by Barbara Ebel
Bob turned his head to Oliver. “Do you see how clever she is using you as an excuse? You’re going to have to put up with her the next few days.”
-----
“We’re going to get along today like a butterfly and a wildflower,” Annabel said as she let Oliver hop into her SUV. She intermittently glanced in the rearview mirror as she drove to Dustin’s. It was one of life’s pleasures to watch the glee on a dog’s face as it pointed its muzzle towards an open window.
“Oliver and I are almost at your place,” Annabel said after reaching Dustin with a hands-free call.
“I’ll be outside waiting for you.”
She pulled into the driveway, where Dustin popped up from the front step and waved. It was partly cloudy and slightly humid and the curls on Dustin’s head were extra tight. She opened the door and quickly fastened Oliver. “Come on, there’s another human I want you to meet.”
Dustin approached them with a full smile. “Oliver, I’ve heard all about you. You are one handsome boy!” He let the dog sniff his hand and then ruffled the back of his neck.
He motioned if he could hold Oliver’s leash and Annabel handed it over. “I always wanted my own police dog on the job, but many stations can’t afford them. They aren’t cheap.” They began walking absent-mindedly along the street curb as Oliver researched the grass.
“Are we going to finish Gone with the Wind?” Annabel asked. A sly grin crept over her lips.
“Sure. Nothing like the classics. Plus, weren’t you going to get a heads up on Miss Scarlett and her housemaid’s delivery of Melanie’s baby?”
“Actually, I think I have the characters beat.”
“Seriously? Are you telling me that during the last week, you helped out with a delivery?”
Annabel tilted her head and smiled. “I did the delivery. It was awesome. I happened to be at the right place at the right time. Now, if I’d had a bad outcome, I would have never wanted to stumble into it. No one was around when this patient’s infant was at the doorstep, so to speak, but it all worked out.”
“That’s crazy. Congratulations. I guess we’re so busy that we sometimes don’t communicate the most dramatic aspects of our week with phone calls or texting.”
“Which is understandable.” She faced him. “Don’t forget I can’t stay over tonight because of the lecture I’m giving in the morning.”
“I assumed that. But you’re still letting me take you out later, right?”
“I’m wearing Sunday-like clothes for our date.”
“Which look great on you, by the way.”
She glanced at the front door. “How’s Solar going to react to Oliver?”
“Let’s go find out.”
Dustin swung the door open and they trotted in straight to the kitchen. Oliver wiggled back and forth with his nose to the hardwood floor.
From above, Solar spotted the dog and let out a screech. He bobbed his head like he was going to hammer on Oliver’s head with his beak. The parrot screeched again and the dog jumped back and eyed the strange bird, which was inside the house instead of outside where birds belonged.
Oliver rumbled out a low “woof.”
Annabel squatted and put his face in her hands. “It’s okay, Oliver. It’s only a bird.”
“Hush, Solar,” Dustin said. “Oliver is a dog like you see on television. He’s your friend.”
Solar stopped bobbing but pranced across his perch. “Friend.”
“Oliver. You can call him ‘Oliver.’”
“Oliver,” Solar mimicked but screeched again.
“That was for good measure, wasn’t it, buddy? You’re making sure Oliver knows who’s boss. You’re the top bird. Don’t worry.”
Annabel laughed and petted Oliver, who finally peeled his eyes away from the parrot and nestled against her.
Dustin kept from laughing. “Can I fix you a sandwich or anything?”
“No thanks. I just had a big breakfast and I’ll hold off until we go to this restaurant you’re keen on.”
“That’s a deal.” He put his arms around her shoulders and they both kissed. “We’ve had an exciting week. Want to relax on the couch and resume the movie?”
“Exciting? I wouldn’t characterize your concussion as exciting.”
“All right then, Dr. Tilson.”
“But the relaxing part sounds wonderful.”
Dustin dumped a bag of kettle corn popcorn into a bowl and poured two iced teas. Annabel folded her legs beside her and leaned into him on the couch. He pressed the “resume” button on the infamous movie. Scarlett O’Hara and Prissy were still in a state of flux over Melanie’s imminent baby.
“Last time,” Dustin said, “you were worried because you didn’t ‘know nothin' 'bout birthin' babies.’ What a difference a week can make.”
Annabel erupted with a smile. “You know, I’m still experiencing an afterglow. It was way cool.”
“Are you considering obstetrics as a specialty?”
“I still don’t know. So far, I liked each rotation. Well, now I like OB, but I didn’t like it at the beginning of the week!”
She glanced back at the kitchen because Oliver had not joined them. The dog still seemed curious about Solar, who was also interested in the dog. She tapped Dustin to peek at them. Solar flexed his neck at Oliver. “What’s your problem?” he said.
As Atlanta still burned and a baby was coming, they both chuckled at the entertainment behind them.
CHAPTER 30
“Table for two,” Dustin said.
The maître d’ scooped up two menus and led him and Annabel to a table adjacent to a partition. “There’s a noisy school reunion on the other side.”
Dustin eyed the linen tablecloth and napkins and the fact that there were few people on their side next to the bar. A couple and one woman sat on barstools and were drinking, eating, or watching the muted television screen. On second glance, a tiny vase adorned the table with a single rose.
