© Copyright 2005 by Charlotte Ann Zuzak

Callie Preston winced as she applied cream to her sunburn. In spite of using a sunscreen, her fair Scandinavian skin had suffered. Even though it was another hot, sunny day, she would have to wear a long-sleeved shirt over her tank top. She pulled her blond hair back and fastened it at the nape of her neck. Grabbing her hard hat, she headed for the kitchen.

Callie was now widowed with a nine-year-old son to raise. Matt, her husband, had left her in financial straits when he was killed in a wreck almost a year ago while driving a moving van across country. Determined to keep their house, she knew that she had to get a job with a decent salary. With no developed skills, Callie was only marketable in the most menial job

“Amy,” she had sobbed to her older sister. “The first thing they ask me is whether or not I’m computer literate. I don’t even know how to turn one on!”

“Callie, there’s a course in computers at the community college. If you can’t afford the fee, I’ll help you out.”

Callie had signed up for the course and after dinner that night sat down with her son, Davie, to talk.

“Davie, you and I have to work together. I have to go to work and I have to take some classes if I’m going to end up with a decent career. You are going to have to take more responsibilities around the house to give me time to do this. It’s going to be hard, but we want to keep the house, right? And later you want to go to college.”

“Yeah, Mom. It’s just so rough without Dad.” Tears started to stream down his cheeks.

“I know, Davie. Look, I don’t know much about little league baseball, but I’ll do what I can to help. Dad would want that.”

“He was supposed to coach.”

“I know. Well, I can’t do that, but I’ll see how I can help out” She hugged and kissed him. “Let’s splurge and get a pizza tonight!”

He sniffed and nodded. “Okay.”

Callie had applied for a job with a road crew and ended up holding the stop and slow sign. On her first day she had managed to foul up traffic, almost causing an accident. The guys had laughed at her and the foreman had bawled her out and almost fired her. Holding back tears of embarrassment, Callie had managed to get through the rest of the day, ignoring leers and bad jokes. At the end of the day her shoulders and arms ached from holding the sign.

They still ached a week later as she prepared her son for school.

“Come on, sport, eat that breakfast. That is your favorite cereal.” She bent to give her son a kiss. “Aunt Amy’s waiting for you and I’ve got to get to work.” Her smile wavered as she gulped her coffee.

“Mom, are you going to the parents’ meeting tonight for little league?”

“Yes, Davie. I will be there. You’ll have dinner at Aunt Amy’s.” Amy, her husband and two boys had been a godsend since Matt’s death.

“You know that I have computer class tomorrow night. Maybe you can help me.”

Ironic that a nine-year-old boy had such technical knowledge that she didn’t. His class had started working with computers in the third grade.

“Yeah!” Davie beamed. “I know something you don’t!”

She dropped Davie off at Amy’s house and drove down the interstate to the work site. Suddenly the car became unmanageable. Her heart beating rapidly, Callie pulled off the road. The left rear tire was shredded.

“This can’t be happening to me!” She said aloud in desperation, feeling like crying. Callie had no idea how to change a tire, and she had no cell phone to place an emergency call. Should she stand there or start walking toward the work site?

Suddenly, a car, which had started to pass her, pulled over and backed up. A good-looking, muscular man wearing dark glasses emerged from the car. From the looks of his deeply tanned skin he probably was used to working outside. Callie suddenly felt panicky. Should she accept help from a stranger? Thank goodness it was daytime.

“Well, Preston, more problems?” It was Doug Hardison, the road foreman who had almost fired her!

“I didn’t ask for this,” replied Callie indignantly, hands on hips, avoiding looking at him.

“Don’t you know how to change a tire?”

“I’ve never had to.”

“Wrong answer.”

He turned, looked at the tire and shook his head. “That’s a goner. What did you hit?”

“No idea,” she mumbled. “I don’t remember going over anything.”

He’s probably getting a big laugh out of this, thought Callie to herself. I don’t even know how to pump my own gas.

In no time he had the spare tire on. “During your lunch break go get a new tire. DH Tire Service is right up the road.”

She nodded. “Thanks for your help.”

He mumbled and walked away.

At noon Doug walked over to her and said, “Take an hour. Go do what I said. And make sure you eat. Don’t need anyone fainting on me. Get yourself a bottled water. I can’t believe you came to work without one!”

