Uneven Page 3

  He remembered the many therapy sessions and daily prayers and confessions, all geared toward his ability to live a productive, satisfying life. “You are a child of great influence,” “The peace of God is with you,” “We wait on the Lord and our strength is renewed,” “You are the salt of the earth,”—his parents repeated the promises from the Bible until the words were etched in his heart and he could absorb their truth. In addition, his mom had made sure he confessed the phrases, too, as early as when he turned five. He did not really start speaking coherent sentences till he was about four years old after his first year of speech therapy, but she believed “God answered Haggai’s son’s cries, not hers,” so whether Bradley understood what he spoke or not, she made him say the words. Every day.

  He knew at almost every point of his adult life that he was living the reality of seeds sown in the past, and he could not but wonder what the future had in store for him. He, however, was at peace each step of the way. There were too many contact points in his past for him to doubt the journey ahead was definitely not bleak.

  * * *

  Bradley was so deep in thought, sitting with a crooked smile across his worried face, it took Melanie a few seconds to get his attention.

  “Knock, knock.” Melanie snapped her fingers in front of him, and he came to.

  “Sorry,” he said with a genuine smile and set his lemonade down.

  “Thanks for waiting patiently,” she told him as she sank into the seat opposite him and fired up her laptop.

  The diner was empty, apart from the few kitchen staff. Bradley usually hung out with her or their friends in the evenings anyway—if he had to. His natural preference was to order food to go or wait till the diner was virtually empty and sit in a quiet corner.

  “What’s the role again?”

  “Statistical analyst. I’m part of the desktop-publishing crew. Again, not what I’m familiar with, but it’s data so…,” Bradley paused and then sighed. “And Mel, I really am grateful for the opportunity, but I can’t help but wonder if I’ll be successful at this.”

  * * *

  When he had landed his first job at age twenty-two, he had ignored his parents’ advice and taken on the associate consultant role without sharing his history with the talent acquisition team when he was interviewed. He was determined to blend in as much as he could, and fortunately for him, he had aced it and gotten hired.

  Three weeks in, however, his supervisor began questioning his pace, as others who came at the same time as he did were catching on faster than he was. He was better at attaining his personal deliverables, but two out of the three projects he was involved in required a lot of teamwork. He barely contributed because, even when he knew what the end result would be, he was unable to explain his thought process to others as quickly as they wanted. He also always had an excuse to avoid hanging out with them, and eventually he was labeled as not being a team player.

  But that had not discouraged Bradley. He was determined to prove he was as ready for the corporate world as his colleagues. He had been at the job six weeks before Human Resources called him in to discuss his discuss his reluctance to be a team player. They offered to have his department, and maybe his projects, changed, but he had refused because he knew that would mean explaining to his colleagues why he was being moved. However, about three months later, he observed a major inconsistency in data his team had worked on in the past, which would be referenced in the report they were developing. He flagged it to his team and manager, but they decided to “let sleeping dogs lie” and carried on with the client’s project. He had not been able to handle the knowledge of the deception, and it ate at him. He had not backed off because he knew he’d been right. That was his first experience with politics at the workplace, and he knew it was only a matter of time before he made a slip. His inner turmoil affected his productivity, and the pressure kept building until he could not handle it anymore. The Human Resources person at the exit interview had pressed him for the genesis of his reason for his sudden resignation, and it eventually slipped out. He did not know what happened to his manager subsequently, but he did learn to play to his strengths rather than keep trying to be who he was not.

  When it came to subsequent job offers and contracts, however, he accepted carefully and was as up-front as up-front could mean. Of course, that meant losing out on some opportunities he knew he could have excelled at, but he also trusted that as he progressed in his career, his success stories would eventually speak for him. And so far, they had. Not as much or as fast as he would have preferred, but he was grateful he was never at a standstill.

  * * *

  “You will, and it’s temporary. We will still be on the lookout for what you want, and hopefully, it’ll be a full-time offer. So man up, mister,” Melanie said, drawing him back to their prep.

