He Is Not Alone

Over the next couple of months, I keep trying to see what I can do. I am no longer working as a consultant. I still work with Frank on Tuesdays and Butch and I still go for our evening walks and playtime at the park. My life has settled down somewhat. I can easily read the minds of those around me. The constant stream of thoughts is easily controlled. I almost find it enjoyable to be out among people, listening to their thoughts. If only I could do more good. The incident in Philadelphia was a huge high for me afterward.

Butch and I have adjusted to our life without Sundance. I can tell Butch still looks for Sundance every now and then, but he seems to have adjusted. It is during one of the trips to the park that I am approached by a woman.

“Hello, I am Daisy. Can I sit here?”

“Sure, be my guest” Daisy looks to be a little younger than me. As some guys are used to saying, she is very easy on the eyes. Daisy is in her late 20’s maybe early 30’s. She is a light-skinned Afro-American. She is about 5 feet 7 inches, with a great figure. She is dressed very professionally. Her hair is short and shiny, very well kept. I love her lips. They seem to be in a constant smile.

“I noticed that you and your dog have a special connection. It is almost like he can read your mind or something.”

“Yea, Butch is special. He was a stray when I got him a few months ago. I actually found him and his partner following me. When I stopped, they both came up to me and sat as if waiting for me to say something. They followed me home and have been with me ever since.”

“Where is his partner? I only see him playing with you?” Daisy asks.

“Sundance died a while ago. He was pretty sick, but I didn’t know it until too late. Since then it has been just Butch and I”

“So, you’re not married?”

“No, my wife died in an auto accident.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

“It’s OK. Butch has helped me recover.”

“One of my friends said that there was a guy that came to this park that could really help owners train their dogs. Is that you?”

“I have been known to help some people, why?”

“I have a Pekingese and she is a real handful. Every time I leave the apartment, she gets into everything. Do you think you could help me?”

“Is this Misty?” I ask.

Daisy is shocked. She says “Yes, how did you know her name?”

I laugh and say, “It’s on her collar.”

After a brief laugh, I look at Misty. She is a cream color Pekingese with fairly short hair. She has a little bit of a bite showing. Her hair is very healthy looking and loves attention. Which leads to the problem, she is lonely. She spends the good part of the day alone with no one or anything to do.

“How much time does Misty spend alone?” I ask Daisy.

“Only about 9 or so hours while I am at work.”

“I think that might be the problem. Pekingese are the emperor’s dogs. They were always around him day and night. Misty is lonely and has nothing to do when she is awake. So, she looks for something to entertain her.”

“That explains why she is always so good on the weekends when I am home.”

“Perhaps you can get a dog walker to take her for walks during the day. It will be good exercise and give her something to do.”

“That’s a great idea. Do you know anyone I can call?”

“Off the top of my head, no. But I might be able to help until you find someone. I take Butch out to the park several times a day. I could pick up Misty too if you would like.”

“That would be great. Thanks so much. Here is my address and phone number. I work Monday to Friday in the city. I leave around 7 am and I’m back around 5 pm. How much would you charge to take her out a couple of times a day?”

“Well if she and Butch get along, would it be okay if I took her to my house? I have a large yard they can play in and since Sundance past away Butch has been kind of lonely. It might do him some good as well.”

“I don’t see any problem with that. Let’s give it a shot. But you still haven’t said how much?”

“Would you be willing to cook me dinner once a week?” I say with a smile on my face.

“It’s a deal! How about Thursday night?”

“Works for me! Let’s see if these two can get along.”

“Butch, come here!”

Misty was about half the weight of Butch and has that prance in her steps that told you she was royalty. Her fur was almost like a kitten, so smooth and soft. She definitely knew she was an alpha dog, but Butch didn’t seem to mind at all.

Butch and Misty hit it off first thing. Misty does a little dance that signals she wants to play and Butch is ready and willing. They run around the dog park like old friends.

The next morning, I go over to Daisy’s place and pick up Misty. Butch, Misty, and I head to the park for a little while and then to my place for the rest of the day. Butch and Misty seem to be inseparable. Everywhere Butch went, Misty followed.

That evening Daisy stopped by on her way home from work.

“Knock, knock,” Daisy came into the kitchen where I was making myself some dinner. I love to cook, but cooking for one is not fun. I have been playing with a pressure cooker. Tonight and for nights to come I will be having pulled pork. I wonder how many different dishes I can make with a few pounds of pulled pork.

“How was work?” I asked.

“Fine. I’m starting to get the hang of things around the office.”

“You never told me what you do or who you work for.”

“I’m a legal secretary for Pickerelli and Associates in the city.”

“You have got to be kidding me! Really?”

Daisy replies hesitatingly, “Yes, really, what so funny?”

“My wife was a lawyer for them before she died. Sandy Smythe?”

