Craigslist Lover Read online

  “I thought he was a crazy guy lurking for his next prey, but it turned into a real friendship. We shared so much.” She remembered the first time she sent a message how afraid she’d been. “I asked myself if he was really a man or a woman? Was he real? Even after all of our chats, I always had a little doubt until he showed up at my front door.” Her heart raced when she’d seen him for the first time. Toby was nothing like what she’d expected, but beyond that, he’d become so much more.

  “He’s a good guy.”

  “I always wondered why Toby would place an ad online.” She stared at him. “I mean, you just said he could have any woman he wanted, so he should’ve been able to find female friends, too.”

  “He never told you?” Eric placed his elbow on the table and inched forward. “Toby placed that ad because of a bet he lost at work.”

  McKenzie’s eyebrows met in confusion. “Huh?”

  “My cousin would never post a personal ad in a paper, he had no need to,” Eric said, now looking over the menu. “It was a joke that turned very real to him.”

  “A joke.” McKenzie crossed her arms over her chest, feeling a bit hurt. Toby had some explaining to do.

  “Stop being silly, McKenzie.” Eric tapped her fingers. “What started off as a joke led to the two of you finding each other. If we all could be so lucky…”

  McKenzie chuckled. “I’m so happy you told me.” At that moment, Jeyna entered the restaurant. She was five-feet-seven, a very attractive African American woman. Jeyna and Eric would make a great couple. She smiled as Jeyna approached.

  “Eric this is my friend, Jeyna.”

  Eric pushed back in his seat, and tipped his cap. “Eric.” He extended his arm.

  Jeyna couldn’t stop smiling as she shook his hand back, and then he pulled out her chair for her to sit. “Thanks.”

  He sat back down and continued looking over the menu.

  “Are you finally going to tell my friend where your cousin is?” Jeyna also picked up the menu.

  Eric turned slightly with his eyebrow raised. “My cousin is taking care of his business,” he sternly said. “If McKenzie has any questions, she would ask me herself.”

  McKenzie scolded herself. This wasn’t going as planned. Eric hadn’t even smiled once since Jeyna had arrived. She cleared her throat. “Jeyna, when are you going back home?”

  “Next week,” she answered staring at Eric. “I’m thinking of relocating here.”

  “That would be nice, having a friend close by.”

  Jeyna pushed back in her chair. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” She got up and strolled to the restroom.

  “Eric!” she smacked his arm.

  “I know what you’re doing, McKenzie, and I’m not interested.” He pushed back his seat and stood. “I can find my own woman.”

  “Did I offend you?” McKenzie stood too.

  “Doll, I don’t think you can ever offend me. This establishment is beyond my price limit.” He placed the menu on the table.

  “I invited you so it’s on me.”

  Eric glared at her and then smirked. “Now you’re offending me.” He walked off, shaking his head. “See you later, doll.” He stopped at the table of the guy from earlier. “Keep away from that table.” He winked at her and marched out the door, passing Jeyna up.

  McKenzie never knew when Eric was joking or being serious. She hoped she hadn’t offended him.

  Jeyna sat. “Where’s he going?”

  “Oh, Eric was called in to work.” McKenzie didn’t want to hurt her friend’s feelings. She waved the waiter down.

  “I like a challenge,” Jeyna said as she lifted the glass to her thin lips.

  McKenzie’s mind wandered off to her Craigslist lover, and she smiled as her friend planned a way to get Eric to notice her.

  Toby and McKenzie were meant to be. She had to stop thinking that it was too soon, because he’d picked her up at her worst and she wanted to do the same for him. At first she thought she might be using him as a Band-Aid to help cover up the cut, but in actuality, Toby had helped her heal. Never asking for anything in return, he’d given her all the space she needed. He even up and left everything he knew so she could see what was right in front of her face.

  It wasn’t a coincidence that they were both thrown online at the same time, for the wrong reasons. McKenzie could live without Toby and be very happy, but she didn’t want to. Toby was the missing piece of her perfect-imperfect life.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  McKenzie was at work feeling a bit depressed, listening to music as she typed on her keyboard, mumbling through the words of the song Toby had sent her at the spa.

