Standarding Up

Chapter Six: Younger & Wiser

   Shit. Shit. Absolute fucking shit. Ed was impatiently waiting on the other end of the line hoping for me to tell him why his wife had suddenly disappeared. If only I could think this more thoroughly! I had no idea what to say or how he'd react when I told him. What if he didn't believe me and thought I was trying to ruin their marriage? What if he thought that I wanted him to be mine? What if he got all depressed and tried to commit suicide? It'd be all my fault! Well, really Lola's, but my fault for telling him! What if, what if, what if! You know what? Just call me The Bearer of Bad News Wynter. I think that fits well in this situation.

   "Listen, Ed, can you meet me at my house whenever? But like tonight?" I asked nervously.

   I heard him let out an annoyed puff, "Yeah, I guess. I don't have to work tomorrow anyway. But since it's going to be so late, you wouldn't mind if I slept over right?"

   Yes! "Sure, I don't mind one bit. The more the merrier! I'm out on a date right now, but I'm pretty sure Dexter is home and he'll let you in."

   "'Kay. I'll see you soon?"

   "Too soon..." I mumbled before hanging up on him and wishing I could be sucked into a big black hole.

   I walked back to the front of the country club and found Amos standing there whistling to himself. His hands were in his pockets and his polo shirt was tucked in. His blond hair was glistening wet still and as I walked closer, I could smell whatever shampoo he used. His face brightened as soon as he saw I was walking towards him.

   "What was that about?" He asked as he slid his hand into mine. It was warm and big. It engulfed mine like a father's hand and his little daughter's, a gesture my father wasn't fond of doing. In fact, he liked using his hands for more violent gestures.

   "My sister's husband called. She cheated on him, but she's making me tell him what happened. So, he asked if he could come over and we could talk it out."

   He looked at me, a smirk playing on his lips, "If you wanted to go out with another man, you're fine to. You don't have to make up a ridiculous lie."

   I sighed, no use in explaining again. I only wish it was a lie.

   "Anyway, I was thinking we could go to Lena's Diner for a malt and maybe a couple of fries. For some reason, my stomach still isn't feeling right." He gave me a quick smile before disappearing into the driver's seat.

   I let out a frown. I thought that he would open my door for me like Sumner would always do. Stop, stop, stop Wynter. You're on a date with Amos not Sumner. You're done with Sumner and starting anew with Amos. Even if he didn't open the door for you...

   The car ride to the restaurant wasn't long, so we filled the car with small talk talking about movies and music. When we took a break and all was quiet, I felt awkward. I felt like I should be saying something. I started picking away at a fingernail, but when I checked over and looked at Amos, he was calmly sitting there not looking anything but overjoyed. Was he used to having awkward dates or was this just me?

   Maybe it was because I didn't really do dates. I was more into the eat-in-bed type of date. Like that one time I poured chocolate all over Sumner's... Oh shit! Amos is waiting for me. I didn't even hear him open his own door because God forbid he opened mine. I didn't think me hitting his balls affected the ability of his arms. But I'm no man...

   "That phone call really distracted you. I'm dying to know his method."

   "I swear, he's my brother-in-law." I smiled tensely at him.

   "Oh, so like you and your sister share him? Are you guys like polygamous?" He continued to tease.

   Why was he continuing to question me about Ed? He shouldn't have been jealous. This was our very first date. Plus, I told him the truth. What was not to believe?