Trouble in Loveland

by Jennifer Peel

  Sleep didn’t come easy. The butterflies were on an all-night bender with all the excitement of being kissed and held by our favorite Ryan. Second favorite Ryan had also done his job admirably. I loved a man that could sing. First favorite Ryan did not sing well, but I wasn’t holding it against him. He did plenty of other things well, and they more than compensated. I was drawn to him like I never had been drawn to anyone else. I wasn’t sure exactly what that meant, but I wanted to keep exploring it with him. From the sounds of it, so did he, though we didn’t set another time to see each other again, well, at least not as in a date. We would see each other regardless, except we decided against running in the morning, or I should say later that morning.

  I rode in with my dad; I was too tired to drive, and I knew my dad liked the company.

  “So, are you going to tell your old man how your date went last night?”

  I was leaning my sleepy head on the window. I sat up and smiled. “It was fabulous.”

  “So I take it there will be another?”

  “I hope so, but I’ll leave that up to Ryan.”

  “Just no making out at the office, ok?”

  “Daddy! Why would you say something like that?”

  He laughed at me. “I know how you kids are today,” he teased.

  I rolled my eyes. “You don’t need to worry about that. Besides, Ryan is totally old school, he thinks he’s ancient, and I’m sure he’s above such antics.” I probably was too, but I could see if the moment was right, and it was discreet, I probably wouldn’t turn him down.

  “You think so, huh?”

  “Yeah. Ryan has some hang ups about our age difference.”

  “And what do you think?”

  “It doesn’t bother me at all.”

  “So, you think it’s ok if men and women that fall within different decades date?”

  I lowered my shades and looked at him. The way he asked felt different, like he was asking something else.

  My dad cleared his throat.

  Hmmm… “I don’t see any issue with it. Honestly, I think as a society we’re too caught up in age. I say if it’s within legal bounds, you shouldn’t let age be a factor.”

  “Interesting.”

  I eyed him carefully. “What’s the interest?”

  He shook his head as if he was trying to clear out a thought. “Nothing, I’m just making small talk with my girl.”

  I had the feeling there was more there, but I didn’t push. I was actually a little worried about how to be around Ryan today. I knew it was only one date, but I definitely wanted to explore the idea of seeing him more, and even exclusively. I hoped that didn’t sound desperate. I figured since we had spent copious amounts of time together for the last couple of months that could at least be an option. I wouldn’t push for it if he wasn’t interested, but I was definitely up for it. Being with him had made me realize that with all my other relationships, there was something missing. I wasn’t sure what that missing piece was, per se, but Ryan had it. I just didn’t want to blow it, so I was going to let him take things at his pace, since he was the one with reservations. And I admit, they were valid reservations, but we also had some pretty valid reasons for at least giving it a go.

  I didn’t see Ryan until late morning when he dropped by my office. He peeked his head in. “Hey, have you recovered from last night?”

  I held up my can of Diet Coke. “I’ve had some help. How about you?”

  “I’m ready to run the Bolder Boulder again.”

  “Really? So, do you want to do a 10k after work?”

  He gave me a crooked little grin and invited himself into my office. Before he spoke, he looked around. I did, too. I was wondering what he was looking for, but the mystery was soon solved. “How about instead of a 10K, we do something boring like dinner and a movie tomorrow night?” he asked covertly.

  “Boring sounds good,” I grinned mischievously.

  “Great, I’ll pick you up at six?”

  I nodded my head in agreement.

  “We’re still on for running tomorrow, right?” he asked as he walked out the door.

  “Of course.” Could I smile any bigger? This was what I had been hoping for. The butterflies perked up and I found I no longer needed caffeine. Ryan was my new stimulant of choice.

  I was giddy, like schoolgirl giddy. It made concentrating on work hard, but now, more than ever, I needed to do a good job. I didn’t want my dad, or Ryan, getting the wrong idea. I wanted them both to see me as responsible and competent. I even took the first part of the CPA exam and passed it with flying colors. I was planning on surprising them both when it was a done deal. Part of me wasn’t sure why I was bothering, because my long term plan was psychology, but I figured it was a good plan B, and everyone always needs a good accountant. Besides, if I ever had my own counseling practice, accounting skills would come in handy. I could offer tax tips as a bonus to my patients.

  I crashed early on Thursday night, but woke up with a purpose and vengeance on Friday. First, run with my gorgeous neighbor. Second, lunch with my best friend and former gorgeous neighbor. Last, but not least, make dinner and a movie the most non-boring date ever with current gorgeous neighbor and object of my desire. Don’t worry, I wasn’t objectifying Ryan. I was admiring him. Thoroughly.

  My run with Ryan was our usual: good conversation, great view, and a great work out. Nothing special to report other than Ryan suggested we sign up for the local 10k in September. Of course I agreed, not because I was a fan of races, but because it meant he saw us together in two months.

  Work was work. I was counting down the minutes until Krissy and I would be reunited, and until my date. A noteworthy mention of the morning came in the form of Felicity asking if I would like to have lunch with her. Oddly, she seemed nervous, and my dad scattered when she approached us. I asked her for a rain check since I already had plans with Krissy. We made a date for the following week. She seemed relieved, and hugged me. Weird.

