Route one, 0-mile marker at last! Branches cluttered sidewalks and parking lots. Most buildings appeared to be intact. Some had minor damage. Sheldon approached a quaint café that looked particularly inviting. He pulled his rental car into the shadiest spot he could find. The back seat was packed full of nonperishables, along with coolers, cases of water, orange juice and milk he had bought along the way.
He seated himself by a window, stretched his arms, rolled his neck, and took a deep breath. What a long day already and a long day ahead, he thought.
Sheldon couldn't help but think about Carlos. Tanned from head to toe, donned in a bright yellow see-through tank top, defining every detail of his muscular chest. The two of them, working together side by side, hot and sweaty. He'd play helpless. And where would they be staying overnight? Sheldon didn't want to think about it.
A cheerful waiter approached his table. "Good morning, sir. Welcome to Benny's. What would you like?"
"May I please have a cup of coffee, that's all."
"Absolutely. Coming right up."
"Can you tell me anything about the hurricane damage here?"
"Yes, around here we only experienced heavy winds and rain, power outages, minor damage. Farther down south experienced more."
He glanced at his watch, 7:45. It was time to call Jerry.
"Hi Jerry. I'm at a café down the road. Where are you?"
"Hello Sheldon. Welcome to Key Largo. I am at 150 Oak drive. We are divided into two groups, working on two houses side by side. My blue truck is parked at the first house, tan with black trim. I'll meet you there. I'm the guy with the red hat, red shirt, and the 40 inch beer belly."
Sheldon placed his tip on the table and approached the cashier. Her red lipped smile contrasted against her otherwise unmade face.
"Miss, would you happen to have anything available to feed a large group, about six dozen?"
She hesitated, her smile faded as she thought. "We do have an assortment of donuts, muffins and bagels."
"Perfect."
She handed him the large white sack of fresh-baked goods. "Have a great day, sir."
"Thank you. You do the same."
Sheldon entered the car. The fresh-baked smell made him hungry, but he had to wait. He mustn't get any crumbs on the plush seats of his rental car.
He spotted Jerry gathering tools outside his truck. Jerry wiped off his forehead, smiled and waved. Sheldon pulled in and cranked down the window.
"What all do you have there?" Jerry said, pointing to the food.
"Cold water, milk, nonperishables, baked goods, fresh fruit, cereal."
"You didn't have to do that."
"It's no problem, just this once. Besides, my pIan has to run on schedule."
"What is it you are planning?"
"You have to keep this to yourself. I hired a sky writing service to deliver a marriage proposal exactly at 9:50."
"Wow"
"Yes, and just to let you know, I proposed to her years earlier. I didn't set a date. This time I want to show her I'm serious."
"That will convey the message all right. I can only imagine how expensive that would be. Her name is rather long. Does she ever go by "Vicky?"
"No, she doesn't, but I cut a few characters out by replacing "u" with "you" and eliminating the question mark at the end."
Jerry chuckled. "I see. Good idea."
Sheldon started unloading the car with the food and placed it all of it under the tented area. "In the meantime, could you please send the water bottles to the crew and let them know brunch is at 10?"
"I sure can. Thank you."
Jerry, armed with water bottles, walked toward the house, stopped, then turned to Shelton. "I always thought Carlos was her boyfriend."
"No, he just thinks he is."
Sheldon continued unloading the car. He took a moment to grab his binoculars and view the house several yards away where Victoria and Carlos were working. The two of them were working side by side. She was showing him how to install shingles. It's just how he imagined. The only difference was that Carlos was wearing a white tank top instead of a yellow one.
He finished unloading the car and looked around. Residents were out and about cleaning up their yards and repairing their houses. The sound of chain saws, drills, and hammering continued in the background. Sheldon checked his watch, 9:30, just 20 more minutes. He continued unloading his car and arranging the food on the table.
Sheldon came prepared. He donned his non-skid boots, a ball cap and sunglasses in an effort to disguise himself. Glancing through his binoculars, he saw that she was facing the front of the house. Luckily, the ladder was positioned at the back.
