“Maddy?”
Startled by Linda’s voice, Maddy jerked her head toward her friend the following Wednesday morning in the grocery store. “Oh, my! What?”
“Sorry. I figured you didn’t see me,” the tall, slender Linda explained, laughing. “You writing another musical for next year or just listening to something in your head?”
Maddy’s face heated as she chuckled. “No, just thinking.”
“About Tango? I get why you stay with him, but isn’t it a little limiting? Why don’t you give some guy here in McCall a chance?”
“Who? All the single men have women fighting over them. So no thank you. Besides, life is good now and I’m not messing with that,” Maddy replied then switched her attention back to the items still on her list.
“There are some in the Stake and some of them aren’t the older brethren but I’ll bet you haven’t even noticed except for Bro. Roca. His handsome face is right in your face now, isn’t it,” Linda whispered, nudging Maddy’s arm. “I’ll see you at rehearsal tonight but I’ll be late.”
“Oh, Linda…” Maddy looked up at her friend a little hesitant. “I’m so sorry about doing the lead. I still think you should.”
“I couldn’t care less,” Linda laughed. “I’m having more fun with Robert. He teases me so much about doing the kissing scene that Fred is jealous.”
“Good grief! You’ve got two of them?”
Linda wagged her red-haired-for-the-moment head, openly laughing. “You know, you could use one, too. A live one might take you to dinner.”
Maddy smiled at her neighbor and friend. That was the problem. “And a live one would probably run into the end of my fist. No thanks.”
Linda laughed and hurried out of the store, leaving Maddy to finish her list. And, wishing there was a way to remove herself from singing the lead.
“Maddy? Sister Russell?”
A hand touched her elbow and Maddy jumped. The can in her hand flew up into the air and a large, strong, olive-skinned hand caught it while the owner laughed.
“I apologize. I didn’t mean to startle you so much.” Alejandro handed her the can, his dark eyes twinkling. “You were lost in thought?”
“Uh…” Maddy’s heart jumped back up into her throat, looking up at the lead male singer, the one with the voice. “Yes. Trying to figure out the chord change in the last movement. You noticed that little problem,” she lied, rationalizing that being truthful didn’t mean having to make terrible social fopahs.
“May I help?” he asked softly. “My mother was a professional musician. I did learn a few things from her.”
“Uh…no…no, I don’t think so,” she stammered. “I have to get back to my place though and work on it so I’ll see you later…uh…tonight. I think.”
Maddy hurriedly pushed the cart around the tall, broad-shouldered body of Alejandro Roca and left him there.
When she arrived home to her cabin, she still had half of her shopping list un-purchased and frustration sent her out to the garage to smack her punching bag with vehemence. No, her muscles weren’t all that well-developed but she purely enjoyed smacking the bag once in a while – and thinking while she did it. Vacuuming was of equal use in her musings, but her house was already clean.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“No, I’m staying in the area while I’m doing the musical,” Alejandro informed Maddy later that night while beaming his white teeth at her. “I’ve rented a house out by the lake. Is that a problem?”
“Uh…” Okay, she was either going to tell the truth here, or skirt it with kindness. “Uh…no. Just wondering. It seems you have solved the problem of going back and forth a couple times a week when we get into the final rehearsals in November. But doesn’t that cut into your work?”
“Not really. My law practice is only part-time and my laptop works anywhere I happen to be. Most of my responsibilities on the Stake Singles Activities Committee can be done by email. I’ll return to Emmett for meetings if necessary.”
“Oh. Well. Okay then,” stilted from her mouth.
The dark eyes studied her momentarily while she tried not to notice and gathered the small leather shoulder bag she used as her purse. Her slight nod to him was interrupted by Henry and Alice who were very interested in the fact that the lead singer was now residing in McCall.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later that night, amidst slashes of light in the sky above the cabin and the pounding on her body of the thunderous reply in the heavens, Maddy opened the messenger window for Tango. She waited while watching the process of electricity travel across the darkened sky. Hopefully, it wouldn’t start a fire this time. Other than that crossing her mind, she mostly stared at it, embracing it as the downpour started washing her surroundings. The song startled her.
