The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters of Love”. Each “letter” tells of love in one of its many forms from a separate point of view. Benicia is represented prominently in the letters because of Garrett’s deep fondness for the city of Benicia. He hopes readers see themselves or others they know in the letters because the concept of “Love” is universal.

Dear Mr. Garrett,
He said I was his “practice poke”. What a crude, selfish description. I had done everything I could to please. I liked him very much and one night we had sex. The next day I had to finally call him. He was like a stranger. That’s when he said I was his “practice poke” and since he was no longer a virgin he was ready to move on and it was over between us.
I almost screamed at him, “What are you talking about?” I could have been hit in the face with a sledge hammer and it wouldn’t have hurt as much. I was a virgin before that time with him too, but I thought we were in love.
“Stupid, stupid me,” I thought so many times after that phone call.
I was smart enough to know all guys couldn’t be like that jerk.
In time I met the right guy for me. The gas pumps had been changed at the station where I usually get gas. Charlie was using the pump across from the one I was using and saw I was having some difficulty. Later he told me he had been looking at me and finally realized I was having a problem with the pump. I like the fact I appealed to him at first sight.
We exchanged pleasantries and went on our way. Not more than fifteen minutes later we turned the corner at the same time in the grocery store where I discovered we both shopped. It was as if we were old friends. In fact he said we were old friends.
It seemed for the next month we kept running into each other. Something seemed to be drawing us together.
I believe in karma. I felt I must be falling in love with the guy and was determined the next time we ever met to ask him if he was married or had someone in his life. That time came this last winter on Main Street when the street was blocked off for the evening. I stopped to look into the window of the antique store where the auto parts store used to be. I heard a voice behind me, turned around, and it was Charlie.
He said he hoped I would be there that evening and that he would see me. He said he was looking forward to it. As God is my witness I said, “Thank you. Are you married?”
He laughed so hard his head tilted back and then said he was single but thought he had found the one he would like to marry.
I asked if I knew her.
He said, “It’s you.”
I didn’t know whether to curtsy or kiss him.
He asked if I would like to walk down the street and back with him and then get something to eat. I told him there was nothing I would like better to do.
Charlie and I have gone a lot of places together since then. We were married in the gazebo in the park, we purchased a home in Southampton which we enjoy sharing more-and-more each day, and look forward to many tomorrows. We will have many tomorrows here.
Lois

James Garrett is a lifelong resident of Benicia and a former teacher at Benicia High School. He is the author of the following novels: “Benicia and Letters of Love,” “The Mansion Stories,” “Chief Salt,” and “One Great Season, 9-0!” He also compiled a three-volume work titled “The Golden Era: Benicia High School Football, The 1948 through 1960 Seasons, “A” History with Comments.”
He can be contacted at jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.

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