Category: Story Showcase – Featuring…

Posted in Fiction in 800 Words, Story Showcase - Featuring...

Can I Have Your Number?

Posted on by jdavis

by Jeannie Yee Davis

“What would you do if you saw Eddie again?” Ron asked over his shoulder, weaving in with the tourists on the narrow Chinatown sidewalk leading to Plymouth Square. I zig-zagged closely behind, grimaced, and swatted my hand at the cigarette smoke that hung in the air and stank like an ashtray. I hopped around the Chinese gentleman, escaping his next puff and averting sideswiping a grandmother with a toddler on piggyback.

“I haven’t thought that far.” I hollered, catching up to Ron. “Why do you ask?”

“You said Eddie was your teen crush in your story, “Fantasy Lover.” Aren’t you curious what became of him?”

“I know where you’re going with this. I wished for a Hallmark Romance, too, but it’s not going to happen. I’m sure he’s a successful doctor married to that lawyer to make his mother happy and probably left San Francisco,” I shrugged. “Besides, I’m a writer. I’ll make him a character in a novel.”

“He probably moved away,” Ron concurred. “By the way, thanks for inviting me.”

“Thank you for joining me! After three years of widowhood, I’m adjusting—attending events alone, not so much.” I sighed.

“Chinese New Years’ festival is more fun with friends.” Ron smiled, giving me a playful nudge.

“Want to walk around until the concert starts?” I turned to Ron and lost my footing when I felt a jab in my shoulder. Suddenly, strong hands pressed against my arms, stopping my fall. 

“Sorry. My fault,” a silky man’s voice flowed from behind. “You okay?” 

I inhaled the fresh, sweet laundry scent that sparked a memory. I spun around to quizzical eyes peering at me.

“Do I know you?” he asked. “You look very familiar.”

Just one look into his warm eyes, my heart smiled. I gasped and exclaimed, “Eddie!” His chiseled face and black wavy hair are identical to the snapshot in my memory. 

“Sandy, right?”

I nodded. Willing my gaping mouth closed. “You remember me?” I lifted my collar cooling the unexpected warmth. 

“I…” Eddie uttered when a statuette beauty arrived, slipping her arm around his just as Ron returned.

“Did I hear you say, Eddie?” 

“Yes, you did. Ron, this is Eddie,” I cleared my throat. “Eddie, this is my old friend, Ron.” 

“Hi, I’m Stella. Eddie’s cousin.”  

“Oh, you’re Eddie’s cousin!” I said, beaming a smile. “Nice to meet you, Stella! We’re checking out the booths. You’re welcome to come with.” 

“Perfect! My first time here. I’m so excited. Our festival isn’t this big in Boston.” Stella giggled.

“Where in Boston? I’m from Charlestown.” Ron grinned.

 “Dorchester.” Stella took Ron’s arm, chattering, and wandered off like old friends.

“We better keep up with them,” Eddie led the way along the narrow street where booths replaced cars for the festival, trailing far behind the Bostonians when we lost them. We ambled along, seizing the moment that led us to Pacific Avenue. “I wonder who lives in my house now?” 

“Same here. Strange. You lived at the top, and I at the bottom of this hill but never saw each other until the first day of junior high.”

“Remember the last time we stood at a bus stop?” Eddie tapped his foot at our old bus stop.

“I was 16.” I nodded. “At the streetcar stop where I confessed I was madly in crush with you.”

“About that, I should’ve gotten your number. I’m sorry I didn’t.”

“Really?” I gushed. “But, you didn’t like me.”

“When you approached me, I didn’t remember you…at first.”

“I’m sorry. Is it warm or just me?” I waved, fanning. Three decades later, I’m still embarrassed.

“After we said goodbye, I had this feeling I did know you. One night in a dream, I saw you standing outside your house, and I remembered seeing you before.” Eddie smiled and recited, “‘You had a crush on me since your first day of junior high. I was two years older. Our paths rarely crossed.’ You took the first chance you had to talk to me. I get it. I was flattered.”

“You remember what I told you on the streetcar?”

“I remember everything. I wish I had told you sooner.”

“But, didn’t you marry the lawyer your mother picked?”

“Divorced five years.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. A lawyer and a cardiologist have very little in common. The divorce was eye-opening. Arranged marriages guarantee a marriage but not love. I had a wife and a great career, but we weren’t happy. Now, I’m in search of that missing element.”

“What’s that?”

“Love. My turn to confess. I had a crush on you, too. If it’s not too late, I am hoping we could get together sometime.”

“I’d love that!” My heart danced. 

“Oh, good. I’m going to do it right this time. Can I have your number?”

Posted in 800 Words, Story Showcase - Featuring...

One Summer Night

Posted on by jdavis

by Jeannie Yee Davis

“Hey, how’s it going?” with a vibrant voice matching his smile, Peter waved as Amy maneuvered her shopping cart through the Costco entrance with one hand while showing him her membership card with the other. She meekly smiled without stopping. At the moment, listening to “One Summer Night” piping through her earbuds was more important than chatting with anyone. It was such a beautiful, hypnotic tune holding her captive since last night. After wandering through the warehouse, Amy felt a pang of guilt. ‘Maybe I should have been friendlier.’ It wasn’t every day that there wasn’t a mob of people entering with her. Today, for some reason, it was only him and her, but the music was more important than him. ‘It doesn’t matter,’ she thought. ‘He’s not interested in me. Besides, he sees mega-tons of females daily. Why would he be interested in me?’ 

Amy had already gone through the throes of heartbreak years back before Peter relocated to the San Diego Costco for a new position. After months of affableness with her seeking him out at the Costco where he worked before moving, he responded amicably, and a friendship seemed to blossom. Sadly, when Peter announced his relocating, they hugged and said goodbye. She said, “Stay in touch,” but he didn’t ask for her number.

A year earlier, Amy was surprised to see Peter back at her Costco when she finally got over him. Amy had no intentions of rekindling whatever it was they had. As far as she was concerned, they never knew each other. Peter seemed like a new person this time around—bubbly, happy, and super-friendly, as if the two reversed roles. He didn’t seem to see her, so she quietly slipped past him. Costco may be huge, but it’s not as big as you think when hiding from someone. 