“Oh, WOW! I heard that one of the lawyers had died, but it was before I started there. So, you are the Will that they talk about. We have a big lawsuit in the works with your name on it.”

“Yes, I guess I am. I had forgotten all about the lawsuit.”

“I probably shouldn’t say this, but you are going to be a rich man soon.”

“Oh, well, I think I am already pretty well off. But I guess a few extra dollars never hurt anyone.”

“A few? How about 20 million!”

“Well, that is a few more than what I have now,” I say with a smile.

The timer dings and I walk over to take the lid off the pressure cooker. I take a couple of rolls out, pile on some of the pulled pork and Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce.

“Would you like a pulled pork sandwich?”

“That’s okay. I have a Caesar salad with grilled chicken waiting for me. Was Misty okay today?”

“Oh yes. She and Butch have been playing and sleeping off and on all day. They are crashed in the yard right now. Let me get her.” Walking over the back door, I call the dogs. Both of them come running. Misty is excited to see Daisy and is soon in her arms and headed out the door.

The rest of the week went along pretty smoothly. Misty and Butch play together and sleep together, paying little attention to me. It’s fun to watch them play with Misty prancing around or running with her ears back and tongue hanging out the side of her mouth as she chases Butch around. After all that exercise, they both lie down and rest together as if they have not a care in the world. I can tell that Misty is very happy.

Thursday night came around and I almost forgot that Daisy is going to cook for me. She left a note for me when I picked up Misty for the day. So, around 5:30 I take Misty with me to Daisy’s house. She arrives home as we come around the corner from my place.

Daisy has a nice first-floor apartment. A little 2 bedroom unit with eat-in kitchen and living room in an open floor plan layout. The TV is one of those big flat screens with all of the electronics. It seems like she has everything a guy could want; TV, cable, blue ray, VHS. The TV is plugged into the stereo system so everything is surround sound and perfectly balanced for the room. It’s a pleasure watching TV while Daisy is in the kitchen preparing dinner. Her kitchen is pretty nice as well. Even with the open floor plan she has room for prep and clean up without being crowded. I had offered to help, but she refused.

“What are we having for dinner?” I ask.

“I’m making Lasagna,” she replied.

Lasagna is one of my favorite meals.

Daisy’s great-grandmother was a slave to a wealthy family and was a concubine for the landowner. Her children were set free when he died. Daisy’s Great Grandmother married a white man who raised their 5 children and became a successful farmer. Daisy’s parents were both involved in the early stages of computers and also did quite well. When you look at Daisy you see beauty in almost every feature. You can almost see her emotions in her eyes. The fire in them when she is passionate about something makes you want to walk away from the fear of being burned. To see her on the street you would that she was the sister of Halle Barry.

Dinner is delicious; she even has fresh bread from the bakery down the street, which is one of my weaknesses. Over dinner, we discuss the week’s events, the dogs, my wife, and other topics. It is a comfortable and very enjoyable evening.

There is a feeling of something else in the air. Daisy’s eyes are sparkling and she seems to have a glow about her. As I am getting ready to walk out the door, I can’t help but feel she wants a kiss. So, I gently take her face in my hands and lightly press my lips to hers. I can hear her breathing quicken as she seems to melt into me.

After the kiss, I leave her standing there holding the door. I am not sure if it is holding her up or if she is just waiting for me to get out of range. The walk home is kind of a blur as time really seems to fly. I am home before I realize it.

All-day Friday, I can’t help but think about dinner and the evening with Daisy. I haven’t felt this way in a long time. I know that Sandy has only been gone a couple of years, but it seems right to be with Daisy. Something about her just brings peace to my heart. That afternoon, I call her at the office.

“Hello, Daisy? It’s Will. I’m sorry to bother you at work, but ...”

“Is something wrong with Misty?”

“No, everything is fine. She and Butch are resting in the living room.”

“Oh, that’s good. I was afraid you were calling because something happened to her. Well, what can I do for you?”

“Well, I ah, well, I ah, really enjoyed last night. You are a great cook.”

“Why thank you, kind sir,” she says with a deep southern accent.

“Anyway, I was wondering if you didn’t have any plans tonight if you would like to grab a bite to eat and see the new James Bond movie.” For some reason, I am really nervous and can’t seem to get the words to flow right.

She thinks for about a second and says “That would be great. What time and where should I meet you?”

“I can pick you up around 6:30 if that is okay?”

“That would be great. Can you feed Misty before you bring her over?”

“Sure, no problem, I will see you around 6:30. Is Japanese okay?”

“Oh, I love Sushi. That sounds great.”

“See you soon, bye,” and we hang up. I’m floating on cloud 9. I feel like a little kid again going on his first date.

