by Mya O'Malley
Shane’s team scored a goal and the crowd went wild.
“Yes!” Shane pumped his fist in the air. The men and women around the bar quieted down again so conversation could continue.
“So, is Brian okay?”
“Kendra, honey, I told you before I don’t want to get involved. You guys are both friends of mine.”
“It’s just that I worry about him, that’s all.” Kendra leaned over and placed her head on Shane’s shoulder. He leaned in and kissed the top of her forehead in a friendly gesture.
“Let me give you a little piece of advice, Ken. Let it go, it’s over.”
“It’s hard out there, you don’t get it. I haven’t been able to find anyone like Brian, and now I’m wondering if I made a big mistake.” Her eyes misted over with tears. Oh, he hated to see a woman cry. He had seen Kendra cry before, and it wasn’t pretty. It usually ended with her leaning all over him.
Signaling the bartender, Shane ordered a drink for Kendra. She wanted a vodka and cranberry on the rocks.
“It’s on me.” Steve, the bartender nodded and moved on to another customer. Looking at his watch, Shane silently wondered where Kevin was. He figured he would need some help with Kendra if this depressing mood of hers continued. As if reading his mind, Kevin walked through the door. He was a large man with a scruffy blond beard and a fair, ruddy complexion. Kevin was divorced with two boys, ages two and four. He was lucky enough to keep the house in his divorce settlement as his ex-wife moved into her boyfriend’s large house almost immediately. His boys, Kevin Jr. and Jack would come by the house from time to time to play with Tiny. He supposed Tiny probably seemed like a horse to a young child.
Just thinking about the mess that Kevin had gone through cemented Shane’s lack of faith in relationships lately. Was there anybody left that was truly happy being in a relationship anymore?
“Kendra!” Kevin swept her up in his giant embrace. Kevin would do anything to go out with Kendra. He’d had a crush on her since high school, but unfortunately, or fortunately, depending how he thought of it, Kendra did not return his feelings. Shane had much higher hopes for Kevin, anyway.
“Is this your seat?” Kendra asked, looking around the bar for a free barstool. All barstools were occupied.
“No, no. Stay where you are, sweetheart.” Shane was sure Kevin wouldn’t ask a woman to give up her seat for him in a million years.
Rising to his feet, Shane offered up his spot. “Here, sit. I’m tired of sitting anyway.”
“Are you sure?” Before waiting for an answer, Kevin jumped onto the stool. Shane knew he would give his eyeteeth to be seated next to Kendra all night. Before long, Kendra got Kevin’s ear and plenty of sympathy. Looking around, Shane spotted a barstool at the end of the bar that was unoccupied. He walked over and grabbed it. Dragging the stool toward Kevin and Kendra, he found room.
“You should probably call him.” Kevin spoke in a hushed tone to Kendra. Shane smirked to himself. “Whoa. Hold on. Kevin, quit it.”
“Party pooper.” She stuck her tongue out at him. Kevin followed her lead, leaning over and sticking his tongue out at Shane as well.
“Great.” Shane shook his head, trying hard not to laugh. Before long, they were all laughing. Kendra placed her head on Shane’s shoulder again as he rubbed her head playfully. “Go home, Kendra. Get some sleep.”
As soon as he said the words, he knew his mistake. There was no way that this woman should get behind the wheel in the condition she was in. Wonderful.
“Yeah, I need to get home.” She swayed slightly as she stood. Shane held her hand, steadying her.
“Let me call you a cab, you shouldn’t be driving.”
“I’m okay, I’m fine.”
Leaning over, Shane whispered in her ear. “Kendra. You shouldn’t drive, please listen to me.”
“Oh, come on. You’re so cute!” Before he knew what was happening, she placed a big, wet kiss on his lips. He instantly pulled away, surprised at her behavior. Guiding Kendra back to her seat, Shane mouthed for Kevin to call a cab.