Suddenly, the faint sound of airplanes reverberated in the distance. The sound grew louder indicating it was time to make his move. He grabbed a single red rose, took the back route toward the house, and waited at the foot of the ladder.
The first word formed, white letters contrasting against the blue sky. The crowd echoed the word "Victoria", in unison. Residents peaked through their windows. Some rushed out of their houses, resting their hands on their forehead, trying to block out the sun.
Looking up from the ground, Sheldon observed her reaction. Victoria placed her hand over her mouth, and she was shaking all over.
In a matter of seconds, the five planes formed the words, "Will u marry me."
That was Sheldon's cue to climb the ladder. He pitched his ball cap and joined her on the roof top. As she turned around, he tried to read her expression, hoping to see any sign of warmth in her eyes.
He took her hand, a hand that was moist and shaky. Her grip was loose. He knelt down, handed her the rose and popped the question. This time with all sincerity.
"Victoria, I know these past years have been rocky, but I want you to know that I love you. I asked you this before, but I will ask you now, Victoria, will you marry me?"
He waited for her reaction. She froze, expressionless for what seemed like an eternity. Without warning, she jerked her hand away, dropped the rose, looked all around at the crowd. She turned to Sheldon.
"No, the answer is no. Don't put me through this again!" she said firmly. Tears ran down her cheek.
Carlos stood up. He was on the other side of Victoria. He inched his way over to Sheldon.
"Way to go Victoria. Lose that jerk. He's nothing but a smooth-talking rich kid who will use you."
Sheldon stood up and pointed his finger at Carlos.
" Mr. Carlos, please, treat me with respect. My name is not "jerk," it is Sheldon; Otherwise known as Mr. Merrick. Must I remind you that I am a shareholder and part owner of Merrick Property Management, your place of employment."
The crowd clapped and cheered and whistled. "Way to go, Sheldon," said one. All were rooting for him. They found the show-down entertaining. Frustrated, Carlos sat back on the roof and watched the drama unfold.
Without a word, Victoria made her way down the ladder and headed toward the tent. Sheldon grabbed the rose and followed her. When she reached the tent, he grabbed her and turned her around to face him. He took her hand.
"Victoria, I don't give up easily. Just hear me out. I'll say it again. I know these past three years have been rocky. I've been distracted. My heart has strayed. But I've come full circle. All I've ever wanted was here shining brightly before my eyes.
Sheldon kneeled once again. He picked up the rose and looked deeply into her brown eyes, still watery with tears. " Victoria, let me ask you this: Will you take my hand and walk that path with me, wherever it may lead us? Will you give me a second chance?"
She looked down at him. He could feel a deja vu moment from that first time he asked, three years ago. That glow, that smile, that sparkle, it was now evident on her face. After a few seconds of nail-biting silence, Victoria spoke, barely above a whisper, "Yes, Sheldon. I'll give you a second chance."
The crowd cheered. They circled around the happy couple, congratulating them. After brunch, the crew had two hours left before they retired to their campground. They had been working since 6. Sheldon was tired too. He had been up most of the night, but he could endure another two hours.
Sheldon turned to Victoria. "I know where that winding path will lead us. You and me, flipping houses, together side by side. I'll be your new trainee.
Standing on the other side of Victoria, Carlos gave Sheldon a cold, hard stare. Frustrated, he walked away. Victoria didn't notice.
You, a handy man? I see I have my work cut out for me, Victoria laughed.
They were walking back to the work site when the inside of Sheldon's pocket buzzed and vibrated. "Hello?"
"Hi, it's your Uncle Bob."
Here it comes, an update of Summer, he thought. This will be a true test of his feelings. "Hi. What's up?"
"Summer stopped by. She has her own segment of HBO, 'Summer's Bash.' She asked for your phone number because she claims she needs new comedy material. I figure I would check with you first."
"No. I'll give some other poor soul a chance."
"Good. You must be moving on. I passed on the message just in case."
"I appreciate it though. See you Thanksgiving." He glances at Victoria, "Hopefully, I will be bringing a guest."
"Wonderful. You take care."
Victoria narrowed her eyes and tilted her head. "What was that all about?"
"Nothing, nothing at all, my dear.