“If you don’t have to work then you should try volunteering. There are lots of places that need the help,” Alex said with enthusiasm, until he saw the look on her face.
“I’m so sorry. I assumed you were looking for something, and that was totally out of line. Some people handle retirement great, without needing to find more to add to their plate, and I always think everyone else would like to continue working until death knocks them into the grave.”
“No, it’s okay. I thought when I retired that I would enjoy sitting on my porch in the morning and watching all those young things race into the world. After about three weeks, I’d done most of my to-do list and couldn’t find any way to stay busy until a friend invited me to bingo at the senior center.” Marie smiled. “It’s nice to find someone willing to give back to others with their free time.”
“Hold on a second. I neglected to tell you that I go on about four or five vacations a year. I wanted to be able to explore and see more of the country since I spent so many years defending it.” Alex didn’t want her to get the impression that he was all work and no play.
“So, did you ever get married or have children?” Marie decided to continue with the date because a little passion never hurt anyone, and it had been a while since such a thing had been directed her way.
“I did marry right out of high school, and we moved all over the country with my various postings in the military. About the time I decided I was getting a little old for the military life, she decided that she had outgrown me.” Alex shrugged it off.
“We had three children, and now have ten grandchildren with one great grandchild on the way. We managed to part amicably and keep things civil, at least as the grandkids have gotten older. We’ve both moved on, although we still love our entire family.”
“I never married. I lost my guy to ’Nam, and when he didn’t come home, it took a lot out of me to make it without him. There were always a few guys over the years that tried to get me back on the horse, but he was my only true love.”
The look of amazement on Alex’s face was so priceless, that Marie laughed out loud.
“Before you think I’m the newest kind of sixty-year-old virgin, there have been a few dalliances over the years,” she proclaimed with a smirk. “But no one has ever been able to replace John in my heart.”
“And no one should replace him. Each person has to make their own place in your heart, but you have to be willing to let them in,” Alex commented with sincerity, placing a hand over hers.
“You’re so right, which is part of the reason I’m here to try dating again. I do want to be upfront with you. I have two more dates scheduled for this morning.” Marie grimaced, waiting for his reaction.
“I think your honesty is like a breath of fresh air. You just make me want to know more about you with everything that comes out of that mouth of yours.” Alex smiled, focusing all his attention on her lips.
“Let me warn you. Just because we hit it off on a few dates, doesn’t mean that you’ll get past second base until I feel more comfortable with you.” Marie shook her finger at him and laughed.
Capturing her hand, he raised it to his lips and placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
“I’m honored that you would need to consider warning me, because that means you see many more dates in our future.”
Suave. Confidence oozed out of him, but it didn’t make him seem arrogant. Tilting her head, she contemplated everything he’d said so far, and realized that she trusted him completely. Her nerves were gone, and in their place were the first fluttering’s of excitement.
“Since I don’t want to get caught double dipping,” Marie wagged her eyebrows up and down, “put your number in my phone so that you can call me later.” Realizing she sounded arrogant herself, she quickly retracted. “That is, if you want to.”
He took the phone from her hands and texted his phone so that it dinged.
“There. Now we can have long text conversations because it’s the best method of communication for long distance relationships.”
“Long distance? I thought you were local?” Marie was extremely disappointed.
“If you’re not in my presence, then its long distance. I hear it’s all the rage with the “in” crowd these days. Especially the makeup and breakup texts. Whew, there is nothing else in this world that I want to do more than sext.” He grinned at her as he stood up, hoping that her sense of humor was intact.
Giggling, Marie stood up as well. “I think I prefer the older model of the “in person” dating game. Maybe we can do dinner or lunch in the next few days.”
“With certainty.” Alex made a doffing hat motion. “I hope that your other meetings are less helpful.”
He made his way out, tossing his cup in the trash can. He looked back her way as he exited through the door, almost running into her next date.
The next Alex wasn’t nearly as put together and ordered his drink before making his way over to her booth.
“I hope you weren’t here long. I got tied up at work this morning and was just able to leave a half hour ago,” he apologized, wiping his nose on the back of his hand before taking a loud slurp of his still hot coffee.
Almost spitting it out, he managed to catch himself from spewing it at her, making a huge mess.
“Where do you work?” Marie asked politely.
“I have a job just up the street at the corner gas station. I work the early morning shift.”
“Ah. That explains the reason I smell pastries all of a sudden.”
“Yeah. We keep them fresh by freezing whatever is left over after the shift. Saves a ton on having to throw them out, and the customers don’t know the difference anyway.”
I’ll bet they don’t, she thought to herself. Out loud, she said, “Which gas station is this? I’ll have to check it out.”
I’ll check it out with a health inspector right beside me to make sure I don’t die from a disease.
“It’s over off of Pecan Park Road.” He gestured with a large pudgy hand.
“I’m in charge of the entire shift,” he boasted, as if that was truly an accomplishment that a man of his age should be excited about.
