A Woman in Search Of...

Hoffman’s was its usual noisy place. As Wendy approached the side of the piano bar, she heard Brad announce, “It’s a little early but the sun will be up soon,” and he sang The Beatles Here Comes the Sun. A woman at the piano bar picked up a wooden shaker and swayed to the music as she played along. The next song, Delta Dawn, was rapturous, and the shaker became faster and louder. Wendy noticed Cindy wasn’t there yet, but Wendy smiled as Marty came toward her. “This place is really jumpin,” he stated as he stood next to her.

She laughed. “It sure is. How are you?”

“Great, a good day at work.”

“Glad to hear it, me too.” They stood, listened, and watched.

Cindy touched Wendy on the shoulder. “Hi guys. This place is wired.” Cindy ordered a drink as the waitress passed by. “So, what’s new with you?” she asked Wendy.

“The nursery is almost done. Not long before it opens.”

“That’s far out.”

Just then, Brad started his break. “I need to chitchat with him,” Cindy announced and moved away. Marty looked around. “Everyone seems in a good mood…a lot of happy faces.” Without hesitation he asked, “What are you up to for the weekend?” “Just goin’ to finish whatever I can at the nursery.” “Is it okay if I come by and see it?” “Sure. I’ll be there tomorrow about ten until I don’t know when, maybe four. Just knock on the door.
“Thanks, I’m looking forward to seeing it.” Wendy couldn’t wait to get Marty’s opinion on all the work, an objective viewpoint. She excitedly described the nursery layout. Brad returned from his break and started his next set. Cindy came up beside them, raised her eyebrows and smiled at Wendy. She knew what the look meant. An hour later Marty walked Wendy to her car. “How about I come tomorrow around four and we could go to dinner after I visit?”

“I’d like that.”

Wendy locked up and they went outside. As they said goodnight, they lingered in a long and arousing kiss. She unlocked the car door. Marty opened it and Wendy slipped in. He closed the door. As she drove away, her face lit up when she realized how much she liked Marty.

At home she put on her night gown and got into bed, leaning against the quilted headboard. For whatever reason, after she replayed the evening with Marty, her thoughts flashed to Brad’s Pacific Palisade’s house. She had been too busy to go see it after Cindy’s suggestion, but she could now. It was a little late, but Wendy called Cindy. There were short hellos and Wendy went on. “I was wondering about your suggestion to see Brad’s house. I know I’ve been busy with getting ready for the nursery opening, but I could use a break and that would be a good getaway if you have time and still want to go.” Wendy gave a short laugh. “Maybe I will picture you as you stood there, looking down at the Pacific Ocean with Brad at your side and drink in hand.”

“Sure, you don’t have to convince me. I’ve been wanting to drive there and thanks for the reminisce…sweet thought. I’d love for you to see the outside. I guess we could park on the beach side and look up at the patio where it overlooks the ocean. Yeah, I like the idea. When?”

“Sunday, around ten, okay? We could go to lunch afterwards. What do you think?”

“Sounds primo to me.”

“Great.”

Once off the phone Wendy whirled around and hugged herself, excited about this chance to feel a different kind of closeness to Brad.