The Dating List

by Jean C. Joachim

"Teaching and coaching at Kensington State would be my dream."

  "Is that all? No family?" She gave him a flirtatious glance.

  "Add a spectacular woman plus a couple of kids to the mix and it's complete." His gaze returned to his sandwich.

  "Oh? Spectacular? She has to be spectacular? What mortal female can fulfill that?"

  "I'm looking at her." Colin put down his sandwich to stare at her.

  She spit coffee into her cup and started to choke. The waitress rushed over to their table to pound Leah on the back. Colin waved the overzealous woman off while Leah cleared her lungs.

  "You hardly know me," she choked out.

  "I've known you for several days…I'd like to get to know you better, a whole lot better." His gaze caressed her body.

  "I've heard that before." She wiped her mouth with her napkin.

  Blood rushed to Colin's face. Caught leering. Grey would have my head.

  "Not just like that." He covered his embarrassment by eating.

  "What exhibit do you want to see next?"

  You, naked, in my bed. "Doesn't matter. I'll follow your lead."

  "I love the French Impressionist paintings. Let's go there."

  Colin wiped his mouth with his napkin and picked up the check. Leah sat back, grinning at him while he pulled a few bills out of his wallet and dropped them on the table.

  "Thank you for the lunch. It was delicious," she said.

  Not as delicious as you. "You're welcome." He stood up and offered her his hand while his gaze rested on her breasts.

  She led him through the archway toward the huge room filled with beautiful paintings.

  "Any favorites?" She asked, turning to face him?

  "Don't know enough yet. Which are your favorites?"

  "I love Van Gogh, Renoir, and Monet," she said.

  "Then they are my favorites, too."

  His thumb caressed her hand as they walked through the exhibit. Leah explained the use of light and shadow, color and texture to him. Gradually the great works of art captured his eye. As he listened to her words, he studied the paintings, finally understanding how they reached out to her with their beauty.

  After an hour they sat on the bench in the entry, their coats on their laps.

  "Can we go somewhere for coffee?" Colin asked, standing up to hold Leah's coat for her.

  "How about back to Nina and Clint's? They have some fabulous coffee from Zabar's there."

  Oh, yes. Alone with you in that apartment. Wishes do come true.

  "You've twisted my arm. Let's catch a cab."

  Leah received a text from Carrie: Making chili. Come for drinks now.

  "Carrie and Grey want us there for chili…cocktail hour starts now."

  "Damn! I was looking forward to some alone time with you."

  "Perhaps this is safer," Leah said, scanning the traffic on Fifth Avenue for an empty taxi.

  Colin spotted one first and raised his hand high in the air.

  "Safer? Are you afraid of me?" He asked as the cab screeched to a stop in front of them.

  "It's not you I'm afraid of…" Leah said as Colin opened the door for her.

  "Then who?"

  She slid across the seat then he followed.

  "Me. I'm afraid of myself. Driver, we're going uptown…West side."

  Colin closed the door with a chuckle then the taxi sped away from the curb.

  ****

  Carrie sat by the window, looking out at the gray, cold day. A shiver ran through her body. Perfect day for chili. She picked up her phone and sent a text to Grey at work.

  Chili tonight with Leah and Colin.

  His response was almost immediate.

  Great. Be home at five thirty.

  Carrie sent a text to Leah, then put her phone down. She opened the refrigerator and began to take the ingredients out for her chili recipe when the phone rang. It was Delia.

  "Hi, pumpkin. How are you?"

  "Good. What's up?" Carrie opened the door to the freezer.

  "I've talked to three caterers. I'd love your input."

  "Wedding plans. Can you send me the menus in an email."

  "Carrie, I'm happy to do the planning but, honey, you do have to be involved."

  "Okay, okay. I promise to look them over tonight."

  "I like all three menus, so you'll have to pick."

  "Why don't we send them to Mom?"

  "Are you kidding? I'd rather wrestle with a tiger than discuss menus with your mother. If you don't want to…"

  "I get it. I'll have my answer for you tomorrow morning."

  "Hugs, baby."

  "Hugs, Delia."

