Intentional

by MK Harkins

  “Jeremy?” I ask.

  She looks as if her patience is about to snap. “Yes, Jeremy. What did you do? Were you flirting with him? He was asking all kinds of questions about you today.”

  I’m trying to discern why she’s so upset. “No, I just met him briefly before we went to lunch. Remember? He was the one who brought me to your office. That’s the only time I saw him.”

  I can’t help it—I feel excited that he was asking about me.

  Sarah replies forcefully, “Mattie, listen to me—you have to stay away from him. He is the biggest player in Sedona, maybe anywhere! He has the worst reputation around. You remember Evan? Do you want to end up heartbroken again? You have to promise me that you won’t get involved with this guy. Okay?”

  The last thing I want to do is get caught up with some player, but Jeremy, oh, he stirs something in me. If he asks me out, can I possibly refuse?

  “I just don’t know, Sarah.”

  Sarah looks back at me. She’s fuming. “I said I don’t want you to go near him.”

  A thought crosses my mind. “Sarah, do you like Jeremy? Is that why you’re so adamant about my not seeing him?”

  She laughs. “Of course not! Why would I want to get involved with someone like that? I’m not an idiot. You can ask around—everyone knows! He gets bored and he’s off to the next girl. Believe me, you don’t want to be another notch on his belt.”

  I’m so disappointed. I haven’t felt this strongly for anyone this quickly probably ever. “Okay, Sarah. You win. You’re right—I don’t want to feel the way I did when Evan cheated on me. I don’t need another player in my life.”

  Sarah looks relieved. “Good. He asked for your number. I told him I would have to ask you first. I’ll just let him know that you aren’t interested.”

  I nod, feeling dejected. I can’t believe that I actually still want to go out with him after everything she’s told me. Or do I?

  I remember Evan all too clearly. We dated for almost a year in college. He had me totally convinced that he was sincere, that he loved me. I thought I might love him, too, until I found out he cheated on me with Melissa Hartwell. That was the worst part of it. Why her? What made her so special?

  At the time, I thought it was because she was easy and I wasn’t. I wanted to wait to start a physical relationship until I was sure I was ready. At first, after I found out about his cheating, I was kicking myself. Why hadn’t I just given in?

  Now I realize that I am lucky it happened the way it did. I could have “put out,” and it probably would have ended just like it did anyway. The only difference would have been that I would have felt a whole lot cheaper.

  I’m so glad that it was Sarah who caught Evan in the act, and not me. I don’t think I could ever have gotten that image out of my brain. Evan called me for months, denying it, denying everything. Talk about adding insult to injury. First he cheats, and then he lies. After that experience, I knew I needed to be more careful with my heart. I really trusted Evan. I will not let that happen to me again.

  Jeremy

  I hear Sarah’s response: “Nope, she’s not interested.” I look at her in disbelief. It’s not that I think I’m all that great, but I really felt a connection with Mattie.

  I try to hide my disappointment. “Did she give you a reason?”

  Sarah shakes her head. “Nothing in particular. She just said that she wasn’t interested in dating. She just started a new business, and she’s wrapped up in that.”

  I ask, “What kind of business?”

  Sarah pauses, as if she’s considering her answer. “Just a design business. I don’t think she wants you to contact her. She said thanks, but no thanks. Sorry, Jeremy. Don’t you already have a girlfriend anyway?”

  I’m taken aback. “Of course not! I wouldn’t be asking for Mattie’s number if I had a girlfriend. Why would you think that?”

  She smiles. “I just heard things, you know. Maybe it’s just office gossip, but people seem to think that you’re always with someone.”

  I wonder what she’s implying. She’s Mattie’s roommate, and I don’t want to get on her bad side, so I let it go. “Okay, thanks anyway, Sarah. I guess I’ll throw in the towel.”

  I say the words, but I don’t mean them. I haven’t dated anyone for almost three months. If office gossip is preventing Mattie from saying yes to a date with me, I’m going to find out exactly what she’s been told. Hopefully, I’ll be able to clear up any misconceptions.