Marie started to ask a question, but was cut off by the continuation of his status.
“I’ve been saving up for years, and the old lady next to Mama’s house finally croaked, so I was able to get it for a steal. They even included the furniture, although the city moved the bed she died in out when it happened.”
This version of Alex Fine was just getting into his element, when she finally interrupted him.
“Um, excuse me, but I have to go to the restroom, and I’m not going to be able to make it back until you’re gone from here.” Marie wanted him to get the message, but at the same time, be as nice as possible. “I just don’t see us being compatible, so it was nice to meet you. Have a good day.” Without a backward glance, Marie hurried to the restroom and hoped that he would be gone shortly.
He grumbled loudly all the way out. “This coffee is way too expensive. We serve better stuff than this pig slop. You don’t know what you’re missing.” He screamed down the hallway leading to the restrooms as he walked to the exit and finally left, to the relief of all those in the coffee shop.
Marie took advantage of his early departure to use the facilities and cautiously came out of the restroom, looking around to make sure he was really gone.
“You’re safe,” the cashier informed her.
“Oh, thank goodness. This internet dating is really crazy, isn’t it?”
The girl simply nodded in agreement. “Can I get you anything?”
“I believe I’m going to need a coffee after that last encounter. No extras, just black. Well, I take that back, just one small dab of cream.”
“Sure thing. I’ll even bring it over to you when it’s ready.”
“Oh, thank you, but I need to stand up for just a minute and get that man out of my subconscious.” Marie shook her head in bewild
erment that anyone could live like that and still try to pick up a woman for a date.
“I think the first guy was really handsome for an older guy, and you both seemed to get along well.”
“You’re absolutely correct, my dear. He is quite a catch, as long as there isn’t anything hidden under the surface.”
“Hey, sometimes you just have to have a little faith, you know?” The girl pointed toward the ceiling. “Someone must be looking out for you. Here ya go.”
“That’s a perfect reminder. I’d forgotten about my guardian angel. Well, one more date to go, and let’s hope he’s better than this last one.”
“He has to be, right? There can’t be two horribly creepy guys on the same dating site.”
“At this point, I don’t think anything would surprise me. I’ll let you know what I decide on my way out.” Marie left a large tip in the jar as she made her way back to the corner table.
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Alexander had watched the people coming and going from the coffee shop from across the street.
It seemed to be a coincidence that Marie had gotten on the same dating site he was listed on. The other two men that had met her were also named Alex, or versions of it.
He was still trying to figure out if she was truly dating, or trying to find out more about him.
He adjusted his bow tie. Either way, he would find out what she knew about their operation.
------------------
Marie had no idea who would walk through the door, but when the little bow tie gentleman from the bingo hall came in, she breathed a sigh of relief.
She’d found the right dating site, and gotten really lucky that he had actually showed up for their date.
As he approached, she stood up. “I hope you’re my next date because the last guy was, well, terrible.”
Marie smiled, hoping he would be friendly, but his face remained in a tight smile.
“I’m sorry, is something wrong?” Marie asked. Her smile faded as she was backed up toward the wall.
“No, nothing is wrong. Have we met before?” Alexander held out a small, almost delicate hand to Marie.
Although he was the same height as she was, this man seemed to be more intimidating than other larger men. He had a way of making his presence felt.
Starting to timidly take his hand, Marie straightened and reached out, clasping his hand with a firm grip.
“I’ve seen you over at the bingo hall when I play each week. Yesterday, you gave me some library books.”
Cupping her hand next her mouth, she leaned forward. “I haven’t had a chance to read them yet, but I’ve been told that they’re the best classics to read.”
Taking his cue from her, he acted like there hadn’t been anything unusual yesterday about the books he’d given her. He motioned for her to sit before taking the seat across from her.
“Have you read many of the classics?” he asked while grimacing at the common atmosphere of the coffee shop as he slid onto the bench.
“Well, of course the ones you read for school credit, but that was years ago. I really haven’t read more than those few because I haven’t had much time.”
Marie still felt on edge, but wanting to make him more comfortable, she continued. “I just retired a few months ago and need something to help fill the winter days when it’s too cold to do much outside. So, do you give library books out to other senior centers, or just our bingo hall?”
“I only volunteer there a couple times a month. I work at the high school and fill in at the public libraries when they need a substitute. I really enjoy connecting people with things they can learn from and enjoy.” Alexander watched Marie to see if her interest was genuine.
“How would you find a book for say a young teen boy that didn’t want to read? What would make him interested?” Marie took a sip of her still warm coffee.
“Considering you don’t look like a teenage boy, I’m going to assume you have a son? He would be interested in a book more along the lines of an action adventure. I would have to know a little more about him to know if fantasy or another genre would be best suited for him.” Her question had only relaxed him slightly, but her response stunned him.