  “Bully,” he snorted.

  “Tell me something new. A friend is coming over to my apartment for the night, though, so I can’t be too long either.”

  “Fine by me. Thanks.” Bradley sat up straight, ready for her questions.

  “Here we go: Share with us a challenge you and your team encountered on a project and how it was resolved, if it was.”

  * * *

  “Hi, Abi. Come on in. I arrived not too long ago. Just putting away groceries.” Melanie chatted away as she opened the door for her friend and embraced her in a tight hug.

  “Thank you. How have you been? Work, studies? It’s been a while!” Abigail responded in one breath.

  “I know, right! Stressful as usual, but good otherwise. Thanks. Help yourself to some plums and peaches in the refrigerator.” Melanie pointed her toward the kitchen.

  “Um, I think I’ll have a shower first. It was busy today, and we had a lot of delivery logistics issues. Besides, I’m quite famished for actual food.”

  “Oh, that’s okay, then. I did bring us packs from the diner.”

  Abigail made her way to her friend’s room. It was a small but well-managed and neatly kept apartment with a large soft sofa in the living room, a television set no one ever watched, and an extremely organized kitchen and tiny pantry. Melanie even had a first aid-box. Her bedroom had the only bathroom of the apartment, so she rarely had guests over because that meant going into her bedroom to use the restroom. Melanie had mentioned to her that her brother-like best friend, her boyfriend, and Abigail were the only guests she’d had in over four years of living there. Although she seemed friendly enough to have acquaintances at school, work, and church, Melanie kept her life as private as possible and safeguarded her privacy. “No expectations, no disappointments,” she usually said.

  Melanie had met Abigail at an interior showroom a few months ago when she was attempting to revamp her space. Abigail was, as usual, quick to warm up to her and helped choose her plants, ornaments, and even paintings. At the time, Abigail was working as personal assistant to a CEO and was picking up a few items for her boss’s office. Melanie had been so grateful for her help that she had invited Abigail for supper at her diner the following evening. They hit it off easily and quickly became friends.

  Melanie had also invited her to church a few times, but Abigail had yet to honor the invitation. Her weeks were so busy, weekends were when she rested and caught up on her social life. It wasn’t as if Melanie was a regular attendee herself, especially because of her community college schedule, but she made an effort to make it at least once a month.

  The smell of the pasta Melanie microwaved filled Abigail’s nostrils, and she hurried out of the bathroom, changed into something more comfortable, and slipped back into the living room.

  “Are you ready to eat now?”

  “Yes, please,” Abigail answered eagerly, rubbing her hands in anticipation as she salivated.

  Melanie laughed at her dramatic friend. She added some sliced tomatoes and avocado next to their pastas and sprinkled some dried raisins on hers. Her phone beeped with a message from her boyfriend, Joshua. Working late tonight. Call you tomor
row?

  Sure. She hit Send and set her phone down. It beeped again almost immediately.

  I’m downstairs.

  Melanie frowned curiously and then replied, No you are not. It took a few minutes for her screen to light up with a message again, and she half expected her bell to ring. But then she read his reply. No, I’m not. I love you.

  She beamed. Ditto. She hit Send and finally sat down to eat, still smiling unconsciously.

  “Aww. See, why can’t I find that?” Abigail asked with a jealous smile on her face. She had watched the exchange and did not have to ask Melanie who it was before she knew why she had a smile plastered on her face. Melanie laughed with a forkful of food in her mouth.

  “I’m serious! You seem to have it all together, Mel. I wish I was as put together as you. I just seem to throw myself at the wrong guys and end up with unfulfilling jobs despite my qualifications. And I have yet to muster the courage to move out from my stepdad’s place—not that my mom is making moving out any easier, though,” Abigail added.

  “You are an intelligent and beautiful woman, Abi, with a sophistication any right-thinking man would want to show off. And I believe your job at the art gallery will pick up. You are very creative, you know?” Melanie encouraged.

