Just Us Box Set

And This Is Ed-14

I sent an email to Titus asking for five minutes of his time later that afternoon. We decided to meet in the building café at four. Titus was fidgeting in his chair when I arrived at the small table for two he’d chosen in the back.

He stood quickly and pulled out a chair for me. I said nothing as I took a seat, then he asked, “Would you like coffee? Tea or water? Anything you want.” The man was practically wringing his hands.

“I’m fine, Titus. Please sit.” Once he was comfortable, I said, “Explain to me what’s going on here.”

He cleared his throat and leaned forward. “I betrayed you and acted like a complete ass. I get that. I’m trying to show you that I’m truly sorry, and I can change. And no, it’s not just so I can get in your pants, though that’s tempting all by itself, but it would be an honor to be your friend. I don’t know if you can forgive me or let me in at all, even trust me a little, but can we start over? And so you know, I gave the money I won from the guys in the bet as a donation to Meals on Wheels. Well, uh, yeah. So, um, that’s why I…Now you know.”

He slumped in his chair and twiddled his thumbs while nibbling on his bottom lip as he stared at the table. This was indeed a revelation! And the fact that he didn’t keep the money was…hmm. Well, I could acknowledge his efforts, at least.

“Titus, look at me.” When he did, I said, “Thank you for your apology. I appreciate that you gave the money to a good cause, though the fact that you pulled the stunt in the first place still hurts and was very unprofessional.” He acknowledged my words with a sad nod. “I believe people can change, but you’re right, it may take a while before I can trust you again. As for getting into my pants, I’m flattered, but it’s not happening, not right now, anyway.”

I paused a beat, then added, “I’d like to start over, too. Perhaps you have a point about my learning to be more open about myself. Past experience has taught me that letting people in hurts a lot, and you’ve done nothing to change that view until now. But I can at least not lump everyone into the same category, especially if someone’s trying to become a better person, right?” I smiled at him.

Titus smiled tentatively in return. “Thanks for giving me another chance. You’re a great guy, Ed. People should know that about you. Matter of fact, they already do, and I’m more than happy to punch out the naysayers, though you’d probably do it better than me. I saw Bryce’s nose after you hit him. Damn, dude.”

I rolled my eyes. “He deserved it, as unprofessional as that was of me. Okay, so tell me about the Meals on Wheels thing. Can I help? Or do you have it under control?”

“Actually, believe it or not, I do. I contacted Tabitha and she’s been great to work with. All we have to do now is turn up. You’re volunteering that day, right?” He looked like an eager puppy.

“Absolutely. But let me know if there’s anything else I can help with. I’d be happy to assist.”

“I will.” His lingering gaze said he wanted more, but knew better than to push. And that was that.

* * * *

Labor Day was a huge success. It was amusing to see my coworkers, especially the ones who’d been a pain in my ass, pushing wheelchairs or playing board games with the seniors at the center. Watching Titus work was a revelation. He still wasn’t that comfortable dealing with the elderly, but he was trying.

One particular “young” lady decided that Titus would be at her beck and call for most of the day. And when I saw him getting frustrated, I stepped in and took over for a while. He gave me a relieved smile as he escaped.

At the end of the day, all the employees went to an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant and had second and third helpings. Titus sat next to me and we talked about the success of the day.

When it was time to go, Titus followed me to my truck. “Hey,” he began, tossing his keys in the air. He was nervous. “What kind of movies do you like?”

I unlocked my door before answering, “Pretty much anything if it’s good and has a decent plot. The occasional chick flick, but don’t tell anyone.”

I winked at him and he laughed. “I’ll keep your secret, if you keep mine, too. I love rom-coms.” I wouldn’t have guessed that about him, at all. “Would you like to go to a movie on Saturday? No pressure. Just friends hanging out in the same place and sharing food. After you’re done volunteering, that is? I don’t want to infringe upon your personal time or activities.”

That was thoughtful of him. “I appreciate that. Sure, yeah, I could do a movie. How about I meet you…which theatre?”

“The AMC at the mall.”

“Eight okay? I should be done by then.”

“Great.” Titus clasped his keys in one hand. “Today was fun. I can see why you enjoy doing it, though I don’t know if I could do it all the time. Being able to brighten someone’s day, though, that’s a great feeling.”

“It is, isn’t it?” I unlocked the car and got in. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow. Great job today, man.”

He smiled. “Just trying to impress this cute guy I know.”

I smirked. “Don’t push it.”