September Tango (9 page)

“
I'm starving,” she groaned.

“
I bet I burned all your calories up last night.” He grinned wickedly.

“
Bragger.” She rolled her eyes.

“
No, just telling the truth.”

The waitress came up to the table. “What can I get y'all to drink?” She held her pen above a small pad in her hand.

“Coffee.” Zoe yelped. “With lots of cream and sugar. Please.”

Calvin smirked. “I'll take a Coke, please.”

“Alright, y'all. You know what you want to eat yet or y'all need a few more minutes?” She smiled, popping her gum as she waited.

“
I know what I want,” Zoe started. “I want pancakes with blueberries, two eggs, over easy, bacon, and some sausage.” She handed her menu to the waitress.

Calvin handed her his menu as well. “I'll have what she's having.” He leaned forward and whispered, “So. Don't fill up on breakfast too much.”

She gave him a funny look. “What? Why not?”

“
Well, I promised my Grams I'd bring over the girl I'm in love with for Sunday dinner.”

Her eyes went wide and she paled. “What? Are you shitting me?”

“I'd never shit on you, love.” He grinned, his white teeth flashing.

“
You are not funny. I look like hell.”

“
You never look like hell. You are beautiful.”

“
You are nuts. I look like I just got screwed all night.” She touched her hair. “I refuse to go into the lion's den looking like this. You gotta take me home so I can get myself together first.” She groaned. “Couldn't you have told me about this after I ate? Way to ruin my appetite.”

“
You'll still eat.” He smirked.

“
Yes, I will, but only because there are pancakes involved.” She crossed her arms and pouted. The waitress brought a carafe of coffee and a bowl of creamers to the table.

“
Be back with your Coke,” she said over her shoulder. Calvin raised a hand in salute.

“
I love you, Zoe. You know that, right?”

She was opening packets of sugar and nodded. “Yeah.” She stirred the cream into her coffee and took a sip of the brew, sighing in pleasure. “God, I needed that.”

He laughed out loud at her face. “Good for you?”

“
Almost better than sex... Almost.” She eyed him over the cup as she took another sip.

He frowned. “Then I need to do better.”

“No! Please. I can barely walk as it is.” She took another drink of coffee and sighed happily.

“
You know what they say, once you go black, you need a wheelchair.” He smiled cockily.

She giggled. “That came from a movie didn't it?”

He nodded. “Yeah, it did. It came from 'White Chicks'.” The waitress came with his Coke and sat it in front of him, nodding quickly before walking away again. He took a few sips and Zoe poured herself another cup of coffee.

“
I think the thing I'm most worried about is them not liking me,” she murmured. “I haven't always exactly been everybody's favorite. That was usually Callie. She's got the magnetic charm.”

“
Maybe, but she's also a slut. You are honest and funny, plus gorgeous. They will love you.” She shrugged.

“
Guess we will see.”

“
Yes, you will.” Not long after, the waitress returned and sat plates of food in front of them and refilled Calvin's glass.

“
Anything else I can do for you?” She asked. Zoe shook her head.

“
No, I think we're good for now.” Calvin told her.

“
Alright, if you need anything else, I'll be right over there.” She left a bottle of maple syrup on the table and walked away. Calvin looked up at Zoe, who had already started eating.

“
What?”

“
Nothing,” He said shaking his head and cutting into the pancakes on his plate. “Hey, would you do me a favor?”

“
Depends on what the favor is,” She retorted looking up at him with a smile, the smile soon faded when she saw the seriousness in his eyes. “Calvin?”

“
I think it's time that I go and visit my parents' graves. I've been wanting to do it since I got off the plane, but I couldn't find the right time to do it. Would you mind coming with me?”

“
Calvin, of course I will.” She reached across the table and stroked his hand.

He smiled. “You're awesome.”

“Yeah, I know.” When they both cleaned their plates, the waitress returned with their check.

“
You all set to go?” He asked her. She took another sip of her coffee and nodded. “Alright.” They stood from the table, paid for their meal and left the restaurant.

“
I don't know if I'm completely ready to go back yet,” she admitted. “This world is perfect. That world... It's just ugly.”

“
I know, but we have to do it at some point, love. Might as well be now.” He stepped in front of her and put his arms around her waist. “It'll work out.”

