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The sun was out and shining down on the blue water, making it shimmer like crystal. It was pretty warm, as the Keys usually are. It was a great day to be out on the water. The weather was fantastic, everyone was out and about relaxing and enjoying all that God and nature had to offer. I, myself included. We all had the weekend off. We had worked our asses off , it seemed like for so long, that we finally had it coming. Hell, we had needed it long before now. But, I can’t complain too much, at least we got it and I was going to enjoy every minute of it.
I was out on my boat in the middle of the ocean with not a care in the world it seemed. It was a great feeling not to have to be somewhere, do anything, be hounded by media and all that comes with being a celebrity. Sometimes, I wish I could go back to before it all began. On the other hand, I wouldn’t trade it in or anything. This is my dream. I didn’t work this hard for nothing.
I sat down on the lounge chair and took a few drinks from my beer bottle. Then, I leaned back and watched the waves roll and any other boats that happened to go by. After while, I closed my eyes, as I breathed in the salty, sea air and took in the sun’s warmth. I felt like I was somewhere else. I never thought I would be right here, right now. Someone, somewhere must be looking out for me..
About a half hour later, I awoke to a burning sensation on my skin. Damnit, I was getting sunburned. I got up and went down below, grabbed my shirt and another beer. After I downed that one, I decided to take a dip in the ocean. The water was so blue and crystal clear that I couldn’t resist. I got my gear and jumped right in. Aaah.. It was so refreshing. The water was fairly warm and the ocean was in full swing, it seemed. As I swam, I saw such beautiful fish, ones with every color imaginable. Making my way deeper, I could see the stingrays dusting the floor. Down here, it was like another world, compared to what you see towards the top. The ocean is so vast and so different. It was kind of like our world in way, if you thought about it. The ocean is just as “multicultural” as the western world is. You see so many different species and animals down here living together, in harmony. Only thing was, the life down here was no where near the chaos that it was on land. These animals don’t have a care in the world, whereas, I have too much going on. Right now, all that was the farthest thing from my mind. Coming up to the surface, I, thankfully, avoided coming into contact with some nice jellyfish.
Coming back on board the boat, I stripped off my gear and back into my clothes. As I put on my shorts, my stomach made a big gurgle. ‘Yeah, yeah, I hear ya’ I say to myself. I didn’t think that a dip in the ocean could make me so hungry. I went into the little kitchen and made myself a sandwich and chips. I grabbed another beer and headed back up on deck.
As I came back up, the sun was starting to set. I couldn’t believe that the day was almost over already. ’Like the saying goes… time flies when you’re having fun…’ It didn’t take me long to finish my dinner, either. Now, I was bored. There wasn’t much left to do because, it would soon be dark. I hadn’t thought to bring my video games. Oh, well. Then, I thought that I had brought along my IPOD. I went back down under, disposed of my trash and reached into my bag in search of my music player. As I was pulling it out, what looked like a piece of paper caught my eye. ‘ What is this?’ When I noticed the feminine handwriting on it, I knew exactly what it was. I didn’t remember even putting it in there. ‘Weird’ I thought. I guess now was as good as any other time to read it. I took it back up with me and sat back down in my chair. I hesitated for a few moments before I opened it. I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I don’t even know where to begin…. We have shared so many memories over the years. You and I, I think, forged a connection on those first few days that I started working with you guys. Although, it could never compare to the friendship and brotherhood that you share with Brian. You two are two peas in a pod. Speaking of which, remember when we went to the zoo? I’m scared to think what would happen if we showed our faces there again.
You are one a kind. I can’t think of too many other people that can make me laugh as much and as hard as you can. We have shared so many good times together. Remember, when I tried sushi for the first time? That was an experience. You can keep all that uncooked stuff to yourself.. ha ha. Of course, I cant forget the times when we’ve shared the court. One thing is for certain: you are one heck of basketball player. Although, I make it more interesting, right?
