For Nicky (5 page)

The last few times I’ve gone running, I’ve seen a fine specimen of a man running at the same time. I never get a good look at his face but I can tell he is very fit. I swear one night he kept running just to prove he could run the same distance as me. Then he was at the park running too. I don’t know everyone in town, even though I’m getting to know more people every day, but I don’t recognize this man. I briefly thought about saying hello at one point but then I decided against it. My luck, Audrey had already gotten to him, and he wouldn’t see anything in me.

Two weeks before the party, I ran into Nick and his brother, Nate, at the grocery store. Nick was so excited to see me and have Nate and I meet. There was something very familiar about Nick’s brother, but I decided it was because he and Nick looked so much alike and I saw Nick every day. Nate was above-average in looks and seemed nice enough. He looked genuinely surprised when Nick introduced me as Miss Elizabeth. He smiled politely, but seemed conflicted, like he wanted to say more but he was wary of me? It was strange and gave me a self-conscious feeling. Audrey had done a job on me and it affected me almost daily, especially when guys were involved.

Whoa,
Miss Sexy Backside is Miss Elizabeth. I knew Mom had said she was super cute, but Mom hadn’t done her justice. But, this was Nick’s new friend and teacher. I had to hope that a teacher at the center would never be mean to Nick, but my standby fight instinct kicked in, and I felt the need to be suspicious of Miss Elizabeth. I usually took the stance of “guilty until proven innocent” which was maybe unfair, but, in my experience with people being mean to Nicky, it was a valid position to take. She had a gorgeous smile and seemed friendly enough; even though Nicky has misjudged those wanting to be his friend before, Mom usually is spot-on with her gut feelings about people. I just wish I could be less suspicious of people’s ulterior motives. I don’t want to be wary of this pretty girl, but it’s just so ingrained in me that I’m not sure I know how else to react to meeting Nicky’s new friend.

One week before the party, fate brought Nate and I together again. I needed some things for the party, so I headed to the local hobby shop. I didn’t realize that the sweet man who ran the shop was Nate and Nick’s uncle, Dale. Nate was working at the shop that day. Again, he wasn’t rude, but it’s like he was assessing if I was really who I said I was. It didn’t make sense, why was he so suspicious of me? Or was he suspicious of everyone? He helped me find my paint brushes, paint, poster board, and glue and rang up my purchases and spoke kindly, but he didn’t offer any pleasantries beyond what was necessary. It was the strangest thing; I couldn’t be offended because he wasn’t mean or disrespectful, but I couldn’t say it was a positive experience because I just got the feeling he was judging me. I wish, just once, I’d meet a guy and not worry about what he thought about me or what Audrey may have told him about me.

By our third run-in, the day before the party, I was convinced that Nate was the most attractive guy in town and that I had no chance in hell with him.  He was way too hot and way too aloof. Seriously, blond hair, great build, what’s not to like? Oh, except his standoffishness.  I was running, which I always used as an escape from my thoughts and stress. I started running shortly after Mom died. When Dad was really depressed and couldn’t even pull himself off the couch to fix supper, I’d go running before I fixed Audrey and myself some soup. When he was angry and barking orders at us, I’d run after finishing my chores. When Dad had friends over to play cards, smoke, and drink beer, I’d run to escape the leering glances of some of his fellow officers. Audrey always seemed to like the attention these guys paid her, but I always wanted out of the house and away from their predatory grins and comments. Running helped to clear my head of their uncomfortable comments and stares and clear my nose of the smoke and beer stench. Dad was usually too tanked to notice the comments and glances and the officers never paid attention to Audrey or I before Dad was at least a few drinks in.

Anyway, I was running around the track at Torey Hope High School (luckily, someone had turned on the lights again! Love it when that happens!), and I noticed Nate was also running. He stopped by me as I was doing my cool down stretches.

“Hi. Hey, um, I was wondering if you had a minute to talk?” Nate seemed a little annoyed at even having to have this conversation.