  “Yeah, I am actually enjoying this one. It seems promising,” Abigail responded, her spirit feeling uplifted again.

  “And speaking of men, while I’m not necessarily his fan, Malik seems genuinely interested in you, and I know deep down—like deep, deep down—he can be nice. But then again, who wouldn’t be interested and nice to you, Abi? You were a model, for heaven’s sake!” Melanie added with a wink. Abigail laughed.

  Melanie had introduced her to Malik once when they met him at a club. He really was good looking with his well-built body, broad shoulders, and kissable lips, and he knew it. Most women flirted to get his attention, and who wouldn’t? He was from a wealthy family and was doing well for himself, as well. They did have a good conversation and had exchanged contact information, but for reasons unknown to her, Abigail just wasn’t interested in having a relationship with him. Perhaps she wasn’t sure she wouldn’t be one of his conquests. Frankly, she could not handle any more of that. Her ex and her then best friend apparently were an item behind her back, and she had been stupidly blind to it. This was before she moved to Chapel Hill, and she didn’t intend to be that naive lady anymore.

  “I met someone about five weeks ago at the airport in Denver, on my way to Sacramento to visit my dad.” Abigail started to share.

  “Ah-h…do tell!” Melanie exclaimed excitedly.

  Abigail chuckled, as she began to speak as if she were in a dream.

  “He helped me with my luggage and then paid for my time to wait at the VIP lounge because I had missed my flight and the next one was not for another four hours. Anyway, he was sweet and respectful and good looking. No, scrap that. He was hot. Not all buffed up nor screaming-for-attention handsome like a knight in shiny armor, but he could have as well come with a warning label. And clearly, he picked out outfits that did justice to his body and perfect facial features,” Abigail rushed out almost at once.

  Melanie laughed till her side began to hurt, and she had to quickly calm herself.

  “Oh my. I hope you got to breathe properly the whole time. What’s his name? Why are you not dating yet? Or was he not into you?”

  Even with her dark skin compared to Melanie, Abigail felt the heat on her cheeks. But she also laughed at the rush of questions.

  “Um, I don’t know if he was as into me as I was into him because if he was, he did a great job masking it. We just talked about work, art, and a few things here and there, you know, and he didn’t, for once, make any rude passes or remarks. I do know he looked at me with such intensity, Mel, I felt tingles, butterflies, and goose bumps all at once.”

  Then she sighed.

  “Unfortunately, like I said, his flight was about two hours earlier than mine, and he left in such a hurry, you would not have guessed we had spent about two hours together. We did not get to exchange names, let alone contact information.”

  “What? Oh wow. Sorry about that, Abi,” Melanie added quietly. “But are you seriously holding out for him? I mean, you met at an airport. He could be anywhere in the world!”

  “Yeah, I know… It’s just…I keep hoping we will run into each other someday, somehow… He did mention he stayed in North Carolina too. I have replayed it in my head several times these last five weeks, wondering maybe if I had flirted with him a little, or added a little extra in my steps, things may have ended differently,” Abigail responded with all seriousness.

  Melanie chuckled. Abigail usually had guys flocking for her attention. This mystery guy had certainly gotten under her friend’s skin for her to have the tables turned for a change.

  “I wonder what his hair would feel like with my hands in it,” Abigail blurted out in a whisper.

  Melanie almost chocked on her drink laughing.

  “Oh, dear heaven. Abi, you’ve got to get a grip. Even if you do meet again, and I’m almost convinced you may not, but if you do, and he’s really as hot as you say, he may not even be available. And you would have wasted time daydreaming about a man who isn’t or cannot be yours. You really don’t want to do that to yourself.”

  “Oh well, till then a girl can dream, right? And girlfriend, you do not want the details of our imaginary kisses.” With that Abigail finished her meal and stood to clean up.

  Melanie chuckled and stared at her friend, as she was short of words.