  Good morning, beautiful. I miss you.

  Toby’s message had chimed in early in the morning at four-fifteen a.m.

  She texted him back as soon as she woke up at six-thirty and saw it.

  I miss you too…

  McKenzie knew she probably wouldn’t hear from him until it was time for bed. It wasn’t like Toby to forget things. McKenzie had received her normal happy birthday texts from family and reconnected friends, and her father had called to sing to her. Shawn sent her another edible arrangement, but she didn’t have the appetite to eat the fresh fruits. The real reason McKenzie was down was because she hadn’t heard Toby’s voice going on two weeks. All the hope she was holding on to was slowly slipping away.

  McKenzie became excited when she heard her cell phone chime, letting her know she had an email. She grabbed the gadget from her top drawer and swiped it to life, hoping to find a happy birthday message from Toby, but instead, it was a link. McKenzie squinted a little. It was a link to a bunch of numbers. She was skeptical and ignored the email, placing the iPad back in its place. She continued looking over the reports that had been handed to her yesterday.

  She was glad her mom had come to town to spend a few weeks with McKenzie and Caleb. It saved her a lot of money having her mom watch Caleb. McKenzie was surprised when she picked up her mom from the airport and Shanell was with her. They both started screaming, making everyone in the area look over at them. Her cousin was a beautiful, full-sized woman, and she wore her weight with confidence and pride. When she entered any room, she demanded the attention. So many years and so many things they’d missed out on. They sat up all night, catching up on everything. Shanell wanted to do a drive-by at Wayne’s house, and slash his tires.

  Her mind wandered off to the counseling session she’d gone to last week. She attended the event with her mother and her cousin. It was healing, getting to know women who had been in situations like hers. There wasn’t any judging, just understanding. There was a guy who had been physically abused by his wife. McKenzie glanced at the guy from time to time, thinking how could he have possibly been physically abused by a woman when he was so big? That was until he told his story.

  Perry was too sweet to strike his wife back. His spouse would punch, slap, or kick him. At first, he didn’t think anything about it, until it became a pattern when she didn’t get her way. He up and left when she cheated on him.

  McKenzie was invited to the session by a woman she met at a charity event for domestic and sexual abuse awareness. She couldn’t quite remember her name. It was Mala-something. Her last name was surely Wood. She glanced at a picture of Caleb at his first birthday. He was getting so big. His curls were unruly. Both Toby and Wayne had missed her baby’s first b-day, but Mrs. Carmela was there, taking videos and pictures for her son. Wayne sent him an activity table with train tracks. Shawn, Angela, and the boys made it down and they all video-chatted with her parents. Her lips curled up in a smile. Toby hadn’t forgotten Caleb’s special day: he sent him a Power Wheel F150 ride-on. McKenzie’s life was finally falling into place.

  Someone knocked on her office door, making her stop mid-thought. “Come in,” she said, looking up as the person slowly pushed in the door.

  McKenzie eyes widened as she stared at the man who entered her office. Wayne, dressed in gray tailor-made suit, stood at the door with wildflowers in his hands.

  “I know I’m not supposed to be within ten feet away from you, but I—”

  “Then why are you here?” She sat up straight, holding her head up high, and entwined her fingers. McKenzie willed herself to remain calm. I’m in control. He no longer has any power over me. McKenzie chanted those words over and over in her head.

  “You look very nice.” He smiled, exposing his perfect teeth. “I like the new look.” Wayne stared at her different hairstyle and then back at her.

  McKenzie just stared at him asking in a stern voice, “What do you want, Mr. O’Sullivan?”

  “It’s like that now?” Wayne took another step closer.

  McKenzie lifted her hand up. “Stop. Why are you here?”

  Wayne backed up. “I’m not here to hurt you. I had to drop off some documents for Frederick.” He showed her a blue folder in his other hand. “And I wanted to wish you happy birthday.” He lifted the flowers.