Of course, time slows down to a crawl. The rest of the day seems to take forever. So many things I forgot to tell her. I hope she dresses casually. I’ll take a tie with me. If she is dressed for work, I’ll keep the tie on. If she is casual, I can take it off. At least I will be somewhat prepared. At 6:30 I pull up to Daisy’s place with Misty. Misty knows she’s home and prances to the door with her head up high and that bushy tail high across her back. As we get to the door she sits and waits while I ring the doorbell. Daisy opens the door dressed to kill. She has on a black pair of skin-tight slacks, a white blouse that is just as tight, roman style sandals, a pair of large gold earrings, a matching necklace and bracelet completes the outfit, she is a vision to behold. Misty runs in and waits for her lead to be removed. She then heads for the water bowl and then the couch which is her domain. All I can get out of my mouth is WOW. I can tell Daisy is pleased.

Dinner is at a Japanese buffet called Ichiban. Ichiban is a chain restaurant that is a combination of the Chinese and Japanese buffet. There are about a dozen tables with all kinds of oriental buffet foods available. They have them in the South, but this one opened up recently in nearby Montgomeryville. The food is fresh and there is plenty of variety. Since it is so new, the crowds haven’t formed yet and we are seated very quickly.

Daisy and I have an enjoyable evening. Dinner is good and we are both full. The movie is at one of the new theaters where each seat is like a living room chair. Some of them are love seats and others are big reclining theater seating chairs. I think the movie is pretty good as well, but I can sense that Daisy would have preferred something else. Being able to read people’s minds might have a positive side if I can please her with the choices for a follow-up date. During the movie, I begin to pay attention to what she is thinking. She is not into James Bond at all and hardly ever goes to the movies. She prefers to go to the clubs and dance. After the movie, she is pleasant enough, but her mind is elsewhere.

“I’m sorry; I can tell this wasn’t the type of movie that you liked. How about we hit one of the clubs and have a drink before we call it a night? I heard that there is a Club Casa in Warrington is pretty good.” I knew this because it is her favorite place to party.

“That would be great.” Her eyes light up as I mention dancing and going to her club.

The club isn’t bad, but I’m not the greatest dancer. Daisy seems to blend in well and is soon on the dance floor with and without me. What is it about women that makes it perfectly fine for them to dance alone or with other women, but not for guys?

As it approaches the witching hour, Daisy and I head home. As I walk her to the car, I can sense that she has enjoyed herself and finds me attractive. She wonders where this will lead.

“I have really enjoyed myself, Daisy. It has been a long time since I was out with a beautiful woman like you.” I take her hand, pull her closer and look into her eyes. She is saying please, so with a gentle kiss we begin our relationship.

All the way home we are holding hands, rubbing each other’s arms and just looking at each other as the traffic permits. When we reach her apartment, I get out, open the door and offer her my hand. She slides out of the car and we fall into another kiss. This one has promise written all over it. Walking to her door, I know she wants me to come in, but I am still a gentleman. This is the first date.

“Won’t you come in for a little bit, Will?”

“I would love to, but I really need to take this slow. I had a great night and honestly, don’t want it to end. But, I need time. I hope you understand.”

She is really disappointed but also pleased that I didn’t take her up on the offer.

“I understand Will. I don’t want to push you too fast. I know you and Sandy had a close relationship and it will take time to get over it. Will you still be my dog sitter?” She says with a huge smile on her face.

“Oh, I will be more than your dog sitter.” Another kiss and I turn to leave, looking back at a vision that will be in my dreams tonight. I get home and Butch is very happy to see me. We go for our evening walk and then hit the bed. Daisy was in my dreams for a little while and then Sandy returned. She seemed pleased as I was drifting deeper into sleep.

I am lying in bed thinking about the evening with Daisy. I am excited and please at the prospect of seeing her again. I have been so lonely since Sandy passed away. Then it happened, the blue haze returned, but this time was a little different. Sandy was floating in the haze, she had a smile on her face and then she was gone. The haze got into full gear, it seemed to wipe out all thought and then I drifted off to sleep. My head hurt and I had trouble waking up in the morning. It was almost noon before I was able to crawl out of bed. Showering and shaving was a major undertaking. Everything seemed to be in slow motion and hurting.

I took Butch out for a walk and thought about last night. The date with Daisy was definitely a highlight of the evening. I also thought of what it meant for Sandy to be in my dream and why was she smiling. Was it her way of telling me that it is okay? That she approves of Daisy? What is with this blue haze?

I am in my own little world as Butch and I reach the dog park. Butch knows he is allowed to play here and waits for me to unleash him. Normally he runs off and plays with the other dogs. Today he just sits there staring at me. I look at him and I can understand what he is thinking. He senses something new has happened and is not sure what to do. I don’t quite understand what he sees, but let him know that it’s okay and he can go play. He runs off and everything seems normal.

