First & Girl, page 6
They defeated Texoma - twice.
It was a history-changing season. Most of the fans would have been satisfied with a perfect record. As promised, Homer did pay a bonus. Dickie Boyd bought a shotgun. Bert Cherry purchased a bass boat. Chopper Owens cruised around town on a new Harley.
Local gridiron groupies turned out by the hundreds when Homer unveiled the Pinecone Trophy at city hall.
Phil Curry had been with the Raiders for less than two years. Despite being a part-time position, with minimal compensation, it was an impressive accomplishment.
Having achieved her goal, Kelly returned to Santa Fe. She was wearing a pair of silver and turquoise earrings when she left.
Now what?
Sheryll and Phyllis resolved their grievances. They weren’t that serious; Phyllis just liked drama. The niece and nephew had a new playmate, Aunt Sherry.
In the cinder block building, next to the Bryson Industries complex, Phil sat down at his door-desk. He studied the computer screen. Stacks of football gear were scattered all around the storage room.
He would punch the clock for the plant manager the rest of the year.
Sheryll was determined not to make the same mistake twice, but she was pushing too hard.
“Hi babe. What are you doing? “
“Oh, hi. Yeah, I was just going over these … “
“Hmm … more spreadsheets. Do you like my manicure?”
“How do they get those tiny butterflies on there? Well, I have to finish this … “
“Remember, we’re meeting my parents in Tyler this weekend. They love the Rose Festival.”
“Right. You know, Sheryll, I was thinking … “
“Gad, is this a storage room, and what’s up with this tacky door?”
“I’m not here that often.”
“But you know what, I have a solution. I just spoke with daddy.”
“Vincent… how is he?”
“He has a job for you at the shared services center in Dallas. A data analyst, and it pays a lot more than you’re making here.” Sheryll clasped her hands together. “Isn’t that fabulous?”
Phil’s eyes glazed over. “Data analyst. Hmm … “
“And listen to this. We can live in their guest house until we find our own place. There’s a pool, we’ll have a housekeeper. I can see all my friends.”
“Data analyst. Your friends … “
“There are so many fun things to do in Dallas. The theatre, ballet, symphony concerts. I can go shopping. You can play golf at the country club.”
“Data analyst … oh, and the symphony. I know how you like shopping.”
“Phil, we can get married again!”
“Data analyst … married again.”
There was more on Phil’s computer screen than just inventory.
With the understanding that Phil would work for Sheryll’s father, as a data analyst, she returned to Dallas. She lived in her parents’ guest house. All of her friends were there and Revelee didn’t have a symphony orchestra.
He was promised a real desk, probably his own office. Someone else could change the ceiling lights. Who wouldn’t want to fight traffic, and then remain stationary eight hours a day, five days a week? White-starched collars aren’t so bad.
And what’s all the fuss about majestic pine forests and glistening lakes?
Phil had never been to New Mexico.
Maybe Some Other Time
M
aybe it was anxiety, the walls closing in, mixed emotions, Phil needed a break.
The season was over and there really wasn’t that much to do at the brick plant. Homer got his trophy. The team wouldn’t practice for another six months.
Phil told Sheryll he had to get a few things out of his system, or something like that. He said he would come back… eventually.
Responding to an ad for a temporary position, Phil thought he should experience the southwest. Kelly liked New Mexico but he insisted that wasn’t the reason he ended up in Albuquerque.
Residing in an extended-stay-hotel, Phil had signed on as a consultant for the city’s convention and tourist bureau, Always Albuquerque. They were in the process of establishing a free-standing sports commission. He met the qualifications and figured it might lead to an interesting career opportunity.
Phil hadn’t anticipated the culture shock between New Mexico and East Texas. Kelly was absorbed in her self-improvement regimen, a bothersome impediment that seemed to pop up at the most inopportune times. She wasn’t trying to be coy; whatever Phil read between the lines was probably lost in translation.
