AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No, Iloveconcerts.I’m just trying to remember the last one I went to that didn’t feature a bunch of elementary school kids.”
I laugh.“Hopefully this will be a little easier to sit through.”
I take in the view through the window.It looks like a scene from a holiday movie, lights sparkling in the water and shoppers bustling briskly down the street, their hands holding gift bags and packages.
But when I glance at Ava, she’s not taking in the view of Annapolis.Instead, she’s looking around the bar, seeming to take in the chatter and activity of all the people.
“Is this place okay?”I ask her.“We can find someplace quieter, if you like.”
“No, no.I love it.I kind of forgot how nice this place is.”
“Been a while since you’ve been here?”
She bursts out with a guffaw.“It’s beenyears.”
“You’re kidding me.It’s an Annapolis staple.What kept you away?”
“Well, it’s kind of more of a date place.”
“And you don’t date?”
She scoffs.“Not much.The pickings are a little slim, and it’s hard to schedule something when you’ve usually got a son with you.”
“I’m glad you could fitthisin,” I say off-handedly and am surprised by the perplexed look I receive in return.“A date.I mean, I’m glad you had time…” I pause at the unmistakable confusion in her eyes.“I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?”
“No!”she replies quickly, and then laughs just as suddenly.“I’mthe sorry one.I—I wasn’t sure… well, I kind of thought we were just… two friends going out.”
“Uh, well, if you’d like it to be just that, sure.”
“No, no.I’m…” She shakes her head, looking away.“I’m so embarrassed.I—you’re… well, like I said, I’m a full-time mom who’s kind of out of practice when it comes to dating.And you’re, well… you’re not really the type who usually asks me out.”
“The type?”I ask, curious as hell.
“Well, usually single moms tend to attract… single dads.Or sometimes older guys.You know, guys with… ugh, how do I say this nicely?Baggage?”
“I’m a Navy guy.We’ve got a boatload of baggage.”
She rewards me with a laugh in return.
“And when you think about it, everyone does.Like um…” I glance over at the bar, stories forming in my head about the people I see.“Like see that blonde woman over there?”
She looks at her.“She’s gorgeous.And honestly, maybe a little more appropriate for you than a mom who can’t even recognize a date when she’s on one.”
“I’d argue that point.Besides, looks are deceiving.See that purse she’s got?Chanel.Cost her a ton.And the nails on her, the hair, the false eyelashes—looks just high maintenance enough overall that I suspect she’s got a heap of credit card debt.So, see?We’ve all got baggage.Just some people have the kind you can’t see.”
Ava narrows her eyes.“She could be in a career that pays her a lot,” she points out diplomatically.
I shake my head.“Any high-powered career person around here is constantly texting or talking on their phone.But her?I bet the only time she touches her phone is to post a selfie.”
Then, as though right on cue, the woman lifts her phone, purses her lips in a perfect pout, and takes a photo of herself.
Ava laughs, watching her, and then sends a conciliatory nod in my direction.“You win.But I have to ask—how is it that a Navy man can recognize a Chanel purse?”
“I told you.I have two sisters.I pick up a lot.Besides, I’m in—”
“—military intelligence.”She finishes for me.“Yeah, you mentioned that.But all that purse tellsmefor certain is that she’s not a single mom.”
I cock my head for a moment.“Do single moms not have Chanel purses?”
