Running From the Night (9 page)

“Doesn’t she live in a condo similar to this one?”

Wen laughed. “Oh, I didn’t say she doesn’t appreciate nice things or have any ambition. I just said those things don’t impress her. You know what I’m talking about, so don’t pretend you don’t. She knows what really matters in life, and she can see in other people if they feel the same. She’s a very real girl, Jelani. It may be hard to find a guy that’s trying to do something with his life and isn’t full of BS, but they’re out there. You’ve got a lot going for you. Don’t let an opportunity slip away.”

Jelani listened quietly while she spoke, turning the glass around in his hands. “You’re right, Wen. I guess I need to quit playing around.”

“You’re a focused and ambitious person, Jelani,” she said, “but you let that become the dominating factor in your life and throw love to the wind. You can’t do that or you’ll end up like my sister. Tell him, Daniel.”

His roommate shook his head in regret. “She’s telling the truth, man. Jamie is very pretty and very smart and very ambitious and very successful, and very, very lonely. I’ve tried several times to fix her up with some of the guys from work and some friends I had when I was going to the gym. Good guys, all of them. They’d go out on a couple dates and then she would just stop calling and stop responding.”

Wen looked irritated. “I don’t know what’s wrong with that girl, but whenever I’d ask her about it, she would just say that she didn’t have time for it right now and that she’s building a career. Men come second, and she doesn’t have time for that. Now, she’s a beautiful, single, thirty-seven-year-old with a pretty house in Kitsilano, a breathtaking view, and no one to share it with. I don’t even think she knows how to date.”

“Well, no disrespect to your sister, but that ain’t gonna be me,” Jelani said, finishing his water.

“Be careful what you say. Time can sneak up on you.”

Jelani nodded the point, then grinned at her. “Of course there’s luck. How else would he have ended up with you?” he jerked his chin at Daniel, who threw a couch pillow at him.

“Babe! Will you stop? If you break something you’ll be replacing it, and I’ll be mad at you.”

“You heard what he said,” Daniel protested.

She stared at him a moment. “Yeah, he’s right.” Daniel went to grab her and she shoved an elbow in his ribs, effectively pushing him away.

“Oof! You didn’t have to go for the ribs. You know your bony elbows hurt!”

“Uh huh. Just keep talking about my elbows, and you’ll be thinking about them alone while we’re in Whistler.” She looked over at Jelani. “You want some more water…?”

Jelani had dozed off. A minute or an hour later, he started to hear muffled voices through his sluggish brain.

“… Hasn’t been sleeping?” Wen asked. “Have either of you been sleeping?”

“Busy couple of days,” Daniel replied, yawning.

“Sometimes you two work too much. I think this little holiday came at the perfect time.”

“You have no idea,” Daniel said.

Jelani cracked his eyes open.

“Hey there, sleepyhead,” Wen said. “This is your first time here, isn’t it? What do you think?”

Jelani forced himself upright and looked around, shaking the haze from his mind and letting his eyes focus. The walls had different colors in the living room, yet the kitchen was a solid, soft yellow. The room was neat and clutter free, and every piece of décor was placed perfectly and with minimal space used, yet maximum effect achieved. As a minimalist by nature, Jelani found the place enticing and comforting.

“Looks great, Wen, but one question. The walls. I’m guessing feng shui?”

She smiled. “Yes! We don’t have time to go into it now, but I’ll just tell you that the different colors on each wall correspond to their position, north, south, southeast, et cetera. Over there,” she pointed to the wall behind the sofa she and Daniel were sitting in, “is a southern wall, and that is a fire element. One of the colors of the fire element is orange. I chose it because it is softer than red, and easier on the eyes. The kitchen is a soft yellow, which is nourishment and stability.”

Jelani looked around, admiring her handiwork. “I know only a little about the basic principles. You make it sound simple, but I know you had to study a long time to get the hang of this. It’s really nice. If I could afford your services, I’d have you come to our place.”

“Don’t be silly. You only have to ask.”

“You’d better think carefully before you make that request, bro,” Daniel warned. “You’ve never decorated with a girl, have you? It involves you moving and carrying heavy merchandise while they stand to the side and supervise, often changing their minds and you moving the stuff again.”

“At least you big strong guys would get your workout for the day.”

“No One” by Alicia Keys sounded on the counter, and Wen went into the kitchen and picked up her phone. “Hey, girl. Everyone? Wow, you all are fast. Okay. We’ll be down in a few minutes. Okay bye.” She turned back. “Okay guys, I know it’s late, or early, depending on how you look at it, but you can sleep in the van. We gotta go.”

