by Lanee Lane
Melanie could hear the love that he had for his sister when he talked about her. It was precious how much he adored her.
"Mom and Dad are great, too. Mom is an artist. She paints and makes jewelry. She’s very eclectic. She recently got into running those wine and canvas type of classes, so she stays busy. Dad's a teacher at the local high school and helps coach the cross country team. He loves being around the kids; says it helps keep him young."
"Your parents sound lovely. So does Sam. So, what happened to you?"
Skylar put his hand over his chest in mock offense.
"Hey, I invited you down for pizza and brownies. I'm a very nice guy."
"I suppose you have done some nice things for me since we met. You are just so bossy and hostile looking sometimes. The first time I met you, I thought you wanted to do some bodily harm."
"Yeah, I was pretty irritated. I won't lie. You seem alright, though. Hardheaded maybe, but you're ok."
She put on her best southern bell accent. "Well, I do declare. I have never received such a flattering compliment in all my life." She battered her eyelashes for added effect.
"Add smart aleck to that description." He rolled his eyes. "Tell me about your family."
"Not much to tell. My mom died when I was ten. It was me and my dad from then on out. He did his best to raise me. He came to all the school plays, cooked dinner, we went on vacations... He is the absolute best."
The smile on her face was big as she spoke about her dad.
"What does he do for a living?"
"He works at a bank. He's worked his way up to some prestigious position. I don't even know what exactly to be honest. Let's just say he is a big deal at his bank."
"Tell me about your mom."
She had no idea why she was considering talking to him about her mother. Melanie didn't know why she was telling him anything about her life at all. They weren't friends; she barely knew him. But, for some reason, she felt comfortable talking to him. Maybe it was the sincerity in his inquiries. Maybe because, instead of having the look of pity in his eyes, he actually asked about her mother.
"She was beautiful. I know most people would say that about their mother, but she really was beautiful inside and out. We used to have pamper days. We’d get our nails done and have tea time. She worked at a halfway home that helped people get back on their feet after being on drugs. Her heart was kind and she had a need to change the world, and that she did."
"She sounds amazing, Mel."
"She was."
"If you don't mind me asking: what happened to her?"
"She had kidney failure."
Melanie felt the all too familiar lump forming in the back of her throat.
"I bet you still miss her."
It seemed weird, but she was thankful he didn't offer the standard condolences, yet he still recognized that it was life changing.
"Yes, very much." She let the water out of the sink and wiped her hands on a nearby towel. "I better get going. I have to work in the morning. Thanks for dinner."
"No problem. I'm hoping that this means I may get an invite to one of your homemade meals."
"We'll see about that. I suppose you do deserve a little something for your troubles."
He fist pumped the air. "Yessss," he hissed out.
"You act like it's a done deal," she laughed.
"I can tell you're a nice girl, so it's totally happening."
She shook her head and opened the front door. "Bye, Skylar."
"Bye, Mel."
CHAPTER EIGHT
"Guys, I think I want to join Tinder," Melanie said while sipping juice on her couch a few nights later.
"About dang time," Claudia replied. "You haven't been laid in like eighty-seven years."
"Hardy-har-har, smarty pants. I'm not just looking for a hookup. I think I may want something more serious; at least a friend with benefits that I can cuddle with sometimes."
"Maybe you should try something besides Tinder," Jade suggested.
"Like what?"
"Maybe one with a membership? They seem legit."
"Those sites take your money just to do the same stuff all the other sites do," Claudia protested. "Try the freebies out first. I'm sure a lot of these people have accounts on multiple sites."
Melanie let out a huff. "Why can't meeting someone be easy? The Internet has made it easier and harder at the same time. It feels like the only way is online dating and, with that, you never know what you'll get. Add in being plus-size and it's like a war out there."
Claudia and Jade nodded in agreement.
"All I know, " Claudia said, "is we are all fine as heck, and whatever men snag us will be lucky S.O.Bs."
"Cheers to that," Jade raised her glass.
"What are you waiting for? Download the app and let's get this party started!" Claudia squealed.
That following Friday, Mel stood in front of her bathroom mirror putting on the final touches of makeup. Any minute, her first online dating excursion was set to begin. She was meeting him at a local pub for dinner and drinks. There was no way she was giving out her address to a stranger. Her stomach was full of butterflies and her mind full of doubt.
Claudia and Jade helped her pick out the perfect first date outfit. Claudia said it was flirty with a bit of 'come-and-get-it’ sexy; whatever that meant. She knew she looked fine, but she hadn't been on a date in months. She’d resigned herself to being a crazy goldfish lady. Not caring much for cats, goldfish seemed like a simpler alternative.
With one last look in her full-length mirror, she had a little panic attack. Her breathing became labored and she felt dizzy. She sat on the side of her bed and took several deep breaths. When she was calm enough, she grabbed her clutch and left. In her car, she hooked her phone to Bluetooth and three way called Claudia and Jade.
"Aren't you supposed to be on a date?" was Claudia's greeting.
"I'm freaking the hell out. What if I don't look like my pictures? What if he thinks I “catfished” him?" Her voice raised and her words ran together.
