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Of course I ran into Jamie at the bakery. I briefly wonder if he slipped a tracking device into my purse yesterday. When I realize I didn’t bring my purse with me this morning, I chalk it up to bad luck.Imagine, me having bad luck.
I take my breakfast over to the park and sit on a bench to eat it. It’s odd not going into work today, but not unwelcome. The truth is that I haven’t enjoyed my job for a long time. It’s hard to get excited about other women’s happily-ever-afters when mine doesn’t appear to be in sight. It never bothered me before because I always had an innate optimism about my future. But when Dillion died, it seems he took my positivity with him. There’s only so much a person can handle before taking the hint.
I’ve recently started imagining what my future will look like if I never find a mate. It will probably involve several cats, a lifetime supply of mac and cheese, and an investment in a library of romance novels. Lately, my musings have me quitting my job and moving to an exotic location halfway around the world. You know, one where I don’t speak the language, so I don’t have to explain myself to anyone.
Jamie’s face springs to mind, and I mentally swat it away. I’m clearly drawn to the man, which is strange because I’ve only met him on a few occasions. But it’s been enough to witness how charming he can be to everyone but me, and I’m intrigued. Even though he’s usually telling me he isn’t interested in me—even when he’s kissing me.
His list of good traits is solid though. From what I can tell he and Sammy have a very tight bond—enviable even. I’m guessing he’s good at his job as he’s the owner of the company. But his refusal to engage in a serious relationship with a woman makes me think that he loved Sammy’s mom a lot—and probably still does. That kind of loyalty and devotion is something I dream of sharing with my future partner.
I force my focus to my upcoming lunch date with Tim. I never imagined I’d date someone from my past. Certainly not one of the cool guys—one who never gave me the time of day when we were kids. I call bull hockey on what he said about always thinking I was pretty and wanting to ask me out. Yet at the same time, I appreciate a well-fabricated lie as much as the next gal.
I purposely cross the street so I don’t have to pass right in front of Bride’s Paradise on the way to my apartment. It’s enough that my mom will ask me copious questions about my date when she sees me tomorrow, I don’t need to hear a laundry list of advice on how to capture Tim’s heart today. He’s either going to like me for who I am or he’s not. I’m not going to pretend to be somebody I’m not just to snag a man.
When I get home, I take a long shower before primping for my date. The pink sundress makes me feel feminine and powerful at the same time. After strapping on a pair of beige espadrilles, I grab a sun hat in case we eat outside. I’m not one of those elusive redheads who tans.
By the time I get to the country club, a low hum of positivity has started flowing through me. The only time I come here is with Anna, and I always feel like a fancy lady who lunches. It’s no wonder my mom likes it here so much.
As I walk inside the impressive two-story building, I head toward Putters’ Lounge. The hostess is confused when I tell her I’m meeting Tim, so she makes a quick call before alerting me, “Your reservation is in the Premier Club dining room.”
That sounds ritzy. “Where’s that?”
Pointing down a long hallway, she says, “At the end of the corridor on the right. There’s a small sign on the door.” I wonder if I need a password or secret handshake to gain entrance, but when that information does not appear to be forthcoming, I walk away.
The Premier Club doesn’t look like anything special from the outside, so I’m shocked by how elegant it is inside. Even with the abundance of large crystal chandeliers, the décor is very masculine. Dark wood, navy-painted walls, and heavy velvet drapes. Yet the enormous windows bring in so much light that the atmosphere is softened. I wonder if Howard knows this place exists.
I don’t have a chance to give the host my name before I see Tim striding across the room toward me. He’s wearing khaki pants and a navy blazer. When he reaches my side, he kisses me on the cheek. “You look stunning.”
“You look pretty handsome yourself.”
“I have a table for us by the window.” He gently places his arm around my waist to lead the way. I feel like I’m in a Jane Austen novel or something.
Once we’re seated at a round table in the corner, Tim asks, “How about if I take care of ordering?”
While that’s very gallant of him, there are a few things I will not eat to save my life. “I don’t eat oysters, mussels, or caviar,” I tell him.
“Allergies?” he asks.
“Textural aversions,” I explain.
He laughs. “How about the best hamburger you’ve ever eaten?”
“Now you’re speaking my love language. I have patty melts at least three times a week.”
“From the diner?” he wants to know. When I nod, he says, “They’re good but once you’ve had ours you won’t be able to go back. You game for having me ruin your favorite burger?”
“I want to say yes just so I can try such an amazing thing, but then what happens if we don’t work out and I can never get my new favorite again?”
He arches one eyebrow while playfully saying, “You can always come back with your mom, or Anna.”
“I’ve never heard either of them mention the Premier Club.”
He seems to consider this closely before saying, “They might not be members.” He motions between us with his pointer finger. “I guess that means our relationship had better work.”
I sigh dramatically. “That’s a lot of pressure. Maybe I should just have the shrimp salad.”
“Be optimistic,” he declares enthusiastically. “Someday we might tell our grandchildren that our fate was sealed as soon as you bit into one of the club’s patty melts.”
“That’s quite a reach,” I tell him. “But even so, I’m suddenly determined to try such a life-changing burger.” I close my menu. “If you throw in crème brûlée, I may just marry you tonight.”
