Runaway Love

by Amber Nation

  “Henry, you keep calling me Missy but my name is Maggie.” I didn’t want to appear, rude, that would be the last thing to cross my mind, but I wanted to know the reasoning behind it, out of curiosity.

  “I apologize for that. You see, my late wife’s name was Marcella and I always used to tease her and call her Missy. In a lot of ways you remind me of her.” He got a faraway look in his eye as if he remembered every last detail of their life together. “When we first met, we were young. I had been around the block a time or two, and she was so incredibly shy. But once I was able to get her to tear down her walls, she opened up like a ray of sunshine. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever met and we had sixty glorious years together until she passed away two years ago. So, you really need to see if this guy is worthy of you. If he can prove to you that he is a great man, things could be magical.”

  “Oh, Mr. Winiger, that was a beautiful story but I think it’s me who isn’t worthy of him,” I said looking at the white, drab linoleum floor of the hospital.

  “That’s where you’re wrong. Just follow your heart. It’ll never lead you astray.”

  I was able to get a few measly hours of sleep last night. I had so many things running through my mind that my brain just wouldn’t shut off.

  So, around ten am, I finally got out of bed because trying to get anymore sleep seemed far-fetched.

  I decided a run was necessary so I could try and clear my head before my date tonight.

  I donned my Under Armour cold weather running gear and my sneakers, grabbed my iPod, which had my ear buds wrapped around it, and took off on my normal route.

  The physical exertion was exactly what I needed. My lungs were burning because of the cold weather as my feet pounded on the pavement.

  Today, I needed some empowering music. So I chose the queen of empowerment from my playlist, Katy Perry. The lyrics of “Roar” came blaring through the speakers. If this song couldn’t give me a confidence boost, then I was majorly screwed.

  The tiny hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I felt as if I was being watched. This definitely wasn’t the first time I’d felt like this, but since having the threat session from Declan, it was making me more wary. I would try to get ahold of Mason again to see what in the world he was up to.

  I stopped running and started stretching. By crossing an arm in front of my chest and pulling it with the other arm, I was able to nonchalantly look around to see if there was in fact someone watching me.

  Nothing seemed amiss, so I continued on with my run.

  I’d taken extra time in the shower after my run so I could make sure that I was good and clean. Once I was caught up on all of my laundry, which seemed to accumulate faster than I could get it done, I was now taking a break and watching my favorite show, Friends. No matter how many times I had seen each episode, it could still make me laugh like no other.

  During the second episode, I heard a loud knock at my door.

  Immediately assuming that it was Mason, I tensed up in fear.

  I moved slowly off of my couch and crept towards my front door as another knock sounded out, causing me to jump.

  “Wh…who is it?” I called out, the panic in my voice apparent.

  “It’s us!” I heard Tessa yell out.

  I exhaled a long sigh as my posture returned to its relaxed state.

  I unhooked the chain and flipped the deadbolt so I could open the door.

  And just as Tessa said, it was them. Tessa, Emmy, and Toby stood on the threshold of my apartment.

  “Hiya doll!” Toby said as he pushed his way into my apartment, making me take a step back allowing him entry.

  “Uh…hi,” I said while waving my hand at them. “What are you guys doing here?” I asked somewhat bewildered. I don’t even know how they knew where I lived.

  “Well,” Tessa said as she came into the apartment, Emmy following her with a pan of what looked to be brownies in her hands, “I was working with Charlie last night when he said he had a date with you this afternoon. So naturally, I told Emmy, and she told Toby. And Toby never backs down from being able to make someone over.”

  I looked to Toby with wide eyes as the statement registered, noticing his glowing face as he shook his head up and down, indicating that Tessa was correct. He never backed down from a makeover.

  They wanted to give me a makeover?

  What the French toast?

  “Don’t worry honey, it isn’t a transformation makeover. I just love having an excuse to apply makeup and to raid your closet for an outfit.” Toby said while adding, “Besides I can’t wait to paint your face. It is the ultimate blank canvas. And, I am seriously in love with your cheekbones!”

