Four hours later, I’m still thinking about how to reply to Rose’s last email. You would think that once you have known someone for years, it would be easy to continue where you left off. That doesn’t fit our situation at all. It feels like we’re strangers, not like two people who shared something special. Like our connection from our teen years doesn’t mean a thing anymore.
I wish I could go back in time to that moment when I said goodbye in the small hospital burn unit room. I would do everything differently, starting with having her number.
Seven years later, it’s time to take matters into my own hands. I wonder if I should call Rose, text her, or get something nice delivered—presents are always fun. I know that she won’t be too happy to hear from me. I bet she could tell that the entireday with Elijah Daltonwas my lame excuse to spend more time with her.
Taking my phone out of my pocket, I finally text her. I wouldn’t put it past her to hang up the call or let me go into the voicemail. It’s harder for her to avoid me via text.
Eli:Friday at 7 pm. Be ready to be wined and dined, my sweetest Rose.
Thirty minutes later, there is still no reply. I wonder if Rose is avoiding me for good. As I’m pondering my next move, the notification for a new message appears. Opening our conversation, I laugh at her reply.
Rose:And how do you know I’m not busy?
Eli:If you were, you would have just told me that.
Rose:Let me remind you, Mr. Dalton, I’m not one of your employees. You can’t just boss me around even if it makes you feel good.
Eli:Thank fuck you aren’t. I would have to change the company policy if that was the case. What I feel towards you wouldn’t be appropriate if I was your boss.
Rose:That’s good to hear. But remember, we need to have dinner first.
Eli:See you day after tomorrow then, so we get that out of the way *winky face emoji*
Rose:I have to check my calendar, my dating life is so packed at the moment.
Eli:Don’t play with my heart, Rose. That’s just mean.
Eli:Trust me when I say this: I want to be the only one dating you.
For now, I need to show her that I’m not afraid to bring my A-game. I like this little exchange with her. If she were someone else, I would sayfuck itand forget all about her. I’m not a fan of women who play hard to get.
But it’s Rose. She’s my kryptonite.
* * *
Waiting for her reply, I put my phone away and get ready to leave my home office. I took a rare day off today so I could think and relax without interruptions. When I’m not busy working or reading, I often volunteer with underprivileged children at a community center near my old place in Brooklyn. Tonight is one of my shifts, and I’m excited to see the kids again.
As someone who used to be in their shoes, I believe I have something to give other than my money. For these children, your time is more valuable than anything else. They love it when they’re noticed and valued as members of society.
I picked this community center to sponsor because they needed funding as soon as possible. The center was close to being shut down for good. I couldn’t let that happen to these children. After four years of funding, the difference is immense. You wouldn’t even recognize it as the same place.
It’s satisfying to see my money do something like this instead of sitting in my bank account. As someone who grew up with little to no money at times, I know that I’ll never use all the money I earn. It is better to share it with people and institutions that need funding.
As I walk into the center, Heidi greets me with a happy smile. The volunteer manager of the center is in her forties and has two teenagers who are both volunteers here too. Today is her son Henry’s turn to volunteer, if I’m not mistaken.
When I saw him last, he wanted to hear more about my company’s latest project. As a fellow geek, I was happy to tell him what we were doing. At least everything I can share right now, as most of it is still under wraps for several reasons.
Sometimes we also talk about our favorite movies, TV series, and books. Ordinary things everyone likes discussing. Heidi once told me that it’s fantastic for Henry to have a male role model like me since their dad isn’t around. It warmed my heart hearing those words from her.
The next time I saw Henry after his mother’s comment, I gave him my personal number if he ever needed my help. He called me once when he got too drunk at a house party. I called Heidi and told her that he wanted to stay at my place until he sobered up. After that, he got grounded for two weeks, and we never talked about it again.
Checking the list of other volunteers for the day, I greet two other center employees. With my donations, they can have five full-time staff members who all have different responsibilities within the center. One of the staff members is having a baby next month. That means I need to pick a gift for the baby and new parents. I should message my sister Claire and ask for tips.
My favorite activity is storytime with kids under seven. They always have the best questions, and their cheerful outlook on life is contagious. I can’t stop smiling whenever I’m with these kids.
Today is our fairy tale day. Yes, it’s ironic that someone who doesn’t believe in fairy tales reads them aloud to children. But I can’t say no to a group of children dressed in superhero costumes, princess dresses, and tiaras.
“Eli, Eli, please tell us a story,” one of the children shrieks with excitement.
