The Dating List

by Jean C. Joachim

  "Not bad at all. I suppose you're right. I need to keep up my contacts. Besides, free booze and food. How bad could that be?"

  Leah left the bathroom and returned momentarily with a box in her hand.

  "What's this?"

  "A little present I bought you."

  He raised an eyebrow.

  "It's a new tie to wear tonight."

  "I have to wear a tie?"

  "You don't want to appear to be a hick, do you? You've got a sport coat, right? You need this tie."

  He bent down and kissed her. "You think of everything. Thanks."

  He opened the box to reveal a stunning narrow-striped tie in teal and dark purple. "Wow! Subtle. I like it."

  "Perfect with your eyes, coloring."

  "You're the fashion expert. Are you going like that? Because if you are, no one will want to talk to me."

  She laughed. "Put something on, sexy man, or we'll never get there."

  "Okay, okay."

  When he was dressed, he turned to see Leah enter from the bathroom where she was applying her makeup. She wore a pink cashmere dress that clung to her luscious body. The scooped neck revealed some cleavage. Gold earrings and bracelet finished off the outfit. Colin gave a low whistle.

  "You're gorgeous. Really. No one is going to notice me at all."

  She hugged his middle, raising her chin for his kiss.

  "Flatterer."

  "I'm telling the truth. You look amazing."

  She will be the prettiest woman there. And she's mine…at least for a while.

  They hopped in a cab and got out at 68th Street halfway between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue. Colin offered his hand to Leah to help her from the cab. Gold letters spelling out University Club on a brick townhouse drew their attention.

  They stopped for a second. Colin took a big breath. His hands had been dry but now his palms grew damp. Damn! I'm going to be shaking a million hands. He plucked his handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his hands. Leah stood in front of him to straighten his tie.

  "You look very handsome…and so…so…professorial."

  A smile curled his lips. "Nice try. I hate these things. They always make me nervous."

  "You'll be great. And you're not alone. I can handle any party. Let's go."

  They joined hands and pressed the buzzer. A butler-type opened the door and Colin showed him the invitation. They stepped inside, into another world.

  The townhouse was old. The ceiling in the foyer was low, Colin ducked his head instinctively. Through an archway to their right was a beautiful room, painted sin red with white trim. Even the ceiling was red. A fire graced the stone fireplace, the glow reflected off the walls. Several comfortable chairs and two loveseats were scattered around the room. Silver platters of fancy canapés sat on the dark wood coffee table and sideboard. Men and a few women stood around with mixed drinks or glasses of white wine in their hands.

  "The bar is right through that doorway," the butler pointed toward another archway to the left in the red room.

  Colin grasped Leah's hand and started toward the arch when he heard his name called.

  "Colin Andrews!"

  He turned to see tall, slim Mac Caldwell heading his way. Grateful for a friendly face, Colin smiled back at the dean. Mac extended his hand and Colin took it.

  "Who is this lovely lady?"

  Mac's bright blue eyes took in all of Leah in a friendly, polite way. Colin made the introductions and Mac shook her hand, too.

  "Come let's get you a drink."

  They followed Mac to the bar. The room wasn't crowded but it wasn't empty, either. People milled around; some engrossed in lively conversation while others moved from small group to small group. Leah took a glass of white wine, Colin took red. They followed Mac to a group of four important-looking men.

  "I want you to meet our president, John Lawrence."

  Mac made introductions. Colin was suddenly shy in front of the silver-haired man who exuded confidence.

  "Mac tells me that in addition to being an Environmental scholar, you're a crackerjack wrestling coach."

  "I've been fortunate to lead winning teams for the last three years."

  "That's impressive. What's your secret?"

  "Hard work."

  John Lawrence laughed.

  "Yours or theirs?"

  "Both!"

  They laughed together.

  "I'd love to have wrestling at Kensington State. Seems this fall it's not going to happen but hang in there. Don't lose faith. There's always next year."

