A Short Story 'Blind Date"

A short story for all my romance lovers out their... Blind date" another from my magazine Romance4you out on amazon now!

Pg. 3 Missy Taylor listened as her Laura relived her dream date with Ryan Davis. She forced a smile, but inwardly she hated what she was hearing. Why did Laura always seemed to have everything good happen to her. She was from a wealthy family. A doctor father, a lawyer mother, two brothers who were in college at Harvard, and she herself was looking to a career in medical school after they finished junior college and she went off to Stanford to study pre-med. She herself wasn’t sure which direction she wanted to go, and besides, her parents couldn’t afford an expensive university, so it was the local university for her anyway. So why choose now. She still had plenty of time to make that decision. Yes, it seemed so unfair. Her family struggled to simply survive, they weren't destitute by any means, but her father worked hard as a school teacher, while her mother worked at a factory as a seamstress. She was an only child, so there were no other siblings she could confide in to share her feelings about life. “So, who’s your date for the Graduation dance Missy?” Pg. 4 Laura looked at her. There was a smirk on her face. She knew she didn’t have a date, and she wanted to rub her face in that fact. She looked over at Laura, sitting there, her long black hair resting totally beautifully on her shoulders. In Leather slacks, cashmere pink sweater, and knee high boots. Every boy in school wanted to date her, and she knew it. “I’m leaving my options open. Not sure yet who I want to go with Laura, too many choices.” She knew she was lying, but she said it anyway She could see Laura smiling a bit. She knew She was lying too. Missy often wondered why she put up with her. They really weren’t friends, not in the real since of the word. She wasn’t in Laura’s circle, although she tried desperately to fit in. Laura seemed to take joy in all the efforts she made, but still she was an outsider, someone she would throw a crumb to, now and then, to appease her efforts. She looked up just in time to see Mac Mackenzie walking in there direction. She covered her face with her hands. He always seemed to follow her where ever she went. He was the one thorn in Pg. 5 her flesh, so to speak since grade school, and now junior college. “Hey Missy,” he called her name loudly, making all eyes turn in her direction. She wanted to run and hide, as Laura started laughing. “See you later Missy, your boyfriend is coming,” Then she rushed off, leaving her there with everyone looking intently at her. “Hey, glad I ran into you. He sat down on the bench next to her. Why was it his hair always seemed to be sticking up in that afro she so hated. Guys didn’t wear those anymore, at least not the guys she knew. And, he dressed like a nerd, with suits, and dress pants, and those glasses, oh boy! “Hi Mac, she said forcing a smile, turning her eyes away from him. “What do you want?” “Well, she could hear him clear his throat. I was wondering if you have a date for the graduation dance yet?” Missy looked at him strangely. “No, why?” “Maybe we could go together then?” Pg.6 “Are you serious, her eyes shot open wide. You and me. She started to laugh. That’s really funny Mac. I need a guy to go with.” “Well, what am I chopped liver?” Missy had never seem him upset before, until now. He flashed a hard look at her. “I’m a guy, or haven’t you noticed. He quickly picked up his books and walked away swiftly before she could even answer back. “Oh honey, you hurt his feelings. Her mother sat down on her bed beside her after dinner, for their usual recap of her school day. Mac is very sensitive, you know that. She smiled at her daughter. He’s been that way since first grade. And besides, you know he’s always had a thing for you.” “Mother, Missy said quickly. I could never like Mac....never.” “Never say never dear,” her mother replied, then kissed her warmly on the forehead and left the room. Missy sat up, reached over and opened her computer. She suddenly had a great idea. There were numerous sites, dating sites. She surely could find a guy for the dance on one of Pg. 7 those. “Let the search begin, she said softly under her breath...let the search begin! There were so many dating sites, which to choose became a problem. She needed to narrow her search to guys her age, single, and trustworthy. Awe, she said with a smile. This one is it. Even the sites name attracted her attention. “The Man Of Your Dreams.” She had never seen so many handsome guys before of all races, and colors. “You only need one guy, she said softly to herself...just one.” After a few looks at photo’s and the video promo’s they provided she narrowed her search down to three. One African American, one Hispanic, and one Caucasian. They were all between twenty and twenty five. She finally settled on Marcus Norton the African American. She scrolled his video again. He was perfect. Good ratings, letting her know he had been chosen before, and seemed to be a safe choice since there were