Dating, Dining, and Desperation (A Dear Daphne Novel)

by Carlson, Melody

  Maria picked up a quilt top in a rainbow of colors that seemed to spiral around and around. She proudly spread it out over a twin-sized bed. “This is my latest creation.”

  “It’s beautiful. So colorful.”

  “It’s called ’round the world,” Maria explained. “It’s not the most complicated design, but I like how the colors look.”

  “It’s very cheerful.”

  Maria nodded. “I plan to give it to Ricardo for his birthday in September. He always says that someday he’ll go around the world. Maybe he can dream about it while sleeping under this.” She glanced at Daphne. “Do you think he’ll like it? Or is it too feminine? Be honest with me now. It won’t hurt my feelings.”

  “I don’t think it’s too feminine at all. It’s gorgeous and bright and cheerful. I cannot imagine him not liking it.”

  “Oh good. Sometimes I just don’t understand what young people like these days.”

  Daphne chuckled. “You’re not the only one. I get confused too.”

  Maria pointed at her. “But you are a young person. Surely you know how the young folks think.”

  Daphne shook her head. “Not as much as it would seem.”

  Maria’s brow creased. “Here is what I do not understand, Daphne. I do not understand how all of you young people can be happy . . . living single and being alone. I was married at eighteen. For more than thirty years I had my dear Lorenzo sleeping by my side. He’s been gone more than seven years, and I still miss him every day.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m sure you do.”

  “But you kids these days. You think nothing of being in your thirties and still not married. And what about having children?” Maria looked truly distressed. “Do you know that Ricardo will be thirty-six? Thirty-six! When I was thirty-six, Ricardo was in high school!” She shook her head. “No, I do not understand.”

  “I guess we’re just not in a big hurry.” But even as Daphne said this, she felt like a phony.

  “But don’t you get lonely? Living in your aunt’s big house all by yourself? It seems so lonely. I know how lonely I get.” She sighed. “I just don’t understand it.”

  Daphne hugged her. “Well, don’t be too worried. Ricardo is a wonderful guy. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before the right girl comes along.”

  She sighed again. “I just hope he notices when she does. Sometimes I worry that he still misses Bernadette too much . . . that he will never get over losing her . . . that I’ll never have grandchildren.”

  To distract Maria as well as change the subject, Daphne told her about her dad and Karen’s engagement as they walked to the front door. “So you see, if my dad can find someone after missing my mom for all those years, surely Ricardo will too. You’ll see.”

  Maria nodded hopefully. “I’m sure you must be right. I don’t know why I get so worked up about it.”

  “Especially since it doesn’t help. I know for a fact since I tend to worry about things I can’t control sometimes. We’re better off praying about it, don’t you think?”

  Maria smiled as she opened the door. “You’re right. For a young person, you’ve got your head on straight. Now if you would just get married and have children!” She laughed as she waved good-bye.

  As Daphne walked home, she thought about how lonely Maria had sounded. And yet she was usually so cheerful and positive. But of course, she was expressing concern for Ricardo, identifying with him. Daphne got to her own yard and noticed Wally crossing the street back over to his house. In his arms was some produce. She smiled as she went up the porch steps. It was sweet seeing him help himself.

  As she went inside, it hit her—two older single people, both widowed, both lonely, both living just a few houses apart. Was it possible they had never met? And if not, why not?

  Chapter 10

  So I finally get everything put away and in order, and I wanted to start planning a little shindig,” Sabrina told Daphne on Friday morning. “But now my backyard is all torn apart.” She shook her head as she looked across the street. “I hope they’re done with the heavy equipment, Tootsie is turning into a real basket case.”

  “He’s not the only one suffering.” Daphne picked up one of the cinnamon rolls Sabrina had brought over to share on the porch.

  “I’m sorry. Is the noise bothering you too?”

  “Not as much as it’s bothering Wally.”

