Chapter 5: Tiramisu

True to her words, Shane had called me on Monday morning saying she knew someone interested in the Range Rover. She wanted to bring him by the see the car that evening.

Shane and Ramon met me at home after work that night. Ramon was a big greese man covered with tattoos. To my nave eye, he looked like a .. well, I didnt know what he looked like, but he scared me.

As Ramon looked over the rover, I asked Shane how much I wanted to know about Ramon and this potential sale.

Dont ask, dont tell she replied with her signature grin.

*****, this was not quite what Id had in mind when I asked Shane for help. Shane, this is on the up and up. I own the Rover free and clear; my name is the only one of the title. Im not looking to do anything.. I considered my words carefully, shady.

Its not like that; this would be totally on the level. Ramon owns a used car lot, but he also owes me a favor. I asked him to come take a look. Listen, I know he will make you a fair offer. She said, studying my face as she spoke. I guess the concern did not completely leave my face because she added Lets just see what he has to offer. Okay?

I watched this man looking over my car as I apologized. Shane I am sorry. Im not sure why, but this is much harder than I thought it would be. We thought this would be the car we hauled our kids to school in and went on vacation in and I trialed off remembering all the plans we had when we bought this car.

She slipped her arm around my shoulder and gently asked Freddie, are you sure you want to sell it? I can find a way to get you some money if you need it. Man, I know Bette and Tina or Alice and Dana would help you out.

No! I snapped. Realizing how harsh that had come out, I slipped my arm around her waist and gave her a slight squeeze before saying No. I dont want anyones money. I just want to get rid of this gas guzzling piece of *****.

Just then Ramon came back over. He was smiling. You have a beautiful car Ms. Gordon. It is in excellent shape. He handed me a piece of paper.

I took it and together Shane and I looked it over. It was a print out of the Blue Book information for my rover. He said, I am prepared to offer you $7,000 over the listed price.

Shane just whistled. I gasped. I had no idea it was worth that much, and his offer of 7 grand more, that was nearly double what I thought I would get. I was suddenly glad Kim had insisted we get all the bells and whistles.

Ramon said he would have all of the paperwork ready the next afternoon.

Shane and I just stood there in shock as he left.

Shane let out a long whistle followed by So, what you gonna do with all that cash, girl?

I thought for a moment before a large smile crept onto my face. Well, I do have one idea; there is something Ive been wanting for a long time. But Ill tell you about that tomorrow. Can you go with me to sign everything over?

I like the look of that she said with that wicked grin Id seen so often before. Ill meet you there at 3?

That night I took the Rover out for one last spin. It was after 11pm when I found myself in front of the Planet. I went in to find that they were already beginning to close off the back area, setting chairs on tables. I looked around, but didnt see Marina anywhere and I was about to go, when a waitress appeared behind the counter and asked if she could get me anything. I thought for a moment before throwing all caution to the wind and told her to bring me what ever she preferred from the dessert menu. I took a table by the front window and got out my cell phone to check my messages. I was lost in a particularly long message when Marina appeared and placed the tiramisu in front of me. She started to walk away, but I gestured for her to stay. She nodded, and held up one finger briefly glancing towards the back before she moved off. By the time Id gotten off the phone, she had returned with 2 cups of coffee and was seated across from me watching her staff as they went about their nightly rituals.

I saw such pride on her face and I remembered what Bette had said a few nights before Marina loves the planet. She lives for it. She was still lost in watching the staff and didnt seem to notice me staring at her. Or, more likely, she was so used to people openly admiring her that she simply didnt care.

She turned to me now and gestured to the coffee. It is decaf, but it will be nice with the tiramisu. I looked down at the coffee. It did smell good, but Id never met a cup of coffee that tasted anywhere near as good as it smelled.

Thank you, Marina. I said. Then wrinkling my nose slightly, I added shyly, But I dont drink coffee. Any chance a girl could get a diet coke?

She drew her hand to her gaping mouth feigning disgust, then laughed and said in an exaggerated French accent For you, madam, anything. And she headed over to the bar.

