Chapter 9
9
Michelle picked up her phone, stared at it, then placed it back on the counter. She paced, working out the words in her head. Her phone vibrated, causing her to glance at it. She poured a glass of wine, took a sip, and inhaled deeply. She picked up her phone again to see yet another message from Ronnie. She scrolled back, looking at the messages he left: Where are you going?
What happened?
Call me!
Did I do something?
Call me, please!
Cade isn’t happy. He almost hit me. Talk to me.
And the last one. Look, I don’t know what happened this morning. I’d like an explanation, but if I don’t get one, I want you to know that I think you’re beautiful and fun. I...
She began to type: You do deserve an explanation. When I say it’s not you, it’s me. I truly mean that. I spoke with Cade, I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say except that what or who you’re looking for isn’t me. You were the first man since my husband died that I attempted to go out with. Let me just say that times have changed, and that scared me. But it also let me know that I’m not a cougar. I’m not looking for a younger man to try to recapture my youth. I’m happy where I am. Thank you for helping me see that. Good luck in finding what you most desire. Goodbye, Ronnie. She read what she’d written and pressed send. That should do it.
She placed her phone back on the counter and headed toward her bathroom, wine in hand. She thought about today. So much happened in six short hours that it felt as if she’d lived a week in just one day.
When she got out of the shower, she walked back to the kitchen to retrieve her phone. She used facial recognition to wake it up. There was another notification from the Singles app, which she ignored until she called Jackie, who picked up on the second ring. “Hey!”
“Hey. What are you doing?”
“My nails. How are you? Did you message Ronnie?”
“Yeah, I have a notification from the app. I’m sure it’s from him. I’ll read it later. What are you doing tonight?”
“No plans. Oscar and I decided we’d take things slowly, so we’re not seeing each other every night. Why?”
“Want to go to The Scots Place?”
“That sounds like fun. What time?”
“I’ll pick you up about five.”
“I’ll be ready.”
Michelle ended the call and ventured to look at the notification. It wasn’t as bad as she thought it’d be: I’m sorry that I scared you. That was the last thing I’d want to do. Thank you for explaining. I’m honored that you agreed to meet me. I hope you find what you’re looking for as well. Maybe I’ll see you around sometime.
Peace flooded through her. She smiled, knowing this was the best decision. With a pep in her step and wine in her hand, she headed for her closet to decide what to wear.
Half an hour later, Michelle and Jackie drove downtown. The crowd at The Scots Place was more their age and not as young as at the breweries around town. Tonight, she just wanted to relax with her friend and not worry about dating, dating apps, embarrassing her children, or feeling like a cougar.
She found a parking spot and took the Jeep out of gear. She pressed her head against the headrest and looked over at Jackie. “What a day, huh?”
Jackie laughed. “Girl, you’ve had more excitement in one day than you’ve had in a year. No wonder you need to unwind. Come on. Let’s get lost in the crowd.”
They jumped out of the Jeep and linked arms as they walked toward the door. The atmosphere wasn’t noisy yet since it was early in the evening. The décor reminded her of an old gentlemen’s club... dark wood, deep jewel tone colors, and dim lighting. Of course, a soccer game (football for the Scots) was on the big screen.
Michelle and Jackie frequently patronized the place, so the bartender knew them. Even though they normally sat at the bar and socialized, that was the last thing either of them wanted tonight. They looked around and found a high-top table for two in the corner. Perfect. They were barely seated when the server came over. It was Amy from the softball game. She smiled when she recognized Michelle. “Good to see you.”
“Hi, Amy. I didn’t know you worked here.”
“On the weekends. I attend Western Carolina but spend the weekends with Maddox. That lets me earn a little extra cash during school.”
“That’s great.”
“What can I get you ladies to drink?”
They placed their orders. “Can we have a minute to decide on food?”
“Sure thing. I’ll be back with your drinks.”
While studying the food menu, Michelle wondered if going out tonight was a good idea. Who knew Amy worked here? She massaged her forehead and decided on the grilled chicken salad.
