Anna & Celecia 4

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Anna & Celecia 4 - 8:00 PM, 5/12/13

Tell Me You Haven’t Done This Before

Speed Dating_6

2,256 words

“I hate leaving you to close out alone tonight.” Anna finished re-applying eye shadow and leaned toward the mirror to get a better look. She then started running a brush through her hair.

“Don’t worry, there’s not too much to do and Daniel will help me. I just need your spreadsheet in the morning. After you come up for air, that is.” Celecia smiled as she checked her look in the mirror. “I think we did pretty well tonight. We cleared a thousand by my calculations.”

“How did Katia make out?” Anna asked. “She was having ex problems too.”

“I know, poor girl. She wanted to leave but I convinced her to stay until Daniel could get her ex out of the parking lot. Unlike Andrew, her ex actually showed up. Daniel was doing overtime out there tonight.” Celecia sighed. “He cleared a path so Katia and Mark could leave here together.” She breathed a deep sigh. “They’re probably off starting a new relationship as we speak. It makes you feel all warm inside when you can provide that.”

“Yeah, it does. I thought maybe you knew who Richard was.” Anna put her brush on the counter and took one last look at her reflection in the mirror, watching Celecia’s eyes as she spoke. “You’re always in control of these situations and I thought you planted him into the mix.”

“Not with Andrew possibly walking through the door. One disaster in a lifetime is enough.” Celecia ran her fingers through her blond hair. “Let’s just see how this plays out, honey. If he’s an attorney and he wants to help, I’m willing to listen.”

“I want us to have some alone time. I wouldn’t feel right if it looked like we were taking advantage.”

“And we do know how to take advantage.” Celecia giggled and bumped her hip against Anna’s.

“We’re not going to do that to Richard, are we?” Anna corrected her friend.

“No, we’re not. I promise to give you some space.”

“I want to give it some time.” Anna said.

“More than fifteen minutes?” Celecia laughed and bumped hips again.

“We’ll see. He went to a lot of trouble to find me, and he’s cute.” Anna laughed. “He sat in a car across the street from my mother’s. He thought I was hiding out.”

“Why?” Celecia asked.

“He says he was infatuated. I think his attorney nose was looking for something because of our past.”

“Don’t put yourself down, honey. I was watching his eyes.”

“Really, was he giving me the look?”

Absolutely, you own him, and I like that he’s an attorney. Just don’t go sacrificing yourself for affordable legal counsel. I have some other candidates in the wings.” Celecia put her hand over Anna’s. “I know how fiercely loyal you are, but do this for Anna, we’ll manage, we always have.”

“I’m going into this with my eyes open, Cece. After the deal with Andrew you can bet I’ll be cautious.”

“Daniel will handle Andrew; you get yourself put together and go see this new guy. And give it at least twenty-four hours.”

