The One-Year Wait

By Linette Rabsatt

It was never the right time. I tried to make a move several times, but I would always stutter, fumble, or blank out. She was the first customer I saw on that Monday morning when I started working at Valley Bank. She visited every Monday morning to deposit the weekend’s earnings from Hilltop Supermarket. She was so pretty. Her brown eyes and dark complexion were just the right mix with her burgundy afro.

I started working as security for the Valley Bank one year ago and I interacted with a plethora of customers. Lots of beautiful women came in - different complexions, body types, attitudes and energies. I saw old and young couples and parents and children. There were days I had to read documents for visitors or quell arguments about who was first in line.

The one day that I looked forward to was Monday. Ms. Lowell visits the bank, quietly greets me, and enters the commercial line to deposit the funds. Her smile seems genuine. Although I see her coming towards me, I get caught off guard. It’s so bad that I can barely respond. Most Mondays, I nod. Sometimes, she asks me how I’m doing. I just nod and murmur, “Uh-huh.”

I decided that my work anniversary would be the day that I actually spoke to Ms. Lowell. That morning, I practiced in the mirror. “Good Morning, Ms. Lowell. I hope you’re well. You look beautiful.” I was well-rehearsed and ready.

I arrived at work, ready to chat with her. I even forgot to sign in. My coworker asked me what was wrong with me. I just murmured, “Uh-huh.” I had to compose myself so I started to breathe deeply. On time as always at 9:00 am, Ms. Lowell came to the door. I opened it for her. She greeted me in her usual soulful voice. “Good Morning.” I responded, “Hi… Hell… Yeah.” She paused and laughed.

“Malcolm, are you okay? Happy Work Anniversary!”

I was stunned. How could she have remembered? I paused and took a deep breath. “Ms. Lowell, I’ve wanted to speak with you for so long….” The courage surged through my larynx and I felt that I held her up for 15 minutes just to say, “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen… I just want to tell you that I admire you and ….”

Ms. Lowell interrupted me. I was still in awe of her beauty. “Pass your phone so I can put in my number. We’ll chat later.” She walked off and headed to the line to complete her transaction.

I smiled – knowing that my coworker was looking at me like I was crazy. The bank was getting busy and I felt the eyes of the onlookers on my face and back. I felt a warm touch on my shoulder. The perfume was intoxicating. A soft voice whispered in my ear, “Don’t let the marriage proposal take a whole year, too.”

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