My Dream Man (4 page)

The rest of the week dragged. I told Tabby about the dinner date and she suggested we go shopping for a new dress. She had great taste in clothes, and I made good money. We made a winning mall combo.

On the way there I peppered my little sis with questions. “What do you think Greg will think of me showing up for dinner? You think he’ll catch on that his dad is playing matchmaker?”

“He might,” Tabby said. “I mean, if he has half a brain, he’ll see right through it. But you can always play it cool. Make it all about his dad. You know, like you’re there solely because he’s your patient and you didn’t feel right saying ‘no.’”

I turned left into the mall parking lot. “Yeah. I’m a real do-gooder. No self-interest whatsoever.”

“See. It’s easy to spin it. Just try to keep the drooling to a minimum while you eat your food.”

I laughed and elbowed her. “I’m reasonably sure he’ll wear a shirt to the dinner table.”

“Yeah, but you’ll be imagining him without it the whole time.”

“Well,
now
I am.”

“I’ve got to admit. You surprised me on this one Sam. I never would’ve guessed you’d be crazy about a guy like him. I mean, Brian,” she said, fanning herself. “He was all that.”

“Brian was model handsome. For sure, but he and I just didn’t click, you know?”

“No chemistry?”

“None.”

“How can you not have chemistry with that body?” She sighed dramatically. “Well, if you say so.”

We strolled into the main department store and headed to the dress section, each choosing a rack to scan. After rummaging through several, I had a few dresses to try on. Tabby gave me her choices too.

“What do you think?” I asked, turning so she could see the front and back of the first choice.

Tabby scrunched her nose. “Too sexy. It’ll look like you’re trying too hard.”

She was right. It pretty much screamed take me now.

I pulled it over my head and slid into another one. “How about this?”

She seemed to be considering it, then said, “Perfect, if you’re going on a job interview.”

After the fifth one I was getting tired and hungry. I wasn’t into shopping all day like Tabby was. I liked to get in and get out.

“Try the T-shirt dress,” she said.

I put it on and twirled. I liked it. It was ink blue and casual, with short sleeves and a V-neck. It showed a little cleavage but wasn’t too revealing. I turned to get Tabby’s opinion.

Her response was a thumbs up.

“Sold,” I said. “Let’s get it and get out of here.”

On the way back to my place I began thinking out loud again. “What if the dinner’s a bust? I mean, what if Greg doesn’t like me and he’s resentful his dad tried to set us up?”

“No worries,” Tabby said. “If you sense that, just casually mention your boyfriend in conversation. That’ll take the pressure off.”

“I’d feel bad doing that to Mr. Varo. I mean, he set this up to help me.”

“Hey. It’s self-preservation. He’s a grown man. I’m sure he’d get over it.”

“True.”

We settled into silence. Once again, I let my mind wander, picturing Greg first without his shirt. Then imagining him without pants. A loud sigh broke my reverie.

“Listen to me,” I said. “I’ve been blabbering all day about my dream guy and I haven’t even asked how things are with you?”

Tabby shrugged. “Meh.”

She didn’t elaborate so I didn’t push.

“Do you want to stop at the candy shop and get a shake?” I asked. It was a small shop that was as well known for its real ice cream shakes as it was for its handmade chocolates. Tabby’s favorite was a dark chocolate one called Zanzibar.

She perked up. “Sure.”

Once we got our shakes we went outside and relaxed on a wooden bench. We sat side by side, sipping blissfully.

“So how’s school?” I asked. “You ready for finals?”

“Yeah. That’s all I’ve been doing lately. Studying.”

“Have you heard from Jack?” I didn’t want to sound too happy he was out of the picture. Besides, I was concerned about how it affected Tabby.

“He’s already moved on,” she groaned.

I set my cup down. “What do you mean he’s moved on?”

Tabby’s eyes turned glassy. “He’s already dating someone new. Didn’t waste any time, did he?”

Something sounded fishy. “You think he may have been involved with her before?”

“That’s what Mom said.” She shook her head and bent her brow into an exaggerated frown, then relaxed the expression. “Who knows? He could’ve been. Not my problem anymore. Let someone else take it up the ass from him.”

I began laughing so hard I nearly choked on my shake. “Maybe that’s right up her alley,” I added.

Tabby cracked a small smile. “Maybe that’s how she prefers to make ends meet.”

I slurped the last of my drink and grinned. Tabby had always been quick-witted. She did well in arguments too, because she always had the best comebacks, the kind most people would think of long after the conversation had ended.

I knew she’d find someone better than Jack. It was only a matter of time.

Friday morning I went to the monthly nurses meeting. It was the only time we all got to see each other and discuss cases and study up on new procedures and meds. I kind of missed seeing them every day, but had no interest in going back to the hospital grind. I preferred traveling to people’s homes, which felt more freeing. It also paid more.

I cracked up when I saw the first appointment on my schedule for the day: Mrs. Myszkowski. I had come to enjoy her crabby disposition and snarky comments. She was probably a blast to hang out with back in the day.

On the way to her house I noticed a Polish bakery, so I stopped in and bought her a treat.