“Thanks, Cece. I’ll call you later.”

~~~

The Wharf was walking distance from their speed dating venue and Anna found Richard waiting at the bar. He saved a seat next to his, and there was a glass of white wine as a placeholder on the bar. As usual, the Wharf was busy on a Tuesday evening and it was standing room only.

“Celecia declined the invite for tonight. She’ll get together with us another day.” Anna slipped onto the empty stool even though it was a little uncomfortable sitting at the bar. She wanted to have an intimate conversation, but all the tables were taken and this time with Richard was too important to put on hold. It was too early in the relationship for a rendezvous at his or her place, so this would have to do. “She knows you want to help us, but she also knows I want to see if this spark turns into a flame.”

“My flame is burning bright now. I think I was clear how I felt about you.”

“And my past doesn’t bother you?” Anna asked.

“I’m not worried about what went on. I know you and Celecia are pros and all the other girls out there are just Sunday drivers. What I look at is what you’ve done since.”

“Just for the record, neither of us worked with the men.”

“I’m not asking questions about that part of your past. It’s your future I’m interested in.”

Anna into his eyes. “I just want to be clear, we never met strange men in hotel rooms.” She repeated. “It started out as a dating service and kind of got out of hand. I never thought we would spend a few days in jail, a few thousand dollars on legal defense and then know the humiliation of our faces being exposed on TV news.”

“But look what you girls have done since. Your local community work with abused women has drawn the attention of the Mayor and the City Council. People will remember the TV coverage of your redemption and forget about what got you there.”

“But that was a requirement of our probation.”

“I realize that, but you and Celecia could have done something easy like stuffing envelopes, low profile and out of sight. Instead of taking the easy route you’ve been out in the community and opened yourselves to scrutiny. You talk to women’s groups and go to high schools and counsel girls on promiscuity. I heard a speech you gave at the Women’s League about a month ago, and that’s how I found you.”

“You know how to make a girl feel special.” Anna lowered her eyes and spoke softly.

“I admit I was impressed with your looks in the beginning, but your actions since the trial are what got me at your table tonight.”

“I know you think I’ve been hiding out, but stalking my mother in San Diego, really? I’m just being cautious. Both of us have been harassed by crackpots.”

“You can understand why I went there.”

“Yes.” Anna let her shoulder rest against his. “You went to a lot of trouble. My mother thinks your motives are a little unorthodox though.”

“I wasn’t stalking; I just hung around looking for you. Do you go there often?”

“Rarely. She forwards my mail and we talk about once a week, that’s when I can stand the constant reminders.” Anna let her hand rest on his and squeezed. “I’m impressed. I’ve never had a man go to such lengths.”

“Maybe you would if you’d stay in one place and surface for more than a few minutes.” He reached between them and touched the skin of her arm. “But I’m glad you kept yourself out of sight.”

“Why? Do you have a fetish for reclusive women or is this an unintended consequence of pretty girl syndrome?” Anna laughed.

Richard slowly slid his fingers down the length of her arm. “It cuts down on the competition, and yes, it’s a symptom of pretty girl syndrome.”

“Sweet flattery, it could get you laid.”

Richard grasped her hand between his hands. “I’m unsure what your intentions are, but that’s not just why I came here.”

Anna squeezed his hand. “Be careful, Richard, I can be like a tornado. Once I get all wound up you can’t stop me until I run my course.”

“I wouldn’t even attempt it. But shouldn’t we get to know each other a little more?”

“You’re right.” Anna laughed. “What’s your favorite color?”

“Green, how about you?”

“Flesh.”

Richard stared at her and leaned forward. “Do you want to do it right here and then find out about each other afterward?”

“I don’t do group sex, so let’s just talk all night and plan sex in the morning if everything goes okay. I love morning sex.” She whispered in his ear.

“I’m glad we got that settled.” Richard laughed and shook his head.

“Me too. I’m at my best when I have a goal to work toward.”

Richard leaned back and took a deep breath. “How did you girls get started in the escort business?”

Anna looked down the row of seats at the bar, wondering how many of the women were bona-fide dates and how many were rent-a-girl’s meeting their clients. “It actually started when we were at UCI. We had a regular girl’s night at my apartment and we joked about setting up a dating service. It was all innocent in the beginning.”

“All things truly wicked start from innocence.” Richard said quietly.

“And the man quotes Hemingway.” Anna smiled. “But the wickedness has continued.”

“I don’t understand. The trial is over and you’re satisfying the conditions of the judgment. What else is there? You and Celecia aren’t still running the service, are you?”

“We started a branch up here when we moved and we disbanded the service in the south. The girls that wanted to come with us did, but most stayed. That was the first mistake; we left and didn’t look back. After our case was settled we found out that some of our girls in Southern California decided to keep the service going. They didn’t change the name; they didn’t change anything, except who was getting the profit. And now my ex-boyfriend is threatening to blow the whistle since I broke off our relationship.”

“Doesn’t he have someone else to harass?” Richard asked.