“That was quick,” Daniel said. “I thought they wouldn’t be here for at least another hour.”

“Well, they’re here. You got everything you need, hon?”

“Yup. Ready to go.”

“I’m not going to be much company on the way up,” Jelani said. “I’m tapped out.”

Wen shouldered her purse and Daniel grabbed her bag and his.

Jelani shouldered his backpack and the two bags that held his and Daniel’s snowboards. They waited in the hall for Wen to grab her skis and lock the door.

“I can’t wait to get to the snow!” Wen said once they were in the elevator. She was hopping with excitement.

“Hey, hey now!” Jelani said, patting the air with his hand. “We’re in a box held up by a cable over twenty floors up. Let’s save the dance till we’re on solid ground.”

“Oh, nothing’s going to happen.”

Jelani continued to watch her. “If you say so.”

The elevator reached the lobby and they lumbered out with the cumbersome gear. They exited the building to see a Ford Excursion waiting for them. “Van?” Jelani asked, raising his eyebrows.

Wen shrugged. “Van, truck, whatever.”

Jelani looked at Daniel, who just sighed. “Girl, man. She’s a girl.”

***

Chapter Eleven

Jelani awoke in the best possible circumstance he could have wished for; in the crook of Alisha’s shoulder. He blinked a couple of times and wiped his eyes.

“Been too busy to sleep lately?” Alisha said, looking down at him. He glanced up at her and smiled groggily, lifting himself upright.

“That about sums it up,” he said, looking around. “Are we there?”

“We sure are. You slept the entire ride up here, and you look like you could sleep for another day.”

“I probably could, but I didn’t come all the way up here to waste a day in bed.”

“Well, since everybody wants to eat first, then hit the mountain, you’ve got an hour at least, if you want to get some more sleep.”

That sounded like a great idea, as that little two and a half hour nap did little to curb the weariness from the past two days of nonstop running. He covered his yawn with the back of his hand and smiled at her. Those hazel eyes contrasted beautifully with her flawless, dark skin and long black hair. There was not a thing about her he didn’t like. Well, now that she wasn’t dating Phillip, anyway.

“I think I may do that. I think I’ll just grab a snack and duck out while everyone eats.”

“That would be best. I’d hate for you to doze off on your feet and hit a tree.”

“You concerned about me getting hurt?”

“Of course,” Alisha replied, a hint of a smile stretching her dark, round lips. “I’d end up having to take care of you and miss out on the snow.”

Jelani’s eyebrows rose. “Maybe I’ll skip that nap after all.”

Alisha clicked her tongue and shoved him away. “Boy, please! Go take your little nap.”

The Excursion pulled into the parking lot of their hotel and everyone promptly exited the vehicle, moving around to the back to get their gear. Jelani gave Daniel a shove, waking him. “Time to get up homeboy!” he said jovially.

Daniel wiped his eyes and looked around with the same grogginess Jelani had felt just a few minutes ago. “I kind of wish the drive was longer,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m going for a nap before we hit the mountain.”

Daniel rubbed his hands over his face. “That’s not a bad idea. I might have to do that, too.”

“Did you two do a couple of all-nighters for work or something?” Alisha asked, frowning at them. “I’m surprised you didn’t opt to just stay home and catch up on sleep.”

“Oh, no,” Jelani said. “We wouldn’t have missed this. We needed a getaway.” He and Daniel glanced at each other.

The exchange was not lost on Alisha, who gave them both suspicious looks. “What’s up with you two?” she asked, crossing her arms.

Daniel yawned behind his forearm. “We’ve just had a lot fall in our lap these past two days, that’s all. This Whistler trip was exactly what we needed.”

Jelani yawned again and Alisha gave him a shove. “Go, come on. Get out. Let’s get our stuff and get checked in to the hotel so you two can get a nap and stop yawning every thirty seconds.”

The group turned out to be three couples, with Jelani and Alisha being the only two singles. At first there was talk of the three unmarried guys all taking a room and the girls taking a separate one. It would save money, as three rooms would be cheaper than five. Alisha had been quick to redirect that suggestion, and Jelani understood. The other two couples didn’t live together, and this was an opportunity for alone time in a relaxed and possibly romantic setting.

“We’ll be fine,” she said. “You all get your own rooms. I’m fine with getting a single for myself.”

“Are you sure, girl?” Wen asked. “It’ll be fine, just the girls.”

Alisha smiled, shaking her head. “No. You all enjoy your rooms together. I’m good, really.” The others hesitantly agreed and got in the line for the front desk. After the first two couples and Wen and Daniel were finished, Alisha went to the front desk agent while Jelani waited. After a few minutes, an agent farther down waved him over.

