“Were you always this defensive with your boyfriend?” Dr. Adams asked. “Men don’t want to feel like their second best. If you want to get to “I do” you have to change your frame of mind or it will never happen.”
“Well, then. I guess I’m not ready to be married.” Holly sat up straight and composed, refusing to let the doctor win this battle. “Not right now anyway.”
Gwen gestured to the crowd and said, “There you have it, folks.”
“Sweetie, you just admitted your problem—Matthew is marriage material and you’re not. He wasn’t a fit for you,” Dr. Adams said, grinning like a slick fox.
“Holly, what are you going to do differently when the next guy comes along?” Gwen asked.
“I really don’t think she should be in a relationship until she can commit one-hundred percent of her time,” Dr. Adams said.
“Maybe when the right guy comes along, I’ll make some adjustments in my life, but only when I feel it’s the right time to open my heart again.”
“Very good. That’s what we like to hear,” Gwen said. “Let’s give her a round of applause everyone.”
Holly sat back down next to Don, feeling as though the wind had been knocked out of her. Mentally, it was as if she had taken a beating for nothing.
“That was awesome,” Don said with an ecstatic smile. “Didn’t you just love it?”
Love it? The more appropriate word was loathed, especially after being put on the spot like that, no thanks to him.
***
After that rather gut-wrenching meeting had adjourned, Holly was ready to have a frank talk with Dr. Adams.
“I need to speak with you privately,” Holly whispered in the doctor’s ear. She realized she would have to break Cat away from the conversation she was having with one of her hard-core followers.
“Excuse me just a moment,” Cat said to her older female fan. “Is this about our session today, Holly?”
“No. It’s about the experiment.”
Before Holly could get another word in, Don dashed across the room and butted in like an intrusive neighbor. He never missed a beat when it came to getting a moment of the doctor’s time.
“Cat, I have to tell you that the session tonight blew me away,” Don said, nearly groveling at her feet. “Your lessons have changed my life.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” the doctor said with an appreciative smile.
“You really are one of the savviest eighty-year olds I’ve ever met. I––”
“Holly, let’s take our conversation in my office, shall we?” Dr. Adams said, cutting Don off.
“Oh okay,” Don replied with a disappointed look, like that of a child whose mother had just told him she was too busy to play. “I have to get home anyway. Thanks for tonight, Cat. See you around Holly.”
Cat’s office reminded Holly of a dark and depressing lair. The doctor never cared to open the blinds and let any sunshine in. The room was unnaturally silent and smelled musty, like an old church.
Dr. Adams took a seat at her desk and switched on a lamp. “So what do you need?”
“I can’t go through with this experiment,” Holly replied, taking a seat in front of her.
“Must I remind you about the dozens of comments you received on your blog in regards to the last date? Not to mention, sales have already shot up by at least ten percent.”
“I know. That’s great for you, but I don’t think it’s worth subjecting myself to such humiliation.”
“The date didn’t kill you did it?”
“No, but it was pure hell,” Holly retorted.
“Not every date is going to be a nightmare, Holly.” Cat somehow had to convince the woman that it would all be worthwhile in the end. Holly was the only one who could pull it off. Big things were in the works and she couldn’t lose her. “You haven’t even given this experiment a chance. The Holly I know isn’t a quitter.”
Holly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Look, I’m sure there are nice guys out there, but this game isn’t for me.”
“So you’re willing to give up a million because of one lousy date?” Dr. Adams asked, booting up her computer.
“As you already know, I’m not hurting for money, so yes.”
“Does it even cross your mind to think of all the followers you’ll be disappointing? People who basically worship the ground you walk on right now?”
“Come on, worship me?” Holly said with a roll of her eyes. “That’s a little bit of an exaggeration don’t you think?”
Cat logged onto Holly’s blog and read one of the new comments aloud, “Holly, I commend you for doing this experiment. It puts many of those online dating rumors to rest. I look forward to waking up in the morning and reading about your latest adventure, good or bad (probably bad) Best of luck. Lynn from Texas.”
