by Mya O'Malley
Chapter Six
Why wasn’t she responding to his attempt at communication? He discovered, after reading through her profile, that they actually did have a lot in common. He had to be smart about reaching out to Annie, so he changed his profile name to a movie she had mentioned on her profile but that he also enjoyed. Knowing full well that a profile without a photo usually spelled trouble, he figured she had probably deleted it. What choice did he have? He had needed to delete his photo otherwise she would have recognized him. Okay, so he would have to leave her another message. This time he would be charming. He would think about a surefire way to elicit a response from her. An idea was brewing in his mind as his fingers scrambled over the keyboard. Chuckling to himself, he finished his personal message.
Tiny meandered over, looking for a treat. “Okay, big guy. Just give me a minute.” Shane hit send and leaned back. He was impressed with his creativity. Yes, she would definitely respond to him now. Getting out of his chair, he opened the cabinet and grabbed Tiny’s snack container. The dog made an attempt at jumping up for his treat, the way he usually did. He whimpered and gazed up at his owner hopefully.
“Easy, big guy. You’re going to hurt yourself.” Gingerly, he placed the treat in Tiny’s mouth. Looking at the clock, he decided that he had better head off to work before he was late.
* * * *
Heading back home to see if Annie responded to him was the only thing on Shane’s mind throughout his school day. One of his students in his third period math class commented on his distracted mood. Shane was distracted, and no matter how hard he tried to stay focused, his mind kept wandering back to the email he’d sent Annie. When the bell rang at the end of the school day, he could hardly contain himself. He made a beeline home and after taking Tiny for a quick walk around the block, headed straight for his computer.
Shane grabbed a handful of crackers and sliced off some cheddar cheese to munch on while working on the computer. Tiny stared at him as if to remind him that he, too, deserved an afternoon snack. He walked over to the cabinet, tossed a treat on the hardwood kitchen floor and got busy. It took a minute for the computer to start up and then he navigated his way to the online dating site. A message popped up reminding Shane his membership was due to expire.
No message from Annie. Great, he would have to keep his membership active.
“Figures!” Begrudgingly, Shane whipped out his credit card and signed on for another month. That should be more than enough time to make his plan work or not work. Hopefully the former, not the latter.
Maybe she hadn’t seen his message yet. He could be patient, Shane told himself. What he needed to do was to get a grip on himself. He didn’t even know this woman, why was he acting so crazy?
“Come on, Tiny. Let’s get out of here for a while.” He grabbed Tiny’s leash and watched as the dog panted in excitement. Usually the young dog jumped up and down, but he still wasn’t feeling like his usual chipper self since the surgery. Still, he resisted the leash, as he usually did.
“We’ll make it a quick one, buddy, let’s go.” Tiny followed Shane outside as they went for their second walk of the afternoon. Shane rationalized his feelings. Prior to seeing Annie’s photo online, he had no way of knowing anything about her. He thought she must be taken. But the fact she was single and currently looking for dates was the killer. He would see if she answered his e-mail, and if not, he would have to let it go.
Chapter Seven
Now that Annie had her five men, wait a minute, make that four men, selected to communicate with, she honestly wasn’t interested in adding to the list. She also wanted to focus on only one guy at a time. At this point in time, it was Tommy. Tommy and Annie took the next step and communicated solely through their regular e-mail addresses. For now, there was no need to log onto the site. Select e-mails still came through her regular e-mail address alerting her she had new messages and winks. It was all too much to handle. She could use a break from it.
After the bar date, Annie decided her next date should take place in a different setting. It was too cold to meet up anywhere outside, but there had to be something different Annie could suggest.
It ended up Annie didn’t have to suggest anything after all. Tommy asked if she would like to head to the local mall and take it from there. Annie thought that it sounded like a great idea, and they set a date for the following evening.
* * * *
A weekday evening at the mall was a good idea; the mall was quiet and the options for activities were endless. They made plans to meet at the coffee place on the second floor and then see what the evening brought. The small coffee shop was empty, so Annie had her choice of seating. She chose a spot that overlooked the entrance, so she could see him coming. If Tommy’s photo proved to be accurate, he was a handsome thirty one-year old man.
Making her way to the barista, Annie stepped up to order her beverage. She was ten minutes early. From now on, she wanted to be the first one there, she wanted to get settled and relax before meeting her date.
“I’ll have a medium hot chocolate, no whipped cream, please.” The smell of pure chocolate mixed with the smell of coffee filled the air and delighted her senses. An elderly woman struggling with packages entered the shop. Annie rushed over to help her. Smiling, the woman thanked her.
“Well, you might just be the sweetest and most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.” Looking at the man who spoke caused Annie to blush. It was Tommy, in the flesh.
“Oh, I didn’t see you.” Annie stammered.
“Come, let’s grab something and sit for a bit.” He reached for Annie’s arm and guided her toward the counter just as her steaming cup of hot chocolate was placed down.
“Hot chocolate?”
“Yes. I was in the mood for it.”