“Next in line please.”

He started over, but Alisha grabbed his arm. He smiled and waved for the person behind him to go ahead. “Yeah, what’s up?”

Alisha slid a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. She did that when she was nervous. “The gentleman here says he can give a special rate if we share a room, since the hotel is filling up.”

“I noticed you all talking about it,” the agent said, “so I thought I’d mention it. I didn’t mean to intrude in your business, but I thought you might like to know.”

“Would you mind?” she asked Jelani. “We’d save forty dollars each.”

Would I mind?
Jelani thought, keeping the incredulity from showing on his face.
I would have paid an extra forty dollars!
“Sure,” he said nonchalantly. “If you’re okay with it, it’s good for me.”

Alisha gave him a look that suggested his cool demeanor was as transparent as air and slowly turned back to the agent. “Yes, I believe myself and smooth operator here will opt to share the room.” She threw him another glance, eyes lidded in sarcasm. “Thank you so much for giving us such a good deal.”

“It’s my pleasure ma’am. We’re glad to be able to offer it to you.” The agent typed on his computer for a few more minutes and reached further into the desk. “Okay,” he said, handing them an envelope. “In here are two key cards, as well as a map of the grounds and some things to do and points of interest, gear rentals, things like that.” They nodded.

“Thank you,” Jelani said.

“Yes, thank you again,” Alisha added.

“Our pleasure. Enjoy your stay with us.”

“What was that all about?” Wen asked, looking from Alisha to Jelani.

“The agent offered us a great deal to share one room since the hotel is filling up,” Alisha said.

“Oh!” Wen said, with a carefully controlled smile. The two other couples also spared tactful smiles in the loaded silence.

Daniel smirked openly. “Looks like you two ran into quite a bit of luck then, eh? Oof!” He bent over sideways, grabbing his ribs. Wen continued smiling at them while her boyfriend frowned at her.

Jelani felt the heat rising to his face. He glanced at Alisha, but the girl was perfectly composed.
She’s too dark to blush anyway.

“Well, let’s drop our stuff off at the rooms and go eat. I’m starving!” It was Christopher Langley who’d spoken. A diehard skier since he was twelve-years-old, he wasn’t the most graceful person on foot, but when he had his feet in skis, it was something to watch. Jelani had seen some of the trophies to attest to Chris’s skill. He and his fiancée, Nikki Boudreaux, had actually met on the slopes in Switzerland; two Canadians vacationing a world away.

“Honey, we’re on vacation,” Nikki said. “No need to rush people.”

“Oh, I’m sure they’re ready to hit the slopes too!” Chris replied. His bright blue eyes practically sparkled with anticipation, like a child ready to go play.

Nikki shook her head. “Thirty years old, going on thirteen.”

“I’ll see you all after you eat,” Jelani said. “I’m just going to have a quick nap before we go out.”

“Yeah, me, too,” Daniel said. “I’m wiped out. You don’t mind, do you, babe?”

“What if I did mind, Daniel? Would you just stay awake and plow into a tree?”

“Just asking.”

“Oh, come on,” she said, giving him a playful shove on the shoulder. “Let’s go drop off our stuff. You can sleep if you want to. I’m getting something to eat.”

“Not if I don’t let you go!” Daniel said, hoisting her off her feet with one arm and carrying her and their gear across the lobby.

“Will you put me down, you lummox? You’re making a scene.”

“This is totally socially acceptable caveman behavior.” Daniel assured her. “We’re fine.”

“Those two are going to get married, for sure,” Alisha said, folding her arms across her chest and smiling as they watched the playful couple disappear around the corner.

“I think so,” Jelani said, shrugging his bag over one shoulder and grabbing Alisha’s skis. “They’re nearly there already. Great couple.”

Alisha watched him lift the bag with her skis. “I can get that.”

“No, it’s fine, I’ve got it.” He smiled at her. “I don’t mind at all.”

“Such a gentleman. I like that.”

“And I like that you like that.”

She rolled her eyes. “A gentleman and a knucklehead, apparently.”

“Why do I have to be a knucklehead?”

“You tell me,” she said, starting away. She glanced over her shoulder, smiling at him. How he loved that smile.

O O O

“I can sleep on the floor,” Jelani said. They stood side by side, staring at the single queen size bed in the room. “I’m good with that. I actually get good sleep on the floor.”

“Don’t be silly,” Alisha said, walking in and setting her purse in one of the chairs at the little dining table. The room was spacious and warm, with a little round dining table, two cushioned chairs, the bed, a fifty-inch flat panel TV mounted to the wall, and an amazing view of the slopes. There was even a small couch next to the bed.

