Worthy (Part 2)

Dating and Pepper Grinder

Tyler: I knew you guys would hit it off. She's a good girl.

She was a good girl. We'd talked a bit off and on throughout the next week, mostly small tall.

She asked a lot about Ella, said she was excited to meet her....i wasnt ready for that. Not even close.

I sat on one of the benches outside of the school and checked my phone.

Stephanie: Would you want to go out again this weekend?

Beats going on another blind date.

Me: yeah. Friday?

I noticed someone sit down on the bench next to me, so i looked over. It was Charley.

Charley: were going to the park today. Do you guys want to come?

I felt like Mr. popular. Everyone wanted to hang out with me.

Me: yeah. We gotta stop and get Happy though, if that's ok?

She nodded and opened her book.

I drifted to thoughts of our kiss in my bathroom. What was with us and bathrooms? Was she just as confused about this whole dating thing as I was? Was she just as confused about us? There was no us. But, there was just something about her that felt relaxing, but also stressful. I wanted to be around her. I wanted to know what she was like when she was happy.

The doors flung open, our girls came running our way, and we headed off.

At the park, Charley laid down a blanket for both of us, and Happy to sit on while the girls played.

She pulled out her book, so i laid back and looked at the clouds.

Me: what's that book about?

She looked over at me, then laid down too.

Charley: it's about two women that marry the same man, hes a douche.

I laughed out of my nose a little

Charley: it's actually really depressing.

She chuckled

Me: Why read it then?

She shrugged

Happy laid his head on her belly, she mindlessly pet him

Me: Can you tell me about your husband?

I felt her heart stop.

Like not literally. Only our arms were touching. But i could feel her get uncomfortable.

Me: sorry. You don't have to. Just curious i guess.

Charley: he was a good guy, great dad. He just worked a lot, travelled a lot. That's what we fought about most, him never being home. I dont know. He just had too much on his plate..... i didnt help that enough.

I slid my fingers between hers and gave her hand a little squeeze.

Charley: and your wife?

Me: she was perfect. In every aspect. She lit up every room she walked in to. She was the most patient and understanding woman.

She squeezed my hand.

Then we just watched the clouds together for awhile.

I felt so relaxed I couldve fallen asleep, but i really wanted to know about her dating life, how she was coping with that.

Me: I have a date on Friday.

She let go of my hand, i didnt even realize we were still holding hands. I didnt realize how comforting it was until she let go.