  Carrie hung up the phone and chewed her lip. Already it's beginning. I can feel it.

  Before Carrie had much chance to upset herself further, Colin and Leah arrived. Carrie put them to work right away, moving her thoughts away from wedding plans and onto the evening's meal.

  Colin was mixing drinks at the bar while Carrie fussed with the chili and Leah made a salad. The click of the lock accompanied by the rush of cold air signaled Grey's arrival. Carrie turned to watch her handsome fiancé enter the house. His cheeks were rosy from the cold. His sandy-color hair was windblown. Carrie loved the way he looked. She chuckled to herself. I always like looking at him. Her stare brought a smile to his face as she approached him. With only one leather glove pulled off, Grey took her in his arms. She kissed his cold lips, warming them immediately.

  "No fire?" He asked, glancing at the fireplace.

  "Only in my heart, dear," Carrie tossed back.

  Grey hung up his coat and muffler, greeted Colin and Leah then headed to the fireplace. Carrie brought him a vodka and tonic then curled up on the floor next to him. He kissed her quickly then returned to crumpling newspaper.

  News of the day was exchanged at the dinner table. Colin went on at length about the museum, which paintings were his favorite and how he'd never expected to find an Egyptian tomb fascinating. Leah blushed at his last comment. Carrie and Grey exchanged looks. They knew something was going on. Grey chewed on his salad before adding his bit of news to the conversation.

  "Got a call from Mom today."

  Eyebrows raised around the table.

  "Mr. Davenport had a stroke. She doesn't think he's going to last long."

  Carrie put down her fork.

  "Who's that?"

  "He lives next door," Grey explained.

  "Yeah with his hot daughter, Giselle, who had a thing for Grey…"

  "Oh, she did not," Grey said, but his blush belied his statement.

  "Oh?" Carrie raised an eyebrow in amusement and trained her gaze on Grey.

  "She…we…"

  "They used to play doctor" Colin said, laughing.

  "Doctor?" Carrie's eyebrow arched a touch higher.

  "Uh…not really. She was…is…the girl next door. And in high school, we may have gone out a few times." Grey's blush deepened.

  "He took her to her prom. She was smokin' hot. All the guys were after her."

  "Colin…shut up!" Grey raised his voice.

  "It's okay," Carrie said, resting her hand on Grey's arm. "I'm not jealous. She had her chance and blew it. Now he's all mine."

  "Forever, honey." Grey placed his hand over hers. His warm gaze sent a little thrill up Carrie's spine.

  "My forever woman has yet to be by my side," Colin muttered, training his gaze on Leah.

  Silence settled over the table. Colin continued to stare at Leah who dropped her fork. The clatter of the utensil on the plate drew Grey and Carrie's attention. Carrie stifled a grin as she looked from Colin to Leah and back to Colin again. Color rose to Leah's face.

  "What are you all looking at?"

  Grey cleared his throat. Carrie picked up her fork and resumed eating. Colin took a sip of his wine. Leah placed a forkful of chili and rice in her mouth and lowered her gaze to her plate.

  "So, what is everyone wearing to the party on Friday night?" Carrie asked, looking around the table.r />
  Chapter Six

  New Year's Eve, Central Park West and 77th Street

  Leah lit the last candle in the apartment, blew out the match then checked her watch. Eight o'clock. People would be arriving soon. She surveyed the open living and dining area. The many candles created a soft, romantic glow throughout the space. Fifty-five candles. Looks good. She nodded her satisfaction, spying at least one candle on almost every flat surface. Romantic. Why should it be romantic? Leah…you don't have any ideas, do you? Remember, you don't do romantic. She shook her head and laughed at herself. He's too young. He won't be chasing me for long. He'll meet some dazzling young women tonight and fall madly in love. She sighed, puzzled at the slight sense of loss that idea brought. It was flattering to have such a gorgeous young man hot for her. But it wasn't real. Besides, she had other plans for her life.

  Jean Luc, the caterer came out of the kitchen.

  "Everything is ready, Madame."

  "Excellent. I have to change, only take me a minute."

