Drew got out of his car and slammed the door shut. "What a piece of junk," he said, and looked at the rust bucket that was his vehicle. The aqua sedan was a godsend when he first bought it years ago. The car got him out of the house during high school and helped him come and go from college. "Good times," mused Drew.
Unfortunately, it was apparent that what once was the ticket to his freedom had seen better days. Over the years, the car received scuffs here and there across the entire body and it was apparent that the fender had been replaced. Now, the only positive thing he could say about his car was that the AC still worked, which in the summer was crucial. However, the temperatures were up in the triple digits so while the AC helped, it simply could not defeat the blazing heat completely.
Drew graduated from college four months ago and had started to feel the pressure of adulthood. The business degree he worked so hard to earn had not opened any doors for him. It seemed as though all of that work was for nothing. Though he had sent out many applications, Drew failed to secure even an entry-level position anywhere. "I'd be happy with getting someone's coffee if it meant getting paid," he muttered.
After only a few short months of living on his own, Drew secretly wished that he had taken his mother up on her offer to move back in with her after graduation. He had anticipated being hired swiftly but that was quite some time ago. The fact that he could only afford to stay in his apartment for another couple of months made matters even worse. While Drew was still hopeful that he could find something, he needed to find it soon.
With a deep sigh, Drew locked his car door and walked a short distance to the grocery store entrance. The automatic double doors whirred open as he neared them and a rush of cold air hit his body. Drew grabbed a basket and quickly made his way down the aisles. "Why is healthy eating so expensive?" Drew asked aloud as he stared at the price on the little sign below a stack of granola bags.
Still, despite the cost, Drew had noticed a definite change in his body. He exercised at the gym a few times a week and had started eating healthier, though he still indulged in a cheeseburger now and then. The dark green shirt he was wearing fit tighter than it used to due to his workouts. His blue jeans were slightly faded and seemed to fit the same as they always had. That was not surprising though because Drew focused more on his upper body. Unfortunately, he was in no position to go and shop for new clothes.
Underneath, Drew sported a hairy chest, as he had done in the past. His abs did not bulge out like men in the movies but they had some definition to them, if ever so slightly. In fact, Drew's entire body had gotten a little thinner overall. While he was certainly a far cry from an athlete, Drew was satisfied with all his hard work.
"Keep this up and you'll have a sugar mama in no time," Drew chuckled to himself. He then quickly looked around. He realized that he had voiced his inner thoughts aloud again. Seems as though some things will never change, Drew thought to himself as he rolled his eyes. Drew placed a few more things in his basket and then checked his watch: quarter to five PM.
He made his way to the self-checkout machines. After he scanned his items, Drew took out his wallet and looked for the appropriate bills. After a second, he hung his head as he was a little less than four dollars short with some change that could not make up the difference. I think there's an ATM around here, Drew pondered to himself.
"Need a little assistance, young man?" Drew heard from behind him.
"Oh, thank you but I couldn't possibly-," Drew began to say as he turned around. What he saw made his jaw drop.
A gorgeous woman stood before him, clad in a black sweater and gray pants. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail, which allowed those who laid eyes upon her a clear view of her reflective diamond earrings. The lovely lady wore red lipstick that accentuated her lips perfectly. Her fingernails were neatly manicured and painted crimson. In one hand, she had a blue carryall in her grip with a gray blazer tucked underneath the straps of the bag.
Carol Crest, the woman of Drew's dreams, stared at him with shining blue eyes. Her hand stretched out toward him with a five-dollar bill in her palm.
"Oh my god...Drew?" Carol looked at him, clearly surprised. "Is that you, sweetie?" She set the money down on the checkout machine.
"Ms.-Ms. Crest?" Drew stammered. Carol? Here? Why is she here at the store? Does she shop? Duh, how else do you think she survives? All of the voices in Drew's head sounded off at the same time. Before he knew it, Drew felt arms wrap around his body. It took a moment for him to realize that they were Carol's arms and they embraced him tightly. Her perfume filled Drew's nose and he recognized a strawberry scent, different from the tea tree oil she had used all those years ago. Finally, he seemed to wake up from his trance and returned Carol's hug with a light pat on her back. Drew immediately winced, embarrassed to still feel so awkward around her.