  Colin worked to keep a look of disappointment off his face while the president turned to resume his conversation with the others in his group. Idiot! What did you think? He's going to fire the guy they just hired and give you the job? He wanted to meet you or Caldwell wanted him to meet you. But it means nothing. Relax. You're going to Paris with the woman of your dreams. Forget the rest.

  "You handled that well," Dean Caldwell said, patting Colin on the back.

  "Thanks."

  "There's some great hot food in the room over there if you're hungry. I've got a couple of new arrivals I've got to greet. Be back soon."

  Behind them was another archway leading to another room painted robin's egg blue, also with white trim. A table laden with food got Colin's attention. Might as well drown my sorrow eating. In the center of the table was a huge bowl with the biggest cold shrimp he'd ever seen. On either side were chafing dishes. He snuck a peek when someone opened the one nearest to him and he spied tiny meatballs. His mouth began to water and his stomach to growl. He took Leah's hand.

  "Let's eat. I'm starved. Meatballs!"

  Leah handed him a plate and took one for herself. He piled up shrimp, meatballs, egg rolls and tiny quiche on this plate.

  "Take human portions, Colin. You don't want to look like a pig."

  Looking down, he noticed his plate was overflowing. Quickly he popped a quiche in his mouth and chewed. Then he skewered two meatballs on a plastic toothpick and ate them.

  "Better?" He mumbled.

  "Better."

  Colin guided her to a corner where they stood, eating, drinking and watching the crowd. I hate parties where I don't know anyone. We should leave.

  "Finish up and let's go. I don't belong here."

  "Wait! The Dean said he was coming back." Leah put her hand on his arm.

  "I'm not hired, not part of the university. I shouldn't be here."

  "Don't assume everyone else is hired here either, Colin. You were invited and have every right to be here."

  She patted his arm. A man about forty with red hair wandered in their direction.

  "Scott Plainfield, new in Environmental Science," he said, sticking out his hand.

  Colin shook it but couldn't find his voice. The guy who got my job? Leah nudged him in the ribs.

  "Oh, uh…Colin Andrews, and this is Leah Golden."

  "What's your field or is the beautiful babe the one with the university?"

  "She's not a babe!" Colin's brow furrowed. The creep of anger stained his cheeks.

  "Sorry, sorry. Right. Who's got the connection?"

  "Neither one. We are guests of Dean Caldwell," Leah replied.

  "Oh. I see."

  "I see you've met Colin Andrews and his lovely lady, Scott," Dean Caldwell said.

  Colin looked at his watch. I gotta get outta here.

  "Hate to rush off, but we've got a dinner engagement…"

  "Don't leave on my account," Scott said.

  "Colin is an Environmental Science scholar, too, Scott. Thought you might have something in common."

  "Oh, really?"

  "Yes and I coach wrestling."

  "Wrestling? With a babe like that, I'd guess you practice wrestling every night."

  Leah turned pale.

  Colin's hand fisted. Control yourself, control yourself. He's an asshole. Don't hit him.

  "How dare you speak like that about Leah? If we were somewhere else, I'd make you eat those words," C
olin said in a low voice loaded with menace.

  "Apologize to the lady," Dean Caldwell said.

  "I'm so sorry. My libido got the best of me."

  Leah gave him a curt nod before moving closer to Colin. He slung his arm over her shoulders then started to move towards the door.

  "I'm so sorry. That guy is an ass. You can see why I didn't want him for the job. Hang in there, Colin. Maybe he'll self-destruct before the spring semester."

  Colin managed a small smile, shook the dean's hand, then pulled Leah out of the University Club. He took a big breath of crisp air.

  "I needed to get out of that place before I decked that guy. How dare he talk to you like that. Asswipe."

  He hugged Leah to his side as they proceeded toward Madison Avenue.

  "Let's order in Chinese food and make love. It's our last night of spring break. You go back to Pine Grove tomorrow." Her lusty gaze locked with his.

  "I'm there…but?"

  "Men fighting over me always makes me horny," she whispered in his ear.

  "Then what are we waiting for?" Colin raised his hand to hail a cab.

  ****

  Thursday night Mid May, Pine Grove at the Andrews home

  "Set the table, dear," Colin's mother said, handing him flatware.