When I nodded my head to let him know I had some time, he continued. “Listen, I’m sorry if I’ve come off as rude the last couple times we met. First, I was surprised that YOU were Miss Elizabeth; I’ve seen you around town lately, but I hadn’t put YOU with Nicky’s Miss Elizabeth. Also, I’m always a little suspicious of people who want to be Nicky’s friend. I’ve spent my whole life protecting him, mostly with threats and my fists. I want to think you’ll be kind to him, and I know that he’s totally enamored with you, but I am always slow to warm up to Nicky’s friends because of past experiences. I hope you can understand my position.”

Um, okay? I had no plans on hurting Nicky. And I told Nate that. He seemed satisfied with my answer, but it was like he wanted to say more.  He smirked slightly, almost to himself like he was embarrassed, ran his hands up and down his face, blew out a breath, and said, “Ok, I guess I’ll see you around. I’m coming to the Fall Party; Nicky is so excited there’s no way he’d let me not show up. So, um, I guess I’ll see you there. I mean, if you’re there. Of course, it’s sort of your party so I’m guessing you’ll be there, but you’ve probably got it so planned out that it could run itself. Yeah, so anyway, I’m going to go now.” Nate shook his head and rolled his eyes slightly as he turned away from me and then he took off to finish his run.

I felt bad being suspicious of Miss Elizabeth. I know Nicky loves her. The suspicion and wariness is just so natural to me that it’s hard to not react that way. She seems like a very nice person, but I’m going to need a little more convincing. I felt like a complete dork today after we spoke; I started to ask her if she wanted to go out sometime. But, then I remembered that I didn’t want a slow, messy situation, and now that I’d met her, I KNOW she’s a good girl, so I stood there silently for a moment while “ask her out” thoughts swam through my head, then I started babbling awkwardly for another minute before I just took off running. No girl has ever made me babble like a fool and feel nervous. Just my luck, the first girl that does is way out of my league.

It’s the day of the party. Audrey and I have been busy all week getting as much set up as possible, but this morning we still have a ton to do, and I’m so grateful for my coworkers who have come to help us out.

“Hey, Elizabeth, where should this tub go for the apple bobbing?” shouts Joe.  He’s a teacher at the center; he teaches math skills like grocery shopping on a budget, buying a bus ticket, reading a bus schedule, etc.  He’s really good at giving the kids real life math skills.

“Put it over there at the corner of the parking lot, Joe!  Thanks!” I reply.

Luckily, our weather is going to be perfect so most of the activities can be outside.  Scott, who teaches automotive technology, and Krissy, who teaches real life reading and writing skills like filling out job applications, writing a note to a child’s teacher, following cooking instructions, reading an owner’s manual, etc. are putting hay in the wagon and getting the tractor hooked up.  I’m extremely appreciative of the local farmers who don
ated the hay, wagon, and tractor.  The local orchard gave us plenty of apples and pumpkins, too.  The churches in town were very generous with sharing their tables and chairs.  Audrey, with her connections, got us a big tent as well.  All the food is going under the tent.  And when I say ALL the food, I’m talking about a massive amount of food!  The center staff all brought fall-themed food and the ladies in the local churches got word of the party and sent over tons of food as well.  We have cakes, cookies, pies, caramel apples, caramel corn, roasted nuts, salads, sandwiches, side dishes, and apple cider.  No one will leave here hungry, that’s for sure.  I can’t wait to fill up my plate!

Audrey has already gone home to get ready, but she’s back now to continue getting things set up so that I can go home and get changed for the party.  I glance over to where Audrey is talking to Ann, the teacher who makes sure her students know how to cook and clean safely. Not all of our students are able to take all of the classes
offered at the center, but if their ability level allows it, the school gives them as many skills as possible.  Audrey leaves Ann to finish setting up the face painting station and makes a beeline toward Anthony.  Anthony helps the students prepare for job interviews with speaking, poise, and even how to dress for success.  Anthony is fantastic.  His partner, Brad, is a fabulous guy. He works in the insurance industry and could seriously sell snow to a penguin. I wonder if Audrey realizes that Anthony is not only taken, but also not interested in anything she could offer.  Oh well, Audrey is the type to believe she can make people change their ways and she won’t give up without a fight. I have to just shake my head and start home.