“Excuse me,” Amy said, turning around to the person she bumped into and gasped, staring right at the face she was avoiding.

“Hey, Amy! Good to see you,” Peter said, with a Duchenne smile, as he almost burst into song.

“Peter, hi! You’re back!” Amy stood frozen, unsure of herself and more uncertain of him. The only thing she was sure of was avoiding another broken heart. 

“Yeah, this is home. How are you?”

“Fine. Thanks. Good seeing you. I have to run. Oh, um, welcome home,” Amy said, forcing a smile and surprised herself hearing the chill in her voice. Regaining her legs, she skedaddled off without looking back.

Since that day, it was inevitable that they would run into each other, but having survived the awkward first encounter, it was business as usual with the casual yet friendly “hi” but nothing more.

After wandering around the warehouse feeling guilty for not receiving Peter’s friendliness, Amy told herself that she would make it up to him on her way out. Such as life, things don’t always work out the way she expects them to. As the clerk surveyed her cart on her way out, Amy looked over to the entrance, and Peter was busy and dejected—the opposite of his bubbliness when Amy arrived, adding to her guilt. Her new plan, the next time she sees Peter, she’ll be on her best behavior and be nice, in other words, be herself instead of giving him the special “chilly” treatment.

One morning, Amy jolted awake from a too real dream hyperventilating. She stood under the soft glow of sunset in her dream with “One Summer Night” playing in the background. Her hand extended in front of her as her fingers slid slowly forward. In a mirror effect, a hand from the shadows slid towards hers, and their fingertips touched. She gazed from the hand up the arm to the owner’s face and awakened when she saw Peter’s face. What does that mean? Amy told herself it was only a silly dream that meant nothing. Maybe she still has feelings for him, but it wasn’t her call—Peter’s back. Nothing changed. His fresh scent and his sensual touch felt as if he was there with her. Since the dream, her demeanor softened, and she attempted to be friendlier towards him, but she would remain guarded.

Peter worked the entrance the next evening Amy went to Costco. “Hi, Peter!” She said, smiling sincerely.

“Hey, Amy! I had the strangest dream,” Peter said, raising his hand into the air. 

Amy instinctively raised her hand to his. “I had the same dream,” she said, gazing into his eyes.

“I think we are supposed to be together,” he said.

“I think you are right.”

As they stood in the shadow of the setting sun, touching fingers as they did in their dream, Amy and Peter realized this was their destiny. They were meant to get together that one summer night.

Posted in 800 Words, Story Showcase - Featuring...

You Could Never Have Too Many Cherries

Posted on by jdavis

by Jeannie Yee Davis

Most people come to a bar to avoid drinking alone. Some go to the extent of keeping the bartender hostage with their stories. Occasionally, a patron lingers here for other reasons. The hardest part about being a bartender is seeing a reticent customer wallow in their drink dejected. There’s nothing you can do about it. You learn to compartmentalize your job and not take it personally. Sometimes, someone gets under your skin like Jessica. 

Jessica was one of those cases Eric didn’t want to get involved with. The day she floated into Eric’s pub with her date, Johnny, she was a breath of fresh air—full of vitality, a far cry from the stale pub clientele. Eric’s first impression was—Johnny was the luckiest man alive. 

For the last six Thursdays, Jessica and Johnny met here for their date night doing all the annoying things that new lovers do. To the outside world, they were the sure deal. Being a bartender, you recognize the signs after a while: first dates, second dates, breakup dates, and couple dates. Lastly, the complicated dates where couples aren’t working out—they don’t know it yet. It’s heartbreaking when that happens to good people. 

Jessica has been glued to her barstool for an hour staring into her gin and tonic, occasionally dipping her skewer of three cherries. Aside from her brown eyes penetrating her drink bemused in thought, the cherries were a dead giveaway. She is the only customer who requested cherries on a gin and tonic. The first drink she ordered, she inhaled those cherries before taking her first sip. 

Eric placed a fresh glass in front of her. “Gin and tonic, on the rocks. Three cherries.” He grinned and added, “on the house.” 

Jessica glanced at Eric. “Thanks. I’m still working on my first.”  

“Yeah, if you say so. You like lots of ice. Ice’s all melted.” Eric slid the new glass closer to her. She smiled and traded glasses.

“Something wrong with the cherries.”

“No, why?”

 “You haven’t eaten them,” he said, as Jessica furrowed her brows. “Aren’t you the one who said you could never have too many cherries?”

Jessica giggled softly. “Not quite in the mood.”

“When do you have to be in a mood for cherries?” Eric pretended to shake the water out of his ears.

She chuckled.  “I didn’t think so either, but I’ve been learning a lot about me lately.”

“Wanna talk about it?” 

“No, not really,” she scrunched her nose and shook her head. She glanced towards the Pool Room. “I should check on Johnny and his client.”

“Good idea. You know how salespeople are. Nothing matters except making that deal,” he said, watching her hop off her stool. When she narrowed her eyes and grimaced, Eric winced, glad she left before she saw his cheeks heat up. Eric grunted. ‘Why did I say that? I’m a bartender. I’m the one who always knows what to say, except to her.’

  Jessica glanced into the incandescently lit pool hall where Johnny was standing with a pool stick between both hands, talking to a man dressed like him in a rolled-up shirt sleeve. Jessica made her way over to Johnny with his back to her. His client smiled at her as she approached. He stopped Johnny by saying, “Jessica, forgive us for keeping you waiting.”

“It’s okay. How’s it going?” Jessica gazed at Johnny.

“We’re about done,” Johnny said, turning back to his client. “We can meet your expectations. Give me a minute,” Johnny continued. Jessica waved at the client and left.

“You’re back,” Eric placed the appetizer sampler on the counter next to Jessica’s drink just as she returned. “You must be hungry. My treat,” he added, expecting a response other than the heartbreak written all over her face. “Johnny’s not coming?”

