Page 7 of Too Old for Love

“Fellas, this is Everest Marshall. Everest nearly went down seven floors with a snapped elevator cable last night.”

Everest thought that was a strange way to start a conversation. When she looked at the men, their expressions were dangerously filled with concern, dark as they looked at Everest, then back at Mike.

“You need help, brother?” asked Gator.

“Maybe. Our boys are looking into it today. I’m just treating Everest to the best breakfast in town.”

“Well, Everest,” smiled Gator, “great name by the way, if you need anything at all and can’t get a hold of Mike, just call this number.” He shoved a plain white card with a phone number on it into her hand and waved as they left. Mike steered her to a small table and they were immediately given coffee and hot beignets.

“I didn’t order this,” she said softly.

“It’s part of the service,” smiled Mike. “Everything here is great. Just order what you like.”

Everest leaned back, feeling suddenly dizzy.

“Captain,” she started.

“Just Mike,” he said.

“Mike, I’m confused. Do you do this after every rescue?” she asked.

“Never. You’re my first,” he said smiling his brilliant smile. “Listen, I know I rushed in and just sort of took control. It’s one of my many faults, which I hope you’ll let me show you all of them. I mean, what better way to know someone than to see their faults.”

“Yes,” she whispered, “I suppose so. But I’m still confused.”

“Listen, Everest. I thought you were beautiful before I ever saw your face. I could hear your sweet voice, trying to control the panic and I admired the shit out of that. Then when I saw you and all that beautiful brown hair and big green eyes, I knew I wanted to ask you out.

“Now, admittedly, last night would have been crappy timing. But this morning when I ended my shift, I just couldn’t wait another day. Plus, I wanted to be sure you took the day off.”

“I-I did. I mean, I took today and tomorrow. Mike, you’re being very, very sweet,” she said.

“Oh, oh. The very sweet conversation. You’ve got a boyfriend?”

“No! Gosh, no. I would have never agreed to come to breakfast with you if I did,” she said shaking her head.

“One more thing I admire,” he smiled.

“Mike, I’m older than you. I think a lot,” she said calmly.

“And?” he asked raising his eyebrows. “Everest, I don’t give a damn about age. Let’s get this out of the way. I’m forty-nine. Never been married. No children. No pets. My schedule is too much for them. I joined the fire department after I left the Army, which is how I know Gator, Luke and Rush.

“I’m getting damn close to being able to retire and start a full-time side job of building furniture. It’s what I really love to do.”

“All the dust in the truck,” she nodded.

“Yep. I’ll make sure to clean the truck before next time.”

“Mike, I just don’t know. I’m sixty-one. I was married. Once. No children. No pets. But twelve years is a big difference. I just don’t think,” she trailed off and he watched her closely as she nibbled her bottom lip. “I just think I might be too old for love.”

“Everest,” he smiled. “Please don’t slap me, but that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. No one is ever too old for love. To be loved. To fall in love. To have love. It’s a lifetime privilege. It’s why I never married. I knew that if I couldn’t find someone that was as madly in love with me as I was with them, it wasn’t going to happen.”

Before she could speak the waitress began reciting the specials. Mike ordered a huge breakfast and she just shook her head.

“Scrambled eggs with grits and ham, please,” she said quietly.

Mike did most of the talking through breakfast. He knew she was scared but he wasn’t about to let her off the hook so quickly. This woman intrigued him, beguiled him.

When he dropped her off at her front door, she kissed his cheek and smiled.