Intentional (4 page)

“I can give you a lesson anytime you want. I’ve been to China a few times, so I have the technique mastered.”

Mattie’s face brightens. “China? I’ve always wanted to go. I would love to see the Great Wall. Did you see it when you went?”

I nod. “Yes, it was quite an experience. I would love to go back.”

Mattie looks at me with interest. “Have you traveled to any other countries?”

I answer, “Too many even to remember. My parents own a chain of antique stores, so my sister and I would travel extensively with them for their business.”

“That’s so interesting. I’d love to hear all about your childhood.”

I pause. I really don’t want to talk about my childhood right now, especially on a first date. My mind scrambles to change the subject. I try hard to cover my expression as I say, “No, ladies first.”

Mattie looks pleased. “Really? What do you want to know?”

I answer, “Everything.”

She cocks an eyebrow at me. “All the boring details, huh?”

I look into her beautiful blue eyes and answer honestly: “Nothing about you could be boring.”

Mattie tells me all about her family and growing up. She moved around quite a bit because of her dad’s job until she was in fourth
grade. They finally settled in Chelsea, Massachusetts. She met her roommate, Sarah, when they were both ten.

Mattie moved to Sedona because of Sarah’s new job working for my firm. I say to Mattie, “Well, that was the best hiring decision I’ve ever made.” I watch as her cheeks turn pink again. I love that color.

I have to ask: “Mattie, are you telling me that you moved across the country for Sarah?”

“Yes, I did.” She continues, “I told her to pick the best offer and I would go wherever she went. I can pretty much start my business from anywhere in the US. Most of the work I do is computer related. I only rented out the storefront for a little extra exposure, but I really don’t need it to get my business off the ground.”

I’m amazed. “You are a really loyal person, aren’t you?”

She looks introspective for a moment. “I’ve never thought about it that way. I’m sure Sarah would do the same for me. When my family finally settled down in Chelsea, I was so happy having a friend I could keep for longer than a year. I really value friendship, probably because I didn’t have a lasting one for so long. I think I grabbed on to Sarah from the start and haven’t let go.”

We continue to talk well into the twilight hours. Over the course of the evening, we share our stories, our likes and dislikes, our favorite colors, and the things that make us laugh. I could sit out here all night. I know I have a ton of work to do tomorrow, but right now I don’t care. I’m astonished by the thought that Mattie has totally captivated me.

I’ve been consumed with work for years, building up my practice, excluding almost everything else around me. All of my previous relationships have been short, in part because of my work ethic. I’ve never met anyone before who has made me rethink things. I know there is more to life—and I think I’m looking at the reason: Mattie. This date couldn’t be going better.

We lie comfortably on the blanket to look up at the stars. This is so peaceful. I feel content. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt this way. I know part of it is our surroundings, but most of it is Mattie. I really enjoy her company. She’s amazing to look at, but there is something very natural and unique about her personality. I’ve never met anyone like her. I look over at her anxiously. I have to ask now, before I lose my nerve: “So, do you think you’d want to see me again?”

She looks back at me and laughs. “Of course!”

Mattie

I can’t believe I have to go over this again with Sarah. “He isn’t a player. He told me he hasn’t been on a date for months. It’s office gossip, Sarah. I can already tell he’s not like that.”

She’s shaking her head. “I have good information. You’re just seeing what you want to believe. He’s no good for you, Mattie! Wake up! I’ll admit that he is handsome, but he comes with a price. He’s going to hurt you, and I don’t want to have to pick up the pieces.”

She’s wrong—I can feel it. “I don’t know why you can’t just trust my instincts on this,” I say.

“Do I have to remind you again of Evan?” she asks.

Not that again! I make one mistake, and it’s going to haunt me forever. “No, I don’t need a reminder. I learned from that experience, Sarah. That was years ago. Jeremy is different. I really like him. This feels right.”

I need to get out of here. Jeremy is picking me up in a few minutes. I don’t want him coming to the door when we’re arguing like this. I grab my sweater and head out to the front porch.

It’s a beautiful evening. I love movies, but I realize that I’m really not in the mood to sit in a theater tonight. I wonder if I can talk Jeremy into a hike instead. I see his car pull up, and he jumps out.

I look back at the house, hoping that Sarah won’t come out and create a scene. It looks quiet, so I focus my attention back on Jeremy. Every time I see him, he takes my breath away. I’ve seen him only in suits so far, but tonight he’s wearing a pair of tight-fitting jeans and a T-shirt. Wow. Oh, man, does he look good!

I shake off the argument with Sarah and head out for the best date of my life.

Chapter 4

January

Mattie

For our second date, we decide on a “tourist” and shopping outing scheduled for the next weekend. As soon as Jeremy found out that I haven’t had a chance to see all the landmarks in and around Sedona, he designated himself as tour guide and mapped out the day for us.

