Maya
Maya placed the final bag into the trunk of her older model sedan. This was the final order of the afternoon, and she was eager to head home. She turned the ignition on, and the car sputtered before finally starting. "Dammit, don't you crap out on me now." That was all Maya needed right now, with her other bills piling up. She put the car into Drive and headed across the town of Little Creek to one of the nicer neighborhoods. She had put Mr. Elliot's address in her cell phone and began the route. She had not delivered to him before.
"I hope he tips well," She thought out loud.
As she drove, Maya thought about how this year was playing out. It had taken her three years after high school to finally get enrolled in college. First, her mother needed her to work at the restaurant to help her out. She started missing a few classes each week to go in and fill in for a waiter or busser that had not shown up. Her counselor, Mrs. Marsh, had told her that she needed to focus on school more, or she would not graduate. "If you don't care about your future, Ms. Melendez, then why should I?" It didn't matter that the only way Maya and her mother could afford their small house was for both of them to work. So, Maya did not get a scholarship, even though her grades were well above average.
Three years later, Maya was in her first year of college, working toward a degree in Business Administration. If she graduated with the degree, she and her mother could maybe buy the restaurant from Mr. Alverez and make it their own. Anya Melendez was the brain behind the success of the restaurant, but as a first-generation citizen, she did not have the background to run a successful business. She created new dishes on a regular basis and was the face of the restaurant. Maya wanted to give back to her mother for all of the hard work she had done to provide for them both after her father left. And that was why Maya was driving her beat up car delivering groceries to a neighborhood that she would not be welcome in otherwise.
Her phone announced that her destination was ahead on the left. She looked up as she met an older model Ford pick-up with a smiling, round-faced young man. He waved at Maya, and she found herself smiling and waving back.
I bet he's not from around here either.
He was cute though, from what she could tell.
Probably wouldn't look at me twice though.
Her smile faded quickly. Why would he? I'm just a chubby Latina in a beat-up Honda. Maya pulled her car into the driveway in front of 1569 Cooper's Court. "Nice," She said out loud as she took in the large home in front of her. It was at the end of a cul-de-sac, so it appeared to have the whole end of the street to itself. "Probably some rich old investment banker with a dried up botoxed bleach blonde wife and four Pomeranians." She chuckled at the image in her mind.
Maya grabbed the bags of groceries and headed up the walk to the large front doors. There was a note on the door.
The door is unlocked, please let yourself in. Kitchen is straight back and to the left. Thank you. Mr. Elliot.
"Um, ok," Thought Maya. She juggled the bags and was able to push the door open. She stepped inside and took in the large living room. "Wow." There was a rock fireplace with a giant tv above in on the left, and plenty of comfy leather looking chairs and sofas arrayed in front of them. On the right was a door leading into another room and a wide staircase leading to the second floor.
"This is nice girl," She said to herself. She pushed the door too and headed further into the home.
"Mr. Elliot? It's Maya from the delivery service." There was no answer. She decided to follow his posted directions and searched for the kitchen. She took a left at the large dining table and past the French doors leading out back. She was focused on her task and did not notice the back yard yet. The kitchen was large and there was a granite island in the center of the hardwood floor. Maya noticed another note on the island and set the bags down to read it.
If you don't mind, would you please put the cold items in the refrigerator and leave the dry goods on the island? I would much appreciate it and have already added a nice tip to your account. If you have any questions, I am out back at the pool. Thank you for your prompt and professional service. Mr. Elliot.
At first Maya was frustrated at being asked to do more after a long day of work.
"Dang, I just want to go home and get a shower and crash." But she realized that she was already taking the milk and eggs out of a bag and finding where they belonged in the fridge.
"You better be glad I'm a nice person Mr. Elliot," She grumbled. "Well, that and I could really use the extra money." She chuckled as she placed the items away. Maya even took the can goods and found where they belonged. Mr. Elliot keeps an orderly and well-maintained pantry, thought Maya.
Maya looked around after disposing of the grocery bags.
I should go, but I feel weird not meeting this man at least. I could always ask if he needed anything else or if he wants to take the online survey. Right?
She was running her hand along the cold smooth granite top and decided to take a chance. She hadn't seen any dog bowls or heard yipping, so no dogs. Also, there was no lingering scent of heavy perfume to indicate an aging trophy wife. She opened the door out onto the back patio just as there was a tremendous sound of splashing water. "What tha?" she gasped. Maya stepped out and took in the large back yard. There was a huge in ground pool in front of her with waves still crashing along the sides. To the left was an outdoor shower spout and beyond it was a full-service outdoor cooking area and bar.
