night.”
Leslie wished she could be as excited as Tag. But she wasn’t. She’d rather go with him to the steak house and be relaxed and comfortable in his company. Instead, she’d be going out on her first date in practically forever, with a complete stranger named Otis.
Tag’s hand reached out and covered hers. “It’s going to be all right. One date is all you have to do with Otis. If he’s not right, you don’t have to see him again.”
“I know. It’s just…” She squeezed his hand. “I’m glad I have you to keep me sane.”
“And I’m glad I have you to help me vet my prospects,” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the backs of her knuckles.
Her heart skipped several beats, and then pounded hard against her ribs. His lips felt soft against her skin. She wondered what they would feel like pressed to her mouth.
“Are you hungry?” he asked, softly.
She licked her lips. “I am.”
“Wanna get something to eat?”
“I do,” she said, her gaze on his hand holding hers. Then her brain engaged. “No, wait. I can’t. I have a meeting tonight with GGC.”
“GGC?”
“The Good Grief Club.” Her lips twisted. “It’s a club some of my friends from grief counseling started to keep in touch with each other after the counseling ended. I’m meeting with them tonight.” She tipped her head toward the door. “Ava’s a member. And Coop’s Emma. Gage’s Fiona. She came to the grief therapy group with her father when she lost her mother. That’s how we all met. We’ve been together now for several years.”
As if he realized he was still holding her hand, Tag released it and rose to his feet. “Then I won’t keep you any longer. I’ll see you tomorrow night at the steak house in Cedar Park.”
Leslie nodded.
“Do you need me to do anything to shut down the computers?” Tag asked.
“No, thank you.” Leslie leaned across and logged him out of the application. “I’ll take care of everything.” She sighed and met his gaze. “See you tomorrow.”
Tag exited the conference room, leaving Leslie alone.
She was just about to log out of her session of BODS when she remembered the fourth candidate, Joe Fox. Quickly, she entered a message.
Hi Joe,
I just wanted to say how refreshing it is to get to know someone via email before actually meeting in person. It helps to alleviate some of the anxiety of face-to-face introductions with perfect strangers.
I’ll be honest. I really didn’t think I was ready to jump back into the dating pool. You see, I’m a widow…not divorced nor a confirmed bachelorette. I knew what it was like to love someone with my whole heart. I’m afraid anything less will be second best. There, it’s out there. I thought you should know what you’re up against from the beginning. Not every man is willing to start a relationship in which he must live up to the example set by a ghost.
I’m not always sad, and I have learned to find happiness in every day. One thing that makes me happy is helping others. I love to sing whenever I can. I walk at least a couple of miles a day, and I like an occasional glass of wine. I’m just as happy in the country as I am in the city. Snakes, spiders and critters don’t scare me. So, if you love the outdoors, I’m okay with that. If you like sticking with city-life, I’m okay with that as well.
Anyway, I’ve rambled enough. I hope to hear from you. I’ll understand if you don’t respond.
Life is short. Have a beautiful day, filled with sunshine and joy.
* * *
Leslie
Before she could change her mind, she sent the message, logged out and turned off both computers. What was done was done. She was in BODS, and she had to see it through.
* * *
Leslie was five minutes late when she arrived at the coffee shop where the Good Grief Club met. She always looked forward to the bi-monthly meeting with the circle of friends who’d helped her get through one of the darkest times of her life. She hadn’t realized just how long it had taken to enter her profile and Tag’s into the BODS system, and then review hers and Tag’s matches. She’d pushed the speed limit in order to get to the meeting as close to on time as she could.
When she walked through the door Ava, Emma and Fiona clapped and cheered.
Heat filled her cheeks as she closed the