Like That

Chapter 18 - The Next Step to Normal

I had origanlly written the Spanish part with an English translation, but was told it was hard to follow. So, instead the italicized words indicate a Spanish conversation. Also, I posted a picture of my inspriation for Emily's date. Enjoy!

Hope is a waking dream. - Aristotle

Chapter 18 - The Next Step to Normal

Emily POV:

Linda grabs my hand as we walk up the stairs to the restaurant. "You'll be ok." I nod letting her know I hear her words.

"Garrett, we'll meet you at the table. We're going for a pit stop first." She kisses his lips softly and walks away with me.

As soon as the door shuts to the bathroom, she turns to me and says, "I know you're about to panic. I see it in your face, and hear it in your breath." I smile weakly at her because all I was telling myself was...breathe....breathe. I knew it was coming.

She gives me a few minutes to get myself together. "Do you have your medication with you?" I nod. "Don't take it, yet. Give yourself a few minutes at the table. If you feel this again, we'll excuse ourselves to take your pill." I smile weakly again, and then agree. I don't want to ruin this night for anyone, but maybe it is too soon.

Boscos is a very nice first class restaurant known for its handcrafted beer. It is a quiet comforting place to have a very relaxing dinner. CJ and Keira have taken me here in January to get me out of my house for a little while. I love this place.

Entering the main dining room, Linda finds Garrett and I follow them to our table. My date has his back to the room. He has dark hair and wide shoulders. I can see the muscles, but he's more toned than large. I watch him as he turns around to meet us. I whisper to Linda, "You got me a date with Dr. Studly?" I look at her in complete astonishment. She seems very proud of herself. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to. I thought you would accept a date when you were ready."

"I'm not sure I am."

"But you accepted. That's a huge step forward for you."

Dr. Gavin Roberts stood waiting at our table for us to arrive. Gavin Roberts who was nicknamed Dr. Studly by all the moms in my old neighborhood. Gavin Roberts who was my neighbor in California, and who was Mason's pediatrician for almost 3 years. Dr. Gavin Roberts who had lost his wife over a year ago to ovarian cancer. Dr. Gavin Roberts - one of the most stunning men I have ever met, and he is my date for the evening.

"Put your eyes back in your head, girl." Linda giggles beside me. I laugh but keep my eyes glued on the man before me. The pewter gray shirt makes his eyes sparkle. He stands and his body is a perfect manly triangle...wide shoulders, broad chest, and narrow hips. I never truly noticed how very delicious he was. I blush as my thoughts of him run wild through my imagination.

"Emily, I'm so glad you finally accepted my offer of a date. Granted Linda wouldn't give me your number so I could ask you directly." He glares at Linda; who is smiling trying to look innocent. He takes my hand and pulls me closer, and then kisses each side of my face. "You look lovely," he whispers.

"Thank you." I lean back to take in the full effect of Gavin's beauty. "It seems Linda is up to something. She wouldn't even tell me whom she was setting me up with. This must be a game to her." Linda just shakes her head.

"If I would have told you, Emily. You would have accepted this date as a buddy hang-out session, not as a real date which is what this is." She challenges me with her look, but I know that is exactly what I would have done. If nothing else, Gavin and his late wife Stacy were neighbors and friends. I would have come on a date just to catch up with an old friend. I have never thought of Gavin as anything other than that, but right now we are both single adults and he is beautiful.