“He says he loves me.” Anna waved her hand through the air.

“That’s a rather peculiar way of showing it.”

“You’re an attorney. What can we do to protect ourselves?” Anna asked.

Richard reached toward her face, moving a long strand of hair from in front of her eye. “Don’t let him get out front. Go to the authorities and file a complaint; let them know what’s going on.”

“I don’t know…”

“It’s the best way. We’ll go down there file the paperwork with the court, and then get a restraining order against your ex-boyfriend. Truth is cleansing and Judges look favorably on people who take the initiative to do the right thing.”

“We’ll go down? You’re inviting yourself?” Anna asked.

“You’ll need an attorney.”

“I know, I just don’t want to impose on you so early in our relationship.”

“At the risk of repeating myself, I told you how I feel.”

Anna rested her elbows on the bar. “Do you make it a habit of rescuing convicted women?” She looked at him and noticed his smile reclined to a pensive look. When he didn’t respond she pushed for an answer. “Richard, tell me you haven’t done this before.”

“I did this once before,” he said quietly. “The circumstances were a little different, but I rescued a woman I thought was innocent.”

Anna rolled her eyes. “Gee, Richard. You really had me going there. For a minute I was feeling pretty special. Is this something you do on a regular basis?”

“No, just once before.”

“And I suppose you slept with her?” Anna asked.

“That’s not important…”

“Why wouldn’t it be important? It’s always important. Did she dump you and now I get you on the rebound?” Anna cut him off.

“I really think you’re jumping…”

“Let me get this straight. You rescue a woman and use that to get her into bed. What a scam…”

“I think you should listen, Anna. Before you convict and sentence me you need to hear the whole story.”

Anna took a deep breath and lowered her elbows onto the bar. A tear formed under one eye and she let it careen across her cheek.

“Before you get all wound up like a tornado I would appreciate your attention.”

“You were the guy, Richard.” Anna lifted a napkin and dabbed the moisture on her cheeks. “You were the guy who was going to take me away from all this. And now I find out you’ve done this before. How many times, Richard? Two, eight, ten? How many times? Who else?”

“She was accused of having sex with her underage male students.” Richard dismissed her pleas and began. “I thought she was innocent. I couldn’t believe a woman like her was capable of doing such a thing. Every time I looked into her eyes I saw an innocent person. She was smart, ambitious, and she was an intense lover. She seduced me into her web and I got on my white horse and did battle for her.” Richard looked into Anna’s eyes. “And then she did it again. I got her out on bail and the first thing she did was go back to school and pick up one of her students. They spent a weekend together in Tahoe, and afterwards she called me. She said she realized she couldn’t help herself. She cried and I tried to rationalize what she had done.” Richard lowered his head and spoke softly. “And then she said good-bye, hung up and put a thirty-eight into her mouth and ended it.”

“I remember that. It was just last year.”

“So you’re not the only one who’s out there taking a chance. We all have baggage. Love is a leap of faith, and sometimes we misjudge.”

Anna lowered her head into her hands and took a deep breath. “You have damage. Oh God, do you have damage.”

Anna & Celecia

THE END

Shattered Soul

Shattered Soul

Wish a shattering soul made some noise

For you to know it did shatter

This silent collapse doesn't help

For ignorant thee, it does not matter.

Neha Godambe

'Shattered  Soul'  can be viewed as a Glossi at the following link: 

Shattered Soul

Anna & Celecia 3

Anna & Celecia 3- 7:20 PM, 5/12/13

I Know Who You Are

Speed Dating_5       

3,054 words

“Okay everyone, we’re taking our last break tonight.” Celecia stood in the middle of the room, ringing her small brass bell one more time and her eyes searching, making note of each attendee. She always made a thorough accounting of the participants at each table, it was her responsibility tonight to make sure the evening went off without a hitch and that every participant felt good about the variety of dates. “I know you all have personal matters to deal with, but it’s a Tuesday night, so let’s be punctual. Fifteen minutes, ladies. I know the chairs are more comfortable in the lounge, but please, no unnecessary lingering. The men actually have lives too.”

Her eyes were closed and after Celecia’s short speech all Anna could hear was the clicking of Stilettos and leather soles shuffling along the terrazzo flooring. Muffled voices completed the symphony, but the words were just an unrecognizable background harmony.

Ignoring the fact that her cell phone had stopped vibrating, she gripped the device with her fingers and opened her eyes. The message was still visible on the display and she reluctantly read the words.

I need to see you. Are you and Celecia working a speed dating session tonight? We need to talk about the Southern California thing. She read the message and sighed as she texted back. Yes, and don’t you dare come down here. I’ve talked all I want to about this, Andrew. It was your choice to leave, just let good-bye hurt like it should.

Her eyes were fixed on the screen of her cell when Anna felt a hand rest on her shoulder.

“Another text from Andrew?” Her friend and speed dating service partner, Celecia, was standing next to her, looking at the device in her hand. “He sent me a text during the last date period. He wanted to know if you were here and if we were having a session tonight. He’s threatening to blow the doors off Southern California.” She sat across the table from Anna. “He thinks we can control what the girls do down there. I keep telling him we can’t be responsible for their actions.”

