Page 33 of Perfect Strangers

10

First Sight

Two weeks.

Two weeks of complete silence. The longest two weeks of my life, well, it sure does feel that way. I decided to give Major some space and didn’t call or text. I figured, if he wanted to, he would reach out to me.

I glance down at the time on my laptop and decide it’s time to head home. Lately, I’ve been working crazy hours at the news station, trying to impress my boss. But knowing my luck, it’ll all be for nothing.

It’s not a big news station, like New York, but I guess it’s still something. I’ve learned to appreciate what I have, even though, it’s not everything I wanted. I shut the laptop, place it in my bag, and head for the exit.

It’s quiet this time of night. Office is almost empty. As I head toward the elevator, I see an office light still shining in the distance. I turn, heading toward the light to see who’s still working. Once I descend upon the office, I find it empty.

Yup, definitely the last one here tonight.

Just as I head back toward the elevator, my cellphone rings. I dig it out of my overstuffed purse and gasp when I see Major’s name flashing on the screen.

I hit the green button, answering it quickly. “Hello.”

Major’s voice echoes through the speaker. “Hey. Is it too late to talk?”

Relief flows through me at the sound of his voice. The elevator arrives and I step inside, hitting the button for the ground floor. “No, of course not. I’m just leaving work now.”

“Still working this late? Big story?”

I shake my head as I exit the elevator and head toward the metro. “No, just trying to work hard for this promotion that’s opened.”

“Oh, well good luck.”

I smile as I arrive at the train platform and take a seat on an empty bench,

waiting for the next train to arrive. “Thanks. How have you been?”

Major lets out a deep sigh. “Uhhh, as best as can be expected I guess. Listen, I wanted to call and see when’s a good time for me to come by and see you and Crew.”

His eagerness to meet Crew sends hints of joy through my body. “How about tomorrow? I get off work early and you can come by the apartment.”

A moment of silence passes between us as I wait for him to respond.

“Cool. See you then.”

Just as we finalize the details a train arrives at the station and we say our good-byes. I take a seat in the front, wanting to stay near the entrance since it’s so dark outside. As the train pulls away, I think about the best way to tell Crew about Major.

I’m not even sure how he’ll react but I’m hoping he’ll be open and eager to meet his father. Time passes and I find myself staring out the window, lost in the possibilities of Major becoming a huge part of Crew’s life.

By the time the train reaches my destination, I’ve already imagined them going to football games together and Major teaching Crew how to drive. As I exit the station, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on high alert.

That same familiar sensation frightens me as I spin around, looking for anyone nearby. With no one in sight, I quicken my pace to my apartment building. I race inside the building and into the apartment.

I lock the doors behind me as the sight of my mother scares the shit out of me. “Geezus mom you scared me.”

She gives me a questionable look. “What’s wrong Dylan? You okay?”

I nod, letting out a deep breath. “Yeah, just walking home in the dark. This town is so quiet and it freaks me out sometimes. I feel much more comfortable walking the streets of New York at two in the morning. At least there, noise is never ending.”

She grabs her coat and slides into it. “You’re just overreacting.”

I shrug. “Is Crew asleep? How was he tonight?”

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