A Touch Of Magic
by
Sammie Ward
Smashwords Edition
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PUBLISHED BY:
Lady Leo Publishing on Smashwords
A Touch Of Magic
Copyright © 2010 by Sammie Ward
All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photo copying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Lady Leo Publishing. For more information write Lady Leo Publishing, P.O. Box 14283, Silver Spring, MD 20911
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I sat and stared at the stack of brown folders on my desk. I took a deep sigh, then glanced up at the clock on the wall. It was 1:10 pm. Once again I’d worked through lunch. The steady flow of patients in and out of the office and the constant ringing of the telephone kept the morning busy.
I took a moment to look out the window, the clear blue Summer sky, high clouds and temperatures in the 90’s reminded me of how much I needed to unwind, get out and have some fun for a change.
I loved my job as a Social Worker, but it’s been consuming my life. I’ve been telling myself that there was more to life than work, but day after day, I go home to a lonely apartment, empty bed and Ms. Thang my Siamese.
In my thirty-two years on this earth, I have never done anything spontaneous. Maybe that’s what I need, I thought to myself; to do something on the spur of the moment… add some spice to dull life.
Since moving to Washington, DC from Baton Rouge, Louisiana a year ago, I haven’t had much of a social life. I’m still pulling myself together after ending a two-year relationship with Jeffrey Rhimes.
I loved Jeffrey. I won’t deny it. He was my first love. Not to mention, he was a no good liar, cheat, and couldn’t keep a job to save his life. I put up with a lot of Jeffrey’s mess, but when he fathered a child with another woman, that was the straw that broke the Campbell’s back and I kicked him to the curve.
With a Master’s degree in Social Work and new-found confidence, I applied for a position in the Federal Government. Six months later, I was contacted to work for the U.S. Army at a military hospital in D.C.
The East coast is change of pace for me it’s a political town where money and power seem to take precedent over a easy and laid back atmosphere, but in the short time that I’ve been here, I have met some wonderful people.
I stood and walked over to the window. Looking out, I watched as workers mingled about outside. Some chose to stroll around the people for exercise, while others sat having lunch underneath large shade trees.
What about a vacation? I said to myself. Where should I go? Bahamas? Hawaii? Maybe Paris, I always wanted to go to Europe.
“Working through lunch again?” The voice inquired from the doorway, breaking into my thoughts.
I turned to see my friend/coworker, Starr Norwood sashaying further into the office. She was carrying two plastic subway bags in hand. The aroma tickling my nose, caused my empty stomach to rumble louder.
“I’m just trying to catch up. It’s been a hectic day.” I said.
“Tell me about it. But you have to eat, keep your strength up. So, I bought you, your favorite. A six-inch grill chicken sandwich on honey oat bread, your favorite, along with a sprite soda, and a bag of potato chips. And for me a chicken salad.”
I took a deep whiff. “Hmmm, girl. I’m starving.”
Starr placed the salad dish in front of her. “Oh and your boyfriend, Brandon says hello.”
I dropped down in the chair. “Brandon isn’t my boyfriend,” I tried to hide the wide grin threatening to spread across my face. “He’s too young for me.”
“He’s twenty-four. You’re thirty-two. Eight years isn’t that big of a deal. Not in this day and time. Men have been dating younger women for decades, now it’s the ladies time. Cher. Demi Moore,” she continued. “Her and Ashton Kuchton are doing well. I say go for that young stuff.”
“Just because it’s working for Demi, doesn’t mean it will work for me.” I tilted my head to one side. “And how do you know he’s twenty-four?”
“I asked him,” Starr quipped.
“Nosey.” I said.
Starr giggled. “Somebody had to step up. You’re not going to do it.”
“You are right about that,” I took a bit of the sandwich.
Starr waved a hand in mid-air. “What wrong? Scared Brandon will put something on you?”
I leaned back. “Whatever. It’s not about sex.”
“The hell you say,” Starr laughed. “It’s always about sex.”
I couldn’t help but join in the laughter. “Let’s change the subject, please. I’m not a cougar.”
“I don’t think a eight year difference classifies as a cougar.”
“Starr,” I threatened. “Drop it.”
“Ok. Ok. We are at work,” Starr said. “We have to be professional,” she giggled. “Are you at least going to the jazz festival this weekend? Luke and I will be there front and center.” She shoveled the chicken salad in her mouth.
“I don’t know, Raymond asked me I wanted to go with him. I haven’t decided yet.” Raymond Knox is another co/worker. He has made it known that he’s interested in me. He’s around forty, a widow, financially stable, and has no children.
Raymond could easily pass for Samuel Jackson, from the bald-head, down to the smooth dark chocolate skin tone. A lot of women would consider him a good catch. I like Raymond. He’s a nice guy. I enjoy his company when we do hang out. But there isn’t any sexual chemistry between us.
I’m beginning to think that maybe my mother is right, that I’m always attracted to the bad boys, and nice settled men like Raymond don’t hold my attention.
Starr cocked a perfect sculptured eyebrow. “Raymond? I don’t understand what you see in him.”
I took a sip. “Raymond is a good guy. We’re good friends.”
“Friends huh?”
“Yes, friends.”
“You and I both know that Raymond wants to be more than just your friend.” Starr winked. “He wants your stuff.” She giggled again.
I flashed her a no-she-didn’t look, then burst out laughing. What could I say? She was telling the truth.
“Friendship is all that I’m offering,” I explained.
“I hope so.” Starr said.
I shrugged. “The way I see it, Raymond is harmless, and I want to go out this weekend. You have Luke, so you don’t understand what I’m going through.”
Starr bobbed her head up and down. She has been with Luke for over three years. They make a handsome couple. Everyone is looking forward to the day they announce their engagement. Seeing them together and so much in love reminds me of what I’m missing, yet I’m happy for them.
“What are you saying? It’s a mercy date?” Starr joked.
I playfully hit her on the arm. “No.”
“I understand what you’re saying. I’ve been there. But sometimes that special someone could be standing in front of you, but you can’t see them because of stupid rules,” Starr grinned like a Chelshire cat “or else someone.” She rolled her eyes toward the ceiling “would ask Brandon to the Jazz Festival.”
“I thought you were going to give this a rest. I’m not going to ask Brandon out.”
“Why not?” Starr whined. She pushed her bottom lip out.
“I can give you several reasons. One. It’s a Jazz Festival, not a Hip Hop or Rap Event. Two. A woman doesn’t ask a man out. Three. I’m just not interested in Brandon.” I couldn’t believe I told her that with a straight face.
“Colette Towns, there is nothing wrong with asking a man out,” Starr said.
I leaned across the desk. “If I were interested in Brandon and I’m not saying that I am,” I quickly added. “I still wouldn’t ask him out.”
“I almost forgot how country and old fashion you are,” Starr said.
“And proud of it,” I boasted.
“Then there’s that one month rule,” Starr added. “No sex with the man until at least a month or two.”
I pointed at her. “Don’t even go there. A couple of months going out with man without sex won’t cloud your judgment. I wish I would tried it with Jeffrey.” I admitted. “I probably would have found out what a jerk he is.”
“This is what this is all about isn’t it? You’re comparing all men to Jeffrey. Girl, neither Brandon or Raymond is Jeffrey and couple of months rule isn’t going to help you figure out a man’s motives. Forget the rules. Live a little. Be spontaneous for a change.”