  “That old grump?” Sabrina frowned. “It’s partly his own silly fault that my yard’s torn to smithereens. If he hadn’t complained.”

  “Yes, but you needed a fence,” Daphne reminded her. “Plus, hasn’t the landscaping project allowed you to see a lot of Mick this past week?”

  Sabrina smiled as she sipped her coffee.

  “And I told Wally it would soon be done and the permanent fence would be up, and hopefully he will have nothing to complain about then.”

  “Did you figure out a way to get him and Ricardo’s mama together yet?”

  Daphne shook her head. “I mentioned her to him, and he basically told me to mind my own business.”

  “Old curmudgeon.”

  “I think he’s just lonely . . . misses his wife.”

  “Then why doesn’t he want to get acquainted with Maria? She is perfectly delightful.”

  “Well, I haven’t given up on them. I’m trying to think of a reason to invite some of the neighbors over. I was even considering using you as an excuse.”

  “Moi?”

  “Sort of a ‘let’s welcome the new neighbor’ get-together. Maybe a potluck picnic.”

  “Or maybe I should invite everyone to an open house after my backyard is completed. It’s going to be so pretty out there with the pond and fountain and outdoor kitchen and everything. I can’t wait to show it off.”

  “I like that idea. You host the party and I’ll help you.”

  “Mick says he’ll be done by late next week,” Sabrina said. “You suppose the neighbors would mind if I invited him? And maybe his crew too?”

  “It’s your party. Invite whomever you like.”

  “And if I invite Mick, I can’t leave out Collin.” She gave Daphne a sly look. “Mick confided to me that Collin delayed his flight in order to spend more time with you—under the code of silence, if you get my meaning.”

  Daphne made a stiff smile. It wasn’t that she was displeased Collin had extended his visit. It was more that she felt pressured now, as if she needed to perform or something. And she’d never been good at performing.

  “Mick said Collin will be back from his sightseeing trip later today. It sounds like he drove about a thousand miles this past week. Really packing it all in.”

  “I’ll say. The poor guy will be all worn out.”

  “He better not be too worn out for tomorrow night. I’m really looking forward to the Founder’s Day dance and barbecue.”

  “So we’re still on for that?”

  “We most certainly are. And I don’t know if you’ve thought about what you’re wearing, but I think you should wear that teal sundress. It’s got the perfect skirt for dancing.”

  “Well, it’s been warm enough in the evenings. Maybe I will.”

  “And your espadrilles too.”

  “So nice having my own private fashion consultant right across the street.”

  Sabrina ignored Daphne’s sarcasm by telling her what accessories to wear. “And pin your hair up the way the stylist showed you last week.” She stood and smoothed her glossy blonde hair. “Guess my work here is done now. I better go home and check on Mick.”

  Daphne couldn’t help but chuckle as Sabrina trotted across the street in her kitten-heeled sandals. Such a Southern belle. But in the short two weeks that Daphne had gotten to know Sabrina, she knew that some of those Southern belle’s feminine ways were rubbing off on Daphne. And perhaps that wasn’t such a bad thing. Ev
en Olivia, when not suffering a mood swing, had to acknowledge the improvements.

  On Saturday, Daphne and Sabrina went to the mile-long antique sale together. Sabrina was on the lookout for some accent pieces for her backyard, and Daphne was just looking for the fun of it. But as they were examining an old enamel bed frame, Daphne got a feeling she was being watched. When she looked up she saw Jake on the other side of the street. At first she felt awkward, but then why? So she waved and he came over to say hello, and she introduced him to Sabrina.

  “I almost didn’t recognize you,” Jake told her. “Something about you seems different.”

  Daphne shrugged. “It’s probably just the straw hat and sunglasses. Trying to ward off the sun.”

  He smiled. “Well, you look good anyway.”

  “Did you have a nice vacation?” she asked a bit stiffly. “Mattie told me you went to the lake.”

  “Yes . . . I meant to tell you about that.”

