The Keys to my Diary ~ Fern

Saturday, July 4

Mac must not have cared if I had poop on my face during our last encounter because he just called me! I have no idea how he got my number, but he must have his mysterious ways. The number he was calling from showed on my caller id as being blocked.

I was so nervous when he said, "This is Mac," that my mind went completely blank. I just sat there like I a complete ninny, instead of chatting with him like a normal human being would.

He asked me if I was available to go out with him tonight. Normally, I would have to work on a busy Saturday, especially one that is a major holiday, but Brent had been so annoyed when I told him about my new job that he had said I could turn in my uniforms and not come back. His punishment for me actually felt like a marvelous reward. I was happy to have a couple of days off before starting my new position, especially since it meant I had time available to go out with Mac.

Despite my excitement, I was so distracted by wondering what Mac wanted and how he got my number that my voice probably sounded much less enthusiastic than I felt. I agreed to go out with him and said "okay" when he indicated that I would need a bathing suit, but I didn't have my wits about me enough to ask any questions or see why I would need a swimming suit.

After we hung up the phone, I had to sit down and catch my breath. My heart was pumping so violently that it felt like it might beat its way right out of my chest. When I started to regain my composure, I almost had a second panic attack at the thought of having to wear a bathing suit in front of Mac. My body is in reasonable shape, but it is still the body of a mature woman, not like the 22-year-old forms that he is probably accustomed to seeing.

He had hinted before that our next date would have something to do with dolphins, but I hadn't anticipated the need for swimwear. I had to try on my suits to see which was the most flattering. They ranged from a skimpy bikini that I haven't worn in over ten years to suits with grandma skirts that are cute, but matronly.

I called Marina to come give me some emergency fashion advice, but she was on a dive trip for work. So, I sent her selfies of me in various suits for her suggestion on which to wear, which she reviewed between dives. Marina is one of the few people I would trust with those pictures, which were taken in the harsh light of my bathroom. I know that she would never use them to embarrass me. I even sent her butt shots of each of the suits so we could check the fit from all angles.

The bikini bottoms were saggy, so we ruled the two-piece out immediately. We decided that the swim skirts were flattering, but a little too dowdy. Eventually, we settled on my swim shorts and black sparkly bikini top. The shorts looked sporty and gave me some butt cheek coverage. The top was sexy, without being showy. It was the best I could do without running out to buy something new, and my bank account won't allow me to do that every time I go out with Mac (assuming I get to see him again).

I donned a pink tee shirt and cute sandals, and was pleased with my overall look. I pulled my hair into a high bun so it would stay under control, even if we ended up in the water. After I put on sunscreen, I sat down to wait. My nerves really kicked in while I waited, and a plethora of random questions arose in my mind. Would he send a driver to pick me up or come here himself? What would I talk to him about all evening? Dolphins don't really try to hump the back of your knees, do they?? I sure hope that's just an urban legend.

At the last worrisome thought, I decided to go sit outside to relax before I drove myself crazy. Maddie was sitting out on the dock dangling her feet in the water, so I plopped my rear end down right beside her.

The child was concerned about an upcoming spelling test, so I quizzed her on the words until she could spell them all correctly. That is how Mac found us. He quickly kicked off his boat shoes and sat down by me to dangle his feet in the water too.