As I’m sitting there several other dog owners show up and are working with their dogs to try and train them to do tricks or to behave around other people and their pets. I’m sitting there listening to their minds. It’s kind of funny actually. I can hear what they are thinking and I can understand what their pets are thinking and it isn’t the same thing. The pets are thinking what do you want me to do? Where are my treats? Can I go play now? While the owners are thinking why doesn’t he or she listen to me? I just want her to behave like normal dogs do.

There is one young guy that is having a particularly hard time. His dog is getting frustrated and wants to run around and this young man wants to get some training done. Seems his girlfriend is afraid of the dog and he wants him to be well behaved. I am sitting there listening to his thoughts and his dog‘s thoughts and think that this guy should just let the dog go play and all of a sudden he tells his pet to go play. The dog isn’t sure what happened and just sits there. The young guy repeats the command and the dog runs off to play. Seeing the young man react to what I was thinking made me chuckle and so did the young man.

While sitting in the park thinking about Daisy, the dogs and listening to the people trying to train their pets, I decided to call Daisy to see if she wanted to get together. So, I call her cell.

“Daisy, this is Will.”

“Hi, Will, I was just thinking about you! There is a show tonight in Philly and I was wondering if you wanted to go. Work gave me two tickets. It’s the Blue Man Group. They are supposed to be really great.”

“That sounds great. What time do I have to pick you up?”

“The show starts at 9 pm. We should really leave between 7 and 7:30.”

“OK, I’ll be at your place when you get home, you can change and we will head out for dinner before the show. Do you like Mongolian BBQ?”

“I’m not sure I have ever had it, but I will try anything once.”

“Cool, see you soon!”

“Bye.”

I feel pretty good and excited. Butch and I head home so I can prepare for this evening. On the way home I pick up some roses for Daisy.

Once we get home, I fed Butch and get ready for a night downtown. As I am getting ready, my neighbor stops by and says that there were two detectives looking for me today. They asked me to call them when I had a chance. He hands me a business card for Detective Benson.

No time like the present as I had a few minutes before I have to leave.

“Hello, Detective Benson, please.”

“Just a minute” came the reply.

“Hello, this is Benson.”

“Detective, this is Will Smythe. I understand you were looking for me. What can I do for you?”

“Will, I am glad that you called. Listen, we could use your help. We have a murder case that involves a pretty high profile individual. We have some suspects, but they aren’t talking. We were wondering if you could come down to the station tomorrow and listen in and perhaps help us determine what happened.”

“Sure, what time would be good?”

“9 am if you can? But we will wait for you to get here. These two aren’t going anywhere for a while.”

“OK, I will be there.”

“Thanks, Mr. Smythe. We appreciate the help.”

“No problem and please call me Will.”

“OK, Will, see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight.”

As I hang up the phone, I realize that if Daisy and I go to the city tonight, it will be really late when we get home. I hate to cancel, but what other option do I have?

As I get to Daisy’s place I am kind of preoccupied with what the detectives want me to do. Daisy answers the door and invites me in.

Daisy lives in the Wellington Apartments not far from my place. Daisy says she is almost ready and heads back to the bedroom to finish getting ready. Misty is excited to see me and the two of us spend a few minutes loving on each other while Daisy gets ready. Daisy comes out of the bedroom and looks fantastic. Then I remember about the appointment tomorrow and have to find a way to tell her that I can’t go. Just as I am about to say something and the look on Daisy’s face changes. She seems concerned about something and then says.

“Will, I know we were supposed to go see the Blue Man Group tonight, but I think I would rather stay here and watch a movie if that is alright with you. Perhaps we can order a pizza or something and save the BBQ thing for another night. Would you mind?”

“WOW, you must have been reading my mind! I just found out before I came over that I need to be in the city tomorrow morning and was trying to think of a way of telling you. Of course, I don’t mind. What kind of pizza do you want?” While waiting for her to answer, I was thinking of a white pizza without the Ricotta cheese. I haven’t had one in a long time.

“I am normally a veggie pizza girl, how about a white pizza, no Ricotta, please. The place down the street has a great pizza. Why don’t you order it, while I see what movies are on? The number is on the refrigerator.”

“No problem, try not to pick out too much of a girly movie,” I say with a smile while walking into the kitchen. After ordering the pizza, I sit down on the sofa next to Daisy and we talk about our day. Daisy found a Star Wars movie that came out recently on pay per view and we agree to watch it. I thought that she should probably change out of the dress into something more comfortable. Daisy got up suddenly and started walking out of the room when she turned and said she was going to change into something more comfortable. I thought that we were made for each other. It almost feels like she could read my mind. Daisy comes out in a teddy bear nightgown that leaves very little to the imagination. The sheer white fabric against her tan body sends my thoughts of watching Star Wars out the window. I am not even sure if the pizza will be eaten tonight. Daisy smiles as she sees the effect she has on me. Then the doorbell rings and she goes and hides in the bedroom while I answer the door.