Page 19 of Perfect Strangers

Shit. Shit. Shit.

This is it. Now or never.

I glance out the window toward the street and coach myself on the exact words I need to say. My hands tremble with nerves and I clasp them shut into fists, hoping they’ll stop shaking. My heart pounds so fast in my chest as though I’ve ran a marathon and I can’t even breathe.

I find myself gasping for air just as I hear his voice. “Dylan?”

I glance up to see Major standing above me. I come to a stand and stutter. “Uh…Hi…Hi.”

His eyes grow wide. “What are you doing here?”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to show up here, but I really need to talk to you.”

He gasps, “Umm okay? Talk?”

I nod. “Yes. Talk.”

“Look, Dylan, we’re in the middle of dinner service. I can’t just leave my kitchen stranded so we can talk.”

He turns toward the back, but I grab his arm just before he steps forward. “No, wait. I can wait for it to be over.”

A tiny smirk curves across his face. “Dinner service isn’t over for another couple of hours.”

“I will wait. It’s alright. I can come back when you’re done.”

He lets out a low chuckle. “You’re gonna wait?”

I nod frantically. “Yup, that’s fine. See you then.”

Before he could respond, I spin and exit the restaurant. I walk frantically to the end of the corner and turn the block walking down the unknown streets of the city. After a couple minutes, I shut off the nerves and glance at my phone to see it’s only 8:30. What the hell am I supposed to do for two

hours?

Well, I might as well get something to eat. I catch a small café in sight and decide to wait there until it’s time to see Major and tell him everything. I step inside the café and the instant scent of coffee fills my nostrils.

Oh yes.

I grab a seat at the corner booth and give the waitress my order. Moments later she returns with a cup of steaming coffee and a BLT.

Just one sip of the delicious brew sends a heated sensation throughout my body and I’m insanely happy.

I freakin’ love coffee.

Seated in the corner booth, I eat my sandwich and sip my coffee in a comfortable silence. I find myself watching the city’s residents pass by the window, imagining where life has taken them. Some walk alone while others walk in pairs. Children run along each other, laughing and grinning with wide smiles, enjoying their lives in this beautiful city.

I study the other diners and find I’m not the only one dining alone this evening. A hint of sadness spreads throughout the diner as the lonely eaters sit in a silent display of solidarity. And as I sit and wait, I realize that life doesn’t always take you where you want it to. Instead, life throws you curveballs and end up in this never-ending cycle of what ifs.

The past six years of my life has been one giant what if. But tonight, that’s about to change. As time passes, I glance at my phone and decide to head back toward the restaurant. I motion the waitress for the check and I leave some cash on the table for her.

Sending her a thank you, I stand and grab my things. I breathe deep as I step out into the cool autumn air. A strong gust blows through my long blonde wavy hair causing a shiver to flow throughout my body. I bundle up my jacket as I head back toward Major’s.

A few minutes later, I see the restaurant in the clearing and smile with comfort. I glance through the glass window to find the place empty. The last of the servers clean their assigned areas as I see the hostess from before, wipe down her podium.

I pull on the door, only to find it locked. I tap the glass, getting her attention, and motion her to come toward the door.

She steps up to it. “Ma’am, we’re closed.”

I shout from outside. “Hi, I was here earlier. I’m here to talk to Major.”

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