  He smiled at her and returned to the kitchen. His helpers were setting up a buffet on the sideboard in the dining room. Baked ham, escalloped potatoes, fresh sautéed green beans mixed with pearl onions, salad, Jean Luc's special Dijon mustard sauce, fresh baked rolls and fresh creamery butter completed the elegant feast. Her mouth watered as she passed the sterling silver chafing dishes keeping the food warm. The spicy aroma of the clove ham teased her taste buds.

  As she pulled out her clothes, she worried about Colin. I hope his tailored clothes arrived in time…and they fit. She unzipped her gold dress and stepped in, then struggled with the zipper. Damn! It's too long and my arms are too short. She pulled it up most of the way and wiggled. The gold fringe shimmied with her hips, making her giggle. I look like a flapper!

  As she applied the last of her makeup, the buzzer rang. She knew Jean Luc would buzz the doorman so she had a minute or two before her guests would be coming through the door. She applied one more layer of coral lipstick, slipped her feet into high-heeled gold sandals and tossed her hair over her shoulder before greeting her guests.

  Grey, Carrie and Colin were the first to arrive. Carrie wore a long silver dress slit up to the hip on one side. Grey looked smashing in his Armani tuxedo. They came and kissed her. Hanging back was Grey's brother. Leah directed her gaze to him and gasped. Stan, you outdid yourself!

  Colin stood twenty feet away wearing a Ralph Lauren tuxedo that looked like it was made for his body. The tailoring was perfect. Leah smiled to herself, remembering how Stan hadn't missed a detail of Colin's form. But the store had done a magnificent job. He looked beyond handsome. The dark suit set off his hazel eyes which were focused on her. The slender lines of the pants and the jacket emphasized Colin's height. He looked taller, slimmer. She could hardly catch her breath. He spotted her and approached.

  "Nice tailoring job. Fits like a glove. I have you to thank," Colin said.

  "You have your parents to thank for giving you that body." Leah's hand flew to her mouth. Open mouth, insert foot, Leah!

  He grinned, then his gaze raked her body from head to toe.

  "You look gorgeous. Wow! Gold is your color…like a queen, queen of the roaring 20's."

  "Thank you. Would you mind?" She turned her back to him. "I couldn't reach that last bit."

  Colin put one warm hand on her shoulder, bared by the dress, and drew the zip up with the other. The tingle from his touch zinged through her body like a bolt of lightning. When she turned around, he leaned down and brushed her lips with his. Leah steadied herself with a hand on his shoulder. Her fingers dug in, feeling the power of his muscles. A flutter in her belly warmed her. To have those long arms wrapped around me in ecstasy. Oh, my God.

  Within a minute, her reverie was broken by the buzzer. Guests poured in while the buzzer rang almost constantly. Men dressed in formalwear or dark suits were accompanied by women in all manner of revealing dresses in black or white, magenta, hot pink or iridescent purple. The room filled up. People lined up for food. Jean Luc poured champagne into flutes and placed them on the dining room table almost as fast as guests whisked them away. The sound of voices deep in conversation mixed with the tinkle of laughter and the murmur of whispers. Old friends greeted each other with hugs while new acquaintances were introduced. Shadows created by the candles danced on the faces of the beautiful people. A holiday scent of cloves permeated the air. The mood was festive. Leah took Colin by the arm.

  "Come. I want you to meet some people."

  She steered him toward a group of five young women and two men, talking and drinking champagne. The women were dressed to the nines. Their ultra-high-heeled shoes brought them to eye level with Colin. The men in dark suits offered their hands to him. Leah made introductions and discreetly left. When she glanced back, a feeling of emptiness tore at her heart for a moment. This is better for him. It's not all about you, Leah. Do the right thing. The look of regret on her face was replaced by a soft smile as she turned away to greet other friends.

  ****

  One woman named Jodi looked Colin over from head to foot then smiled smugly at him.

  "You wear a tux well."

  "Thanks. Like your earrings," Colin said.

  "What do you do…for a living, Colin, is it?"

  "I'm a teacher."

  "Oh, like a college professor with a Ph.D.? Do I have to call you doctor? Or do you just play doctor?" She threw a salacious smile his way.

