Chapter 3 #3
Leticia’s smile lit up the room. “Yes! Thank you so much.”
They chatted as they ate, and Kyle watched her closely.
Her mannerisms were indeed feminine. Her voice was a little deep, but he knew other women who had voices that deep, so it wasn’t a big deal.
He wasn’t sure how his family would feel about it, but if he was okay with it, it shouldn’t be their concern.
“So you said you’re free on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Do you work the other nights of the week? ”
“Oh, no. On Mondays I have yoga. On Wednesdays I have a support group I attend. On Fridays I usually go out with my friends, and the weekends are spent doing some kind of outdoor activity. We’re going to a color run this weekend and we’ll be back on Sunday night.”
“Your life is pretty full.”
“What do you do in the evenings?”
“Well, there’s laundry and cooking and cleaning, and helping Myla with her homework, and working on the books for the farm. Mostly homebody-type things.”
“Oh. That’s not very well-rounded, is it?”
“I’m not into well-rounded. I’m more into surviving. When you’re a single parent and you work full-time, there’s not time for a lot of activities, or a lot of money for them, for that matter. I do okay financially, but there aren’t a lot of extras.”
“So you don’t hang out with friends or anything?”
“No. If I’m going to hang out, it’ll be with family. Parents, my brother, my sister. My tribe,” he said and smiled. They really were his tribe, and he didn’t know what he’d do without them.
“If you started dating someone seriously, would you expect them to be home with you in the evenings?”
Uh-oh. I see where this is going, Kyle thought. “Actually, I would hope they’d want to be.”
She reached across the table and took his hands, and he found the softness and warmth of hers soothing.
“You know, it’s a shame. You’re one of the most decent people I’ve met in a long time.
But I don’t think this will work. I like cuddling in front of the fireplace, but I also like getting out on the dance floor to some loud music and destroying a couple of margaritas.
And if I’m hearing you right, that’s not something you’d enjoy. ”
“I’m not even sure I could swing that one night a month, honestly. Myla is my whole world. I want to share that world with somebody else, but until she’s grown, she’s my focus.”
“I get it. And I’m glad she’s got you. You’re a great guy, Kyle. I hope you find the person you’re looking for, but I don’t think that’s me.”
He pursed his lips and nodded his head. “Yeah. I think you’re right. But hey, it’s nice to meet you. You’re a lovely lady and I hope everything goes your way.”
“Thank you. And, you know, keep my contact info. If you ever need to get away and just have a drink and talk to somebody, give me a call. No strings attached. We may not think we need to date, but I feel like I made a friend tonight and, trust me, a girl like me can’t have too many friends.
” She smiled and gave him a wink, and he smiled back.
It might not work out between them, but Leticia was a nice person.
“I don’t think anybody can have too many friends!
Come on. I’ll walk you to your car.” As they left the dining room, Kyle thought about their conversation.
He’d meant what he said. He hoped she found exactly the right man and had a happy life.
It couldn’t have been easy up to that point, but he was impressed with her fortitude.
As they stepped up to a white Subaru, Kyle said, “Well, Leticia, like I said before, it was great to meet you.”
“You too, Kyle. Are you a hugger? Because I’d sure like to give you a hug.”
Instead of answering, Kyle just opened his arms and she walked right in. “You keep looking,” he whispered in her ear. “The right guy’s out there. I know he is. And I’m always here if you need to talk to somebody.”
“Thank you.” When she pulled back, he was surprised to see a tear roll down her cheek.
“My own family can’t accept me. It’s wonderful to meet someone who’s a complete stranger and have them be so understanding and accepting.
Maybe one day I’ll meet your mother. I’d love to tell her what an extraordinary man she’s raised. ”
“I bet we can make that happen. And by the way, what made you sign up on a dating app that’s mostly for farmers?”
“Honey, I signed up on every last damn one of them. You think you’re having a hard time finding somebody to date? You should be me!” she answered with a laugh.
Kyle smiled. “I can definitely see that. You drive safely, okay?”
“You too. Goodnight, Kyle.” He watched as she started her car and rolled out of the parking lot.
A transgender woman. That was certainly not an issue he’d expected to run into, but if he was going to, he was glad it had been with Leticia.
She was a genuinely nice person and she deserved somebody who’d love her and treat her with respect, somebody who’d really appreciate her healthy and active lifestyle.
It just wasn’t him.