I finished up the last tweaks on my story before sending it off to mark for final approval. Once the airwaves had my email, my watch and phone sounded with reminders that I had a date. I closed my laptop and fell backward into the pillows of my queen-size mattress. The pillows caved in around my head, I snuggled my bear Stitches into my arms and whispered, "I don't want to go, Stitches. Can't you eat that mean old Olivia for me?" I could have sworn his black plastic eyes were mocking me. "I didn't think so."
I shut off all my obnoxious alarms and dragged my sorry carcass to the closet. Olivia gave me no hint as to where I'd be going, but looking out my window at the threatening sky I decided to dress for the wet weather. Di's Fall collection had just the right outfit, I pulled on a pair of tan slacks and a sunflower yellow blouse. I tugged on a white-dyed jean jacket and slipped into a pair of white flats.
"Grace," Olivia called, "Come on, you'll going to be late." I descended the stairs to find her all dolled up and ready to go out. I both hoped and dreaded she was coming with me. Before I knew what was going on I found myself in the passenger seat of my lovely red, first five paychecks, a used but loved Ford Mustang convertible.
"Olivia, why are you taking me? And why in my car, can't you take yours?"
"Because he promised to bring you back and I'm going to a party." Typical Olivia, taking my car to show off because it's a classic. I've always wondered whom she tried to impress.
"Why don't you buy your own sports car? You've got the money." I suggested.
"Why buy my own when I can drive yours? It's cheaper." Grr!
I relented, "Fine, just please make sure to put gas in it."
She pulled up to the curb of my stop. She revved the engine a bit, "Don't I always?"
"NO!" I screamed as she sped away. Spoiled elitist brat! I turned towards the destination. Hey God, please let me have fun and give this man the benefit of a doubt. One last breath and I sauntered through the front door.
---- ---- ---- ----
The hostess smiled widely at her new patron, I could tell that she was a little stressed so I smiled back hoping to relieve some f her tension.
"Hi and welcome to Benson's Grill. How many in your party?" the kind redhead recited.
"Well, I'm here to meet someone."
"Are you Grace McAllister?" She gave me a weary overlook as I cautiously nodded, "follow me." She led me to a booth where a smooth greaser wannabe sat. He had jet black hair and wore a white t-shirt under a black leather jacket. Nikoli Korvachsky is a name that I couldn't pronounce. I assumed he was of Russian descent and he proved it in his limited conversation. By limited, I really mean the only topic he could speak on was himself. In his world I didn't even exist, at least I don't think I did. To him, I was a pastime... I think all girls were. Oh, Gracie, that's not fair.
He had the smile of a snake charmer and sparkling hazel eyes. As I sat he winked and thanked the cute redhead, I even watched him check out the hostess as she walked away... strike one. He smiled at me and acted as if nothing happened.
"You're pretty," he spoke. "No supermodel, but not bad." Thanks... I think.
I slyly smiled, "If you wanted a model you should've set up a date with my roommate."
He laughed, "Oh believe me I have no preference. Anything breathing is fair game. I'm just looking for a good time." I saw the spark of hunger in his eye and it wasn't for the food... strike two. Hey God, me again, please get me through this with as much grace and patience as possible. Please let this be a joke. I looked at my tablemate just as he flashed me an "irresistible, I know" wink. Okay, help me get through this.
I decided the only way to coast through this night was to play along with his disgusting womanizing game as if I were some cotton-headed bimbo. I knew his game book and predicted every move! Self-centered cretins like him are the reason I bury myself in books and dream of men like Mr. Clark Kent. I listened to this idiot talk about nothing but himself for hours and watched him flirt with the waitress... strike three.
Our waitress came with the check and as he looked it over I excused myself for a trip to the restroom. I took my time trying to strategize how I would leave him in the car... alone. By the time I got back to the booth, I found that I didn't need to scare him off, the check did it for me. The booth seat was empty and showed no sign that my date ever existed. My coat still lay there and the check sat proudly displayed on the table. You've got to be kidding me! I knew he wouldn't be driving me home, but I figured he'd at least pay the check. I dropped into the booth with a heavy sigh. I should've seen this coming, I mean how he even got the date was sketchy. Mom said that she met him in the grocery store when he helped her out with her bags. Note to self: Ask Mom what store and then stay away! Well, it could've been worse... No, no it couldn't. James, at least, had the curtsey to finish the date.