“No, Johnny’s not coming anytime soon,” Jessica scooted onto her stool. “You’re very kind, Eric, but I’m going to head out.”

“I’ll pack it up for you,” as he reached for a box, Eric noticed Jessica looking like she fell on a cactus. He had to say something. “It’s probably not my place, but I’m gonna say it anyway. Jessica, you deserve better. I’ve seen you guys every week, and he cares more about making a deal than being with you. You deserve someone who would die to be with you.”

“You’re right. I’ve been troubled with this relationship but didn’t see a way out. I do deserve someone who thinks of me first.” 

“If you were my girl, I’d treat you like a queen,” he gushed. “Did I say that out loud?”

Jessica nodded, smiling, “Yeah. Maybe not a queen. I wouldn’t mind being treated like a princess.”

“I’ll keep the cherries coming.” 

“I did say that you could never have too many cherries.”

Posted in 800 Words, Story Showcase - Featuring...

Cloud Nine

Posted on by jdavis

By Jeannie Yee Davis

“Ready for Akina’s party?” Bobby plopped himself into the vacant chair next to Akiko’s desk, crossed his leg, and grabbed the stress ball from her coworker’s desk, tossing it from hand-to-hand.

“Nuts,” Akiko rubbed her temple. “I can’t go. I need to finish this article today.” She glanced at her watch and scowled, “I don’t have time to go home and change.”

“I knew you’d say that,” Bobby grinned. “You can’t miss your sister’s 40th birthday. Family is important. Just chill. Gotcha covered. I grabbed your outfit from your place.” 

“You’re so thoughtful, Bobs. How did you know…?”

“You’re the only person I know who would’ve selected an outfit when you got the invitation. Easy peasy for me.”

“Where is it?” Akiko asked, noticing Bobby arrived empty-handed.

“In the hall closet,” Bobby tipped his head towards the hallway.

Strolling to the restaurant, Akiko shyly stated, “If my boss likes my article, she’d consider me for the promotion I wanted.”

“Kudos,” Bobby smiled, and they bumped fists. “Don’t forget me when you’re globetrotting through Europe.”

Akiko giggled. “Forget you? Never. We’ve been friends how long?”

“Since fourth grade.” 

“Exactly. Besides, I’ll never find another you.”

I’ll definitely never find another you, Bobby thought. If only you knew you’re my world. If only you knew you’re the reason I survived foster care and bullies. You taught me to ignore the short kid jokes and assured me that I was just a late bloomer.

“That’s the article I was working on. Hey, where did you go?” Akiko snapped her fingers in his face.

“Sorry, I was…um. Hey, you’ve been working nonstop. Let’s take a personal day tomorrow!” After some persuading, Bobby’s pouty babyface won her over.

The following day, Akiko stood on the curb in front of her apartment and waved as Bobby drove up. “Morning, Bobs, where are we going?”

“Mornin’ sunshine!” Bobby said, climbing out and hurried to the curb. He opened the passenger door, bowed, then helped Akiko into the car. “I guarantee you a memorable day.” 

“Keep this up, and nobody will ever compare to you.”

“That’s my plan!” Bobby skedaddled back to the driver’s seat. “How’s old town sound?”

“We haven’t been there since high school?” Akiko squealed. “I wonder if Mel’s changed much in fifteen years. You got me craving their strawberry shakes.”

They reminisced spending Friday nights there to reward themselves for their week’s school achievements, when truth be told, neither had dates. She was, still am, an overachiever who aims to mirror her sister’s excellence. Since he had no siblings, he became the older brother that she never had or more like a partner in her endeavors. They have been inseparable, busy with events then and now, which meant they were each other’s social life.

They habitually glanced at their table in the corner as they entered Mel’s. They smiled at the server, wiping their table. The waitress waved them over, seated them, then handed them menus, which they declined, placing their orders from memory instead. As they ordered, “Runaround Sue” played on the jukebox, and Bobby’s face lit up. “You taught me the East Coast Swing to this song for that Doo Wop school dance where your date Johnny Rocket left with my date, Suzy Q.”

“That was so embarrassing. Thanks for taking me home that night. And, if memory serves, you taught me.”

“You taught me,” they exclaimed simultaneously, chuckling.

“Whatever happened to them?”

“They lasted a week. Longer than Johnny and I lasted.” 

“Suzy and I lasted an hour.” They giggled.

“I’m surprised you haven’t found someone, Bobs. You’re the perfect guy.”

“You think I’m perfect?” he grinned. “I’m waiting for Miss Right to realize she’s in love with me. You?”

“My career is my cloud nine.”

“Aki, there’s more to life than just a career. Does it have to be a choice? Can’t you have a career and a life?”

“Guess I haven’t met the right guy yet.” 

“You’re so focused on work. You wouldn’t notice the right guy.” 

“I’m content. I have you.”

“Do you remember when we first met?” Bobby rhetorically asked as he gazed at the daisy on their table. “I was walking close behind you after school. Mesmerized by the swishing of your long ponytail as you walked. You suddenly fell. I almost tripped over you.”

“I scraped my knee.”

“Luckily, I had wipes in my backpack.”

“You cleaned my bloody knee.”

Bobby handed the daisy from the table to Akiko.

Akiko sniffed the daisy, gazed into Bobby’s eyes. “You gave me a daisy that day, too. I just remembered. I told myself I would marry you when we grew up.”

Bobby smiled. “Awesome. I’ve had a crush on you since that day.”

“We’ve always had each other. You’re right. I can have everything on cloud nine.”    

Posted in 800 Words, Story Showcase - Featuring...

You’re the One for Me

Posted on by jdavis

By Jeannie Yee Davis

Jasper double-parked in front of Bob’s Creamery to deliver the last package on his route for Sentiment Gifters. With vacationers meandering about town, great for business, awful for drivers, Jasper fell behind schedule and drained but determined to make his last delivery. 

He dashed into the Creamery and was stunned by a pretty petite in a pink uniform with a short auburn ponytail serving a customer. Her angelic features enthralled and rejuvenated him. “Can I help you?” Her words snapped him back to the moment.