I’ve even gotten a lot sneakier at pulling things on you guys, AND getting away with it. I am sure that you can recall some of the things that I’ve done, and not only to you. :) I think you’ve rubbed off on me a little… (btw, this is not a prank, either)
Oh, before I forget, and I am not trying to give you a lecture or anything, but could you please give Kevin a break sometimes? I think he tends to forget that not everything has to be perfect and we are not all perfect. He just wants you guys to be the best and you might have to remind him that it’s not about all work, work, work, and no play.
Getting back to the more serious stuff, I wanted to talk to you about this in person, because it’s more personal, but I guess this is the way it will have to be. Nick, I wanted to talk to you about what happened last night. You surprised me once again and I don’t know what to do now. Also, I don’t know how you feel about the idea of an “us”. I wish I could stay and figure out what we do next, but it isn’t possible. The only conconclusion I can come up with is that we leave it alone and go on. If we did decide to do something, I think that the distance would be a huge problem and I would rather avoid causing either of us any heartache. Plus, I don’t want to lose the close friendship that we do have. I know you’re not one for the whole “feelings” thing.. but I just want to put it out there. I know that you will meet so many other women and maybe, who knows, one of them might be the one for you…
I wish I could stop and just press the rewind button and start over. I keep wishing that things would have turned out differently. I really wish I could stay and not have to feel like I am leaving so much more behind than my job. There is one thing I do know; I can always find another job, but no one can take away what you guys mean to me.
Most importantly, I can’t thank you enough for your friendship and all the opportunities you’ve given me. It’s been a blessing and I truly treasure it. I hate goodbyes and the longer I prolong it, the harder it is. So, I wish you the very best and maybe we will see each other again in the future.
With much love,
Brie
After reading her note, I had to get some fresh air. I dropped the paper in my chair and went out to the railing and took some deep breaths. The wind was slightly blowing over my face and threw my hair. Just from reading that letter, I knew she was upset and that she had been crying when she wrote it, because some of the ink was smeared. It angered me that Johnny had fired her so quickly. ‘What had she possibly done to deserve it? Hell, she’d been with us for so long.. God, working with her was so much fun. She wasn’t one of those people that was just about the job and nothing else. She really connected with us. More or less, she was one of us. Didn’t he know how much of an an asset she is to what we are? Plus, who would he get to fill her shoes? As far as I was concerned, nobody could ever be as good, that’s for damn sure.’’ ‘God, I need a another beer…’ I thought before turning and going under to get a few.
After a few swigs and some deep breaths to soothe me, I tried to get most of the negative thoughts outta my head and focus on the positive. ‘God, we did have some good times though… ‘ Thinking back, I could remember a few good times that would forever stick in my mind. She was right.. One of them was the time we had gone to the zoo. I don’t think neither Brian nor I have had so much fun as we did that day. Not only did we make the animals go crazy but the staff too. Oh well, the zoo is supposed to be a fun place, right?
Hell, speaking of fun, every time I eat sushi, I can’t help but see her face in my mind. The look on her face, when she ate her first piece of sushi.. ‘ I chuckle. I guess sushi must be more of an acquired taste. If I ever see her again, I should see if I can get her to eat the cooked sushi rolls. Hell, she probably wouldn’t even even touch it..' haha
Just of the thought of touching, brought me back to the night I kissed her. I had almost forgotten about it. Everything was going great and then AJ had to spoil it with his big mouth. I’m not really sure how it happened. I just remember that we were talking and laughing and then all of a sudden our lips were touching. I let myself relive the moment. It hadn’t lasted very long but her lips were so soft and warm. A part of me wonders what would have happened if we hadn’t been interrupted. On the more rational side of things, did I want something more to happen?
To be truthful, I didn’t have an answer to either question. Plus, you can’t go back. Don’t we all wish we could. I couldn’t really tell from her letter what she actually felt. Although, I guess it doesn’t really matter now, because for one thing, she was right. The long distance thing more than likely wouldn’t work. Why open yourself up for inevitable failure?Even if we had decided to try it, it was too late now. Although, it doesn’t stop me from thinkin’ about her….
As I drove back to the docks, I tried to clear out my mind but nothing seemed to work. I couldn’t stop myself from wondering how she was and what she was doing now. Most of all, I wondered if she was happy…..
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