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But more importantly, from my point of view, it’s one more layer of protection from the media. I’m certain the paparazzi are just chomping at the bit to get a few embarrassing pictures of me. The last thing I need is for my image to continue to degrade in the public. And I definitely don’t want Melody getting dragged into it.
So, we’re having our date about an hour away. I meet her outside of the restaurant I picked, stepping out of my car onto the sidewalk. I’m only a few minutes late despite the awful traffic.
“Hope you weren’t waiting too long,” I say casually when I greet her. She turns to look at me with a mixed expression of annoyance and understanding. Her arms are crossed, but she seems somewhat happy to see me.
“Jaromir? You look… odd,”she says with a frown.
“Oh, this?” I ask, gesturing at my disguise. “I thought I pulled it off pretty well.” I’m wearing a turtleneck to cover my tattoos, which Ma helped with, a matching hat that’s quite fashionable and very large sunglasses. We may be out of town, but I’m recognizable anywhere. I want to make sure nothing interrupts this evening. “You, meanwhile, look lovely.”
Melody’s cheeks turn bright pink at my compliment. Her hair is down, cascading over her shoulders in soft waves. She’s wearing a black dress that goes down to her knees and just barely hugs her curves. Noticeably, she’s wearing flat shoes instead of heels. I wonder if she’s nervous about the risk of tripping, too.
“Thank you. And you do. I mean, you pull it off. Whatever… this is. I just wasn’t expecting to see you like this,” she explains.
I shrug my shoulders. “It’s safer back home where everyone knows each other and won’t squeal to the press.” I look around the street for a moment to make sure no one is eavesdropping on us. “All it takes out here is one person with a camera phone and a few hundred followers to get the press on our case. I’m just trying to avoid that.”
Melody’s eyes go wide. “Oh my God, I hadn’t even considered… Should we have stayed in?”
“No,” I state firmly. “This was a good idea. Like you said, dating a coworker is tricky. It’s fine.” I smile to let her know I mean it. But she seems unsure now.
“Two for Melody?” a hostess peeks out of the front door and calls.
“So that’s why you put the reservation under my name,” Melody says as she follows me into the restaurant.
“I normally use pseudonyms for this sort of thing, but I thought using yours would be simpler.”
“I can appreciate that.”
We’re seated in a corner far from the door, with my back turned to it. Less chance someone walking by will spot me through the window. This has to go smoothly. I really want to make a good impression on Melody.
The waiter takes our drinks and promises to return with salad and bread. I try to steer us towards some conversation, but Melody seems distant.
“Everything alright?” I ask.
She blinks and shakes her head. “Yes. Sorry, I’m… I haven’t been out like this in a while. Suddenly becoming responsible for two young children kind of hits the brakes on your personal life.”
“Of course,” I say calmly. I sit back in my chair, letting her know she’s free to open herself up and talk. But she still hesitates.
“How are Ryan and Tina, by the way?” I ask, trying to pick at a thread that might lead to a deeper conversation. “Ryan is excellent at hockey, can’t imagine the team without him. But how is he in class?”
Just as predicted, Melody’s eyes light up at the topic. I can tell she loves those kids like her own. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to protect Ryan from perceived risk.
“Ryan is doing wonderful in class. I can’t believe he’s going to be in middle school soon. It seems way too fast. He was slipping a little, but his teacher said he’s gained a lot more confidence since joining the hockey team. So… I suppose I should thank you. For convincing me to let him join.”
I smile and nod. I’m just glad she finally sees the sport for what it is – a great way to help young kids develop important skills and character. No thanks required.
“And Tina?How’s that Ice Ghost or whatever?”
Melody letsout an exasperated sigh and shakes her head, a small smile still evident though. “Not a peep, but I keep pacing outside of her room at night just to make sure. She tends to mumble when she has nightmares, and I’d hate to sleep through one of her episodes.”
“You worry a lot,” I say as the breadbasket hits the table. It’s an honest observation and one that I hope will give her the chance to open up to me about her anxieties. Instead, she seems to use the appearance of bread as an excuse to keep her mouth occupied.
I quietly curse and wonder if I made her feel defensive. She’s tricky to crack. I can see a fun and gentle woman beneath that rough exterior. I’m not ready to give up trying to crack it.
“I can understand, of course. Being a school nurse you probably see some pretty terrifying stuff. I’m just, you know, concerned. Seems like a terrifying way to live.”
Melody chews on a piece of bread for a moment and slowly swallows. “Not everyone has a lot of cash and a publicist to get us out of trouble,” she mutters.
“Ouch. Touche,” I say, not letting the comment hit me like an insult.