“Great. You’re here,” she said with a sour face after she finally answered the door.

I smiled. “I brought you something.”

Her head lifted and her face lit up. She looked like she might leap out of her wheelchair. I pulled the bag from my purse. “It’s not a pack of cigarettes. It’s a pastry.”

Mrs. Myszkowski visibly deflated. “Oh. That’s nice. What is it?”

“Apricot kolacky. Fresh from the bakery.”

“Thank you Samantha. That was very kind. Please set it on the counter. I’ll save it for later.” She smiled for a split second. “You’re growing on me,” she said. Then her familiar, dour expression returned.

I bet if I had brought her a cigarette she would’ve been happy for a full minute.

As I took her vitals she pursed her lips in amusement. “You’re different today. You’ve got this glowy look about you. Are you dating some young fella?”

“Sort of. I mean, I have a first date tonight. Well, it’s kind of a date.”

“How can you kind of have a date? Aren’t you old enough to know the difference?”

I rolled my eyes and smirked. She half-smiled at that. “Yes, I’m old enough to know the difference. It’s not a date then. I’ve just been invited to another patient’s house for dinner, and he has a son.”

This news brought the rest of the smile to Mrs. Myszkowski’s face. “Is he handsome? What does he do for a living?”

I was surprised she took an interest, but since she was being nice, I rolled with it. “He’s a scientist. And yes, he’s very handsome.” My face flushed.

“A scientist. Means he’s smart. Probably knowledgeable in the sack.”

“Anna!”

“What? You think because I’m an old lady I don’t know?” She wagged her finger at me. “I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be young and in love. In fact, back in my day I was quite the specialist in that department. I helped a lot of my girlfriends catch their men. If you need any advice, you just let me know.”

I checked her oxygen tank to make sure the levels were correct. “I’ll keep that in mind if I run into any trouble.” How cute, I thought. But I couldn’t imagine her ancient ideas would do much good in a modern world.

Her blood pressure was fine but her pulse was below ninety. “Have you had any shortness of breath?”

“No. Why?” She eyed me warily.

“Your numbers are a bit off. I want to be extra vigilant with your emphysema.”

“I don’t say that word in my house. That word has ruined all my fun.”

I sighed. It must be a bitch to get old and deal with health issues. I said a silent “thank you” for my health and promised myself I wouldn’t take it for granted.

“Don’t forget your kolacky,” I said, trying to cheer her up.

“I won’t,” she said. “So are we done for today? You’re not going to stick me with any needles?”

“No needles. And yes, we’re all done. But Anna, if you experience any difficulty breathing make sure to call the doctor.”

“You sound like a broken record. I’m fine. You go. Enjoy your dinner date.” She winked at me and waved me off.

“Thanks. I’ve got your number in case I need any advice,” I said.

Mrs. Myszkowski followed behind me in her wheelchair, and as I walked down the front steps she called my name.

I turned back to see what she wanted.

“Bring cigarettes next time,” she said.

I snickered. “Right. And I’ll bring my resume, too, because I’ll be needing a new job once they fire me for helping to kill my patients.”

She grunted in response, but it sounded as much like a laugh as disappointment.

Mrs. Myszkowski was kind of growing on me, too.

I showed up at six o-clock on the dot at Mr. Varo’s house. I was so nervous my heart was hammering in my chest. I gripped a box of sugar-free chocolate chip cookies I’d bought earlier and rang the buzzer. The door opened right away. It was Greg.

“Hey Sam,” he said in a friendly tone. “Come on in.”

My body quivered when he said my name. What was wrong with me? I quickly regained my composure and followed him inside. He was wearing jeans and a casual long sleeve top, but I instantly pictured him shirtless and sweating. Thanks a lot, Tabby.

“That was nice of you to come over for my dad. I really appreciate it,” he said.

He took the cookies from me and then I removed my shoes. “It’s nothing really. After a long day taking care of sick people it’s nice to not have to cook.” I was grateful Mr. Varo hadn’t made it seem like a set up. It helped me relax a little.

“Hey Sam,” Mr. Varo said as we approached the kitchen. “Why don’t you two take a seat. I’m almost done here.”

Greg pulled out a chair for me and my heart swelled yet again. Was he being chivalrous? Or merely polite? I sat down and he walked into the kitchen to help his dad, straightening up and wiping the counters down around him. Mr. Varo kept looking over his shoulder at him, but Greg pretended not to notice and continued doing what he was doing.

“I’ll finish Dad. Why don’t you open the wine?”

“All right,” Mr. Varo conceded.

He reached for a bottle of white wine and brought it to the table. As he finished filling our glasses Greg brought two plates over. He set one down in front of me and the other one in front of his dad. Then he went back and retrieved his meal.

I looked over at Greg’s plate. Unlike his father’s and mine, Greg’s food was neatly separated into four separate areas.

Mr. Varo caught my eye, and he laughed. “I see you’ve noticed Greg’s plate. He likes his food separated into quadrants,” he said in a mocking tone.

Greg lifted his fork. “People practice feng shui to balance the energy force in a room. I do the same with my dinner plate. I like to create harmonious chi between my mashed potatoes and chicken.”