“I have a delivery for Natalie,” Jasper glanced at his device then at the name ‘Natalie’ on the clerk’s uniform. Jasper placed the small package down before handing her his device. “This is for you, Natalie. Sign, please.” 

“For me? Who sent it?” She signed, observing the box.

Jasper studied his log, “Anonymous.” 

She squinted, furrowed her brows, and gave Jasper a ‘really’ look. Jasper shrugged, “Hey, that’s what it says.”

Natalie untied the ribbon, lifted the lid revealing a bowl of M&M’s with a card that read, “Monday’s M&M’s: Let these melt in your mouth and not in your hands to coat the insides of your heart until it expands. Your Secret Admirer.” She flipped the card over, “Hmm, no name.”

“You have a secret admirer,” Jasper smirked. He turned to leave and muttered, “Rats, she’s taken.”

Jasper’s heart danced when he saw another package for Natalie the next day. Natalie waved when she noticed him outside. He waved back and tripped on his own feet. She giggled. He felt his face heat up. He waited until she finished ringing up her customer before placing the package on the counter. She glanced at the name on his shirt. “Hey Jasper, you’re back! Is that for me?”

“If you’re Natalie, then yeah, this is for you.” He tapped the box and skimmed his delivery screen, “Anonymous again. What did you get today?”

She untied the pretty ribbon to reveal a treat bag and card that read, “Tuesday’s Twix comes in a pack of two. No more, no less, but there’s so much more for you. Your Secret Admirer.” 

“Wow, that’s so romantic! Who is he?” a patron who walked in asked. 

“No clue,” Natalie darted towards Jasper. 

“Don’t look at me. I’m just the messenger,” he shrugged, and Natalie winced.

Jasper raced to his station the next morning, curious if another package awaited for Natalie. A part of him felt the joy of seeing her again, while the other part meant another gift from her secret admirer. His elevated spirits crashed to the ground in a flash.  

Natalie pulled off the ribbon and read, “Wednesday’s Wacky Wafers with many flavors like our time together will never waver. Your Secret Admirer.” 

“I’d fall for him if I were a girl,” Jasper chuckled. “Any clue who the guy is?” 

“None. Is he you?” Natalie asked furtively, chewing her lip.

“Me? Nah! I wish,” Jasper blushed, shaking his head.

 “Well, it’s fun. Something to look forward to tomorrow,” Natalie quickly changed direction.

The next day, Jasper raced to his station and looked for Natalie’s package. At first, he didn’t see one. It was buried under some other packages. He let it ride shotgun. Natalie, her coworker, and the patron from the day before awaited his arrival. They were almost more eager than Natalie, and Jasper, to see what the secret admirer sent today. “Thursday’s Twinkies cream and cake were meant to be. Just like you and me. Your Secret Admirer.”

“Oh, whoever he is, I’m in love,” Natalie’s coworker said whimsically.

“You and me both,” Natalie peeked at Jasper and asserted, “Where’s he taking me?” Her words cut into Jasper’s core, not certain he wanted to know the answer.

 Anticipating Natalie’s delivery became the thing they all did. Today was no different. “Friday’s Ferrero Rocher is a ball of fun when nuts and chocolate rolled into one. Just wait ‘til you see what’s in store for you and me. Your Secret Admirer.”

“That’s it,” Natalie exclaimed, “I’m marrying him.” Everybody laughed, adding they would marry the guy if she didn’t.

With all eyes over her shoulder, Natalie read her next gift, “Saturday’s Starbursts are to be expected. Just wait and see. When you say yes to, ‘Will you marry me? Your Secret Admirer.”

“Here’s your chance,” her coworker nudged her. 

Natalie gasped. “I was joking!” She turned to Jasper. “You sure you don’t know the sender?”

Jasper showed her the delivery log, and she skimmed it. “Wait! This isn’t for me. I’m Nataleigh. I replaced Natalie. The boss insisted on reusing uniforms. 

“Nice. Maybe I can ask you out sometime then?” Jasper gushed.

Natalie smiled. “I kept hoping you were the sender.”

“You and me both. Since I first saw you, I knew you’re the one for me.”

Posted in 800 Words, Story Showcase - Featuring...

It’s You

Posted on by jdavis

by Jeannie Yee Davis

“Have fun!” I hollered as Sally, my niece, dashed off with her friends.

“Call me,” I turned towards a twenty-something man who doesn’t look like the father type dropping off a preteen girl to the same birthday party. “Call me!” he repeated, though the girl was out of earshot. I tried being discreet, covering my giggle, not to embarrass him—too late. He grinned and said, “I’m new at this.”

I stifled a chuckle, nodded, and said, “ah.” 

We smiled at each other before heading off in opposite directions. Sally’s friend held her party at Dave & Buster’s at the Great Mall. It gave me an excuse to shop for a new outfit for tonight’s blind date that my cousin talked me into. “It’s been a year since your breakup. It’s time you started dating again,” she argued, and she’s right. Except, how do I trust again? My ex and I were inseparable through four years of college. I foolishly assumed wedding bells were our next step after graduation and landing jobs. Instead of popping the question after graduation, he popped the news that he preferred the perpetual student lifestyle over a career. He headed East taking my dream with him, and I went West to live in the real world—alone. The hardest part was having nobody to share the highs and lows with. That became the catalyst for the blind date. 

My eyes skimmed the Spring dresses in the display windows, but my mind lingered with newbie dad. What was his story? What did he mean by “I’m new at this”? New single dad? I couldn’t imagine a decent-looking guy like him staying single for long. 

I turned the corner, caught newbie dad window shopping. Guilty of being enraptured by him prompted me to U-turn before he saw me. Too late. We locked eyes. He waved. I grinned, waved back, and skedaddled like a nervous school girl. My shopping trip became a mindless stroll fixated on newbie dad. I knew nothing about him, yet he fascinated me. The concern on his face for his charge won me over.

An hour later, my growling tummy sent me to the food court where newbie dad was checking out a menu. I did an about-face when he asserted, “We meet again!” 

I relented and added, “We meet again. Are you shopping or killing time?”

