Page 30 of Forever Flustered

“But I didn’t order anything,” she replied in confusion, only to see the guy lean back and look at the house numbers boldly attached to a wooden column at the corner of the porch.

“Looks like you did, or someone has the wrong address,” he shrugged, taking the electronic tablet from her and walking back to his truck before she could ask questions or argue with him. There indeed was a box, addressed to her business. Confused, she picked it up and staggered under the unexpected weight before carrying it inside. Putting it on her desk, she knocked gently on the door to the therapy room where Mallory was waiting. Stepping inside, she was about to get back to work when Mallory spoke.

“Someone you know?”

“A delivery,” Maureen admitted and then hesitated, pumping a little bit of massage oil mixture into her hand from a bottle that hung from a pocket attached to her waist. “I don’t remember ordering anything, but I guess I did.”

“You didn’t open it?”

“No,” Maureen replied, frowning. “Of course not. I’m with someone, and we’re busy. Whatever it is, it can wait.”

“What if it’s from him…” Mallory offered quietly, and there was something about it, the way she said it, that resonated and struck a chord. The woman on the table turned to look at her with a knowing smile as Maureen hesitated, standing there with oil in her hands, about to return to massaging her arm… and neither moved. “It could be, you know?”

“It can’t be,” Maureen whispered.

“Of course it can. My husband did it, in fact – most of the team sent stuff to their significant other while they were stationed overseas. Amazon is big on the base, and you’ve got bored men who miss their friends and family – with nothing but time on their hands to surf the internet.”

Both women looked at each other for a moment before Mallory chuckled. “Just go open it. I swear, don’t be this hard-headed if he comes to see you. I’ve got to pick up something for dinner anyhow. Joshua is going out with the team tonight, and he’s the designated driver for a few of the guys.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

Nodding and giving her a quick ‘Thanks’ before leaving the room, she hurriedly washed her hands in a nearby sink that used to be a utility sink for the washing machine. It was now in a small, closed-off partition that looked like a closet beside her washer and dryer. The remodel might look finished, but that was because she hid everything behind a folding screen, a framed piece of art she bought at Goodwill, or a potted plant. Moving toward the desk, she hurriedly grabbed the scissors to cut open the tape on the box – and then paused.

“It might be nothing,” she whispered to herself, trying to calm down and not get too excited. “Don’t do this to yourself. Don’t get your hopes up. It could be anything from anyone – and not necessarily from Eli.” Drawing in another breath, she gingerly pulled back the lid and hesitated. Angling her head to the side, she looked at the unmarked box and then saw the bottles – all of the bottles – and gasped.

A shaky hand withdrew the first bottle… Sandalwood oil. Her eyes slowly dropped in disbelief as she reached for another of the beautifully colored glass bottles wrapped carefully. Lavender oil. A third bottle was Bergamot oil. This was an expensive, luxurious collection of scented oils that was much nicer than anything she kept in stock here. When she bought oils, she priced out items in bulk and mixed her own blend, so it was a little cheaper. Reaching for the box, she withdrew it and smiled in amazement. It was an electric warmer complete with a set of hot stones and bamboo massage sticks. There was an invoice at the bottom, and she pulled it out, only to see it was a gift receipt with a message on it.

My favorite scent is sandalwood… Eli

She gasped, her hand covering her mouth in surprise and amazement as she stared at the box once more. He sent her a supply of massage oils with a message; did that mean he was coming here? That he was hoping to meet her and take advantage of the offer? This was the sweetest, most supportive, most incredible thing that someone had ever done for her – and they hadn’t even gone on a date yet. They exchanged a few emails, and this box had to be almost two hundred dollars. Those weren’t small bottles – and none of the oil was diluted with a carrier yet.

“Eli?”

Jumping, Maureen turned to look at Mallory – who was leaning on the door frame, smiling and obviously watching her. She didn’t know what to say, what to do, or even what to think because no one had ever done something like this for her. She floundered for a moment before Mallory clicked her tongue and walked toward her, putting a hand on either shoulder as she held her gaze.

“I want you to listen to me,” Mallory began with a supportive smile. “Welcome to the big leagues where the men are men. He knows what he’s doing and showing up for you – let him. Don’t diminish it, don’t play it off, and don’t run away because you get nervous or feel unsure of things. He’s interested in you – and just remember, the Air Force wouldn’t keep him if he were insane.” It was so strange, so out of left field, that Maureen nervously cracked a laugh before Mallory chuckled. “Just thought I’d throw that out there, in case you were wondering… but I’m happy for you both. Now, breathe – quit crying – and write him an email saying, ‘thank you’.”

Maureen hadn’t realized she was sobbing until Mallory said something – and sure enough, her cheeks were wet. Nodding erratically, she put the packages down on the desk, frightened that she would drop something precious or it might slip out of her hands. Saying her goodbyes, Maureen went to sit in the chair behind her desk and saw the flashing red light indicating that there was a voicemail. Pressing it, the first call was a hang-up… but the second was not.

“Um, it’s the Melon-head…”

Eli’s voice crackled from the old machine as the message played back.

“It’s about three in the morning here, and I couldn’t sleep. I kept reading your email and wondering what to say – so I thought it was best that I tried calling, but I guess you are busy.”

“Oh no…” she whispered, a fresh rush of tears stinging her eyes.

“I don’t have long, and I probably should try to sleep, but my head won’t stop thinking about things… and well, I’m interested – and I want to talk. I’m not exactly ‘boyfriend’ material, but I’m thinking that I might be interested in learning how to be – if any of that makes sense. I’m not sure how to do this or if that sounds stupid, but it’s honest.”

His voice paused as her heart slammed against her chest… waiting.

“I bought a plane ticket and put in for time off, so I really hope my boss approves it. He’s being kind of a jerk right now…

She smiled tearfully, melting at that unexpected candor mixed with that gruff laugh that told her it probably didn’t happen very often.

“I’ve gotta keep my voice down because you never know who’s listening or creeping around… but Maureen? I’m really interested. I’ll write back tomorrow after I get done with meetings – okay? Good night… and sweet dreams.”