Celecia was a woman of rigid discipline. In public and in private she was always together, no matter the conditions. Anna admired her determination and elegance under pressure, and she was thankful that Celecia was a tough customer, especially under the pressure they experienced recently. It wasn’t as easy for Anna, her patience wasn’t wired as precisely as Celecia’s, and Andrew’s demands weren’t helping.

To the unsuspecting, Celecia was a cool customer. Her facial expression rarely changed from a pleasant smile, but this evening Anna knew under her cloak of calmness she was within an inner turmoil about to hemorrhage, but the chaos within Celecia was usually cured in private with a quick scream into a pillow accompanied by a deep sigh, and occasionally the pillow would find itself on a high-speed trajectory across the room.

Anna and Celecia had been best friends since high school and on only one occasion did Anna see her composed beauty disturbed and tears overflow her eyes. Even in the early morning or late into the night Celecia’s outward appearance was well put together, and like an actor standing in the wings, she was ready to perform on cue.

“He actually thinks I would consider taking him back.” Anna shook her head. “I pleaded with him to stay, now I wish he would just accept that it’s over and move on.” Anna replied.               

“I had Daniel go out by the front door; he’ll stop him if he tries to get in. I also spoke with the owner and he’s alerting the police.”

“We don’t need this. A lot of people in this town know about the trial, and most don’t like that we got off without jail time.” Anna looked around the room. It was like half-time at a football game, all of the women had retired to the ladies lounge and the men stood in small groups, most likely sharing pieces of their discussions with the women they’d met tonight.

“I’d venture that after all this time our detractors are limited to wives and girlfriends.” Celecia leaned her head back and her long, blond curls bounced as they fell over the back of the chair. “And maybe a few weak husbands still afraid of their discretions being disclosed. Enough has gone on in the world to have left our little story in the dust.” She sat up and giggled and then took a sip of wine, but Anna knew it was her nerves that produced the giggle, but most of the others would see as a casual expression.

“Time doesn’t matter, Celecia. If he comes down and causes a scene about what happened in Southern California we’ll be back in the headlines again and people will remember.”

“I know, honey. And I know we can’t afford any more exposure.” Celecia’s blue eyes scanned the room before looking at the clock on her cell. “I asked Daniel to convince him to not make a scene. That is if he shows up.”

“You told him no rough stuff?” Anna said.

“Daniel knows how to handle these things, honey. If Andrew gets out of line Daniel knows how to bring him down. The bodies aren’t buried too deep on his side either.” Celecia nodded and smiled. “Daniel knows how to deal with Andrew, but I really don’t think he’ll show up. He just likes to hear the sound of his voice.” She readjusted the position of the candle and vase, and then pushed the flowers into a new arrangement within the vase. It was another signal that she was on an edge and this obsessive compulsive action was how she kept herself within her calm exterior. “How have your dates gone tonight?”

“I’m still looking. Did you sign Matthew Cummings, he seems a little young.”

“He signed up through our website. I thought he seemed young, but we needed one more body tonight. I really didn’t want to bump you or one of the other ladies, they count on us. Was there a problem?”

“I got him straightened out. He’s a nice kid, he just needed a lesson in maturity.”

“I hope he was listening.” Celecia laughed. “I saw him talking to Claire and she was smiling. He must have learned something.”

“And that guy, Max. He’s a little full of himself, but what a sad story.”

“Oh yes,” Celecia laughed, “The future golf pro. I know his father; he’s a real gem too.”

“Too bad about his mother. Was her boyfriend convicted?”

Celecia took a drink of wine. “That story is just a ruse. She pulled the trigger when she found out Max’s father took her out of the will and substituted his little twenty-something tart. The story Max told me sounded fishy so I  asked Daniel to check out the police report.”

Anna’s eyes opened wide and she shook her head. “It just keeps getting worse. That poor guy, I think.”

“Yeah, the ultimate in dysfunctional families.” Celecia said.

“I’m still worried about Andrew. I think we should consider re-hiring Brighton and Lawson.” Anna began. “We’re swimming in deep water here and I’d feel better with our legal side covered sooner than later.”

“You know we can’t afford them, honey. I’m looking for an attorney who isn’t so expensive and still has the resources to deflect attention away from our previous lives.” Celecia said.

“You’d think with all the high rollers we had as clients there would be one lawyer who would talk to us.”

“They’re all hiding under rocks. Not one would even acknowledge they know us, and we need to exercise discretion to keep the peace.” Celecia giggled again and looked at the clock on her cell. “I want to get these last four date periods done so we can wrap up and get out.”

“We need to resolve this quickly, Celecia. If Andrew comes down here and raises a fuss we’re sunk.”

Celecia stood and straightened her dress and then ran a brush through her blond curls. “Daniel has things under control out there.” She spoke calmly and then turned toward Anna and smiled. “How do I look?”

“Like a high-priced call girl madam.” Anna sighed. “As always you’re in perfect order.”

