Chapter 3

I drove back to my place and thought about last night. What was I going to do with Tamara? I really hadn't planned on starting a relationship. I'd gone about six months without any ties. Most of the ladies I met lately wanted my money more than they wanted me. Oh yeah, my money. The money I mentioned earlier as "put aside" came from winning a lottery. It wasn't a really big one but enough that I could live off the interest and investments, and my kids, their kids, and their kids' kids could be comfortable.

The house I bought was comparatively modest. It was 4,000 square feet with a pool and spa. It was in a country club community that wasn't considered elite. I tried to make it as cozy as possible for a single man. I've been divorced for a little over ten years and my kids were almost grown. My son was a sophomore in college and my daughter a sophomore in high school. I settled up with my ex for child support and set up college funds that she controlled.

I logged on the Internet and checked my investments. I tweaked a couple and then logged off just as the phone was ringing. I looked at the caller ID and saw it was Steve. Oh well, I guess I better think quickly.

"Hello Steve."

"Hey, Buddy, sorry you struck out last night," he teased.

"Yeah, it looked like it might have gone somewhere, but then nada," I replied.

"Jerry and I are going out tonight. Do you want to join us?" he asked.

"Are Trish and Cindy joining you?" I queried.

"They said they might," he said.

"Well, where and when?" was my reply.

"How about the bowling center for some beer and karaoke around nine?" he suggested.

"I'll see what I can do. Talk to you later," I said.

Hmmm... should I spring Tamara on everyone? I decided I'd ask her tonight.

I cleaned and straightened up the house. I figured I would bring her here tonight. I called the pool service. I asked them to clean the pool and refresh the spa. Next, I looked at my wine supply and figured a trip to the store would be in order to refresh my supply of snacks.

About four, I decided it was time to get ready for the evening. I started to call and make reservations at a nice restaurant but I decided to wait a little bit to "wine and dine" her. I figured I would just wing it at a Steak and Ale type place.

Anticipation of the coming eve' was beginning to get to me. I was as giddy as a schoolboy. Even though we had already made love, I was looking forward to spending time with Tamara and getting to know her.

My phone rang and it was Tamara. My first thought was she was calling to cancel. I hesitantly answered the phone, "Hello."

"Hi, handsome," she said. "Just calling to find out what to wear tonight?"

"Sexy jeans like last night would be appropriate," I responded. "How does Steak and Ale sound? Since you ate bacon this morning, I'm assuming you aren't a vegetarian."

"You're very observant," she replied. "I'll see you around seven-thirty."

"Sounds good, see you then," I said as hung up.

Okay, she still wants to see me and things are good. Now for the final preparations. I left my place about six-thirty and headed by the florist shop. I picked out one sweet red rose. I arrived at her house at seven-twenty five (I hate to be late).

She greeted me at the door and I was again taken back. She'd apparently done a little more than work at the shop. She looked ravishing. Her hair was trimmed, highlighted, and styled. Her face looked like it belonged on a magazine. And her body, well, if I had not already planned an evening out, I would have whisked her up in my arms and carried her to the bedroom. Alas, I must endure the tantalizing vision for an evening without giving in to the wanton desires boiling inside me.