Rosemary Residue
 

Richie was out for a run, not having access to his weights, he’d started running in the mornings to try and keep in shape. He couldn’t get Nonnie out of his mind; she had totally blown him away last night. All he wanted was more…more of her. He was going to meet her for lunch and bring her back to The Glen to pick up her van that was still parked behind her shop. He’d never met anyone like her before, her name began somewhere in his chest and moved around before it made its way to his lips.

He turned onto Glen Road and ran the last mile back to Millie’s. He’d just got back inside his room when there was a knock on his door.

“Rosemary…what are you doing here?”

“Well I thought you probably knew everybody around here, I want an address from you.”

“How are ya today?” She didn’t look too good to him, “You’re not drinking today are you?”

Rosemary smiled and entered his room, “I haven’t had a thing to drink…yet. I’m going to take your advice and try and straighten out my life. I’ve still got a job,” she turned and looked at him, “I went by to see my son but he wasn’t home. I’m going to see his father, that’s why I need an address. I saw him here on the steps downstairs so I know he’s around here somewhere.”

“Dom…Dom lives just outside the Glen; he’s renting an old house on a fish farm.”

“Does he live alone?”

“As far as I know he does. Um maybe you should call him first.”

“Why, I’d like to surprise him…oh you think he might have some sheila out there?”

“I wouldn’t know.” Richie picked up a towel and wiped the sweat from his face.

“What have you been doing, all hot and sweaty this early in the day?”

“I’ve uh been for a run, I was just gonna take a shower.”

“I wouldn’t mind washing you.” She moved toward him and he backed away.

“I think I can handle that,” he smiled a little.

“What’s got into you? You were always ready for…whatever.”

“I guess I ain’t in the mood, Rosemary,” Richie found his cigarettes and lit one.

“You still mad at me for yesterday?”

“No, I’m not mad…you ah should stay off the booze for awhile if you’re going to try and straighten out your life.”

“I haven’t had any, it’s just the leftovers. Well if I can’t give you a bath…you wanna give me directions to Dom’s place?”

Richie gave her directions and she smoked a cigarette and then finally left. He leaned against the door for a moment hoping he hadn’t made a mistake giving her directions to Dom’s house.

Mr. Jessup smiled and waved at Rosemary as she walked back to her car from Millie’s. She waved back at the old man.