ME:Be nice. He just wants to help.
Lil Sis:Now you sound like Attie.
ME:Well, in this case, I agree. Be good
Lil Sis:Uh huh, laters
A smile graced my lips as I packed up my stuff. Imogen always made me happy even when she was a resistant teenager—probably because she was a resistant teenager. Grabbing my leather jacket, I shuffled my bag over to my shoulder and headed upfront. Cassie and Davis were off today, meaning Jack and Brad were the only ones in the shop. They were both with customers, so I nodded as I headed out the door.
Mulling over what information I knew about Loren and wanting to be as un-stalker-like as possible, I remembered she told me about her practice. Quickly, I googled her name and found her practice, New Horizons, located in an area I was very familiar with. Straddling my bike, I headed in her direction and hoped I wasn't about to make a fool out of myself by showing up.
Ten minutes later, I pulled up to the office building and parked a few blocks over. I spotted a coffee shop and impulsively popped in to see what they served. It couldn't hurt to bring baked goodies with me. Who could say no to a pastry? I needed to make a big impression since I'd apparently failed the other times. Laden with my box of goodies, I trudged my way into her building next door.
My palms began to sweat, and I realized how nervous I was. I hadn't felt this way about talking to a girl since I was a blushing pre-pubescent boy. Whoa.
Shaking away those thoughts, I pulled up my bravado and headed into New Horizons, hoping my fate was about to change. The waiting room was nice and homey, and I felt at ease just from entering. It had warm tones, comfortable furnishings, and soft music playing overhead. At a window, a woman sat as she scrolled on a computer.
She didn't see me as I walked up. Knocking, I tried to grab her attention. Unfortunately, I hadn't noticed the earbuds, and my motion had surprised her. She jumped, clutching her chest as she turned to peer wide-eyed up at me. Shit, this wasn't off to a great start.
Waving, I hoped I hadn't just ruined it. This lady seemed like the gatekeeper and just might be what stood between Loren and me. She looked me over thoroughly, assessing my threat level, before pulling back the glass partition.
"Can I help you?" she asked politely.
"I really hope so… Doris," I said after I'd found the nameplate on her desk. The name drop helped soften her, along with my ‘ah shucks, aren't I so cute' smile. "You see, I have a problem, and I'm hoping you can help me with the cure. I can't stop thinking about Loren, and I need to make a good impression. Could you help me out?"
"Hm, how do I know you're not some creepy stalker? Loren's special. She doesn't need to be hurt again."
Ah, her momma bear had come out, and it warmed me that she was protective of Loren. I could tell she needed that in her life. Taking a different approach, I shook the box I held in my hands.
"Well, that's why I wanted to drop these off. I didn't think about the fact she might be in session when I raced over here after deciding to take a chance. It's my running through an airport moment, Doris. Can you tell me what time she has lunch?" Her stern scowl softened a smidge but wasn't promising in getting the answers I needed. I had to keep trying, though.
"Alright, Doris," I started, leaning against the counter. "I can tell you play hardball, and I like that about you, so how about this? I'm going to write my name and number on top of this box. I want to meet Loren for lunch. If she's interested, have her meet me there."
I plucked a pen out of the cup holder and wrote my number and a quick note of where to meet me. Clicking it closed, I winked at Doris before turning to leave. She kept the partition open and slowly slid the box across as I walked backward. The further I was, the more she pulled the baked goods to her.
Before I walked out the door, I smiled. "And Doris, I'm glad she has someone like you in her life."
Her shoulders relaxed at my statement, and I could see the genuine approval in her eyes. She still remained as the stern gatekeeper on the outside, but I took the small win for what it was. As she read my message, the smile on her face had me feeling hopeful that this one might finally work. I wouldn't give up if it didn't. It just meant I'd have to be more creative.
Loren was someone I wanted in my life, and I was beginning to think even needed. There would be a way to get there, somehow. As scary as hope was, I chose to believe in the connection we had and the rarity of finding someone you connected with like that. I headed in the direction of the restaurant, and I hoped her lunch was soon. Otherwise, I might go crazy from waiting. I needed to know one way or another. Walking there, I couldn't help the pep in my step with each stride I took.
Settling in at City Bistro, I ordered a water and pulled out my sketch pad. I'd been working on a drawing for a few days of her face. It didn't have the same punch as she did in person, though, and I didn't know what I was missing.
Flipping a page, I started messing around with some tattoo ideas I was working on. I had a custom order for a woman with fire wings and a sword. I played up different angles, trying to find the one that worked the best for the area she wanted. Focusing on the drawing, I lost myself in the motions as I waited, hoping the start to the next chapter of my life was going to walk through those doors soon.