Callie humbly nodded and went to her car. How was she going to pay for a new tire? Her credit card was maxed since Davie needed new clothes for summer. Also, she had promised herself that no matter how tight money was, Davie would have his uniform for Little League.

As she approached a man behind the counter in the tire store he smiled and asked, “Are you Callie Preston?”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Yes, but how did you...?”

“I’ve got your tires. I was told two new tires for the back. The one that didn’t blow evidently looks pretty bad.”

Callie gulped. “How much...?”

“It’s been taken care of.”

“What?”

“That new fried chicken place next door is pretty good. Why don’t you get some lunch while I put the tires on?”

Callie slowly walked next door. Her thoughts were whirling. She thought she wasn’t hungry, but the smell of fried chicken changed her mind. She’d only had coffee for breakfast.

As she picked up her tray at the cash register, she saw Doug sitting by the window eating his own lunch. Before she could turn away, he spotted her and called out.

“Hey, Preston. Come on over and keep me company.”

Her nose went up in the air as she slowly walked over. “Only if you call me Callie. Or Mrs. Preston.”

When he grinned his blue eyes twinkled. “Get your tires?” he asked.

“Yes, but I’m a bit puzzled. The guy in charge said that the bill was taken care of.”

“I guess you have a guardian angel,” he smiled, concentrating on his French fries.

“I could really use one.” She was momentarily distracted by the chicken, which tasted as good as it smelled.

“You’re Davie Preston’s mom, aren’t you?”

“How did you know?” Callie looked up, startled.

“I’m coaching the little league team. Met Davie the other day. He was pretty down because his dad won’t be there. I sat and talked with him for awhile.” He looked down at his lunch.

Callie looked out the window as her eyes welled up. “That was very nice of you. Davie needs to be around some men who will talk with him.” Reaching for her purse she grabbed a handkerchief and turned away.

“Callie, look at me,” Doug said gently. “It’s okay to cry. Hasn’t been easy for you.”

She blew her nose and wiped her eyes. “Those guys and their crude jokes. I’m just trying to make a living. Trying to save some money towards tuition for the nursing program at the community college. As it is, I owe my sister for the computer class I’m taking.”

He reached over and patted her hand. “I know how rough it is. I’m widowed, too. My wife died in a car crash three years ago. Have a boy Davie’s age. They’ll be playing together on the team.” He shook his head and laughed. “It’ll be hard coaching my own son. I know I have a big mouth at times.” He straightened up and looked at Callie. “Will you be at the little league meeting tonight?”

“Yes, I told Davie I’d be there. Don’t know what I can do. Never was active in sports. Can’t even do a good job of throwing the ball back and forth with my son.”

He touched her hand again. “There’ll be plenty to do. We need all the help we can get.”

Doug withdrew his hand and looked at his watch. “Well, time to get back to work Pres--I mean Callie.” He smiled apologetically. “I was wondering if you would join me for coffee and some dessert at the diner after the meeting?”

“That would be very nice.” Callie blushed and looked down. She stood and turned to him. “I’ll be back to work as soon as I settle with the tire company. Shouldn’t take too long. And I’ll get a bottled water before I leave here.”

Doug put on his hard hat, saluted her with two fingers and grinned as he departed. “I’m not worried.” He put his thumbs in his pockets and walked out.

When Callie walked into the tire store, the same employee approached her. “Ma’am,” he reassured her, “the bill has been taken care of. If you ever need help again here’s our business card with our number.”

Before she pulled out of the parking lot, Callie took a closer look at the card. DH Tire Service, Doug Hardison, owner. Callie gasped. “I don’t believe it! I can’t let him do this!”

She drove back to the work site not knowing what to say. She had only met the man a few days ago. But he did seem to be a softy under that rough exterior. Widowhood did strange things to you. There definitely was a need to hide your real feelings from the rest of the world and get on with life.

“I see you got new tires,” said a gruff voice behind her as she got out of the car. “I assume they gave you the best.”

“Yes, sir,” said Callie, looking up at Doug. “But we need to talk.”

“Hey, you guys, what are you staring at?” bellowed Doug suddenly. “Get back to work. And I don’t want any off-color jokes or remarks! You too, Preston. Work doesn’t get done while talking! And remember this: your car has to be in mint condition if you expect to get to a job without problems.”

“Yes sir.” As she picked up the stop and slow sign she glanced at Doug who gave her a subtle wink.

