Taking Chances

Chapter 6

Bec awoke with a headache on Saturday morning. "I have to stop doing this to myself," she said out loud.

The curtains were open and a dull light came through. It was overcast, but no sign of rain.

Bec went to the kitchen and gulped down a Panadol with a glass of water. She saw a note from Jen.

Popped out for a coffee with a friend. Be back before lunch.

Bec looked at the clock. It was just before ten. Bec figured she'd have about forty-five minutes to get herself tidied up and non-hangover-looking. Jen had been on her case recently about the amount of drinking she'd been doing.

Her phone buzzed. It was a message from Steven.

Want to do lunch? Pick you up at 11:30

Did she want to go on a date? Bec wasn't entirely sure if she was ready to start dating again.

On the other hand, Steven was an attractive guy and seemed interested in her. What harm would a coffee date do?

Bec responded:

How about brunch. Pick me up at 10:45

Steven arrived in a white A-class Mercedes Benz.

"Hey good looking!" called Steven through the open window of his car, "Get in and we'll grab some brunch."

Bec slid into the passenger seat. She caught Steven checking her out. She was wearing her slim-fit jeans and a tight-fitting winter coat. Good choice.

As soon as she closed the door, Steven sped off down the road, took a corner a bit too fast and headed toward Main Street. "I'm taking you to a café that overlooks the river. It's not much by big-city standards, but it's the best this little place can do."

They made small talk as Steven sped North on Main Street. He weaved between the slower moving traffic until he turned down a side street that took them to a knoll right next to the water. On top of the knoll was a quaint café with floor to ceiling glass walls and a stellar view of the river. A sign done in iron scroll read, 'River View Café and Tapas Bar.'

Steven took Bec's hand and lead her through to a table right by the window. He called out, "Service!"

Bec suppressed a smile when the waitress behind the counter raised her eye-brows in surprise. A big-city attitude would not win friends in Brooksdale.

The waitress sauntered over, swinging her hips as she approached. "Get you something?"

"How about some decent service? I'm a paying customer and shouldn't have to wait a life-time to have my order taken."

Sensing conflict, Bec pushed the conversation forward, "Can I get a cappuccino? I could murder for some caffeine right now. And the toasted chicken avocado sandwich sounds delightful."

The waitress smiled kindly at Bec and scribbled down the order. Steven's eyes narrowed. He flipped through the menu then pushed it aside. "Flat white and a salmon salad."

Steven locked eyes with Bec and said, "You look wonderful today. I have to admit, I was so pleased to find such a beautiful woman in Brooksdale."

Bec smiled. Flattery could work wonders. She fluttered her eyelids and rebuffed, "Brooksdale isn't all that bad you know."

Reaching across and taking her hand, Steven said, "This place should be grateful to have people like you and me."

Smiling, Bec felt a little uneasy at the flattery. "I don't know about that. I'm really just visiting."

The waitress brought their coffees and sat them on the table. Steven glanced at the waitress, "I'll take my coffee after my salad, thank you. Rebecca?"

Bec looked at the waitress, who was biting her lip. Bec smiled, "Thank you. Now is good."

Without a word, the waitress picked up Steven's coffee and walked away.

Bec and Steven ate and he regaled her with stories of running businesses in a small town, his friendship with Michael Brooks, and the importance of good local governance.

Bec's phone buzzed in her bag. It could only be mother-hen-Jen checking on her. Bec glanced at the clock. It was approaching eleven-forty. "I need to head back now. I've got some things planned with Jen."

Steven dropped Bec off at Jen's apartment. As she was getting out of the car, Steven said, "I'd like to take you out on a real date. Dinner. How about Thursday night?"

Bec hadn't really thought that far ahead. "Um, sure. Pick me up at six?"

"Done. See you Thursday."