In her office, she tried to quit thinking about a romantic date with Brad Dixon and focus on work. It proved a challenge, though. Every time she tried to focus on her computer screen, she saw his stormy eyes looking down at her.
“Idiot,” she muttered to herself. “It’s not like he proposed. He asked you on a date. He’ll probably regret it within minutes.”
She closed her eyes and shook her head, trying to clear it. Her value lay in her work. She was talented, gifted, and had mad skills. Personal relationships didn’t work well for her. She needed to let any flights of fancy go and focus on the one thing she knew she did well.
That downing pep talk worked in the way in which she intended it. Thoughts of Brad Dixon and any kind of date, romantic or not, fled. She could now focus on her task at hand and prep for her meeting without thinking about it again.
But as she closed her computer down and gathered her notes for the meeting, she couldn’t help but think about it again.
Valerie held the red beadednecklace up to the sleeveless black turtleneck and moved her head to the left and right. No. It didn’t look like casual date night. It still looked like board room ready. She unhooked the shirt from the valet and hung it back up in her closet.
Obviously, she overthought this. If she didn’t have a date, a romantic boy-girl date, with Brad Dixon, what would she wear to her friend’s restaurant opening? She wanted to come across as chic, casual, and light-hearted. She’d built her wardrobe around professional, woman-take-charge. How did she merge those two worlds?
Digging through her dresser drawer, she found a pair of black faux leather leggings. Inspiration struck, and she went back to the closet, digging into the back and coming out with an off-the-shoulder white shirt she’d never worn because she didn’t like the longer length. It would go perfectly with the leggings. Add a pair of ankle-high black boots, and voila! Yes!
She draped the leggings over the valet and hung the shirt above them. Stepping back and looking at the whole ensemble, she nodded. Yes. This worked. She just had to keep herself from over-accessorizing it and taking it above the level of “comfortable relaxed” that she intended.
Now that she’d covered tomorrow’s date outfit, she needed to focus on her work outfit. As she approached her closet, the doorbell ringing made her freeze in her tracks. Who would possibly ring her doorbell?
Mouth dry, heart pounding so loudly she could hear it, she moved as quietly as possible, leaving her room and tiptoeing down the hallway. At the edge of the hall, she put her back to the wall and quickly ducked her head around the corner to try to see through the glass in the door. As soon as she saw the crown of a very familiar head, she leaned her head back on the wall, pressed her palms flat against the wall, and closed her eyes. She intentionally took a deep breath through her nose and slowly let it out through her mouth.
Pushing away from the wall, she walked calmly toward the door, ignoring the trickle of sweat that slid down her back.
“Uncle Buddy, hi,” she greeted with a smile that she hoped look casual and relaxed. When he smiled, she swung the door open wider.
“Sorry to drop by unannounced. I was inspecting a house and realized I was only a block away.”
“No, I’m glad you’re here.” She automatically locked the deadbolt when he came inside. “I made chili this morning. Put it in the slow cooker. Would you like some?”
His smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. “That would be wonderful. I’d love some.” She led him into the kitchen where she’d already laid out her bowl and spoon. Reaching into the cupboard, she took out another bowl.
“That smells so good.”
“I’d planned on just having chili, but I can make you a salad or something.”
“Child, no need for all that.”
Steam poured out of the cooker when she lifted the lid. She noticed she still had a slight tremor in her hand and really hoped Buddy didn’t notice. “I have some cheddar in the fridge.”
From behind her, she heard him open the refrigerator door and shut it again. When he came back into her line of sight, he had a bag of shredded cheese and a pitcher. “Is this tea?”
“Raspberry tea. Sweetened with honey.” She pulled open a drawer, grabbed a spoon, and slid it shut with her hip. The look of confusion on his face as he stared down at the pitcher made her chuckle. “You might like it.”
“I’m willing to find out.”
Laughing, she carried the bowls to the table. Buddy set the pitcher and cheese down while she turned back to get glasses. Once she’d filled them with ice, she poured tea and finally sat down. Buddy started to sit, too, when she said, “I forgot napkins.”
“I’ll get them. Tell me where.”
“Paper towel roll is hanging above the sink.” While he was gone, she sprinkled cheese liberally over the chili in her bowl, watching as the finely shredded pieces immediately started to melt when they came in contact with the hot liquid. “Hot sauce is in the cupboard to the right of the stove.”
Seconds later, Buddy returned. He set the paper towels on the table and set the hot pepper sauce next to his bowl. She waited, not eating yet, knowing he would want to pray for blessing over the meal.
He sat down and immediately bowed his head. “God, thanks for this chance to spend time with my niece. And bless the food. Thank you for letting this old bachelor enjoy a home-cooked meal.”
She picked up her spoon when he did. “You are perfectly capable of making homemade meals, you know. You don’t have to wait to get one from someone else.”
“Oh, I know that. Don’t let anyone else find out though.” He winked at her as he liberally doused his bowl with hot sauce. “Problem is I work. I work a lot.”
