by Jami Wagner
Crap. What if I need to use the restroom?
My head twists in all angles and I blink a few times, willing my eyes to adjust even a little to the darkness. I can’t see a thing in this room. How am I going to know where to go? I’m definitely going to break something.
“Great!” the loud woman’s voice continues. “First off, I’d like to thank all of you for turning your mobile devices off. I think it’s amazing you’ve decided to take this journey. Dating in the dark is a great way to heighten your senses. Each of you will become more aware of your surroundings, and the dark lets you get to know a person on a deeper level. One I hope you’ll find more alluring than appearance. Now, I do hope that each and every one of you will continue to see each other after these three short evenings, but until then, now is your chance to get to know one another.”
I hear someone clap and assume it’s Liz because her voice gets higher as she continues to speak.
“Each night there will be something different to do. Tonight, you’re going to take a step back in time and play a game very similar to twenty questions. From my own experience, people are more willing to answer honestly when they don’t have to make eye contact with the person who’s asking the questions. Of course, if you choose to take a different approach to get to know your date, that’s fine too.”
A small amount of laughter fills the room, reminding me I’m not the only one here tonight, and my nervousness starts to fade.
“The wait staff will take great care of everyone and they’ll explain anything you need when they arrive at your table. Okay, everyone! Good luck!”
The room grows silent once again. A couple of throats clear, and to my left I hear a clinking noise and then class breaking against the ground. A woman whispers, “Shit,” but in a room filled with silence, she might as well have been yelling. Another moment later, the silence is too much for our host.
“Talk!” Liz yells, following it with laughter.
Slowly, a buzz of noise fills the room. At first it sounds like everyone is whispering, a natural habit from being in the dark, but then the rooms begins to sound like any other busy and filled restaurant. Footsteps come in every direction around me and even though I can’t see, my head twists and my body turns, thinking I can see who’s near. The footsteps fade away and I sit there, speechless, just like my date. I assume we’re the only table not talking yet. A few minutes pass before he finally decides to start the night.
Please don’t be a serial killer.
“Hello?”
His voice startles me again and my entire body goes stiff. The sound is equally as deep as before and maybe a little scratchy. Is he nervous? I fan myself with my hand and look around. I’m definitely nervous and I just want to see something…anything.
“I’m, uhhh…Miles.” He clears his throat. “I’m a…typical worker. Eight to five.” The scratchy tone is gone and he laughs. I can’t help but relax at the sound of his warm chuckle. It’s very clear now that he’s just as nervous as I am. Still, nothing comes from my side of the table.
“Hello?”
Still nothing. It’s like I forgot how to speak. I’ve never been this nervous before. Then again, it’s been eight months since my last date and it’s possible I’ve forgotten how to act.
“Umm…is there anyone around me or someone who can hear me? I’d raise my hand or make eye contact to get someone’s attention, but I think my, uh…blind date already bailed on me.”
His voice alters between loud and soft, giving me the impression he was looking around the room as he spoke. I laugh, and when the sound comes out, my hand shoots up to cover my mouth, hitting something on the way. Cold liquid spills into my lap, and I jump from my seat. My chair falls backward, and I bump into the table. At least I didn’t break it.
“Are you…”
A warm body hits mine and before I can stop us, we both topple over my chair.
The entire room fills with laughter as the commotion gains the attention of our fellow diners. Glad I could break the ice for them.
“I’m so sorry,” Miles says from somewhere close to me. “Let me help you up.”
Before I can respond, a hand is touching my left breast and he grunts as my knee makes contact with his body.
Fantastic.
I gasp, and the hand retracts quickly.
“Again, I’m sorry about that.” He says sounding a tad bit like he’s in pain.
A nervous giggle slips past my lips in a high pitch. “I’m sorry as well. I hope I didn’t hurt you,” I say, removing my hand.
We remain silent for a few seconds before I decide it can’t get any worse than this.
“I’m Allie,” I say, reaching to shake his hand. I stand there for a minute, waiting for him to return the gesture.
“I’d shake your hand, but I’m not sure if you’re offering it, or if I’d touch something else. Not that I’m against it. I just prefer you to want it. I’m actually not even a hundred percent sure we’re even facing each other.” He laughs.
“Excuse me. Your table is back in its place now. If you’ll let me guide you, I can get you back to your seat.”
A hand touches my shoulders and guides me forward. Once I’m sitting again, Miles wastes no time making conversation.
“It could be worse.” He chuckles again and I’m beginning to think it’s something he does when he’s nervous. “I don’t usually do these sorts of things. My brother and I got the wrong end of a bet with our sister,” Miles admits, his voice isn’t as shaky now.
I nod then quickly remember he can’t see me, which means I have to talk. “Same for me, except my best friend practically blackmailed me to be here.” Why am I admitting the truth to this guy? Does the darkness really make it easier?