  I’ve called every interior-design business in Sedona, with no luck. I know I can’t ask Sarah about it; for some reason, I think she might be the cause of Mattie’s reluctance to go out with me. I’m mulling over other possibilities—fashion design, perhaps architecture?

  I look online, trying to spark an idea. I come across graphic design. That seems like a real possibility. Now I just need to find out if there are any new listings. I call information, and, yes, there is a new listing for Sedona Graphic Design. I ask for the address. Whoever owns this business isn’t too far from my house. I’ll go check it out after work tonight.

  I’m feeling nervous as I park next to the graphic-design building. I try to calm myself; this might not even be where Mattie works. I can feel my body tense as I get out of the car. What am I doing? I must really like this girl, because I have never done anything remotely like this.

  I walk through the front entrance of Sedona Graphic Design and look around, taking in the scene before me. It’s her—I’ve found Mattie. She’s sitting on the floor, her hair is mussed up, she’s wearing sweats and a T-shirt, and she’s leaning over some pictures of a water park. She takes my breath away—she’s stunning.

  Mattie

  I hear the bell chime as someone enters the office. I’m sitting on the floor with a big mess surrounding me. I couldn’t decide which pictures I’m going to use for the water-park ad, so I decided to spread them around me, thinking I’d get a better perspective. I’m wearing my usual disgusting sweats and T-shirt because I’m not expecting any clients today. I look up from my work, startled.

  My heart skips a beat as I look at the person coming through the door. Oh no—it’s Jeremy! My first instinct is to run and hide somewhere. I can’t believe I’ve been caught looking like this! I can’t do anything about it, though, so I decide to man—uh, woman—up and deal with it.

  “Hi. May I help you?”

  Jeremy has a huge smile on his face. “Hi, Mattie. It’s good to see you again.”

  I smile back—I can’t help it. “It’s nice to see you too, Jeremy.”

  He walks over and sits down next to me cross-legged, just like I’m sitting. “Um, aren’t you worried about your suit?” The floor is a mess, and he’s probably wearing a thousand-dollar suit.

  “Nope, not at all,” he responds, still smiling. He asks, “So, what are you doing with this?” He points to the pictures I’ve scattered about.

  I’m really confused. Why is he here? I decide to just go ahead and answer him. “Well, I’m working on an ad campaign to launch a new water park that’s opening up next month. It’s about a thirty-minute drive from here.”

  He looks interested. “The pictures look great. I have a few nephews who would love something like this. Do you have a flyer I can give to my sister?”

  I get up and go over to my desk. “Sure, here you go.” I hand him one of the flyers I’ve prepared.

  Jeremy is looking at me intently; he hesitates and says, “You know, I have another question I want to ask you.” This is what I was afraid of. What will I say? He looks at me nervously; I notice him rubbing his hands on the side of his pants. Are his palms sweaty? I know mine are.

  He clears his throat. He looks so sweet, it’s hard to believe that he’s the player that Sarah has described. “I know that you didn’t want to give me your number, but I’m just wondering why.”

  This is majorly uncomfortable. How do I answer this? Do I go for the truth? He looks so vulnerable standing in front of me, waiting for my
answer. I decide to answer him with a partial truth.

  “It’s just that I didn’t think it would be a good idea to go out with anyone from Sarah’s work. If things didn’t work out, it might be uncomfortable for her.” There. I said it.

  He looks thoughtful for a moment. “That’s a better reason than what I thought you were going to say. I was worried that you had heard some untrue rumors about me.”

  Did I just hear him correctly? Untrue? I decide to investigate. “What are the rumors you thought I heard?” I ask.

  “That I had a girlfriend or something. I don’t have one—a girlfriend, I mean. Actually, I haven’t been out on a date for almost three months.”

  I can’t help the look of surprise on my face. Jeremy laughs. “I knew it! Mattie, what did you hear? Can you please tell me?”

  This is great news. Sarah is usually accurate with information, since she’s an attorney and all. I’m so glad she’s wrong. I answer, “This is a little embarrassing, but part of the reason I didn’t want Sarah to give you my number was that I was led to believe that you were a serial dater.”

