Words of Intimacy Part 7

SYLVER

The conversation I had with my girl, Macy, got me really reminiscing about my past loves. Ok, maybe just Josh.  It is just something about a thick, tall, chocolate brother to make a girl want to scream. We dated for only one year, but it was a great year.  I can’t lie. It was my fault we broke up. He was more serious than I was. I cheated on him with some idiot I met at the club. I honestly regret it.  I believe he could have been my happily ever after. I can’t believe I just admitted to that. I love the relationship that Macy and Rollins have. I want that! I need that! I am going to get that!

I wonder if he still works at the cable company. Well there is one way to find out. I closed my bedroom door and jumped on my bed with my phone. I looked up the number on Google and pressed call.

“Thank you for calling Digital Entertainment Cable Company. This is Sarah. How may I help you?”

I turned on my professional voice. “Hello. Is Joshua Wesome available?”

“Just a moment. I will transfer you.”

After a short pause, “This is the manager. How may I help you?”

“Wow. Manager. Impressive. Hey Josh, it’s Sylver.”

Silence. “Sylver? Hold on…..I am going to take this in my office.”  There was a short pause with horrible elevator music. “Sylver Lauren Trends.  Wow. To what do I owe this honor?”

I took a deep breath. “How are you doing, Josh? How have you been? I see you are manager now.”

He laughed. “Sylver, what’s going on? You have never been good at the nice pleasantries. Keep it real.”

“Ouch.”

“Well, sorry. You dumped me to be with that thug you met at the club when I was ready to take things to another level. You weren't woman enough to tell me the truth before you spread your legs for dude. Yes, I am still bitter. I loved you and still have love for you. I would have never done anything like that to you. I always treated you like my queen. So what’s up?” His voice was very rough.

“Josh, I am so sorry. We were just talking about you and I realized then and even more now that that was a huge mistake. I wasn't ready for the kind of relationship you was offering. I wish I could take it back. Honest.” My voice squeaked. I did not recognize my own sound.

“Look, Sylver, I wasn't proposing just asking you to meet my family. And you did that shit to me.  Sorry, let me calm down. Forgive me for snapping.”

Why do I feel like crying? I told myself to get it together. “It’s ok. Keep it coming.  I deserve it.”

He exhaled heavily. “You never deserve someone to be negative like that towards you. Remember that.” His voice was soothing. “What can I do for you, Silly?”

I couldn't help but laugh. “Only you could get away with calling me that nickname. Well, honestly was wondering how you were doing?”

“I am doing ok.  How are you? Are you still seeing dude?”

“No that was just a one night thing.  Are you dating someone right now?” I asked him, crossing my fingers.

“Well, yes, but I am not in a committed relationship.  Even though it has been over a year I still think about you. I wish we could have gone on the date I planned. It was to be a night to remember.”

“Wow. I wish that too. I wish more for a second chance.” There was silence on his end. “Do you think that is possible?”

“I am not sure.” Hesitant filled his voice.

“Well let’s just have dinner. Tonight? Our old place?”

“I would love to but not tonight. Maybe tomorrow. I have to work late. Do you still work at the shoe store in the mall?”

I exhaled heavily, “Yes, I do. I have to work in the morning so tomorrow night is fine.”

“Let’s meet for lunch in the food court then. What time is your lunch?”

“1”

“Ok, I will see you tomorrow. By Silly.”

I couldn't help but smile, “Bye Josh.” I hung up the phone and let out a silent girlish squeal. Wow, Josh! Josh was nothing like any of the other guys I have dated. In fact, he was the first guy to have a legitimate job and not live with his mother.  He taught me the true definition of a gentleman.

April 2011

I couldn't stand Tuesdays. Tuesday meant it was truck day.  One of the duties of an associate manager is to be in charge of the truck delivery. Good thing was that it was a small truck only 150 pairs of shoes to scan and organize.  Normally, with us being the largest shoe store in the mall, the new shipment could take us two days. The other good plus to this, is I am first to see the new shoes. When I had less than two hours left to my shift, I scanned the last box of shoes.  I came back onto the floor to try to sell some shoes. Got to love commission.

A tall dark man walked in with two women. One looked like his mother and the other looked like his girlfriend.  I walked towards the mother.