“This may be perfect,” Dustin said with a questioning look at Annabel.
She nodded, didn’t wait, and slipped into the chair beside her. Dustin sat across from her facing the front of the restaurant, which was the way he always wanted it. He gathered she remembered that about him and it was now second nature for her to oblige him.
“Your server will be here in a moment,” the head waiter said as he handed them the menus. He unfolded Annabel’s napkin, extended it to her for her lap, and then turned.
Annabel studied her menu, but Dustin gave his cursory glances. He was nervous. His heart pitter-pattered like a school boy with a first-love crush. This was the first time ever in his life that he was taking the plunge at a huge commitment with a female. One for life. If she would have him, of course.
After being overly analytical at first, trying to make the decision after Sean had initiated the “marriage” conversation, and after buying the engagement ring, he finally let go of his pondering and scrutinizing of details, and was ready to ask her the big question. After all, the worst that could happen was that she said no. But that would be hard to swallow too. He slid his hand into the pocket of his trousers, as if reassuring himself that the time was ripe to pop the question, he let his fingers settle and let go of the smooth box with the diamond ring.
Annabel crossed her legs under the table and bumped into him, causing him to startle.
“You’re jumpy,” she said. “I hope you’re not reliving memories of your recent encounter at the diner or your terrible car accident.”
“No. Sorry about that.”
She grinned. “I am tickled to death that we’re sitting here and left a dog and a parrot together in the same house after they just met. Your house may be full of surprises when we go back and I pick up Oliver.”
“Ha. Oliver is still a child in human terms and Solar is a wise ass. You’re right. I’d better not think about them and spoil this romantic afternoon.”
“It is romantic. Thank you for bringing me to this place.”
“I’m your waiter this afternoon. My name is Chris.” A man with a black short-sleeved shirt and dark trousers poured ice water into their glasses. He wore a red mustache and one earring. “Are there any questions about the menu?”
“How is the salmon and cheese grits?” Annabel asked.
“Excellent. With grilled asparagus, you won’t be disappointed.”
She handed him her menu and nodded.
“I’ll have a medium cooked ribeye with the same sides,” Dustin said.
“And may I bring you anything else to drink?”
“I’m good,” Annabel said.
“I’ll have one of those Tennessee Calfkiller beers,” Dustin said.
The waiter tipped his head and left.
“Glad to see you’re patronizing a craft beer from my state,” she said.
“Sure thing. I have yet to spend much time there. Maybe you can take me down there and show me the sights.”
“That would be fun. We can start with a honky-tonk weekend in Nashville.”
Dustin’s heart rate and rhythm settled down into a much easier pace. They were talking about plans together and this gave him comfort that she saw at least a near future with him. His proposal, he had decided, should come after dinner, around the time to order or eat the scrumptious dessert she liked.
Annabel was talking about the nightly constant party atmosphere on downtown Broadway in Nashville. He got a kick more with how stunning she looked and the enthusiasm she emanated for her home town. Perhaps it wouldn’t be too long before he met her family. The little she mentioned about them … they sounded like a thoroughly interesting cast of characters.
Chris appeared from Dustin’s side of the table and put down their entrees. “Be careful, the plates are hot. Is there anything else I can get either of you?”
Annabel and Dustin shook their heads. “Bon appetit,” he said.
After sampling her meal, Annabel rolled her eyes. “I’m glad I didn’t order grits at breakfast. I ordered pancakes and eggs. These can’t be topped.”
“Where’d you go?”
“Just up the block. Bob and I ate there since he brought over Oliver.”
Dustin let the tremor of jealousy pass. It would be stupid to react that way, he thought. Jealousy was a trait he saw in many men he booked for domestic abuse. They were the controlling types, domineering and possessive of their girlfriends or wives. He was levelheaded, and as far as he knew, she and Bob were tight friends with their mutual studies in common and a source of support for each other. He would need to totally accept Bob as a part of Annabel’s life.
“That was nice of him to bring Oliver over. You two are apparently off to a fine start sharing him.”
“Yes, I think so and I hope so.”
The maître d’ sauntered in for a second and pointed to the bar. A man in his early to mid-thirties with an average build thanked him and, walking with a limp, chose a stool not too far across from their table. He checked out his surroundings and his chin had a noticeable scar. Dustin gave the man a fleeting thought … his limp and scar might be the result of something innocent, from police work, or perhaps he did military service in Afghanistan.
The man turned his head purposefully a second time, barely giving Dustin a glance. He leaned to the side. Dustin wasn’t sure, but the man seemed to show a glint of recognition as he studied Annabel from the side. The bartender handed him a menu and, after he ordered, he peered over at her again with his hand partly covering his face.
Despite the jitters that were starting to resurface in Dustin’s stomach, he ate most of his steak.
“I think the two of us brought a healthy appetite,” Annabel said to their waiter as he picked up their plates. “But why we’re really here is for your carrot cake.”
“Then I don’t have to ask you if you’re having dessert,” the young man retorted. “Shall I bring two and will you be drinking coffee?”
“Do you want to split a piece of cake?” she asked Dustin.
