Chapter 5

Elaine was sitting in her office on Monday thinking about what had happened at the picnic on Saturday when Derrick came in.

"Hi," he said.

"Good morning," Elaine answered somewhat nervously. She had decided to tell Derrick that what they had done was wrong and that it couldn't happen again. However, when she saw his handsome face, her resolve began to weaken. She steeled herself and said, "Derrick... uh... what happened Saturday... well, things got out of hand. It... it can't happen again. I'm... I'm married." In spite of the fact that she had practiced what she was going to say to him, it came out as a very weak protest.

Surprisingly Derrick said, "I understand. I told you before that I have difficulty being around you. But I was out of line... again"

Elaine's face showed her shock. He was making it much easier than she thought it was going to be. He was being sweet and even sounded remorseful. They fell silent, looking at each other for a few moments.

Derrick broke the uncomfortable silence and said, "Listen, you mentioned that your mother might like to meet someone."

The abrupt change in subject threw Elaine off. She had to think for a minute about what he was referring to. "Oh... yes I remember."

"Well, I have a friend that works over in litigation. He's divorced, in his early forties and, like your mom, lonely."

"I know some of the guys over there. Who is it?"

"Do you know Jerome Tyler?"

Elaine said, "Oh yes." She pictured Jerome, who wasn't as tall as Derrick and had broad shoulders and a sexy smile. "He's the black guy with the mustache and goatee?"

"That's him. I was wondering if your mother would want to go on a double date with him and me."

Elaine felt somewhat indignant at his assumption that she would go out on a "date" with him, especially after what she had just said. She started to reply that she couldn't go out with Derrick when he spoke again.

"Jerome is going to fix me up with his sister."

Suddenly the blood rushed from Elaine's face and she felt anger rising. She opened her mouth but stopped when she realized that she was jealous and anything she said would give it away. After a pause she said, "I'll ask her." The curtness of her response showed her anger. She quickly added, "I have get back to work."

Derrick looked a little hurt. He got up, saying, "Let me know. We're going to go over to Jacksonville to a dance club. We'll leave about six- thirty Saturday night." With that Derrick hurriedly left Elaine's office.

Elaine sat there in stunned silence. She couldn't help it because she was fuming. It was an emotional and illogical reaction but she couldn't deny that she was hurt. Her first thought was that she wouldn't ask her mother and just tell him that she had. However, by the end of the day she realized that she did want her mother to meet someone and that it would be very immature to sulk and spoil a chance for her.

On Wednesday nights, Elaine and her mother regularly had dinner together, alternating houses. This evening, it was Elaine's turn to cook. Her mother was playing with the boys when Elaine called them in for dinner. The two of them arranged the boys in high chairs and sat next to them as they ate.

"Mom, Derrick wanted me to ask you something."

"He wants to go out with me?" she asked with a factious laugh.

"Well, not exactly... but close. He wanted me to ask you if you wanted to go out with a friend of his. He wants to double date."

"With you and me?"

"No, he is going to go out with the guys sister."

"Then the answer is no."

Elaine was startled by her quick refusal. "Why?"

"Because you aren't going."

"Mom!" Elaine said in a loud voice. "That's ridiculous. I'm married. Besides, you've wanted to meet someone for a long time."

"I have but I don't even know this guy and I only met Derrick once for about thirty seconds. What if they want to get me somewhere private and do bad things to me." She said it with a straight face but couldn't hold back a laugh. "Seriously though, I won't go if you don't go along to chaperone."

Elaine tried to act indignant but inside she was elated. "You're insufferable mother," she said. Then added, "All right. I'll ask him."

The following day Elaine went to Derrick's office to see him.

"Did you ask your Mom?"

"Yes, but she said no."

Derrick's face showed his disappointment.

Elaine continued quickly, "She said she would only go if I went along to chaperone. I told her that I couldn't do that. Besides, I know you want to go out with Jerome's sister."

Derrick smiled and said, "Actually, I'd much rather go with you."

Elaine hid her smile. "Won't Jerome's sister be mad?"

"Unfortunately... or maybe I should say fortunately, Jerome asked her and she said she couldn't make it this week. So, I'm willing if you are?"

Elaine acted like she was thinking about it. "I don't know," she said.

"Come on, it'll be fun... and I promise to behave myself." He smiled brightly.

"All right, but it's not a real date for you and I."

"I understand, but we can still have fun can't we?"

"You promise to behave?"

"Scouts honor," he said, holding his fingers up like a Boy Scout. Behind his back, he had his fingers crossed.

Elaine showed up at her mother's house at five-thirty. She had chosen to wear a simple dress that was cute but nothing special. After all, it wasn't a real date.

Sandra was in her bedroom getting dressed when she heard her daughter coming into the house.

"Hi Mom," Elaine called.

"In the bedroom," she answered. "Hi sweetie," she said when Elaine entered. She was sitting at her dresser putting on makeup.

"You all ready for your first date in... let's see, how long has it been... two years?"