Category Archives: #BlogBattle

#BlogBattle: Drop – Week 17 – Drop a Hint

Posted on by

🙂 Tuesday = #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  This weeks word:  Drop

This is a continuation of one of my previous stories, All the Rage.  I had fun with the two main characters Michael and Nita, so I brought them back this week.  So here goes.

Drop a Hint

It’s Tuesday morning, Nita walks into the Cosmetology school, and finds Michael already in the break room.

“Michael I’ve been texting you all weekend…you didn’t answer, what’s up with that?”

“Good morning to you too Peaches.” He replies flatly.

“Seriously, why didn’t you answer me?” I insist.

“First of all…breathe.”  He makes an exaggerated motion of breathing in and out, prompting me to join him.  I give him an exasperated look and smack him on the arm, causing him to explain.

“I didn’t have my phone.  Saturday night I was out with Jasmine, Nate, Mia and Roman. We were driving around before they took me home…the weather was so fabulous, we had the windows rolled down and the music cranked up, and you know how I get when the beat drops.” He raises his arms eager to demonstrate.

I quickly put up my hand and say, “Uh. No!!  It’s too early for all that.”

He puts his arms down and shrugs and continues to explain, “My phone must have fallen out of my pocket in Jasmine’s car.  She didn’t get it back to me until late last night, and the battery was completely dead.  I thought I was going to die without my phone, but surprisingly I actually got a lot of stuff done…who knew?  Soooo…how was your date with Jason?”  He looks at the time on his phone, grabs my arm and says, “We have to go, walk and talk Buttercup, walk and talk.”

“I hardly think you could call it a date Michael, we were with his Grandparents.” Michael gives me a sideways glance and then a dramatic roll of the eyes.

“Ok, if it was a date, then it was pretty close to perfect.”  By this time we made our way to our adjacent stations, and begin setting up.  It would be slow; it always was on a Tuesday, so we would just be doing work on our mannequins, which would give us a chance to talk.

“Pretty close to perfect?” Michael asks.

“Yeah I’ll get to that.  The wine tasting fest was very interesting and a lot of fun.  I don’t know one wine from the other, but Jason seems like a wine connoisseur, and knows his wine.”

“Oh gawd, he’s not one of those wine snobs is he?” Michael questions with a hand to his chest in mock horror.

“Oh no, he seemed to enjoy teaching me all about the various wines we tasted, it was actually quite fun.  Hank and Sophia walked around with us for a little while.  Jason must have been getting texts on his phone, because every so often he would look at his phone, and almost look upset, but then put it back in his pocket.  Well you know Sophia, she noticed it and by the third time she called him out on it.”

“Good for her, what did she say?” Michael says.

“She said, ‘Jason dear, how can you even think to look at that high-tech gizmo even for a second, when you have the most beautiful woman right here in front of you.  What could possibly be more important?’ Jason told her, ‘you are absolutely right Grandma that is why I just turned it off.’ I continue my story.

“Gotta love grandma,” Michael fondly says.

I go on, “We had stopped and sat down at a table for a bit, Hank and Sophia were on one side, Jason and I on the other.  Jason then suggested that we go get a bite to eat.  It was so funny, Hank was about to say that it sounded like a great idea, but Sophia must of pinched him under the table or something, because he couldn’t get the whole sentence out before a look of pain and annoyance came over his face.  Then Sophia interrupted and said, ‘Hank, dear, I think we should head home, I’ve got stuff to make us some sandwiches, let the kids go on by themselves.’  I could feel the glare she gave him from across the table.”  I quietly laugh as I recall the scene.

“That Sophia, she’s a feisty one isn’t she.”  Michael says shaking his head

“Yeah she is,” I agree with a chuckle.  “So then we went to dinner, and it was really nice.  But I had gone to the bathroom at some point and when I was walking back, I could see him and he was texting on his phone.  As I approached the table, he tried to play it off, and quickly slipped his phone back in his pocket without saying anything about it.  So that was what made the date pretty close to perfect.  I mean I would understand if it was work related or something, and he could have just told me, it was just weird.” I say still trying to understand it myself.

“Well darlin’, you should know by now, there’s no such thing as a perfect man.  There’s just the select few of us that are damn near close.” He drawled in his best southern accent.  This is one of Michael’s things, some days the more he talks, the more his southern accent comes out.  I have no idea how that is even possible since he was born and raised in Maine.  How much more North could you get?