“
I believe you.” She put her finger on his chest, “But you'd better be right.”

“
I will be, I promise.” He led her out to the car, and they drove back to Major, the silence engulfing them. Finally, he coughed. “Did you want to get changed?”

“
Yeah, I would. Do we have some time?” She glanced at the dashboard clock. It read 11:45.

“
Yeah, we should be there a little after twelve-thirty. If we run a little late, Grams will hold it for us.” He stroked her hand and squeezed her fingers to reassure her. “It's gonna be fine.”

“
Okay. I just need to run in and brush my hair and slip something on. It won't take me long.” She looked out the window as they drew ever closer to Major. He maneuvered through the tiny town, turning onto her street and pulling up in her drive.

“
Here we are. Want me to go in with you?” He parked the car and turned it off.

“
No, I can be back in a few minutes.” She jumped out of the car and ran up the driveway to the porch, letting herself inside. She checked the caller ID and saw several calls from Amy. She sighed and checked her cell, which she'd left on the counter. Nothing but more calls and texts from Amy. “I'll talk to you when hell freezes over.” She rushed down the hall, stripping quickly and putting clean panties on before sliding a peach sundress over her head. She freshened up her deodorant and brushed her hair and teeth. She splashed water on her face. She didn't bother putting make up on, she was too tired and didn't have time. She slipped her sandals back on and spritzed some of her favorite coconut vanilla body spray on before heading back out the door.

Chapter Thirteen
– Sunday Afternoon

He was listening to music with the windows down. She smiled, watching him. His eyes were closed and he had his head leaned back on the headrest. He tapped his long fingers on the steering wheel and his mouth was turned up in a half smile. She eased up to the car and leaned down to look in the window. “Hey, soldier. Can you give me a ride?”

He opened his chocolate eyes and smiled brightly. “You got it, babe. Get in. Let me take you on a magic carpet ride.”

She snorted. “So cheesy.”

“
Gouda?” He smiled.

“
Stinkier, maybe.” She smiled brightly.

He sniffed his pit. “I'm still fresh.” She giggled. He was great at breaking tension. He squeezed her hand again as he pulled into a driveway. The little house in front of the car was dilapidated, but charming, none the less. It had a bright red door and a peeling white exterior. Lawnmowers littered the back yard and two trees were in the front. He slowly shifted the car into park and looked over at Zoe, who stared blankly out the window. Her nerves were on edge.

“Zoe,” he murmured, stroking her forearm making her jump slightly. “It's still not too late to back out.”

She turned to him and sighed deeply before speaking. “No, I want to meet them. I said I'd come and I meant it. I'll be okay.”

“I promise you, they're not gonna bite. They will love you.” He smiled warmly, leaning closer to her and placing a gentle kiss on her lips. She closed her eyes, and kept them closed for several seconds after. When she opened them, his eyes were locked on hers. “It'll be okay, Zoe. I promise.”

“
Okay,” she breathed slowly. Her pulse was erratic. He exited the car and came around to open her door. She climbed out of the car, and found herself in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he kissed the collarbone visible above the neckline of her sundress. 

“
I'm about two seconds from turning on the sprinkler! Damn, you two are worse than dogs in heat!” Layla shouted from the door causing Zoe to blush. She dropped her arms off his shoulders and tried to step away from him, but he wouldn't let her go, instead pulling her closer. He put his lips next to her ear. His warm breath tickling her skin made her shiver.

“
No reason to be embarrassed,” he whispered. “They all know.”

“
Doesn't make it any easier,” she replied trying to fight her embarrassment.

“
I'll make it worth your while.” He promised finally pulling away from her and facing his sister. “You have no room to talk at all, Layla.”

“
I can talk all I want to, ass; I'm not the one necking out in the front yard.”

“
And you haven't before?” Calvin responded. Layla paused as she couldn't think of another comeback. “Run outta gas, did you?” Calvin threw his arm on his little sister's shoulders and pulled her close. “Don't worry, kid, I've got enough for both of us.”

“
Eww... Shut the hell up.” She pulled away from him. “Where have you two been anyway? You're late.”

“
Traffic in Mobile wasn't exactly friendly. I'm actually surprised, what with it being Sunday and all.”