“I don’t have children, although my nephew was the one I was hoping to connect with because he just lost his girlfriend to a drug overdose.” Marie knew if he was a bad guy who was selling drugs, then he would be checking up on her to make sure she told him the truth.
“It happened over Thanksgiving break, and while he hasn’t said much, you can tell it’s really bothering him.”
“Have you considered taking him to see a play? Or a tour of a museum to give him a change of pace?” Alexander folded his hands in front of him on the table, trying not to fidget.
“Do we have that kind of culture here in this town?”
“They do. Since we’re in a metro area of sorts, there are several museums only an hour or so away. The college has a wonderful theater department, as does the community theater. In fact, I have tickets for the Thursday night performance if you would like to attend with me?” Alexander threw down his gauntlet, trusting that she would take the bait if she wanted to investigate him.
“Oh, my, that is an amazing invitation, but I already have plans. I’m so sorry. What play are they doing?” Marie tried to look dismayed.
“It’s a well-known play, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf.”
“Hmm, now you’ve surprised me. I really thought you would have tickets to something Shakespearian.” Marie couldn’t contain her thoughts. “Rats! I’ve never seen that play before.”
Alexander cleared his throat before answering. “I do have season seats to the theater. I generally try to go when it won’t be as crowded, but I would be willing to take you on Saturday afternoon.”
“I don’t have anything on Saturday afternoon. Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable just so that I can go.” Marie couldn’t believe the sympathy she was feeling for this man.
“No, it won’t be uncomfortable for me. I’ve been known to go on a Saturday afternoon. Thursday is my preferred choice, but Saturday is my second preference.” Alexander fidgeted in his seat. “I also love to go to any play that is more than a simple television show. I don’t mean to be condescending, I simply enjoy the finer things in life, and most people take it the wrong way.”
Marie reached over to pat his arm, but thought better of it and moved to get a drink instead.
“Fair warning, I may not be as sophisticated as you would like, but I certainly enjoy some of the finer things in life as well.”
“You’re a step above the masses because you’re a classy woman. Being polite and willing to try new things is certainly an improvement over most of the women I have found on the dating site.” Alexander made a clicking sound to show his disapproval.
“I’m still new to this dating scene. Do I meet you there, or will you be picking me up?” Marie asked, hoping that he would leave her a way to escape if she felt threatened.
“The gentleman always picks up his date, but in this case, I have to work that morning at the library so I’ll meet you there. We can decide if we want to eat dinner after the play.” Alexander wanted a chance to put a tracer on Marie’s car. “Shall we meet at one thirty in front of the statue at the art building? Do you know where that’s located?”
“It’s been a few years, but I think I can manage to meet you there.” Marie took a pen and memo pad out of her purse. “Here’s my phone number in case you can’t find me.”
Glancing at her watch, Marie realized she had been at the coffee house for almost two hours.
Alexander took the hint and stood.
“It has been a pleasure meeting you officially.” He took her hand and made a half bow. “I will see you on Saturday then.”
He turned on his heel and left Marie standing there with her hand hanging in the air.
“I guess you will.” Marie paused, realizing that he hadn’t introduced himself
to her or given her his number.
“Well played, sir. Well played. I plan to win the next round on Saturday,” Marie muttered to herself as she collected her purse and coffee to head toward the exit doors herself.
Chapter 10
Kristi wasn’t expecting anyone at her door as a loud knock sounded, followed by two smaller ones.
She smiled as she answered the door, certain she knew who was on the other side.
“Sunni! Hi, come on in.” Kristi stood to the side as the threesome entered, stomping snow from their boots on the mat.
Flynn and Lily just stood there, looking around for the girls.
“Faith, Chloe, you have company!” Kristi yelled down the hall. The girls barely made it into the living room, and then all four of them shot out of there as if someone was chasing them.
“We can make some hot chocolate in the kitchen for a snack and let them know when it’s ready,” Kristi suggested, moving in that direction as Sunni took off her coat.
“Oh, that sounds good. Have you heard from Carolina today?” Sunni asked, curious as to how the overnight stay had turned out.
“I haven’t, but we just got in the door from school and haven’t had a chance to worry about it. She wasn’t back when I left this morning. Do you want me to call her?” Kristi asked as she got out the milk and a can of cocoa.
“I’ve been wondering how things went all day. Finally, the twins were just driving me crazy, and so I thought getting out of the house might be a good idea.” Sunni made herself at home and proceeded to get the mugs out.
“You were feeling left out, weren’t you?” Kristi gave her a searching look. “We didn’t mean to take all the detective work away from you.”
“No, it’s okay. I don’t think I could have lasted with both of them in the car for such a long time. I’m just restless, I guess.”
Sunni lined the mugs up evenly and counted out four marshmallows into each cup.
“Hey, those marshmallows aren’t vegan,” Kristi warned.
“Eh, it won’t kill them this time, and they’re at your house so they’ll think they snuck something by me.” Sunni shrugged it off.
The Mommy Detectives and the Bingo Hall Mystery Page 9