"Calm down, you nut. You look exactly like your pictures, and you better hope he isn't catfishing you."
Jade cut Claudia off.
"Claudia, you are not helping things! Mel, it's only one date. It isn't marriage. It will be fine. If you don't have chemistry, you don't have to meet again. No harm, no foul."
"OK, I can do this. It will be fine."
"That's right and, just remember, he is a lucky guy to get the privilege of spending the evening with you. Call us when you get home, ok?"
"Ok, Mom," Melanie said with a laugh.
Jade was the calm and sane one of their group. She was always the voice of reason. Melanie was thankful for her. Claudia was a bit of a wild child at times, and Jade reeled them back into sanity. She loved them both dearly.
Melanie stood outside of the pub taking a few calming breaths. She looked at her phone and found a text from Garrett, the man she was meeting that night.
Garrett: Hey, just wanted to let you know I'm here. I'm at the front as soon as you walk in.
She didn't bother with replying. She swung the door open before giving herself time to overthink. She recognized him immediately. He was wearing nice, dark washed jeans and a button down shirt. The sleeves were rolled up halfway exposing his forearms. He looked like his pictures, although he was shorter than she expected. That was ok, she told herself, because she was short too. Most men towered over her. Their eyes locked and it seemed like he recognized her as well. His eyes did a perusal of her face and body as he walked toward her.
When he was close enough, he began to speak. "You must be Melanie."
"Yes, I am. So that must make you Garrett."
He went in for a small hug. Melanie felt awkward, but she didn't want to be rude so she returned the hug with a one-armed, slight tap on the back. When they released, he smiled at her. She smiled back not knowing what else to do.
"Let's see about getting our table," Garrett said and gestured toward th
e hostess stand.
The hostess led them to a dimly lit booth toward the back of the restaurant. It seemed like the perfect table for an intimate date, but Melanie wasn't so sure that fit the bill for this outing. She started to question why she hadn't insisted on meeting for coffee or something during the day. It was too late to second guess her decision, so she slid into the booth. She was sure she was overreacting. It had been a long time since she had been on a date, and she had never been on a date that had been initiated from an online dating site. People did it all the time, so it couldn't be that bad.
"So, Melanie, tell me more about yourself."
They had exchanged a few text messages since they met through the app, but they hadn't gone too in-depth. She wasn't sure how much she should reveal about her life. Since it was the first date, she decided to stick to the basics.
"Well, I was born and raised here. I'm a Hoosier girl through and through. I work at a local boutique as a personal stylist. I help women find clothes for all occasions from honeymoons and formal events to everyday wardrobes. What about you?"
"I'm actually from Tennessee and moved here for a job. I work as an account manager. I went to school for business and had a focus in marketing. I do some marketing work with up-and-coming entrepreneurs on the side."
"That's really awesome. I'm hoping to be an entrepreneur one day. I have a blog and I hope to branch out and build my own clientele that I do personal shopping for."
"I like a woman that has ambition. If you put in the work, you will make it happen. I'm sure of it."
She offered him a shy smile. "I hope you’re right."
Their conversation shifted to things like favorite music, hobbies, and movies. They had a common interest in comedies. They also liked some of the same music. As they worked their way through dinner and to dessert, Melanie thought that things were going really well.
When the waiter came to see if they wanted dessert, Garrett ordered his and insisted that she order one as well. She ordered a chocolate lava cake a la mode. If he insisted, then who was she to deny?
Melanie took a bite of her cake. A moan of delight threatened to escape. Her eyes flicked to Garrett who was staring at her with what she thought was a look of lust. It made her feel a little self-conscious.
"Did you want to try a bite? It's really good."
"No, you go ahead," he said. Clearing his throat, he spoke again. "This may be weird, but can I feed you?"
Melanie choked on the sip of water she’d taken. "Um." She was not sure how to respond. Her mind said ‘Hell no, creep’, but she didn't want to be rude. "I don't know if that would be a good idea. We're in the middle of the restaurant and this is our first date. I'm sorry."
She tried to smile but it looked more like a grimace.
"It's ok. I know that may have come off a bit weird. It's just that you are so beautiful. I love your body, and the look on your face when you had the first bite was so sexy."
If Melanie could blush, her face would be as red as a tomato.
"Thank you?"
"You're welcome. I'm hoping we can go out again after this. I love seeing a woman of your stature enjoying delicious food." He was smiling at her like it was the most natural thing in the world to say.
"A woman of my stature?"
"Yeah, plus-size women. You are so infatuating."
"Oookay."
"I hope I'm not being too forward. When I saw your profile, I thought you were perfect."
Melanie had nothing. She was beginning to realize what was going on. Garrett had a fetish. What.The.Heck. Getting out of there turned into her top priority. Being polite and hurrying this along seemed her best bet.
"Thank you, Garrett. You are very...sweet."
The server brought their bill and a sense of relief fell over Melanie. Just a few more minutes and she could make her escape. He grabbed the check and slid his card into the black booklet. A few minutes later the server picked it up.