“Hmmm.” Celecia pursed her lips and shook her head. “Let’s keep a low profile on that, honey. We have every right to be here.” She reached across the table and touched Anna’s hand. “I’m going to make a run through the ladies lounge and pick up the stragglers. Time to put on your pretty face and get through this last group. There’s some great guys yet to come.” Celecia looked over her shoulder and rang her bell as she walked away.

Anna finished the last of her wine and raised her glass for the young server to see. “One more, please.” He nodded and Anna watched as the room began to fill, the women slowly returning to their tables from the security of the lounge and the men vying for the empty seats.

She noticed a good-looking man watching her from across the room. He was smiling at her and when she looked at him, he nodded. She returned the look and noticed he was the only of the men wearing a tie tonight. I wonder if he’s my next date? She smiled with anticipation as she thought. Be on your best behavior, he has the look of a possible candidate.

The man walked between the tables and stopped at the empty chair across from her. “Hi.” His smile had a playful childlike quality, and he handed her his name card. “May I join you?” He asked.

Don’t drown in those eyes, Anna told herself as she looked at the card that displayed his name alongside an image that looked more like a mug shot. “Hello, Richard.” She looked at his card and eased her face into a warm smile. “Please sit down, I wouldn’t think of turning you away.” She looked at the card again. “How has the evening worked for you so far?” She asked.

“Very nice, there’s a pleasant variety of intriguing women here tonight.” He smiled and looked into her eyes. “You and Celecia run a quality operation with an outstanding group of women candidates.”

Anna looked at his contagious smile. “Thank you, Richard. You don’t mind that I’m an owner?”

“You’re a single woman. We all have needs.” He said.

“I do pay my own fee, no discount, just like all the others, but I’d like to keep it quiet if you don’t mind.”

“You’re not breaking any laws, but I’ll respect your wishes.” He said.

“Thank you; there are some who might think I’m taking unfair advantage.  It’s just that Celecia has a steady guy and this is a great opportunity to meet men.” Anna’s fingers turned his name card, bending it and then flipping it over so she could see his name again. “I suppose we should get on with our purpose.” She looked into his eyes again and anticipation was swimming in their warmth. “Tell me a little about Richard. Are you from around here?”

“Yes, well not originally, I’m a Southern California transplant.”

“Who isn’t?” Anna replied. “Where in the south?”

“Dana Point. Where are you from?”

“Newport Beach, Celecia and I went to high school there and we were undergrads at UCI. We moved here together looking for cleaner air and a nicer environment.”

Richard laughed. “I got tired of the first five questions a girl would ask in a bar.”

“How much do you make, and by the way, how much do you make?” Anna laughed. “I never really felt comfortable prying that deep with a casual acquaintance.”

“I would think that by the time you sat next to a guy you could tell which ones were keepers and who were just low-hanging fruit.”

Anna sat up and looked at him. “Did I sleep through part of this conversation?”

“Why do you say that?” He said.

“It seems like we skipped ahead into personal territory. You seem to know a lot about me and I don’t remember saying much about my past.”

“Is that your first impression of me, that I can be a mind reader?” He asked.

“No. Third or fourth, but something tells me you know more. Maybe you have an inside track to some dirt that I don’t want revealed. Did you come here to embarrass me?” Anna sat up straight and her eyes were attached to his.

“Does that mean you’ll have to dismiss me from your table?” He laughed.

“That depends, I have the right and I’m considering it.” Anna looked into his eyes. “If you’re a plant you might as well leave while you can still walk.”

“I’m not a plant, just good at reading people, it’s a gift.” He looked at her and the warm smile never left his face.

Anna rolled her eyes. “If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that line.”

Richard folded his hands on the table. “Just like the line telling you how pretty you are. I’ll bet you have a few buckets of nickels.”

“I think there was a compliment buried in there.” Anna’s eyes locked on his.

“Guilty, I’m afflicted with pretty girl syndrome.” He laughed. “Will my sentence consist of any jail time?”

“Okay, Richard. Did Celecia bring you in special? There’s something different about you.” Anna leaned forward, her eyes opened wide and her smile took on a serious stare. “Don’t get me wrong, you’re the first sign of male intelligence I’ve encountered here tonight.”

“No. I’ve never actually met either of you until tonight.”

Anna’s eyes looked at Celecia and her foot was tapping a rapid beat under the table. “Define ‘actually met’, Richard.” She turned her head back to him.

“I know who you are, or better, who you were.” He said.

Folding her arms across her chest, Anna leaned back into the supple leather. “I’m getting close to exercising my right to dismiss you. Did Daniel send you here to harass me?” She looked closer, trying to remember his face. “You weren’t a client?”

“No, to the contrary, I would never pay for it.” He leaned back and smiled. “I remember seeing you at the trial…”

“Don’t talk about that.” She interrupted, moving her head forward and placing her finger over her lips. “Who are you?”

“Someone who has admired you from a distance and someone who might be able to help you.” He said. “Who’s Daniel?”

