Page 19 of Grounds for Love

“I really think you should take a change of clothes and a toothbrush,” Joy says for the fourth time.

A toothbrush… I’m nervous enough. I don’t want to think about what that means. I shake my head firmly. “I’m not doing that. It’s very presumptuous.”

Joy throws her arms up and flops backward on my bed, wailing, “The man wants in your pants, Jen. Presume. You two were practically humping each other on the dance floor Friday night.”

I freeze and blood drains from my face. Oh, my gosh, were we really? Joy starts laughing and I glare at her, realizing she’s teasing. I hope. I pull out a coral sundress and hold it up to me. I know it’s late spring, but I could wear a sweater with it. No, it’s too short. I toss it on the bed with the other rejects.

Rod didn’t say where we’re going. He just said to wear something comfortable and bring a bathing suit. I already had to take out the bikini that Joy packed and replaced it with my black racerback one-piece. I check the time and scowl at the mess on my bed. I go through five more outfits before I settle on a pair of navy shorts and a white V-neck tee. I look crisp and fresh and a little bit nautical. My hair goes back into its regular ponytail and I pull on a pair of white Keds.

“How’s this?” I ask Joy.

After a thorough perusal, she deems the outfit, “Perfect and cute.”

My shoulders droop. “Cute? That wasn’t what I was going for. Maybe I should change.”

“Don’t you dare,” Joy warns as I take a step towards the closet. “What you have on is perfect for your first date.”

I wish she hadn’t said the “D” word. I meet her gaze more than a little freaked out. “What am I doing? I can’t do this. I don’t remember how to do this. It was that damn shooting star that messed with my head.”

I fist my hair, pull it and groan. Great. Now I have to redo my ponytail. I pull the elastic off and quickly neaten the bumps before twisting the elastic back in place.

“Jen, chill. Just stop and take a breath.”

My sister’s demanding tone startles me enough that I actually do take a breath.

Grabbing my hand, Joy leads me out of the bedroom and to the living room couch. “Rod is a very nice man who wants to get to know you better. That’s what today is for. Anything more than that will be by mutual consent. Do you really think he’s going to make you do something you aren’t ready for?”

I bite my lip and slowly shake my head. “No. He’s not like that.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

I lean back and look up at the beadboard ceiling, and admit, “Maybe I want something more to happen and that scares the crap out of me. I haven’t been with anyone since Bryan. What if it doesn’t work with Rod?”

Joy chuckles. “There’s never been a more honest answer.”

I roll my head until I can see my sister. “It’s just that I feel…”

“Like you’re cheating on Bryan?” Joy finishes for me.

Hearing it out loud makes me realize how ridiculous feelings can be. “Yeah. That’s crazy, isn’t it? Bryan would want me to be close to someone again.”

She nods and leans in for a hug. She pulls back and meets my gaze. “He really would, Jen. You’re going to have a wonderful time today with a man you find interesting and who admires you. Don’t think about what might happen. Just be in the moment and have fun. You’ve not had that for a very long time.”

There’s a knock at the door and we both gasp, and then chuckle. “Go. Have fun and I’ll see you when I see you. And then when you get home, I want every juicy detail.”

With one more sister hug, I check my face in the mirror on the way and take a deep breath before opening the door with a smile. I’m instantly struck by how handsome Rod is. Today he’s wearing a charcoal gray t-shirt and a pair of olive green cargo shorts, the type with all the pockets, and on his feet are a worn pair of Top-Siders.

“Hi,” he says. “You look beautiful.”

How this man makes me lose my breath. “Thanks, you too. I mean handsome,” I stutter to correct myself.

He grins and I close the door as he steps aside so I can go down the stairs first.

“It must be convenient to live above where you work,” he says as he opens his truck door and helps me up before jogging around the front to get in.

“Most days, but then there are times I wish there was a separation between work and home. It’s too easy to slip downstairs at all hours and get lost in work. Joy has had to come find me and make me go upstairs.”

“Why so much work? I thought the coffee shop is doing good?” he asks, concern lacing his words.

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