“Yes. For such an important date, it would be more memorable to share.”
“All our dates are important.” She looked up. “We’ll share one piece and I’ll take decaf, please.”
“I’ll take the real caffeine.”
The waiter nodded and strolled off.
Dustin wrapped his fingers around the ring case in his pocket. His pulse quickened and he realized he should use the restroom after the beer and water he drank. He would be a lot more comfortable without a full bladder diverting his attention.
The man at the bar finished his beer as well as an appetizer of shrimp cocktail. Another beer was placed in front of him on the fine wooden counter, but he stepped down and gently limped past their table.
Dustin rose. “Give me a moment to run to the restroom. I do have something important to ask you.” He smiled and tilted his head.
“I’ll be here.” She wondered about his question. “But, no, you can’t borrow Oliver to keep Solar company.”
Dustin laughed, turned, and headed to the men’s room. He pushed the door and stepped in. The man from the bar stood at a middle urinal and Dustin stood two over as he unzipped his fly. An air of hesitancy hung over them, as if they both had something to say.
Dustin was curious why the man gave Annabel a double-take, but he spoke up using a different tactic. “I hope your limp isn’t from a war injury.”
The man finished his stream. “It’s my take-home souvenir from Afghanistan. What about you? Serve any time?”
“That was slightly before my time, so I missed it. Thank you for your service. I do, however, try to give back to society because I’m a police officer.”
The man nodded. “I don’t do anything near as important now. I’m a financial consultant in Louisville. Come up the Ohio on my boat every couple of weekends. I know the right places to eat.” He zipped up his fly.
“The boating sounds like fun. Your job doesn’t sound too bad either, especially since you’re a bit disabled.”
“Yeah, the boat is a blessing. Did you meet your date on the Findar app? I’m pretty sure I know her, so I might stop by and say hello.”
Dustin began pulling up his zipper and almost caught his skin. “Really? Are you saying that you met her on the dating app? My date with her isn’t over yet today, but how long ago did you date her?”
Both men went to the sink and the man contemplated. “I don’t know … six, not more than twelve months ago. Yes, we stumbled on each other through the dating site. As a matter of fact, she did come on board my Hannah .. my boat, which I dock on the Kentucky side of the river when I come up here.”
“That must have been fun. You gave her a ride?”
“No,” he said, looking down for a moment. “We ate at the marina and then she stayed on board. We had a great night. She left early in the morning for her graduate work.”
Dustin caught his breath. He wished he had not heard this. No, actually he was glad he did. He was aware when he started dating her that she’d been up to a little risky behavior, but maybe it was more than he ever figured. This was the woman he was about to propose to. He took a big gulp.
The man sensed Dustin’s discomfort. “If you’re really going to date her, don’t get me wrong. She seems smart and like a good person. I can’t blame her too much for finding men on the social app because I was using it for a while as well … looking for women. My wife died and it kind of filled a void.”
The both men finished washing over the sinks and shook hands. “By the way, I’m Dustin.”
“And I’m Jerry.”
“If you don’t mind,” Dustin said, “I’ll head out first. Feel free to say hello to her, but I’m staying out of it. I have a lot to think about.”
“Good luck, buddy, and be careful with your police work.”
-----
Dustin felt absolutely awful. As nervous and as elated he had been over asking Annabel to marry him, he was now despondent and unsure. Each footstep back to their dinner t
able lingered like an eternity as he tried to grasp her rendezvous one-night stand with Jerry. His own history of sexual encounters was nowhere close to hers. He’d gone to bed in the past with two women he hardly knew, but even then, they had dated once or twice. And he certainly didn’t meet them through swiping left or right on an iPhone.
He dug down into his pocket and put his thumb and index finger around the velvet case with the engagement ring. No. Not today. Not this week. Not this month. He couldn’t ask her. He needed to think some more about this.
Why the dichotomy? Hell, her studying medicine and helping people; her fine manners and personality; her thoughtfulness and intelligence; they were in glaring contrast to her risky dating behavior.
Yet, this modern app service was spreading like wild fire and he’d read how common it was, including the quick hook-up sexual flings that were understood beforehand by some of the parties. He arrived at their table, so he had to dismiss his introspection of the situation. His mind was made up … there would be no marriage proposal today. He shoved the box as deep as he could into the recess of his hip pocket.
Annabel looked up at him with a grin and held a fork in her hand. “I couldn’t wait, but I only took one bite.”
He joined her and she handed him a utensil. He had no appetite now for the carrot cake, but took a bite. “It is as moist and scrumptious as before. You may eat most of it in lieu of my being such a gentleman.”
“You are, Dustin. You have many fine qualities and that’s one of them.” Her eyes took a double take beyond Dustin and Jerry paused beside them.
“I thought I recognized you,” Jerry said. “Annabel, correct?”
“Yes,” she stumbled, her pulse quickening. “Jerry, right?”
“Yes.”
“You gave me your financial consulting business card. I kept it.”
“Here.” He dug for his wallet in his back pocket. “This is for your friend too. Even if either of you don’t need financial planning now, some day you might.” He handed Dustin his card. “Nice seeing you again, Annabel.”