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“You up for dinner tonight? Morgan’s asking,” his cousin said.
“The last time you invited me—”
“I know but it’ll be the three of us.”
Allen didn’t want to be the third wheel. While he was happy for his cousin, he didn’t care to see them exchange glances and stealing kisses at the table.
“You promised to get out more.”
“You enjoy throwing that back in my face. I said sometimes.”
Desmond sighed. “I know. No pressure. She thought it would be nice. I’ll tell her you can’t make it. No big deal, okay?”
“If I change my mind, where are you eating?”
“Mabel’s Diner. It’s across from the floral shop on Third Street.”
Allen tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. Though he wanted to do nothing but sit on his couch and watch reruns, he wanted to get past the churning in his stomach with meeting new people. His job was different. He could plaster a smile on his face if he needed to, but he enjoyed helping people.
Hanging up with Desmond, he pulled into his driveway. Once inside, he changed his clothes and showered the day away. He roamed his living room crossing over his area on his espresso hardwood floors. A half-read book hung upside down on the arm of his couch. He picked up a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray. He must have left it the night before when he fell asleep on the couch.
Looking through his refrigerator, leftover stir-fry didn’t appeal to his stomach. Was it bad to go out? He was getting better every day. There was no need to rush. If he had to, he could ignore Desmond and Morgan’s bantering since he heard Mabel’s meatloaf was the best in town.
Changing into a sweater and jeans, he fastened the buttons on his coat and tied a scarf around his neck. His boots tracked the snow to his truck, and he rubbed his gloved hands together once inside. He didn’t hesitate to turn on his heated seats.
The closer he drove into downtown, the more he saw how Maple Meadow took Christmas seriously. Garland decorated the poles lining the streets, while a twelve-foot tree stood in the square. He thought they only did this in movies, but Maple Meadow proved him wrong. Stringed lights lit the local deli, flower shop, and coffeehouse. Allen did a double-take. Was the ice cream truck decked in Christmas lights? He supposed there were those who loved the season. He kept things simple for the holidays. It was easier to handle.
Pulling into Mabel’s Diner, Allen exhaled. He was only hanging out with Desmond and Morgan, but why did it remind him of what he didn’t have? He cleared his throat and walked through the glass doors, hearing the bell chime above his head.
Allen spotted the long counter with stools spaced underneath. Unloosening his scarf, he looked around for Desmond, only to see him seated next to Morgan in a booth. Was that another woman sitting with them? Allen hoped Morgan didn’t plan to fix him up again, but the slight quiver in his stomach said otherwise. He could sneak out with no problem. He pivoted to leave and made a mental note to tell Morgan to stop with the blind dates.
“Allen!”
Too bad her voice stopped him in his tracks. Allen turned to wave, but Morgan only waved him over. Desmond rubbed his forehead as if wishing Morgan would keep out. Allen could say hi.
“Hello everyone,” he said clutching to his keys inside his coat pocket.
Morgan clapped her hands. “I’m so glad you could come. I want you to meet a new friend of mine, Portia Barnes.”
Allen licked his
lips and extended his hand to the woman.
Portia beamed and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Same to you.” Could he fake a headache and leave?
“Sit down.” Morgan gestured for Portia to scoot over.
She did.
Allen forced a smile and took off his coat. He would leave in fifteen minutes and take the meatloaf to go. He sat next to Portia.
“So Morgan tells me you’re a physical therapist,” she said.
“Yeah.” His eyes narrowed at Desmond and Morgan, but she only tilted her head to the side with a raised eyebrow.
“That must be rewarding, helping people.” Portia turned in her seat to face him better.
