The word was:
secar seh-kahr' (verb)
to dry
The funny thing is there is nothing dry about today.
I got up, took Jorge home, and decided to get dressed and take a run. I ran in the rain and this song came on my Pandora.
Ray LaMontagne - Empty
Well, I looked my demons in the eyes
Laid bare my chest, said "Do your best, destroy me
You see, I've been to hell and back so many times
I must admit you kind of bore me"
This all started back last April. Ashley, an old KM at Longhorn hired a new dishwasher to replace Jose. His name was Armando. I really didn't get to work with the new dishwasher, I heard rumors of him being outspoken, being efficient and getting dishes really clean.
It was early last May, I was working a Friday night and had to go back in the walk in for some salad mix and tomatoes. I came out of the walk in, saw him putting on his apron, and he looked like a proud sort of man. It was in those few short seconds I made my decision. I am usually pretty shy around new people, I am still unsure why I stopped, un-gloved my hand, stuck it out and said, "Hola!"
I remember his face distinctly, I am not sure I will ever forget it. It was a face filled with wonder and surprise. "What is this gringa doing saying Hola to me..." kind of face. It was priceless. He then took my hand and I asked, ""Como te llamas?" "Armando, y tu?" "Bridget." And that is how it all started.
Every time I worked with him, I would find him watching me. Then one night I was restocking salad side before I left and Armando stopped Alex and told him something in Spanish. Alex then turned to me and said, "Hey B-to-the-ridget, Armando says you work hard and work good and one of these days he will make you his girlfriend."
This is when the "Hey Sweetie," "Hola Mi Amor," and little air smooches started. This continued through the summer and we became good work friends. I started trading Austin shifts, giving him my shifts on Monday and Tuesday nights, so I could work doubles, open to close, on Friday, Saturdays just so I could work with Armando. Every night I would offer to be security and close with him, and every night I would offer him a ride home. He would always politely decline and tell me to go with God.
It was late July we had a particularly busy Friday night, again I did security with Armando, and again offered him a ride home. This time he accepted and got in. it was a hot night so I put the windows down and asked him directions. It wasn't far to his house and I pulled in the drive way and turned to tell him to have a good night. He surprised me by grabbing my chin and told me, "vaya con Dios."
He then let me go and got out of the car. I was disappointed he didn't pull me closer and give me a little kiss. So I took myself home, showered and slept getting ready for the double I was going to be working the next day. It came soon enough, open to close, busy, busy, busy. I did security, but this time I didn't offer to take him home I told him I was taking him home. Told him to get in the car. He got in and I took off. We pulled up to his house and we both just kind of sat for a second. He turned to me and grabbed my chin, telling me to, "vaya con Dios." But this time he did not relinquish his hold, instead he pulled me closer and we kissed.
Story for the grandchildren right.
I hope so. I love this man. I never thought it would lead to this but it has.
In a few short weeks it seems as if everything has fallen apart at the seams. Not between him and I, our relationship is stronger then ever. He makes me want to be a better, happier, stronger person. He makes me laugh and smile. I have never felt so comfortable or at ease with another person in my life. This all sounds so cheesy but it is true. However this may all change, he might have to leave me to go home to his family.
I understand what family means and I would never try to keep anyone from their family but being without him makes my heart ache. Like there is this very large, gaping, empty hole sitting in my chest cavity. He finds out tonight when he is going back.
I have been trying not to cry, he hates to see me sad but every night my pillow has welcomed my silent tears. I think Jorge can sense it cause he always turns and pulls me close and just holds me. It is sad for us both. I am trying to not think of myself and how much I hurt I try to envision his face and the faces of his family as they see each other for the first time in two years. I am trying to channel all the happiness that those hearts will have and hold during that time.
Right now that is what is keeping me going.
-b
Every time I worked with him, I would find him watching me. Then one night I was restocking salad side before I left and Armando stopped Alex and told him something in Spanish. Alex then turned to me and said, "Hey B-to-the-ridget, Armando says you work hard and work good and one of these days he will make you his girlfriend."
This is when the "Hey Sweetie," "Hola Mi Amor," and little air smooches started. This continued through the summer and we became good work friends. I started trading Austin shifts, giving him my shifts on Monday and Tuesday nights, so I could work doubles, open to close, on Friday, Saturdays just so I could work with Armando. Every night I would offer to be security and close with him, and every night I would offer him a ride home. He would always politely decline and tell me to go with God.
It was late July we had a particularly busy Friday night, again I did security with Armando, and again offered him a ride home. This time he accepted and got in. it was a hot night so I put the windows down and asked him directions. It wasn't far to his house and I pulled in the drive way and turned to tell him to have a good night. He surprised me by grabbing my chin and told me, "vaya con Dios."
He then let me go and got out of the car. I was disappointed he didn't pull me closer and give me a little kiss. So I took myself home, showered and slept getting ready for the double I was going to be working the next day. It came soon enough, open to close, busy, busy, busy. I did security, but this time I didn't offer to take him home I told him I was taking him home. Told him to get in the car. He got in and I took off. We pulled up to his house and we both just kind of sat for a second. He turned to me and grabbed my chin, telling me to, "vaya con Dios." But this time he did not relinquish his hold, instead he pulled me closer and we kissed.
Story for the grandchildren right.
I hope so. I love this man. I never thought it would lead to this but it has.
In a few short weeks it seems as if everything has fallen apart at the seams. Not between him and I, our relationship is stronger then ever. He makes me want to be a better, happier, stronger person. He makes me laugh and smile. I have never felt so comfortable or at ease with another person in my life. This all sounds so cheesy but it is true. However this may all change, he might have to leave me to go home to his family.
I understand what family means and I would never try to keep anyone from their family but being without him makes my heart ache. Like there is this very large, gaping, empty hole sitting in my chest cavity. He finds out tonight when he is going back.
I have been trying not to cry, he hates to see me sad but every night my pillow has welcomed my silent tears. I think Jorge can sense it cause he always turns and pulls me close and just holds me. It is sad for us both. I am trying to not think of myself and how much I hurt I try to envision his face and the faces of his family as they see each other for the first time in two years. I am trying to channel all the happiness that those hearts will have and hold during that time.
Right now that is what is keeping me going.
-b
No comments:
Post a Comment