Daddy's Little Girl

Leaning back from the large oak desk in front of her, Jennifer stretched her arms above her head, leaning first left, then right, in an effort to work the kinks in her back. She had sat down at six-thirty this morning, eager to finalize her clients' account statements for the end of the fiscal quarter. Having slipped into her work zone, she did not have any idea how long ago that had been, but her body was protesting the time spent in a single position. Standing at her diminutive height of five feet two inches, Jennifer did not make an imposing figure at first glance. Her long flowing red curls billowed around her, defying any attempt to tame them. Working in her home office meant that she had not felt the need to dress up or even attempt to look professional before starting her day. Her oversize navy hoodie slid off one shoulder, causing the fighting leprechaun in the front to tilt sideways as if drunk. Her pale skin, covered with the lightest sheen of freckles, glowed in the early afternoon light free of all makeup. Her large blue eyes sparkled with the feeling of happiness and accomplishment about completing her work goals. When the sound of her stomach rumbling filled the room, it caused her to roll her eyes in annoyance at her body's scolding. Moving swiftly for someone so small, Jennifer made her way from the small office that she had set up in her guest room and walked toward her small kitchenette to find something to eat. A pleased grin covered her face as she saw the box of pop tarts that she hid in the back of her pantry for just such emergencies. Unlike many women her age, Jennifer never really cared what she ate. While she enjoyed eating healthily, she had long ago learned that she needed to be able to give herself a junk food treat occasionally to satisfy herself and keep the cravings at bay. Sliding onto one of the tall bar stools that she had placed at the counter, Jennifer was about to take her first bite when she heard the distinctive beat of “Best Friend” by Saweetie and Dojo Cat. Smiling at the sound of the obnoxious music that her best friend Gary had chosen as his personal ringtone, Jennifer reached over, hitting the button to turn on the speakerphone. “What’s up? How are you doing?” As she spoke, Jennifer started to munch on her pop tart, looking over at the fridge and trying to decide if she wanted a glass of milk, enough to leave her comfortable seat to go get it. “Let me guess, you got wrapped up in work and totally forgot that you were supposed to meet me for lunch today? Tacos and gossip? Does this sound familiar at all?” The words were supposed to be filled with humor, but Jennifer heard a hint of resignation and upset resignation in his voice. This was not the first time that she had gotten wrapped up in her work and forgotten a social engagement. Having met during their first-year student year at Notre Dame, the two had become fast friends and, even a decade later, rarely went more than a couple of days without speaking. Her heart dropped to her stomach when she realized that once again she had forgotten plans with her dear friend. “I am so sorry. I can not believe that I did that to you, again. How can I make it up to you?” The pop tart in her hand forgotten, Jennifer's mind spun trying to think of anything she could say. While she knew that he was not surprised by her forgetfulness, she also knew that she had hurt him, and not for the first time. “Well to start, you could open the front door. These bags are heavy, and I would like the chance to put them down.” The sadness had left his voice and had been replaced by humor. Jennifer jumped to her feet giggling at the thought of her best friend. She would be embarrassed at how well he knew her, but instead it filled her with a sense of comfort. Skidding to a stop at the door, she did not bother to take a moment to compose herself before opening the door. On the steps stood the one man in her life she could not live without, Gary. Six foot four, hair as dark as midnight and a wicked quick smile, he was nearly aesthetically perfect. Not a hair was out of place as he juggled a paper bag in one hand while trying to balance a carrier with two to-go cups in the other hand. His cell was sticking out of the pocket of his black button and she saw the glow that it was still active. Reaching forward, she saved the drinks, with a smile. The insignia on the bag showed her that she was getting her tacos after all. “I am so sorry!” She turned away, walking back toward her breakfast bar. “Beautiful, this was not unexpected. As soon as I did not hear from you to confirm the time, I knew that my best woman was going to leave me high and dry, that's why I ordered it to go, and used your card to do it.” With a small smile, he unloaded the last of the food, sliding onto a stool. Seeing all of her favorites laid out Jennifer looked over at her best friend and smiled. “Will you marry me?” The words were said in jest but