When Amy returned with their drinks, Jackie ordered fish and chips and Michelle a salad. As Amy turned to leave, she said, “Ronnie and Maddox will be by later.”
Michelle grinned and took a sip of her drink. It went down smoother than it should.
“Are you worried about seeing him?”
“Nope.”
“He’ll question why you aren’t in Asheville.”
“Don’t care.”
Jackie’s eyes widened. “Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever heard those two words come out of your mouth together.”
Michelle shrugged and pulled out her phone. “I think I’m deleting that app.”
“What? Why?”
“I’ve looked at the people on there, and the majority of them are at least ten years younger than we are.”
“Speak for yourself.”
Michelle rolled her eyes. “Right, keep telling yourself that.” She tilted her head. “That’s not me, Jackie.”
“You’re right. It’s not.”
Michelle held down the icon on her phone and deleted the app. “I still have the Couples one.”
“Any notifications on it?”
“A few. I’ll look at them tomorrow.”
“You aren’t giving up on dating after only one try, are you?”
“No, just going to be more careful.”
Jackie laughed. “That’s the Michelle I know.”
“Bite me,” she said as Amy returned with their orders.
They ate as they watched more people come in. The bar was full and there weren’t many dining tables left, so they waved Amy over.
“Hey, Amy. We’ll take the check now. Can you split it?”
Her eyes widened and her mouth formed an ‘O.’ “Um, that gentleman over there paid the bill for both of you.”
Michelle and Jackie looked in the direction she indicated. The man from the meat market at the grocery store waved at them. Michelle looked at Jackie and she held Michelle’s gaze, both with a deer in the headlights look. Finally, Michelle’s eyes landed on Amy. “Wow, that was nice of him.”
“It sure was. He’s a widower, just like you,” Amy said cheerily.
Michelle closed her eyes. That was not what she needed. Jackie grabbed her arm. “We need to thank him.”
“I know.” When Michelle opened her eyes, he was walking toward their table. Before she figured out how to duck out of the restaurant, he was standing in front of them. Michelle smiled. “Thank you for dinner. That was very kind of you. You didn’t need to do that.”
“I wanted to. Aren’t you on the Couples dating app?”
Michelle waggled her finger between Jackie and herself. “We both are.”
“Really? I saw you the other day for the first time.” He looked at Jackie. “I don’t remember seeing you.”
Jackie’s hand flew to her chest. “Oh, I hope nothing has happened to my profile. I’ll have to check on that. You know how technology can be.”
The man nodded. “I’m Albert.” He reached out his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Albert,” Jackie said as she placed her hand in his.
Thank God she was taking over the conversation. Michelle lifted her hand. “Nice to meet you.” An awkward silence fell between them. “Thank you again, Albert, but we were just heading out.”
“Oh, maybe next time we can have a drink too.”
“Sure,” Jackie said.
Albert frowned and looked at Michelle. “Maybe another time.” She felt like she was acting like a bitch, but this wasn’t what she wanted to do tonight. She just wanted time with her friend. “I’m sorry, Albert, but today hasn’t been a good day, and I’m a bit out of sorts.”
“I understand. I have those days too.” He stood to the side. “Maybe I’ll see you at the grocery store again.”
“I’m sure.” Michelle gave him a friendly smile.
“Have a good night, ladies.”
They left their table and walked toward the hallway. Just as they were about to walk out the door, Ronnie came from one of the rooms where the pool tables were located. “Hey. I didn’t expect to see you out tonight.”
“Just dinner with a friend.”
“Good to see you.”
“You too,” Michelle said as Jackie pushed open the door.
They rode for several minutes with just the whir of the tires breaking the silence. With her focus on the road, Michelle just had to ask. “How do you do it? Waynesville is so small. Just because I go out doesn’t mean I’m looking for a date.”
“Well, some people are always looking.” She grinned.
“Thanks for flirting with Albert back there. I just didn’t have the brain capacity for that tonight.”
“I got your back, girl.”