Chapter Nine
Todd
I feel like a lovestruck fucking teenager again as I’m getting ready for my date with Marlene. I couldn’t believe it when she’d shown up at the café last night, but that didn’t hold a candle to my disbelief upon finding out she was single over the course of our conversation.
I’d had a massive crush on the gorgeous blonde when we were co-workers, but because of strict corporate policies, making a move on her could have cost me my job, and unfortunately I was in desperate need of the paycheck.
Not to mention the fact that back then, my life didn’t exactly leave a lot of room for dating. I had the one full-time job, plus a part time job that was only about two hours shy of being a second full-time job. On top of that, most of my free time was spent helping my dad care for my mom.
A brain tumor had rendered her blind, among other problems it caused, and so the paychecks I was earning were helping to keep us housed and fed while Dad worked to keep up with the medical bills.
So needless to say, my social life wasn’t exactly thriving at the time.
But now I’ve got another chance at the shot I never got to take before. I don’t know how in the world someone hasn’t snatched her up yet, but I won’t complain about my luck.
I make another left turn and try and get a glimpse at the number on one of the houses to gauge how far down Marlene’s place is, and whether it’s on my right or my left. I was still familiar enough with town that when I’d given her address a quick glimpse on a map, I’d recognized the area.
As I get closer, I realize I needn’t have worried too much about finding the place, since I recognize her car sitting in the driveway. I pull up to the house and make my way up to the front door.
I ring the doorbell and wait, giddy with anticipation, and after a few moments, the door swings open. “Wow,” I blurt out by pure reflex at the sight of her, “You look incredible.”
Her pretty cheeks turn bright red. But I’m not just trying to smooth-talk her, the reaction was genuine. The navy-blue sweater dress clinging to her figure is simple, but polished, and the soft brown knee-high boots make her legs look miles long.
“Thanks,” she replies, “Shall we?”
I lead her out to my car, opening the passenger side door for her. She thanks me again and slips into the seat, gracing me with a peek at her soft thighs when her dress rides up a little.
I close the door carefully behind her and get in on my own side. “So, do you have any particular requests for the evening, or are you okay with letting me take the reins?”
“I’m all yours,” she says, flashing me a smile.
Although for a second, I see some emotion I can’t quite read flash through her eyes.
“Excellent.”
I had a plan in mind, but didn’t want to force it on her, so I’m glad she’s up for the adventure. I take her to one of my favorite places, and just hope that she’ll continue to trust me until I lead her inside.
The Court Bistro is far from impressive on the outside, looking like kind of a seedy little dive, but that thought is abandoned when you step inside the little hidden treasure of a restaurant.
Inside, not only are you immediately met with a wash of mouthwatering aromas wafting from the restaurant kitchen, but you’re also greeted by a setting that bridges the gap between comfort and elegance.
She looks around, taking in the sights in surprise. “This is nice,” she remarks, “I’ve seen this place from the outside a million times, but I never would have thought it was anything like this.”
“Just wait until you try the food,” I promise her.
We’re seated at a table and given menus. I’ve been here enough times that I already have my order in mind, so I take advantage of the time to steal glances at my gorgeous date while she pores over her choices.
Before long, the server comes around to take our orders, then leaves the two of us. We fall into pretty easy conversation, reminiscing a little at first before shifting to other topics.
It all seems to be going smoothly, at least until we’re on the topic of family. I absently end up mentioning that my cousin just had a baby, and something passes over Marlene’s face. It’s almost like some of the light goes out of her eyes and she deflates a little bit.
I’m not sure what it is I’ve said wrong, but I desperately want to steer things back in the right direction. But before I can change topics, our food arrives. We’re both quiet as we dig in, until finally Marlene mentions how impressed she is by the meal and asks me how I’d stumbled upon the place.
I grasp the conversational lifeline she’s granted me, and before long, it seems like we’re back on track. I still wonder what it was I’d said that affected her that way, but I was afraid to ask and bring the dark cloud back over her head.
Much like the night before, we end up talking far longer than we’ve planned, until Marlene is trying to politely hide a yawn behind her hand. “Sorry,” she says, “Promise it has nothing to do with you, just haven’t been getting the best sleep lately.”
“You’re fine, it’s getting late anyway,” I tell her, “Let me just pay up and I’ll get you home.”