I tilt my head sideways and just look at him and say, “Really Michael?”

“You betcha.” He gestured like he was shooting a gun and then winked.  All I could do is laugh, there was no stopping him now.

“Well all in all it was still a nice day, and on the drive home, I tried to drop hints that I’d like to see him again, without being too obvious.”  I assert.

“Well, that there Missy never works.  Droppin’ hints to a fella is as useful as a screen door on a submarine.” He continues to drawl.

Laughing I say, “Ok Michael, I think we need some lunch.”  Hoping the change of scenery will bring him back up North.

We grab my purse from my locker and as we head to my car I check my messages on my phone.  I am pleasantly shocked to see a message from Jason.  Before I reply to him I say to Michael, “Hmmm…screen doors on submarines, huh?”  I hold out my phone so he can read the message on the screen

If you’re not busy tonight, how about
we check out that new place you
suggested.  Would love to see you.  🙂

“Well of course he wants to see you again, Gingersnap, that’s ‘cuz you’re prettier than a glob of butter meltin’ on a stack of pancakes.”  Micheal says with a grin as he drapes his arm over my shoulders and we head to my car.

#BlogBattle: Spaghetti – Week 16 – Special Sauce

Posted on by

Happy Tuesday!!  Linking up for the #Blogbattle

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  This weeks word:  Spaghetti

This is a continuation of my previous story, A Day in the Loop.

Special Sauce

spaghettisauce

It’s been several months since I first met Aidan Anderson.  We’ve spent our days and nights talking, texting and Skyping.  Several times we had made plans to get together again, but for one reason or another, they fell through.  But it seems finally this time things will go as planned.

I am on my way to the airport and I will soon be on a plane heading to Minnesota, and Aidan!!  We must be getting close to my drop off area, because my mom has begun her litany of all the things I should and shouldn’t do while on the plane and staying with the Anderson’s…like I’m 12.  I gather my things and respond to her with an automatic, “yes mom.”

The flight was smooth, and without any delays.  I find my luggage easily in the terminal, and only walk a few feet before I look up and see him walking towards me.  Wow!! He looks good, I can’t get my feet to move, all I can do is just stand here with the biggest smile on my face, and my heart racing like I just ran a marathon.  He closes the gap between us with just a few long strides.  I drop my bags as his arms wrap around my waist and lift me off my feet in a welcoming hug.  I wrap my arms around his neck and bury my face in the crook of his neck; I didn’t want to let go.  When he finally puts me down and steps back from me, I look up at him and say, “Hi.”

“Hi Stephanie” he says with a wink and a smile as he gathers up my bags.

Aidan’s parents have a large summer home on the lake surrounded by a great deal of land.  I will be staying in the guesthouse.  We have just enough time to get there, and for me to unpack a few things and change before the family gathering.  It was something they did every year with their extended family at the end of the summer.

The food was good, the weather was beautiful, and his family was wonderful, welcoming me with open arms.  As the sun begins to set over the lake, Aidan’s mom and dad asks everyone to gather near the shoreline.  His sister and Aunt begin to hand everyone a marker and what looks like a folded up piece of blue paper.  Aidan’s mom clears her throat and says, “As you all know, this was Aaron’s favorite time of year.  How he loved to be with all of his family for some good fun, good laughs, and of course all the good food.  We know he is here with each of us in our hearts, but I want to honor his memory today.  In your hand is a sky lantern, I would like everyone to write on it; either the thing you remember most about him or even something you’d like to say to him.  We will then light the lanterns and let them drift into the heavens.”

As I was finishing up my note for Aaron, Aidan’s mom walks over to me and hands me a green lantern saying, “This one is for Jillian.” She lovingly squeezes my arm as she hands it to me, my own heartache reflected in her eyes.

Aidan and I light our lanterns last.  The sight of amber lights softly glowing against the inky sky as the lanterns languidly float up to the heavens is absolutely breathtaking.  Aidan knowing exactly how I am feeling, stands behind me, wraps his arms around my middle, and allows me to lean into him.  I lay my head back against his chest, he rests his chin on my shoulder, as we draw strength from each other, and let love overtake our sorrow.  I know at this moment, this is where I want to be…in Aidan’s arms.

As we walk hand in hand back to the guesthouse, I say, “This was a perfect evening, I can’t imagine anything better than this.”