  “Toby, tone it down some. You are scaring her,” Emmy said. “Tess and Toby helped me out for my first date with Grady. It’ll all be fine…”

  Yeah. Sure it will. Easy enough for her to say, she had been married before meeting Grady. Me, I’m starting from scratch, kind of like Toby’s blank canvas metaphor.

  I guess my unease was evident. “You’re nervous, aren’t you?” Emmy asked, looking me in the eye.

  “Is it that obvious?” I replied, while paying close attention to the chipped nail polish on my toes, which reminded me to either repaint them or take the color off altogether. Although, I guess it didn’t matter because I would be wearing closed-toe shoes, being that it was still winter.

  “It’s totally natural to be nervous,” Toby insisted, as he sat down next to me on my couch, patting my leg.

  “This whole experience is sort of new to me. I’ve never been on a date before. Hell, I’ve never even been kissed before.” I said lamely, the cracked polish was becoming more and more interesting.

  Hearing simultaneous audible gasps from all three of them didn’t help with the unease of the entire situation.

  “Oh Em Gee! Are you?... You’re a?...” Toby exclaimed then whispered, “You’re a virgin?”

  I didn’t think I could feel any smaller, but Toby had succeeded by hitting the nail on the head. Anger coursed through my veins, by the thought of being made fun of.

  Even though I’ve never felt love, it didn’t mean that I was void of all emotions. I was still a human being, I had feelings. Just because my virginity was still intact, albeit unwillingly, but intact nonetheless, didn’t make it ok for me to become their personal laughing stock.

  They didn’t know me, know what I’d been through, how dare they judged me.

  “What, am I supposed to wear a sign on my forehead that says ‘Virgin’? It’s not as if it is anyone else’s business.” I roared.

  “My, my, my… Miss Shy gets all feisty when provoked. Don’t worry Maggie, Toby didn’t mean anything by it. You just sort of shocked us is all because we never would have guessed, about any of it,” Tessa said, eyeing me warily.

  “Holy shit! That was hot as hell! I think my dick twitched a bit. Get you all mad, and you turn all sexy minx on us. I’ll remember that!” Toby screeched.

  Rolling my eyes, I sighed knowing that there was absolutely no way out of this mess.

  “Let’s get this over with,” I relented.

  Toby squealed with delight and clapped his hands as he jumped up from the couch.

  “Fabulous! Now which way to your room?” he asked.

  With my head now in the palm of my hands, I took away one hand pointing in the direction of my bedroom.

  I spent the better part of the next hour being poked, prodded, and my hair yanked. Were they sure that this wasn’t considered a transformation makeover? A lot of time and effort seemed to be going into my appearance. Sheesh, I didn’t ever go through this much trouble getting ready.

  They spent their time gossiping over all of the latest juicy happenings around Brown County. And Emmy and Tessa gushed about their children. Who did this and who said what. I remained quiet and stoic. I wasn’t used to this type of treatment and friendly banter, and to tell you the truth, I didn’t know if I ever would be.

  Eventual
ly, Toby shoved clothes in my face telling me to get dressed in the bathroom, but forbidding me to look in the mirror. He wanted the gratification of my reaction during the unveiling process. Those were his exact words. I just rolled my eyes and set about getting dressed.

  The outfit seemed pretty casual for which I was extremely thankful. Perhaps they had some idea of where Charlie was taking me.

  I was dressed in skinny jeans, a heather gray long-sleeved shirt, and a navy blue and gray roll-edge open-front sweater which reached mid-thigh. They had paired this with my heather gray UGG boots and a simple gray infinity scarf. My black wool pea coat would go perfectly with the outfit since it was still really chilly outside.

  I came out of the bathroom to the three awaiting onlookers, and took in the expressions of their faces as they each lit up.

  “Do I look alright?” I asked, fidgeting with my sweater. I didn’t particularly like being subjected to their scrutiny,

  “Maggie, you look simply fabulous,” Tessa exclaimed.

  “Why don’t you come and see for yourself.” Toby said while positioning me in front of my full-length mirror.