As the afternoon wore on, clouds gathered in the sky as the distant roar of thunder hinted that a storm might be brewing. When lightening started flashing across the sky and the thunder was close, Doug called a halt to the day’s work.

“We’d better quit,” he called out to everyone. “I heard that we’re supposed to have pretty serious storms tonight. Get home before they break loose.”

Callie ran to her car just as a blinding rain started. She sat and shook. She had never enjoyed driving, but had to face the fact that if she was going to make a decent living, it might include driving in situations that weren’t the best. As she started her car, a pickup truck pulled behind her and waited for her to move. Whoever was driving seemed to be following her. As she turned into her driveway, the driver honked and continued on. She was able to see the truck as the rain momentarily eased up. It was Doug!

It was a relief that she didn’t have to deal with dinner tonight since Davie was at Amy’s. She would snack on potato chips, something she didn’t do in front of him. Then she’d take a relaxing bath before the Little League meeting that evening.

The evening went by in a blur. It was actually Callie’s first attempt at going out since Matt’s death. She had never enjoyed baseball or understood it, and was embarrassed at not being able to join the conversation about strategy. However, when uniform care came up, Callie volunteered.

“Excuse me,” she said shyly. “I’ll be the first to admit that baseball has never been one of my interests, but I’d be happy to take care of the uniforms.”

All of the women just looked at her.

“You’d take care of the uniforms?” one asked in astonishment.

“Well, when my husband was alive he wore uniforms in his job, and sometimes they got pretty dirty. As a result I’ve experimented with getting stains out, and I’m pretty good.”

Callie blushed and looked up to see Doug smiling at her and nodding. There was that wink again. It really did unnerve her! Everyone thanked her for taking on the most unwanted task, one that was only noticed behind the scenes.

The evening came to an end as Doug walked over to Callie and touched her arm. It felt like electricity to her as she lowered her eyes to avoid looking at him.

“Hey, what about dessert? I didn’t have much of a dinner, and a piece of carrot cake at the diner sounds good.”

“Okay. But not too long. Davie’s at my sister’s house.”

“ Just long enough to get rid of the hunger. I have a sitter with Joey.”

They walked across the street without saying a word. The rain had subsided and the streets were wet. It was a warm night and the humidity hung in the air like a damp curtain.

Taking seats in a booth, they ordered cake and coffee. An awkward silence settled in.

Doug sat back. “So tell me. Was your husband sick?”

Callie looked out the window. “No. He was a driver for a moving company. Hoped eventually to have his own trucking business. It was late at night in the mountains and a truck coming towards him lost control.” She looked down, unable to continue.

Doug said nothing for a moment. “My wife died because of bad tires—on the car coming towards her. She didn’t stand a chance. That’s why I was so concerned about what you were driving this morning.”

Tears were threatening to roll down Callie’s cheeks as Doug reached over and put his hands on top of hers.

“Thank you for caring,” she whispered. “I felt so stupid in front of those other men.”

Doug shook his head. “Those lunkheads are all mouth.”

They ate in silence and after discussing how their lives had changed after death, walked out to their cars. Doug took her keys and unlocked her car door. Callie smiled up at him for the first time that evening.

“Thank you. I’ve really enjoyed being with you tonight. And I’ll be on time tomorrow. Busy day—I’ve got my computer class tomorrow night.”

“What about Davie? Wait, suppose I pick him up from your sister’s, that’s where he’ll be after school, right?”

Callie nodded.

“Joey needs some companionship. For some reason he’s having a tough time even though his mom’s been gone a few years. They can practice throwing some balls, I’ll stay out of it, and then I’ll take them out for some dinner.”

“That’s an imposition,” murmured Callie.

“Hey, Miss Independence, you can help me and I can help you. How about it?”

“Okay. It would be good for Davie.” Callie said goodnight and got into her car.

After getting Davie settled in bed, she thought back on everything that had happened that day. There were angels surrounding her, she thought. When you looked at Doug, however, an angel was not the first thing you thought of. Muscular, browned by the sun, curly dark hair that could use a good haircut, blue eyes that looked right through you—oh, he was great!

What am I thinking! Thought Callie in horror. I haven’t even been a widow a year. This isn’t right. Was it possible to fall in love again? Slow down, Callie, she admonished herself. It’s too soon. He might be ready, but you are not.

The next day Callie was at work on time, walking past the crew, head held high. There were no remarks. Doug had the ghost of a smile on his face, but she couldn’t see his eyes because of dark sunglasses.