“Good evening, ma’am. Can I get that for you in your size or maybe another color? Those come in navy blue and dusky tan as well as the midnight black you are holding.”

She looked undecided. “I guess a size eight in the navy blue, please.” I nodded my head and scrambled off to the storage room.

I returned to the sales floor where the three was laughing. The younger woman had her hand his shoulder while whispering in his ear. Then the two continued laughing. I helped the mother try on the shoes. She stood and walked around in the shoes.

“What do you think you two giggle boxes?” The mother asked.

The thick and handsome man said, “Ma, they looked nice on your feet. Are they comfortable?”

She did a funny little two step dance. “Yes, I think I can dance all night in the club with these.” Even I giggled this time. She turned to me, “I will take these and the tan ones. I have enough black shoes.”

After he paid for the shoes, the three walked out of the store. I began some of my closing procedures. The store closed in about 45 minutes.  I was cleaning the shelves and making sure they were in the right order.

“Excuse me? May I talk to you for a second?”

I turned around and there was the sexy, thick, and handsome man. “Yes sir. Was there a problem with your mother’s shoes?”

His smile was breathtaking.  He only had one dimple on the left side of his face. I just wanted to kiss it. “No, she loves them. I think she really wants to go to the club. But I was actually interested in talking to you on another occasion. Outside of the store.”

Great he is a cheater. “ Maybe in better circumstances that would work. Thanks though.” I smiled and went back to my cleaning.

“May I ask what circumstances are you speaking of?”

My smile transformed into a smirk. “Really? I give you credit for your boldness but I have dated my share of playas. I do not wish to do it again.”

His delicious mouth dropped open. He turned and walked away. I laughed to myself and continued my job. Within ten minutes, I watched him reenter the store with the female. I covered my face. This cannot be happening today to me.

“I am sorry what is your name?”

“Sylver with a y”

“Well Sylver with a y, my name is Joshua and this is my cousin Tameka. I would have told you she was my cousin but I had the feeling that you would not believe me. So I brought her back.”

Tameka giggled, “I promise I am his cousin. I don’t roll like that. Not to mention he is ten years older than me. I am not interested in a sugar daddy.” She winked at me and walked away.

He went his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. “Here is my card. It has my cell phone number on it. If you are interested, call me later on tonight.” He handed me the card. He grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it. My hand was frozen in the air as he walked away.

****

I arrived at work ten minutes early. As I was prepping to open the store, I realize the district manager was scheduled to visit the store today. I wasn’t supposed to know but a co-worker from another location let it slip. I know this surprise visit has something to do with my application for the manager position.  My shoulders slumped down. I hated pressure.  I continued to count the money in the drawer, when my text message went off.

“CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU LATER ON TODAY.”

Just that fast, my day became brighter and I couldn't stop smiling. Well I was able to stop once Roger Tucker, the district manager walked in. He seemed really stuffy and preppy. But I have to admit, he was pretty fly for a white guy. Yes, I just said that.

“So you must be Sylver. My name is Roger.  No need for the Mister part. I am not that old.”

I shook his hand with a slight smile. “How are you doing, Roger?”

“Pretty good. I like coming to Cincinnati. You never know who you may meet.  Well, go about your normal day. I am just here to observe.”

“Ok. If you have any questions, let me know.” I smiled and went back to my opening paperwork.

Now that I was the assistant manager, I really did not have to fuss with the truck delivery. I kind of wish I was though, so I would not have been under close watch of Roger.  He made me feel uncomfortable but as always I was on my A game.  He was able to witness me handle two special customers without getting upset.  But I was happiest because I knew lunch time was right around the corner. I was in the back of the store, confirming the last of the shipment when my co-worker, June, came smiling towards me.

“There is a gentleman here in a nice suit asking for you.”

I smiled. “Thank you, June. I am going to take my lunch now.”  She smiled as well and nodded her head.  We both walked out to the sales floor. There was a slight awkwardness with Josh and Roger. I could not put my finger on exactly what it was. They were talking at the counter when I approached them. “Roger, I will be taking my lunch now. See you in an hour.”

“Enjoy your lunch, Sylver.”