“My Gram and grandpa had a beautiful love story,” I said with a wide smile. “My grandpa died before I was born, but I grew up hearing about his romantic side. I’ve tried to emulate his actions in my own relationships and dating life.”
Our waiter arrived at the table, interrupting our conversation to bring us our entrees. I smiled as I watched Serenity break out into a happy dance after her first bite, and I was completely enamored. She didn't care about the opinions of the people around her, and I admired that about her. I wish I was capable of being so carefree.
“I take it you like it?” I said, taking my first bite.
Her eyes rolled up in delight. “It’s mouthwateringly delicious. If this were my last meal, then I’d die a happy woman.” She grabbed the napkin from her lap and dabbed at the corner of her mouth. “So,” she started, “why haven’t you dated in so long?”
I couldn’t very well tell her the truth without dampening the mood of the night. “Something traumatic happened to me a few years ago, and I lost my way for a while. I’ve been focusing on my healing journey ever since, afraid to bring a woman along for the ride.” I shrugged my shoulders, trying to make light of the situation.
Her face turned somber. “I’m sorry to hear that. I know a thing or two about trauma, but maybe that’s a conversation for the second date.”
Had she just insinuated she wanted to see me again?I knew we’d only been casually talking back and forth, but in the short span of time, she somehow already uncovered a piece of me no one had in a long time. It’ll suck to not see her for three weeks, but I already knew from our one meal together how shewas worth waiting for. The thought of being vulnerable with her actually excited me.
“Trauma dumping on date two sounds perfect. Should we pencil it into the calendar now since we’re talking about it?” I gave her a cheeky grin. I’ve enjoyed talking to her, joking with her, flirting with her, and obviouslystaringat her.
Serenity grinned back at me playfully. “We've got to see how your skills are at ring toss, or whatever your favorite game is, once we get to the fair first. I’d even consider discussing a third date if you win me a giant stuffed cow.”She was adorable.
“I’llwin you a cow, but you've got to win me the giant pink axolotl. They’re adorable, kind of like you.” I wonder if she was annoyed with my flirty banter. I’ve flirted with women here and there, but only for physical reasons. But with Serenity, I almost couldn’t believe the bright and adorable woman I’m getting to know was the same woman with the sad eyes from the waiting room. I wanted to provide her strength as she entered her own season of healing.
We ate, and the conversation flowed naturally throughout the rest of our meal. When the waiter brought the check, I paid, and she said with a smile, “You better not hold it over me that I didn't contribute.”
“You're contributing by being here with me.”
She smiled brightly at me while simultaneously rolling her eyes. “You’re such a charmer, aren’t you?”
I laughed. “Maybe a little. Are you ready to go?”
“Let’s go,” she replied as I opened the door for her to exit the restaurant and again to get into the truck to head to the next stop on our date. “Can I play you a song?” she asked as I started the car.
“Sure,” I said and handed her my phone.
“Have you heard of All Time Low? They’re a softer pop-punk band.”
“Of course. What a blast from the past. I haven’t listened to them since high school. Are they still making music?” It’s so rare to find someone who liked the same music—at least with the bands I listened to.
“They are!” she exclaimed. “But the song I want to play for you is one of their older ones.”
As the song played through the speakers, I instantly recognized it. “Are you seriously playing a song called “Therapy”?” We both cracked up. Considering the completely normal dinner we had, it was hard to believe we met in Darla’s waiting room. I suppose therapy worked, who knew?
The restaurant was near the fairgrounds, so we arrived within ten minutes. Once parked, I ran around the truck to open her door. She jumped down, and she grabbed my bicep as we headed in.I could get used to this.I paid for our tickets, and we made a beeline for the fair games. There were a copious amount of people we had to dodge before we made it to the row of games.
“I know which game we should start with,” she said, practically jogging over. I followed her with a chuckle. “Just you wait,” she yelled, eyes sparkling with excitement.
She brought me to a game where the player has to throw a quarter onto a board with various circles of different colors. The point of the game was to land the quarter within the circle without crossing the line of the circle. The way to win the biggest prize was to land your quarter in the smallest circle. As we played, I had no idea she was an absolute pro at the game. I wasn’t even mad because watching her excitement after landing the quarter perfectly on the circle was pure bliss.
“Were you going to tell me you’re a world champion quarter thrower?” I joked as I side-eyed her. I had yet to get a quarter in a circle—even in the biggest one. She had already won the pink axolotl, so I needed to make up for it.
“I don’t know what you're talking about. Maybe it’s beginner's luck,” she said with a sly smile. Her competitive side was charming.
“I’ll forgive you for hustling me, but it’s time to play my favorite game.” I led her to the game where you throw a baseball at bowling pins. You had to get all the pins to fall off the barrel they were stacked on. The game had the giant stuffed cow she wanted, so I became extra motivated to win. And that’s exactly what I did. I was able to get them all down on the first throw and win her the cow.
“My hero. How will I ever repay you?” She winked suggestively. I was not expecting the innuendo. I stood there, mouth slightly agape. “Calm down, lover boy, we’re just getting started. But first, I need a bathroom break.”
“It’s across the way,” I said, pointing to the bathrooms. “I’ll wait here with our stuffed animals.” I watched her walk away with a cheesy grin plastered on my face.
I took out my phone to text Gio.
Me
