The project in D.C. had grown in scope. The District wasn’t aware of some serious issues with the bridge that was under construction so work order after work order had extended the project from a six month fixer-upper to a two year overhaul. Marie got word from her boss that she would be sent back to D.C. for three to four days to sort out more hiring. They needed more manpower to get the project done in the new timeframe.

She left the the meeting and texted Brooks.

Marie: Looks like I have to slum it in D.C. next week.

It had only been three days since their phone conversation about her date. It had been... strange. She wasn’t quite sure how to take Brooks anymore. He seemed distant at times, but at others he seemed to confide things that she doubted he told many other people. The past few days their texts had stayed in neutral territory. Most of the exchanges involved song recommendations. The last text he had sent her late Tuesday night told her she needed to listen to more Dusty Springfield. He was just full of surprises.

An hour later she got a response.

Brooks: Really? How long?

Marie: Three or four days. I’m driving down on Monday and staying until Thursday or Friday.

Brooks: I’ll be back late Monday night. We have a home game on Wednesday and I’m going to force you to come.

Marie: Against?

Brooks: The Islanders. You can cheer for me without guilt.

Marie smiled. Indeed, she could.

Brooks: Text me the address of where you’ll be staying so we can hang out on Tuesday.

Marie: Don’t cancel your plans for me.

Brooks: Too late. Already canceled. It’s not everyday I get to see my penguin.

She sucked in a sharp breath. His penguin. The phrase made her heart flutter. It was nothing to him--just an offhand remark--but to her it was everything. She needed to get a grip on her life and actually start looking for a man in her league before she ended up alone. Pining after Brooks Laich was nice, but it was fruitless.

***********************************

She was two hours from D.C., but the traffic was already heavy. It was almost seven o’clock in the evening, but the sky was still light. April was just around the corner and Spring was on its way. She was looking forward to longer days and short-sleeves. Her brother’s voice boomed over the speaker of the rental car her company had given her.

“Talking while driving is dangerous, Marie.”

“I’m hands-free. This car has Bluetooth.”

“Remember to call me when you get there so I know you didn’t die in a fiery car crash.”

“You are turning into dad,” she said, rolling her eyes and merging into the right lane.

“Shut your trap,” Derrick snapped. “Hey, are you seeing your boyfriend?”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

Derrick chuckled. “But I love that you know exactly who I’m talking about. Do you still talk to him?”

“Almost every day.” Her voice was quiet because she didn’t really want to admit that to her brother.

He was silent for a moment. “Really?”

“Mmm, hmm.”

“Marie.”

“We’re friends.”

“Can I tell you something about guys?”

She sighed. “You’re going to tell me whether I say yes or no.”

“Guys don’t text or call a girl every day unless they want something more than friendship.”

“So you’re a relationship expert now?”

“I’m a guy. I’m just giving you my opinion as a guy.” Derrick paused and then said. “I still have his number. I should call him and ask his intentions.”

Her eyes widened. “Don’t you fucking dare. I’m not his type. Don’t rock the boat.”

“Who says you’re not his type?”

“Me,” Marie replied. “I know these things.”

“You don’t know shit, baby sis.”

*********************************

She was settled into her suite at the hotel. A shower had been the first order of business after the four hour drive that afternoon. She managed to catch the last bit of the Capitals game on television before she ventured out to find something for dinner. She settled on Chinese takeout and ate it on the couch of the suite while she watched the post game show and then a series of behind-the-scenes programs on the Caps. She didn’t have access to this programing regularly since she lived outside their market.

She was dozing off on the couch when her phone dinged. The display told her it was just after midnight.

Brooks: Are you in my city?

Marie smiled and texted him back.

Marie: I am.

Brooks: Could I interest you in music this late at night?

Marie: What should I listen to?

Brooks: There’s some excellent music on at my house.

She chewed on her lower lip and read his message ten times before she typed in a response.

Marie: I’m dead on my feet and I bet you are too.

Brooks: Raincheck, penguin?

Marie: Yes, please.

Brooks: Then listen to The Lumineers with me remotely.

She flipped over on the couch and pulled up the music market to buy the album. It only took a moment and the songs were downloaded. They had done this before, listened to an album together but in separate places. For the most part, they didn’t talk while listening. And sometimes one of them would fall asleep during the course of the album. She pulled up the first song and texted him.

Marie: Starting now.

Brooks: K.

It was folky music, striped down and simple with vocals in the forefront. The first two songs were upbeat. The third was quirky and fun. But when the fourth started to play, it immediately grabbed her attention. She laid on the couch and stared at the ceiling with eyes wide open. Somewhere in this city he was doing the same thing. She wished she had said yes.

And then the chorus of the song came around and gutted her.

*Oh, I needed somebody, I needed someone I could trust. I don't gamble, but if I did I would bet on us. Like the Dead Sea. You told me I was like the Dead Sea. You’ll never sink when you are with me.*

She felt tears gather at the corners of her eyes. When the weight of them was too much, they rolled down her temples and disappeared into her hair. Reading into it was a bad idea.

She was too emotional. Obviously her period was around the corner if she was crying over a fucking song that Brooks Laich asked her to listen to. It was just a song. But then the fifth track came around and it was perfect and tender and simple. And it was about love. Don’t read into it, she warned herself again. That would just lead to heartache.

The sixth song was just a haunting wisp. Almost nothing at all but a barely-there guitar and a voice.

*Slow it down, Angie, come back to bed. Rest your arms, and rest your legs. Don't you frown when you're feeling like that. Only love can dig you out of this. *

Marie felt painfully lonely, yet so closely connected to Brooks that a sob escaped her throat. She picked the phone up off the pillow by her head and texted him.

Marie: This is beautiful.

Brooks: I know. I wish you had come over to listen with me.

She read his text and wiped her eyes so that fresh tears could fall down over her cheeks. He had no idea what he was putting her through.

Marie: Me too. Maybe next time.

Brooks: I’ll hold you to that, penguin.

She carefully sat her phone down beside her head, curled up on her side and listened to the rest of the album before falling asleep.

Notes

I referenced three songs by The Lumineers in this installment. If you'd like to hear them, you can do so by following these links:
The Dead Sea
Ho Hey
Slow It Down