“Oh, just you wait.” He replies with a mischievous grin as he squeezes my hand.

*~*

I have plans to spend the day shopping with Aidan’s mom and sister.  He mentions that he has something special planned for this evening, and asks that I return to the guesthouse by  6 p.m.

After a fun filled day.  I open the door to the guesthouse and immediately I inhale the most delicious aroma coming from the kitchen.  There is quiet music playing throughout the house, the table is set for two, with candles, a white linen tablecloth,  and napkins, fine china, and a bottle of wine chilling on ice.  As I walk into the kitchen, I see Aidan stirring something in a pot on the stove with one hand, and a bottle of wine in the other.

“I hope that isn’t the good stuff.”  I say with a smile as I lean on the door frame.

“Oh this?” he says with a laugh as he looks down at it then sets the bottle on the counter top.  “Don’t you watch the Food Network?  One must have wine, when one cooks.”

“I didn’t know you could cook.”  I replied as I walk over and give him kiss, which I am instructed to do from his apron.

“I’m a man of many talents.” He says with a wink.  “Actually, this is a very special spaghetti sauce, passed down from generation to generation.  The recipe is not even written down. My mom gave me all the ingredients already measured out and told me how to put it together.  Have a seat, everything is ready.”

We sit down and he plates the food and pours us each a glass of wine.  I take my first bite and my taste buds are assaulted with a barrage of flavors.  I chew slowly to savor every bite.  When I can finally speak, I say, “Aidan!! This is the best spaghetti I ever tasted.”

“Thank you.  My mom and grandma always say the sauce is pieno di amore, or that it’s filled with love.  They believe that when you share the sauce with someone, the two of you are destined to be together.  My great-grandmother made it for my great-grandfather, my grandmother for my grandfather, and my mother for my father.”  He said with a shrug.

“So what do you believe Aidan?” I ask as I take a sip of wine, not taking my eyes off of him.

He returns my gaze, “I believe…that it’s the best spaghetti I ever tasted.” He says then devours a forkful.

“I’m serious, Aidan.” I say laughing as I give his shoulder a nudge.

He quietly laughs and grabs my fingers and holds my hand.  Brushing his thumb over my knuckles he says, “I don’t need any special sauce to know that we are destined to be together.  I knew it the minute I looked into your eyes, and each day after that as I got to know what an incredible, smart, funny, passionate, beautiful woman you truly are.”  Then he takes my hand and kisses my palm, not once taking his eyes off me.

Oh yeah…that is definitely some special sauce.

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann


#BlogBattle: Rage – Week 15 – All the Rage

Posted on by

Happy Tuesday!! It’s #BlogBattle time.

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  This weeks word:  Rage

This is a continuation of my previous story, Catch and Release.  My last character Nita, the cosmetology student, brought back memories of my days in Cosmetology School, and prompted me to to explore her character further.

All the Rage

My alarm clock wakes me up early Saturday morning.  As I rub my eyes and stretch, I realize my alarm clock woke me up!!  That means I actually slept!! I jump out of bed to get ready for my workday at the Cosmetology School, finishing off my uniform with my name tag that reads, “Nita.”

When I arrive I walk into the break room.  My Friend Michael is already there putting things into his locker.  “Good morning Michael” I say in my most cheerful singsong voice.

He turns with a hand to his chest, and a dramatic gasp, “Why are we so cheery this morning Sunshine?”

I grab him by both shoulders and shake him, “I slept Michael, I actually slept!!”

“So I guess that means you’ll be having frog-legs for dinner tonight.”

“Very funny…but no.”  As we get ourselves together to start our day, I tell him, “I confronted those pesky varmints last night.”

“Oh, do tell, but chop, chop Buttercup our patrons are waiting…walk and talk…walk and talk,” he says as he puts on his required uniform lab coat.

“Well, after my fit of rage, I walked right out there brandishing my flashlight to end the incessant noise once and for all.”

“With a flashlight?” Michael says flatly. “In a fit of rage,” he replies even more flatly.

“Well, ok, it wasn’t that dramatic, but I went out there and I had to let the frog go, its little friends had gathered around it.  I was talking to myself as I let it out of the container, pleading that they just be quiet.  Funny thing is, one of the frogs looked at me and I think he actually understood me.”

