Page 22 of Nothing Even Matters
One More Try
Eli sat in front of his computer at Madre’s as he tried to figure out another design template for a gay wedding. The grooms wanted something simplistic yet stylish for their upcoming summer outdoor wedding in the Hamptons. He drew a brief sketch of a rustic theme, complete with dahlias, sage, and white peonies as the first idea, and fresh lavender and sage for the second.
When news hit that Eli was the floral designer of the0 high-profile transgendered wedding of Adrienne Kimbrough and Blake Towney, business from the LGBTQ community tripled Madre’s revenue.
While Joey was busy counting dollars and Nicola hobnobbed with many gay and lesbian community activists, Eli focused on work. He gave the same quality regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation. His only request was that people weren’t assholes.
Eli wasn’t planning on being in the office during the holiday break, since all of the Madre’s employees were off with the exception for a few security guards. When inspiration hit him, though, Eli had to get the ideas out of his head before they drove him nuts.
“Always working, huh?” Joey entered the office.
“Never stopped,” Eli replied. “I’ll be out of here in a bit. I just needed to get these sketches done and then I’ll get back to them in the New Year.”
“And how’s Faye?” Joey checked his e-mail. “I see your car has been parked at her home for the past couple of days.”
Eli agreed. “We’re working things out. I wouldn’t go as far as saying we’re back together quite yet but we’re getting there. We’re both optimistic about the future and what lies ahead.”
“Any word from the basketballer?” Joey asked and Eli shrugged.
“It’s none of my business. Whatever goes on between them is between them,” he moved his mouse and clicked on it, “but I don’t think he’ll appreciate me sleeping with his fiancée.”
“It’s not like she was ever his,” Joey replied, “if she was really devoted to him, she would’ve been moved out to L.A. She was waiting for you to block it.”
“I figured as much,” Eli leaned back into his chair and stretched, “but as much I would like to claim I would’ve let her go, I would’ve tried to stop her.”
“There you go,” Joey pointed a finger to his brother, “you can’t stop love no matter what.”
“You can’t stop love,” Eli agreed. He received a text from Faith and read it. He chuckled at the context. “Yo, check this out.”
Joey grabbed the phone from his brother and read the text. He read it again for good measure.
Ur so fucking selfish. I can’t believe I ever thought about getting back with u. Where’s ur heart at? Do u even care about the mother of ur children? No, u don’t. Instead, u let me suffer as u laugh in my face. U stomp on my pity like it’s some kind of rodent, and I have feelings, too, ELI!! I HAVE FEELINGS, TOO! Do u even care about me at all? Are u enjoying my pain as I wallow and suffer? What about our children? What about them? No, it’s always about u, Eli. It’s always about u. Why bother being in a relationship with someone who’s so damn selfish? I love u so much, Eli, but I can’t allow u to hurt me like this. I’m so done with u. DONE!
Joey read the text his former sister-in-law sent his brother and wondered what in the hell happened between them now. “What did you do?” He asked.
Eli chuckled. “I beat her at dominoes.”
“I thought you always let her win?”
“When we were together, I always did,” Eli laughed, “we’re not together anymore so I don’t care.”
~~~~
After he finished up at the shop, Eli went over to Faith’s home. A few days ago, she gave him keys to the home and he let himself inside. It occurred to Eli Faith never changed the locks neither. She really was waiting for them to reconcile.
He entered the foyer and was surprised by the number of wrapped gifts before him. “Faye?” He called her out. A slow smile appeared on his face and Eli knew it was the game they liked to play. He loved to search for her as she loved him to find her. “Faye? Faye?” He found her in the kitchen, stirring soup.
He snaked his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. “What’s for dinner?”
“Broccoli cheddar soup with bread and salad,” she leaned against his body. “And then some ice cream for dessert.”
“Sounds great,” he kissed her temple. “What’s with all of the boxes in the living room?”
“Your Christmas gifts,” she stopped stirring and set down the spoon. She grabbed Eli’s hand and led him back into the living room. “I know it’s a few days late but I wanted to get you a little something.”
Eli silently counted ten boxes. “A little something?”
“Yes!” Faith defended her spending. “Now go open them!”