  "Leah's coming tomorrow?" John Andrews asked, putting down his newspaper.

  "We have to finalize plans for Paris."

  "Paris?"

  "I told you, Mom. I'm going to Paris with Leah."

  "Just because you didn't get that job at the university?" John asked.

  "Not exactly. Since I don't have that job, I have the summer off. Leah invited me to come with her. I might look for a job there, maybe teaching English, coaching wrestling…"

  "Go to Paris and maybe never come back!" His mother wailed.

  "Now it's only for the summer. Get a grip, Mom."

  "Sounds pretty exciting, if you ask me."

  "You'll be living with her there?"

  "Of course. We're practically living together now."

  "I don't need to hear that," Mary said, carrying the salad bowl to the table.

  "Then don't ask. Geez, I'm almost thirty, not three. Get over it."

  "The boy's right, Mary. Gotta let him grow up. He's a man and a man needs a woman…"

  "John! Enough! Do you both have to rub…sex…in my face? Dinner's ready. Sit down."

  The three sat down at their places at the table. Mary's Dijon chicken was the main course, a favorite of Colin's. Maybe Mom will give Leah the recipe before we go to Paris…maybe when we get married. Married? No one said anything about getting married.

  After praise for Mary's chicken, there were a few moments of silent eating.

  "What can I do to help you prepare for the trip, dear?" His mother asked.

  Colin let out a breath. "That's great, Mom, but I think I have everything under control. Leah and I have been brushing up our French and researching all the things to see and do in Paris. I'm pretty excited."

  "You've got all the luck. Imagine a pretty female taking you to Paris. What I wouldn't have given for an opportunity like that. Whew!"

  "Jealous, dad?"

  The men chuckled while Mary made a face.

  "She's a damn fine female, too, son. You got good taste, just like me and your brother."

  "Speaking of Grey…I saw him coming out of Giselle's house a couple of weeks ago. What's that about?"

  "None of your business," Mary snapped.

  "If he's cheating…"

  "As your mother said. Stay out of this. Let Grey alone," his father said, cutting a piece of chicken.

  "I'm going to New York next weekend for a change. Got a fitting for the wedding tux. I hate those things."

  "Me, too. Gotta wear 'em 'cause some woman somewhere said so and now look at us. Look like a bunch of penguins…" John grumbled into his peas.

  "Maybe we'll go with you. Dad has to have his fitted, too. And I need to buy a dress. Maybe Leah would take me shopping."

  "I'm sure she would. Okay, then we're all going."

  After dinner, Colin helped his mother by drying the dishes.

  "You know I don't mean to reject Leah. She is lovely, as your father says, and she seems devoted to you. It has taken me some time to get used to the idea, that's all."

  "Are you used to it?"

  "I thought I was. Kind of looking forward to maybe another wedding. Then you tell me she's going to Paris and you're going but only for two months. Is this a fling, Colin? I thought you were serious."

  "I don't know. I am serious but designing in Paris is her dream. How can I ask her to give that up? I'm trying to wait and see how Paris goes. Leah's kind of skittish. She's a widow and afraid to make another commitment. I understand that."

  "A widow? You never said."

  "I haven't told you much about her because she doesn't want people to know. She's a private person."

  "But we're family."

  "Not yet."

  "But you'd like to be?" She looked at him as she handed him a wet dinner plate.

  "Yeah. I can't imagine finding another woman like her. She's smart, sweet…everything I want."

  Mary smiled. "Sounds like love to me."

  "Not a topic to discuss with my mother."

  "It's okay. I know all about boys and stuff. I went through this with your brother, too. But each child is different. I hope you and Leah can find a middle ground somewhere."

  "I hope so, too, Mom."

  "I only want you to be happy."

  At ten o'clock, Colin closed his parents' front door and headed for his car. Light is on next door. Hmm. He stopped to peek in the window where the curtains didn't quite meet. Shit! There's Grey again! Colin crept closer, trying not to make any noise. He clearly saw his brother sitting on the sofa with Giselle. They were drinking wine. Grey made some kind of toast and Giselle wiped her eyes.