  Krissy and I met at our favorite soup and salad place. I figured I better go easy at lunch since I wasn’t sure where Ryan was taking me. He said he was still looking at options and would let me know when he picked me up. I trusted his judgment, so I didn’t mind the element of surprise.

  Krissy and I met in the parking lot, and man, did the Bahamas look good on her, or maybe it was married life. Either way, she was tan and glowing like the northern lights. I had never seen her look so good.

  “Krissy, you look amazing,” I said as we embraced.

  “I was thinking the same thing about you.”

  We got our favorite table on the patio and munched on fruit and shrimp salad while we caught up. She pulled out her iPad and showed me picture after picture of white sand beaches, crystal blue water, palm trees, and of course, she and Chance made several appearances. Most of it had been documented on Facebook and Instagram, but it was fun to hear her personal account of what sounded like the time of her life.

  And, of course, she brought me some souvenirs. She handed me a canvas bag filled with lots of goodies, my favorite was the conch shell necklace. I wasted no time putting it on.

  “It’s beautiful. Thanks, Kris.”

  “You’re welcome. But enough about me and my perfect life. Tell me about Ryan. I still can’t believe you’re dating him.”

  “I don’t know if we’re really dating, but yeah, it’s pretty surreal.”

  “I used to think you were so crazy for having a crush on him, but look at you now.”

  I stuck my fork into a nice big, juicy, red strawberry. “I’m still crazy, but there’s just something about him. You know?”

  “Yeah, I know,” she said dreamily. I knew who she was thinking about as she eyed the rock on her finger. “He’s obviously into you, though. The way he looked at you when you danced at my wedding left no doubt. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought you were already a couple.”

  I thought back to that moment. It was one of those moments I would relive ov
er and over in my mind until the end of time. “It really was perfect,” I sighed.

  She grinned widely. “I’m happy for you. You deserve to be happy.”

  “Thanks, I’m just trying to remind myself that others can’t make us happy or miserable, it’s really our choice, but I admit being with Ryan has a very positive effect on me.”

  She reached across the table and held my hand. “You know, it’s ok to get lost in someone, even if you don’t know what the outcome will be. Just let go and see where it takes you.”

  “When did you get so smart?” I teased.

  “I just want to see you happy like this for a long time to come. You’ve had so much to deal with in your life the last several years, I want you to finally be able to leave that all behind and move on … and even find love.”

  I wiped an errant tear. She had been my sanity and sounding board for many years. I didn’t think I would ever be able to fully express what she’d meant to me. She was a sister to me, in every sense that mattered.

  As we hugged in parting, she brought up a novel idea. “We should double date sometime.”

  “Huh. Yeah, that would be fun. I’ll talk to Ryan about it.”

  “How about tomorrow night?”

  I thought about it. That seemed awfully soon.

  “Oh, come on, CJ. We all know each other and we’ll do something low key like dinner or bowling.”

  “Bowling?”

  “Chance loves it.”

  I laughed. “Well, that’s something I didn’t know about him.”

  “Promise me you’ll ask.”

  “Ok,” I said in exasperation. She always got her way.

  Charlee and Ryan date, take two. This go around I decided to forgo white, just in case. Instead I opted for a more romantic look, with a cream lace shirt and some flare jeans that hugged my curves quite nicely. I also loved that he was tall enough that I could wear a shoe with heels.

  He knocked on our door at precisely six p.m. My dad teased that he would get it and grill him about his intentions with his daughter. I didn’t buy it for a second.

  “Goodnight, Dad. Don’t wait up.” I called out as I went to answer the door.

  “Have a good time, baby girl.”

  I opened the door to find Ryan standing there looking very handsome and holding one white rose in his hand. Now that was romantic.

  “Hi,” I smiled.

  He held out the rose and seductively smiled. “Hi,” he said lowly.

  Yes, I wanted to swoon right then and there, but instead I took the perfectly shaped, almost fully bloomed rose and drank in the scent. It was nothing compared to the way Ryan smelled, but it definitely smelled nice. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Are you ready to go?”

  I nodded and followed him back to his house where his car sat ready in his driveway. He opened my door, but before I got in he said, “You look beautiful tonight.” He paused. “I mean you are beautiful.”

  I almost teased and thanked him for not saying I looked grownup, but I didn’t want to ruin the mood. I liked the feel of this moment when our gaze was fixed upon each other and where I could see in his eyes he spoke the truth. For a moment, I felt beautiful.

  “Thank you, Ryan,” I spoke softly.

  He smiled knowingly.

  Once we were both settled in his car, I turned to him. “So where are we going?”

  “I thought we would head up to Boulder?”

  “Ok. Why? We have a great movie theater here.”

  “Boulder has a great theater, too,” he stumbled on his words.

  “Yeah … but its forty-five minutes from here.”

  He cleared his throat. “There’s a … great Mediterranean restaurant there I want to take you to.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him.

  He was acting suspiciously. He quickly looked my way. “Seriously, you’ll thank me.”

  “Ok. If you say so.”

  He reached over and held my hand. “Does it really matter where we go?”

