Of Mountains and Men: A Why Choose Romance

Chapter 6

"Lindy, I think I did something I may regret." I tell her as we cleanup for the day. I've been practically sweating with nerves all afternoon, partially hoping one of the three devilishly handsome men will return, and more terrified they'll do just that!

She arches her brows at me, "What could be so bad?" She glances at Charley in his playpen then back at me. "What? Tell me, you never have any good gossip."

I roll my eyes plopping into the kid sized chair. "I flirted with three of the dads, and maybe agreed to go swimming with them this weekend."

Lindy's jaw drops open. "Damn girl. Well, that's one way to kick your love life back into gear. But wait a moment, you can't swim, why the pool?"

"The girls want us to join them. I'm just so embarrassed that I flirted with three men! That's not like me, I never even usually look at men." I say exasperated.

She shakes her head grinning, "What do you have to lose with a pool date? Go! Let your son have some fun."

I nod, "Yeah. I'll need to go find swimsuits, where do you even find suits in the winter?"

She shrugs, "Try your favorite thrift store. You never know. Or there is always Amazon."

I scowl at her, "I don't have the kind of money to shop on Amazon and you know that."

"Maybe you could marry one of those guys and get rich." She says dreamily. "Wouldn't that be amazing."

"Seriously from a family date to marriage? You're the one who's lost their mind. Alright I'm heading out, see you in the morning."

I'm distracted all night, should I have given Michael my number? Should I even accept the family date? And when am I going to have time to go to the thrift store, unless I leave work early? I did peek at the gift shop, their suits are fifty dollars, who has that kind of money to just throw around? Certainly not me.

I toss and turn in bed most of the night, in the end before sleep takes me, I decide maybe I'll open my heart once more and take the leap. This is good practice even if nothing comes of it.

My alarm seems to go off just as I fall asleep. "Nooo." I groan hitting snooze. Just five more minutes. Those five minutes pass in the blink of an eye. I drag myself to the shower to hurry up, I can't run late, I'd rather keep any excuses for a real emergency. Twice in one week is unheard of for me, I'm usually very punctual.

As I'm drying off, I hear the toilet flush, I'm slightly surprised Charley went by himself this morning. I throw on a clean uniform almost running Charley over as I leave my bedroom.

"Good morning. Did you brush your teeth?" I ask him. He nods rubbing his eyes. "Say awe." He does so, and I grin. "Good job buddy. Let's get you dressed."

We have oatmeal, just to be quick this morning and debate on taking my half-finished tea with me. I'm going to be dragging today, not a good time with a bunch of young kids.

Lindy sends me a text letting me know she'll be in after lunch today. Which usually means she went to the bar last night and slept with some tourist. Today is just not my day. I respond telling her I'm leaving after lunch then today so I can get to the thrift store before they close.

I put Charly in his playpen right away, which makes him a bit fussy. I don't have time to keep him directly by my side. I start wiping everything down first, and vacuuming. There's barely enough time to set up new activities for the day. Even with Lindy and I preplanning yesterday before the kids start to arrive.

A few three-year-olds are the first to arrive crying and not wanting to leave their mothers. Charley is a great help bringing them toys to distract them, he really just has such a big heart and doesn't want anyone upset.

The mom mouths a thank you, signing the form and sneaking out of the room. A group of couples and scowling children arrive next, waving me off when I ask what time they'll be here for pick up. Until I tell them they will not be dropping off their child unless I have a pickup time. No surprise this group choses six thirty pm our closing time.

I have a headache forming by the time I see Andrew, James and Michael arrive. The girls each give me a hug then head for their favorite toy stations.

I give an awkward wave at the men. "Um, so what time will you be picking them up?"

Michael grimaces, "We have a team building meeting today, so probably closer to four pm."

"What time do you get off today?" James asks boldly.

I blush, then grimace and press a hand to my temple. "Sorry caffeine headache. I'm off at noon today."

"Would you and Charley like to join us for dinner. I heard the restaurant over by the lake is amazing." James says.

I bite my lip for a moment, "I'd love to, but I don't really have the money to eat there." I admit, completely embarrassed.

Michael snorts, "Charlotte when a man, or men in this case ask you to dinner that means they are paying." He gives me a mouthwatering grin that eases my embarrassment a little.

"What kind of coffee do you like?" Andrew asks before I can answer.

I shake my head, "No coffee, I uh, I just prefer black tea."

He nods and excuses himself. I give him a puzzled look before returning my attention back to Michael and James. "Are you sure you want to go with me?"

James smiles, "Very much."

"Okay, I guess I can meet you there. What time are you thinking?"

"Six p.m." Michael answers.

I nod, "Sure. Alright I'll see you at six. I should start some activities for the kids." I give them a little wave as they leave. My heart is pounding so hard. I have a dinner date at a fancy restaurant, and I need clothes that will even slightly look like I'll fit in!

A throat clears, I spin away from where I was watching the kids play. Andrew is holding a large to go cup. "Black tea, I hope this helps your headache."

I take it from him, sniffing the bitter smell. "Thank you so much. I really need this."

He grins, "See you tonight." He says before sauntering away.