I get to my motel and realize I have 2 hours before I'm suppose to meet Mark for our date. I add mascara to my typical eye liner only look and check myself out in the mirror. I'm not crazy about make up and think those 2 items are the essentials. I feel satisfied and then go after my hair. It's so thick, I can never do anything with it. I pull it back into a single French braid. I pull some loose ends out and let them fall around my face to frame it. It will have to do. I go into my bag and sigh at the shirt choices I have. There's not much. After trying on a few different options I decide to wear a white T-shirt that shows just a little bit of stomach and put on my dark low riser jeans. I lace up the boots from last night and it's time to head out.
I arrive to the bar and Mark is waiting outside. He's in jeans and a button up shirt. He looks clean cut and relaxed. My stomach drops. With the anticipation I forgot how long it's been since I've gone out on a date, or for that matter, been with a man intimately. I don't have time to stress about it because Mark sees me and smiles. I jump out of the lifted jeep and walk over to him.
He gives me a hug "you ready?" His smile never fades.
"Sure thing, where too first?" I ask.
"Surprise!" He says. I follow him across the street to a park. We walk through the park into a more wooded area. I don't worry because I have my knife tucked into my boots, ready for anything. Between the woods I spot a picnic set up. I look at him curiously and he just smiles "I didn't think a dinner date was going to be enough. We get a few steps closer and he adds "2 dates in 1 day sounds much better to me."
I just smile, speechless. He went all out for only having a few hours to plan. I walk over to the picnic area and take a seat on the ground. He takes out 2 wine glasses and opens a bottle of white wine. Towards the middle of the picnic I get a phone call from Dean. I ignore the call and turn the cell phone off. Mark wouldn't have minded if I picked up but I assured him I didn't want to and apologized for not turning it off sooner.
After lunch he shows me the landmarks of the town and other hidden spots the locals like to keep to themselves.
We go somewhere casual for dinner. I insisted. I didn't feel dressed appropriately for somewhere nice. Through out the day I learned that Mark is one of two doctors in town. He works in the hospital in the city one town over and is saving to open his own practice. He's a widow. His wife passed away 5 years ago to heart failure. We don't talk much about it as I can tell it upsets him still. I tell him I just graduated with a masters in business but that I'm not ready to settle down and work yet, that's why I'm traveling with friends. Friends who he thinks went to the same college and just graduated as well. We have a good time together and don't leave until the restaurant is closing. He walks me back to my car in the chilly night air, an arm wrapped around me
"Can I see you again Jaclyn?" He asks, turning to give me, our bodies inches apart. I barely blush and nod my head. He leans in for a kiss and I let him. The kiss is short and sweet but it made my stomach twist. He watches me get in my car before he walks away.
I get back to the motel and crawl into bed with a smile on my face. I can't stay here long, but I can have fun while I'm here. I turn my phone on and have 3 voicemails. Two from Dean and one from Sam.
Deans first message says: "yo, jacks.. Where'd you disappear to this morning? Didn't want me to see you do the walk of shame?" He chuckles and hangs up. I laugh and delete the message.
Sams message says: "Jackie, it's Sam. There's this case in Colorado were gonna head out too. Just wanted to check in. Give one of us a call." And he hangs up. I roll my eyes, he's like an annoying big brother I don't even want. Delete.
Deans second message: "alright bitch, were out of here. Try and stay out of trouble." I hear an engine come to life and the message is over. It was recorded 3 hours ago. I delete the message and go to sleep.