  He looks relieved. “I know Sarah is probably just looking out for you, but she’s got it all wrong. Sure, I’ve had a few girlfriends, but nothing serious. I’ve been so busy with work lately, I haven’t had time for anything.” I nod, considering his answer.

  He looks at me hopefully. “So, have I changed your mind?”

  I answer with a question of my own: “I have a question for you first. How did you find me?”

  I see an unknown emotion flicker cross his face. I’m trying to figure out what it is, when he answers, “I had to do a little research.”

  That’s interesting. “What type of research?”

  He clears his throat. “Internet. I looked up your business.”

  I know Sarah didn’t give him the address. I place my hands on my hips. “Continue, please. How did you know about my business, because I’m pretty sure Sarah didn’t tell you about it.”

  He smiles and looks a little bit uncomfortable. “She gave me enough.”

  I consider his response. He must have gone to some trouble to track me down. “You pretty much get what you want, don’t you?”

  He looks at me with a sheepish grin. “Yes, I do.” I feel my heart start to accelerate. Darn this attraction. I love a man with confidence.

  He continues, “To be honest, I can’t remember wanting anything as much as I do this.” He’s pointing back and forth between us. That does it. I’m melting.

  He’s waiting for me to answer. I need to stop and consider this. Can I handle this? I already know this guy is way out of my league. He’s older and more experienced. He knows what he wants and goes after it. I’m drawn to him, and I want to run like hell.

  “Why? I mean, why me?” I ask.

  He laughs. “I could give you lots of reasons. The bigger question is, why not?”

  Jeremy

  I’m literally begging this woman to go out with me. I have never had to go to such lengths before. I have to admit that the women I usually date make it easy for me. Most of the time, it’s they who ask me out and sometimes even plan the dates.

  There’s something about Mattie that’s different. I feel energized and alive when I’m around her. I want to get to know her. This feeling is uncomfortable, but I like it.

  I’m waiting for her answer. I’m sweating and my heart is pounding. What is she doing to me? I can’t take the suspense. “Well?” I ask.

  Mattie smiles brightly at me. “Okay. Why not?”

  We plan the date for the upcoming weekend. I can’t remember a time when I’ve looked forward to something so much. We’ve decided on a movie and dinner. I’m picking her up at 4:00 p.m. so we can make the 4:30 p.m. show.

  When I pull up to the curb, I notice Mattie sitting on the porch steps of her house. This is a good sign—she’s all ready to go. I notice her glancing back at the house as she walks out to the car to greet me. She’s wearing casual clothes: jeans and a white T-shirt with a yellow sweater. Her dark hair is pulled into a loose ponytail, showcasing her beautiful features. She looks good—no, make that great.

  She approaches me and starts to smile. “Can I ask you a favor?”

  “Sure,” I respond.

  “Do you mind if we change things up tonight? I’ve been inside all day, working on design projects, and it would be great to get some fresh air. I haven’t been to Oak Creek Canyon yet. Have you been there?”

  This is a welcome surprise; I haven’t been to the canyon in ages. “Yes. It’s one of my favorite hikes. We should have a few hours of daylight left. Are you sure?”

  She looks so excited. “Really? It’s okay with you? This will be so fun—I’ve wanted to go since we’ve moved here. I just haven’t been able to talk anyone into going with me.”

  This is perfect. I knew from the start that Mattie wasn’t a typical girl.

  We stop at a nearby Chinese restaurant and order takeout for our hike. Once we get to one of the trailheads, I park the car and grab a blanket from my trunk. We wind our way down the path to the creek, carting the blanket and the delicious-smelling Chinese food.

  We settle in right next to the creek and get comfortable, preparing to enjoy our meal. Luckily, we’ve made it just in time for the sunset.

  I look over at Mattie. This is the first time I get to really study her. The red and purple hues from the disappearing sun are reflecting on her face. I look closer and see a smattering of freckles across her nose that I haven’t noticed before. “You’ve got freckles!” I exclaim hastily.