  "Only a Masters, I'm afraid. I teach high school Phys. Ed., and I coach wrestling."

  "High school? Gym teacher? Really? I'm surprised."

  "Why?"

  "You don't look the part…more like a Wall Street banker. Too bad you're not," Jodi turned away and started a conversation with the man on her left.

  Colin stepped back as if he had been slapped. What a bitch!

  The slight chubby young woman on the other side of him with short red curls turned to him and whispered. "She's a gold digger."

  Colin looked at his new confidant and smiled.

  "She always asks a man what he does first."

  "I see and you're not like that?" Colin took a sip of his champagne.

  "Hell no! Besides I'm not interested in men anyway. "

  Colin laughed. "That makes two of us. So you have the inside track on these women?"

  "Yup. I don't hang with them but I've seen them at these parties for years."

  "Give me your honest opinion."

  "My honest opinion? I wouldn't give you a nickel for any of them…except one."

  Her smiled widened. "Which one?"

  "The one in gold." She nodded toward Leah.

  "Leah?"

  "That's her name?"

  He nodded.

  "Now she's something else. I'm Lena, by the way."

  "Colin," he said offering his hand.

  "Do you know her?" She shook his hand.

  "I do."

  "I'd love to meet her," Lena said, offering a shy smile.

  "Sure, but I don't think she swings that way."

  "Never hurts to try."

  He smiled at her persistence.

  "Unless she's with you…"

  "I wish."

  Colin looked for Leah in the crowd and finally spotted her standing near the kitchen talking to two well-dressed men. She was laughing but he saw her glance over at him. She smiled warmly at him. The heavier man of the two turned to see who captured Leah's attention. Colin saw the man's frown of disapproval which made him chuckle. That's right buddy, younger, better looking than you and available.

  A brunette in a hot pink dress barely covering her butt moved in front of him, blocking his view of Leah.

  "Hi. I'm Alice."

  "Colin," he said, frowning. Got to keep my eye on Leah.

  "Sorry, did I spoil something?"

  "Just checking out the food line," he lied. Where's Leah?

  "I'm starved. Let's go."

  Alice took Colin's hand and led him toward the food. Out of t
he corner of his eye, he spied Leah. Her laugh stopped abruptly when she saw him with Alice. Is she jealous? Is that good? I hate games.

  Colin went through the food line, heaping his plate high. Alice chattered away at him. When he dropped the bomb about being a high school gym teacher, she began to look around the room. Before he'd finished half the food on his plate, she had moved on to another unattached man.

  The evening wore on and each eligible young woman ambled his way only to leave again when they realized he wasn't, and probably wouldn't ever be, a millionaire. Even more embarrassing, he noticed Leah glancing over occasionally with a frown on her face. The woman of my dreams watches me get dumped by all the women at this party. Not great! At ten o'clock, the guests had divided up in the room. Some of the older men sought younger women. They stood in small groups near the front door. Leah sauntered over to where Colin stood talking to Lena, the only woman who showed any interest in what he had to say.

  Leah came up behind Colin and put her hands on his waist. His hands covered hers immediately. She peeked around his left side, grinning, then ducked her head under his arm. He hugged her to him. Leah fastened her hands on his lapels and tugged his head down toward hers. Their lips met. Colin encircled her waist, pulling her in for a devastating kiss. All conversation around them stopped. He could feel everyone staring but ignored them. Leah melted against him, her arms around his neck. He lifted her off the ground and continued the kiss for a few more seconds before releasing her. The silence continued as they stared into each other's eyes.

  "Wow," Lena muttered.

  "Seems as if these ladies have freed you up to be my escort this evening."

  "My lucky day."

  Leah slipped her arm through his, easing him away from the crowd. They escaped into the guest bedroom where the coats lay scattered on the bed.

  "What happened?" She asked.

  "What do you mean?"

  "With all those women. I've been watching you and they all seemed interested…then something happened."

  "Yeah, I told them I'm a high school gym teacher and coach. They're looking for wealthy men, Leah. Not me."

  "Fools, all of them."