Now, alone, in the middle of the southwest, he kept thinking there would be some sort of epiphany to connect the dots.
Phil Knew the move to Albuquerque wasn’t a good career opportunity. With Phil as her mentor, Kelly achieved her goal as a football player; it was only natural that she would focus on the next one. Whatever it was, Phil wasn’t included. The distance between them was more than just miles.
When Sheryll dumped him, he was jaded and skeptical about any relationship with a woman. She acknowledged the foul and accepted the lost yardage. Phil continued to play the victim card.
And Phil didn’t do his research. Turns out, the sports commission was just an idea on paper. His primary assignment was to solicit sponsors. Phil did have a real desk, but it was in a tiny cubicle with no privacy.
It was a contract position with vague objectives; his supervisor, Marilyn Perez, was demanding and overbearing.
“Do you have a minute?”
“Marilyn! Sure, pull up a chair.”
“How are the calls going?”
“I have a couple of appointments lined up. I thought I would have better luck with the local restaurants.”
“Hmm… You couldn’t lock down the arboretum?”
“No. But I did meet the guy who owns the bar across the street. I’m going back later this week.”
“Look, Phil, I know you haven’t been here very long; what is it five or six weeks?”
“Yeah. Just over three months.”
“Well, this isn’t East Texas; football isn’t king here. Your revenue totals are underachieving. I’ve got to have more production… a lot faster.”
“I understand, but I’m used to being out of the office, face-to-face. I work better that way.”
“That takes a lot of time, Phil. You need to stay on the phone; be more aggressive.” Marilyn peered over her glasses. “By the way, where were you Sunday? I tried to call.”
“I was up in Red River. I must have turned off my phone.”
“Red River?”
“I have a friend in Santa Fe; we went skiing.”
“I had some leads for you. This is a 24-7 project. Always keep that phone on; you answer when I call!”
“Marilyn, the assignment I interviewed for this summer, and what you have me doing are two different things. I wish I had known more about the expectations up front.”
“Show me the money, Phil. That’s my expectation.”
Even when he was married to Sheryll and working as a regional account executive, Phil wasn’t confined to a desk. The formula almost worked too well.
There was one precarious consolation. Collene Sandler, an associate at Always Albuquerque, liked Phil and took him under her wing. They became close friends.
A few years older than Phil, she was a wise and stable source of consolation. Collene was also an attractive woman, with an alluring disposition and exotic eyes. Considering the circumstances, Phil was captivated by her.
His cubicle was located outside of her office. They often met for lunch at Frijoles Fresco. Phil wasn’t accustomed to so much hot sauce, but with each taco salad, the exotic eyes became more enticing.
Phil replenished his cup at the soft drink dispenser. “What are you working on these days?”
Collene was checking messages on her phone. “Where do I start?
Hot Air Balloon Festival, that thing is killing me. Downtown art show, we still need a permit to close off the street. The rodeo, have you ever tried to explain room blocks to a cowboy? Enough about me.”
Collene pitched a cherry tomato in her mouth. “Any progress on the sports commission?”
“Marilyn wants me to stay in the office. I’m more comfortable getting to know someone before I hit ‘em up for money.”
“Well, Marilyn isn’t taking advantage of your best skills.”
Phil licked the end of his straw. “Sitting at a desk all day isn’t one of them.”
“Is your wife still calling?”
“Ex-wife. She invited me to Dallas for Christmas; her brother is getting married.”
Collene snapped a chip off her taco shell. “Are you going to Santa Fe this weekend?”
“Kelly’s at a Taekwondo match with her martial arts instructor.”
“Let me get this straight.” Collene propped her elbow on the table.
“You left a secure job in your hometown. You’re miles away from family and friends. You managed an undefeated football team. Your girlfriend stands you up for a martial arts instructor. And, then there’s this young lady in Dallas who wants to marry you again.”
She lobbed the taco chip in her mouth. “What am I missing here?”