Chapter Nine
Date number three wanted to watch a hockey game and get a quick bite to eat. Annie was all for hanging out with the guys and being a good sport, so she figured, why not? Hockey was a fun sport to watch and she was game. Aaron wanted to pick Annie up at her apartment, but she gracefully declined, not wanting to break any of her safety rules of dating.
They walked into the small, dark bar. It was crowded and smelled like stale beer and fried food. The bar was packed, save for a stray seat here or there. Aaron led the way to a small but cozy table hidden in the back corner of the room behind a pool table. The mounted flat screen television on the wall provided them with an awesome view of the game. The waitress came by, and Aaron placed an order of appetizers. She could get into some wings and potato skins. It sounded delicious.
Aaron was cute, she might even call him handsome, and he truly seemed like a nice guy. She wasn’t sure if she felt any sparks or anything yet, but she figured why not give it a try? He spoke about his job as a website designer and how it allowed his creativity to shine through. Asking Annie about her own career, he seemed genuinely interested, not just going through the motions. She was enjoying his company. He wasn’t pushy, he was polite. Why didn’t she feel anything for him?
About an hour or so into the date, he walked in. She sucked in her breath and dropped down in the booth, trying to hide herself from view. Aaron’s mouth dropped open in confusion.
“Annie? Are you okay?’ His eyes were wide with concern.
“Shh!” She placed a menu in front of her face.
“Annie, what are you doing?” He sure was being a good sport about this, she felt bad for him.
“Shh! See that guy at the bar?”
He took a peek and then returned to Annie. “The bar is filled with guys, which one?”
“Oh. The guy next to that bimbo,” she whispered through her teeth.
“The good looking woman with the long, blonde hair?”
“I wouldn’t necessarily say she’s good-looking…”
“Well, if we’re talking about the same woman, she…”
“Okay, okay! That one!”
“What about her?”
“Not her, him!”
“Okay, what about him?”
“Do you think he’s with her?”
“Well, of course he’s with her…”
“You know what I mean!”
“Listen, it would be a lot easier if you’d come out from behind your menu. He can’t see you. He’s not even looking this way.”
Sheepishly, Annie removed the menu and sat up stratighter. Aaron probably thought she was crazy, acting this way. Realizing what this must look like, she cleared her throat and apologized.
“Let me guess, that’s your ex.” He focused his gaze upon Annie.
“No, actually, I barely know him.”
“I probably shouldn’t ask, but here goes…”
Annie explained everything, from the mall to the pizzeria. After hearing herself retell the whole story again, she realized how lame it sounded. Sam was right, she was acting ridiculous.
Aaron should have been annoyed. She would have been annoyed if the tables were turned, but instead he just laughed.
“It’s plain and simple. Love at first sight.” He stated in a matter-of-fact way.
Annie couldn’t believe her ears. Did he just say it must be love at first sight? Reaching over, she grabbed his hands.
“Say that again!”
“I said, it must be love at first sight.”
“No, it can’t be, it doesn’t exist, right?’
“Yes, of course it does. For example, you and I did not experience it, but I have before, and it does exist.”
Wait a minute, what did he just say? Annie brushed the nebulous thought aside. It didn’t matter if he didn’t feel anything for her; she felt the same way.
“Really? Tell me what happened.” She was beyo
nd curious now. This guy understood.
Aaron seemed to go back to another time and place. His expression was dreamy.
“Suzie walked into the grocery store I worked at. I was eighteen years old, holding down a summer job before heading off to college. She walked past me, and I swore something made me turn around. At that instant, she turned around and our eyes locked. Boom! It was fate.”
“Wow, so what happened? Where is she now, this Suzie?” Annie was hanging on his every word.
“My ex-wife is re-married and living happily across the country with a doctor.” Aaron stated the fact without emotion.
Annie’s jaw dropped. “Oh.”
“I didn’t say it always works out, I just said that it does exist,” Aaron stated. “I say, you go for it. Just go up and talk to him. Right now.” He dared her.
