Coffee, Conversation, and Cars
…after the meeting
The Crown Room at the Hotel Del Coronado was a majestic darkly lit dining area in
the stylish and historic hotel with the pointy red roofs that was a tourist "right by the
ocean" delight. The ceiling was a bold basket weave design in rich multi textured
woods decorated with a small lighted crown on the center point. The last time
Emme Jessica Watson was here having tea was when her mother and her were
discussing her "coming out" party almost a whole year ago. The debutante dreams
were forgotten like a penny in the sand. It was just supposed a routine exam at the
OB-GYN and that was when E.J. Watson stopped living and breathing. She stirred
her tea in a gentle motion getting hypnotized by the swirls she was making. Why
was her mother taking her here now? She used to love this place and how they
came here to unwind after their shopping trips to the Hermes, Chanel, and Vuitton
boutiques. They were probably the warmest richest people as Mom was never on
any social circle-climbing ladder with the exception of the Women's Auxiliary. Which
Emme found out Beverly Watson only joined in 1986, the year she was conceived. It
was the organization that sponsored the San Diego debutante events.
"Honey," Mrs. Watson spoke softly, "You should drink your tea before it gets cold."
"Oh."
"You have been very quiet since the meeting. I mean quiet in a good way. Is there
anything you want to talk about?"
"Clip—I mean Mr. Smithers said I could attend the meetings again if I want to."
"Do you want to?" Mrs. Watson peeled off one sugar packet to put in her coffee.
Their croissants should have been on the table by now. She let Emme order her
favorite kind with the chocolate chips. It just seemed like a reason to celebrate.
"Yes, Mom." She went back to her hypnotic swirl stirring.
"That Drake Parker is a nice boy."
"Mother."
"What?"
Emme tapped the silver spoon on the edge of her cup and rested it daintily on the
saucer.
"I guess."
"Dear, you shouldn't keep it all inside. You made some important steps today and
not just with your friendship with Drake, but with the support group in general. Still
though he's a cutie, isn't he?"
"Mother! You're embarrassing me."
"No one else is listening."
"If I agree that he's cute will you let me eat my croissant in peace?"
Her mother smiled as the waiter picked the right time to bring their pastries to the
table.
"Of course, Emme."
Her daughter's dark cloud attitude was starting to lift and Mrs. Watson was sure
there'd be days of regression, but hopefully the light would win out over the darkness
and she had Drake Parker to thank for that.
Drake couldn't stand how Josh drove. He was one of those "Joe Safety's" who
would make sure not to turn until every car was out of sight, who would let people out
of side streets instead of just driving right along, and who actually read the driver's
manual to brush up on his driving skills.
Normally, Drake would have had a pithy comment saved for just this very occasion
but right now he could care less.
"What's with you, bro?"
"What do you mean?"
"You didn't tell me to get a move on when I let told waved to those five cars from the
Burger King ahead."
"Josh, I don't think I need to keep repeating that you drive like a dork."
"At least it didn't take me seven tries to get my driver's licsence."
"Six." Drake replied boldly.
Should I tell him?
No.
Maybe, I'll tell him later, but for now I'd like to be alone with my thoughts.
Her hand needed holding.
"Should I call?"
Shit.
Did I just say that out loud?
Nice going.
"Call who?"
And didn't I tell him he didn't have to walk on eggshells and by leaving me alone I
mean talk to me?
Can't I be a hypocrite?
"I want a Sprite." Drake pointed to the McDonald's up ahead hoping he got away
with changing the subject as well.
"But I have to get home to get showered and changed before work—aww jeez!
Okay, I'll do it. I could go for a Coke."
Not as good amongst the young people of San Diego as the indie brand Mocha
Cola, but Josh wouldn't begrudge his brother a Sprite.
"Oh, Drake." Josh said upon exiting the car leaving Drake to ponder why didn't he
just use the drive through window?
"Yeah?" He wanted to sit back and relax with his eyes closed for a few minutes.
"I'd call her." Josh closed the door and walked inside the restaurant leaving Drake
alone with his thoughts.
Oh don't worry, brother, I have every intention of calling Emme Jessica Watson
and hopefully she won't hang up on me this time.
Hopefully this time will be different.