>McCall?
>Here. How goes it?
>Busy. But a good day.
>It’s raining here, Tango, buckets. I love the green it produces and the thunder and lightning feel just about right for tonight.
>So what’s going on? I know you like to walk in the rain, but that one sounds a little like you’re struggling again. (?)
>Not struggling really, just…well, okay, struggling in a practical sense. But just with the problem at the rehearsals and that guy. I seem to run into him a lot lately.
>Which guy? The Voice? Who?
>The Voice. He is so… Well, you know the kind of tall, handsome dudes? Only this one is Latin and a real mystery. I think he or his parents are from Argentina. He moved into the Emmett Stake over a year ago, I think anyway. The few women I know in the stake buzz about him all the time, especially Linda. You remember her, my neighbor up the road several miles. Don’t keep up on those things myself, tho’.
>A handsome dude? That makes Handsome Dude and Love his Voice. McCall, you like this guy?
Her fingers hesitated, her brain working. Honestly? Sure.
>Yeah. He’s nice enough and polite to me. He even makes an effort to give me space and the guy is funny sometimes. Not the wit that you are, but humorous. You should see how tall he is. He’s got the darkest, most gorgeous eyes. The kind that either sparkle at you or pierce you right through to the heart. And he’s a dresser with good taste. I luuuuve loafers on a man…IF they are polished. And his are.
>Polished shoes? What happened to loving his spirit?
>You really are a stinker!! There’s nothing unloving in liking people who take a little care with their appearance. As for his spirit – other than the Stake Singles Committee and seeing him at activities occasionally, we don’t talk much. He’s in an Emmett Ward and I’m over two hours away, for petesake. At least until now. He rented a house and some land outside of town on Payette Lake. Sigh. Wish I had the money for that. Sure, I think he has a good spirit from the things he says and he certainly seems to be intelligent. AND he helps to keep the singles committee organized. But...more than that? Don’t know.
>You think he’ll ask you out????
>Get real, Tango. I’m in love with you! Who could match you, you stinker? But I have other things to talk about – brewer for one.
>What about him? I thought he was fine again.
>I’m not sure, but there’s something going on. He been aggressive with me several times since last Friday then he calms down. I’m not even sure what he’s getting upset about.
>Anything like my ‘adoring101’?
>No, silly. She was madly in love with you! And for good reason. Good grief, Tango, this kid is forty-three! I’m fifty-eight – do the math!!
>Well, I won’t go so far as to say she had a reason. (chuckle) Words can sometimes be construed no matter how careful you are. It’s part of meeting people online – unless it gets weird. You tell me if it does, okay?
>Okay. Say, you have anything going on?
>Didn’t I tell you? I’ve met a woman, someone I like.
>TANGO!!!! You didn’t!!! You sly dog you!!!! And you didn’t tell me?! Who? Where? Online?
>Too many questions! I’ve actually met her. But, she doesn’t pay much attention to me which means I’m not getting anywhere. You have any suggestions?
>I admit that I’m slightly jealous. No, I’m REALLY jealous that she has actually met you and I haven’t. Suggestions? Try getting close to her in what she does. You are a loving man – what could go wrong? I’d certainly be attracted!
>Maybe I’m better with words than I am in person but I’ll try that. You sure you won’t date that handsome dude guy?
>Don’t even go there, Tango. Not if my life depended on it. Gotta go before you start the match-making again. Goodnight.
>Ah, McCall, you take all the fun out of it… Goodnight. Tango Out.
The window closed, leaving Maddy alone in her bedroom. Tango didn’t know her major problem. Something that made telling the truth about herself difficult. Maddy had never told him – not in all these months they had been talking electronically. It was the most embarrassing. Perhaps someday.
And, she had never told him about loving him in the beginning either. Making a decision, she opened the window again. This was past, but to be truly honest and open in a relationship, needed to be done. He loved her and accepted her and would understand. Right? Right, she told herself.