"Damn!" she mouthed.
Just as she was scanning back across the pool's surface, a head popped out of the water. Water ran evenly from a smooth bald head as Mr. Elliot swam to the side of the pool. Maya suddenly felt embarrassed about going into the backyard.
What am you doing, loca?
She smiled and held up her hand to wave.
The man's bearded face broke into a big easy smile. "Hi there, I'm Ben Elliot. You must be the person that saved me from crazy traffic today." Maya found herself laughing at his introduction.
She stepped further into the yard, "Well, it was crazy for sure. I think people done lost their minds out there sometimes."
Mr. Elliot laughed at this, and Maya found the sound to be comforting and joyful at the same time.
"Well, to be honest, that is why I bought this home Miss?" He paused.
Maya took a moment and then, "Maya, Maya Melendez."
"Miss Melendez, it is a pleasure to meet you. As I was saying, I bought this home to get away from all of that daily mess. And thanks to you, today I have stayed completely away."
"Well, I'm glad I could help Mr. Elliot. I should probably head out and leave you to your privacy."
Mr. Elliot's smile faded just briefly, "I am so sorry, Miss Melendez. I am so rude that I did not offer you refreshments." He gestured toward the bar, "I have some fresh iced tea. I would be honored if you would share some with me."
Maya looked at where he pointed and saw a large glass pitcher full of ice and amber tea. It was hot today and the tea looked inviting. "No Mr. Elliot, I have intruded enough. I should go."
Mr. Elliot held up his hand, "You are not intruding Miss Melendez. I insist, have some tea and rest before you rejoin the craziness. Please." Something about his smile and how the light reflected off his salt and pepper beard made her hesitate.
She was thirsty and hadn't talked to a guy in person for a while. Not since Derek. "Loser!" She did not realize that she had spoken out loud until she noticed the look of confusion on Mr. Elliot's face.
"Excuse me?" he asked.
Maya's face burst into red as she held up her hands, "Oh My Gravy! I didn't mean you, Mr. Elliot. I was talking about Derek, my ex! I am so sorry." She could feel the heat of embarrassment burning like fire on her cheeks. Since her father had been white, she was lighter complected and the blush shown more. I could just die, she thought.
Mr. Elliot looked at her quizzically for a second, and then burst into laughter. He pulled himself out of the pool and stepped over to the bar, motioning her to follow. He grabbed two glasses and poured them both some icy cold tea. Maya did not realize that she had followed him to the bar until he pressed the tall glass into her warm hands. He clinked his glass to hers, "Cheers." And took a long drink of the cool liquid.
Maya took a gulp of hers to try and cool off her face. The tea was delicious with just a hint of citrus. She closed her eyes and pressed her burning cheek to the cold glass. "That is perfect," She almost sighed. She opened her eyes to see Mr. Elliot smiling at her. It was then that she noticed several things at once. One, his eyes were deep green with flecks of gold scattered around the irises. Two, he was at least three inches shorter than her. Three, he was clad only in a pair of red swim briefs with a yellow stripe up each side. Four, he was furry as a bear. Curly salt and pepper hair spread across his broad chest and round belly, water droplets still glistening on them. His shoulders were square and strong, and he appeared to be in his late forties, or early fifties.
Mr. Elliot just took another sip of his tea as Maya completed her unplanned inspection of this man she just met. Maya took after her dad's family and was tall, 5'11" to be exact. She was curvy with long legs that led up to broad hips and a heart-shaped bottom. Her waist tapered in some before flaring out to ample breasts, 36 Ds to be exact. She did not consider herself fat, but never thought she could win a beauty pageant either.
Mr. Elliot was looking at her as if he disagreed. Not in a creepy old guy kind of way, but more like someone appreciating fine art. For some reason, this pleased Maya, and her blush faded as she took a long, slow sip of her beverage.
She looked across the yard and pool to take in the well-maintained flower beds and trim hedges. "You have a very nice home here Mr. Elliot," she finally said after taking another slow sip of chilled tea.
Mr. Elliot chuckled, "Well, I can't take all the credit. I have a very talented young man that does a splendid job taking care of the grounds. In fact, he left just a few moments before you arrived, or I would introduce you."
Maya thought for a moment before, "Does he drive a Ford pickup?"
Mr. Elliot smiled, "Why yes, he does. I hope he wasn't one of those crazy drivers that you had to avoid getting here."