no complaints about him. She clicked her choice and then filled out her own personal profile, then clicked upload and bit her lip as she waited anxiously for a reply. She only Pg. 8 needed him for this one event, which she explained in detail. Her eyes looked anxiously at the screen, then lit up when she saw the reply. He wanted to chat with her online now. He told her to click the chat button on the right. In moments they were chatting. Missy was happy to see how handsome he was, and that he was a professional basketball player in Chicago. He told her more about himself, and complimented her on her photo. She explained to him that her hair was really long, but this was the only shot she had available for now. She told him all about herself, where she lived, since he would need her address to pick her up, and gave him her phone number. It was all set except for one thing. She needed to transfer three hundred dollars to a specific account to cover all the extras. Exactly what are the extra’s she typed back. He explained that the extras would include, limo, flowers, champagne, and fancy dinner at a local restaurant in Chicago, and cover the hours she needed him to stay there. It didn’t sound to bad, she decided and typed by her okay. She would use her own savings. There Pg. 9 was just one more thing. He would be unable to pick her up on that day at her home because of a basketball game earlier that afternoon. He would have the limo driver come to her college, if that was okay. After thinking, she decided it was, and gave him the college address. He promised to be there by 7pm, and that she would recognize him wearing a black tux, brown silk tie, holding a bunch of red roses just for her. She wired the money through PayPal. She closed the computer. There it was all done. She sighed deeply. She couldn’t wait to see Laura’s face when she saw her with a handsome man at the dance. The look alone on Laura’s face was worth the three hundred she had to invest. She stretched out on her bed. There was no way she could tell her folks what she had done. There were so many predators and dishonest people out there. They would never agree with what she had just done. In their eyes it would be stupid foolish, and extremely dangerous. She would just have to pretend to be going with someone they would approve of. And she knew just the person...Mac Mackenzie Pg. 10 It was wonderful to share her news with her childhood friend Ashley. She was the one friend and only true friend she could trust. It surprised her when Ashley said it was a terrible idea, and dangerous. “I thought I could count on you Ashley.” Missy looked at her, disappointed. “You can, but Missy you don’t know this guy. She sat down on the bed beside her. He could be a serial killer, or something, and besides he already got three hundred dollars from you, what’s next, your life!” Missy sat up quickly. “I just wanted to have a date, someone to show off to Laura and her circle.” “Have you told your parents about this?” Ashley looked at her, I’m sure they wouldn’t like it at all.” Missy got up and closed her bedroom door. “Hush, they might hear you.” Ashley stood up. “I hope they do, and talk some sense into you. This is utterly foolish Missy.” “You can’t tell them about this. Missy grabbed her friends hand. Promise me Ashley, promise Pg. 11 me...pinky promise.” Ashley agreed, as they linked their pinkies together. “But I still say it’s foolish Missy, and I’m really scared for you.” She threw her arms around Missy and hugged her tightly. What had started out as a good idea was now beginning to sound not so good. But then the thought of Laura canceled that out quickly. She had made a decision, she now had a date, and she was sticking to it no matter what. What her mother said about Mac was right. She did need to apologize to him for what she said. It degraded him a man. And he was a man, just not her man as everyone thought. It was always Missy and Mac in grade school, high school, and now junior college. She was happy to hear that after junior college he was going off to Howard University in Washington DC to finish his education. It was where his father attended. He would study to become a dentist, like his father, and upon graduation return and set up practice with him. It seemed he too knew what he wanted in life. She stretched out on her bed thinking. What did she really want to do with her life? Pg. 12 The only thing she really loved doing was writing. She had numerous journals, poems, and stories. She turned over, and looked up at the ceiling. What ever it was, time was passing, and she had to make some choices about her career, and soon. She was 20 years old and a woman now. One day soon she would be out of the house and living on her own. She didn’t have to tell her parents everything anymore. Her decisions, were her decisions. She would talk to her adviser on Monday, about looking into Journalism, and other creative writing courses. At least that would be the place to start. She would talk to Mac later, but for now, she had to think about a new dress for next Saturday, and then tell