Her heels clicked against the concrete as she made her way up the steps to the door. Inside, the interior was themed to reflect the spirit of the Old West and the natural surroundings of Wyoming. Taxidermy animal mounts and antique firearms adorned the walls. The main dining space was spacious with a rustic yet elegant atmosphere. Weathered wooden beams, heavy leather upholstered chairs, and a massive stone fireplace gave the space the feel of a hunting lodge. But the centerpiece of the entire look was a life-sized mounted buffalo she knew from earlier visits the waiters introduced as Clyde.
Reva scanned the tables, feeling her nerves whittle at her normal confidence. Finally, against the wall sat a man who looked just like his online photo. He noticed her at the same time and waved.
She headed in that direction.
Upon her approach, he stood, a smile spreading across his face, radiating a warmth that matched the soft glow of the lights overhead. Her nervous state dissipated, replaced by a warm flutter of excitement and anticipation. Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
“Reva, it’s so great to finally meet you,” he said, his voice tinged with genuine enthusiasm. He offered a friendly handshake that lingered just a moment longer than expected, his eyes sparking with a mix of admiration and kindness. “You look wonderful,” he added, his compliment sincere and effortless, as he gestured towards the table, inviting her to sit. The ease of his greeting, so natural and unpretentious, put Reva further at ease, igniting a hopeful spark for the evening ahead.
Suddenly, she was glad she’d taken the time to choose an outfit in a copper color that set off her eyes.
A waiter showed up at their table asking to take their drink orders.
“I’ll have a glass of sparkling water with an orange twist,” Reva told him.
Bert looked up at the waiter. “An old-fashioned for me—a double. Makers Mark. No ice with a dab of grated fresh ginger, a sprig of thyme, and served in a pre-chilled glass.”
“Uh, I’ll check and make sure we have fresh ginger,” the waiter reported with an apologetic tone. “If we don’t, is there a substitution I can make?”
Bert’s eyes narrowed with disapproval. “You don’t have fresh ginger?” He diverted his attention across the table to Reva. “What kind of nice restaurant doesn’t have fresh ginger?”
Despite his rude comment, the waiter’s expression didn’t alter. “I’ll check and see what we have available, sir.”
“Thank you,” Reva said.
He nodded, then moved from the table, leaving the two of them alone.
Bert knit his fingers and placed his palms on the table. “So, tell me all about yourself.”
Reva took a breath, trying to recall what the girls had provided in her online profile. “Well, I grew up near here—in Thunder Mountain. I left after high school to attend Tulane, got my law degree, and hurried back home as fast as I could.”
“Your profile says you are the mayor of Thunder Mountain?”
“Yes,” she admitted, reluctant to be too open with her information. Stranger danger was a real thing. That’s why she’d insisted on meeting in a public place.
“I looked you up,” he explained.
Reva wished she’d thought to do the same. Maybe she wasn’t cut out for this computer dating thing.
“I’m sorry, did I make you uncomfortable?” he asked, seeming to notice her discomfiture.
“I—well, this is my first online dating experience. I’ve never really gone out with a?—”
“Stranger?” he offered.
She nodded and let a tiny smile drift onto her face. “Yes. Like I said, I’m new to this.”
He waved off her concern. “I’m an old pro.”
“Oh?” She tucked the information away. “Tell me about you. I mean, I read your profile information, but I’d like to know more.”
“I’m in insurance.” Before he could finish, his phone buzzed. He picked it up. “Hi, Mama. Yes, I’m here.” He paused. “Yes, she’s lovely. Just like her picture.” He paused again, listening. “No, I won’t eat any beef that is not grass-fed. No, I haven’t had a chance to look over the menu, but I’m sure they have kale. If they do, I’ll order a salad. Would you like me to bring some home to you?”
Bert never looked up as their drinks were delivered to the table, including the fresh ginger he wanted. He described the restaurant to his mother…in detail. “I’ll bring you here sometime, Mama. You’ll like it, I think.”
Reva took a sip of her sparkling water and listened, trying not to scowl as she took in the conversation. Was he actually having an extended telephone visit with his mother while having dinner with her?
Minutes later, he finally hung up. “Sorry,” he said as he placed his phone face up next to his napkin. “That was my mama.”