I’m pacing back and forth across the living room, anxiously awaiting our date. Jeremy should arrive soon, and I am looking forward to seeing him again. Sarah has gone out on some errands, so at least I don’t have to worry about her unpredictable behavior. As time goes by, it seems as if her attitude is getting progressively worse. I wonder if it’s partially due to the pressure of a new job. I think I’ll plan a spa day for both of us in the next few weeks. That should lift her spirits.

Jeremy pulls up to the curb right on time. He hops out of his car and practically runs to our front door. I open it, smiling.

“Ready?” he asks, almost out of breath.

I laugh. “Yes. Are we in a hurry?”

He laughs in return. “Nope, not at all. I’m just excited to get going.” So am I.

We head out on the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Jeremy holds a fake microphone in his hand and starts his spiel in a very deep voice: “Guest, I want you to know that this byway is one of only twenty-seven roads in the country designated by the US Department of Transportation as ‘All-American Roads,’” he says, taking his hands off the wheel while he does the quotation sign, “for their exceptional and unique recreational, natural, and scenic qualities. Besides the spectacular golf, hiking, and biking, both on and off the road, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, State Route 179, features scenic pullouts for travelers to enjoy the magnificent views.”

I’m laughing and looking around for his cheat notes. “Did you memorize that for me?”

He looks over at me; his eyes are twinkling “Just for you, Mattie.” He’s so funny.

The day is cloudless. The deep blue color of the sky amazes me. It almost doesn’t look real. This feels a lot like our first date; I feel completely comfortable and happy. We spend the next few hours enjoying the majestic Red Rock views and the beautiful, piñon-filled
Coconino National Forest. Jeremy stops on the side of the road every now and then so we can take pictures with our cell phones. I’m going to have a lot of great ones by the time we’re done.

We’ve set aside the second part of our date for shopping. First, though, we need to find a place for lunch. I ask Jeremy, “Do you have a particular place you want to have lunch?”

He responds, “No, not really. Do you have something in mind?”

That’s good. “I’ve heard about a restaurant that sounds really interesting. It’s called the Barking Frog Grille. Whoever was creative enough to come up with that name must have great ideas for the menu, don’t you think? Have you been?”

He laughs. “No. Let’s give it a try.”

We have a fantastic lunch. Jeremy orders the Harris Ranch flat iron carne asada, and I try the chile-crusted Clear Creek calamari. We share with each other and decide that both dishes are equally good. I’m so glad that I was right about this restaurant.

I’m having so much fun talking and laughing with Jeremy, I don’t even notice that they are closing down lunch and preparing for the dinner crowd. “Looks like we’d better get going,” Jeremy says,
looking around the restaurant. “I’m surprised they haven’t kicked us out yet!” I take my sweater off the back of the chair, and we head out.

“What’s next?” I ask.

“We’re going to find you some of those knickknacks you mentioned needing for your house.”

He remembered! “That’s great! Lead the way.”

Jeremy turns to me with his fake microphone and deep voice. “Both seasoned and beginning collectors agree that Sedona is one of the best places in the world to buy fine art and jewelry.”

I shake my head. “You’ve been on the tourism site for Sedona, haven’t you?”

He laughs. “Who, me?”

We spend the rest of the day shopping at the Sedona Arts Center gift store and the Sedona Heritage Museum shop. I find almost everything I need for our house with Jeremy’s help—he’s really good at this. We load up his car and head for home.

As we near my house, I start to wonder if Jeremy will kiss me. On our first date, he was very gentlemanly. He walked me to the door, said good night, and left. It didn’t bother me, because we had such a great date. I assumed he wanted to be extra careful because he doesn’t
want to come off as the player Sarah described. I can already tell that he isn’t.

Today, he hasn’t touched me at all. I was hoping he might hold my hand or put his arm around me at some point during the day. I really want to kiss him. I spent the entire time at lunch staring at his lips. He has the most inviting lips I think I’ve ever seen; they are so full and soft-looking. As I sit beside him in the car, I can’t help but imagine what his lips would feel like on mine. I can no longer deny this powerful attraction I have for Jeremy. I’ve tried to fight it, but all my efforts have been in vain. I can’t be around him and not want to get closer. I remind myself to keep an emotional distance—I need to be careful.

We pull up to my house, and Jeremy jumps out of the car to open my door. I turn and grab a few of the items I’ve purchased today. Jeremy reaches over and takes the remaining bags, and we head inside.

He drops the bags inside my door and says, “Thanks for going out with me today. I had a great time!”

That’s it? He’s leaving? I ask, “Do you have to go?” I’m hoping he’ll come in for a little while.

“Unfortunately, I have a case going to trial on Monday. I have a mountain of work sitting on my desk as we speak.”

I’m disappointed. “Okay, I don’t want to keep you. Good luck with your mountain!”

Jeremy starts to go out the door. “Hey, what’s your favorite movie?”

Before I can even think about it, “
Pride and Prejudice
” pops right out of my mouth.

He smiles. “Can you come over on Saturday for a movie night?”

I nod. “Okay—I’ll call you this week and we’ll make plans. Thanks again.” And he’s gone. I don’t get a kiss, but I have a date. I guess that’s good.