Page 11 of More than a Memory
“Did you put the butter out?” Darcy asked.
“Yep.”
“Then let’s eat!”
Three sets of eyes observed them, hoping someone would drop something onto the floor. Annie tore off some of the crust from her bread and gave each of them a bite. She figured it was an aunt’s duty to spoil her furry niece and nephews. After stuffing themselves, Darcy and Annie retired to the couch to lay around and moan for the next hour while watching their favorite house designer show. They decided to worry about loading the dirty dishes later, after their food had digested some.
Darcy’s phone rang and, not recognizing the number, she answered. “Hello?”
“Hi, it’s Sam. Just calling to say hi and to tell you how much ‘am looking forward to spending time with you tomorrow night. It was really great to see you again.”
“Um, just to keep things on the up and up, we are just meeting for a couple of beers and maybe a burger. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea, Sam. I’m not looking for anything serious,” Darcy said in a rush.
“Did I say something wrong? I’m a little confused. All I said was that I was looking forward to spending time with you, Darcy. I thought we hit it off really well last year and when I saw you again today, I felt that same mutual attraction,” he said reasonably.
“No, I’m sorry, Sam, I didn’t mean to be rude. It’s just that I like you and I don’t want to lead you on. I thought it better to be up front from the start. This can never be more than just a casual thing. I’m not the serious relationship kind of gal.”
“Well, I would never presume anything, Darcy. Why don’t we just go on this first date and see where it leads. OK? No pressure, I promise,” Sam said in a calm, steadying voice, as if he were working with a frightened animal. “We will go at your pace. You call the shots. Sound good to you?” he asked.
Feeling slightly foolish and like she had way overreacted, in a small voice she replied, “Yes, Sam.”
“That’s good then. And Darcy?” he asked.
“Yes?”
“Just to keep things real, like you said, Iamthe serious relationship kind of guy and I really like you. Just thought you should know.”
He was smiling. She could hear it in his voice, damn him.
“Well, don’t get your hopes up,” she replied saucily.
“Too late,” he laughed out loud. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about this. Let’s just take it one moment at a time.”
“Don’t make me regret my decision to go out with you!” Darcy said threateningly.
“I wouldn’t dream of it. I’m going to make you feel like it was the best decision you ever made,” he replied. “See you tomorrow, Shamrock,” he said teasingly.
“Shamrock!?” she sputtered.
“Yes, your beautiful green eyes are the color of a shamrock,” he said.
“I thought I remembered your sister saying that you were shy,” Darcy retorted.
“Well, you bring out the extrovert in me I guess,” Sam chuckled, his confidence partially due to the fact that she seemed to be the one struggling, so he had to step up his game for the both of them.
There was just something about her, he thought. She was a fascinating combination of sass and shyness. On the superficial level she was spirited and outgoing, the life of the party—flirty, funny, sexy. But he sensed that she didn’t let too many folks into her inner sanctum. Despite her warning, he was hoping to be one of the lucky few. He sensed she had very deep waters. He was willing to be patient to gain her trust. Darcy was something special. He felt like he had been waiting a lifetime to meet her.
“What the heck was that?” Annie shrieked when Darcy hung up the phone. “Are you trying to run the poor guy off before you’ve even gone on the first date?” she asked, obviously appalled by her sister’s manners.
“No, I was just being honest. It’s best if he knows what he is getting into,” Darcy responded, somewhat huffily.
“Honest? Is that what you think you were being?” Annie asked incredulously.
“Well, what else would you call it?”
“Scaredy-cat?” she answered frankly.
“What are you talking about? I’ve been on a million and one dates. Why would I be scared?” Darcy said, sounding prickly.