“Killing time until I got hungry. You must be hungry, too? Wanna join me?

“That obvious?” I asked, he raised one eyebrow in response, and we both chuckled. “Sure, I am hungry. What do you feel like?”

“I haven’t met a food I don’t like. You choose. By the way, I’m Steve.”

“Pleasure, Steve. I’m Manny.” As we shook hands, I glanced at his left hand—no ring, and my heart danced. “Interested in Taiwan Street Food?”

“Lead the way. I’m opened to new foods.”

“Cool. I love sampling world cuisine. It’s like traveling without leaving home.”

“Good perspective. I like traveling. My job takes me everywhere.” he said.

“What do you do?” I asked, leading the way to the kiosk, filing in line. 

“I’m a health club trainer.”

“No wonder you look so good,” I mumbled. He grinned. “Did I say that out loud?” He nodded. I blushed. I pointed to the menu. “The popcorn chicken sounds delish.”

“Two orders of popcorn chicken, please,” he told the cashier. “Green tea for me. She’ll have…” he turned to me.

“Same here, please.”

“I got this. Would you mind grabbing that table?” Steve pulled out his wallet, tilted his head towards a couple vacating a table. 

“Sure thing,” I accelerated towards the vacancy. 

“This is quite tasty. Good choice.” Steve nodded, and I agreed. The meal was the first of many common interests we shared. “I’m glad I took my friend Bill’s daughter to this party.”

“She’s not your daughter?”

“No, oh no. I’m not married.”

Yes! I thought.

“Not dating anyone, either. Thinking about settling down, though. Bill thinks I need experience. I think he wanted free babysitting.” Steve said, chuckling. What’s your story?”

“My sister was busy. I was available. Viola, Manny’s taxi to the rescue.” My cell pinged. “It’s Sally. Time to head back.”  We promised to stay in touch before saying our goodbyes.

For my blind date, I chose a pale lavender dress that complimented my long straight blackish-brown hair. I thought of Steve’s wavy hair as I added a wave to mine and dreaded my blind date when the doorbell rang.

I opened the door, and there stood Steve on my porch with a bouquet in hand, “It’s you!” I gasped. 

“You’re Amanda?”

“Yes, you’re Francis?”

“Steve is my middle name. I was hoping you would be my blind date. This is going to be the best blind date ever because it’s you.”

Posted in 800 Words, Story Showcase - Featuring...

Mr. Right Was on His way

Posted on by jdavis

by Jeannie Yee Davis

Sometimes it feels like all I have to do is reach out, grab hold, and the universe is mine. Once I do reach out, reality sets in. All I see is disappointment. Disappointment that dreams don’t come true. It never did. Why haven’t I learned that yet? I’m an insane optimist, that’s why. I keep thinking, hoping this time would be different—this time, it would work out. Maybe when I put myself out there again, I wouldn’t get rejected. Is that asking too much?

How many times have I put myself out on a limb with “Wanna grab a coffee?” only to get a “No, thanks” back? I know it’s not typical for a girl to ask a guy out, but I’m not typical. Who created those dumb rules anyway? At this rate, I’d be a spinster before I find Mr. Right.

I may not be model material, but I’ve been told I’m not hard on the eyes. I work out three times a week and stay off processed foods usually. I can’t imagine my 5’4″ frame would intimidate a guy. My girlfriends include me in all their activities, which cancels out my having no personality. What’s the problem then? 

Wouldn’t everybody appreciate being asked out? Especially a guy. After all, growing up, boys were usually too shy to ask a girl out. You’d think they would feel relieved to skip that awkward step. I never cared what people thought. I am goal-oriented and impatient. Let’s just say waiting for things to happen wasn’t my strength. Although I’m learning maybe I should wait for destiny instead of taking matters into my own hands. Taking control hasn’t worked for me yet. Why does it have to be complicated? The guys I wouldn’t mind dating are the ones who say no. The guys I don’t care for are eager to ask me out. 

“I swear, I’ll never fall in love again,” I thought as I took a sip of my coffee. “Ow!” I yelped in response to the shove in my arm that caused the domino effect splashing coffee on my chin. 

“I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” a silky voice asked. 

I cringed from the sting on my chin as I fished for a napkin in my purse and thought, “Watch where you’re going!” but his soothing voice changed my tone, and I heard me say, “I’m fine,” while I dabbed my chin with a tissue.  

“I’m really sorry,” he said. I glanced up at my tall assailant, gasped when I recognized his face from the high school yearbook photo I taped inside my diary. “Can I buy you another coffee or take you to lunch to make it up to you?”

“Sure, I mean, you don’t have to do that, but I’d like that.”

“Which? Buy you coffee or buy you lunch?”

“Yes,” I said, self-conscious he would see my heated cheeks, not from the coffee, when reality hit me that the guy I had a crush on through school was standing next to me, talking to me and inviting me to coffee or lunch. “Either works. Whichever is convenient for you,” I breathed, calming my nerves. His furrowed brows didn’t help. “Or neither. I’m fine, really.” His brows knitted tighter as I chewed on my lip.

“Not a problem,” he said. “Sorry, I’m staring, but you seem familiar. Have we met?” he moved to avoid the passerby running into him. He placed his hand under my arm and led us to the side of the walkway, avoiding pedestrians. 

“We went to the same junior high,” I said. “I’m Andrea,” I added, keeping my eyes on him, which was easy. I’ve had a lot of practice staring at this handsome face and thick wavy black hair, which is as gorgeous as ever.

“Andrea?” he said, shaking his head.

“Oh, wait, I went by Andi in school. I’m not surprised you don’t recognize me. You didn’t notice me back then. We lived on the same block. We were in the same school for one year. You were in ninth grade. I was in seventh.”

He nodded, acknowledging what I said, “I never met you and never got your name, but believe me, I remember you. If I never noticed you, why would you look familiar to me?” 

My face heated up as a smile spread across his face, just as gorgeous as his photo, and I smiled, hoping that would distract him from my obviously reddening cheeks.

“Hi, Andi, I’m Eddie. It’s nice to meet you finally.” He extended his hand to me, and we shook hands. “Way overdue, but I’d like to make up the lost time. You hungry? Let’s do lunch.”

