Tonight was my date with Jackie, courtesy of Oscar. Choosing an upscale Italian restaurant downtown, I figured a good impression may help my cause. Having arrived first, I sat at the table taking in the Tuscan feel of the restaurant. The real grape vines growing up the wall next to the bar, the stone walls and white trim all provided for atmosphere.
Jackie arrived on the heels of the hostess. Her light brown hair hung in loose waves to her shoulders. Her large eyes were a soft caramel color. Standing, I introduced myself. On closer inspection, her features were long and thin. Not severely so, but, with her large eyes, it was a bit odd looking. Regardless of appearance, her personality was pleasant. She was polite, listened and didn't shy away from the conversation. I made a couple of attempts at humor but it seemed lost on her. After twenty minutes, I found myself distracted and comparing her to the qualities I believed I wanted. She wasn’t quite fitting the checklist I wasn't even aware I'd made.
When Jackie smiled, there was something missing for me. Our hands brushed when we both reached for the bottle of wine and, again, something was lacking. Jackie was nice and sweet, almost flawless. Somewhere deep inside, I yearned for her to call me a Loser or tease me. What the hell was wrong with me?
After the second bottle of wine, I found a flaw. Jackie drank one too many glasses and became another woman. She excused herself for the ladies room and upon return moved her chair next to mine. She sat so close, leaning into my side, whispering dirty things in my ear.
"I'm not wearing any panties." Spittle landed on my cheek as she whisp-slurred.
"Well, that's good to know." Reaching for my water, I put the glass to my lips.
"They're right here." Black lace dangled from her finger in my face.
I choked on my water, snatching the panties from her finger. "Jackie, I think we should probably get going."
"Why?" She pouted. "I'm a big fan of public displays." She leaned into the side of my face, her hot breath washing over my ear. "I could slip under the long white table cloth and no one would notice." She palmed my crotch.
Startling me, my knee banged against the table. Jackie giggled and started sliding down in her seat under the table. As I was about to reach for her, she smacked her head of the wooden table.
"Ow, damn it!" Grabbing her forehead, she groaned.
The wine bottle fell over, silverware and plates rattled. The entire restaurant turned their attention towards the commotion. In shock, I apologized and quickly paid the bill. Once out of the restaurant, I gave my ticket to one valet and asked the other to hail a taxi.
"Don't you want to ask me back to your place?" Her arms slid over my shoulders. She licked her thin lips and leaned forward, bringing her face close to mine.
"Perhaps, another night." A taxi pulled up next to us and I helped Jackie climb into the back. After the taxi pulled away, I stared at the taillights. What the hell was wrong with me? She was prime material to get laid and I sent her home. These conditions are messing with me.
The valet arrived with my car. After giving them both a large tip, I headed for the sanctuary of home. But not before I made a call.
"Speak to me," Oscar answered.
"What the fuck was that Oz?"
He couldn't hold in his laughter. He couldn't even speak.
"Oh, is this a joke to you?" My anger boiled, causing my voice to rise.
"Did you get her drunk?" he snorted.
"I hate you!" Hanging up on him, I ignored his attempts to call me back.
Halfway home my phone rang again. Before I could silence it, I saw Viola's name on the screen.
"Hello?"
"Hey, honey. How are you doing?" Aunt Vi asked, concern filled her voice.
"I’m good. What’s up?"
"I can’t just call you to see how you are?"
"At 9 o'clock at night, Viola?"
"Listen, family and friends are coming to dinner tomorrow night. I would like for you to come," she said.
"Who’s coming?" Suspicion crept over me.
"Oh, you know…the McConnell’s." She said their name so quick, I almost laughed.
"I see."
Turning into the parking garage, I let silence work on Vi, waiting for her to reveal her plot. It didn't take long. I was parking in my reserved space when she finally cracked.
"Aidan, I think it would be nice for you to come and see Elora. You two haven’t seen each other since you were kids." Now she was getting to the point.
"Viola, Elora is a socialite snob. You and I both know that." I sighed, dropping my head back against the cushion of the driver's seat. Elora was always attractive, but was a prudish and I hadn’t had time for that over the past years. She was also a huge socialite and concerned with everything status.
"Be polite Aidan. Besides you haven’t seen her in years. She could be different and you know it," Viola argued.
With a mini montage of my past dating attempts, I dejectedly accepted this plan.
"What time?"
"Seven. Thank you, Aidan!" She almost sang.
"I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight."
Shutting off the car engine, I climbed out and made my way for the elevator.
Finally home, I vegetated in front of the TV with a glass of bourbon before passing out on the couch.
My cell phone woke me the next morning—Dixon.
"Hey man," I groaned as I tried to stretch the kinks out of my body.