Finding Love

CHAPTER 6

Evaluating Old Feelings

Ruth looked at the picture of Caleb and his future wife days later. She was simply gorgeous.  Autumn Fisher had beautiful blue eyes, long flowing black hair, a killer body, and a warm smile. Looking at the happy couple made Ruth reevaluate her insecurities.  Ruth imagined Autumn coming from a good family in society's eyes, and growing up in wealth like Caleb. Why did it sting so much to see them together? Was she jealous that he had moved on without her? She was convinced she was over Caleb but seeing him with someone who seemed better in her eyes made her feel inadequate. He did not owe her anything and she decided to move on for both of their happiness.  At that moment, she heard the Holy Spirit scold her and reminded her she was fearfully and wonderfully made in his image. She knew it was not wise to compare herself to this woman. Only God knew the true heart of a person. 

As she continued to reminisce over her old relationship her phone rang pulling her back to reality. "Ruth, I am coming to get you. It's time to go out. Come on it has been a week since I asked you," Serenity said taking a stand. Ruth laughed at Serenity's authoritative tone and surprised herself at that moment. "Give me thirty minutes to get dressed. Let's go out and have some fun," Ruth said. Serenity was in shock on the other end of the line. She was so used to Ruth saying no that she forget how it felt to hear her say yes.  "Okay, I'll see you soon," Serenity managed to say. Ruth got up enthusiastically. She was going to enjoy herself, look her best, and find herself again. 

Already enough

After Ruth got dressed she admired herself in the mirror. She wore her hair down making her look youthful. Ruth topped her look off with a gorgeous yellow top. fitted jeans and heels. She was a total knockout. Ruth applied her make-up and heard Serenity knock at her door.  

When Serenity saw her she was impressed. "Wow, Ruth you look fantastic!" she said admiring her friend's outfit and hair. Serenity smiled and spun around for her friend. "That's what I am talking about. You are too beautiful to be buried away in this apartment. Let's go out and enjoy this single life," Serenity announced enthusiastically. 

After two parties, bowling, and the movies Serenity was exhausted. Keeping up with Serenity was a rollercoaster ride. Nevertheless, she was happy to be out and discover she still had an appeal. At every stop, she was hit on, but she was not feeling anyone. Finally, she completed the evening with Serenity at a lovely Italian restaurant. 

"Ruth, I am so happy that you came out with me tonight," Serenity stated. "I am happy I came too," Ruth admitted. "I can't wait to tell Malissa about our fabulous night," Serenity continued. As they enjoyed their meal and delighted in fruitful conversation Serenity noticed a gentleman staring intensely at Ruth from another table. "There is a guy who can't take his eyes off you," Serenity's eyes lit up as she watched him closely. "Really," Ruth said wondering if she was even in the mood for company. She felt she was hit on enough for the night. The waiter approached them with drinks and more samples of food from the menu. "We didn't order this," Ruth started to point out. "Compliments of our owner Thomas Caldwell. It's on the house," the waiter announced.  "Thank you. You can tell Mr. Caldwell thank you," Serenity said as the waiter nodded his head and turned away. "Okay, I really don't know if I can eat anything else," Ruth admitted. "Act natural, he is coming this way," Serenity informed her. 

"Ladies I do hope everything is to your liking," he said. Ruth was tongued tied when she saw the handsome gentleman. Thomas was about 5'9 with curly black hair, fit, hazel eyes, and well-dressed to perfection. She swallowed when he smiled and locked eyes with her.  Serenity gently touched her under the table for a response. "Yes, everything is fine," Serenity said hoping Ruth would respond. Thomas could not keep his eyes off Ruth causing her to blush. After a kick from Serenity under the table, she finally responded. 

"Everything is nice," Ruth managed to say finally looking away. "Feel free to come back anytime and we will be delighted to have you," he continued. "Mr. Caldwell, why don't you join us for a little while?" Serenity requested. Ruth gave her a shocked look and a hit with her feet. "I don't want to intrude," he smiled welcoming the invitation.  "It's fine join us," Serenity encouraged him to sit. Ruth could not believe her friend invited a complete stranger to sit at their table. 

Thomas motioned to one of the waiters to rearrange the seating. Thomas sat across from the woman he was interested in, Ruth. "Serenity," she extended her hands for a handshake. Thomas eagerly shook Serenity's hand. "Ruth," Ruth said extending her hands and looking directly at him. He swallowed as he caught a full view of this beautiful woman he had first viewed at a distance. At this angle, she was even more stunning. Ruth did not know how to react to his fixation on her. She tried her hardest to breathe and remain natural. It was something about his eyes that lured her in. The only other man who commanded her attention like this in the past was Caleb Scott. Thomas sensed right away Ruth was not aware of how radiant she was. He could see she was modest and humble. These were qualities that were rare in women. He was totally intrigued and enamored by her. "So, Mr. Thomas Caldwell, tell us about yourself," Serenity said enjoying every moment of this.