  None of my business? Grey's wrecking his life and it's none of my business? Crap.

  Colin pulled the door of his car open then banged it shut. Giselle came to the window and closed the gap in the curtain. Colin sped away, driving faster than he intended.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Mid-June, New York City, Grey Andrews' townhouse

  Carrie paced in the kitchen.

  "Stop worrying. This is your party. Go sit down somewhere. You're not supposed to be in here helping. It's your wedding shower, Carrie. Come on." Leah took her by the shoulder, then marched her over to the sofa.

  "Sit."

  "But I…"

  "That's not a request but an order!"

  Carrie sat down. Leah returned to the kitchen. She laid out a platter of deviled eggs.

  "Your mother and Delia will finally throw in the towel. The wedding is only two weeks away. They've got to give up."

  "Hah!" Carrie snorted, cocking an eyebrow at her friend.

  "Where is Grey going to hide out?"

  "He's going to be here. Says he doesn't trust those two. I'm glad, too."

  Carrie sat back on the sofa.

  "Marcel did a beautiful job with these tea sandwiches. They look delicious."

  "He's French but he makes fabulous food from all countries. Speaking of French…how excited are you about going to France with Colin?"

  "I'm…I'm…I'm beyond thrilled, overwhelmed, excited, scared, delirious…" Leah put her hand over her heart while she rolled her gaze to the ceiling.

  "He's a great guy…but I thought you weren't going to do the love thing again?"

  Her friend's cheeks fill with color.

  "I was stupid. You can't simply decide never to fall in love again. I had no idea someone like Colin was out there. He's…amazing." She wiped off a new platter and began laying out tea sandwiches.

  "Worth breaking your rule over?" Carrie cast a questioning glance at Leah.

  "Absolutely. I don't remember when I've been this happy."

  "Hank would be pleased."

  "I think he would. He loved me and would
n't want me to pine away for him forever."

  "You deserve a guy like Colin…and happiness, Leah." Carrie squeezed her friend's shoulder.

  They were interrupted by Grey bounding down the stairs into the living room. He lunged at Carrie, pushing her down, landing on top. He buried his face in her neck. She giggled wildly until she couldn't catch her breath. His hand slid under her shirt, up her chest and closed over her breast. Carrie struggled to push him away, aware they weren't alone.

  "Ah, the fair maiden struggles…alas, in vain. The rogue has her trapped…he will have his way with her!"

  "Grey…Grey…babe…" Carrie choked out.

  He lifted his head long enough to see Carrie point toward the kitchen.

  "Oh, my God!" He sat up immediately, pulling her shirt back in place.

  "Don't mind me. I'm just the help." Leah kept her gaze on her platter.

  "She's practically a sister-in-law, Grey," Carrie chuckled, straightening his hair with her fingers.

  A loud clatter of silverware hitting the floor followed Carrie's statement. Grey looked at Carrie, his eyes dancing.

  "That's right. Little Colin's gonna be next down the aisle."

  "Now wait a minute…" Leah began.

  "Don't deny it. You're crazy about that little bugger," Grey teased.

  "Little?" Leah put her hand on her hip and cocked her head.

  "Oh, yeah. You're tiny so he must be a giant to you."

  "He's a giant in many ways…"

  "Whoa! Gotta tell him his girl's bragging about his size!" Grey got up from the sofa.

  Leah turned bright red. "I didn't mean…that! I meant…his personality…his intelligence…" Leah gestured with her hand in the air but the color in her cheeks only intensified.

  "I bet," Grey snickered.

  Carrie smacked his shoulder.

  "Don't disturb my helper. She's handling the food."

  "Seriously, Leah, can I help?" Grey got up and strolled into the kitchen.

  "Yes. Here, stack these sandwiches up on this," she handed him a platter and a box of tiny sandwiches.

  "You're in good hands, so I'll go shower and get dressed," Carrie said, moving toward the stairs.

  "Maybe you need help with that?" Grey asked, mischief shining in his eyes.

  Carrie made a face at him before laughing.