So busy with
dinner, baths, and getting the kids to bed, she didn’t have time to think about
her life until eight o’clock. She slipped off her watch, poured a glass of wine, sat on the sofa, and called Marty.
“Just wanted to tell you that Aunt Laura is
giving us the apartment for the week. What else is there to do in Pine Grove,
besides baseball?”
“That’s great. Uh, well, there are lots of
things to do. We have a playground, and hiking trails.”
“That’s a start. The kids are super
excited.”
“Me, too. I used to go regularly. Got to know a few of the players.”
“Ethan's so excited. Look, I know you gave me too low a price because I’m a widow and
you like my kids. My husband
left a special fund for me to start a business in case something happened to
him. So I have the money to pay.”
A soft chuckle met her ears. “I’ve been
avoiding my brother because I knew he’d kill me when he found out what I quoted
you.”
“Okay. So, give me a new one. A real one
this time.”
“I hope this works, Jen. I think it’s a revolutionary idea.”
Heat warmed her cheeks. “Thanks. You’re the
first man to say that. I know Bill would support me, but the husbands of my
friends all think it’s nuts.”
“Don’t let their BS get in the way. Go for
it.”
“I will.”
Silence. A dozen phrases about how much she
was looking forward to seeing him buzzed through her head, but she discarded
them. Meeting guys was a whole new thing. Totally out of her element, she had
no idea what to say.
Marty spoke up first. “Well, it’s late. Have a peaceful night.
I’ll get that quote to you tomorrow. Take care. See you soon.”
“Goodnight.” She clicked off the phone and
slapped her forehead. “What am I an idiot? Can’t make conversation anymore?”
Frustrated, she opened her laptop and Googled “the art of dating after thirty.”
Picking up her wine glass, she clicked on
the one titled, “How to talk to men you want to sleep with, but don’t want
them to know.” Sitting back, she
took a sip and read.
That book she's reading would be a bestseller I'm sure. Great scene.
ReplyDeleteShe treated him with integrity, and that bodes well for them. LOVE the final two paragraphs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful snippet!
ReplyDeletehaha. Love the google topic and the name of the article she clicked on.
ReplyDeleteI loved your snippet. So realistic, I feel like a fly on the wall watching something that's really happening. But that's not unusual with your writing. That's a talent you have.
ReplyDeleteThe only complaint I have with your snippets ... they always end when I want to keep reading.
Nice! I love how she’s stumbling to figure out the dating thing. The article title is priceless! Great job!
ReplyDelete