Keeping her mind on the computer in front of her that evening was difficult, and she was not keeping up with the class. Doug and Joey had picked up Davie who was eager to talk baseball with his coach. Joey was all smiles at having a friend at dinner, and the evening went well.

Doug had dropped Davie back at home about five minutes after Callie arrived from her class. She wondered if she would have invited him in if Joey weren’t with him.

The weekend passed with household chores to be done and a computer assignment to be done at Amy’s home. Callie wanted to buy a computer, but it didn’t figure in the budget at the moment. Sunday afternoon she picked up a novel she had started months ago and decided she had to go back to page one. She stayed inside because of the sunburn. Later, sitting at the kitchen table she pulled out notebook paper and pencil, and toyed with the idea of putting a vegetable garden in the back yard.

In the back of her mind she was hopeful that Doug might call. The only time the phone rang was when Amy called to make arrangements for Davie for the following week.

On Monday her heart beat wildly as she drove up the highway to the worksite. Doug nodded at her and went back to looking at some papers. He said nothing to her that day beyond giving directions and telling her when to take a lunch break.

Dull, dull, dull, she thought as she dropped on the sofa that night. Guess I misunderstood the signals. It’s really still too early for me, though. But why are thoughts of Matt sort of cooling off? She closed her eyes in confusion as the phone rang.

“I really don’t feel like talking to anyone,” she groaned as she got up. Picking up the phone she said, “Hello, Amy.”

A long pause on the other end was followed by “So you think you have ESP?”

She didn’t recognize the male voice at first.

“Sorry. It’s Doug,” he laughed.

“Oh! I’m sorry!” Callie was glad he couldn’t see her red face.

“Anyway, I called to ask you out—without the boys, if that’s okay. I’ve got two tickets to the dinner theater for next Saturday evening, and wondered if you like that sort of thing.”

“It sounds wonderful!” Callie hoped she didn’t sound overeager.

“Are you sure? We won’t do it if you’re not interested.”

“I used to go there all the time. I just saw the schedule in the newspaper and I love the musicals that are coming up.”

“You like show tunes? I love Broadway! I go to the dinner theater once in awhile, but it’s not a lot of fun by myself.”

“That’s why I haven’t gone. I don’t like being by myself, either. Yes, I like Broadway and some classical.”

“Okay. I’ll pick you up about six.”

Callie was trembling as she hung up and called Amy.

“Ooooh Callie! That’s wonderful! You need to get out! Doug is such a nice guy, but he’s really been lonely since Marie died. Glad he’s getting out, and I’m glad it’s you!”

“Amy! It’s so soon!”

“No, no. I think it’s meant to be. You obviously need to do something. Hey, have you seen that dress in the window of Seaton’s Dress Shop? I thought about you today when I saw it. And you need to get a decent haircut. You also could stand some highlights.”

Callie laughed at her sister’s enthusiasm. It was great to have support. “Okay. I’ll do everything you said.”

The following Saturday evening when Callie opened her door, there stood Doug with a fresh haircut, wearing an obviously new blazer with chinos, light blue shirt and tie. His blue eyes lit up as he looked at Callie in the new dress and highlighted hair cut short to frame her face.

“You really look nice!” he stammered.

“You mean a little different than Monday through Friday?” she laughed nervously.

“I meant very special,” he blushed.

They enjoyed the dinner and the musical, but Callie felt a little uncomfortable when a love song that had been one of her favorites was sung. Funny, she thought. Matt had never liked it.

As they were walking quietly to the car afterwards, Doug said, “You know that song in the second act? That song that they each sing alone and then together?”

Callie was startled. “Yes. It’s always been one of my favorites.”

“Mine too.”

“Do you associate it with anyone?” she blurted out, much to her embarrassment.

“Not really. I’ve never known anyone I’d think of when I hear it. My wife liked country music, which, truth be known, I can’t stand!”

Callie giggled.

“What’s funny?”

“Oh,” she gasped. “I just have had a picture of you in cowboy boots, flannel shirts, and dirty denims.”

“That’s all right. I guess because of my job people get a certain picture of me. But,” he turned to her, “I do own a business.”

“I know, and I’m ever so grateful. But you wouldn’t let me pay you, and I must.”

He shook his head, staring straight ahead as he drove. “You owe nothing.” He reached over and felt for her hand. Nothing was said as they drove up to her house. Amy had Davie overnight. What did he expect?