"Would you like to go somewhere to have drinks? We could go to my place and have some wine."
"Oh, I have to work in the morning. I really should get home."
"It's a bummer that you have to work on the weekends."
"I don't mind it. I love my job. If I really need time off, my boss is great about letting me have it."
Melanie’s eyes scanned the restaurant for their server.
"Maybe you can take next weekend off and we can spend a little more time together."
Where the hell was the server with their check? She couldn't take much more of this nutcase. She wanted to go home, pour herself some sparkling grape juice and relax in a bubble bath. This online dating thing was for the birds. B.O.B would have to continue taking care of her needs for the time being. Companionship was overrated. That’s what romance novels were for, and she could live vicariously through romance novels with her fish.
Finally, the server came back with their check. The woman thanked them for dining there, and then she was gone. Melanie decided it was now or never. She pulled her purse onto her shoulder.
"Thank you so much for tonight. I had better get going."
"I really wish you could go for drinks, but I understand; duty calls."
She managed a fake laugh. "Yep, duty calls."
She stood up from her seat and he followed suit. He placed his hand on the small of her back and began to guide her toward the door. It felt like his hand was burning a hole in her back, and not in a good way. Just a few short minutes and she would be home free.
Garrett walked her all the way to her car. When she turned back around to tell him goodbye, he was only a few inches from her face. His hands rested on her hips while she leaned away from him back into the car.
"I had a really nice time with you tonight, Melanie. You are a beautiful woman, and I would really like to see you again."
"I'm not sure when I'll be available again. Things are pretty busy with work and my blog."
"Surely you can find a little time for a friend?"
"Uh, maybe. We'll see." She saw a flash of confusion in his face, but he didn't let that deter him.
"Ok, well; I'll text you, and hopefully we can work something out."
"Sounds good."
Before he could try to make a move, Melanie got into her car and drove away. When she looked back, she saw him standing with his hands in his pockets. She felt bad because he seemed like a really nice guy, but she was not going to be someone's fetish. She had spent too many years learning to love herself, and she wasn't about to let anyone objectify her. It didn't matter how nice he seemed.
CHAPTER NINE
When Melanie finally turned the ignition off in front of her apartment, she was relieved. She was headed to the front door when she heard her name being called. Her back stiffened for a moment, and instinct told her to keep walking until she was inside of the well-lit building.
"Mel, wait up."
Against her better judgment, she turned around. The tension immediately left her body. It was Skylar who was walking toward her with a takeout bag.
"Hey, what are you up to?" he asked.
"Just got home from the world's worst date."
"The worst date ever, huh? It had to be pretty epic to be the worst."
"Epic is not the word I would use for it." As they reached the front door, Skylar held it open and let her walk in first. When the elevator arrived, Melanie pushed the buttons for their respective floors. When they reached his floor, he pressed the button to close the doors.
"What are you doing? This is your floor."
"I know, but I want to hear about the world's worst date."
"I don't think so."
"Why not? You seem upset. You obviously want to talk about it."
She folded her arms across her chest. Discussing her disastrous date with Skylar was not on top of her list of things to do. How could he ever understand? He was handsome and had an ideal body. Women probably approached him on the daily. Women probably never said ‘no’ to him. Talki
ng to him about this would be humiliating.
"Come on, Mel. I'm a good listener."
"I bet you are," she said with an eye roll.
"I am."
The door opened to her floor, and he headed off of the elevator in front of her. When she exited, he was already standing by her front door.
"You are a pest, you know that?"
"Hey, I'm just trying to be a friend. I'll even share my dinner if you'd like."
"No, thanks; the date from hell included dinner."
"If he took you to dinner, it couldn't have been that bad. Did he make you pay or something?"
"No."
Melanie kicked her heels off at the door and went into the kitchen. She pulled a plate from the kitchen cabinet and set it on the counter for Skylar. She pulled out a wine glass for herself and filled it to the brim with sparkling grape juice. She disappeared into her room. When she reappeared, she'd changed into leggings and a hoodie. Her feet were covered in some SpongeBob slippers.
"What are those?" Skylar pointed to her feet.
"What do they look like?"
"SpongeBob slippers?"
"Ding, ding, ding! You win whatever is behind door number one!"
"You're a smarty pants, aren't you?"
"It's one of my strong suits."
Skylar had put the contents of his takeout bag on the plate she set out for him. He’d also helped himself to a bottle of water from her fridge. Perched in the corner of her couch, he devoured his burger and fries.
He swallowed the last bite and wiped his mouth with a napkin.
"Come on, tell me what happened."
She sighed and took a long drink of her juice. She didn't want to tell him, but she knew that she was going to.
"It's embarrassing. You have to promise not to laugh."
"How can I promise when I don't know what you’re going to say? If he was a real tool, I may find some humor in his ignorance." She glared over at him. "Fine, ok. I promise."
"We went to a nice restaurant. Things were going well. We had some things in common, and the conversation was flowing. Dinner came, and then he insisted I get dessert." Skylar nodded his head to encourage her to keep going.
Mel took a big gulp of air and closed her eyes before proceeding.