“Don’t worry about Daniel.” Anna leaned back into the leather again and her eyes scoured the room. She looked at Celecia and nodded at Richard; and then Celecia shrugged her shoulders and shook her head.

“Celecia hasn’t met me either.” Richard noticed her subtle communication. “But I think she’ll be interested in what I have to offer.”

“Okay, Richard.” Anna sighed and folded her arms over her chest. I might as well jump in and see what he’s up to, she thought. “It’s been a long day and all I want to do is go home, get out of this dress and get into a warm tub with a glass of wine.” She looked at him again. “You’re sure you aren’t with the probation office?”

Richard laughed. “No, but I was wondering how long it would take to get you there.” He leaned forward and spoke softly. “But I can help you with that also.”

“I’m running on fumes here. Can I ask what your intent is?”

“My intent has been to meet you, Anna.” Richard placed his hand over hers. “I’ve been infatuated with you since the trial, but you’ve been hard to find. You’re using an address in Southern California and you don’t answer your cell during the day. Are you nocturnal?” He laughed again.

“I don’t answer numbers I don’t recognize, but I do listen to voice messages, and the address is my mother’s home.”

 Richard laughed. “I did see your mother too and she could be mistaken as an older sister. I probably should have left a message, but I figured a woman as attractive as you probably gets plenty of those messages.”

Anna closed her eyes part way. “You went all the way to San Diego to see if I was actually living there? I think you’re some kind of stalker freak.”

Richard smiled and shook his head. “I just happened to be there on a case and decided to see if you were around. It’s a nice neighborhood, you’re mother must be well off.”

“I try to avoid confrontations with my mother these days. And no, I’m not a vampire so the nocturnal thing doesn’t play. Did I hear another compliment?” Anna sighed but left her hand under his. “What kind of case…”

“I’m an attorney, but what’s on my mind right now is to get to know Anna better.” Richard interrupted. “Helping you and Celecia comes later.”

Anna leaned back and folded her arms, her eyes open wide and her lips pinched tightly.

“Am I making a bad second impression?” He asked.

“What did you mean by ‘pretty girl syndrome’? Do you confront anything in a skirt or are you being honest about your feelings for me?”

“I hoped it would be perceived as another form of compliment, and no, I don’t stop girls on the street. I liked you form the moment I saw you, and I thought you and Celecia would be interested in some affordable legal representation.”

Anna laughed and leaned forward. “We can talk about Celecia and legal matters later. You’re on my personal time and we’re still on a five minute date, and I have some time left.”

“I can walk and chew gum.” He laughed.

“Good, because you’re going to need to run and chew gum if you get involved with me.” Anna looked at Celecia again and smiled. “And I don’t want you thinking I’ll offer a trade for legal services.”

Richard slowly reached for her hand and pulled it to his lips. “I’m ready to run with you anytime.”

Anna & Celecia

CONTINUED

The Blade - by Tate Morgan

The Blade

My grandfather was a marine

who made you think he could spit nails

Forged in the war, baked to the core

a man honed from his life’s travails

From him came my own father

whom he worked sun up to sunset

Driving horses, at race courses

a life I will never forget

My grandfather had owned a knife

where it came from I'll never know

Held by this man, whose own life span

had never bent nor been laid low

He passed that knife to my father

who in turn then gave it to me

And through our blood, the dirt and mud

it had bound itself to all three

I met Drake when he was seven

a troubled, angry, lonesome, child

A wondrous brain, who hid his pain

in a heart that was brash and wild

He'd touched my soul in such a way

I couldn't help but feel his pain

So unafraid, I gave that blade

forging a link to my own chain

I know someday he'll cut himself

as boys always seem to do

Mixing his blood, with tears and mud

to each owner it ever knew

I've so wished that I were Drake's dad

alas I couldn't be the one

I hoped he'd see, the gift from me

was meant from a father to son

Tate Morgan

Click to view "The Blade" on Glossie

Anna & Celecia 2

Anna & Celecia 2- 7:10 PM, 5/12/13

Has My Thirty Seconds Started?

Speed Dating_4

2,418 words

“Okay, Anna. That kid is a project for Claire now. If he didn’t learn his lessons she’ll take him apart, and she won’t be as forgiving as me.” Anna took a sip of wine and waved at the waiter for another. “Don’t let him upset your rhythm, there’s still eight more opportunities tonight.” She spoke quietly to herself as she watched her last date find his way through the tables to his next engagement.

Her cell began vibrating, startling her concentration and she knew before looking at the screen it would be Andrew harassing her. She read the text message and sighed, I thought we were going to meet and work things out – where are you?

Taking another deep breath, Anna watched the men getting up from their seats and moving from table to table as the speed dating session continued. “No, I don’t want to work things out, Andrew, get a news flash, it’s over.” She scolded the screen in a whisper, and then placed the cell back in her handbag. She looked at Celecia, and when their eyes met, she shook her head with disgust and there was a smirk on Celecia’s face as if to say ‘hang in there’.

A well dressed young man stopped at her table, and then took the seat opposite her. He looked athletic, he had a pleasing appearance and his blue eyes were hopeful. He placed a name card on the white linen, pushing it over the fabric between the candle and the vase. His hair was bushy blond, whose curls appeared to have a mind of their own, and his smile seemed a perpetual smirk.