As he walked her to the door, Callie asked, “Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“No, but could I come in for a minute?”

Callie nodded, trembling, as he took the key from her to unlock the door. Touching her on the arm he stood in the vestibule turning her toward him. She looked into his eyes as he pulled her toward him wrapping his arms around her. He shifted and she felt his lips on hers. In the back of her mind she heard that love song she liked so much.

He gave her a hug. Looking down at her he said, “Could we sit a minute and talk?”

She nodded, taking his hand and walking to the sofa.

“I can’t stop thinking about you, Callie. You’re changing my life; I’m noticing things I haven’t noticed in a long time. I know that it’s been a short period of time for you since Matt died, but I’d like to be a part of your life.” He moved around and sat facing forward, looking down at the floor.

Callie touched him on his back. “I enjoy being with you. I guess it’s a long time since I’ve felt happy. I enjoyed tonight and I enjoyed being with you.”

She looked at him as he turned towards her. Right now she felt bewilderment as well as happiness.

Doug straightened up and reached for her hands. “Callie,” he whispered. “Maybe right now we’re feeling a little confusion. What we have to remember is, whatever came before is finished. We are alive. I happen to feel myself falling in love with you, even though it hasn’t been that long ago that we met. Maybe that’s crazy, but also, maybe there isn’t a set of rules that are necessary to follow.”

“I was married straight out of high school,” sighed Callie. “I guess I didn’t give myself a chance to be me. But I would never say that I regret having Davie.”

“You can have that chance now. Your computer course, your desire to go on with your education. Any man who really loves you wants you to have something that is all you.” He smiled at her. “Love should encourage.”

She laughed a little, and his eyebrows went up. “I never expected you to be as sensitive as you are. I really didn’t like you the first day of work.”

His smile faded, as he became serious. “I just wanted you to be able to stand on your own two feet. I was frustrated. I saw someone who was out of her element.”

Glancing at the clock, she jumped up. “I haven’t offered you anything to eat!”

“I don’t need anything. Just wanted to talk to you. I’m falling in love with you Callie. I want you in my life. I want a family.” He let out a deep breath in relief. “There, I’ve said it. Except that I forgot to say I want to marry you.”

Callie’s head was spinning. “Can you give me some time? I mean, we aren’t going to do it tomorrow, are we?”

“No, we aren’t going to rush it. How do you feel? I’m just giving my side, which happens to be one of my faults,” he ended in a mumble.

“I’m feeling something I haven’t felt in a long time. I expected to stay a widow and raise Davie. I want to be a nurse, to have a profession. I’m determined to send Davie to college.”

“And I feel the same way about Joey. I want you to be a nurse. You’ll be a good one. My business is really going well, and I’m going to leave the state road job. They want me to move to the capital and take a desk job. I’m not interested. I like it here, I enjoy Little League and the activities I’ve become involved in. I want you to be a part of it. You aren’t saying anything. You’re hesitating.”

“No, Doug. I do love you. I just never thought it would happen so fast.”

Doug sighed and smiled. “Should we say anything to the boys?”

“Maybe not right now. Just that we’re special friends.”

“That’s good!”

Callie hesitated. “What about the road crew?”

He grinned. “We’re not exactly putting on a scene for them. Maybe they’ll learn how to treat a lady!”

With a final hug and kiss, he said, “I’ll call tomorrow.”

When she heard his car pull out, Callie smiled and spun around, kicking off her shoes. Tomorrow she would go through her CD’s and find that love song that she hadn’t listened to in a long time.




HEY! and don't forget to e-mail Charlotte Ann Zuzak if you have a comment!


zuz@zoominternet.net

Author's Note: Charlotte has a bachelor’s degree from Albion College and a master’s from the University of Michigan, both in foreign languages. In addition to writing, Charlotte enjoys a career as church organist and accompanist for voice students at Grove City College. At the moment she is also studying the Celtic harp. She and her husband, a retired college dean, travel extensively throughout western and eastern Europe. In July ’05 they traveled to Poland. They have a daughter who is an MD.

Charlotte’s travel plans for 2006 include Spain, Russia and Sicily. She taught Spanish on the high school and college level for thirty years before turning back to her original major, music.

Charlotte’s poetry and short stories have been published in The Storyteller, Apropos, Cochran’s Corner, Hidden Oak and several other publications.





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