I opened my mouth to offer a clever retort, but then I realized he was serious. What an odd bird he was.

“Well you keep doing that,” his dad said. “I happen to like it when my feng runs into my shui.”

I tried to hold back a laugh, and failed. Greg just shook his head. But he was smiling, too. Mr. Varo raised his glass and looked in my direction. “How about a toast to Sam joining us for dinner?”

“Yes. A toast,” Greg said while lifting his glass. He turned to me and added, “We haven’t been able to lure a fair maiden to our home in quite some time.”

We clinked glasses, and as I pulled away, I glanced at Greg. He held my gaze for a long moment. With anyone else, it might have felt uncomfortable. With Greg, it felt a bit like magic. I didn’t know if he was saying he found me attractive or if it was just more of his strange behavior. All I knew was I wanted him to carry me to his bedroom and ravage me.

Instead we dug into our meal.

“This chicken is delicious,” I said.

 Mr. Varo smiled. “Thank you. Don’t forget to try the peas in quadrant two. They’re pretty tasty as well.”

 I smirked.

“Dinner plate symmetry,” Greg teased. “Just remember, you saw it here first.”

“I will,” I giggled, then took another sip of my wine.

Silence filled the room as we ate. Then Greg’s dad broke it. “So how do you like being a nurse Sam?”

“I like it a lot,” I said, which was the truth.

“And where do you find the patience to deal with old folks like me?”

I smiled at him. “It’s not that hard. I mean, there are a few patients who can be difficult, but I try to put myself in their shoes and understand what they’re going through.”

“You have compassion,” Greg said, pausing midway before putting a forkful of food into his mouth.

I glanced at his half open lips and felt hungry again.

“Can’t say the same for old ASIMO.” Mr. Varo chided.

“Who’s ASIMO?” I asked, wondering how I had turned into such a raging sexaholic. I shook my head, forcing the fantasies out of my mind so I could focus on the conversation.

“He’s a humanoid robot from Honda. I like to mess with my dad and say that’s the guy who’s going to take care of him when he’s old.”

“He’s not a guy. He’s a machine,” said Mr. Varo.

“You don’t even know the guy and you’re slandering him,” Greg argued, a playful smile on his face.

Their easygoing banter was sweet. Between that and the glass of wine, I was feeling pretty good. I felt at home with them.

“Save room for dessert Dad. Samantha brought you sugar-free cookies.”

Hearing him say my name again sent another rush of heat through me. How could I have fallen so hard for a guy who wasn’t my type? So this was what chemistry felt like. I thought about the word. Chemistry. Of course it would have something to do with science.

Greg yawned and rubbed his belly. “Another meal being assimilated into my body.” Then he stood. “Time to walk some of it off. I’ll leave you two to chat.”

One minute he was charming and compelling, the next he was abruptly leaving. I still couldn’t figure him out. But one thing I did know is that I didn’t want him to go.

“Why don’t you two go for a walk,” Mr. Varo suggested.

Greg looked my way. “If you’re in the mood you’re welcome to come along.”

“Sure,” I said, trying not to look too eager. “Let me use the restroom first.”

In the bathroom I checked to make sure I didn’t have any food stuck in my teeth, then I ran my fingers through my hair to bring it back to life. So far the night was going better than expected. He said a lot of wacky things, but none of those things had put out the fire I was feeling in his presence.

Once Greg and I were outside he turned to me. “I don’t powerwalk or anything. At least not right after a meal. I just stroll and take in the fresh air.”

I smiled at him. “Sounds good.”

We set out walking side by side in silence. It was a pleasant kind of quiet – the kind that says “no need for words, it’s enough just being near you.”

“We’ve got a new moon tonight. It’s just a sliver up there,” he finally said.

I glanced up. “Not like that one night.”

“Are you referring to the supermoon?”

I blushed at the memory and looked down. “Yeah.”

“I wondered if you’d taken the time to view it. It was a lovely one.”

He’d thought of me. I wouldn’t have guessed that.

The cool evening air mixed with a flash of a memory from the dream made me shiver.

“You’re cold,” he said. “Why don’t you take this.”

He took off his cardigan and slipped it onto my shoulders. As his hand pulled away it brushed the back of my neck. It felt so good I almost gasped aloud. Thankfully, I didn’t.

“Better?” he asked.

I beamed at him. “Uh huh.”

Something clicked in that moment. Maybe it was the way I looked up at him or the tone of my voice, but I was certain he got the message that I was attracted to him.

His response was to observe me like I was an interesting specimen and smile.

When we returned from our stroll I thanked Mr. Varo for dinner and Greg walked me to the door. I was still wearing his sweater, and went to take it off.

“Keep it,” he said. “Bring it next week when you come for my dad’s appointment.”

“Okay. Thanks,” I said, then lifted my hand and waved at him like a bashful schoolgirl.

He stared back at me, still studying the female specimen in front of him. “Night-night,” he said again. But this time there was “want” in his goodbye. I was certain of it.

When I turned the corner to go to my car, I glanced back and noticed he was still there, watching me.