“Sounds perfect. Make it a hot chocolate for me as well. All the toppings, please.” He stared at Annie with wide eyes. Boy, this one was handsome. And he appeared to be the age he stated he was, which was certainly a plus in her book. Tommy paid for both of their beverages as they waited for his hot chocolate in silence.
Soft background music filled the air as they sat facing the main mall area. Tommy was busy chatting away; it seemed the gift of gab came easily for him, whereas Annie tended to be a bit on the quiet side when meeting someone new.
“What do you do for a living?” Tommy’s gaze was intense.
“Oh, I’m a veterinary assistant. I love working with animals, it’s a great job.” She practically gushed whenever she spoke about her job.
“Sounds great. Where is this veterinary office?” Annie sat up straight, reminding herself not to give away any personal information until she got to know the guy better. He could have issues.
“Around the area.”
“Oh, okay, I see.” He shook his head, laughing. “You think that maybe I’m a stalker or something…”
“No, no. Nothing like that. It’s just that I’m careful until I get to know someone. It’s kind of my own personal rule of safety in this online dating world. Please don’t be offended.”
“I’m not offended, but I will tell you something.” He leaned over closer and closer still, until he was breathing on her cheek. Annie’s heart sped up, whether out of fear or attraction, she couldn’t be sure.
“I’m not a stalker, but I am crazy…about you.” He leaned in closer and placed a quick, soft kiss on her cheek.
“Oh!” Annie jumped back, spilling her cup of hot chocolate all over the table. She jumped up and ran to get napkins. Looking around, she half expected that Shane man to be there, laughing with her about causing yet another scene. He, of course, wasn’t. Why would she even think such a thing? Her skin felt warm as hot chocolate stained her white sweater. Why, oh why was she such a klutz?
“Hey, come here.” Tommy took a handful of napkins and proceeded to soak up the hot chocolate on her sweater. He was making her nervous. She grabbed the napkins from his hand and cleared her throat.
“I�
��I’ve got it. Thanks.”
Tommy raised his hands defensively in the air. “Sorry, just trying to help, Annie.” Great, now she had hurt his feelings on top of spilling hot chocolate all over herself and the table. The barista was busy cleaning their table, so Annie stood, fumbling with her sweater.
“I didn’t mean to come on so strong and scare you.”
“It’s okay, I just got startled, that’s all. I wasn’t expecting it, I don’t know.”
Apparently she was a novice at dating. This was just awful! Seeing Annie was clearly embarrassed, Tommy cautiously grabbed her hand.
“Come. Let’s get you a new shirt. You can’t wear that all evening.” She let him grab hold of her hand, even though she wasn’t sure what to make of this guy. A popular women’s clothing store was on the right, so they walked in. Tommy strutted over to the saleswoman, a young, attractive woman with straight dark hair and a killer body.
“Hey, darling. Could you help my date out? Grab her something that would look outstanding on her. Price is no object.” Did he just wink at the saleswoman? And what was this about price being no object?
“Oh, no. I just want something quick, something cheap so I can get out of this sweater.”
The saleswoman focused her gaze on Tommy with big, doe eyes. It was as if she was asking for his permission, dismissing Annie’s own request for a simple top.
“You know what? I don’t need help, let me just look over there…”
She caught herself in mid-sentence as she saw the saleswoman walking towards the back of the store with Tommy at her heels. I’ll be…
As Tommy and the woman were perusing the racks of clothes, they were giggling. Tommy held one of the tops against her, a slinky black, low-cut blouse, no doubt telling her how great she would look in it. Letting out a pent up sigh, Annie shook her head in disgust. She was going to have a word or two with Samantha for getting her involved in this nonsense. It was turning out to be a waste of her time. Didn’t people show respect for one another anymore? Tommy was approaching with the sexy, low-cut black blouse. Hmm, somehow it didn’t surprise Annie that this shirt was the winner.
“Here it is. The perfect top for the perfect girl. You can thank Michelle for her good taste.” Yeah, I’ll be sure to do that.
Michelle practically melted. Makes me sick to my stomach.
“I’ll ring you up, sweetheart.” She winked as she grabbed the shirt out of Tommy’s hands.
“That will be ninety-five dollars and sixty cents.” Michelle practically drooled over Tommy.
What? She wasn’t about to let this guy buy her a top, especially one that cost an arm and a leg!
“No. Forget it, it’s too expensive. I’ll pick something else out.”
Tommy shook his head and glanced at Michelle for support. “Women. What can I say? You just can’t figure us out.” Michelle stated, shaking her head. Anger seeped into Annie’s blood as she reached for the blouse.
“Honey, honey. Just enjoy it. I’m buying this for you, and you have no choice.”
“I’m not letting you spend that kind of money on me. No way.” Annie nodded towards Michelle.
“Fine, be that way. I’ll buy it anyway.” Tommy shrugged.
Annie was dismayed at this power struggle over a shirt. She was trying to do the right thing; she didn’t even know this guy. What was he going to do with a sexy black top like that? Fine, let the jerk buy the stupid blouse, it was his money. She however, would not accept such a gift.