  She chuckled internally that he’d finally remembered her b-day. “This isn’t Mrs. Ferdinand’s office, so can you see your way out.” She twisted in her chair and continued to type her report.

  “McKenzie…I’m sorry,” he mumbled and she ignored him. She wasn’t ready to hear his apologies, or anything, for that matter. McKenzie didn’t have time for his mess. She glanced at her cell just in case she needed to call 911. “I’m sorry.” His voice cracked. “I can’t live without you—”

  “Wayne.” She took a deep breath and glared at him through narrow eyes. “I forgive you. Is that what you want to hear? But I will never forget the misery you put me through. I’m better without you. You are my past, and I will never look back, not even for a second. I’m staring ahead at my future, and it looks so promising wit
hout you in its midst. Now, leave.” She pointed at the entrance.

  “McKenzie, I know you still love me, because I will always love you.” He gazed at her through light brown eyes, as if willing her to say the words back. “I’m getting help. I want my family back. You and Caleb are everything to me.”

  “I’m glad you’re getting the help you need, but you and I are over. There is no turning back the hands of time.” She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs. “I’ve moved on. I’m happy now.”

  “With him?” Wayne’s fingers gripped the folder, bending it in half.

  McKenzie’s lips thinned as she recognized the signs that used to send her into panic mode. She could tell he was trying really hard to control his anger. “That’s none of your business.” She stood calmly. “The only thing left between you and me is our son. If you are not here to discuss Caleb, then leave.”

  “McKenzie, come on.” He took another step. “I just want to talk.”

  “Wayne, I’m trying to be civil. I don’t have anything else to discuss with you. You have a minute before I pick that up,” she pointed at her office phone, “and call security to kick your ass out like you did to me.” McKenzie’s nose flared. “I no longer fear you. You have nothing to dangle over my head. My son and I are safe from your abuse. All I ask from you is to get yourself together and be a father to our son. Forget about me,” McKenzie raised her voice. “I’m no longer your concern. You should put all your energy in getting better for Caleb. He loves you no matter what you’ve done.”

  Wayne shed a tear, watching her.

  It did nothing to her. “Next time you feel like paying me a visit, don’t.” McKenzie twisted to the side, looking out the window and feeling proud of herself. Her lips curled up in a smile.

  “I’m sorry for all the pain I caused you, sweetheart. I hope one day you can look back and see that I was messed up in the head, and I’m trying to be better. Caleb is my number-one priority. I will never cause him pain again. For what it’s worth, I’m really sorry. This is goodbye.”

  “Goodbye.” McKenzie heard the door close, and then she turned to face the entrance. Wayne had left the flowers on the shelf next to the door. She marched over, grabbed them, and threw them in the wastebasket. She didn’t want anything from him. She felt sorry for Wayne. McKenzie was happy in this new chapter in her book, and he looked miserable. She prayed he would become the dad his father had been. She’d wondered so many times, what had made him become an abuser? Was it her? And then she shook her head. It’s not your fault…

  She sat back down behind her desk. The nerve of Wayne, trying to reconcile their relationship, set her back, but his little visit just confirmed how strong she really was. Another knock on the door made her look up, annoyed. Wayne was apparently hard of hearing; she would just ignore his ass until he left. They didn’t have anything else to say to one another. “Didn’t you say ‘bye’?” McKenzie said underneath her breath, and continued typing the final findings of the monthly report.

  The banging on the door got louder. The more he banged on the barrier the more heated McKenzie got. She stood up rapidly and marched to the door, swinging it open. She cringed as she was faced with no one, but looking down, there were five dozen red roses with a note on one of the stems. McKenzie stepped out of her office, looking down the hall. There was still no one there. She picked up two of the vases, and placed them on her desk. “Damn you, Wayne!” She grabbed the last three vases, and set those next to the other ones. They were beautiful, she had to admit.