  Mattie’s cheeks start to flush. I quickly add, “They’re adorable. I love them!” Dear God, did I just say adorable?

  Mattie is covering her face, laughing. “I usually cover them with makeup. These freckles haven’t seen the light of day for months. If there was a procedure to remove them, I’d be first in line.”

  I try to rebound. “That would be a shame. You are a natural beauty. I don’t think you should ever cover them up.”

  She smiles shyly. “Thanks.” I notice her shifting uncomfortably.

  Mattie looks at her chopsticks with hesitation. “So, do you know how to operate these chopstick things?”

  I’m surprised. “You’ve never tried to eat with chopsticks before?”

  She laughs. “I’ve only seen other people use them. They can’t be too hard, right?”

  I watch as she tries to maneuver her chopsticks over her plate of food. I can’t help laughing as she drops most her kung pao chicken on her lap. She looks up at me with an embarrassed smile.

  “Did they happen to pack forks in there?” she asks. I look in the bag and hand her a fork. “Thanks. I think I’ll practice my chopstick skills another time.”

  “I can give you a lesson anytime you want. I’ve been to China a few times, so I have the technique mastered.”

  Mattie’s face brightens. “China? I’ve always wanted to go. I would love to see the Great Wall. Did you see it when you went?”

  I nod. “Yes, it was quite an experience. I would love to go back.”

  Mattie looks at me with interest. “Have you traveled to any other countries?”

  I answer, “Too many even to remember. My parents own a chain of antique stores, so my sister and I would travel extensively with them for their business.”

  “That’s so interesting. I’d love to hear all about your childhood.”

  I pause. I really don’t want to talk about my childhood right now, especially on a first date. My mind scrambles to change the subject. I try hard to cover my expression as I say, “No, ladies first.”

  Mattie looks pleased. “Really? What do you want to know?”

  I answer, “Everything.”

  She cocks an eyebrow at me. “All the boring details, huh?”

  I look into her beautiful blue eyes and answer honestly: “Nothing about you could be boring.”

  Mattie tells me all about her family and growing up. She moved around quite a bit b
ecause of her dad’s job until she was in fourth grade. They finally settled in Chelsea, Massachusetts. She met her roommate, Sarah, when they were both ten.

  Mattie moved to Sedona because of Sarah’s new job working for my firm. I say to Mattie, “Well, that was the best hiring decision I’ve ever made.” I watch as her cheeks turn pink again. I love that color.

  I have to ask: “Mattie, are you telling me that you moved across the country for Sarah?”

  “Yes, I did.” She continues, “I told her to pick the best offer and I would go wherever she went. I can pretty much start my business from anywhere in the US. Most of the work I do is computer related. I only rented out the storefront for a little extra exposure, but I really don’t need it to get my business off the ground.”

  I’m amazed. “You are a really loyal person, aren’t you?”

  She looks introspective for a moment. “I’ve never thought about it that way. I’m sure Sarah would do the same for me. When my family finally settled down in Chelsea, I was so happy having a friend I could keep for longer than a year. I really value friendship, probably because I didn’t have a lasting one for so long. I think I grabbed on to Sarah from the start and haven’t let go.”

  We continue to talk well into the twilight hours. Over the course of the evening, we share our stories, our likes and dislikes, our favorite colors, and the things that make us laugh. I could sit out here all night. I know I have a ton of work to do tomorrow, but right now I don’t care. I’m astonished by the thought that Mattie has totally captivated me.

  I’ve been consumed with work for years, building up my practice, excluding almost everything else around me. All of my previous relationships have been short, in part because of my work ethic. I’ve never met anyone before who has made me rethink things. I know there is more to life—and I think I’m looking at the reason: Mattie. This date couldn’t be going better.

  We lie comfortably on the blanket to look up at the stars. This is so peaceful. I feel content. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt this way. I know part of it is our surroundings, but most of it is Mattie. I really enjoy her company. She’s amazing to look at, but there is something very natural and unique about her personality. I’ve never met anyone like her. I look over at her anxiously. I have to ask now, before I lose my nerve: “So, do you think you’d want to see me again?”