Phil smiled wistfully. “She’s not really my girlfriend, but I do miss East Texas.”
“You’re a complicated guy.” Collene sat up and broke off another taco chip. “Why would you leave all that?”
“My sister calls it escaping reality.”
“It sounds like you took a detour. From what you’ve described, Kelly isn’t willing to commit to anything for very long.”
“I’ve been fascinated by Kelly since we were little kids. She intrigues me.”
“Intrigue. That’s a risky word.” The elbow propped on the table again.
“You bellyache about Sheryll having an affair. Frankly, I don’t blame her; you were too busy schmoozing with car dealers.
Now, you’re the one running off with another woman. Hell, Kelly’s probably on the mat with this Jackie Chan guy as we speak!”
Collene traced a lime slice around the rim of her glass. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
There was something about her eyes. “You’re a beautiful woman, Collene.”
“What!” Collene burst out laughing. “I’m sorry. That just sounded so funny.”
Marilyn told him to be more aggressive. Collene was, in fact, a beautiful woman and unrestrained in her appearance. Those exotic eyes disarmed Phil’s reticence.
“Collene, listen, I’ve been wanting to tell you … “
She gently touched his hand. “Now, Phil, let’s stay in our lane, here.”
“Maybe we could have a drink tonight.” Phil placed his hand over hers. “Talk about something besides work, you know, us.
“I’d love to, Phil, but my son has a soccer game this evening.” Coquettish yet composed, she winked. “Maybe some other time.”
Are You Saying…
B
ound inside a phone booth dialing for dollars, Phil was hearing less from Kelly and seeing more of Collene Sandler.
Collene was assertive and flirtatious. She had to be, it was part of the job. They teased and taunted one another throughout the day. Her playful asides inferred that their relationship might be more than just casual lunch buddies. Phil was lonely; Collene filled a void.
Despite the flighty veneer, Sheryll was translucent. She laid the cards on the table, prepared to raise the bet. Phil wallowed in his pity party. He chose the wrong fork in the road when he left Sheryll to be near Kelly.
There was no need for a desk in Revelee; Phil was always on the go. He knew everybody in town. The only one he knew in Albuquerque was Collene.
At Frijoles Fresco, the taco salad and Collene’s elbow were back on the table.
“About the other day… “
Phil covered his brow. “That was embarrassing; I’m such a dork.”
“No, I’m so rude. I thought about what you said. Or, at least what you tried to say.”
“Yeah, I have to drop this intrigue facade.”
“I realize you were paying me a compliment. A woman my age… I’m flattered.”
“I’m glad you’re flattered. I intended it that way. I love you, Collene.”
“There you go with those risky words again. Phil, I love you too. It’s just that… “
“It’s just that you think of me as a kid. My whole life ahead of me, with the little girl waiting back home… or, whatever else you think.”
“What did I say that was incorrect? Seriously, Phil, how would you describe it?”
“Meet me for a drink tonight; I’ll describe it then.”
“That is tempting, Phil. Maybe some other time.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Kelly was in Santa Fe, shacked up with her Martial Arts coach. Phil was chained to a desk in Albuquerque.
Phil didn’t want to be a data analyst, especially with his former father-in-law as the boss. Sheryll was willing to compromise but preferably reside under the same roof.
Every night he pondered a blissful period that began when they sat on the hood of his car in front of Sheryll’s sorority house. She surrendered the Greek letter campus life and leased an apartment so they could live together.
The dream concluded in Dallas when he returned from a business trip and found Sheryll stuffing her belongings in a suitcase. Phil helped her load the vacuum cleaner and then called his sister. After that, recollections were blurred and tainted.
Even when Sheryll surrendered and offered a détente, Phil couldn’t bring himself to participate in the peace talks. Call it stubborn, male pride, yet Phil sensed a flutter in his stomach just saying her name.
