Being & Becoming by John Argo

= Being & Becoming =

an existential suspense story

by John Argo

19.

In the morning, Tom Smith awoke to the sound of soft music and the smell of hot coffee. He sat up. "What?" He was in her bedroom. Eve's. She wore jeans and a green sweater that hinted at her lightly swaying breasts. She had no makeup on and looked as though she'd been gotten out of bed at an unusual hour. "You were out for over a full day, darling. Ollie called me to come over to Antonio's."

"You're joking. What about Antonio?"

"He understands. He was surprised when Ollie and I hauled you out of there." She sat down on the bed and stroked his head. "You want to move in with me, sweetheart?"

He kissed what he could reach, which was the surface of her jeans. He felt weak.

"Doc Agler stopped by on his way from the hospital—he's the last of the great old GP's—and he gave you a shot. You were in some zombie state there. He said to call him if anything changes." She stroked his head. "Nothing is going to change from now on, is it?"

Tom reached up to touch her face. "A month ago I wouldn't have dreamed that I could be in love again, much less with a beautiful woman like you. I can't imagine ever changing that."

"That's good. Well," (she laughed her cutting laugh) "we'll see when you meet the kids. Let's see how that goes." She swung around and gave him her most earnest look. "I am still young, Tom, and all my plumbing is in good shape. From what you've been doing to me here nights, I'd say yours is too. We could probably make room for another little head or two. The house is big enough."

He watched her as she cleaned up. She was more beautiful than ever. She'd caught her blonde brocade hair in ivory combs.

"I have some contacts, honey. You can get some engineering work or whatever you want to do." Her face looked scrubbed and youthful, at peace inside.

"I'd really like all that," he said.

She turned wistfully. "O had my wedding here, ten years ago. You and I could do the same, Tommy. We could make our life together. Think how happy we'd be."

"It would be the best thing that ever happened to me," he said. "I'd like to take you out dancing and to dinners. We'd dress up. When I first saw you, I thought, wow, would I be proud to be seen with a woman like that." He held up his arms and she walked into his embrace. "I really love you," he whispered.

Later that day, he went to see Antonio at the garage. He took the cigar box along. Tonio drove him over to the apartment. There, Tom got his cardboard box of things out.

"Congratulations," Antonio said as Tom. "Wait until you see what I got for you."

Tom shook Antonio's hand. "I appreciate all you did for me." He handed Antonio the $350 he'd saved up.

"No, no, you keep. Pay me back for the car when you rich and famous."

"Well, I don't know about that," Tom said. They walked to the car together, a little VW beetle Antonio had fixed up for him.

"Gets good mileage," Antonio said proudly.

Tom gave him the money. "I'd feel better knowing I don't owe you."

Antonio gave the money back. "A gift from me. Good luck, Tom. She's a wonderful lady. And beautiful. Like a queen of the surfers. You can be proud."

"Sorry I can't help out around the garage anymore."

"Oh no sweat. I knowed you. You like a cat, you got to move on. You done all right for a cat. I am happy for you." Antonio embraced him. Tom put the cardboard box and the cigar box in the back seat. He was just about to climb into the car to drive away.

By chance, Ollie Hawkin was riding by in the other direction on his motorcycle. He pulled in and stopped for a minute. Took off his glove and shook Tom's hand. "If you need anything, Tom, you just call. Anytime. You're part of this town now."

"Thanks, Ollie." Tom waved as the motorcycle and rider took off.

Thank you for reading. If you love it, tell your friends. Please post a favorable review at Amazon, Good Reads, and other online resources. If you want to thank the author, you may also buy a copy for the low price of a cup of coffee. It's called Read-a-Latte: similar (or lower) price as a latte at your favorite coffeeshop, but the book lasts forever while the beverage is quickly gone. Thank you (JTC).

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