her parents she would be going to the graduation dance with Mac, when in reality, she was going with a perfect stranger. Undressing, she slipped off her clothes, and got into her pajamas, and crawled into bed smiling to herself It was all so perfect. What could possibly go wrong! Ashley accompanied her to Burlington, where there was a dress sale going on. As she Pg. 13 looked through the dresses she became depressed. “Laura ‘s probably buying her dress right now at Macy’s,” she blurted out as she rambled through the rack. “Well, you’re not Laura, and these dresses are gorgeous.” Ashley turned Missy around to face her. “You need to get Laura out of your mind right now, okay? She walked a bit ahead of Missy. “And besides, I don’t have a date either and I’m not depressed, well, maybe just a little. She smiled. I’m going stag...just little old me, all by myself.” Missy began to feel guilty. Here she was complaining, when poor Ashley had no date at all. Missy’s face lit up. “I’ve got it!” “Got what, Ashley turned and walked back to her. Oh! You’ve finally seen the danger in what you’re doing and you’ve decided to call the hole blind date off. Thank God. She reached over and hugged Missy. I’ve been praying you would.” Pg. 14 “No, Missy pushed Ashley away. You should go with Mac, that would be perfect, then everyone will be happy, right?” “No, Ashley said forcefully. Mac’s totally into you, and no one else. You just can’t see it can you. She shook her head. Mac’s a total hunk. Dreamy brown eyes, tall, handsome, athletic build, great in sports, and as smart s all get out. All the girls want to date him, but he’s holding out for you stupid. If you would just open your eyes you’d see him.” “You sound like my mother, I think she’d like it if Mac and I got together too.” Missy turned away. “Well it’s not going to happen. Mac’s just a friend, nothing more.” Ashley thew her hands up in the air. “Totally blind...totally blind, she muttered as she walked away” Once home she rushed Ashley upstairs. She thought that after she saw the photo of her date, Marcus Norton, and read his profile, she might think differently. Hum.... Ashley muttered. Then another hum, and silence. “Well, Missy nudged her with her elbow. Pg.15 “See, he’s totally awesome. He’s a basketball player, and totally gorgeous. And he has no bad reviews from previous dates. They all say he’s a real gentleman. “Well, maybe. Ashley looked at his picture again. I’m still not sure. He’s to perfect Missy, to perfect.” “Missy stretched flat on the bed. “Yea, just the guy to totally get to Laura.” Missy watched Ashley shake her head. “Still not convinced.” Ashley stretched out beside her. Don’t like the fact that he can’t pick you up at your home, and that you had to wire him money. Ashley turned over on her back. Don’t like the sound of the whole thing.” “Oh Ashley, you’re so skeptical about everything.” Once Ashley was gone she pulled out the dress she and Ashley finally decided on. It was red satin, flared a bit, and showed off her nice figure. Oh, she wasn't shapely like Laura, but she did look nice once dressed up. Her red heels would add to the dress just what was needed to make her look Pg. 16 pretty. She could hardly wait for next Saturday to come. She wouldn’t be the bell of the ball, Laura would be that as always, but she definitely would fit in with everyone else. The next day she rehearsed in her mind what she would say to Mac. She sat at the entrance of the humanities center waiting for his class to end. Her mom was right. He was a very sensitive guy. She and Ashley often saw him crying when something sad happened, or an animal was hurt. She remembered how he cried when ET went home at the end of the movie . Yes, she definitely owed him an apology. She thought about all Ashley said about Mac. She was rolling it all over her mind, when he doors swung open, and students came rushing out. Then she saw him. Ashley had accused her of not seeing him. She blinked, then looked at him as he walked closer, then strolled by her as if she wasn't there. “Mac, she yelled, as she hastened her steps to catch up with him. From behind he looked very tall, athletic. “What did I do now?” Pg. 17 Missy stood face to face with him. He was handsome. Why she never noticed it before, she didn't know, but it was a fact she couldn't deny. “So, what do you want Missy?” I wanted to apology. She shifted from foot to foot. I should never have said what I said to you, I'm sorry, really sorry Mac. She felt her heart skip a beat when his brown eyes met hers. It had never done that before. “Then I'm forgiven?” He looked at her. “Yeah, you're forgiven.” He smiled. She hadn't noticed what a sweet smile he had. As they walked along the path towards the English department where they shared a class together, she realized that Ashley was right. She hadn't really seen him before. He had always been just Mac, her childhood friend, who always seemed to be under foot since grade school. But he wasn't a boy any longer he was a man now, who soon would be walking out of her life, and going away to another University. She regretted