Page 42 of Deprivation

“Okay, I’ll pick you up at 5:30. See ya, beautiful.”

I still can’t believe after all of these years I have a boyfriend. One my family adores no less. He can charm the panties off of a nun, so I shouldn’t be too surprised he has them all under his spell.

Gabe had been visiting his father at the rehabilitation center where my granny had spent her last days. His father needed a hip replacement and was there for physical therapy. He told me later he’d seen me there on several occasions and wanted to approach but could tell it wasn’t the right time. However, when he heard my cries in the small chapel, he’d said, “I just couldn’t leave you alone in there. I had to do something.” He’d instantly stolen my heart. I wondered if God had sent this man to care for me just as my gran was leaving.

It’s now been three years since Gran died and Gabe has been by my side ever since. It’s far from perfect, but the best relationship I’ve ever had. He admittedly puts up with a lot and frequently reminds me of this. My history with men has made me paranoid, and I often suspect he’s sleeping around. His flirty ways and charming personality don’t help my misgivings. But he’s attentive and thoughtful, forever sending me flowers or surprising me with some little gift. Granted, he’s the wealthiest man I’ve ever dated, so I’m sure he has the means to spoil anyone he wants. I’ve never caught him doing anything untoward, but he’s a natural-born salesman, and I often wonder if he isn’t spinning tall tales to explain away my concerns. But a past like mine is hard to shake. I’d be crazy if Iwasn’tconcerned. Right?

Gabe is the youngest of three children and the apple of his parents’ eyes. They were in their early forties when he was conceived, and they treat him like their golden child. His family owns their own business, and he manages most of the company’s sales. He can literally sell ice to an Eskimo. He travels a lot on business, and my requests for calls to say goodnight while he’s away are frequently left unanswered. He usually returns home with a trinket or an expensive dinner out, explaining away his reasons for going radio silent. “Was a late night with clients, didn’t want to wake you,” or “My phone wasn’t working. It was really bad cell service.” Who wouldn’t be concerned?

He also plays wingman to his divorced older sister, going to bars with her and her similarly divorced friends. An invitation to join them is never extended my way. Gabe advises it’s his time with her, and he’s protective of that. He flirts a lot with his sister’s friends when we see them out. Although he knows it bothers me, he’s quick to say, “Get over it. Nothing’s going on.”

Gabe’s a naturally charismatic guy. I have to face the fact I need to “get over it” or move on. It’s up to me. I enjoy finally having a man in my life, much less one who’ll shower me with gifts and evenings out. My mother thinks I hit the relationship lottery with Gabe. Heck, this is the closest she and I have been in years. I’d hate for my paranoia to ruin this.

There it is.Finding the elusive email, I tap on it so I can put the details into my phone’s calendar. However, the screen abruptly changes and I realize Olivia’s calling.

“Hey, Liv! How are you?”

“I’m good. Still nose to the concrete, trying to look for the next production to join. This last one lasted so long I forgot what it was like.”

“Oh, that has to be tough. No leads on something new through the play you just finished?” “Well, I have as many people listening out for leads as I possibly can, but nothing yet. It’s okay. It’s just part of the journey. How are you? You and Gabe still going strong?”

“Yes. As a matter of fact, I have to cut this call short so I can get ready. He’ll be picking me up soon to have dinner with the family. I honestly think if something happens to the two of us, my mother will ask if I can leave and Gabe can stay.”

“Ha. Poor Kitty. Any word on school?”

“Yes. I was looking for the email when you called. I got an interview for PA school. It’s in less than a month, so I need to prepare. I can’t believe after all these years I’m this close,” I shriek.

“Oh, Kat. You deserve this. You’ve worked so hard. Okay, go get dolled up for your man. I’ll catch up with you soon. If I don’t hear anything about a new show within the next week, I’m coming home for a visit. Once I snag another role, it might be a while before I can come back down.”

“Well, now, I feel bad. I want you to score another gig, but I miss you terribly. I just don’t have a break in my schedule right now to come up there.”

“No. I understand. We’ll catch up one way or the other. Miss you, chica.”

“Right back at ya, Liv.”

* * *

Dinner goes off without a hitch, my mother swooning over Gabe the whole time. Not only is he charming, but he’s a tall, handsome drink of water if I do say so myself. He has beautiful dark brown eyes, a radiant smile, and stands about six-feet three-inches. He’s fit and always dresses impeccably. There’s no doubt looking at him he comes from money. Hence my mother’s attraction, I speculate.

“It’s still early yet. Do you want to grab a drink before we head back?” I ask sitting next to him in his Lexus SUV.

“Sorry, gorgeous, but I got a text from Stephanie asking the same. She had a fight with her current squeeze and wants a drink to soften the blow.” He grabs my hand from my lap and places a gentle kiss on my knuckles.

“It’s okay. I have to start brushing up on my interview skills, anyway.” I shrug, hating to admit I’m jealous of his own damn sister. But if luck goes my way and I get accepted to school, I better get used to not seeing him. It’s easily a two-hour drive, and I don’t see him volunteering to make that journey often around his work and busy social calendar.

His car purrs to a stop, and after a quick peck to his cheek I grab my purse and make my way to the apartment. I climb the stairs to the second floor and open the apartment door to find a note sitting on the entryway table.

Kat,

I haven’t seen much of you lately, and wanted to let you know I’ll be moving out at the end of the month. I know our lease still has another two months, and I’ll pay it if you can’t find another roommate by then. But I’m moving in with my boyfriend and didn’t want to wait. Sorry I couldn’t tell you in person.

Macey

Boy, I really need to get into PA school now. Classes start in three months, and I really don’t want to contend with trying to find another roommate, unless it’s in Norfolk. I can’t remember the last time Macey and I were in the same room. Between both of our jobs, school, and dating, we typically only see each other as one of us darts out the door with a travel mug of coffee. Feeling a little jealous, I read over Macey’s note again.

She’s been dating her boyfriend for over a year and had a healthy love life prior to that. I’m in my first normal relationship, and even though we’ve dated for years, it’s clear to me we aren’t in any way ready for cohabitation. Gabe enjoys a lot of independent mingling, and I’ve never gotten the vibe he’s interested in anything that committed, even after all of these years. I’ve tentatively broached the subject of my moving to Norfolk on several occasions to see if he needed an excuse to break things off and date other people. But each time he’d reassure me we’d find a way for this to work.Heck, why look for a reason to dissolve the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

I enter the bath Macey and I share and begin to run the water, deciding a hot soak with a glass of wine will hit the spot. Returning to the small, galley-style kitchen, I grab a wine glass and pour some of the crisp, cold Santa Margherita which remains from last night’s dinner. Walking back to the generic, cream colored bathroom, I remove my clothes and grab my favorite coconut body wash. I make a silent bargain to stick to one glass of wine so I can relax but still delve into the email from medical school to see what’s expected on interview day. I’ve only been submerged, inhaling the tropical scent of the bubbles for about ten minutes before my phone rings.Ugh.

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