Bring back another fork, too. I hollered after her.

She returned with the offending diet Coke and she started to hand me the extra fork when I waved my hand saying No thats for you. Youre gonna help me eat this thing.

She paused, then nodded her head slightly as she place the fork next to her cup and relaxed back into her seat.

I looked around at the now nearly empty Planet and asked Do you ever go home? as I forked the first bite of tiramisu into my mouth.

Damn, that was good. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feel of it, the smooth creaminess dissolving slowly in my mouth. When I opened my eyes, Marina was looking at me with obvious amusement. I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks, but for the second time that night, thought what the *****, and I held her stare as I seductively licked my lips releasing a small moan.

I feel like a voyeur. She teased. Do you need a cigarette after that?

I replied in my best southern accent, That was just the foreplay, darlin. Ill let you know when Im ready for the cigarette.

At that Marina laughed and picked up her fork to sample this near orgasmic delight.

So, do you? I asked picking up my glass.

She glanced up at me and considered this question for a long moment before answering, Yes, I enjoy a cigarette.on rare, select occasions.

I couldnt control my laughter and was so glad that diet Coke hadnt come shooting out of my nose. I looked over at Marina, but she was not laughing. She was staring at me with not an ounce of humor on her face.

I quickly tried to regain my composure as I stammered, Um, Im sorry, Marina. Id.um, left that conversation and moved back a step to my earlier question. I paused, but there was still no glimmer of recognition on her face. Do you ever go home? I repeated

Now, she broke the gaze and looked down at the table in what I thought was an uncommon moment of embarrassment. But it didnt take her long to hide it. No, I find the pool table quite comfortable. She quipped.

What a recovery I thought nodding my head, I said with a small laugh Id heard that. I took another bite of the tiramisu before I went on, It just seems like you are always here, thats all. I wondered what else you did besides work, and when you found the time to do it. Dont get me wrong; I love the Planet. I glanced around as I spoke, taking in the warmth of the place and really admiring her for the welcoming atmosphere shed managed to create. But you know the saying, all work and no play makes Jane a dull girl.

Marina tilted her head slightly before she spoke. Is that the pot calling the kettle black? Ive heard about your schedule—two jobs?.

Ouch I cried.

We sat in a comfortable silence and finished the desert. It was after midnight when I looked down at my watch and with shock announced that I had to get going.

Marina rose and collected the dishes. We both said our good nights and I headed to the door, as she headed to the kitchen. Before I made it to the door, I turned back and followed her into the kitchen.

Standing in the kitchen doorway, I watched her at the large industrial sink. She was just rinsing our few dishes, but the sight of her made me weak in the knees. I cleared my throat and said her name. Marina.

She turned to me Hm?

I mustered all my courage and asked, Marina, what are you doing Friday night?

I couldnt identify the look that briefly graced her face before she said Let me think. she paused, looking off to her right as if examining some date book that only she could see. Oh, yes, I am busy that night.

Suddenly embarrassed at my boldness, I quickly offered Oh, no problem. Dont worry about it. And turned hurrying to the door.

She caught my arm before I made it outside. She tugged at me, trying to turn me to face her, but I wouldnt give.

Her voice was soft when she finally spoke, Freddie, I was teasing; in reference to your earlier comment about my working all the time. She paused and in the silence I turned to face her. She did not look at me as she continued slowly. I dont have plans Friday night, other than the Planet, of course.

I was surprised by the vulnerability shed just offered. I recognized the apology buried in her statement; I was often accused of doing that: cloaking my apologies in other words so that I never actually say the two words most people listened for.

Okay, Freddie, I thought, meet that honesty; dont make a joke out of it. I swallowed hard and began, Well then, from one workaholic to another, I think we should both try something new. How about we not work, together. It will be a small support group, but I think we could manage.

A small smile spread across her face and into her eyes. Id never wanted to kiss anyone as much as I did Marina right at that moment. Instead, I told her Id call her, turned and walked out the door.