The speed dating rules gave ownership of the table to the woman. It was like a little kingdom she controlled for the evening. She could exercise her option to give him one of her cards or wait until after their time together, and she could order him away if things got out of hand, but Anna knew a dismissal could ruin the entire evening for her. He looks like a Ken doll I had as a girl, I’ll see how it goes, she thought.

“Hi, I’m Max.” He extended his hand across the table.

“Anna.” She offered a warm smile and shook his hand.

“How’s things goin’ tonight, Anna?”

“Okay, no good, it’s been really good. Tonight is a good night.” Settle down Anna you’ve talked to handsome men before, she reminded herself.

“I heard a little of your conversation with the last guy.” Max eagerly started in.

“What went on at this table prior to now was a private conversation and has little relevance to us.” Anna folded her hands and stared at him. “You should have given the girl at the other table your full attention, she paid for that.” Anna leaned forward and spoke quietly. “What was her name?”

Max got a devious smile on his face. “Katia, she was hot, but I think too hot to touch. I give everyone thirty seconds. She passed on looks, but didn’t make the emotional cut.” He laughed at his own remark. “I just thought that other guy disrespected you.”

Anna chose to sit quietly with a blank look. With a remark like that I’m not going to give this guy much latitude, she thought. Just let him fall over his own words, Anna. She folded her hands and kept her eyes on his.

“The silent treatment so quickly? Conversations usually have two participants.” He said.

“I’m waiting for the conversation to start.” She said quietly. “That way I’ll know when my thirty seconds begins.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She continued to stare hoping he understood the real meaning of the word.

“Did I piss you off already? It usually takes a little longer for that to happen.”

“If I was pissed, as you say, you wouldn’t have to ask.” Anna scowled. “I’m surprised Katia didn’t cut you to pieces, she would have seen through your little façade.”

“I guess I shouldn’t have brought up the other guy?” He ignored her comment.

“So, am I even lukewarm?” Anna asked.

Max squinted his eyes and laughed. “What kind of question is that?”

“I saw how you looked when you mentioned Katia. You looked at me like I’m a little girl sitting along the roadside selling lemonade.”

Max leaned back and laughed. “What are you talking about?”

Another one, Anna thought as she smiled and nodded. “Let’s move on before I do some harm.”

“Okay. I’m a grad student at the university. My major is languages and my minor is Latin American Studies.” Max watched her closely.

“I’m a grad student too, history.” Maybe we’re going to start, she thought.

“I think you’re mad that I brought up the other guy.”

“Has my thirty seconds started? You’re regressing and I don’t want to get cheated out of my time here.” Anna mocked him.

“You are mad.” He said.

“Just disappointed, keep bringing it up and I will be mad.” She picked up his card again and read the name for the second time. “Max.” She put the card down and folded her hands. “My conversation with someone else has nothing to do with you. We’re supposed to be meeting new people and seeing if we can create a spark of interest.”

“You sound like you’ve done this before?” He asked.

“Just once, but unlike you, I know it’s not a game.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” He feigned innocence.

Anna lowered her head for a second, and then looked at Max. “Thirty seconds, huh? So you think all these women paid good money and put themselves together after a long day just to see if they make the cut with you?” She folded her arms and stared at him. Great, Anna. Two lost cases in a row. More damage.

“Okay, okay.” He shook his head and turned his glass between his fingers. “What does Anna like to do when she’s not in school or speed dating?”

“Good, that’s good. It’s always good to keep things moving.” Anna leaned forward a little. “I like to curl up on the couch and watch old movies. I enjoy reading and strolling through museums, and fine dining, I love wonderful food.”

“Do you like sports?” He asked.

“Sure, what sports?”

“Baseball, football, golf, you know.”

“I’ve been to a few Giant’s games. It moves kind of slow. I guess I don’t get the point, but there’s a lot to see and people to watch. Football on the other hand is good, lots of action on the field and in the stands. But the food is terrible.”

“What about golf?” He asked.

“Hmm. My father likes it, and I get the point. I love golf courses, they’re beautiful. Do you play golf?”

“Yeah, I’m on the school team. I’m going to go to the PGA Q-School and try to get on the tour.”

“By the tour you mean a professional golfer?” Great, he really led you into that one, Anna.

“Yeah, it’s an option. The degree will always be there, if I make it in golf, great, if not I have the degree.”

Anna looked at him, her eyes squinting. “Are golfers really considered athletes? I mean really, isn’t that a stretch?” She watched his eyes as the words came out of her mouth. Shit Anna, it looks like you just stepped in it.

Max sat back and folded his hands, his eyes staring at her.

She noticed his annoyed look at her comment, but it was payback time. “What? It’s a logical question. Everybody associates sports with running around, hard work and sweat.” Anna watched his face, and then lowered her head and placed her hand over her eyes. “Oh God, no, no. I didn’t really mean that.” She looked up. “Did I really say that?”

“You did.”

“I’m sorry. You must be an athlete, you look so fit.” Anna shook her head. “Isn’t it amazing how ditzy girls can be about sports?”

