When You Least Expect It (35 page)

             
“That’s great.  Let’s get an early start; how about eight?”

             
When she agreed, he gave her directions and told her to be on time. “I can’t wait Mandy; thanks.”

             
“Well thanks for the invite.  I can’t wait either.”

             
They both were smiling as they hung up the phone, not really knowing what to expect, but excited to find out.

             
                                                        ~~~

             
Ray woke up Saturday morning lonely and depressed.  The weather was dreary, and it was not a weekend with the girls.  He had no idea what he was going to do with himself this weekend.  He found it challenging to fill his hours.  He hated doing everything alone, but didn’t really have any friends in town to call.  Carrie had taken care of that. 

             
Ray shook his head; he had to stop blaming Carrie for things.  It was a brand new life, so he had to take responsibility for it.  He decided the best way to get things started was to call Amanda. She always made him feel better.  He dialed the phone, once again forgetting about the time difference.

             
“Hello?”  Amanda was surprised to hear the phone ringing so early, hoping it wasn’t Dan calling to cancel.

             
“Good morning.”

             
Amanda was shocked to hear Ray’s voice.  She tried not to let him hear it in her voice.   “Hi there, you’re calling bright and early today.”

             
Ray slapped his forehead.  “Man, I keep forgetting.  It’s only seven o’clock there.”  Ray noticed that she didn’t sound like she had been sleeping.  “You’re up early.  What are you up to today?”

             
Amanda hesitated.  Should she tell him?  He knew she dated; there should be no reason to lie to him.  “I’m off to Western Playland!”  She tried to sound cheery.

             
“What’s that?”

             
“It’s one of El Paso’s main attractions; a huge amusement park, lots of water rides, roller coasters, the usual.”

             
“That sounds like fun!  Are you treating the kids to a day of fun-filled adventure?”  Ray laughed at the cliché. 

             
“Ummm…no.  Today is an adult adventure.”  Amanda groaned inside.  She didn’t want to hurt him.

             
Ray’s ears perked up.  He heard the hesitancy in her voice.  She was avoiding having to tell him who she was going with.

             
“Big date, huh?”  Ray held his breath, hoping to hear her say no.

             
Amanda cleared her voice.  “I don’t know about big, but yes, it’s a date.  No big deal.”

             
Ray was speechless.  He didn’t have any idea how to respond.

             
“In fact, Ray, I’ve got to get going.  I have to meet him soon.”  She was dying inside. 

             
“I’m sorry I bothered you.  Have a good time today.  Can I just ask a question?”

             
“Sure.”

             
“Is this somebody special?  This is quite a change from your usual drinks.  This is spending a whole day with someone.”  Ray hated how pathetic he sounded, but seemed not to be able to help it.

             
“No.  I’ve dated him a couple of times.  He’s nice, but that’s it.  I just thought a day at the park sounded fun.  Better than sitting home alone, Ray.”

             
Ray tried not to compare that to his day ahead.  “I guess so.  Like I said, have fun.”

             
“Want me to call you when I get home?”

             
“No you don't have to.  You probably won’t be home till late”

             
“If I am, I’ll call you tomorrow, ok?”  She could tell he was not happy about this. She hung up before she could feel any more guilt.

             
Ray hung up the phone and just sat there.  Was he going to lose her?  How could he lose someone he’d never met?  What could he do to change the course of things, to go and meet her and finally find out if they should actually be together? He had to find a way before Amanda found someone else. 

             
Ray hung his head in his hands.  There was no way.  He was still married and going through a messy divorce.  He had nothing to offer her.  With his head still in his hands and feeling more defeated than ever, Ray cried.

                                                                      ~~~

              Amanda thought about Ray on her way to meet Dan.  She hated hurting him; she could sense how bothered he was by this.  However, they both knew there were no ties in any way, other than friendship.   In fact, she reminded herself, they hadn’t even met. 

             
As she mulled that tidbit over in her mind, she wondered what it was that tied her to him.  True, they’d not met in person, yet she felt she’d known him all her life.  They seemed bonded together by the heartaches in their past and their plans for the future.  They’d never discussed a future together, but it was as if it were an unspoken pact.  Amanda knew she went on these dates strictly for amusement and companionship. It also made her friends and family happy.  They all thought that her friendship with Ray was insane, so if she dated, she seemed more normal.  She had to admit that she was enjoying dating; it did beat sitting home hoping one of her kids showed up. 

             
She pulled up to Dan’s address and fell in love with his house.  It was a small ranch style home, with trees and flowers in the garden.  It was adobe brick, and like his truck, looked very well attended.

             
Dan came out to the porch to greet her.  He was dressed casually, in jeans and a t-shirt.  He looked much younger than his age.  He looked tanned and healthy, and happy to see her. 

             
“Hey, right on time.  Come on in, I have coffee and bagels ready before we go.”

             
They hugged briefly when she got out of the car.  Amanda was happy to see him, too.  She decided to put thoughts of Ray away for the time being and enjoy the day with Dan. 

             
“So, are you up to the promised roller coaster ride?”  She asked him as she wolfed down her bagel.  The inside of Dan’s home was very cozy, definitely a man’s home.  It was clean and picked up; she couldn’t help but wonder if it was always like that.

             
“I am.  The infamous ‘El Bandido’ is mine for the taking today.  I can’t wait!” 

