“Alright then, you can call me later. I’m gonna go change and take off.”
And take off is just what I did. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Why was Marcie acting that way? What did I do to piss her off? Does squeezing the toothpaste from the middle of the tube really upset her that much? She’s always been so nice to me. What changed? Is she mad about the engagement? I asked myself question after question the entire ride home, in the shower, and even while changing my clothes. I couldn’t get it out of my head. I was thankful to have to take Grandma grocery shopping to distract me.
I knock on the door.
“Grandma, you in here? Ready to go grocery shopping?” I yell into the house.
“I’ll be right there. I’m old you know. I don’t move as fast as I used to.” She shouts back from the den.
“I’m in no rush Grandma. I have all day.”
“So how was your trip?” She asks while rounding the corner in to the kitchen.
“It was good. The scenery is breathtaking. The mountains are gorgeous. Lots of cute souvenir shops. Oh, and I got engaged.”
“You what?”
“Jameson proposed and I said yes.” I tell her and hold out my hand showing her the ring.
Grandma’s eyes light up. “Oh Hillary. I’m so happy for you. He’s a good man. I told you, if you run and he chases you … remember?”
“Yes I remember. No more running or chasing for us.”
“That’s what I like to hear. We should get lunch and celebrate. My treat, then we can get groceries. How about Nunu’s Bistro for that vegetable pasta thing you like?”
“That sounds perfect Grandma.”
I always feel better after spending time with Grandma Nowal. Even when her stubborn, non-emotional Polish comes out I always take something from our conversations. I appreciate having her in my life.
If you were twice as smart, you’d still be stupid.”
March 15, 2002
TGIF! I SURVIVED MY FIRST WEEK back at work after vacation. It’s the first time I’m going back to Jameson’s since the toothpaste incident with Marcie. Jameson said I had nothing to worry about, Marcie loved me as if I was her own daughter. I just don’t know if I believe that or not.
As I walk up the three flights of stairs to the apartment I nervously remind myself to immediately take my shoes off and put them off to the side on the shoe mat so she doesn’t freak out on me. As I am about the knock on the door it immediately swings open. Jameson is standing there with a huge smile on his face.
“I saw you pulling in, so I kept an eye and ear out for ya.”
“Oh. Why thank you kind sir.” I say, jokingly. “Did you have a good day or is that big smile just because you’re happy to see me?
“Both, but also we have the place to ourselves for a bit. The complex is having some sort of get together in the community room and my mom went to be social.”
“Awesome. Now tell me what smells good? Is it a candle or dinner?”
“It’s dinner. Shrimp scampi over pasta.”
“Oh-my-god! That sounds like heaven and I am super hungry.”
“Good because it’s ready.”
It was really nice to have the place to ourselves. For a short time it felt like our own little place, sitting at the dinner table together, talking about our day. It got me to thinking.
“What’s with the look on your face? You know I can read you like a book by now right? I can see the wheels turning.” Jameson says.
“I was just thinking how nice this is just the two of us sitting here alone. I was wondering about us getting our own place. Not that I have any doubts about us but we should get used to living together before we get married. You know, work out all the kinks beforehand?”
“I think that’s a great idea. The Sunday newspaper always has a lot of listings. We can peruse the paper this weekend to see what’s out there.”
“A house? I meant an apartment.”
“My mom has had me bouncing around in rentals for years. It’s pissing money away in my opinion. I want a house. I think we should buy a house together.”
“Wow! Really? Holy shit. Can we afford that and save for a wedding? You know what? Before we get all excited looking at houses in the paper how about this weekend we sit down, set a wedding date first, then talk finances?”
“That’s a good plan. You’re smart and pretty. I’m a lucky guy.” He says with a smirk.
Since Jameson cooked dinner I figured the least I could do was wash the dishes. He argued but I insisted he take a seat on the couch and chill out. I was excited to have a relaxing date night in with him, so I didn’t mind washing dishes. A few minutes in that nice thought, it all came to an end when I heard keys in the door.