Tammy, Part III [updated]
I called her.
Two days after getting the number, I allowed her space for personal issues, and called her. I got the voicemail.
The next day at work, I prepared myself to wash my hands of her, insisting that nothing was there from the start. Johnnie then insisted that I should stop by her job, to make sure everything's cool. If there is a problem, you'll know it, and you won't have to go back again. Though I was too frustrated to listen to what he was saying, God then spoke to me: since you're heading for pizza, you might as well bring some joy to someone's day.
Okay dude, I'll go.
I went.
She, relieved to see me, brought me up to date on her personal life, and wondered if I had enough time for some lunch. Next thing I knew, we were at the pizzeria, on an inpromptu luncheon. Good thing I bring money!! So there we were, chilling in the diner area, discussing her moving plans to London, and how depressing it can become at times. I recall my days of the struggle (college years) and how "depressed" I was. Despite my "depression," determination is what brought me through the dance and into success, and I suggested that she should do the same. I asked her three reasons that motivate her to moving to London.
They were (in order of recall):
1) A new beginning. Yeah, Tammy's life will indeed start over in London.
2) Adventure. Being in a new place, life on her own. This really is important to her.
You the audience probably wonder how I'm able to recall all of this. Your answer is coming shortly.
I counted two, there's gotta be a third motivation, I told her. What's waiting for you at London? Who awaits you there?
3) Her boyfriend.


...


There was a long pause in me that could only be described by the space between the ellipsis. Even the chef had to turn his head as he awaited the expression on the face of the man who just spent $12 on his, and Tammy's, lunch. My expression. Which for awhile, was almost ghost-like, until I remembered that I wasn't promising myself anything. From that failed dinner attempt on, I knew not to fully accept the circumstances, and trust no-one. Then, I returned to say okay, since your man awaits you, and obviously he's doing what he can on his end to ensure your time in London is a prosperous one, why worry? All you should be doing is making sure you're not going in empty-handed.

She agreed.

We finished our meal; and as I headed out the door, all I saw was the look of "better luck tomorrow" on the chef's face. I nodded in thanks, and walked out the door. She then insists that the next lunch will be on her.
I laughed hysterically. And deliberately.
Not to say she's incapable of buying me lunch. But, after hearing what I just heard, and after all the trouble it took just to get these two luncheons, let's just say the possibility of another luncheon is one I have to see to believe.
Folks, it can only go downhill from there.
Just last Saturday, she stops by my job, and asked what's up. We talked some more before I ended up shewing her away to take care of customers. Before she left however, she asked my plans for the night; which put simply, was to go to the barbershop and have a drink or two. She insisted that I not drink without her, so I then ask when can she drink with me. We agree to Sunday, after 6PM because she'll be in Queens prior to that. Cool, 'cuz that could lead to different and better things. Again, not keeping my hopes up, but hey, you never know.
The following Sunday, as Andre Agassi came real close to winning the third set of the US Open finals, the time reached 6PM. I decide to give leeway for traffic, family, personal issues, etc... so I took a shower. Fifteen minutes later, I call her.
And get the voicemail.
I really didn't want to call again; but that something likes taunting me. Check back with her. Find out what's up.
I call her back.
She's still in Queens.
I said fine. When you get back from Queens, call me and let me know if everything's okay. She agreed.
Two days later, she calls me 10 in the morning. Just coming out the shower, I let her get my voicemail. Checking it soon thereafter, she's a little depressed, she needed some cheering up. She was hoping to get me. Whatever.
I called her back. She's now heading to work, and won't be able to talk until after work, which is right around 8PM.
Okay, I'll expect your call around 9:30. Cool?
"No, 8:30."
Cool.
After shopping for my PowerBook (extra battery, waterproof case, HD pricing), I got home around 9PM. Still no word from Tammy.
I then proceeded to eat dinner, and polish my iPod with the Ice Creme M, rating 9 out of 10, and that was another hour. Still nothing from the lady.
I call her cell. I get voicemail. For the first time, I actually said something:
Evening, it's Terry. Tis about 10:15, and I haven't heard from you. I can only take it that my services are no longer needed here, and I trust everything's cool. I thank you for the indication, and for your time. I hope everything goes well with your endeavours; and I'll see you...
...when I see you.
Take care.
I haven't seen or heard from her since.
Tis only a matter of time before her cell loses a place on my phone.

Unless... nah.
More later...