“I think this couch turns into a bed!” she patted one of the cushions and gave him an exaggerated smile. She nearly laughed when she saw him visibly deflate.

“Thank you for being such a gentleman,” she said, walking toward him.

“Well,” Jelani said. “I wasn’t going to assume you would be comfortable sharing a bed with me for three days.”

“Aren’t you so sweet and unassuming?” She kissed him on the cheek. “There’s no reason for me to be uncomfortable sharing the bed. It’s not like we’re going to have sex or anything.” There was a silent pause. “Right?”

“Yeah, right, of course,” Jelani agreed, placing his bags on the side of the bed. She was still eyeing him with that half smile.
What the hell am I missing here?

She sat down on the bed and patted the space next to her. He came and sat down, and for a moment, they were silent. Then Jelani stretched his arms in an exaggerated yawn and wrapped one around her shoulders. Alisha giggled, rolling her eyes, and pushed him away.

“What?” Jelani said innocently. “That was my best move!”

“Then you’re in trouble,” she said, still laughing. She looked around. “This is a nice room.”

“Yes, it is. I could almost hang out up here for the whole trip. It’s warm and the view is great. All I’d need to be happy in a place like this is a cup of something hot to drink, a good book, and that view.”

Alisha regarded him with a studious frown. “You really like to keep things simple, don’t you?”

Jelani shrugged. “I’ve never been the party type, nor do I have to be in the middle of everything. Give me a nice quiet space to close my eyes and clean out my mind, and a good book to take a vacation in, and I’m good.”

“So why don’t you have a girlfriend? You’re a good-looking guy. I can’t think of any reason you’re single.”

He thought about the question for a moment. “Well, probably because the right person hasn’t come along, or I haven’t come along to her.”

“You have to date to find out if someone is right for you. You don’t date much, you’ve told me that.”

“That’s true in a sense,” Jelani agreed, “but for me, I feel the person out. If there is a girl I think I may be interested in, I see how I feel around her; catch her vibe. Sometimes, just a cup of tea or coffee together, or a few lengthy conversations and I can tell if a girl is right for me.”

“So, you feel her out and see how you feel around her?” She arched an eyebrow at him, nodding with her mouth slightly open. “I see.”

“Okay, don’t go putting words in my mouth, girl.” Jelani gave her a playful shove. “I’m not going to sit here and say that physical attraction isn’t one of the reasons I might be interested in a girl. But I’m careful to know the difference, and I don’t pursue a relationship based on that alone.”

“So, it doesn’t matter how she looks?”

“I just said it does.” He saw her look darken a bit and held up a hand in a placating gesture. “Hold on, hold on, let me finish before you wind up for the slap. Looks matter in that there has to be a base of something to be attracted to. Some people are attracted to long hair and long eyelashes, not much else matters. Some guys are attracted to more, bodily specific, attributes.”

“Bodily specific?” she repeated, her eyelids lowering. “And what about you?”

“I will admit that I am attracted to a female with a pretty face and a fit, curvaceous physique and nice hair.”

“So you like them beautiful.”

“Of course, but I didn’t get to that part yet.”

“What do you mean, ‘yet’?”

“What I just described to you is not what I would call beauty, but simply physical attractiveness based on my personal taste. Beauty is in here—” he touched a finger to his chest “—and here,” then he touched the side of his head. “Someone can be physically attractive but be the ugliest person in the world, and someone could be what most would consider unattractive, but be beautiful.”

“Uh huh,” Alisha said, as though she’d just sprang a trap. “So how would you ever know that unattractive girl is a beautiful person if you never gave her the time of day because you didn’t think she was pretty?”

“Well, first; it would depend on the circumstances. If I happened to get to know her and there was chemistry, I wouldn’t hesitate. That is, if she felt the same way about me. But I’m also real with myself. If I can’t find anything physically attractive about a girl, no matter how much I might like her, I’m just trying to fool her and myself, and would fail at both.” Jelani frowned in irritation.

“It seems to me that largely society has made it a bad thing to want to date someone because you find them attractive. Why are we the only species in the world that has to over analyze everything? Birds do it, hell, even butterflies do it!”

Alisha laughed as Jelani was on a roll. “All I’m saying is that there’s got to be something to make me want to get to know a girl on a more intimate level, that’s all. It’s not all about looks, but to a degree, it is, for me anyway.” He looked at her. “Do you think that’s unreasonable?”

“I think it’s reasonable,” she replied. “You’re just funny, that’s all.”

“Funny how?”

“You can be so passionate about things. That’s good, though. I like it. I like the way you think. So far, anyway.”