wishing him out of her life. Now she was about to get her wish after all these years. He would be leaving in a couple of months, going to Pg. 18 another University for two whole years. She pushed back a tear. Two years was a long time……. It sounded like forever! Feeling really optimistic about her life, Missy was on top of the world. Saturday was one day away. She could hardly wait. Her mystery man was soon to appear, well not at her house as she wanted. But, that was probably the best thing. Her dad would be on him like “white on rice”, asking all sorts of questions. She shivered at the thought. How would she explain him? Her dad and mom knew all the men she had dated. She frowned. All three of them. But only Mac brought a smile to their faces whenever he came by. It had been that way since she could remember. But that was all about to change, if things worked. Who knows. She began to whistle, something she always did when she was happy. Maybe her date with her mystery man might turn into something more. “Misty, her mother’s voice called up to her from downstairs, forcing her back to reality. “Mac is here to see you.” Pg. 19 “Mac, “she groaned in a voice of disappointment. She had apologized hours earlier, what did he want now. “Be right there,” she yelled back, jumping from the bed. Nothing was going to disperse her happy mood, not even Mac. She noticed the look on Mac’s face as she came down. “What’s up,” she said casually, looking at him. “We need to talk.” He grabbed her arm forcefully’ Missy pulled away when they were out of hearing distance from the living room, where her parents were watching television.. “What’s the matter with you Mac, she said angry. Grabbing me like that?” “And what’s the matter with you, arranging a date with an escort service online? Missy jaw dropped” “Who told you? She stared at him. It had to be Ashley. Missy leaned back against the wall. She promised, she promised she wouldn’t tell.” She felt hurt.” Pg. 20 “It’s not an escort service anyway. She retorted. It’s a dating service, A lot of girls today use them.” Mac moved closer. “Ashley said she promised not to tell your parents. She didn’t promise not to tell me.” Feeling really optimistic about her life, Missy was on top of the world. Saturday was one day away. She could hardly wait. Her mystery man was soon to appear, well not at her house as she wanted. But, that was probably the best thing. Her dad would be on him like “white on rice”, asking all sorts of questions. She shivered at the thought. How would she explain him? Her dad and mom knew all the men she had dated. She frowned. All three of them. But only Mac brought a smile to their faces whenever he came by. It had been that way since she could remember. But that was all about to change, if things worked. Who knows. She began to whistle, something she always did when she was happy. Maybe her date with her mystery man might turn into something more. “Missy.” her mother’s voice called up to her from downstairs, forcing her back to reality. Pg. 21 “Mac is here to see you.” “Mac, “she groaned in voice of disappointment. She had apologized hours earlier, what did he want now. “Be right there,” she yelled back, jumping from the bed. Nothing was going to disperse her happy mood, not even Mac. She noticed the look on Mac’s face as she came down. “What’s up,” she said casually, looking at him. “We need to talk.” He grabbed her arm forcefully’ Missy pulled away when they were out of hearing distance from the living room, where her parents were watching television.. “What’s the matter with you Mac, she said angry. Grabbing me like that?” “And what’s the matter with you, arranging a date with an escort service online? Missy jaw dropped” “Who told you? She stared at him. It had to be Ashley. Missy leaned back against the wall. She promised, she promised she wouldn’t tell.” She felt hurt.” Pg. 22 “It’s not an escort service anyway. She retorted. It’s a dating service. A lot of girls today use them.” Mac moved closer. “Ashley said she promised not to tell your parents. She didn’t promise not to tell me.” “What were you thinking Missy?” Mac voice was rising. In a moment her folks would hear if she didn't stop him. “Hush. They'll hear you Mac. She pulled him aside, but it was to late. “You two okay out there?” Her dad voice asked. She could hear his footsteps coming closer, and knew her mom would be close behind him. There faces peeked around the corner. “We're fine, just a bit of disagreement on what Mac should wear when he picks me up for the dance tomorrow, that's all.” Missy saw Mac's eyes look at her in shock, as he watched them walk back into the living room. “You didn't just make me a part of your deceitful plan did you. He threw his arms up n the air. They think I'm taking you to the dance tomorrow.” He walked around nervously. Pg. 23 Missy didn't know what to say. She could see the anger on his face “I'm sorry, she said walking closer to him. “I’m not good enough to go to the dance with, but a total stranger is.” Missy watched him rush out the door and get into his dad’s old jeep. Then the sound