was not a good idea as he listened intently. “Sweetheart, I love the relaxed atmosphere here, but honestly, I also enjoy the excitement and rush of the city. I love the theater, and the pro sports and the faster pace of life. A short break from that is like a vacation, and I love taking a break … but I also look forward to getting back to the pressures and deadlines.”

“We have pro-sports in Cincinnati, and the theater opportunities are fantastic,” he responded immediately. He wasn’t going to give up, and I loved him for it.

“I know, but … I love Nashville.”

All of this was true, but it wasn’t the real reason I was reluctant to agree to PJ’s plan. I paused a few minutes while PJ sat in silence again, internalizing my reaction to his proposal. “PJ I need to be honest with you because you deserve it. A big reason I can’t live here with you is simple and complex at the same time. At home, I’m my own person. I’m known at Church, and in the business community and socially, as Charlotte Howard. They know what I’ve done, and they respect me for it. If I came to live with you, I would always be known as the Coach’s girlfriend, and maybe eventually as the Coach’s wife. I would be invited to serve on the ladies committees, not because of who I am, but because of my relationship to you. I would have no identity of my own. I need to be my own person with my own reputation. I really want you, and have a future together. But I’m just not ready to give up everything … not yet.”

I felt good about getting my feelings out on the table, but I was apprehensive about how PJ would react. I chose to remain silent … and pray for the best.

God, please help him to understand and accept me as I am and still love me. I have to be honest with him.”

PJ didn’t seem to know how to react to my answer. I guess his proposal was so obvious to him that he didn’t think there would be any objections. He sat with a blank stare on his face. And then he went off on a totally different interpretation of what I had said. “Do you mean you don’t want us to see each other, after all this? Is the last two weeks just about sex? I hope not! But you’re pretty adamant that you wouldn’t live with me now, or ever, as long as we were away from Nashville?”

“No … no PJ, that’s not what I said. Please don’t think that. We’ve only really known each other for a week now. I just want to take it slow and let it happen. I’ve made relationship decisions quickly in the past, some have worked out, but most have not. This is too important for us. I don’t want to screw this up. God, please understand.”

We sat in silence, our knees touching, holding hands with heads bowed, while we considered the conversation.

After a long pause, PJ broke the silence. “Charley, I apologize for pushing too hard. You’re right. We haven’t known each other long enough to be making this commitment. Maybe someday in the future, okay? Another thing you’ll learn about me is that I’m like a bull in a china shop. When I see what I want, I bull ahead without thinking. I’m a basketball player and a coach, and I guess quick decisions are part of who I am. I don’t want to make a mistake either, so I’m willing to take as long as we need.”

“Thank you sweetheart, I appreciate your understanding.”

Thank you, God.

The look on his face told me he was also relieved. I guess we both knew we had stepped back from the edge of a deep precipice we probably couldn’t climb out of. I know that’s how I felt. The tension was still hanging in the early morning air, but it did seem like it was now retreating. 

PJ broke the stalemate. “Hey sexy, let’s go inside and see if those scissors, razor and shaving cream work.  If there is going to be as much action as you indicated over the next two weeks, we should get prepared!”

I was relieved, so I took his hand and almost pulled him toward the sliding doors inside.. PJ’s proposal and my response were put aside by mutual agreement, but I suspected the issue was not over, and it could mean trouble for us and would have to be dealt with eventually, if we ever get serious about each other.

As we walked inside, he slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me close. The warmth and smell of his body made me forgot where I was, it didn’t seem to matter; I could be in Nashville or Middletown or Australia. The place was irrelevant; I was in the arms of the man I loved.

He leaned close and whispered, “I can’t wait to use your goodie presents yet; especially the razor and shaving cream.”

“I’m not so sure I want you near me with that razor in your hand.”

“I promise, I will devote all my attention to you and be careful. I can’t afford another injury from your vicious attacks.”

“Just remember,” I added playfully. “I will be having a chance with you as well.”

We entered the bedroom with the still rumpled covers on the bed, giggling like teenagers and headed for the closet to retrieve the goodies.

We enjoyed each other for the better part of the morning, laughing, loving, whispering tenderly, exploring and talking.  We lay in each other’s arms, each physically drained, but sexually and emotionally fulfilled. I couldn’t forget our discussion on the patio, but I pushed it back to that part of my brain reserved for all the things I need to think about sometime else. But I knew it would have to be dealt with eventually.

Just not now, later.

Last night, and this morning had become a prelude for the next two weeks. Each day, we discovered new aspects of each other’s character and heart. I’m impulsive and impatient. PJ is determined and calculating, but impatient as well. We both enjoy physical contact; little things like holding hands, and messing with each other’s hair, and laying hands on each other’s leg while driving. I enjoy his arm around my shoulder at the movies. And I am always amazed when he opens and holds the car door for me. These are little things, but such important things to me.

 We regularly met PJ’s friends. We explored Middletown and made trips into Cincinnati and Dayton. One day, I challenged the Big Boy to a round of golf. He won, but only by four strokes. We got a Baskin-Robbins afterwards.

I could feel our relationship maturing slowly but steadily. We found new reasons to like each other, and a few minor irritants as well. He just doesn’t listen before butting in with his comments.

I insist on controlling the car's instrument panel, radio, air conditioner, and I had to call him on his speed, and tell him of every stop-sign and traffic light. He stopped one time, a little frustrated, and got into the back seat and said. “Tell you what, you drive from now on.”