  “The movies make being in a secure and healthy relationship look easy. I hope you realize how enviable you and Josh are. Like he’s super busy being an investment banker and all, and you are not exactly ever not busy yourself, but you are so good together. You make it work. Why are the rest of us so unlucky?” Abigail continued as she made her way to the sofa.

  “Thanks, I guess. But I did have my fair share of frogs, too, you know,” Melanie said with a soft smile. Abigail laughed.

  “Anyway, so what good movies are there? And you are joining me. No schoolwork tonight, please.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Melanie laughed as she cleared her plate.

  “Which reminds me,” Melanie said, “We are getting together tomorrow evening at the diner. Joshua helped Bradley get an interview spot at the bank. It’s not set in stone, but chances are Malik won’t be in town if or when he gets to begin the temporary job, so we decided to “celebrate in faith” tomorrow. Except Brad informs us otherwise. You want to come?”

  “Mel, are you trying to set me up with Malik again?” Abigail asked suspiciously.

  “I cross my heart! Not this time. Besides, you’ll finally get to meet Bradley. Speaking of, please do not go all ‘Abi, the irresistible model’ on him.”

  “Hey, that’s so not me.”

  Melanie gave her friend a lazy smile. “Right. But still, Brad is… He’s super nice to everyone and innocently doesn’t even notice when it’s misinterpreted,” she explained with an added seriousness in her tone.

  “Uh-huh. Well, rest assured. I’ve got my mind set on my mystery man, so we’re good, okay? I’ll meet you there after work.” Abigail winked with a smile. “Can we watch our movie now? I’m in the mood for a comedy.”

  Melanie laughed and grabbed her throw as she joined her friend on the sofa.

  * * *

  As soon as Bradley saw her step into the diner on 4th Street, their encounter at the airport VIP lounge came flooding back like it was yesterday, because he had replayed it several times in the past five weeks. And he was staring again, willing himself to wake up from what was looking like a dream, but she drew closer still. But then he realized he had to be awake because Melanie was suddenly next to him about to introduce her.

  “Hey, Brad, meet my friend, Abigail Sogal.” Melanie gave Abigail a hug and chatted on. “Abi, meet Brad. You know Malik and Josh.” She concluded the introductions and made her way back to Joshua.
br />   “Hi, Brad. Please call me Abi. Pleased to meet you.” With an emphasis on meet, Abigail smiled and stretched out her hand for a handshake. She was sure that if she hadn’t been dark skinned, she would have been red all over. She prayed he caught on with her charade and played along.

  Bradley was confused. Did she really not remember him? Or had he made it all up in his mind?

  “Hello, Abi. Bradley Madison. Same here.” He shook her hand with a smile.

  Abigail gave Malik a quick hug, and he flashed her a charming smile, clearly happy to see her. She waved at Joshua as she took her seat opposite Bradley but next to Malik.

  Bradley barely spoke except when he was spoken to. He studied Abi. Abigail. He would never have guessed. He liked her name. And her smile. And her eyes. Her bishop-collar, sleeveless plain-white blouse with the big bow in front really brought out her eyes. She seemed lovelier today than he remembered. Perhaps because she did not seem under any stress. Her flared knee-length and high-waist skirt had abstract patterns of sea-green, light-brown, cream, and dark-gray, and it had swung nicely when she walked in on her heels. She had seen him staring at her once, but he held her gaze rather than look away until she averted her eyes.

  “So when are you looking to get a call back?” Joshua interrupted his thoughts.

  “Well, they did not say exactly. Something vague about ‘within a week or two’ or so. But I’m optimistic,” Bradley responded with smile and took a sip of his drink.

  Abigail felt willing to give anything to get out of the diner. She had shared so much with Melanie there was no way her friend would believe her if she told her he was the same man she’d specifically warned her not to get involved with. Not like she would set out to hurt Bradley, but she could not risk losing her friendship with Melanie if it didn’t work out. Even though it had been a different situation, her former best friend had hurt her, so she knew how that felt. Thankfully Bradley had caught on quickly and had not mentioned anything about their meeting before, either.