  “I don’t see why.” She waved her hand. “It sounds like a pretty fun place. I hope you had a good time.”

  “It is a pretty place. We have three cabins right on the water. They’ve been in my family since I was a kid. We go up there the first two weeks of August every year. Nice little break.” His brow creased slightly. “I—uh—I would’ve called you, but we don’t get cell-phone service. It’s actually kind of nice being cut off for a while. Jenna went through texting withdrawal. But I think that’s a good thing.”

  “Well, unless you have an emergency.” Daphne didn’t know why she said that. Just trying to fill space.

  “There is a landline in one cabin. And my assistant has the number in case a client needs to reach me.”

  Daphne brightened her smile. “Well, this client did not need to reach you. But it’s good to know you’re available if something comes up. And I’m glad you had fun. Now if you will excuse me.” She pointed to where Sabrina was examining an old ice-cream maker. “We’re on a mission here.” Okay, that wasn’t exactly true, but she did not want to prolong this uncomfortable conversation for one more minute.

  “How did that go?” Sabrina asked quietly as they put their heads together, pretending to be studying the hand-crank machine.

  “Okay . . . I guess.” She sighed. “Awkward.”

  “He’s good looking.”

  Daphne just nodded, trying out the crank. “It works.”

  “Are you sure he’s not still interested in you?”

  “You know the story,” she said quietly. “Vacationing with the ex . . . what does that mean? It’s over. I get it. Moving on.”

  “Well, good.” Sabrina turned away from the ice-cream maker. “I know one Aussie bloke who will be very glad to hear that.”

  Daphne followed Sabrina’s fashion direction to the T. Even taking time to loosely pin up her hair. It took a couple of tries to get it just the way the hairdresser in Fairview had done, but finally she was satisfied.

  “You look fabulous,” Sabrina told Daphne as they met on the porch.

  “So do you,” Daphne assured her. “Ready?”

  “Yes.” Sabrina held up her phone. “Mick just texted me that they’re saving a table in the beer garden.”

  As they got into Daphne’s car, she felt relieved that she’d insisted on driving tonight. Sabrina had questioned this. “It doesn’t seem like a real date if they don’t pick us up at home,” she’d protested.

  “Well, it’s the only way I’m going,” Daphne replied. Daphne’s thinking at the time was that if she wasn’t having a good time, she would have an easy way out. But hearing they were waiting in the beer garden made her glad to have her own wheels. Not that she thought they’d get inebriated. But on the other hand, she didn’t know that they wouldn’t. And she would rather be safe than sorry.

  The Founder’s Day celebration was mostly being held in the Appleton City Park, but the closest parking place Daphne could find was down near the bank where her dad worked, which meant they had to walk a few blocks. Sabrina complained a little, but as they got closer and could hear the music playing, she cheered up.

  Before long they were seated at the table with Mick and Collin. The guys were just finishing their first beers and offered to get another round for the table.

  “None for me.” Daphne didn’t like being judgmental about drinking, but she personally did not care to imbibe. It was simply how she’d been raised.

  “I’m not much of a beer drinker,” Sabrina said, “but I suppose I could give it a try.”

  “That’s a good girl,” Mick told her.

  “What would you like?” Collin asked Daphne. “A Coke or something?”

  “Just water is fine.”

  He looked slightly disappointed but went off with Mick to get in the drinks line. When they returned, Daphne was feeling slightly aggravated. Not so much over the beer drinking. But because she was hungry. “That barbecued pork sure smells good,” she said to no one in particular.

  “It is.” Mick nodded. “I still remember tasting it when I was passing through Appleton. I was charmed by the small town festival.”

  “It was Founder’s Day the first time you came here?” Daphne asked.

  “Yeah. I’d already been wowed by the agricultural potential. But I still think that pulled pork helped to cinch the deal.”

  “I haven’t been home for Founder’s Day in ages.” She looked longingly toward where they were cooking the pork. “I hope they don’t run out.”

