Chapter 8
What am I doing?
Amy sat in her car and stared at the building in front of her. Ike’s Hometown Tavern. She shouldn’t be here. Not only was
she absolutely not a tavern type of woman, she also had better things to do on a Saturday night than attend—shudder—a Single
Mingles get-together.
The blindingly bright sign to the right of the tavern advertised karaoke Saturdays. She hated karaoke. But she didn’t used
to. Daniel had killed that for her too.
Her hands were still on the steering wheel, the engine running. She should just go back home. Britt might have returned from
her trip to K&Bs by now, and maybe they could settle in with a movie and some homemade popcorn. Lightly salted, no butter.
The way they both liked it.
It had been great to spend time with her today. During the school year, most of Amy’s weekends were spent recovering from
the week and doing the never-ending chores around the house. Britt was always a big help with cleaning and yard work. But
Amy wasn’t a spring chicken anymore, and she couldn’t afford to hire a lawn service. By Sunday afternoons after church, she
was mentally preparing herself for the next school week. Spending a Saturday doing something fun and carefree was a treat,
even if she did spend a little more money than she should have.
Listening to karaoke at a tavern did not sound fun. Not even close.
Her phone buzzed and she released her death grip on the steering wheel to look at the text that popped up.
Running late. There’s a table for eight already reserved at the left of the stage so go on in. See you in a bit. Thx.
Amy tossed her phone in her purse and reluctantly shut off the car. Laura was supposed to meet her here, and now she would
have to face the singles on her own until her friend showed up. This was the one and only time she was going to do this, and
the sole reason was because Laura had been relentless ever since she’d taken over the group. Even though she’d just joined
a couple of weeks ago, the former leader had since gotten engaged. Laura was a good choice because she was highly organized.
She was also the only one who volunteered.
Amy sighed. Better to get the impending disaster over with than have Laura spoil her summer by constantly insisting that Amy
needed to attend their events and have some fun.
“Not going to happen,” she muttered, grabbing her purse and exiting the car. The lot was full, the scent of greasy fried food hung in the air, and she could already hear muffled music coming from the building. A knot formed in her stomach. Unlike Britt—bless her daughter’s heart—Amy had never had a problem with social situations. She loved eating lunch in the faculty lounge, although at times the gossip could get a bit much and that’s when she excused herself, pronto. She enjoyed open house, going to ball games and supporting her students, and she hadn’t missed chaperoning a dance in more than six years. There was even a tradition at prom where everyone did the Ms. Branch Boogie at the end of the night, with her leading the dance. But meeting single people whose main interest was finding love again? The whole idea made her unfathomably uncomfortable.
Now that she was committed, there was nothing left to do but get it over with. She walked inside and was a little surprised
at what she saw. Instead of the darkly lit, alcohol-soaked bar she’d imagined, she could plainly see the tables and chairs
that were filled with people talking and laughing. Waitresses and servers wearing red short-sleeved shirts and khaki shorts
circulated around the place, which she could see was more restaurant and less nightclub. A pale wood-planked dance floor was
in the middle, and an empty stage was up front with a string of colored lights draped over a white curtained background.
She looked around for the table Laura was talking about, then located it. She scooted by several tables and sat down, frowning
a little as she glanced at her watch. She was on time, so where was everyone else? Menus and silverware were in front of each
empty chair.
A waitress appeared and placed a cardboard coaster in front of her. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water, please.”
She nodded and walked away, while Amy tried to relax a little. At least the music wasn’t too loud, and the karaoke thankfully
hadn’t started yet. She felt like a little old lady shaking her cane at kids running across her lawn, but she couldn’t help
it. Even now she was trying not to wonder if Daniel had frequented this place during their marriage. She knew he’d hit numerous
bars over the years they were married, usually after they had a fight about his drinking.
She shoved her ex out of her mind. Even though she didn’t want to be here, she would make the best of it. She just hoped Laura
would arrive soon.
“Is this seat taken?”
Amy looked up to see a clean-cut man with black thick-framed glasses standing across from her. “Uh, kind of?”
“Are you with Single Mingles by any chance?”
“Ah... yes.” She so badly wanted to say no, but obviously he was here for the group.
“Good, I’m at the right place.” He paused, half smiling. “At least I think it’s good. Mind if I sit down?”
She shook her head and he lowered himself into the chair. “Max Monroe,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’m brand new to the
group, so I’m not sure what I’m doing.”
“Amy Branch. And ditto.”
The waitress brought out her water, and Max told her he’d have a Coke. As he ordered, Amy got a better look at him. The frames
were trendy, not nerdy, and he wore a crisp white shirt, sans tie, with a nice gray jacket and navy blue pants. His short
brown hair had gray threaded through the top but was completely white on the sides. She had to admit he was a good-looking
man.
