Taking Chances

Chapter 9

There was a bitterly cold wind blowing on Thursday night when Steven arrived to take Bec out on their second date. The gum trees waved in the breeze. As Bec left the apartment, she shivered and Jen looked disapprovingly at her. "What?" said Bec.

"I don't know that dating Steven is a good idea. You've just broken up with Phil, you're drinking a lot..."

"You're not my mother, Jen."

"No. I'm your sister and I'm worried."

"At least I'm dating." Slam! The wind took the door as Bec closed it. Jen probably deserved a slammed door anyway. Who was she to pass judgement on Bec's dating decisions?

Steven greeted with a smile and a bouquet of flowers. "Tonight, we're breaking out of Brooksdale. I've got reservations in Gum Flat Ridge."

Steven sped West along the highway. Dance music played on the car's audio system. "You like dance music?"

Bec said, "I don't mind it. What I really like is electric blues."

"Haha, I don't think I have any of that old stuff."

Steven pulled off the highway and drove through Gum Flat Ridge.

"Have you been to Gum Flat Ridge before?" Steven asked.

"Once or Twice. For netball competitions."

Steven shot her look that was full of surprise. Bec said, "Girls play sport, too."

Steven pulled into a parking lot and they walked to a riverside restaurant. Steven put his arm around Bec as they walked in. Bec slipped out from under his arm and followed the waiter to their table.

She immediately ordered a wine and Steven followed her. "Nice place," Bec said.

"Yeah, I've been here a couple of times now. It's been a great date place."

Bec brushed her hair over her ear and drank some wine.

Steven pulled a black case out of his breast pocket and slid it across the table. "For you," he said. "A token of my admiration."

Bec waved the case away, "You don't know me well enough for this type of thing. I can't accept it."

"Of course you can. I insist. In fact, you'd hurt my feelings if you refused."

Bec took another drink of wine and picked up the case. She opened it to reveal a silver bracelet.

"Put it on," said Steven.

"Really. This is too muc-"

"Put it on."

Shit. Jen was right.

Bec slipped the bracelet over her hand. She was reminded of the gifts Phil had given her, then demanded she wear them. They weren't gifts, they were symbols of ownership.

The bracelet was delicate and caught the lights of the restaurant.

Steven said, "I thought it would go well with your blonde hair and dark brown eyes. You're very beautiful, you know."

Bec tried to smile. She still had to ride home with this guy. "Thank you, but I'm actually a brunette."

Steven didn't seem to hear. The salad arrived and was soon followed by the main. Bec had cioppino and Steven a red sauce pasta.

He talked on and on about his work, about Brooksdale, and about the exciting new property development that he was involved in, and his work on the town council.

Bec said, "Do you know Ryan Anderson?"

Steven laughed, "Yeah, sad story that one. He actually thinks he's doing a good thing for the town by saving that youth centre. But what else can you expect from a bleeding heart?

"Actually, I went to the youth centre the other day to take some photos. I thought it was a great place. A bit cold, but it is winter."

Steven drained his wine then licked his upper lip. "You went there? I'm surprised you didn't get mugged. It's a hang out for teens and an excuse for parents who should be taking better care of their kids."

"What I saw was teenagers studying. Have you been there?"

"Me? No way. I've driven past it plenty of times and that's enough for me."

Steven leaned forward conspiratorially. "Did you know that Ryan Anderson's father topped himself? Dodgy business dealings caught up with him."

A rush of thoughts hit Bec. How could this man sit here and talk of working for Brooksdale while criticising a man who had given so much of himself to the community? She was sure this date had been a mistake. I need to be more careful.

Bec rubbed her stomach and bent over slightly. "Oh. My stomach! I think I need to go home. I'm not feeling well."

"Oh. Bad ciopinno, huh?"

Bec was quiet on the drive home. Steven had the dance music turned up and seemed absorbed in his own world.

When Bec got out of the car, Steven said, "When can I see you again?"

Bec put her arm over stomach, "I don't know. I need to get to the bathroom. Message me later, okay?"

She rushed into the building and climbed the stairs. Once inside, she breathed a sigh of relief. "What a jerk."

It was ten o'clock when Bec got home. The lights were on and Jen's bedroom door was closed. Bec went to the kitchen and made herself a vodka and lemon.

Jen's door opened and a sleepy-looking Jen stood in the doorway with hands on hips.

"Jen," said Bec. "You were right. It is far too soon for me to be dating. I'm officially off men."