Enthralled by piercing eyes, Phil had resorted to folly. The intended receiver occupied a guest house in Dallas; he was running decoy routes in New Mexico.
Fortunately, the taco salad pep talks worked. Phil surpassed the financial goal and could finally execute the original game plan. Thanks to his color-coded check list, he had successfully streamlined the Raider’s organization structure. He figured there were similarities but assumed more groundwork had been done.
The Albuquerque Sports Commission was a start from scratch project. The terms of his contract stipulated a specific completion date. Marilyn was under pressure from the Always Albuquerque board; they were both anxious to meet the deadline.
Friday evening, alone in his modest, one-room domicile, Phil was in a pair of sweatpants. Seated cross-legged on the bed, he was surrounded by exhibits and sample documents. Marilyn instructed him to have a presentation ready by Monday morning.
He hadn’t heard from Sheryll or Kelly all week.
Switching between ESPN and the Roku channel, he had trouble concentrating. Apparently, someone in the hallway hadn’t concluded Happy Hour.
He didn’t want to spoil the party, but risking an ass chewin’ from Marilyn would be worse. Time to announce last call; Phil hitched up his sweatpants and crept across the landfill atop his bed.
Wearing a low-cut blouse and denim micro mini skirt, Collene Sandler leaned unsteadily against the door sill. Swaying perilously, she stumbled in.
“Nice pants.”
No leg coverings and open toe, slingback heels were uncommon this time of year. Collene removed her shawl and draped it around his neck.
“Here, take this.”
Phil accommodated as she braced herself against his shoulder to take off her shoes. “I don’t recall you being dressed like this at the office.”
“I just finished a meeting with the balloon festival guys. We got done early.”
“Balloon festival? Did they serve drinks at the meeting?”
“Keeps it creative.” She glanced at the bed, covered with exhibits. “What’s all this shit”
“I’m trying to put a plan together for Marilyn’s sports commission. Plus, she wants this powerhouse board of directors. I don’t know anybody around here.”
“Let me see that.” She thumbed through an old event roster. “This guy won’t do anything.
This one, he left town. Aw, gad, are you kidding me?”
Collene turned a flow chart upside down, then flipped it over. “Where do you fit in? Marilyn will insist on being at the top.” She pitched the papers on a bedside table.
“You know, I think Marilyn has the hots for you. She always comes around late in the day, wearing those blouses that make her nipples… “
“Collene, how much have you had to drink?”
“Not that much, they didn’t have vodka. I had to settle for margaritas.” She steadied herself against a chair. “Speaking of vodka, do you have any?”
“No vodka, but I do have beer.”
“Guys… you always have plenty of beer.”
“We can get something in the hotel lounge.”
“Phil, it’s Friday night. You’re here alone, playing cut & paste.”
“We should get some coffee in you. Your husband probably wonders where you are.”
“My husband, he’s such a sweet man. And my babies, you must meet them.”
“I did. They were at the staff Holiday Party.”
“Oh yeah. They’re so cute, aren’t they?”
Phil opened a cabinet in the kitchenette. “I’m not sure you should even try to drive home?”
She reared back, turning an imaginary steering wheel. “I drove here, real fast.”
He sorted through an assortment of packaged ingredients next to the microwave. “Brazilian Dark. This should help.”
“What do you know about a kitchen? Your sister does everything for you.” Grasping the side of the table, she shuffled over and seized the packet.
“Aren’t you cold?” Phil leaned against the counter. “There’s not much to that blouse.”
Collene shook the parcel vigorously then ripped it open. “Watch this.”
Sprinkling the powdered substance across the filter, she inhaled. “Umm. I love that smell.”
Abruptly wadding the aromatic envelope, she leaned over the sink. Collene was intent, censoring the water level as it gushed into the canister. She clutched the vessel with both hands, set it on the heating element and tapped the brew button. Collene stepped back, wiping her hands together victoriously. Then, as if aiming a pistol, she whipped around.