"What a lovely surprise!" Carol squealed. She loosened her grip and looked into Drew's eyes. "I didn't even know you were back in town! How have you been? God, it's so good to see you!" Carol seemed to be very excited. She was practically rambling, much to Drew's surprise. Though he was still in disbelief, Drew eventually opened his mouth and spoke.
"Carol, it's been way too long! Is it possible that you're looking even more beautiful since the last time we saw each other?" Just about the perfect response that he could give. Except, he did not say anything remotely close to that. Instead, something very different came out.
"It's great to see you again, Ms. Crest," Drew practically shouted. Smooth Drew, good to know that irresistible charm of yours is still going strong, he thought to himself. Carol giggled and shook her head.
"Silly man. It's been forever since we've seen each other. Not for...god, a few years now."
"At least," said Drew. "I wanted to-I mean, I tried to see you when I came home for the holidays, Ms. Crest," Drew said "But I asked my mom and she said that you were away visiting family." He scratched the back of his head, a nervous tic he had always hated.
"Oh I know, sweetie. Marilyn and I meet up every so often to catch up. She said that you were back from college and that you're always asking about me." Carol winked at Drew, which made him blush. She then picked up her five-dollar bill and extended her hand once more. Drew gulped and cleared his throat.
"Well, as I said before, I really appreciate the offer but I couldn't possibly accept your money, Ms.-er, Carol," Drew quickly corrected himself. "I'll just return some things. I have more than I need, really. I was just stocking up." He stood up straighter in an effort to show how independent he was. Carol bit her lip for a moment, then relaxed her arm.
"Alright then." She deposited the bill into her purse.
"I'm sorry, Carol. I don't mean any kind of disrespect. I just feel like it's important for me to make it on my own." Drew gave a nervous smile.
"Oh, honey, I didn't take it badly at all. I respect a man who works hard and takes charge of his life." Carol flashed a smile and giggled. Drew blushed slightly, then cleared the items on the machine. He slowly scanned his items again and tried to act nonchalant as he looked toward Carol.
"So how are you these days, Carol?" Drew asked in a casual tone.
"Oh, very well, thank you for asking! I recently received a promotion so you're looking at the new head of marketing for Bank On It!" Carol beamed as she watched Drew take out his cash.
"That's absolutely wonderful Carol, congratulations! I know that you work hard." In truth, Drew never knew what Carol did for a living. However, he kept that bit of information to himself. Does she work in a bank? Drew pondered as he took his receipt.
"Thank you so much, honey," she said.
Drew picked up his groceries, all successfully paid for.
"Well, it's been very nice seeing you, Carol." As Drew made to leave, she moved to the machine he had just used.
"Going so soon? That's a shame." Carol commented. Drew watched as she scanned her items.
"I'm so sorry. I hope we can see each other again soon," he said with a smile.
"Before you go, I wanted to let you know," started Carol. "There's a position opening up at my company. It will be a paid internship. I don't know if you'd be interested in such a thing."
"Really?" Drew tried not to sound too excited at the prospect of a job. He certainly did not want Carol to find out that he was unemployed.
"That's right, dear. Mind you, it's nothing glamorous. Mostly data entry and getting coffee for the boss." She bagged her groceries, then picked them up along with her purse and carryall in her arms.
"So...would I be working under you? I mean, for you!" Drew quickly corrected himself. He did not want to come across as lewd. Carol simply grinned.
"No, the position is for the sales department, which I understand you studied in college. I should clarify that I will not have any say or influence on the hiring process either." Drew nodded in response.
"I understand. I want to make it on my own merit anyhow. Not that I wouldn't appreciate any kind words you may have about me!" Drew did not want to make it seem as though he had a big ego. "What I'm trying to say is that I would love to interview for the position, Carol," Drew said with a smile.