Michael stops right in front of me, lays the back of his hand against my forehead, takes his palm and feels my cheek then says, “You need to get out more Cupcake.”

“I’m serious Michael, that’s what happened,” I say as I smack his shoulder.

By this time we have arrived at our stations, which are right next to each other.  Our patrons are waiting for us in the waiting area.  It’s time to start another hectic Saturday of back to back haircuts, perms, color and shampoo sets.

It’s 8:00 on a Saturday morning, and the waiting room is filled with senior citizens eager for their weekly coiffure.  Most of the other students complain about working on “all these old people” but it doesn’t bother me so much.  I actually enjoy listening to their stories.  Some of them have lived some full, rich lives, and they love to reminisce of simpler times.  I especially look forward to my weekly appointment with Sophia.  I walk to the waiting area to greet her.

Once I get her seated at the shampoo bowl, she doesn’t hesitate to begin her weekly monologue starting with Hank and I…

She goes on and on about the various things her and her husband did during the week.  As much as I want to work in a trendy shop one day, I will definitely miss my mornings with Sophia.  Her and Hank were obviously the couple to know when they were younger, and from what I can tell, they still are.  They travel, entertain and just enjoy life.  Sophia keeps up on all the latest trends by reading various magazines that get delivered to her home.  When talking about anything new, her favorite catchphrase is, it’s “all the rage.”

I begin to comb out her damp hair; she begins to tell me more about her week.  I don’t have to say much, I mostly listen, nod and smile.  “Oh Nita, the other day I went to the mall, to that sophisticated department store to buy a few outfits for my upcoming trip.  The young sales girl was simply dreadful, so unfriendly, nothing like you at all.  But I found the cutest white pedal pushers and light blue sleeveless blouse.” With a gleam in her eye, she says, “Oh, I can’t wait until Hank sees me in those pedal pushers…you know, back in the day they were all the rage…and he tells me when he first saw me in those, he couldn’t keep his eyes off of me.”  She lets out a little sigh.

“So what are you and Hank up to today?” I ask.

“Oh, actually my Hank isn’t feeling well today, so my grandson will be picking me up, you know the one I have told you about?”  She says nonchalantly.

“I hope Hank is alright, it’s nothing serious is it?” With genuine concern I question as I look over at Michael and we look at each other with one eyebrow raised.

“Oh no, it’s not serious at all.”  She waves her hand back and forth like she’s swatting a fly.  “He’s just taking it easy, we have plans with my grandson tomorrow, so he wants to be sure he is well rested.”

“Oh good, I’m glad he’s ok, you’re all set, let’s get you under the dryer.”  Once I get her settled I head to the break room for a much-needed cup of coffee.  Michael is already in there when I walk in and he emphatically says, “Sweet Pea, Miss Sophia is playing matchmaker.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh puh-lease…Hank is resting?  Those two are joined at the hip; she never goes anywhere without him.  So what does this grandson do?”

“Uh…I think he’s a banker or something.”  Sounding a little frustrated I say, “I don’t remember, he always sounded kind of boring if you ask me.  Michael, what am I going to do?”

He smooths down my hair with both hands and says, “Just go with the flow, Gingersnap.”

I finish my coffee, Michael and I head back to our stations, I get Sophia back in my chair.  I’m almost done when Michael leans next to me and whispers, “Is it just me, or did it get hot in here” as he tilts his head towards the direction of a guy who looks like he stepped off the cover of GQ…and is heading our way.

I playfully jab Michael in the ribs with my elbow, and under my breath say to him, “Don’t you think you should go check on your patron?”

“Oh no, Puddin’ Pop, she can wait, this I’ve got to see.” He says with too much enthusiasm.

“Hello Grandma, are you about ready?” Mr. GQ says with a voice that could melt butter.

“Oh good, Jason, you’re here already.  I’d like you to meet Nita.” Sophia gushes.

I extend my hand to him and say, “Sophia has told me a lot about you.”  At the same time he says, “My grandma has told me a lot about you.”

We laugh as we shake hands.  “Grandma talks about you so much, I feel like we’re friends already.”  He says with a smile as he holds my hand a moment longer.

Sophia claps her hands together and says, “Oh Nita, I have a brilliant idea.  Join us tomorrow for the Wine Tasting Fest at the beach.  It will be fun, you know they are all the rage these days.  Jason what do you think?”