Right then, I realized why my efforts failed. Destiny knew my Mr. Right was on his way.

Posted in 800 Words, Story Showcase - Featuring...

The Talisman

Posted on by jdavis

by Jeannie Yee Davis

After those three horrible first dates with no second date in sight, I give up! This is it. I better get used to it. I’m going to die alone. I stink at the dating game. Mother was right. Ugh. I can’t stand it when she says, ‘You’ll never find a perfect guy like your sister did.’ Sandy mimicked her mother as she heard her mother’s voice in her head. Of course, Josie found the perfect guy. She always gets the guy she wants. She is everybody’s pride and joy. I sucked at being in her shadow, and now I suck at finding a guy—I’m not talking about the perfect guy either—but just a guy. Sandy plodded towards her office, beating herself up along the way. 

Sandy slowed her pace as she neared the curb, anticipating the signal light to turn green. The color reminded her of the aqua talisman, her best friend gave her. She reached for the pendant dangling from a chain around her neck, and she rubbed it between her fingers, contemplating Amy’s assurance that this wasn’t any ordinary pendant but was a talisman with magic powers to grant the wearer true love. “When will you work your magic?” she mumbled as the red light changed to green.

“How did your date with Todd go last night?” Amy surprised Sandy from behind. Sandy glanced at her friend as she stepped into the Coffee Bar line downstairs from their office. 

Sandy greeted Amy with sad puppy dog eyes and shook her head. “Don’t ask!” She inhaled the refreshing aroma of freshly brewing coffee, savoring the scent before blowing out a quick breath in hopes of shaking off her bad fortune. 

“Uh oh, something tells me it didn’t go well,” Amy grimaced. Sandy gave her that ‘you’d think?’ look. “What happened? It can’t be that bad, right?”

“Worst! How could I have been so wrong?” Sandy brushed her short lock of hair that the light breeze blew across her face. 

“Wrong about what? That you thought he was the one for you? I mean, we both did. He seemed so perfect,” Amy exclaimed. “What happened?”

“He seemed so perfect, right?” Sandy sighed.

“Right. If I weren’t getting married in a month, I would date him.”

Sandy ignored her friend’s comment. Took a small step forward, advancing along behind the customer ahead of her. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. We seemed to hit it off fine. Then it went south.” Sandy sighed heavily. “It’s happening again. Whenever I’m with a guy I like, I get all clumsy and stupid. I can’t form a full sentence. I get tongue-tied. I can’t do anything right. He’s never going to ask me out again. I know it. Not after I spat the shrimp at him!” Sandy gushed. 

“You spat shrimp at him? I can’t imagine why, but that’s not so bad, right?” Amy tried to console her friend as she moved along in line, accidentally bumping into a customer leaving. “Oh, ‘cuse me,” she said to the patron.

“It is if it was dipped in red sriracha sauce! I was so embarrassed,” Sandy felt her face heat up at the memory. 

“Since when do you like hot sauce?”

“I don’t. That’s why I spat it out. I thought it was the cocktail sauce. Even my aim sucked. Who puts out the hot sauce with shrimp anyway?” Sandy shrugged and shook her head. “I offered to buy him a new shirt, but he was too infuriated to answer. Oh, Amy, you should’ve seen him. He was like a Jekyll and Hyde. Super nice and gentlemanly at first. The worst I got, the more impatient and ruder he became with me.” Sandy turned and looked at Amy in the eyes. “He can be a pretty ugly guy!” Sandy turned back forward and kept pace with the line. “Now, even if he wanted to ask me out again, I don’t think I want anything to do with him!” Sandy said as she approached the counter.

“Morning, Sandy, your usual?” the perky barista asked.

“He’s never that friendly with me,” Amy whispered into Sandy’s ear. “He’s kind of cute, don’t you think?”

Sandy gently pushed her friend aside, and she said to the barista, “Hey Tony, could I get a Mocha with extra whip, please?” 

“We’re feeling adventurous today, huh? Tony winked at her as he rang up her order. Sandy winced at him and turned back to Amy without missing a beat.

“That wasn’t all. I tripped on a cane sticking out from under the table next to us, and, get this—I spilled my wine on Todd’s lap.” 

Amy gasped. “Ouch!”

“I wasn’t kidding. It was bad. It was beyond bad. I wouldn’t want to go out with me again!” 

“Gotcha! I gotta hand it to you. You know how to make an impression on a man,” Amy rolled her eyes at Sandy before she placed her order, “I’ll take a latte with soy, Tony.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes at Tony as she pointed a finger over her shoulder towards Sandy, who was hiding her face with her hand. Tony shrugged, smiled, then rang up her drink order. 

Shortly afterward, Tony handed Amy her coffee, “there you go, Amy.” Amy smiled and raised her cup to him as her way of thanking him. He held out Sandy’s cup towards her. She reached for it, but he didn’t let it go, causing her to look up at him. He gazed into her eyes and smiled, “have a nice day, Sandy,” before letting her take the cup.

“I think he likes you,” Amy whispered as she linked her arm with Sandy’s on their way out of the Coffee Bar. Before Sandy could respond, Amy added, “Don’t worry, honey, you will soon meet your perfect man. I promise. Who knows, he might be right in front of you.”

A couple of hours later, Amy texted Sandy to meet her at the Coffee Bar for a break. Sandy arrived there before Amy did. It was off-peak and quiet. “Hey, Sandy, you back for a refill on that mocha?” Tony asked as he wiped a table. “I’ll be right with you.”

Sandy looked around before answering. “Amy wanted to meet here. I’ll wait for her.” She took a seat at a pub table, glancing outside for Amy.

Tony finished wiping the table and headed towards Sandy, all ready to say something to her. Before he reached her, a guy resembling Brad Pitt beat him to it. Sandy’s eyes followed the stranger as he walked in. She was taken by surprise when he stopped at her table.

“Hi, you look familiar. Do I know you?” 

Sandy turned left and right to see who he was talking to when she realized he was talking to her. “I don’t think so.”