The waitress went to get Max’s drink, and he glanced around the tavern. “I’ve never been here before either. Seems like a
nice place.”
“This is my first time too.” She pulled her phone out of her purse to check her messages. Nothing so far. “My friend Laura
should be here any minute. She’s running late.”
“I figured I’d be the tardy one.” He scooted his chair a little closer to the table and leaned forward.
“How did you find the group?” she asked.
“Online, I’m embarrassed to say.” He ran his thumb across the edge of the table. “My wife died five years ago. I figured it
was time to join the world again. Socially, I mean.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks. Crystal would have wanted me to move on...” He looked up. “I’m doing exactly what I told myself I wouldn’t do—jump in with my sob story.”
“It’s okay.” She smiled. “How long were you married?”
“Thirty years. She died of breast cancer.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, tell me a little about yourself.”
“I’m divorced and I’m here against my will.” At his wide-eyed expression, she laughed. “I’ve been happily divorced for a little
over twenty years. My friend Laura seems to think it’s past time for me to mix and mingle, and I’m here so she’ll shut up
about it.”
“I see... I think.”
Her smiled faded. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so honest. “Don’t get me wrong. I love being around people. I’m just not interested
in romance.”
His shoulders relaxed and the waitress returned with his drink. “Thanks,” he said to her, then looked at Amy again. “I’m so
glad you said that. I’m not looking to date either. But I’ve got all these well-meaning people in my life who are so pushy.
Including my former mother-in-law, if you can believe that.”
“Oh, I believe it. It’s like no one’s allowed to be single and happy.”
“Exactly.” He grinned and lifted his drink. “To being single.”
“Here, here.” She tapped her glass to his just as her phone screen lit up and Laura’s text appeared.
Still running late. Tell everyone to order without me.
“Hang on a minute,” she said to Max, picking up her phone. “Laura sent me a message.”
Amy: There’s only me and one other guy here. His name is Max and he’s new. Where is everyone else?
Laura: I’ll check the online group.
“I asked her for an attendance update,” Amy explained.
He nodded and picked up the menu. She followed suit and had decided on a cheeseburger with blue cheese and bacon when her
screen lit up again.
Laura: They all cancelled. Every one of them.
Amy: Really? Has that ever happened before?
Laura: No. Usually at least two or three show up. Most of the time it can be up to twenty. I just reserved for eight because
that’s how many said they were coming. I don’t know when I’ll be there either. Farah’s softball game is in extra innings,
and then I have to drop her off at home. I don’t want you to have to wait so go ahead and leave. We’ll do this another time.
Sorry!
Amy glanced at Max, who was still perusing the menu. She’d only ordered water and she could still leave without putting the
waitress out too much.
Amy: Don’t worry about it. I hope Farah wins!
Laura: Me too! It’s an exciting game!
She slipped her phone back into her purse. “Bad news. No one else is coming.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I’d understand if you want to leave.”
He closed the menu. “If you’re staying, I will too.”
She smiled. “Then it’s a nondate.”
“Those are the best kind.”
For the next hour, she and Max ate—he had a cobb salad—and talked about their lives, which couldn’t be more different. “I’m
a corporate attorney,” he said, spearing a bit of avocado. “Have you ever heard of Pickett & Jones law firm?”
She shook her head. “Nope. Haven’t had to deal with a lawyer since my divorce.”
“I joined the firm last year. They primarily do criminal law but now they’re branching out into different sectors. I work
in the McKinney office. I don’t see Mr. Pickett or Mr. Jones that often, but they occasionally stop by the office and shake
hands. They’re decent people.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “I get a little defensive about my profession sometimes.”
“I understand. I don’t watch much TV, but when I do, I’m inundated with ambulance-chasing ads.”
“Yeah, those are the worst. But we aren’t all like that.”
Amy nodded, selecting a thick french fry from her plate. “Sometimes I feel a little protective of my profession too. Teachers
get a bad rap, and some of them deserve it. But most of us love what we do and want our students to succeed. I can’t imagine
doing anything else.”
“I had some excellent teachers throughout my school years.” Max sipped his second Coke. “I often thought about teaching law
after I retire.”
“When will that be?”
“I’m fifty-seven, so I’ve got several working years left. Crystal and I had planned to tour the world after we both retired.
She was a nurse and worked for almost two decades at Children’s Medical Center before she moved to work in a private practice.”
He pressed his lips together. “Plans have changed, obviously.”
Amy’s heart went out to him. She’d had plans with Daniel too. Lots of them. Other than buying the house in Allen and having Britt, none of them had come to fruition. But she’d had lots of time to mourn those losses.
“There I go again.” He shook his head. “Turning a perfectly fine conversation maudlin.”
“Thirty years and a tragic death are hard to get over,” she said gently. “It’s understandable.”
“Thank you.” He smiled. “I have to admit, tonight’s turning out much better than I thought it would.”
