Today was the longest day ever. I couldn’t keep my mind on the lesson plans that I was writing. Thoughts of Daniel crept into my head while I was supposed to be thinking about words that start with the letter A.
Of course, I could only come up with inappropriate words such as ass and Appletini.
Finally getting something down that I can use with five-year olds, I begin searching through my closet for something to wear tomorrow. I don’t suppose a sundress is appropriate clothing for a fishing trip, so I try on several different combinations of shorts and tank tops, and I hate everything.
I thought about calling Emily to ask her what I should wear, but I haven’t even told her about my date with Daniel. I don’t even know if he told her, so I’m not going to be the first one to bring it up.
Finally after deciding on a pair on blue shorts with pineapples on them and a yellow tank, I order dinner. It would be nice to have someone to eat with, but I’m just starting to meet people.
China Way delivers my chicken and broccoli, and I flip on the TV. Having never been on a boat in the Gulf of Mexico, I’m a little nervous about getting seasick, so I check the weather, and it looks perfect.
My cat, Checkers, crawls up on my lap. To say that he is a little possessive of me is an understatement. Checkers hated Jay. That should’ve been the hint I needed that my fiancé was an asshole.
Just as I am getting comfortable, a text comes through on my phone. I stare at it from across the room. Here’s to hoping it’s Daniel.
Pushing Checkers onto the seat next to me, I grab my phone and glance at the text message.
My heart races as Daniel’s name registers. Sliding my finger across the screen, I read the message.
Daniel: Just wanted to say hello and let you know that I am looking forward to our fishing trip tomorrow.
How can this man make me feel so giddy with a text message?
Me: I’m excited to go out on the boat tomorrow. Do I need to bring anything special with me?
Should I be playing it cooler?
Daniel: I have everything that you need already on the boat, but if there’s something specific you want or need just let me know.
He doesn’t know what he is asking for.
Me: I’m sure whatever you have is fine.
Like his ass.
Daniel: OK, then I will see you at noon.
Me: See you then!
I feel like a teenager does when the cutest boy in school leaves her a note in her locker.
Falling back on the couch, I think about how Jay used to make me feel. Yes, at the beginning he made me swoon, but then his true colors came through.
I should’ve been the one to end the relationship when he said that having kids was the most important thing in a marriage. I was happy with adoption, but he wasn’t. Jay said he wanted his own kids, not someone else’s. He’s an asshole, and I’m thankful that he left me. I didn’t feel that way when it happened, but I do now.
I couldn’t sleep last night, and I’m not sure tonight will be much better. Pouring myself a shot of my favorite whiskey, I draw a bubble bath to relax. I want to be rested for my day tomorrow. I don’t want to make a fool of myself when I haul in my big fish.