of rubber burning on the street. He was mad, more mad than she’d ever seen him before. She tried to put what had just happened out of her mind during dinner. Her folks were so pleased that Mac was taking her to the dance. “See, her father said with a deep smile. I knew one day Mac would show his true feelings for you honey.” Missy faked a smile. If they really knew, they would probably be very disappointed in her, just like Mac was. Once back in her room she dialed Ashley’s number. She would tell her about telling Mac, of all people her secret. “You made me promise not to tell your folks, Ashley said in defense of her actions. You never said anything about not telling Mac.” Pg. 24 Missy knew she was right. “So, how are you going to get Mac to show up at your house tomorrow, Ashley asked. You said he’s mad now.” Missy rolled over, resting her head on her pillow. “I honestly don’t know. Guess I’ll just have to make some excuse as to why Mac will have to meet me at the dance. It’ll all workout, I just know it will. On the phone with Ashley she talked optimistic, but now thinking about the whole situation, she was becoming worried. She would just have to dress and tell her folks Mac would meet her there because of car trouble, or something. She snapped out the lights and got under the covers, She would figure it all out tomorrow. Her mother was so excited helping her to get ready. Her hair was made smooth and silky with a flat iron. Missy was happy to have her mothers help, but felt o guilty knowing she was living a lie. “There, her mother smiled as she looked at her. Mac will be so happy when he looks at you. You’re beautiful.” Pg. 25 Missy had to admit she did look nice, but beautiful, those words were hard to believe. Her mother loved her, so of course she was beautiful to her. But she wanted to be beautiful to a guy. “Thanks mom, she said kissing her, then following her out the bedroom door, and down the steps to where her father was standing waiting to see how she looked. “Mac’s going to be happy when he see you.” He hugged her warmly. “Mom, Missy swallowed hard. About Mac.... before she could finish the door bell rang. Her father passed them to answer it. Missy couldn’t believe her eyes. There stood Mac, his natural was gone and a shiny bald head was in it’s place. He was dressed in a black suit, and his black shoes looked newly polished. He was really a shock for her eyes standing there. After a short conversation with her parents, they walked to his dads jeep. He politely opened the door and she got in, then walked around and got in the drivers side. “Don’t worry Missy, he said before starting the jeep. I’m just going with you to the door, but I’ll disappear once your date arrives, then pick you Pg. 26 up when it over so your folks wouldn’t know.” I wouldn’t want to wreck your evening with your new guy.” Missy didn't know how long they sat in the Jeep, but it was definitely over an hour. Finally she saw Ashley's figure running towards them. “Mac Ashley said surprised, you look really good. “Thanks Ash,” he smiled back. Missy saw Ashley looking around the parking lot that was full of cars. “There's no limo Ash, Misty said. He's not coming, I was just a fool, like you said. It was all a sham, to get the money.” Tears began to flow. “I'm so stupid, and now I'm out $300 dollars as well.” “You're not stupid, Max said, reaching over rubbing her hand, you're just a loving, and trusting person that's all. You see the best in people.” He squeezed her hand tightly. She didn't know how he could speak such sweet and kind words, when she always treated him like he was a thorn in her flesh. Pg. 27 She looked over at him his big brown eyes looking back at her. “Well, Ashley said, since you're both here already you might as well come in.” She turned and walked back towards the college, but not before giving Misty a wink of approval. “So what do we do now, Max said, turning in his seat facing her. If you want to go in, I promise to stay clear so that everyone won't get the wrong idea about us.” Missy smile, as she looked at him. He was trying to say the right thing. Mac was there he was always there when she needed him. She could see It clearly now. Ashley was right. She’d never really looked at him before. He had qualities any woman would cherish. Missy slid over closer to him in the seat. “And what wrong idea would that be?” His big brown eyes blinked at her. She could see he was confused by her reply. “The idea that were a couple, you know because I'm always under foot.” Misty smile and move closer. Pg. 28 “I think Mac they've been right all along…….. we are.” She opened the door and got out, walking towards the college. She could feel him close behind her. “What did you just say Missy?” She was smiling at him in a way she’d never smiled before. Like a woman smiles at the man she truly cares about. Their eyes met and held a long moment. Then she reached down and slipped her fingers in his. He looked up happily, smiling There was nothing else that needed to be said. They had finally found where they wanted to be... with each other. The end