  Slowly raising my eyes to the reflection staring back at me, they were all correct. This wasn’t a transformation makeover, I was however, improved. Toby made it to where my cheekbones that he claimed he loved, were more prominent. My eyes seemed to pop more because of the dark color contrast of the eye shadow against my pale skin, and my hair was pulled back into a loose knot at the base of my neck.

  Seeing myself ready for my first date, proved to be hell for my anxiety level and I had the distinct feeling that I was going to end up having a panic attack.

  Trying to even out my breathing by taking slow, deep breaths, I heard Tessa and Emmy.

  “This afternoon has been fun but Blake is teething so I need to relieve my poor husband,” Tessa explained.

  “Yeah, and I promised Tucker that I would help him with his science project,” Emmy added.

  A look of sheer panic crossed my face. I was nowhere near prepared to be on my own just yet.

  “Don’t worry doll. I’m not leaving just yet,” Toby said coming to stand in front of me, placing his hands on my shoulders.

  I relaxed immediately, “Thank you. Thank you all for taking time out to help me.” I said, looking over to Emmy and Tess.

  “You are so welcome. Charlie will take one look at you, and you will have him eating out of the palm of your hand,” Tess winked as she went and retrieved her coat.

  “I agree Maggie. You will stun him speechless. And knowing Charlie like we do, he is normally never at a loss for words,” Emmy added in.

  Saying our goodbyes, Toby and I settled onto my couch.

  I wasn’t sure if I should voice my concerns to Toby. After my admission earlier, I felt as if I had reached my limit on heartfelt expectations for the week.

  But then again, it couldn’t be worse than telling them I was a virgin.

  “What if I mess this up? The date I mean.” I looked to Toby, who seemed to be mulling over my question.

  “Mags, there really aren’t any rules to say how a date should go. Just make sure he treats you with respect and is nothing but a gentleman. But I know Charlie, and you have nothing to worry about. He is a good guy.”

  Talk about freaking déjà vu. Didn’t I hear almost that same exact answer from Mr. Winiger the other day? Weird.

  “It’s just, I’ve never really had someone express interest in me. I’ve never really even had a friend before, besides Gio and my asshole brother.” I said.

  “And now you have us. The number of friends you do or don’t have isn’t what’s important. It’s how loyal those friends you do have, are. And not to toot our own horns, but chugga chugga choo choo,” he exclaimed as he made the motion of pulling a train horn. “We are fiercely loyal.”

  I couldn’t help it, I burst out laughing.

  “I know! Laugh it up all you want! I’ve been spending a bit too much time with Blake it seems,” he said.

  “But seriously, open your mind and perhaps if things go well, maybe even your heart,” he added.

  Could I do that though? Could I open my heart? I didn’t even know if I knew how.

  “And now it’s time I asked a favor from you before I go,” Toby looked sheepishly, a bit unsure of himself. I’d never seen him anything but confident, so I was intrigued at what this favor would entail.

  “If Gio isn’t involved with anyone, do you think he would be alright with you giving me his number?” he asked in one hurried breath.

  I would seriously jump for joy right now if it wouldn’t make me look totally ridiculous.

  “No…”

  “Oh well, please don’t feel obligated,” he interrupted looking a little sad.

  “Toby, let me talk.”

  “Oh ok. Carry on,” he said as he waved his hand. His theatrics were astounding.

  “As I was saying, no, he isn’t involved with anyone and of course I’ll give you his number. I liked the idea of the two of you when I saw your interaction at the bar.”

  “Whew,” he said as he pretended to wipe his forehead. “I’m normally not so forward,” I looked at him with a raised brow. “Ok. I am almost always a bit forward. But I was nervous because I really like him. So you think I should call him?”

  “Most definitely,” I said.

  No sooner did Toby program Gio’s number into his phone, my doorbell rang.

  “Shit!” I whispered shouted, “What do I do?!” I was literally freaking out.

  “First of all, you could answer the door,” Toby smiled. “Relax, you’ll be fine. Y’all will have an amazing time.”

