Chapter 2
Jack
I feel excited as I get ready for our usual Friday dinner date. Hoping that Willow will feel like having sex tonight. Sometimes she does. Sometimes she begs off. Next Friday will be the night of my bachelor’s party and Willow’s bachelorette’s party.
I am smiling broadly while I wait for Willow to open the door after I ring her door bell. I have a bouquet of flowers for her. Just because! I want her to know how special she is to me.
I have worked hard these last two years after finishing my AAS degree at the Junior college (Associates in Applies Science). The completion of that degree also gave me my ASE Certification as a trained auto mechanic.
I went to work immediately two years ago at the Mercedes dealership as a trainee mechanic.
Now, two years later, I have completed the Mercedes Training and I am a fully qualified Mercedes Mechanic.
My pay has grown to 50 thousand dollars per year.
Not bad for a 24 year old man about to settle down into marriage.
“Oh Jack, I wish you wouldn’t do stuff like this. It makes me feel inadequate,” Willow told me as I handed her my flowers. “What? I’m just trying to show my love for you…is all,” I answered. Now feeling stupid for bringing the flowers.
I feel a bit unnerved as I wait for Willow to go put the flowers in a vase.
Why would a fiancé feel bad about receiving flowers from her soon to be betrothed?
I guess I’ll never fully understand women.
I do, however, believe that Willow is the girl for me.
We have had a wonderful 5 years together so far.
“I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings Jack.
It’s just that you don’t have to keep buying me flowers and writing me poetry.
I already know that you love me. Being with you is enough for me,” Willow told me.
“Is it?” I answered tersely. “What do you mean by that?” Willow gasped. “Nothing. Just drop it,” I hissed.
I did not say a single word as we drove to our favorite restaurant. “Okay, what’s up? Why are you brooding?” Willow asked once we were seated at the restaurant.
“Sometimes I just don’t get you. Sometimes you act like the world revolves around me and other times you treat me like a redheaded step child that you feel a need to pull away from. I just don’t know which one is the real you sometimes,” I answered.
“Oh Jack, you know that I adore you. It’s just that I have bad days sometimes and I tend to withdraw at times,” Willow told me. “Those are the days we should talk things out. That’s what couples are supposed to do,” I said with a good amount of conviction.
“Come on Jack. Things will be different once we are married,” Willow suggested. “Will it? Which Willow will I have on a day to day basis after that?” I asked. “Look, let’s just enjoy or dinner, okay?” Willow said.
Willow did most of the talking while we had our meal. I would answer when she asked me questions but did not offer more than that.
I took Willow directly home after dinner. She did not invite me in. “Great, no pussy tonight,” flashed through my mind. I feel immensely irritated by the time I get home to my condo. The condo I plan to share with Willow once we are married.
I poured myself a stiff drink and took a swallow. Then my cell phone rang.
Tommy: Hey bud. How’s things with my gal?
(I’m pissed because I hate it when he calls Willow his gal. Especially after the disastrous date)
Jack: I wouldn’t know. We’re not talking. She gave me shit about bringing her flowers tonight and I clammed up.
Tommy: Gee, maybe I should go over and console her.
Jack: Fuck you Tommy! I’ve told you that it’s not funny when you say shit like that.
Tommy: Don’t get your boxers in a wad. You know you are my best buddy and I am happy for you.
Jack: Yeah? Sometimes I wonder. (Hissed)
Tommy: You have nothing to worry about. You will always be her number one guy.
Jack: What the hell do you mean by that?
Tommy: It’s just that you been together for 5 years. You have always been her number one guy.
Jack: Look, I don’t know what you are playing at but you are just pissing me off now. Goodbye.
Now I feel even shittier than I did when I got home from Willow’s apartment. What the hell does he mean that I am her number one guy? Have there been others. Are there others even now? I have been 100% faithful to Willow since the day I asked her to be my girlfriend 5 years ago.
There have been many times over the years that she has disappeared without a word that always worried me. But she always had a plausible excuse that of course could not be verified.