Max’s smile returned. “Ditzy isn’t a term I would use to describe you.”

“Really? In two minutes time you’ve arrived at that conclusion?”

“Yes.”

“How did you get there so quickly?” She asked.

He leaned back, a smug smile on his face. “You don’t put up with any crap and I get the feeling from what I heard you know more than you let on.”

Anna sat back, turning the corners of her mouth down and folding her arms across her chest. “Did you even listen to what Katia said? She’s very beautiful and she’s a sweetheart. She just might have been better suited to you.”

“Better than you?” He asked.

“Arrogance doesn’t suit you, Max.” She lifted his card again and shot back.

“Are we done here?” He pushed himself back and asked.

“It’s my table, but I won’t ask you to leave, just yet.” Anna looked at Celecia and rolled her eyes.

“I don’t think you care too much for me.” He grumbled.

She picked up his card again looked at it. “Max,” she began. “You’re not giving me much to work with. I’m not even sure if you’re listening to me. You could be listening to someone else.” Anna took another drink of wine. “Has my thirty seconds started?”

“Yeah, I’m listening.”

“Okay, then tell me something about what you like. We already know you like golf, how about something more personal?”

He took a deep breath and looked into her eyes. It was the piercing look of a competitor; it was a look that told Anna he viewed everyone he came in contact with as an opponent to be defeated. “I like to go surfing in the summer and skiing in the winter, I like being outdoors and I like Mexican food.”

“Good, those are good things.” She smiled; relieved they might have weathered an impasse. “Surfing, that sounds so dangerous, with sharks and all.”

“I guess I just don’t think about the sharks.”

“Are you from around here?” Keep it moving, Anna.

“Yeah, generally. I grew up in Danville and moved to Novoto when my parents got divorced. How about you?”

“I grew up in Newport Beach, but Petaluma is my home now.” Anna took a sip of wine. “Have you ever wanted to live anywhere else? Aren’t you required to do a study abroad with your major?”

“Yeah, I spent last semester in Panama. They have some great golf courses around Panama City.”

Get him off golf, be subtle, Anna. “Oh, I’d love to see the canal. It’s so amazing how they’re able to raise a whole ship up and then back down.” Keep it going. “Where did you live while you were there?”

“I lived with a family in a place called Dorado Lakes. It was near the Technological University in Santa Maria.”

“How was that? Did you enjoy the experience?” She asked.

“It was okay. Mostly it was just a place to crash. I spent most of my time at school and at the golf course.”

Growing more interested, Anna leaned forward. “What was the family like? Did you learn about the culture, did you have meals with them?”

“After the first day I started going out for meals. All they eat is vegetables, very little meat.”

He must have been a joy to have around, she thought. “What about kids, did they have any children?”

“Yeah, a boy and a girl.”

“How old are they?” She asked.

“The boy is sixteen and the girl is twelve. I didn’t spend too much time with them. The parents had them in another part of the house most of the time.”

Really, imagine that. This guy is really detached. He just did his time like a convict. Try something else. “Did you do any traveling around the country while you were there?”

“Yeah, a couple of us guys found a secluded resort on the Caribbean coast. Lot’s of hot women and lots of booze.” He snickered at his remark.

Anna sighed and then stood up, making a full turn before sitting down again.

“What was that about?” Max laughed again.

“I’m a woman, just in case you were wondering. And I can be hot too.” Anna folded her arms across her chest.

“I didn’t mean anything personal.”

Sitting back in the chair, Anna took a longer drink of wine. My thirty seconds are surely up, she thought. “Okay, Max. I’m going to let the comment about the hot women in Panama go, and I figure my thirty seconds were up a while back, so let’s just fill the time.”

“Okay.”

“Your parents were divorced, right? When did that happen?”

“Oh, that. It was about ten years ago.”

“Do you know what happened, why they divorced?” She asked.

Max folded his hands on the table and exhaled, and then his eyes wandered around the room. “She was screwing around with her boss.”

Anna gasped and her body fell backward into the chair. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry, Max. You were at such a vulnerable age, it must have been horrible.”

“I was too young and didn’t know what was going on at the time. There was just one huge blow up, and then Mom packed and moved out.”

“I’m so sorry, Max.” She said again. No wonder he seems so detached, she thought. “Where is she today?”

“She died not long after.” His eyes lowered to the table and his words were barely audible.

“That’s terrible.” Anna’s breathing shortened and her body felt cold.

“Yeah. Her new boyfriend blew her brains out with a forty-five.”

He delivered the words with a lack of emotion, they hit her with an explosive effect that forced the air from her lungs. Anna’s head felt light, she let her body fall back into the chair and forced a deep breath. Celecia rang the time bell and Anna drew her hands to her mouth and watched as Max stood. There was a frigid, faraway look in his eyes and an eerie silence shrouded the area surrounding her table. Without a word he never looked at her as he left, moving to another girl’s station.

Her eyes were fixed on Max as he made his way to another table, and she could hear her cell vibrating in her handbag. “Oh God, Andrew. Get over it.” She said quietly and lowered her head to the table. “More damage.”

Anna & Celecia

CONTINUED