“At least we can say it was an interesting experience and we’re only a few minutes in.”
“Yes. I can tell you already that I won’t ever forget this night.” I laugh at the honesty blurting out of my mouth.
“First date stories are the best ones, and I think we just made history in my book.”
“Good evening.” A small female voice startles me. “My name is Jen, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Do either of you have any questions before I tell you the menu options for this evening?”
We both respond with a “no,” and Sara reads us the menu as if she has it memorized, which she probably does because they aren’t joking about the dark, it’s pitch black in here. Not even a few lights on the floor to lead any paths. “You have four options for your dinner this evening. Fish, chicken, steak, or a mystery meal that doesn’t have any meat.”
A mystery meal?
Aren’t I already facing a night of not knowing what to expect?
How am I going to eat or cut up my food? Put the food on my fork? I don’t even know where my fork is.
My hands slowly move forward until they’re touching the table. Moving cautiously as if something is about to jump out at me, I try to memorize the setting of my plates and silverware. I bump my glass again and hear liquid slosh over the edge of the glass.
I’m going to need extra napkins.
“I think we should go all out and try the mystery meal. What do you think?” Miles asks.
Thank goodness he can’t see my face because if he could he’d see panic written all over it. I lean forward, not even thinking first that I might knock something else over.
“But what if we can’t cut it up or find it with our silverware?” I whisper.
“We’ll use our hands then,” he whispers back, and I sense he’s smiling.
I let out a sigh as I give in to his suggestion. May as well embrace this entire night. “The mystery meal it is,” I say.
“Alright, I’ll be back with your salads,” Jen says. I listen for her departing footsteps, but hear nothing. Either she moves quietly or is still standing at the table. I’ll never know.
“So, do you want to go first?” Miles asks. “I’ve never been very good at this game.”
“Sure, but didn’t you play it as a kid?”
“Maybe twice, but I never actually made it to the full twenty questions…did you play as a kid?”
”I think I played maybe once or twice.”
“Yeah,” he says, and I imagine he’s shaking his head. I wonder if he has a beard. “I usually played truth or dare, and almost ninety-nine percent of the time, a girl never backed down from a dare for a kiss.” I’ve never kissed a man with a beard…
“That makes sense.” I nod. “I’ve been guilty of that trick.”
He laughs at my response, and at the sound I’m oddly aware that his presence makes me extremely comfortable, considering the situation. Tonight might not be so bad after all. I just wish I could place his voice. I know I’ve heard it before.
“Where do you work, Allie?”
“I’m a library assistant.”
“Really?” he replies and there is no hiding the shocked tone of his voice. “Which library?”
“Isn’t it my turn for a question?”
“Yes, of course. I just thought it was odd.”
“What’s odd?”
“Your name and where you work. My br – friend, also works with a woman named Allie in a library.”
I laugh. “You’re right, that’s weird. How funny would it be if I was that same woman?”
“It’d be pretty comical. So, what do you want to ask me first?”
Parker
“If someone wanted to film a movie about your life, who do you think would be the best actor to play you?” Mary, my date asks.
I rub my chin as I consider her question. She has been asking questions nonstop since our date started. It’s nice that she wants to get to know me, but I’d like to get to know her too. I’m here for the next three nights. I might as well embrace it.
Our date is going extremely well, which is shocking, considering the environment we’re in. When they brought us, the men, into this room, I almost turned and walked right back out. It was pitch black. I couldn’t see a thing and not knowing how big the room was, or how much space we had, had me starting to panic. As we got further into our date, I relaxed, and I owe most of that to Mary. Her voice is kind and since she hasn’t stopped talking, I haven’t had time to think about what I was so worried about in the first place.
I’m actually having a good time and thankful I lost that bet. If I wasn’t here right now, I’d probably be at home, thinking of Allie and how she doesn’t want to date me, but is clearly attracted to me. I’ll have to ask her to explain that to me tomorrow when I drive her home. If she lets me.
I shake the idea of Allie from my head and focus on Mary again. Just because I can’t see her doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve my full attention. I’ll worry about Allie later.
“Am I still alive?” I ask, hoping I don’t have any movie limits.
“Does that make a difference?” She laughs.
“Definitely, if I were alive I would pick myself. If I’d passed away…hmmm, I think I would choose Ryan Gosling.”
“Seriously! He’s amazing. So your life movie would be a romance?”
”Probably, is it my turn?”
A light laugh comes from her side of the table. “You’re right, I’m sorry, I’ve been talking this entire time. I’m just so nervous. My husband and I decided to do this whole thing as a way to spice up our marriage.”
“You’re married?” I ask. Why would they let married people join?
“Is that your question? Because I’m going to be honest. I don’t think I could answer very many personal ones.”
“I, no, that’s not my question, but I guess it can be.”
