Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
CALLIOPE
Two times I stopped, turned around and headed back home.
Two times I gave myself a talking to as if I was a child doing the wrong thing.
Now I’m standing outside the entrance to Bryant Park and I’m trying to will myself to go in.
Everyone seems to be moving at a fast pace.
Everyone but me. I’m frozen in place. I want to hide, but deep down I know that’s not the right thing to do.
I’m squelching down a panic attack. I pull my shoulders back, stand up tall, and take the biggest step of my life. I head toward the coffee shop.
When I’m nervous or unsure of my situation, I talk to myself. I really never noticed until Gramercy said something to me. I’ve been alone so long, maybe that’s why. So, I must make it my priority not to have a panic attack, don’t break out in a sweat, and definitely do not talk to myself.
Focusing on looking like a stable member of society, I walk right past the coffee shop. I’m about to turn around, but then I see him walking toward me with a dog! I really thought he was joking about the dog. He looks right at me, stops, and smiles.
“You must be Calliope.”
“Yes. And you must be Glen.” He smiles in confirmation.
“You’re real, I almost thought you were too good to be true.”
“And you have all your teeth.” Okay, that comes out before I could filter it. He throws his head back and laughs.
“How about we get a cup of coffee, and you can tell me more about you?” he asks.
I nod in favor, and we turn toward the coffee shop.
Right away, I spot Gramercy and Jerry. Chica is barking and spinning around.
I find us a cafe table outside while he places a to-go order at the outside window.
He also gets a cup of water for his dog Charlie. I give him points for that one.
“So, Calliope, I take it having all my teeth meets your dating criteria. What else should I know?”
“Well, besides the fact that I’m a stickler for good dental hygiene, I tend to ask a lot of questions. On that note, Glen, you told me about one of your companies, what else do you have your hands in?”
“I’m mainly invested in hedge funds. My parents died in a car accident when I was very young.
I had no relatives or siblings. My inheritance was held in a trust until I was twenty-five.
After that, I started investing in hedge funds.
Now, since money is a non-issue, I do whatever I find interesting.
” His eyes never leave mine. I quickly look away.
“I’m sorry about your parents.”
“Thank you. What about you, Calliope? I know a little bit about your industry, and I know how difficult it is to make it and sustain it.”
“I’ve been lucky, and I’ve never put all my eggs in one basket. I have no family, only a couple of real good friends. Sometimes that’s all you need.” I reach down and scratch Charlie’s head that he is resting on my lap.
“It looks like Charlie really likes you. That’s a good sign, Calliope.
They say dogs know good people. If you find that, at any time, you want to diversify your investments, I’m more than happy to put you in touch with the right people.
” Suddenly, in the corner of my eye, I see Chica headed my way and Gramercy running after her.
Charlie takes off, nearly knocking me out of my chair.
“Glen, don’t just sit there—grab your dog!”
“He’s not my dog. I just rented him for the day. He’s your problem now.” With that, he gets up and leaves. Chica sidesteps Charlie and leaps into my arms as Gramercy steps on Charlie’s leash. Grandpa Jerry is following close behind.
“Calliope, I’m so sorry. Chica saw you and bolted. Where is your date?”
“Let’s sit down, and I will fill you in on everything.
” I guide Jerry to a chair as Charlie tries to sniff Chica’s privates.
Chica’s response is to curl her lips at him.
Gramercy’s face is getting redder as I quickly fill them in on everything that just happened.
Jerry takes Chica from my arms and praises her for being a good girl.
“Jerry, I’m not really sure how she was such a good girl. ”
“If she didn’t disrupt your date, you never would have known what a creep he is. I say that makes her the hero of the day.” With that, he gives Chica the rest of Glen’s pastry.
“What are you going to do with Charlie?” Gramercy asks.
“I have no idea; my building doesn’t allow pets.”
“I think we need to take him to the police station.” Jerry states nonchalantly.
“Really, why?” Gramercy and I are staring at Jerry as we wait for his reasoning.
“First, you need to tell them all about your date. Since he went to the trouble of renting a dog, there is a good chance he is Mr. Con Job. Plus, they can scan the dog for a microchip and when the owner comes to get him, they can find out who rented him. Calliope, I think in a roundabout way, you might have blown the case of Mr. Con Job wide open. And to think it all started with Chica and her irresistible charm.” Gramercy rolls her eyes as Chica curls her lip at her and I can’t help but laugh.
“You know, Jerry, I think you might be on to something. Gramercy, I think you should put my story in your next dating disaster blog post. I wonder how many other people will come forward if they know it happened to me. The way he talked about investing, he came across like he was financially savvy. I think the only thing he is savvy about is divesting innocent people of their money.”
“Midtown Precinct South is less than a mile from here. Why don’t we walk over and tell them what happened.”
“Grandpa, how do you know where the precinct is?”
“Your mother didn’t work far from here and sometimes I would meet her for lunch. You know, girls, I might be up in years, but I still have all my marbles.” He laughs as we get up and head out of the park.
I lean over and whisper to Gramercy, “At least he didn’t quote Frank Reagan.”
“This day isn’t over, Calliope.”