  I looked down at our hands, and I felt that wonderful sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that only he seemed to invoke. I shook my head no.

  Upon arriving at our destination, I forgot why I even thought about objecting. The restaurant was near the Pearl Street Mall and there was a great vibe with bands playing and people just out and about, enjoying the summer evening. Not to mention, Boulder is just one more beautiful city in my home state. Can you tell I’m biased? It sure beats cornfields, I’ll tell you that.

  Ryan looked happy as we walked hand-in-hand.

  “How set are you on seeing a movie?” I asked him as we strolled to the restaurant.

  “What do you have in mind?”

  I looked around at the activity that surrounded us. I was totally digging the live music and street performers. “It seems a shame to be indoors when we could enjoy all of this.” I waved my hand around.

  “Life is never boring with you, is it?”

  “Gosh, I hope not.”

  He smiled and kissed the top of my head. “There wasn’t anything good playing anyway.”

  “You know, I think I may like you.”

  He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me to him as we finished our short walk to the restaurant. It was packed on a Friday night, but Ryan had made reservations, and we were seated right away. He was obviously well connected. I guess I needed better friends, or maybe more of them.

  Ryan was right, I was thanking him profusely. The food was to-die-for amazing. We stuffed ourselves on paella and smoked chicken, and don’t even get me started on the bread and the lemon pound cake with raspberry mousse for dessert. I was going to have to run ten miles the next day to burn it all off, but I would never regret it. And of course the company was wonderful.

  We talked mostly about Josh. I loved how he talked about how it felt to hold him for the first time or the first time Josh said “Dada” or took his first step. My heart also broke for him because he felt like he was missing half of Josh’s life. He was especially missing him this week. Their only communication was by phone.

  “Josh has asked about his Cherry.”

  “He’s staked his claim, has he?”

  “I’m raising him right,” he teased.

  “You can tell him I’m all his.”

  “All his?” Ryan arched his eyebrow.

  “You know, until perhaps someone older that doesn’t drive a tricycle comes along.” I gave him a quick wink.

  He laughed at me, and I loved every second of it. It ranked right up there with Josh’s giggle.

  We started at the east end of Pearl Street Mall, and at first we enjoyed the artwork on display by some of the local artists. Well, at least most of it. Some people really take interpretation a little overboard, and then there are always those that like to bare it all, if you get my drift. I was happy to see my date avert his eyes quickly and gaze upon me when we happened upon the exhibitionists. We found safer fare as we headed west. What would a street fair, of sorts, be without face painting? There was a lovely older couple set up offering just that. Of course, I had to do it. It amused Ryan as I took my seat in the folding chair.

  “So what will it be young lady?” the older gentleman named Henry asked me.

  “Hmm …,” I thought. “You choose.”

  Henry grinned and showed off his dentures quite nicely. “I like you. You have a lot of spirit.”

  “That she does,” Ryan agreed.

  Henry looked between the two of us and smiled.

  Ryan’s phone went off in the midst of my face painting project. “Charlee, do you mind if I get this?”

  “Not at all.” I watched him quickly walk away and pick up the phone. I bet it was Josh by the way his eyes lit up. The thought made me smile.

  Henry went to work and talked as he painted. I had a hard time holding still, the brush tickled. I also followed Ryan’s movements.

  “So who is that fella?” Henry asked.

  “A friend.”
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br />   Henry gave me a scrutinizing glance.

  “A very good friend,” I amended.

  “Ahhh. There’s something wonderful about a new ‘friendship’ isn’t there?”

  “Yes, very much so.”

  “Do you know how to tell if a man is in love, dear?”

  I shook my head no.

  “It’s all in his eyes. He will look at you like you hold the stars and the moon in them.”

  He turned from me and gazed briefly at his wife. It was a perfect demonstration.

  I sighed wistfully, and with that, he handed me a mirror. He had painted a moon near the corner of my right eye with tiny stars trailing down my cheek.

  “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

  Ryan rejoined us as I was about to pay. He stepped in and paid for me instead. Henry smiled at the both of us, but he gently grabbed my arm. “Remember, sometimes people can’t see the forest for the trees.”

  I looked at him questioningly. What was that supposed to mean? I wanted to ask him, but he turned from me to greet his next customer.

  “What was that all about?” Ryan asked as we walked away.

  “I’m not quite sure. Anyway, how is Josh?”

  “Victoria says he’s having a great time with his grandparents.”

  “Oh … that was Victoria? Not Josh?”

  “Josh was already asleep.”

  “I guess it was late.” I knew it shouldn’t bother me that he talked to her, and I guess it didn’t. What bothered me was his reaction to her. It had excited him that she called, or so it had seemed.

  “So where to next?” he asked.

  I looked around, and my sights and ears fixed on the bluegrass band playing down toward the west end of the mall. I reached for his hand and led him to the small crowd that had gathered around them. I didn’t listen to a lot of bluegrass, but I was intrigued with the four part harmony from the all-women band performing. Their voices blended, but in dissonance, if that made sense; it was hauntingly beautiful. The song was lamenting the loss of love. I was mesmerized by it. Maybe I would have to listen to more bluegrass.