             
Amanda laughed.  ‘El Bandido’ was the huge roller coaster at Western Playland.  She’d taken Elisa and Alex on it dozens of times.  She loved it.  “I can’t wait either.  It’s going to be a rush!”

             
Dan smiled at his date and wondered if she knew exactly how beautiful she was.  She was so natural and down to earth.  He liked that about her.  He resisted the urge to smooth back a piece of hair that had fallen from her swept up hair.  “We better get going so we beat the lines.”

             
Once at the park, they enjoyed the day.  They rode on ‘El Bandido’ several times, both laughing and holding up their arms like kids.  They went on the other thrill rides with names like, ‘the Pharaoh, and ‘La Ruleta’.  They ate hot dogs and cotton candy, and Dan even won a huge stuffed bear at the Tin Alley.  As the three of them rode on the train around the park, they decided to head on home.  They’d had enough thrills for one day.  

             
The ride home was quiet, with both Dan and Amanda tired and trying to unwind.  Once at Dan’s, he asked her in for a glass of wine.

             
As they were sitting on the couch sipping on their wine, Dan asked Amanda about her children.  Being her favorite subject, she went on about them, and about her struggle with being a single mom.

             
“I especially have a hard time with Alex.  I can teach him right from wrong, how to be responsible for his actions, and always to treat women with respect, but I’m afraid I don’t know how to teach him how to be a man.  Maybe that comes naturally, I just don’t know.  I just want him to be the best that he can be.”  Tears had come to Amanda’s eyes, she felt very passionate on this subject.

             
Dan was touched.  It was so obvious how much she loved them.  “I’m sure you’ve done a terrific job.  They sound like great kids.  Hopefully, I’ll get to meet them soon.”

             
Amanda smiled up at Dan, but a warning bell was going off in her mind.  It was like a flashing neon sign that read TOO SOON, TOO SOON!  She looked up to tell him that, at the same time he reached down to kiss her.  His lips were soft and full, and she could feel the warmth spread throughout her whole body.  Coupled with the wine, she felt as if she were melting in his arms.

             
When they finally drew apart, they looked at each other, both a little embarrassed, but happily so.  They held hands as they finished their wine, neither of them speaking, just enjoying the feeling of sitting together, fingers entwined.

             
Amanda glanced at her watch, and realized she needed to get home.  She hated to leave, she felt as if they’d reached a different plateau, and wanted to explore it further.  Regretfully, she put down her glass and stood up, still holding Dan’s hand.  “I hate to do this, but I better get home.”  She pulled him up off the couch.  “I’ve had the best time today.  Thanks so much for inviting me.”  She put her arm around his waist.  “I like you Daniel; you’re one of the few nice guys around.”

             
Dan laughed.  “Well I’m glad you think so, and I like you too, Mandy.”  He bent down and kissed her softly.  “I’ll be calling you soon.”

             
“I look forward to it.  Thanks again for a great day.  Goodnight.”

             
Dan walked her to his front door.  “Drive safe.”

             
She got into her car and waved as she pulled away.  She was surprised at how much she liked this man.  So far, she’d not been able to find anything wrong with him.  She laughed at that thought; it’s not as if she had been looking for something wrong.  She chose not to overanalyze it, and just enjoy being with him for the time being.

Ray tossed and turned the entire night.  He couldn’t find a comfortable position, and he couldn’t get Amanda out of his mind.  She hadn’t called him, meaning either she got home too late, or he had completely slipped her mind.  She must have had a good time.  Dammit!  Why was this happening? 

              Ray threw off the covers and got out of bed.  He went to the kitchen for some water.  As he stood there in the kitchen, he wished he still had a computer. Then he could email Amanda and tell her what he was feeling.  He had more trouble with this when he was on the phone.  He didn’t want her to date, he wanted for her to give ‘them’ a try.  But, he knew he had no right to ask this of her.  They didn’t even know each other for heaven’s sake!  He glanced at the clock on the wall.  It was 12:30 a.m. here, but in Texas it was hours earlier.  He decided to chance it and give her a call.  Maybe hearing her voice would help him get to sleep that night.  He started to dial the number, but hung up when it started ringing.  He was so pathetic!  The last thing he wanted was to show Amanda he was clingy, or wanted more than she was willing to give.  He was just going to have to be patient, and leave it in the hands of fate.  After all, wasn’t that what had brought them together?  He resigned himself to some hot cocoa and late night TV.  He would talk to her tomorrow, as planned.

~~~

              Amanda and Alex were meeting Elisa for breakfast.  Hilary was tagging along too.  Amanda was all ready running late, it’d been impossible to get Alex out of bed.  He was definitely not a morning person. 

             
“Alexander!  Let’s go, we’re late!”  There was no disguising the irritation in her voice.  “Aunt Hilary is probably already there!”

             
“Hang on!”  Alex tried to hurry a bit more.  He didn’t want to admit he was still in his pajamas.  “I’ll be there in a second.”

             
“I’ll be out in the car.” 

             
The phone rang before she could get out of the door.  She thought about not answering it, but it could be Elisa or Hilary.

             
“Hello?”

             
“Hey!  Good morning sunshine!”  Ray tried to sound a lot chipper than he felt.

             
“Good morning to you.  Although at the moment, I’m a little irritated.  We’re trying to get out of here, but Alex is not cooperating.”

             
“Where are you off to?”  Ray tried to sound nonchalant.