“Now? But that’s ridiculous. Look at him, he’s with yet another woman!”
“And look at you, you’re with yet another man.” He had a point, but still.
Annie seemed to be summoning up her courage, considering Aaron’s dare, but then the woman leaned over and Shane met her halfway, kissing her playfully on the top of her head, her cheek. She glanced at Aaron who shook his head.
“You’re right, maybe it’s not the best time.” He gulped his beer.
“You think?” They laughed together. Annie was actually having fun with Aaron, even though clearly there was no attraction on either part.
“So, you don’t think you and I…”Annie ventured.
“Nah. I like you, though. You’re fun.”
Annie shrugged, thinking she was okay with that answer. “I like you, too. I mean, not in that way.” They shared another laugh of the evening, not the first and not the last.
The night was filled with conversation, fun and good food. It didn’t matter that there was no attraction between Annie and Aaron. Sensing a friendship was in the wings, Annie had one of the best times she could recall in years.
* * * *
“Wait, you didn’t like him, he didn’t like you, but you had a good time? I don’t understand.” Samantha seemed flabbergasted.
Annie explained the evening, including the near run-in with Shane. Remembering how judgmental her friend could be when it came to the subject of Shane, she regretted the words the instant they flew out of her mouth.
“Oh boy, it figures somehow that man was involved. Annie, honey, listen to yourself, this is starting to get ridiculous.” An exasperated sigh filled the air.
“Well, don’t worry. As I said, he was with another woman anyway.”
“Let’s just change the subject, okay?”
Since when was Sam such a wet blanket, anyway? Weren’t girls supposed to talk about stuff like this with their best friends? Annie said goodnight to her friend and padded off to her bedroom, Cleo close by her side. The sound of a text coming through her cell gave Annie a start. Who could be calling at such an hour?
Had the best time I can remember in years; things might work out better this way. Aaron.
She had to hand it to him, he might have something there. Who would figure she could meet a friend while looking for love online? Sometimes life had a way of throwing her a curveball, but it wasn’t always for the worst.
Me too. Have a good night. Hope to talk to you soon. Annie
You bet. Good night.
Chapter Ten
Shane was actually looking forward to meeting Lori tonight. It had been a while since he was on a date with a woman that he hadn’t met online. He even forgot to check his messages online today, go figure. Tiny was following him around with a look that said he needed to go out, so Shane grabbed his leash and decided to venture out for a walk in the park today. It was brisk, but not too cold, so he figured a little fresh air would be good for the both of them. This time, Shane decided to prolong the struggle with Tiny’s leash. He would deal with that problem once they arrived at the park.
Tiny loved nothing better than going for a ride in the car. Shane wondered for the millionth time what the appeal was, but for the life of him, he couldn’t figure it out. The dog stuck his head out the window, which was open just enough to let Tiny enjoy himself.
It took less than five minutes to reach their destination. The park was quiet, with only a few joggers and people walking their dogs. It was chillier than he thought, with the wind coming up on the small lake. Shane should have thought to wear his gloves and hat. He rubbed his hands together and then placed them inside of his jacket pockets. He was always a people watcher, and today was no different.
An elderly couple walked past, huddling close to one another. Now, that was what it was all about, he thought to himself. To find that special someone whom you could grow old with and have a family together. Something hit him, then and there. He was officially finished with the online dating scene. He was finished with casual dating as well. Finding someone to get serious with at this point in his life was what he wanted. He would try to let go of the relationship drama that he had suffered years ago with an ex-girlfriend and a string of disappointments following her. Yes, he would meet Lori tonight with a different mindset. He would give her a chance and see what happened. The grass was not always greener, he mused. Sometimes it was plenty green right where you stood. You just had to look around and enjoy it.