“I had no idea anyone really cared that much.”
“You see, you have the power to change people’s lives, Holly.”
Change people’s lives? Could I have that much influence? “I, I…guess I’d be willing to give it another shot.”
“Atta-girl.”
***
On the day of Jackie’s first official date with Josh, Holly had her come by the office beforehand. Jackie was practically beaming. By strict order of the club, she had only talked to Josh on the phone, so the anticipation of their first date was high. Jackie had shown up wearing sweats, with her hair twisted into a knot that looked soft and messy. Holly found this odd first date attire.
“Okay, remember to try and not make it look so obvious that I’m coaching you through this date,” Holly said as she slipped an ear bud into Jackie’s small, delicate ear. “If he gets up and walks away for a moment, that’s the best time to talk to me.”
Chris finished taping a wire inside of Jackie’s shirt. “And when you’re comfortable enough to go through the date by yourself, Holly will cut off all communication with you.”
“Wow. I feel like I’m in on some sort of sting, like a drug bust or something,” Jackie said with a giggle.
Holly raised her eyebrows in agreement and admitted, “Sometimes first dates can be that nerve-racking.”
“Okay, you’re all set. Are you excited?” Chris asked as he stood back and made sure that Jackie had no wires exposed.
Jackie was practically giddy. “Yes, very.”
“Where is he taking you?” Holly asked. “I mean, I’m surprised to see you dressed in sweats. Should I be worried?”
“We’re going for a hike at Griffith Park and then he’s taking me to Angelini Osteria restaurant for dinner.”
Holly nodded her head in approval and said, “Oh! Very chic.”
“I’m just curious about one thing. I’m obviously going to change after the hike, so what do we do about the wiring?”
“I’m sure everything will go smoothly, but if need be, you can come back to the office and we’ll take care of it,” Holly said.
“Remember to just be yourself and stay on neutral subjects,” Chris explained. “No talking about sex, politics or religion.”
“And if he brings up sex, it’s an automatic deal breaker,” Holly mentioned.
“Okay. Duly noted.” Jackie grabbed her purse and headed toward the front door. “I’m seriously ready to do this. Wish me luck.”
***
Josh White waited patiently on a bench at Griffith Park. He was dressed in a form-fitting white t-shirt, black Adias sweats and running shoes. A 49ers cap covered his eyes. He lit up like a human torch when he finally saw the vision of what was Jackie Meyer walking toward him.
“Jackie, wow…you…you… look stunning.”
As they hugged, Jackie drank in his heavenly scent of cologne mixed with spearmint gum.
“He didn’t use the word, “hot.” That’s a true sign of a gentleman,” Holly said.
Jackie looked down at herself and said, “Stunning? Even in these old sweat pants? Thanks.” In her eyes, Josh was physically off the charts. With all those musc
les twisting and wrapping around his arms, it was a wonder how she was able to contain herself.
“So are you ready for an endurance work-out hike?” he asked.
“Ready to get sweaty,” Jackie said as they began making their way to the trails. “Let’s do this.”
“Oh, she’s a poet and didn’t even know it,” Josh teased. “Well, I can say that I am impressed. Most women wouldn’t be too keen on sweating up a storm, especially on a first date.”
Jackie waved the comment off. “Nah. I’m a very low maintenance type of girl. I was raised in Tennessee, so I like hunt’ in and fish’ in just as much as the next guy.”
“Well, I don’t see how you could get any more beautiful, but after our hike, I’ll let you go freshen up and then I’ll pick you up for dinner later tonight. How does that sound?”
She gave him the thumbs up sign and said, “Perfect.”
In silence, the two began trekking through undeveloped areas of the park where the terrain became rather rugged.
“Start asking him questions. Remember—if you want this to go anywhere you have to act like you’re interested in everything he has to say,” Holly commented.