  McKenzie snatched the envelope from the one arrangement and threw it in the wastebasket. “I should throw them away.” The sweet aroma of the flowers made her office smell like a garden. She picked up the phone and called Mrs. Ferdinand’s assistant. “Hey, I have some flowers if you would like a dozen. They will look great on your desk.”

  “I’m allergic to flowers,” Kate mentioned.

  “Oh, okay then.” She placed the phone on its cradle. Her cell phone dinged. McKenzie just wanted her work day to be over with, so she could go home. Her mother and cousin were taking her out for dinner and a movie. She grabbed her cell, and the same spam link popped up from a private number. “Really, I don’t need any viruses.” McKenzie glanced at the wastebasket, curiosity getting the best of her. She grabbed the envelope and opened it, and gasped when she read the note. It was written in his handwriting.

  Did you really think I forgot your birthday beautiful? Your Craigslist Lover… More surprises to come.

  Her frown was replaced with a grin. McKenzie smelled the piece of paper; it smelled like his woodsy cologne. “More surprises? Can’t wait.” She missed Toby more than she thought possible. Her phone chimed again. “Is that you messing with me?” she asked, picking up her phone, and this time, without second-guessing herself, she clicked on the link. It directed her to the platonic classifieds on Craigslist, and McKenzie burst out laughing. This was an inside joke between her and Toby, because Eric wouldn’t send her this.

  She searched over a few of the ads. If it was Toby, he would write something that would call out to her.

  Looking for my one and only.

  McKenzie clicked on the link, and cried out in laughter.

  Kenzie… Happy Birthday… You have made my life so much fuller. I can live without you, but I don’t see the purpose of doing such a silly thing when you are what I’ve been searching for all my life. I love you Kenzie…

  She covered her mouth as she continued to read.

  I don’t want to live this new journey of my life without you. Will you…

  She swiped, but the whole site disappeared. “Will you what?” McKenzie tried to get back on the site, but the ad was gone. “Will I what?”

  A knock on the door startled her. “I didn’t mean to yell!” She gently slammed the phone on her desk as the person continued knocking on her door. “It’s open!” she yelled, annoyed, but they continued knocking.

  McKenzie slowly made it to the door, wishing the person would just leave. She finally swung the door open and Toby was down on one bended knee. “Surprise!”

  Her heart thumped so hard she felt like it was about to jump out of her chest. And why was he wearing dress whites? McKenzie inspected every inch of his body, from his military haircut to his white dress shoes. Why was Toby wearing a Navy Officer’s uniform?

  And then it hit her like a ton of bricks. He’d joined the Navy. She covered her mouth with her right hand. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched him in shock.

  “McKenzie…” he took her shaking hand in his. “Can you live without me?” Her hands were trembling. Toby bowed his head and kissed her knuckles. McKenzie’s lips moved, but no sound came out. “Beautiful… Can you?”

  Her lips finally curled up. “Yes, Toby, I can live without you…” He winked at her and she got down on bended knees in front of him. “But I choose not to.”

  “Exactly what I was waiting to hear.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. “McKenzie Strong, would you do me the honor of marrying me?” Tears rolled down her cheeks, and he wiped them with his thumb. “When you’re ready, of course.”

  She chuckled, inching closer to him, and planted a kiss on his lips. “I love you.”

  “Woman… I was dying to hear those words.” Toby devoured her mouth. McKenzie parted her lips and his tongue sang her praises, and then he slowly backed away. “We can’t do this out here.” He stood, and then helped her up on her feet. He cupped her face, and flowered her with feather kisses, backing her into her office and then kicking the door closed behind them.

  McKenzie smiled against his mouth, and touched the rank insignia on his shoulder. “This is what you’ve been doing?”

  Toby wrapped his strong arms around her waist and she entwined her fingers behind his neck. “Years ago, I contemplated being an officer after I received my degree. However, it was never the right time, but then I met you.” He pulled her closer. “You make me want to do better for our future family. Are you proud of me, now that I have everything to offer you? You’ll always have a roof over your head and food on the table.”