Page 7 of Reeling in Love

“Hey, how’re you doing?”

“Fine. What about you? And Kevin?”

Kevin is her boyfriend and they’ve been going steady for a few months now. While Carla is decisive and loves to take action, Kevin is just the opposite. He’s slow, always pondering over things and questioning the decisions he’s already taken. Maybe opposites attract and that’s the pull between them.

“Kevin’s good. Still struggling with his business, but otherwise fine.”

“Um. I’m telling you, he should use digital marketing. He’s an illustrator. He already knows design and what looks good. It’ll be easier for him than most people. It’s the game changer in today’s world, especially for small businesses.”

“Yeah, you should talk to him. In fact, that’s why I called. He doesn’t listen to me, but maybe if you tell him, he’ll take it seriously. You’re an expert and stuff on digital marketing, so maybe you can give him some ideas as well.”

“Sure. Of course. You want me to call him up?”

“No. No. He’ll know I’ve asked you. Whenever you come home next, y’know. Just bring it into the conversation. Casual like.”

“Sure. I’ll let you know when I plan to come over. Okay? And how’s Mom?”

“She’s good. Enjoying her new job.”

“Good. She always loved cooking, so maybe being a chef is her calling.”

“She’s even started meditating.”

“You don’t say! Okay, listen, I’ve reached Gabs’ house. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Say hi to him for me. Tell him Mom and I miss him.”

“What about me? You never say that to me? You don’t miss me? What traitorous family do I have?” The driver has already parked the car and I pay the fare and step out.

She chuckles. “Yeah yeah. Miss you too. Now get lost and try to visit soon.”

I slip the phone into my purse and walk over to the front gate and see Jenkins waving his hand.

“How’s baby Jenny doing?” I ask, waving back. I call his daughter Baby Jenny. She’s a smartass girl, quick-witted and sharp. She reminds me of myself as a kid.

“She’s good. Got called in by her principal again yesterday. She was apparently swearing. Can you talk some sense into her?”

I grin. “I can try if you’re willing to take the risk.”

“She likes and respects you. Maybe you talking to her will have some impact. My advice is like water on a duck’s back.”

“I’ll try. Is Gabriel still upstairs?”

“That he is.”

I take the elevator to Gabs’ floor and knock on the door. I hear some shuffling inside, followed by the unmistakable sound of something crashing to the ground. It’s gotta be that table lamp he’d got a few weeks ago. It’s gorgeous, but he’s got no space for it. I told him that, but he insisted on keeping it because Paula loves it.

He opens the door, and I give him a quick hug, peeking inside as I do. Sure enough, there's the lamp, lying on the floor just like I suspected, thankfully unbroken. I glance at him, and a smile spreads across my face.

“I don’t want to say I told you so, but I have to. I. Told. You. So,” I say and pick up the lamp.

“By that one sentence, you said it twice while also saying you don’t want to say it. You’re a jerk, you know that?”

I grin. “Only to you.”

He plops on the couch, and I sit down beside him. “So, how’re you feeling?”

His eyes are focussed straight ahead, staring at nothing. Oops. Not a good sign. He gets this look only when he’s really hurting. Like that time in middle school when he had lied to his dad and said he was studying with me when he was really making out with some girl. His dad found out, didn’t ground him or anything. All he said was, “I never thought I’d raised a liar. Be better.” That one line hit him harder than any punishment could.

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