On my way out, I run into Cindy Morgan and her husband, John; Nate and Nicky’s parents. Cindy works part time at the center as a clerical assistant.  She’s so good at record keeping and working the front desk, especially with new students and families.  She’s soft spoken but no-nonsense and can put people at ease from the first contact.  Her husband, John, is an English Language Arts teacher at Torey Hope Middle School.  He’s a favorite teacher all around town.  In the summers, if he’s not painting houses to make extra money, he’s usually at the center.  He does paint touch ups and other handy-man work but also just interacts with the students.  Cindy and John have a special connection to the center because Nicky attended high school here and spends most afternoons here even several years after graduation.  Nicky is a favorite around the center with his infectious smile and enthusiasm for life.  Nick is full of heart, gumption, and gusto. He helps with the younger students, often helping to explain homework problems to them or just hang out with them. He always pitches in and assists with the chores around the center. His employer at the local grocery store continually praises Nicky for a job well done. Nicky is the perfect employee; loyal, consistent, able to take direction, and just happy to be of service.

Cindy and John smile at me and I easily return the smile.  I don’t feel shy around them like I do around most people; they are just easy to be around.  Cindy gushed, “Oh, Elizabeth, this is all going to be so wonderful!  We should make this an annual event.  Nicky is almost crazy with excitement. I don’t know if he slept a wink last night. He is so very anxious for you to meet his brother, Nathan.  I don’t know how you two haven’t met already.  Anyway, Nate is a wonderful boy…”

“Cindy….” John gave an
embarrassed smile and tried to hush his wife, but she would not be deterred.

“What, John? Nate is about Elizabeth’s age and they are both so attractive and neither
are dating anyone.  I think it just makes sense.”

My cheeks flushed at this turn in the conversation. Oh,
Lordy! I need to get out of here. What was I supposed to tell Cindy? “Yes, I met your son and he thinks I’m going to be mean to Nick so he basically warned me that I’m guilty until proven innocent. Charming man.” Yeah, that’s not exactly going to work, so I stammer, “Oh, Nick introduced us a couple weeks ago, and I’ve seen Nate around a few times since then. He seems to be a very nice guy. Well, I probably better get going.”

John saves me by steering his wife away with a wink, “See you later, Elizabeth.
It’s going to be a great party.”

As I walk the short distance to my apartment, I text my father.  Captain Robert Decker did the best with the hand he was dealt. He could have drank less, maybe talked to a therapist about his loss, spent more time with his daughters, but he put a roof over our heads, provided food and clothing and education, so I really can’t complain. I wish he had gotten into the recovery program earlier, but I am glad he’s in it now and that things have gotten better for him and between us. I know he misses my mom, Lois, with every beat of his heart and he’s a proud, hard man who doesn’t show love easily.  I know he was proud of his daughters’ accomplishments.  My father has always accepted me the way I am and never pushed me to change; he simply expects my best, celebrates my wins, mourns my losses, and loves me with no question. You just have to look hard to see this, because Dad doesn’t show it on the surface very well, it’s more of a hidden thing.  Yep, not the worst parent in the world…except he was the exact same way with Audrey.  I know a parent should treat their children the same but he totally let Audrey get away with murder.  “That’s just Audrey” is his answer to anything Audrey does or says even if it’s hurtful to
herself or others.  I feel like he could have kept a tighter rein on her.  But, it’s not my place to judge, and I’m blessed that I at least have my dad, even if our relationship was rocky at times and his emotional health was less than stable.  I just feel like he let Audrey do whatever she wanted because he was too heartbroken, or depressed, or drunk to deal with her. So, I text him to be sure he’s still coming to the party.  He replies, “If you want me there then I wouldn’t miss the chance to see both my girls shine!” My first thought is “And, if Audrey doesn’t feel like she’s shining brightly enough, she’ll make her own light”.  Which is what scares me.