Page 2 of Take Two

“It’s not gonna be that bad,” Violet says. Her voice has a playfulness to it, and I find that I like it. We’ve met a few times, and despite only saying hello, she has a calming way about her. There’s a sweetness to her too.

“That’s what you always say,” Vickie pouts. “Charlie, good luck on your date. Not that you’ll need it. I’ll be planning your wedding in no time.”

Colt snorts, and I roll my eyes.

“Don’t hold your breath,” I tell her.

“Trust me. I know what I’m talking about.”

She gestures for Violet to follow her. Violet says goodbye, and they walk away. She’s a tall lean woman with long shapely legs. They’re toned without being overly muscular. She walks with her head high and has her hair in two French braids. She’s in black ankle-length yoga pants and a hot pink sports bra. That’s it. I admire the smooth brown skin of her taut shoulder blades and trim waist as she walks away. Her ass is small, but it’s like a perfectly shaped peach. I’ve never cared for peaches before, but I have a sudden craving for one now.

I look away when she turns the corner and disappears out of sight. My eyes land on my brother who’s arching an eyebrow at me.

“What?” I ask.

“Nothing.” He raises both hands. “Go or Vickie will come take your phone and invite your date here. Be prepared for her to grill you tomorrow like you’re a criminal and she’s a federal agent.” I already know this, but that’s okay because I love my sister- in -law. “You gonna be okay?” Colt asks.

“Yes, baby brother,” I say, reminding him that I’m the older one. I’m the one who should be looking out for him, not the other way around. “I went to a meeting today, and I talked to my sponsor. I’m good.”

I never intend to drink again. Alcohol has cost me too much, and I’m not giving it anymore, but being out in the world, and trying to function like any normal adult is still new to me. I’m ashamed of being in this position at thirty-four, but there’s nothing I can do about it. I need to move forward, and adults date. I’d love to have someone in my life that I’m crazy about like my brother is crazy about his wife, but I have a strong suspicion that I’m not going to find it with the person I’m meeting in just a few short minutes.

“Let me see her picture again,” Colt says. I take out my phone and pull up the dating profile. He takes the phone from me.

“Tiffany,” he says as he looks at her. She has dark hair and dark eyes. She’s smiling at the camera. She’s pretty, but I get no butterflies when I look at her. I don’t even know if getting butterflies is a realistic expectation or if I’m projecting from one of Mama’s romance novels. “Let’s see. She owns a daycare and loves kids and puppies.”

“That’s good, right? What’s better than kids and puppies?” I ask my brother. “You think she’s cute?”

He looks down the hall, probably to make sure Vickie isn’t within earshot.

“Not as cute as my wife, but she’s not bad,” he says, handing me back the phone. “It’s just one date, and it doesn’t need to be anythang more than that.”

“I know, but it’s not like we can go out for drinks. What am I supposed to do? Order a milkshake while she gets a glass of wine? I hate this.” I run my hand through my hair.

“Look, if you want, I can tell Vickie she sent a text and canceled,” he whispers.

“Are you kiddin’? She’s going to ask to see the text.” Colt grins, knowing I’m right. “I’m goin’,” I decide. “I’m sick of being alone, and this will be the first step.” Then I think of my situation and groan. “But who will want a man who still lives with his mama? No one, that’s who.”

“Just say she lives with you, not the other way around,” he jokes. “And that’s only temporary. You just bought a house.”

I did, but it’s a three-bedroom, two-bath, fixer-upper. Since I plan on making most of the renovations myself, it will probably take me about a year before I have the house the way I want.

“I know. I’m nervous.” I’m also embarrassed at feeling like a boy on his first date when I’m a fully grown man.

“It will be fine. It’s only one date. It doesn’t need to be anythang more than that.” He tries to sound convinced, but I don’t buy it. I should be excited to go, but I feel like I’m walking the plank, not going out to meet a beautiful woman.

Chapter 2

Violet

“Two more!” I yell at Vickie. “You’ve got this. You’ve come this far tonight. Give me two more and we’ll stretch.” She drops down with the dumbbells in her hands. Then she jumps up. She does it one more time and drops the weights. With sweat dripping down her forehead and back, she sits and tries to catch herbreath.

“You’re the devil,” she says. “I thought Colt’s trainer was bad,” she huffs out.

“You want results, or do you want me to coddle you?” I ask.

“Both,” she says.

I stand above her and offer her my hand. I pull her up and give her a hug. “You did great. I’m proud of you. I’ll see you in the gym tomorrow, right? Hot yoga starts at eight.”