Amy smiled. Agreed.
As they finished their meals, Amy told him about Britt and her channel, and he said he would check it out. He didn’t have
any kids, but he had lots of nieces, nephews, and now a grandnephew to spoil. They learned they both went to different churches
on the opposite sides of the metro area, and they had landed on the topic of hobbies when the karaoke cranked up.
Amy couldn’t hide her grimace or her snarky comment. “And here the evening was going so well.”
Max raised an eyebrow. “You don’t like karaoke?”
She’d been honest with him all night—no need to sugarcoat it now. “I detest it. With a passion.”
“I don’t mind it. But it’s not conducive to conversation.” He eyed their empty plates. “Want to go somewhere a little less—”
“Annoying?” She covered her mouth with her fingers. “Sorry. Slipped out.”
He motioned for the waitress to bring their checks.
Her stomach knotted up again. So far, she was having a great time. From all accounts, Max seemed to be a nice guy, and she was enjoying their conversation. She wouldn’t mind continuing it, but where did he want to go? Again, honesty was the best policy. “If you want to go to a bar, I’ll have to decline. I don’t drink.”
“Me either,” he said without hesitation. “I was thinking about Madeline’s Coffee House. Are you familiar with it?”
“Overly.” Her smile returned. “Unfortunately, it’s on my way to work, and I’ve spent more than my fair share in their drive-through
on bleary-eyed mornings.”
“I think they’re open until eight. I’m partial to their cortados. Just espresso and milk. Simple and satisfying.” He looked
at her for a moment. “Let me guess. You’re an iced-coffee kind of girl.”
She almost laughed at him calling her a girl. He wasn’t that much older than her. But it was nice to hear. “Wrong. Red eyes
for me.”
“Coffee and espresso? Bold choice.”
“I teach high school kids—I need the fortification. But tonight, I’ll take it easy and have a chai latte.”
The waitress returned with two checks. Max reached for them but Amy intercepted.
“This is a nondate, remember?” She looked at both checks and handed him his. “Nondates always go dutch.”
“As a man, that goes against my grain,” he said, grinning a little. “But I’ll acquiesce.”
They paid their bills and headed for the door just as the caterwauling began. Amy mentally chastised herself. She wasn’t being
fair. There were plenty of fine karaoke singers, and even those who weren’t talented were having fun. Just because Daniel
had ruined the experience for her didn’t mean she had to be a jerk about it, even in her own mind.
“I’m parked here,” she said as they left the tavern, gesturing to her silver sedan parked two rows back.
“I’m right behind you then.”
Her eyes widened when she saw his sleek black Mercedes gleaming under the parking lot lights. “Nice,” she said.
“It’ll do. See you in a few minutes?”
“I’ll be there.”
Amy got into her car and paused, once again asking herself what she was doing. There hadn’t been a single second tonight when
she’d felt an attraction for Max. He was handsome, smart, and gentlemanly. But although there wasn’t a spark—thankfully, because
she seriously wasn’t interested—he was nice to talk to. It had been so long since she’d had a male perspective on anything.
Most of the teachers at the high school were women, and the men who did teach were mostly coaches, mostly married, and understandably
hung out with each other. Her church friends were all women too.
She shrugged. There was a good chance Max wouldn’t show up anyway. They both had twenty minutes to change their minds and
forget about the coffeehouse. Surprisingly, she felt disappointed at the thought. And she definitely wasn’t going to back
out of her commitment. Once she gave her word, she meant it. Unlike Daniel.
Frowning, she started her car and headed to Madeline’s. She wished she could say there was a day that went by that she didn’t
think about him, but she couldn’t. Britt looked so much like him it was jarring sometimes, but she never blamed her daughter
for something she couldn’t help. And there was always something that came up that reminded her of him. Like karaoke tonight,
or just thinking about how Daniel never kept his promises.
Even now as she went to hopefully meet Max, she was a little envious of his marriage. She wasn’t na?ve enough to think his
relationship with Crystal hadn’t had its rough spots. But hers had been awful almost from the start.
Amy turned on the radio to escape her thoughts. When she pulled into Madeline’s parking lot, she didn’t see Max’s Mercedes. Her spirits sank and she tried to be practical. Maybe he’d realized on the way here that supper had been enough. Or maybe he’d gotten an emergency call from a client, if that was a thing. She’d prefer anything but that he’d changed his mind because she said or did something wrong. She hated second-guessing herself.
Headlights appeared behind her car, then turned off. The Mercedes emblem shone in her rearview mirror, and she saw Max get
out of his car. Yes! Then she settled down. It’s a nondate, remember? No sparks, remember?
But when she got out of the car and saw him standing there with a grin on his face, she couldn’t deny the fluttery sensation
she felt inside. She was never going to doubt Laura again.