“I think that is a great idea…what do you say Nita?  You know you want to say yes, after all, it is all the rage.”  He says with a wink.

“Well if you put it that way, how can I possibly say no?”

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann

 

#BlogBattle: Frog – Week 14 – Catch and Release

Posted on by

It’s Tuesday again and time for #BlogBattle.  But first I have to take a moment to celebrate the Chicago Blackhawks for winning the Stanley Cup last night in Chicago!!  They have not won the Stanley Cup in Chicago since 1938, but…they have won it 3 times in the past 6 years.  Definitely a winning team for a great city!!  WooHoo!!

Now onto some more fun.  #BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by the talented Rachael Ritchey.  This weeks word:  Frog

Catch and Release

“Fred….Fred…wake up!!  You have to get up…she took Maddie.”  Frank says urgently.

“Huh?….Whaaaat? Who?  Who took Maddie?”  Fred answers groggily, opening his eyes.

“That lady…the one in the white lab coat…you know the biologist I told you about.”  Frank says hastily.

Half-asleep Fred asks, “Are you sure?”

“Yes!! I’m sure.” Frank contends.

“OK, Frank…now tell me again what is a biologist?”

“There’s no time for that Fred.  Let’s just say if a biologist gets a hold of guys like us, it isn’t pretty.  We must hurry and find Maddie.”  Frank says desperately trying to get Fred to focus and moving.

“So how do you know Maddie was taken?”  Fred asks trying to gather the facts as they turn to leave.

“Phil.  He told us he saw the whole thing.” Frank says nonchalantly.

“Phil.”  Fred says flatly and comes to an abrupt stop.  “I wouldn’t believe a thing Phil says, you know he’s had his beady little eyes on Maddie since the day he got here.”

“Well, he told us where to find her, if she’s not there, then you can accuse him of being a liar.  We must go, come on.” Frank persuades him.

Phyllis is already there, twitching back and forth at the opening of the clearing to the yard.  She can see the glass chamber that is holding Maddie captive.  She doesn’t want Maddie to see her yet, so she stays back and waits for the others.

Frank and Fred approach and come to a screeching halt.  Shocked Fred says, “He was telling the truth.  How did this happen? What was she doing in the yard in the light of day?”

“She hasn’t been herself lately,” Phyllis says quietly.

“Phyllis!!”  Frank says in a scolding voice, and gives her the eye to shut her mouth.

“What?  She hasn’t.” Phyllis says with indignation.  “Ever since that cute little Asian Frog showed up from across the pond, and was all flirty with Freddie here…where he all but forgot his name…she’s been upset.”

“I didn’t forget my name.  Maddie knows I only have eyes for her, that’s nonsense.” Fred says a little too dismissively.  “How was she lured into that contraption?”

Fred somberly says, “Phil was a little hesitant talking about this part, but it was the ol’ fly on a string ruse, he couldn’t seem to bring himself to elaborate on it, all he could do is shake his head, and repeat, such a shame, such a shame.”

“Ugh!!  How did Maddie fall for that?” Fred says trying to contain his anxiety.

“Maybe she’s just hungry Freddie, I mean she’s been starving herself, ever since Little Miss Thing, with all her exoticness, made that snarky comment about Maddie looking like she is with tadpoles, Maddie thinks she looks fat…it’s made her a little self conscious.” Phyllis says vindicating her friend.

Frank cuts his eyes at Phyllis and sarcastically says, “Really Phyllis.”

Phyllis steps back and says, “Alright, alright…I’ll shut up.  But how are we going to get Maddie out of there?  It’s beginning to get dark now.”

“Let’s get closer, we’ll let her know we are here, and try to figure something out.” Fred says, just needing to see her.

* ~ *

Nita gets out of the shower, and gets herself ready for bed.  She prays she will get some sleep tonight.  She cannot continue to function on no sleep and Red Bull much longer.  They say hindsight is 20/20, and they aren’t kidding. Putting in that beautiful pond in the backyard was not such a good idea after all.  Sure it’s peaceful, and mom enjoys some quiet time out there, but she’s on the other side of the house where she doesn’t hear the frogs croaking at night.  All. night. long.  Hopefully her little abduction will do the trick.  Nita slightly cringes abduction is such a strong word, it makes me feel like a criminal…desperate times call for desperate measures…the frog is in a safe place…just away from my window.