The main thing we discovered was that our love didn’t depend on sex. We just enjoyed and were comfortable with each other’s presence … but we didn’t neglect sex by any means! We found new and interesting places to explore each other; on the grassy knoll in right field at the baseball field, in PJ’s office in the gym, in the hot tub reserved for players in the training room, in the back seat of his Dodge Ram extended cab, at the last remaining drive-in theater in Ohio, in PJ’s swimming pool, but especially in our bed at home. 

For me, and I hoped too for PJ, this was the most wonderful time I had ever had. Forgotten was the conversation about me moving in. I forgot about Randle. Jimmy’s Bar and Grill went to the back of my mind, and I only called Ronnie twice to see how the business was going, and to see what was happening with the investors group.

We were in love and could only think about each other.

But one thing we could not forget was the rapidly approaching date when I had to fly home. The night before, we lay in the bed holding each other. Sex was always possible with us, but this evening it wasn’t important. We preferred gentle handholding, the kissing and hugging that comes between two people after lust decreases and real love increases. Heaven knows, we had ridden that lust escalator fully the last fourteen days. Now was the time for loving.

“PJ, I’m going to miss seeing you every morning.” I turned to him and continued quietly. “I hope you understand why I can’t stay here, why I have to go back.”

He stroked my hair tenderly. “I do understand, but I don’t know how I’m going to feel when you’re not here for me to wake up with. Sweetheart, we
will
work out something so we can be together. I’ll think of something … promise.”

“I know you will.”

With that thought, we grew silent again and gradually gave in to our need to sleep, my back to his chest, my hips in his lap, and his arms wrapped around me, holding my breasts.

The trip to the airport took two hours because of the drive time traffic as we went through Cincinnati. We spent the time making plans to see each other again.

“Basketball season is almost upon me, so it will be tough getting time away. We take four days off at Thanksgiving, and I have a tournament in Knoxville middle of December, but it’s not going to be easy.”

“I’ll take some time to come to Curtis. I want to see you PJ. We’ll have some other weekends. It’ll work, you’ll see.”

Both of us knew it wouldn’t be enough time together. We just chose to be quiet to the likelihood that a long distance romance had little chance of surviving. But, I refused to admit that was a possibility, so we made plans.

Monday mornings were always busy. The weekend receipts had to be verified and the bank deposit made. This was my job. “Ronnie, got a minute? I’m looking over these receipts and I have a question.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I can’t make the receipts match the cash register revenue last weekend. Particularly this bar bill. Can you help me out?”

“Was this on Friday or Saturday?”

“Looks like Friday.”

“Oh yeah, Mayor Lopez and some of his staff came by. They wanted to borrow the back booth; I think to talk about the upcoming campaign. I figured we could use all the support we could get, so I took care of their drinks. That okay?”

“Good move. If we are going to expand, we do need all the help we can get.”

“Can we talk a minute?”

“Sure sit down. What’s on your mind?”

“You seem very relaxed after the two weeks with PJ. This is the first time I’ve seen you since you came back. How did it go?”

“Ronnie, I had a great time. PJ is for real, and I’m so glad we got together.”

“Was the real man as fantastic as the dream man?”

“Stop it, you dirty old man, you’ll make me blush. I’m not giving away
any
details. But in a word, absolutely!”

“Good, honey, I’m glad.  Wilma and I like the young coach. He seems to be good for you.”

“Yes he is.”

“Oh, one other thing, I saw Shelby the other day. I hope you don’t mind, I talked to him about our proposal.”

“So? How is my reluctant old daddy doing?”

I still couldn’t feel warm and fuzzy about his announcement two weeks ago. Not telling me for so long was just not right. I wondered what else he was keeping from me.

“Charlotte, give him a break. He really is a good man.”

“I know.” I shrugged my shoulders and pouted. “I do know.”

“Well, he will probably be calling you today or tomorrow. After talking about the investor group’s offer, and finally reading our proposal, he’s ready to talk seriously.”

“Ronnie, why did he turn me down to begin with?”

“He told me his investment committee was convinced we were heading into a serious slowdown, or possibly a recession. He didn’t want you to be pressured when the business might slow down.”

“Looking out for me again?”

“Guess so,” Ronnie replied with a wide grin.

“Ronnie, you’re amazing. I wasn’t looking forward to seeing him again. Thanks.”

I stood and hugged the older man, kissed his cheek and said. “I love you.”

“Now
I’m
going to blush. Shelby really has a heart for you; he’s just not good about showing it … Got to get back to work, big lunch today.”

“I know he’s a good man. Thanks for reminding me.”

I was beginning to soften about Shelby, but I was still mad at him. But I had more to worry about now. I returned to my work, but wasn’t able to concentrate properly; PJ kept creeping into my mind. Finally I gave in to temptation, closed my eyes, and allowed my mind to wander.

The spell was interrupted by the big booming voice of Lloyd from the bar. “Charley, phone call.”

Lloyd startled me, and I was slow to respond but muttered back. “Transfer it back here. Thanks.”

The voice on the line was familiar. “Good morning Charlotte, this is Shelby Loomis.”

“Morning, Shelby.”

“I’ve been giving some more thought to your proposal, and I think we might work something out. Could you come in tomorrow?”

“I would be glad to. Why don’t we make it a breakfast meeting and get something at the Fresh Deli?”

“Sounds good to me, 7:30 okay?”

“I’ll be there.”

Things are beginning to look up. I returned to my work; no more daydreaming. The routine work had a soothing effect on me. This didn’t last long before I was interrupted again by a familiar voice.