Let It Beatle

Love, Love Me Dude-6

Thanksgiving Day, there were no guests in sight, and only one reservation and that was for Saturday. After the sun set, I nuked a turkey dinner I’d bought in town.

As I sat to eat, my cell phone rang. I looked at the screen but didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?”

“What are you wearing?” came a husky voice over the phone. It was Wheeler.

“Don’t you ever give up?” I grumbled. “And how’d you get my number?”

He chuckled. “I’m just that good. And I won’t give up until I know it’s a lost cause.”

“Listen closely,” I replied. “It’s a lost cause.”

“Damn,” he said.

I knew he was messing with me. “What do you want, Wheeler?” Teasing aside, Wheeler and I were actually pretty good friends, now.

“Company. For food and wine, nothing more. Promise.”

Really? “You mean to tell me you haven’t hit on some unsuspecting local yet who’s fallen head over heels for your charms?”

“It’s taking a little longer than I thought,” he replied. He sounded a little miffed.

“Wait. There is someone? You’ve only officially been in town for a few months.”

“Love isn’t picky, I guess,” he replied.

I gasped. “Love? You?”

“Don’t sound so surprised,” he said. And now he sounded hurt.

“Forgive me, Wheeler. Your track record precedes you, okay? Come on over, if you want. I can’t offer much, but if you’re bringing wine, I’ll provide the glasses.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Now get over here before I change my mind. I’m at the back of the motel. Look for the door that says Manager on it.”

“Thanks, Tory. This means a lot.” He hung up, and I got back to my food until there was a knock on my door.

I went over and opened it. Wheeler stood there, looking great in a beautifully made gray scarf and matching wool coat and gloves. “Come in,” I said and stepped back.

“Thanks for having me over,” he replied and walked past me.

“Go on into the kitchen. Is that a white wine?” I asked.

“Yeah. Glasses?”

I found two in the cabinet and placed them on the table. After digging in the drawer for a bottle opener, I uncorked the wine and poured it for both of us.

We sat at the table. “You hungry?” I asked before chewing more of my turkey.

“I’ve already eaten, thanks.” He’d removed his coat and it hung over the back of the chair.

“So go on, tell me about this love interest,” I urged, and took a sip of wine.

“Before I do, Happy Thanksgiving,” he said and smiled.

I grinned. “Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Wheeler.”

“Am I forgiven, yet, for…you know?” he asked.

I rolled my eyes. “It’s old news. Stop stalling and tell me what’s up.”

“He works at the daycare center next to the gym.” Wheeler leaned back in the chair and sighed. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear the man almost swooned. “His name’s Gregory Wang, and he’s the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. He’s got these beautiful brown eyes and perfect cheekbones, you know? Perfect body, lips made for kissing. And he won’t give me the time of day.”

“You’re gushing. My goodness, you have it bad,” I replied.

“I do.”

“And you’re not used to rejection, are you?” I asked, smirking.

“No. I don’t like it. Feels weird.” He was actually pouting.

I laughed at him. “Welcome to the real world, Wheeler. Just because you’re beautiful, charming and well-to-do doesn’t mean you get whatever you want. You might actually have to prove yourself to someone, make an effort to get into his good graces.”

“Sucks,” he muttered, and poured himself more wine.

“Does he completely despise you, then?” I asked.

“He says he does, but the way his eyes undress me tell another story.”

“So he’s into you, but suspicious of your motives,” I deduced.

“Basically.”

“Poor baby,” I crooned, then snickered at the glare he gave me before I got up from the table to stash my plate in the sink.

When I sat again, I poured myself another glass of wine and said, “You’re just gonna have to wait this one out. If he’s truly what you want, then it’ll work out. But it may take time.”

“Why?” he whined, and I smiled.

“Because it does.”

We sat at the table for another hour, reminiscing and drinking coffee, which we’d switched to instead of finishing the bottle, since he had to drive home.

“I’m in a similar quandary,” I offered, tapping a finger on the table.

“Your ex-employee?” he asked knowingly.

“Yeah. Things are awkward.”

“He’ll come around. The way I saw him looking at you, those kinds of feelings don’t go away.”

“Let’s hope so.” I finished my coffee, and then Wheeler said he needed to head home.

“How’s your new house, by the way?” I asked as I walked him to his car. It was ten thirty.

“It’s fine. I’m just glad the deal came through before it got really cold. I didn’t relish any delays.”

“So you’re planning to stay around here, then? Not sell in a few years?” I asked.

“I like it here. Something about the air—”

“And a certain hottie who shall remain nameless,” I teased.

He smiled. “That, too.”

When we stopped at his car, I said, “Thanks again for stopping by, and best of luck with Gregory. You’re gonna need it.”

“Some friend you are,” he growled.

“Don’t I know it.” He surprised me with a hug, and I returned it.

“Thanks for giving me a second chance, friend,” he murmured.

“Thanks for seeing past my stupidity,” I replied and stepped back. “Go home, be safe.”

“I will.” Wheeler got into the car and waved as he drove off toward the freeway.

When I got back to my place, I decided to clean up later. I sat on the couch, trying to decide which DVD to watch when there was a knock on my door. I looked at the time. It was eleven o’clock at night. Who could it be?

I padded to the door and opened it. Maury Landrum stood on my doorstep.