“I’m sorry, did I ruin your night?” Mary asks, her voice growing soft. It’s the same tone my mom would use on me when she knew I was upset about something. It’s a dead giveaway about her. I guess this means I can go back to finding a way to win Allie over. Until then, as I told myself before, I may as well embrace this night.
“I’m not upset, but I did think of a question. What’s your family like?”
“Oh, bless your heart that’s so sweet of you.”
For the next hour I listened to Mary tell me about her husband and two kids. Then she regrettably told me she wouldn’t be coming back the next two nights. I found it to be a relief. This way, I still have a chance to ask Allie out. They always say the third time’s the charm.
****
“How’d your date go?” Miles asks the moment we get into my truck.
“I was paired with a married woman,” I laugh. “What about you?”
“I think I got paired with the same Allie you work with.”
My neck all but snaps as I turn to look at him. “Are you serious? What makes you think that?”
“Her name is Allie and she works in a library.”
I rest my head against the back of my seat. “That doesn’t mean she’s the same Allie that I work with.”
“No, but then she told me how she is working some events this week. Then later in our date she told me she doesn’t date coworkers. Makes perfect sense.”
“She told you all that in one night?” I ask with disbelief.
“Yeah, maybe the darkness really does bring out the truth. I might have to try that one of these nights when I get a girl back at my place.”
I glare at him. “So you’re not going to give her a chance even if it is her? And please tell me you didn’t talk that way in front of her.”
“Dude, you’re in to her. I can’t date her. Not even on these date nights. It feels weird. And screw you, I was a total gentleman. Minus the moment I’m pretty sure I touched her boob.”
“You what?” How is this happening? How did he end up with her, and me, not with her? Life can be unfair, but in this case. If it is the same Allie, I learned some valuable information. There has to be a reason she doesn’t date coworkers. And that’s probably the reason she keeps telling me “no.”
I need a plan. Something to show her I’m different. I turn the key and my engine roars. “Tell me everything about your date tonight.”
Chapter Eight
Allie
The moment I see Parker the next morning, I’m immediately reminded of what Miles had said last night about his brother. Could it be Parker? I’d thought about him more than I should’ve during my date. I kept imagining it was him sitting on the other side of the table. I mean, he did almost kiss me less than two hours before the date. Coworker or not, I still wanted him to. What would I have done if it where him last night?
A sigh slips past my lips as I pass the front counter, where Parker is standing. They both seem like really great guys. But it would be insane to date brothers. I couldn’t do it. It would be weird.
“Good morning, Allie,” Amber and Levi say in unison. Amber blushes, and Levi nudges her with a grin. Looks like I’m not the only one with a coworker crush.
“Good morning.” I return the greeting and a smile touches my lips when Parker pulls his gaze away from the papers in front of him to look at me.
“Allie,” he says and steps toward me. “I have something for you in your office.”
He does?
“Okay?” I try to hide the growing grin on my face.
“Can you two finish filling this out for me? I’ll be back in a few minutes to get it before I start the Digital Learning class.” Parker touches my lower back gently and points to my office. “Shall we?”
I glance over my shoulder when I faintly here Levi and Amber whispering behind me. Their eyes go wide when they see me looking. What are they up to?
“Don’t mind them,” Parker says. “They’re just a happy couple who are lucky enough to be working together.”
I pinch my lips together to hold back my laugh. He’s relentless. And I kind of like it. But I can’t change my mind. No matter how much I’m starting to like him. This job is too valuable to me. “For now, anyway.”
Parker slows to look down at me. His gaze sends a tingle down my spine, but I keep w
alking. Why does he have to have such amazing eyes?
I stall my steps as we reach my doorway and try to peek inside without actually stepping through the door. Parker chuckles behind me.
“Nothing is going to jump out, I promise.”
I laugh nervously and step inside. Everything looks…normal. I turn around with questioning eyes. “Did I miss it?”
“You haven’t even reached it yet,” he says and guides me to my desk with his hands on my shoulders. “See, right there.”
I look down to see a cup of coffee, my morning checklist, and a stack of children’s books sitting in the middle of my desk. I leisurely set my purse down and remove my coat. I’m still not seeing it. I glance back to Parker.
He smiles proud and winks at me. “Now you can relax for most of the morning while I handle the DL class. We can meet up later, maybe grab lunch and discuss how you want the afternoon poetry slam to play out?” he pulls out my chair and I take a seat. That’s when I see it.
“You did everything on my checklist?”
“Yep.”
“But we haven’t even opened yet.”
“I know. I came in early.”
I watch him for a moment and then grab the coffee. It’s the same white and yellow cup from the café I visit each morning. I take a sip. Mmmm. He even got me the right coffee. “What are the books for?”
“Oh, I ran into Harold when I got here and he said you hadn’t picked any out yet for tomorrow. These ones—” he taps the books, “—were my favorite as a kid.”
I tilt my head to read the spines, Where the Wild Things Are, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Oh, the Places You Will Go and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.