with a touch of wistfulness. Having failed at her first marriage, part of Jennifer knew that she was not meant for a normal relationship. Throwing his head back, Gary’s low laughter rolled out of him like a flood. “Honey, even if I had any interest in that delectable little body of yours, I am sorry to say, we would kill each other the first week.” He wiped a tear from his eye that had formed from his laughter. “I would try to drag you from behind that computer, and you would hate the parties I throw. That's why we are best friends, even when I force you to rejoin the real world, you still love me at the end of the day.” Dropping her head with a groan, Jennifer closed her eyes, savering the bite of the spicy taco and the cold ice tea he had brought to go with it. “I know you're right, but still. If only you weren't gay, or I was a man, I would totally shoot my shot.” Gary let out a fake shiver at the thought of them being together romantically before fake gagging. “Well girlie, that leads me to my next point. You need a man.” Jennifer braced herself for the argument that she knew was coming. “Been there, done that, got the tee shirt. I am good.” Her voice was flat, trying to hide the sadness she felt at the dissolution of her marriage. After college, she married James thinking he was her knight in shining armor, but it turned out that he was more of a wolf in sheep's clothing. It took her over five years to realize how isolated she had become, and how she had herself by doing everything she could to be what he wanted. Looking in the mirror one day, she had been shocked to realize that she did not know the tired woman looking back at her. The moment had startled her enough that she started to reach for her phone and call a friend, but hesitated, knowing that James hated how often she called Gary, and how he had encouraged her to break up her other friendships, claiming they were not the right type of people. When she decided to leave, it was the hardest decision of her life, but it was the right choice. Seeing the sad look on her face, Gary instantly knew where her thoughts and wandered to. “Not all men are like the d**k. Come on, come out to the club with me tonight, a little dancing, a few drinks, you never know who you might meet.” There was a tone in his voice that caught Jennifer's attention. Looking closely at his face, she saw the slight flush and the fact that he was not meeting her eye. “Gary, what did you do?” She was suddenly suspicious of him coming over and bringing food. Something was going on and the comment about never knowing who she might meet hinted at what he was up to. As she watched, he looked all over the room except meeting her eye before suddenly turning to look at her, a firm expression having taken over his beautiful face. “You can’t keep living like this. You spend every moment of your time locked in this house with nothing but your work to keep you company. I know that the divorce was hard on you, but you need to move on. Even now that you are free of him, you are letting that man ruin you. I have asked a friend of mine to join us tonight. Please give him a chance, for me.” Jennifer dropped her head groaning at Gary’s words. This was not the first time that he had attempted to set her up with one of his friends, but the problem was he had no idea who or what she was looking for. He thought her taste in men was the same as his, and it could not be farther from the truth. “Look, I know you are just trying to help, but you have to understand we have very different, taste in men.” Before she could continue Gary held up a single finger. “That’s not true. I agree with you that James was hot, he was just an ass, that's all.” Shrugging, Gary did not seem to understand what she was trying to say. “I am not talking about attraction or physical type. I understand your concerns, and to some extent I agree with them. I have become too reclusive over the last couple of years. I promise that I am trying to change that, and I will even start taking steps to meet people, but you have to promise me that you will let me do the picking. No more blind dates. No setups.” Her impassioned plea seemed to finally break through his thoughts. “Alright. I will leave it alone for now, but in return I expect you to start looking for someone, anyone. I don't care if they are your soulmates or just friends with benefits, but you need to get yourself laid”. Walking around the table, she drew Gary into her arms, holding onto him like the lifeline that he was to her. “I promise that I will try to find someone.” Gray grinned as he pulled away. “You better girl, or else I will find you someone even if I have to kidnap you to do it.” Both of their laughter rang out, filling the area with the small apartment as the two friends went back to eating. Even while they goofed around, Jennifer thought of her promise and knew that it was time she took the first steps. Too bad she had no clue what those steps might be.