“I’m Norm. I just started working on the 5th floor,” he reached out his hand to her.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Sandy. I work on the 9th floor,” she shook his hand. “Welcome to the company!”

“You mind if I join you?”

“I’m waiting for a friend, but that’s fine,” Sandy pointed to the chair in front of her.

As they chatted, Sandy wondered what was taking Amy so long. It wasn’t like her to be tardy. The more Norm and Sandy talked, she soon forgot about Amy. They had many things in common. Her spirits began to lift. She rubbed her talisman and smiled as she enjoyed the moment with this good-looking man who happens to be a great conversationalist, too. 

A moment later, he glanced at his watch and realized he had to get to a meeting. He asked Sandy out for dinner that night to continue getting to know each other. They exchanged numbers, and he headed out the door. She watched him walk away and saw Amy approaching. She got up to order their drinks when with her back to the doorway, she overheard Norm and Amy talking just outside the entrance where sound traveled like a speaker through the opening.

“She didn’t suspect a thing. I got a date with her for tonight,” Norm chuckled.

“Good job. Thanks, I owe you,” Amy said.

“Sorry, I’m late, I got caught up on a call…” Amy stopped talking when she walked in and saw Sandy turn around, eyebrows furrowed, eyes glaring with her jaw clenched. Amy inhaled and leaned her body as far away from her friend as possible, preparing for the blows to come.

“I can’t believe it! You put him up to it?”

“I’m sorry. I was only trying to help,” Amy clasped her hands in front of her chest, hoping it would help her plead.

“You didn’t believe I could find a guy? What about this stupid talisman? Don’t you believe in it yourself?” Sandy yanked the necklace off and tossed it on the counter. “I should have known something was fishy when we had so many things in common.”

Standing behind the counter, Tony, ready to take her order, glanced at the pendant, “cool necklace.” He made a hang loose gesture with his hand towards Amy, then to Sandy.

Sandy stared at Tony and grimaced.

“You know, shaka, hang loose,” Tony made the hang loose gesture again and explained further when Sandy didn’t seem to get it. “This is how the locals on the Hawaiian Islands greet each other. It’s especially popular in the surfer culture,” he continued to make the hang loose gesture. 

Sandy turned to Amy with her hands on her hips, “Your magic talisman is a hang loose symbol? I feel so stupid. I never took a good look at it. I trusted you, Amy!”

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to trick you. I was only trying to help lift your spirits. You were so depressed and down on yourself. I had to do something to help you believe in yourself again. I was hoping to lend you a little confidence until you regain your own. I happened to have that necklace with me, so I made it up. Please don’t be mad at me! I meant well.”

Sandy sighed. Shook her head. “I don’t know what to feel right now. I’m more embarrassed than anything else. How can I be mad at you? You’re my best friend. I know you mean well.”

“Does that mean you forgive me?”

“Yeah, but I’m not going out with Norm tonight.”

“Okay,” Amy shrugged.

“You know, if you don’t mind my saying so, you don’t need a magic necklace. You just need to be yourself. Any guy who doesn’t see the wonderful person you are doesn’t deserve you,” Tony pushed the necklace around on the counter. 

“Thanks, Tony, that’s nice of you to say that,” Sandy smiled. “I needed that right now. Thank you.”

“I meant it,” Tony blushed. “You know, you guys are always together. I was waiting for a moment when you were alone,” he said to Sandy, “because I wanted to ask you out sometime, but you were never alone.”

“Did you put him up to this?” Sandy glared at Amy.

Amy shook her head. “Nope. I’m not taking the credit for this one. It’s all him. I’ve never said more than my drink order to him.”

Sandy glanced at Tony, who nodded his head and grinned.

She grabbed the necklace off the counter and handed it to Amy. “Thanks, best friend, he’s right. I don’t need a magic talisman when I have friends like you guys.”

Sandy glanced at Tony and smiled, “Sure, I’d love to go out with you.”

Posted in Story Showcase - Featuring...

Emptied Out

Posted on by jdavis

By Jeannie Yee Davis

It was a long flight home from England, where Joseph Hayley spent the last three months visiting friends and relatives and teaching woodworking.  He was tired and was eager to get home to his San Francisco apartment of 15 years.  All he wanted to do was lie down in his own bed and catch some sleep.  Upon his arrival home, he was shocked to find the deadbolt on his front door unlocked and the back door wide open and nothing in between. “I’ve been robbed!” he cried.  His 2-bedroom apartment was stripped clean down to his dirty laundry and the frozen peas in the freezer.  The apartment was cleaned out.  He panicked and immediately went looking for his landlord but instead found a note on the landlord’s door saying he was out of town.  

“What the heck happened here?” He muttered in disbelief as he called 911 on his cell phone.  He surveyed his apartment and realized that the people who took his belongings knew what they were doing.  They had to have the right tools and the expertise to dismantle the Douglas fir wooden dinner table, the queen-size bed, and the bookshelves that he built.  

The police arrived soon after Joseph called.  They took down the details before they started knocking on doors to question the neighbors. “Mr. Hayley moved out last week.  I saw the moving van move him out.” said the neighbor downstairs.  The police continued their questioning, and another neighbor confirmed that Mr. Hayley indeed moved out.

Joseph was shocked to hear this, “What the heck is going on?  How did this happen?  Why would someone do this?” he asked, but the cops shook their heads, unable to answer.

Joseph contacted the local newspaper in hopes that someone could provide information to locating his belongings.  His nephew, Simon, read the article about his uncle’s burglary and came rushing over. “Uncle Joe, are you all right?  What are you doing home so soon?  I just read the article in the paper…”

“Yes, I’m fine, but I’m afraid my apartment isn’t.  All my belongings are gone.” 

“But, Uncle Joe, that’s not true.  Your belongings are fine.”

“You don’t understand. I’ve been robbed!  I don’t have anything left,” Joseph explained.

“No, Uncle, we moved you out while you were away, remember that was the plan?”