>Tango?
>You ready?
>You STINK! How do you do that?
>Don’t give me too much credit. I’ve been waiting for about a year and a half but you weren’t ready. Is this a big something like a major truth?
>No, not THE big one, but big. It’s funny now but it wasn’t in the beginning. I’m so embarrassed to even say it.
>Then take your time.
Maddy’s fingers were nervous, twitchy. There was no way to back out now. Then she simply plunged in, typing as furiously as she could without breathing.
>Okay. You sucked me in with those words of yours on the singles web site. We danced with the words. That wit and funny of yours. Then I lost control of my emotions and had the most wonderful time. You were my ‘bounce’ and it was wonderful and safe and I knew it because you weren’t interested and our ages are different and all that. It was you, but it wasn’t you really, just the words on the page. Not even a fantasy, just that feeling of being beautiful for a few moments. But I knew when the Dance was over and I tried to move on. Then you sucked me back in with another one of your postings on the web site directed at me. But, I’ve moved on emotionally since then and love it but you already knew all of this, didn’t you, so why do I have to tell you? WHEWWW!! And, Yes, I know you love me anyway and all that, I think.
Her hands went to her lap while her eyes stared at the words she had entered. Could she do this? Tango might stop emailing her. She clicked [send] and covered her face with her shaky hands.
Slowly, her fingertips slid down her face until she could see the laptop screen. There was no use in being nervous now. Her fate was sealed. She had told a huge truth in their relationship. Now it was up to him.
>By ‘bounce’ you meant…?
The man was going to be obtuse! Maddy rolled her eyes, sighed and typed.
>Bounce. As in bouncing out of a marriage into another relationship too soon, as in loving someone. Frequently only a short marriage or a sleep over. No sexual content suggested here, of course. Love, tango. Want…sort of.
>Ah, yes, I did know, McCall. But, thank you for telling me. Are you okay now?
>Yes! This is like taking ten pounds off! Is it okay?
>Why wouldn’t it be? It’s a compliment to me that you thought I was worthy of that. Then you stayed with me as a friend and someone to talk to which I didn’t expect. You okay?
>I guess. It’s still embarrassing. I might feel ten pounds lighter, but my skin is still hot. It’s embarrassing to fall into the same category as ‘adoring101’.
>Don’t be embarrassed. And, believe me…you are NOTHING like that woman! Remember the threats I received from her? I had to put a block on her address. Besides, some day I have some things to tell you, too. Truths of my own. I do love you, you know.
>Yeah, I know, I know. That is the point. Loving others like the Savior did is the essence of being best friends – someone who knows all the secrets yet loves you anyway. The best way to have a marriage. Uh…Tango? Why Tango? You dance?
>Tango is from the World War II phonetic radio code. Tango is for T. Why? You dance?
>I used to years ago.
>What? Did you tango? Waltz?
>That and swing stuff. I love the tango but it is a little hot and it’s difficult if you haven’t practiced. I’m out of practice. Better turn in. I’m tired after all this. Goodnight, you wonderful man.
>Goodnight, McCall, and thank you for trusting me. I do love you…
The window shut. Of course, he loved her. That was the point! He loved her in the greater sense, not romantically. Besides, she knew that the scriptures were right – you love those whom you serve. It worked every time. Maddy started to close her emails when a new one showed up. brewer again. Oh dear.
>McCall, I’m so lost when you don’t answer. My mother is driving me nuts. Being grateful isn’t working. But you love me and life is good with that. It’s such an awesome feeling with someone as beautiful as you are. I have your photo on my dresser but I need to be closer to you. Loving others is okay on the computer, but loving you would work so much better if we were face to face, wouldn’t it? Yes, I know it would. Has Wilson called lately? I hope he’s treating his mother right. Johnson, too. You deserve it. Please be there tomorrow. Brewer.
Something about it bothered her. In fact, gave Maddy a sudden chill. She typed out a quick message that she wouldn’t be home until late tomorrow night and closed her laptop down. However, she decided to ask Tango about it again.