Michelle tossed her hair around, giggling at something Tommy said. Idiots. They deserve each other, Annie mused. Signing the receipt for the credit card, Tommy whistled softly to himself. Michelle went to put the blouse into a bag.
Tommy stopped her. “No, Michelle. Keep it. I thought it would look beautiful on you, anyway.”
Annie marched out of the store without looking back.
* * * *
“Oh my goodness, Annie. Just relax. Don’t you remember hearing all about my crazy dates? It goes with the territory. Just have fun and stop seeing each guy as a potential long-term boyfriend. Learn something from this experience.” Samantha was so laid back about this whole thing. It infuriated Annie. The lack of respect in this dating world was shocking.
“I don’t remember any of your dates going quite as badly as my last two.” Annie whined, despite herself. Just then, a text came through. It was from Tommy.
You have a major attitude problem. Don’t call me again.
Really? Me? A major attitude? Samantha advised her friend to let it go, and just try again.
“I’m getting sick and tired of this, Sam, just plain exhausted. I don’t know if I can do this anymore. I mean, what ever happened to finding love the old-fashioned way? I think I’ll just take my chances from now on.”
“Look toward the future, you could meet someone special. Don’t let those two losers ruin your dating experience for good. You’re better than them, besides, we had a deal.”
Hmm. She did have a point. “Oh, okay. Fine. I will go on exactly three more dates, and that is it, deal?’
Chuckling softly, Samantha agreed.
Chapter Eight
Shane was sitting in the faculty room at the high school eating his triple-decker peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread. Nick, a science teacher and also a good friend of Shane’s, walked through the door and made his way over to the fridge and grabbed his own lunch.
“Seat taken?’
“Nope, it’s all yours.”
Two older women were seated at the other end of the table eating their lunches in silence. One woman, Jen, was an aide for a resource room and the other, Susan, was a ninth grade English teacher.
Grateful for some conversation, Shane asked Nick how his family was doing. Nick was married to a great woman. They had a one-year-old daughter and three-year-old son.
“Oh, they’re all good, thanks. Jill is walking now, and little Nick is tearing up the house. It’s all good. How about you, man?”
“Oh, me and Tiny are doing great…” He laughed at himself.
“Listen. That friend of Lisa’s is still single if you’re interested in meeting her. She’s pretty and sweet. I think you’d like her, I’m sure of it.”
“Nah, this guy is taking a break from the dating scene. Again.” A creeping thought sank into his head as he realized he would go out with Annie in a heartbeat if she showed the slightest interest.
“Come on. It would make Lisa happy. She’s worried about you.”
Annie hadn’t responded to his messages. Why not, right? He had nothing to lose.
“Fine. Now let me eat my sandwich in peace.”
Nick held his hand up for a high five. The men slapped hands and got back to their sandwiches.
* * * *
Shane grabbed his laptop and entered the site. Still no message from Annie. He had to forget about this woman. Reluctantly, he reached into his wallet and opened the tiny piece of paper Nick had given him.
“Here goes nothing.” Punching in Lori’s number, he cleared his throat. She answered on the first ring.
“Hello.”
“May I please speak with Lori?”
“Who’s speaking?”
“My name is Shane, I work with your friend, Nick.”
“Oh, yes! How are you, Shane?” Her voice was high-pitched.
“Good and you?”
“Good. Good, it’s all good.”
Boy, this was awkward. He hated getting to know someone, all the polite, strained conversations. They finished their conversation and made plans to meet up the next evening at a restaurant across town. Taking one last peek at his messages, or lack thereof, he powered down his computer.
He grabbed an iced tea from the fridge and decided to shower and then head over to the sports pub down the street to watch the hockey game with his buddy, Kevin. He would grab a quick bite to eat for dinner at the bar and enjoy some quality male bonding time.
* * * *
Ron
nie’s was packed with hockey fans. Spotting exactly two seats, Shane snagged them and promptly ordered a beer for himself and one for Kevin, who was due to arrive at any moment. Loud conversation filled the air, the stale smell of beer lingering. Shane loved a man’s bar, a place where he could let go after a long, hard day and just relax. Ronnie’s was exactly that kind of place.
“Hey, there, handsome.” Kendra, an old high school friend of Shane’s, approached and took the empty seat next to him.
“Hey, beautiful.” Kendra was beautiful. She also knew it. That was a bad combination when it came to girls like Kendra. He liked the girl and all, he’d even dated her for a few weeks during their senior year, but she was just too self-absorbed for Shane, and he’d quickly lost interest. She did, however, end up dating, marrying and then divorcing one of his good friends.
“Have you seen Brian lately?” It bothered him when Kendra asked for Brian. They’d parted ways, and he didn’t want to get involved. After years of fighting, Brian finally got the nerve to ask for a divorce. Kendra was fine to hang out with once in a blue moon, but too much of Kendra was not a good thing.
“You by yourself tonight?”
“Nope, Kevin’s on his way. He should be here any minute now.”