“So what’s a typical day like for a personal trainer to the stars?” Jackie asked as they hiked through grassy inclines full of ice plant and darting lizards.
“I pretty much make my own hours. I’ll have agents of celebs call and tell me that they need my help getting their client in shape for an upcoming event. Then I’ll spend at least four hours a day with that person.”
This topic was an instant icebreaker, leading to a conversation about their careers and how much they both loved what they did.
“So I was in Cannes for the film festival this year,” Josh mentioned as they reached the top of the mountain. The path continued down the other side where the view was miraculous. To the east was the plush green valley. They rested briefly to take in the view and then pushed on.
“You’re kidding? So was I. Maybe we bumped into each other and didn’t know it,” Jackie said.
“No. I think I would have remembered your beautiful face.”
Jackie blushed like a schoolgirl. “Awe.”
“I tell no lies.”
“Look at this view––amazing,” Jackie commented, gazing down into a valley that sparkled in the sun. She breathed in the fresh air that was perfumed with the scent of blooming lilacs. A few spots of white clouds decorated the clear blue sky.
“So I have a little surprise for you.” Josh shot her a sexy grin. “It’s sort of like a prize for completing this vigorous hike.”
“Oh? What kind of a prize?”
“Well, I always reward my clients after a hard day’s work out.”
Jackie turned around to find a picnic basket that was almost hidden by some overgrown brush, set up on a blanket just a few feet from where they were standing. A wine bottle was poking out. Josh opened the basket, which was brimming with gourmet cheeses, cold meats, fruit and bread.
Stupefied, Jackie said, “You totally had this all planned out, didn’t you?”
Josh shrugged and smiled like a man who was pleased with himself.
“Well, you don’t need my help anymore, Jackie. You two are going to do just fine. Come by the office tomorrow and let me know how it went.”
***
When Jackie arrived at the office the next day, boy, did this girl have a glow about her. It was as if she was smiling from the inside out.
“Well, from the looks of you, things went pretty well last night,” Holly said.
Jackie took a seat in front of Holly’s desk and sighed like a woman in love. She was wearing a white summer dress trimmed with lace at the neckline. “The entire evening was just perfect.”
“So was he a gentleman the whole night? Be honest with me. I have to know these things.”
“Oh yeah. He was almost too good to be true. He wouldn’t even kiss me––said he wanted to wait until at least our second date.”
“Wow. I’m impressed. Does that mean he asked you out for a second date?”
“Yes. We’re already planning it.”
Holly looked down at her notes and tapped her pen against a pad of paper. “Well, I talked to Josh earlier today. Although he wouldn’t really elaborate on anything that happened last night, it sounds to me like he really likes you.”
“I really, really like him too,” Jackie said, extremely over joyed by this news. “I can’t thank you enough for helping me find him.”
“Hey, as long as you’re happy, I’m happy. Keep me in the loop and if it doesn’t work out or you decide that you want to see other people, you know where to find me.”
***
It turned out to be a perfect night. Madelyn’s sons were staying overnight with their father, so Holly planned to take full advantage of the peace and quiet. After work, she came home and sprawled out on her couch, immediately immersing herself with her new tablet. She was getting caught up on reading email inquiries on Dr. Adam’s website. Holly weeded through sixty emails and deleted forty from men who were either too ancient, not her type, or just plain out of her league, but all wasn’t lost just yet. A Chinese man who shared his profile picture with his Golden Retriever caught her attention. The divorced forty-year-old, certified public accountant had graying jet-black hair, and an easy-going smile. He wasn’t gorgeous, but he wasn’t hideous either. Most women would have considered him average looking and that suited Holly just fine. Andrew stated in his email that he was looking for a fresh start. In the middle of responding to his email, Madelyn came out of her room, sulking like a little girl who hadn’t gotten her way.
“Girl, I got really bad hay-fever today. Look at my eyes.” She stood face-to-face with Holly. Madelyn eyes were as red as two boiled lobsters. “What should I do?”
Holly looked away and continued writing her email. “Yikes—use some eye drops.”