“
You obviously forgot where you are,” Layla commented. “This is Alabama, son. If they're not watching college football, they're in church. Sometimes, they're in church watching football, and speaking of church, where in the hell were you this morning? I had to sit through it by myself. Do you KNOW how many hallelujahs I had to say? DO YOU?”

He smirked. “We lost track of time Sis, you know how it is.” Calvin reached the front door and opened it wide, holding it for Layla and Zoe to pass through.

“You and your damn excuses. I can't count on you for a damn thing.” She pouted.

“
You keep trying to convince yourself of that.”

“
Grams,” Layla yelled through the house. “They're finally here. I almost had to put the sprinklers on 'em.” Layla left Calvin and Zoe standing in the kitchen waiting for Grams. When she finally entered the kitchen, she walked to Zoe and gave her a hug. She smelled like Vicks' Vapor Rub, Old Bay seasoning and chicken grease and even though it was overwhelming, it was comforting. Probably the best hug she'd had in a while, honestly.

“
Well, it's about time I get to meet the famous Zoe Parker.” Grams said as she let her go, held her arms at shoulder length and looked over her. “Seems that you've grown a bit over the years. You turned out right pretty.”

“
Um, I... Thank you.” Zoe sputtered nervously, unsure of how to respond.

“
Girl, you don't have to be shy around us. Just relax yourself, make yourself at home, have a seat. I'm gonna get this food out here for y'all and see if I can get your grandfather in here, hold on.” She turned and left the kitchen. Zoe looked at Calvin, confused. Calvin shrugged.

“
See? Told you she'd love you. She made fried chicken. She don't make that for just everybody.”

“
Does she need any help cooking?” She walked towards the kitchen. Calvin caught her hand and pulled her back.

“
Don't, she'd consider it an insult. Let's just sit down and let the woman feed us.” She nodded and found a spot next to him to sit at the table. When Grams returned, she was followed by Layla and Calvin's grandfather.

“
About time you stayed long enough to eat dinner with the family,” Calvin's grandfather said as he entered room. “Running out at all hours of the night.”

“
My woman needed me.” Calvin looked over at Zoe who flushed and went wide eyed, “Plus, I am on R&R. I'm allowed to have a little fun, right?”

“
Depends on what you mean by fun.” Layla chimed in, smirking. Zoe’s cheeks began to burn. Calvin squeezed her hand.

“
Zoe, you're Ed's daughter, right?” Pops asked.

All of the color left Zoe's face. “Yes,” she answered slowly.

“How's he been doing? He still over there at Irving? He's a good man.”

Zoe's throat went dry. She felt tears beginning to form in her eyes. “No, he's not. He's in Vegas.” She sat up tall trying to fight her tears. “Just up and left me. He said he had a gambling problem.”

“Oh, really?” Grams shot up. “You'd better be joking.”

Zoe shook her head. “No, he...” Her voice cracked and Calvin put his hand on her shoulder. She tightly closed her eyes.

“I can't believe that man would do that. That's a damn shame.” Pops shook his head. An awkward silence overtook the room as everyone began to pass plates full of food around.

“
So,” Layla said, finally breaking the silence. “What's Afghanistan like?”

“
Dusty,” Calvin started. “But, I'll bet you'll be surprised to know it actually gets quite cold over there, especially in the winter nights.”

“
Oh really?” She nodded.

“
Yeah, being so close to the mountains and so high in elevation.” He looked over at Zoe. Her hands were shaking as she tore a roll into tiny pieces.

“
Where's your bathroom?” She rasped as she jumped out of her chair.

“
Down the hall to the left, honey. You okay?” Grams stood quickly.

“
No.” Zoe took off down the hall at a dead run, barely slamming the door before they all heard her throwing up.

“
That man left her? What the hell is wrong with him?” Pops muttered.

“
The letter he left her was horrible,” Calvin said quietly. “Basically told her he'd never loved her and she was holding him back.” He clenched his fists. “I'd like to put a foot in his ass.”

Grams pointed at him with her fork. “Let the Lord handle that, boy.”

“I'm not stupid, Grams.” He sighed and leaned back.

Pops shook his head. “What is she going to do? She lost her job. Poor kid.” He shot him a quick look before taking another bite of chicken. “So, Grams gave you that ring?” He asked matter of factly.