Nita smashes her fists into her pillow a few times, slides down into her cool sheets, and pulls the covers to her chin, and wiggles around until she finds a comfortable spot.  Just as she closes her eyes, she hears it.  “No, no, no…not happening.” She whines to no one, almost crying.

She whips the covers off, gets up and slips on her flip-flops and grabs a flashlight.  “That’s it!! This stops tonight.” She says with the fierceness of a bona fide hunter.

She exits the patio doors, and walks across the yard, to the other side of the shed where she has set up her makeshift aquarium.  What’s the big deal, it’s not like I have the little amphibian chained to a brick wall in a dark cellar.  Its got water, some leaves, a little dirt, it should feel like it’s at the spa.

Just as she rounds the corner, she carefully shines her flashlight in the direction of the croaking.  What she sees, stops her in her tracks.  Two frogs are sitting quietly on the grass in front of the glass case leaning their heads together.  A third frog has its hands up against the glass, resting its head and sadly looking in at the frog inside.  This is the one that is doing all the croaking.  All the other frogs are quiet.  The frog inside the container has one of its hands resting on the glass against the other frog’s hand.

Nita raises her hand to her mouth in awe.  “Awww…the frog’s little friends must really miss it.  This is so cute.” She says quietly as she cautiously approaches.

The three frogs look at her as she approaches.  One of the two starts croaking to the other one.

“OK, let’s quiet down, let’s see what she wants, I’m fluent in homo sapien.” Says Frank with his usual bravado.

Phyllis looks at him with an alluring smile and a look of newfound admiration.

“Ok….ok.  I’ll let your little friend go.  What do I know about frogs, I’m just a cosmetologist…a tired one at that.  I’m the one disturbing your home, I just wish you could be a little more quiet at night so I could get some sleep.”  Nita gently lifts the frog out of the container and sets it down next to the other frogs.

“I’ll just have to figure something else out…go on…enjoy your night.” She says as she brushes her hands against her pants and stands up to go back in the house.

As the four frogs begin to jump away, one of them stops and turns to her and looks right at her and nods its head and gives one last croak before he joins the others.

Nita just looks right back at him and laughs a little and says, “Nah…he couldn’t have understood what I was saying.”  Shaking her head she turns and heads back into the house.

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann

#BlogBattle Week 13 – Rope: It Can Only Get Better

Posted on by

Happy Tuesday!!  Here’s my contribution to #BlogBattle.

#BlogBattle is a weekly short story challenge using a single word for inspiration.  Hosted by Rachael Ritchey.

 

It Can Only Get Better

Kate enters her apartment with a stack of mail.  She flips through the envelopes, letting them pile up on her desk to sort through later.  But the last envelope gives her pause, “Discover Card?” she says to herself. “I don’t have a Discover Card,” literally talking to herself.  She drops it on the pile with the others in exasperation.  This time she cries to the heavens, “How much more? I’m at the end of my rope here…barley hanging on by a thread!!”

As she gets ready for work, she thinks to herself, my life wasn’t supposed to be this way.  She fell in love, married young, started a family and was content to live her happily ever after.  How was she to know that her Prince Charming was really just a frog, with a wandering eye, and a compulsion for spending?  Oh, she knew…she saw the signs, but chose to ignore them.  What she didn’t see coming was him up and leaving her, just walking away, leaving her, the kids and a huge amount of debt.  She lets out a sigh, and says, “No time to dwell on the past, it has to get better.”  She laughs to herself and thinks she really needs to stop talking to herself.

It was super busy in the restaurant, she has no idea how many people she served during her shift, smiling and making small talk, but it helps pass the time quickly.  As she finishes up, she walks over to collect her tips, and several of the other servers are all crowded around her manager, Michelle, having a rather animated conversation. “What’s going on?” Kate asks as she approaches.

Michelle replies, “You might want to sit down for this.”

“Sit down for what?” She asks looking from Michelle to the other servers.

Michelle slowly says, “Someone left you a thousand dollar tip.”

“Yeah right.” Kate snickers.

“It’s true.”  Michelle contends as she hands Kate the receipt.  Next to the tip line, printed in neat handwriting she reads aloud, “Thank you.  Keep smiling, it brightened my day.”

Whoops and squeals sound from the small group.  Then the speculation begins of who could of left such a tip, and if it is indeed a secret admirer.