* * * *
Lori walked in; he could have spotted her anywhere, based on her description. She was small, petite, he would venture, with shoulder length brown hair and a slight build. Her dark brown eyes were warm and friendly. All in all, she was pleasant looking. He would never think of her as beautiful, but every woman he dated did not need to be beautiful. If she was a kind person on the inside, he would give her a chance. Attraction was important, but sometimes it grew on you once you got to know the person.
“Hi! You must be Shane!” Lori gushed, pumping his hand. The cold air from outside hit Shane at the bar. How could he have forgotten about that high-pitched voice? Open mind, remember to keep an open mind, he told himself.
“Yes, Lori! Nice to meet you. Please, sit.” He pulled her seat out for her. He studied Lori; upon getting a closer look, she was a bit older than he thought, perhaps a year or two older than himself.
Polite chatter bounced back and forth between the two and he found himself having a decent time. There was no spark or anything, but this was the new Shane. He wasn’t going to base his dates solely on attraction. Lori worked at an insurance company; she seemed happy with her job, happy with her life. She was friends with Nick’s wife. They spoke about Nick, since it was the one thing they had in common. Out of left field, Lori hit him with a slammer.
“My ex-husband has my son, Jon tonight. He goes to his dad’s house every Wednesday evening and every other weekend.”
What? Nick didn’t mention that she was divorced with a young son. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that.
“Oh. How old is Jon?”
“Two years next month, he’s a doll. You’re going to love him!” She touched his shoulder playfully.
A bit presumptuous, Shane thought. How could she assume that they would get far enough along in their dating for him to meet her son? Shane didn’t respond, but ordered another round of drinks. An awkward silence prevailed as the clatter of dishes became clear.
An attractive smile played over Lori’s face. She rubbed his thigh, giggling nervously. This is a touchy feely one, Shane thought to himself. It took effort for him to return Lori’s wide smile.
“You do like kids, don’t you?” Were they going down this road now? He gulped his beer.
“Oh, yeah, sure.” He dropped his head to look at his lap, directly avoiding eye contact with Lori.
“Well, I mean, I figured you did, because you’re a school teacher,” she stated firmly. Where did she get off assuming anything? Calm down, so she has a kid. So what?
“Yeah, I do. No problem. So tell me, Lori, what do you like to do for fun?”
“But you’re changing the subject. You don’t like
kids, do you?” Her eyes narrowed.
“I said I did. Then I asked what you like to do for fun.” He shrugged, like it was the simplest thing in the world to understand.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she pulled back and pouted. Not liking how this was going and not sure how much of it was his fault, Shane remembered he had promised himself he would try to have a good time tonight and open himself up to different possibilities.
“Hey. I think we got off on the wrong foot. Let’s start over.” He reached over and extended his hand. “Hi, I’m Shane. It’s nice to meet you.”
Lori rolled her eyes and laughed. She, too, extended her hand. “I’m Lori. I’m divorced and I have a kid.” They both laughed. At least she had a sense of humor.
“It’s just that so many men won’t even consider dating a woman with a child, it’s ridiculous! I’m sorry I came down so hard on you, it’s just…”
“No worries. Please, forget about it.” Shane lifted his glass in a toast and the topic was forgotten.
The evening wasn’t half bad. They ended up moving to a table and ordering dinner. Shane enjoyed the burgers here, so he recommended them. Lori made a face and ordered a salad with lite dressing. He drank beer, while Lori stuck with seltzer. Maybe she had an early morning, maybe she didn’t drink. No matter. It was late, though, and Shane needed to head home and get a good night’s sleep before work tomorrow. He walked Lori to her car, which was parked next to his, and she hesitated by her door. Oh no, I hope she isn’t waiting for a kiss, Shane worried.
“I had a really nice time tonight.” Lori moved closer, extending her hand to touch Shane’s jacket. She pulled on the buttons and gazed up at him, batting her eyes. He cleared his throat, pondering how he was going to escape this situation without hurting this woman’s feelings. There was just no physical attraction.
“Whoa.” She pulled him close and placed her lips on Shane’s. He pulled back after a second.