  I took a deep breath and swallowed down my nausea as I made my way to my front door. Opening my door, our eyes immediately connected. Charlie was dressed in a simple pair of loose jeans and a gray zip up hoodie underneath his black military-style jacket and a pair of black chucks on his feet.

  For some reason unbeknownst to me, my nervousness completely dissipated, it must have been just seeing him dressed so casually and acting so incredibly calm.

  “Hi,” I croaked out, just barely.

  The way he was looking at me with such intensity came as a shock. I could literally feel the electric zings between us.

  Charlie finally opened his mouth to speak, and snapped it shut again. I’ll be damned, he was actually speechless. I felt a slight blush creep up my cheeks as we continued to stare at each other, totally forgetting that Toby was also in attendance.

  Charlie took his eyes off of mine to peruse the length of my body, his breath coming in heavy spurts.

  “You look absolutely beautiful, Maggie,” he eventually said.

  The way he conveyed his words with such adoration, I actually felt beautiful for the first time in my entire life.

  (Charlie)

  Wow! She actually rendered me speechless with her beauty. I tried to hide the look of pure adoration I was giving her, but it was a lost cause.

  I was unable to remove my eyes from her. The chemistry between us was extremely palpable. I could only imagine how the rest of our date would go. I wouldn’t push, but I definitely wouldn’t object to getting her underneath me tonight, kissing every inch of her soft, creamy skin. Shit! I needed to quickly think of something else, I felt myself starting to get hard.

  “Ahem.” I heard someone say dryly. I immediately snapped my gaze away from Maggie, and saw Toby standing lazily against the door frame with his arms crossed over his chest, an amused expression covering his face.

  Clearing my throat, I said, “Hey Toby. What are you doing here?”

  “Oh, I was just leaving.” He twirled around grabbing his coat, shrugged it on, and moved towards Maggie, giving her a peck on the cheek.

  “Have a blast doll,” Toby said to Maggie, who was still looking my way.

  “Thanks for everything, Toby. Have a good night.”

  “You betcha! Now, I’ve got an important call to make so if y’all would excuse me.
” He passed by me giving me a nonchalant wink.

  I wondered what that was all about. So I didn’t hesitate in expressing my concern. “What was that all about?” I asked Maggie.

  “Oh, it was nothing to worry about. Toby and the girls came by to help me get ready for our date.”

  I could only imagine the shenanigans that bunch were up to. Get the two girls, Emmy and Tess together, it wouldn’t be so bad. But adding Toby to the mix, there was absolutely no telling.

  “I hope everything went alright and they were nice to you,” I expressed.

  “They were all very helpful and friendly. A little chatty, which we both know, I am not. But it was fun. Toby stayed later to talk with me, no big deal.” She said as she shrugged her shoulders. I could tell that she was antsy and nervous, even more so than normal. I hoped she wasn’t nervous to be around me, I didn’t want to cause her any discomfort.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. How rude of me. Please come in.” She opened her apartment door up a little wider, allowing me entrance. Walking past her I got a whiff of her intoxicating smell. I wondered if she would have any objections to me pushing her up against the wall and ravaging her mouth.

  Cool it, Charlie. I didn’t want to scare away the poor girl for coming on so strong, but something about her called to me. I wanted her, badly.

  “So…” She hesitated a moment, then continued, “What are our plans for today?”

  “Nope. It’s a surprise. I haven’t been on a date in quite some time so I wanted to make it special.” How pathetic did I just sound? I had no frigging clue why I just told her that it had been awhile since I’d been on a date. Actually, it had been more years than I could count. Random hookups occurred quite frequently, until lately. But to actually find a woman that I wanted to take out on a date, well besides Emmy, it had been too long to remember.

  “Oh, well. To tell you the truth, this is my first actual date,” Maggie said to the floor.

  What? She had never been on an actual date? No wonder she seemed nervous. Her experience must have only reached random hookups as well. I was suddenly so glad that I had taken the time to make this special. At least I hoped she would see this as special. Nothing about tonight would be anything close to a random hookup. She had to know that. To me she wasn’t a potential fuck for all extents and purposes.