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“Just try it on,” the girls usher me to my bathroom.
I pull the fabric over my hips. I come out and do a spin. The dress fits perfectly.
“That’s the one,” Bethany shouts. “Now we just need shoes and jewelry.”
“No jewelry, or just some small earrings. Nothing large or chunky,” Violet states.
“How about black flats?” I ask, pulling out two options to hold up.
“Victor is taller than you, so you can wear any height of heels. Show off your legs.” Bethany replies, “plus you’re tall too so it won’t be too much.”
“Okay, thanks guys. I appreciate it.”
We all chat and drink wine a little longer. My date is in a few days, but I feel better having an outfit ready to go.
I still feel nervous but I keep it to myself.
There will be a day in the future when I no longer feel weighed down, buried in the past and the feelings around the love I once had with my ex-husband. I suppose one date at a time may help.
Besides, Victor is pleasant to chat with and good-looking, so dinner together won’t be boring at least.
* * *
Victor
After a considerable length of time, I finally figured out if I should bring something to Sally’s when I pick her up for our date tonight. Marie suggested a small bouquet of red roses, but she’s an old-school romantic type and roses seem too much of an actual relationship gesture.
With previous dates and short-lived relationships, I would just bring whatever was available from the grocery store. It’s a kind gesture without having to think too much about it.
Just like my previous relationships.
This date with Sally is just a single date and more of a get to know the newbie in town type of thing, but there’s a little part of me that wants to spend the extra time and effort on this just in case it goes further. We only chatted briefly, but she must have felt the same connection I felt if she agreed to a date.
I finish packaging the gift for Sally and double check that I have everything. After talking to my sister, I decided to take Sally to one of the nicer restaurants in town. Which is how at six on a Friday day, for the first time in a long time, I have a date at the Railway Tavern.
Sally lives right in the middle of town. A cozy little bungalow type house in a row of more farmer chic styled homes. I walk to the front door and ring the doorbell.
My stomach feels twisted, like someone stuck a hand inside and started to squeeze bits without looking. I can’t remember the last time I was nervous about a date. I tug the hem of my shirt sleeves as the door opens.
Illuminated by the warm lighting behind her, Sally looks like a goddess with a halo of light golden waves falling past her shoulders. Her body is wrapped in a wine-colored sleeveless dress. It’s not revealing, but the way the fabric hugs her frame highlights an athletic build beneath the fabric.
“Good evening, Sally,” I say before I accidentally utter any of the dirtier thoughts I am having about her body. “I brought you a gift. Sort of a ‘welcome to Kastle Harbor’ type of thing.” I hand over the small bundle.
“Oh wow, thank you,” she replies as she inspects it.
“It’s two different coffee blends from the roastery that Sprinkles Bakery & Café hasn’t carried yet this year.” Her bright blue eyes move quickly from the bags of coffee beans to my eyes. A smile starts to spread, pulling her plum-colored lips apart, she smiles wide.
“It’s a very thoughtful gift Victor, thank you. I’m not sure this would surprise you, but my coffee maker was one of the first things I unpacked.” She chuckles softly, and it makes me feel as though I’m walking on air. I’m glad to be the cause of her happiness in this moment.
“It’s a little chilly this evening, do you want to grab a jacket before we go?” I ask her as she sets the beans just inside the doorway.
“Yes,” she reaches to her right and pulls a black jacket from a coat rack. As she puts it on, she steps outside and closes the door behind her, locking it. “Okay, I am all set and ready to see the nightlife of Kastle Harbor.” Sally clasps her hands together and flashes a large grin at me.
“I will say this now,” I extend an arm to her and she takes it as we walk to my car, “I hope you’re not expecting anything like the big city.” I open the car door for her and watch as she glides into the seat, her long legs folding to fit.
“You know Victor, that sounds perfect.”
I close her door and get in the car before we’re off to the restaurant. Once there we park and head inside. The conversation flows easily between us.