Joseph stood there with his mouth ajar, stunned, not understanding what he was hearing.  Before Simon could say another word, Joseph’s cell phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hello there, Joseph, this is Celine calling from England.  The reason for my call is to make sure you are doing all right.”

“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” he replied.

“I’m glad to hear that.  You had us worried.”

“Thank you, Celine, but the police are investigating…”

“The police? Why are the police involved?” 

“I came home and found my apartment emptied out.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that, Joseph, but that’s not why we’re worried. We’re worried about your concussion.”

“Concussion? What concussion?” Joseph asked.

“Oh dear, I was afraid the doctor was right that you might have mild amnesia from the concussion you got when you took a tumble in the museum.”  

_____

Afterword:  This fictional story was derived from ‘The Emptied-home Mystery” in the 10/27/03 San Francisco Chronicle. 

Posted in Story Showcase - Featuring...

This Time Last Year

Posted on by jdavis

by Jeannie Yee Davis

This time last year, his trip home to spend Valentine’s Day with his wife was interrupted by an assignment. The assignment to restore the elegant wood tables at the Divine Mansion kept him away longer than he expected. Every night and every morning, he lies in his bed, picturing her smiling and blowing kisses and saying, ‘I love you’ as she drifts farther and farther away. He reaches out to her, and he is encouraged to keep on working. 

He stooped over the oblong table like a pool player. His face, mere inches away from the surface. His eyes fixated on the spot amid thick shavings that looked like large flakes of dandruff. He worked the pointy tip of the toothpick into the varnish. “You have to be careful not to damage the lacquer finish beneath the varnish. You see, if you do damage the table, that would mean overtime. They won’t like it. They will make us repair the damage, you see. Quite frankly, I don’t have the time to do that. You see, I have a deadline I’m trying to meet.” He spoke in almost a hypnotic whisper without looking up. He repositioned his arm, tensing his grip in preparation for the rapid strokes needed to graze the top layer. 

When he worked up momentum, the varnish flicked off the table like pieces of rice paper. “Removing the varnish from these fine tables requires a master’s skill. Not just anybody has the knack for this. We’re lucky, we do.” He chuckled. “The whole table can’t be treated the same way, you see. Believe me, I know. I’ve encountered a dozen different surfaces. The varnish comes right off with just a flick of the toothpick in some areas, but other areas require more persistence. But not to worry, you see, I have devised ways to get around them.” He continued talking into the table. A page from the PA system periodically drowned out his voice. Cellophane crumbs covered the surface of the mahogany table, and snowflake shavings dusted the hardwood floor around where he worked. 

He scraped each spot with determination following it farther and farther across the table in steady swiftness. “When the momentum is broken, then we refocus and work another area for a while. I like to come back to these tough spots later. You see, I get a lot more done that way. I like to finish parts of the table in succession, but tough spots slow me down. I’ve got to hurry, you see.” Just then, he came upon a stubborn spot that wouldn’t budge. He scratched at it with his fingernail, and it cleared a path right through. He held a finger up to his lips, “Shh, and that’s the secret to how you do it.”  

“Be careful now. Can’t push too hard. You see, don’t wanna dent the table and don’t wanna break another toothpick.” He let out a breath that blew the flakes about the table. “Supplies are hard to come by depending on the staff. There seems to be a high turnover around here.”  

The body of the toothpick dug into the flesh of his fingers. It didn’t bother him. He has become numb to the pain. “I have to finish this one last table. Then they’ll let me go.” Sweat soaked through his white tee shirt. But he kept going.

He stopped to change hands when he couldn’t press down anymore. He swung his arm to toss the toothpick onto the table, but it didn’t fall out of his grip. The toothpick embedded itself into the flesh of his fingers. He had to yank it loose from his right hand before he could toss it onto the table. He rubbed at his calloused fingertips and massaged one stiff finger at a time. He stood up straight and became aware of the tension that built up in his back. He arched backward and stretched as he surveyed the table. He groaned. He took a deep breath and sucked in the familiar medicinal musky dampness. He rubbed his eyes to refocus.

“Oh God! I’ve still got half the table to go. I’ll never finish in time. Wrong attitude! No choice. I must finish then I can go home to my wife. It seems like forever since I’ve spoken to her, but she’ll understand. I’ve been busy. She’ll appreciate that I’ve devoted all my time to getting home to her. I know she’ll be surprised.”

He wiped the sweat from his hair and face with his already wet arms. He licked the salty sweat from his upper lip, changed hands, and resumed scraping the varnish.

“Excuse me…excuse me,” she tapped him on the shoulder. “Could you tell me where the office is?” 

“Oh, you startled me.” 

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

“The office is that way.” He pointed down the hall.

“Thanks. What are you working on?”

“I’m refinishing this table. That’s my job.”

“Your job is to refinish this table?”

“Not just this table. All the wood tables here.”

“Really? How many have you already done?”

“I’ve done nine. Once I finish with this last table, I get to go home to my wife. Gotta finish this project in the next couple of weeks. I’m going to surprise her when I show up on Valentine’s Day.”

“That’s really nice. Well then, I’d better let you get back to work.” The young woman walked towards the direction he pointed. She padded along so that her clogs wouldn’t pound against the floor. She reached the office and saw a heavyset woman wearing a pale blue sweater sitting with her back to the door. She knocked even though the door was open. “Excuse me, Mrs. Bennett, is this where I report for duty?”

“You must be Kimberly. Hang your coat over there, and I’ll show you around.” The elderly lady stood up, pointed to the coat rack, and led Kimberly outside the office.

Kimberly heard mumbling coming from the man bent over with the toothpick scraping away at the table. She tried but couldn’t make out what he was saying. “Mrs. Bennett, who’s that guy over there?”

“That’s Peter. You give him a box of toothpicks, and he stays out of trouble.”

“He said he’s trying to finish that table so he could go home to his wife. That’s so sweet.” Kimberly said, glancing over, catching Mrs. Bennett’s frown. “What’s wrong?”

“Tsk, tsk, he’s not going anywhere.”

“Why not?”

“His wife was killed this time last year. Her death sent him here to Divine Hope Sanitarium. He’s been doing that since he got here.”