“It doesn’t matter who left it, I’m not looking for a man…I’m tired, and I’m going home.  Good night ladies.” Kate says cheerfully as she leaves.

* ~ *

Edward’s sister calls to see if he wants to go out to dinner.  “Sure, why not.” He replies.  He disconnects the call and thinks to himself, it’s a Friday night, and I’m having dinner with my sister.  This isn’t how his life was supposed to be.  But he can’t blame anyone but himself.  Why would his wife stick around when he was working all the time, and never home.  Ha!! A beautiful home only afforded by his hard work and long hours.  Once the kids were off to college, she decided to travel Europe, to find herself, to eat, pray and love…whatever that means.  He shakes his head, as if to clear this unproductive introspection.

The evening is enjoyable with his sister; the food is delicious as always.  What was especially intriguing to Edward was his server.  She introduces herself as Kate.  She has the most beautiful ocean blue eyes, that sparkle when she smiles.  His sister engages her in small talk, finding out she has a son in college and a daughter heading there in the fall.  Edward got the sense that she was the type of person that put everyone’s needs before her own.  He notices no wedding ring.

At the end of the meal Edward insists on paying, even though this obviously offends his sister, but he doesn’t care.  He waits in line to pay the check, and catches a glimpse of Kate, as she laughs and chats with the other servers.  Not an impulsive guy by nature, when it’s his turn to pay his check, he fills in the tip section with a generous amount and adds a note.  He realizes it’s been a long time since he has been attracted to a woman, and it really didn’t matter if anything came out of this.  She deserves a nice surprise; besides, he knew what it took to put kids through college.  It’s time he used his success for some good.

* ~ *

Sunday afternoon, Kate heads over to her friend’s house for a barbecue.  There was no getting out of it, Tori doesn’t take no for an answer.  She walks up to the beautiful house with the meticulous lawn, and heads towards the backyard where she can hear music playing.  Tori spots her right away and rushes over and gives her a big hug, talking a mile a minute, “Kate!! So glad you could make it.  Food is over there, drinks are over there.  Lisa is here too, she is saving a spot for you at her table over there.  I’ll catch up with you later, there’s someone I want to introduce you to.”  Ugh, she’s playing matchmaker again.

The food is delicious, and Kate enjoys catching up with Lisa. Tori comes over, and grabs Kate by the arm.  “Come with me, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

We walk up to a handsome man, who is dressed like he just stepped out of Tommy Bahama catalogue, looks to be a few years older than Kate. Tori says, “Edward Lewis this is Kate Foster, my dear friend I was telling you about.”  She says to Kate,  “Edward is good friends with the hubby.  You two enjoy yourself, I need to check on the food.” She quickly disappears with a dramatic flourish of her hand and a “Ta-Ta.”

“Is it me, or do you feel like this was a complete set up?” Edward says conspiratorially.

“I agree totally.  She feels it’s her duty…helping the single friend,” Kate admits with a laugh.

“Yes, I know what you mean, same here.” Trying to diminish the awkwardness Edward says,  “Well…I was heading over to see their solarium, it’s actually roped off to the other guests, but Tori’s hubby told me to go check it out,” He smiles and shrugs his shoulders playfully saying, “What…I know a guy. Come join me.”

Laughing at his silly attempt to impress her, Kate says, “Sure, how could I possibly resist.”

As she turns to walk towards the solarium, he gently puts his hand on the small of her back to guide her through the crowd.  She tries to hide the affect that simple gesture has on her.

Once in the solarium they find a bench, sit down and continue to talk.  The conversation flows easily between them.  Kate finds herself genuinely having a good time, it’s been so long since she has felt like this.

Edward interrupts her musings saying, “I have really enjoyed your company, Kate, I hope we can get together again.  We can take it one day at a time, no expectations.  I would much rather go out to dinner with you than my sister.” He quietly laughs.

“That sounds like something I’d be interested in,” she casually says as she flashes him one of her smiles.

He briefly closes his eyes and slightly shakes his head and says, “You are truly beautiful Kate, and that smile of yours, it just brightens my day.”

Her heart almost stops, barely getting the words out she says, “What did you just say?”

He looks at her intently, answering the question she didn’t ask, “Yes, Kate.  Your smile brightens my day.” With a knowing smile, he gives her a wink as he takes her hand.

 

© 2015 Carrie Ann