  “It’s still early,” Collin assured her. “And I took a sneak peek at the pits. Looks like they’ve got plenty of food over there.”

  “But look at that line.” Daphne pointed out the people already waiting for food. “Hey, maybe I should go get in line. I could save everyone a place.”

  “That’s not a bad idea.” Mick said.

  “Yes, and all this talk of food is making me hungry too,” Sabrina told her. “Go save us a place, Daph. We’ll be along soon.”

  Daphne felt relieved to leave the table. She wasn’t even sure why. Perhaps it was just her. Or maybe it was the beer. But for some reason she just didn’t feel like she fit in with the Aussie boys tonight. As she waited in line, she looked over to where the band was playing. A few older couples were dancing, as well as some children, but the dance floor wouldn’t get really full until later. Since childhood she had loved seeing the outdoor dance floor with the strings of colored lanterns gently waving in the evening breeze, couples out there enjoying the music, the night, each other. It was all very romantic.

  She glanced back over to the beer garden to see that Mick, Collin, and Sabrina were laughing together. Sabrina was probably entertaining them with her usual Southern charm. Or perhaps the Aussies were sharing stories. But Daphne felt a definite disconnect—from her group as well as the celebration in general. As she stood in line, she didn’t even see a familiar face nearby. If she just vanished into thin air—poof—she doubted anyone would really notice.

  As she got closer to the front of the line, the others finally joined her. They seemed even merrier than before, and unless Daphne wanted to ruin this evening for everyone, she had better play along. But that was how she felt. Like she was playacting.

  Fortunately the food was as good as she remembered, and she started to relax as the four of them joked and chatted. And she almost didn’t feel like she was pretending so much. She wasn’t having as much fun as she had last week at The Zeppelin, but it wasn’t so bad either. And now she started seeing people she knew, and they even made room at their table for Olivia and Jeff to join them. And later, because the tables were all crowded, they made room for her dad and Karen to sit as well.

  Dad seemed curious as to her relationship with Collin, but thankfully he didn’t say anything about it. However, she did tell the others about her dad and Karen’s recent engagement and everyone lifted their glasses to toast them.

 
Eventually it was getting dusky and more couples wandered out to the dance floor. However, none of the guys at their table seemed ready to budge.

  “All right,” Sabrina announced. “Time for ya’ll to get off your hind ends and get out there on that dance floor.” She patted her midsection. “I don’t know about ya’ll, but I need to work off all those scrumptious calories I just devoured. On your feet now, ya hear?”

  “We’re still finishing our dinner,” Dad said.

  “But we’ll be out there before long,” Karen promised.

  The rest of them meandered toward the dance floor. But now Daphne felt uneasy. What if Collin wasn’t a dancer? She glanced nervously at him. “You do like to dance, don’t you?”

  He reached for her hand and nodded eagerly. “You bet I do. I even won a dance contest once . . . down in Melbourne.”

  And she could understand how that was possible because Collin was a superb dancer. Far better than she. Fortunately he was so good that he made her feel like she was even better than she was. “This is really fun,” she told him as they took a break. “I feel like you’ve greatly improved my dancing skills.”

  “You’re a natural. Stick with me and I’ll wager we could win another dance contest if we wanted.”

  She laughed. “Well, I’m not sure about that.”

  “Ready for another round?” he asked as the band started a new song.

  She nodded and he grabbed her hand, whirling her around in a spin, then catching her in his arms just like it was choreographed. They danced a couple more dances together, then seeing her dad and Karen, Daphne asked if he was open to switching partners. “I haven’t danced with my dad in years.”

  Dad was happy to dance with her, but after just one dance, he asked if they could sit the next one out. “I played eighteen holes today. And I’m just not as young as I used to be.”

  “No problem,” she told him. “I’m not either.”

  “Looks like Karen’s enjoying your fellow.”

  “Collin is a very good dancer.”

  “I can see that.” Dad’s brow creased. “Is this a serious relationship?”