"Perfect!" Carol clapped her hands together. "Let's exchange phone numbers and I'll send you a link to the job application." Drew nodded and the two quickly gave each other the necessary information. "Wonderful! I will send you the link as soon as I get home."
"Great!" Drew smiled widely.
"I'll be rooting for you, honey." Carol returned his smile, then checked her phone. "Oh shoot, I have to get going. I have some things that I want to do before the day is done. It's been so lovely seeing you, Drew! I hope we meet again soon." She raised her eyebrow suggestively which caused a rush of excitement to sweep through Drew's body.
"Yes Carol, as soon as I possibly can." He nodded eagerly.
"Excellent." Carol put her hand on Drew's shoulder and leaned in. "Don't keep me waiting too long," she whispered in his ear. The combination of her words and the smell of her perfume almost made Drew faint. Carol pulled away and all he could do was nod vigorously, which made her giggle. "Good luck, dear." Carol winked and waved goodbye as Drew watched her go with her groceries in hand.
Drew barely remembered that he drove home. One moment he stood in the store, and the next, he was on the bed in his apartment. Drew shook his head and his leg hopped up and down rapidly as his mind raced a million miles a minute.
"Damn!" He stood up and paced around the room. That was not how he wanted his first reunion with Carol to happen. Drew had played out the scenario over and over in his mind. He was supposed to surprise Carol at her house one night. She would not have expected him on her doorstep. He would be suave and know exactly what he wanted to say. Carol would be so happy to see him and he would finally...
Drew shook his head. It's too late, and I blushed so much that I must have looked like a tomato, he thought. Any plans he had for a grand entrance and to prove that he was not the same person he was four years ago were shot. Drew sighed loudly and walked into his bathroom. He rested his hands on the sink and looked into the mirror.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed. Drew took it out of his pocket and, through the preview on the lock screen, he saw that it was a link from Carol about the internship. She included a little wink at the end of the message. Drew walked out of the bathroom and set his phone face down on the bed. After a minute of contemplation, he grabbed his keys off of the nightstand next to his bed and slid his phone into his pocket once more.
Within two minutes, Drew was in his car and out on the freeway. After fifteen minutes that felt like an eternity, Drew finally pulled into Carol's driveway. He noted that there were no other cars there. Drew quickly exited his vehicle and practically ran to the front door.
As Drew approached the doorway, he felt the familiar feeling of anxiety that he had when he stood on this very spot all those years ago. He hesitated just once, then pressed his finger against the doorbell and prayed that Carol was home tonight. A few seconds passed with no answer and that prompted Drew to knock on the door rapidly.
"Yes yes, one minute!" Drew heard faintly inside the house. Footsteps came within hearing range and grew louder as they neared the front door. Drew's heart skipped a beat as the doorknob rattled and then turned. Though he expected it, he almost jumped out of his clothes when the door swung open.
"Hello, how can I-," Carol started to say in an annoyed tone, then stopped when she saw who stood on her doorstep. "Drew?" Carol wore a pink sweater and matching pink sweatpants with a draw-cord. "This is a surprise!"
Carol's voice brought Drew back into the moment and he froze. He had played this scenario out in his head a million times. What should I do, Drew thought? All of the witty responses he had dreamed of saying over the years suddenly escaped him. Carol could clearly see that there was something wrong with the young man based on his wide eyes and heavy breathing.
"Sweetie? Is everything ok, Drew?" Carol tilted her head slightly to her right and furrowed her brow.
At that moment, Drew let all of his thoughts fade. He stepped forward and placed one hand on Carol's hip. Drew then placed the other hand gently on the back of her neck. "Oh," she managed to mutter before he leaned in and their lips met in a soft kiss.
Carol's arms went limp for a moment, taken aback by Drew's actions and his lips on hers. Drew panicked for a second, then felt Carol wrap her arms around his neck. Drew was stunned that she had actually returned his kiss. Drew and Carol broke away for a moment and looked into each other's eyes. He ran his thumb across her cheek and she tried to catch her breath.