Layla looked between them and gasped. “Oh my God, Calvin, you're gonna ask her to marry you?!” She squealed, tempering her tone slightly so it didn't carry to the bathroom. She bounced in her seat. “My God this is thrilling.”

Calvin rubbed his head. “When the time is right.”

“While you are home?” She pressed.

“
When the time is right.” He took a bite of his chicken then wiped his fingers. “Do we have any ginger ale?”

Grams nodded. “Yeah, always. Grab her a can of it and go tend to your woman, boy.” He smiled, standing up from the table and skirting around to the kitchen. He pulled a can out of the fridge and walked down the hall. He gently tapped on the bathroom door.

“Zoe, you okay?” She cracked the door, her face pale.

“
Yeah,” she croaked. “I'm so sorry.”

“
Don't worry about it. I shouldn't have sprung this on you. I have some ginger ale. Do you want to just head home? I can visit my parents' grave later.” He popped the tab on the can and handed it to her. She took a sip and shook her head.

“
I'd like to go with you.” She took another drink and let out a slow breath. “I think I'm okay now, but I can't eat.”

“
It's okay, they understand, Baby.” He reached through the crack of the door and stroked her face.

“
Alright.” She came through the door and he took her hand.

“
It's okay, I promise.” He kissed her knuckles and they came back to the kitchen.

Grams looked up. “You okay, honey?”

She nodded quickly. “Yeah, I'm so sorry.”

Pops spoke up. “Honey, if I'd known about things, I would've never said what I did. I'm sorry. Didn't mean to tear your nerves up.”

“It's okay,” she whispered softly.

Calvin squeezed her hand. “We are gonna head out. I'll be back later. Can you hold my plate for me, Grams?”

She nodded. “Yeah, honey I can do that.” She stood up and came toward Zoe. “Don't you be a stranger, Baby. You come see us again.” She hugged her tight and kissed her cheek.

“
Thank you.” She squeezed the old woman tight and felt tears well in her eyes.

“
And you,” she smiled sadly, looking over at Calvin. “You take your time.”

“
I'm sorry I haven't been spending much time here.” Grams shook her head.

“
You've been alone for five years now, boy, didn't even get a break to come back here when your Mama and Daddy died. You deserve some happiness for yourself, now, you go and don't you worry about coming back no time soon, just come in whenever you do. We'll leave the door open for you.”

“
Thanks, Grams.” He leaned down and gave her a kiss before he followed Zoe out the door. “Are you sure you don't want me to take you home?”

“
No, I think that was just too much human interaction for one day. I'm fine now.” She reassured him. “Plus, you need me for this.”

“
Yeah, I really do.” He opened her door, and she climbed in. He crossed in front of the car to get into his seat. He brought the car to life and they quietly drove towards the graveyard. Not far from his grandparents' house, there was a slightly aged off-white building with areas where the paint peeled revealing the wood. Behind this building was a set of headstones. It was Major's only cemetery.  The place was beautiful, truly, full of warm sunshine, not a somber area to it. Headstones stretched far into the field, many families had been buried here. His chest tightened as he parked the car on the road. They silently exited the car. Calvin automatically walked towards the headstones. Zoe had to walk faster to catch up, and by the time she did, Calvin had already stopped. She looked up at him and then down at the headstones that sat side by side. The headstone on the left read “Harold Hall, Father, Husband, Friend to all.” and on the right “Dawn Hall, Wife and Cherished Mother.” Calvin didn't move and was barely breathing. Zoe wrapped her arms around him. Her eyes gazed into his face. His eyes were closed, and when they opened, she could see they were full of tears. 

“
You know, I never would've thought that when I left home all those years ago it would be the last time I ever saw you,” he finally said, his voice breaking. “I probably would've picked something a little bit better to say to you than see you later. I love you. I would have told you how much you meant to me. How much I loved you both and respected you. I would have said thank you. I would have done more.” He knelt down in front of the headstones. Zoe stood, placing her hand on his shoulder. “God, I wish I would've made it home to you after basic.” He glanced up at Zoe, tears running down his cheeks. “If I could have made it back home, maybe they'd still be here...”

“
No, Calvin.” Zoe stopped him. “This is not your fault.”

“
But what if I did make it home?”

“
Calvin, it was an accident. You couldn't stop that.” She squeezed his cheek and knelt beside him.