"Oh my," I heard the gasp from behind me. "Miss, I'm so sorry."
I turned to the attentive waitress and smiled, "Just another man."
"I can talk to the manager and see if we can work out--"
"No," I smiled at the college student, "I came prepared."
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
"You know, I think I've earned some dessert so I will take the cheesecake and bring me your favorite drink?"
The sweet redhead flashed me a smirk and whispered, "Would you like that spiked?"
I cocked an eyebrow, "What do you think?"
She ran off. I decided to look around and take in the ambiance that I didn't get to enjoy when I was trying to fend off the advances of a leather-clad creep. Glowing blue light lined the barriers of the pathways. Works by Impressionist artists and local photographers were proudly displayed on the wall. Hamburger grease, garlic, and barbeque sauce laced the air. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I felt some unnecessary tears roll down my cheeks.
"Something is wrong with this picture," I heard a strange voice say. My eyes shot open to find a man sitting across from me. Intense brown eyes were smiling at me.
"Who are you?"
"No one," he crossed his arms. The movement directed my eyes to his chest. The robin blue button-up emphasized well-rounded biceps and the pinstripe vest fit nicely against the gym-chiseled torso. He wore a black and gold paisley tie a little loose as to be slightly casual. I felt a smile creeping across my lips as I surveyed the stranger. Before I could correct my gawking, he cleared his throat. Immediately I regretted everything, I had gone from the victim of a wolf to the wolf myself. I shook my head and straightened up. I opened my mouth to apologize but right at that moment, my saving grace showed up with my cheesecake and drink.
"Here you go, a caramel-covered New York Cheesecake and Strawberry Lemonade with a pinch of rum." She smiled. "Are you joining her party, sir?"
"No," we both answered. The waitress looked confused.
He continued, "I am actually here for a business meeting but I saw this lovely lady sitting alone and figured I would check if everything was okay." The girl quietly smirked as he continued, "You can lead me to my party, Woodworth INC." She nodded as he got to his feet.
"Right this way, Sir."
He turned to me, picked up my hand, and kissed it. "I don't know what happened tonight, but enjoy that cheesecake and your drink." All I could do was nod. Okay, that was weird. Woodworth INC… why did that name sound familiar? But I decided to obey anyway, I had to enjoy something about this night. About thirty minutes later the lovely lady came back with a new bill. I looked over the receipt and noticed that only my food was on the check.
"Um... Lizzy," I called, "My date's meal isn't on here. And neither is my dessert."
"Oh well, the kind gentleman asked about your check and paid the male half and your dessert."
I cocked an eyebrow, "What? Why?" Her eyes got wide as she shrugged. "Well, I guess I'll just accept it and pay for my half, at least he left me that."
She quietly giggled, "Actually I convinced him of that. I figured you were a girl that would appreciate paying for herself."
I smiled, "I'll be sure to ask to be seated in your section next time I visit, Lizzy." I handed her a few twenty-dollar bills. "Keep the change." I really hoped that the generous tip showed how grateful I was for her concern and also made her day a little smoother than mine. On the way out I caught a glance of the chivalrous gentleman and decided to be a lady.
I tried to approach quietly, but he must've heard me as he turned to me. "Well Miss Lemonade, how was your dessert?"
"Free thanks to you, Mr. Cheesecake." I took a deep awkward breath. "So thank you. Thank you for making this night somewhat salvageable." He opened his mouth to say something but he licked his lips and closed them again. I started getting uncomfortable and looked at the crowd watching us. "So um... Thanks and goodnight."
I rushed outside to find rain attacking the earth. I dialed Olivia, but it sent me straight to voice mail. I already felt the cold, insistent rain seeping through my jean jacket. I refused to call my Dad; I didn't want to deal with him. I walked to the curb to see if I could hail a taxi. Before I even raised my arm I found myself drenched in puddle water thanks to an in-a-hurry, jerk driver!
The icing on the cookie! I'm walking home.
"Oh Grace," Olivia gasped. I stood in the doorway dripping wet and ticked off. I could feel the cold seeping through to my skin. "Oh darling, let's get you out of those clothes."
I refused to look or talk to her, but I allowed her to help me into my silk pajamas. She kept firing questions slowly getting irritated with my silence. I knew that if I started talking now it would do me more harm, so with Stitches in my arms, I curled into my pillow and closed my eyes.