“I need my prescription medication, but I’m so broke until Monday. Can I have ten bucks?”
“Sorry, I don’t have any cash on me.” Holly lied, not bothering to look up from her tablet. It would be a cold day in hell before she contributed any further to Madelyn’s delinquency. Besides, the only cash she had on her was for the pizza.
Holly jolted when the doorbell rang. She had totally zoned out while replying to Andrew’s email.
“I’ll get it,” Madelyn said. She opened the door and was greeted by the pizza delivery guy from Joey D’s.
“Delivery for Holly Sparks,” said the young and pimply, stick-figured boy.
Holly got up from the couch and grabbed her purse. “Just in time. How much do I owe you?”
“14.35.”
Holly handed him a twenty and said, “Keep the change.” She opened the pizza box after closing the door and sniffed its entirety.
Madelyn glared at Holly and with one hand on her hip said crossly, “I thought you said you didn’t have any money?”
“What do you mean?” Holly asked, biting into a slice of Hawaiian pizza.
“When I asked you for ten-bucks, you said you didn’t have any money!”
Holly swallowed down her food and plopped the half-eaten slice of pizza back in the box. Madelyn’s comment had really pushed all the wrong buttons. “Excuse me? What I choose to do with my money is none of your concern. If you can’t handle your finances that’s your problem––not mine.”
When Holly thought about it, the girl really had a nerve. Two weeks ago, Holly had become ill with food poisoning and could barely get out of bed. She texted Madelyn and asked if she would pick up some medicine at the drug store on her way home from work. Madelyn out right refused, claiming that it was too out of her way. In actuality, the drug store was only ten-minutes from the apartment. When push came to shove, Holly vowed to treat Madelyn the same way, as juvenile as it seemed, and now D-Day had finally arrived.
Madelyn just stood there wordlessly with a dumbfounded expression.
“Look––don’t ask me for mone
y, especially in the way you just did. It’s tacky.” Holly grabbed the pizza box and without another word made a beeline to her bedroom.
***
Holly woke up at three in the morning to the sound of screaming and arguing inside her apartment. She had no other choice but to get up and investigate the cause of the commotion. She found Madelyn standing in the front doorway with her ex, Morgan Greene. Alex and Emilio were right beside him, looking like two heavy-eyed zombies.
“You were supposed to have the boys until tomorrow evening!” Madelyn yelled.
“I can’t keep them. I have to get to work!” he yelled back.
“That’s bullshit and you know it,” Madelyn screamed.
Emilio and Alex ran into the apartment and started up with their horseplay. These kids were out-of-control no matter what time of day.
Morgan crossed his arms in indignation. “I’m not going to get fired from my new job because of you.”
“That isn‘t my problem,” Madelyn said. “You better take the boys home…NOW.”
“Excuse me––” Holly waved her arms in front of Madelyn’s face. “Hello! I’m right here.”
Morgan glanced at Holly as though she was just a mere figment of his imagination. “Don’t fuck with me, Madelyn.”
This was the first time Holly had ever seen Morgan in the flesh. He was tall, dressed like a hobo in dirty sweat pants, a faded red shirt and he had a tight curly afro. Alex was clearly his son.
On the brink of going off on both of them, Holly shouted, “I’m trying to sleep. Take it outside!”
Unbelievably, they both ignored her request and continued bantering.
“You do nothing for these boys. If you don’t take them back to your place right now, I’m going to get you for child support like I should have done ten-years ago.”
“Ha! Good luck with that you skanky ho,” Morgan spat, turning around to leave.
“Oh— I don’t fucking think so.” Madelyn ran out into the hallway, took off her slipper and chucked it at the back of Morgan’s head as he continued to run from her.
Holly stood in her tracks, utterly flabbergasted. Without warning, her life had become some kind of living nightmare the moment she allowed this squatter back into her world. Holly’s heart was as big as the moon in the night sky, but there was only so much one woman could put up with.
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