“I LOVE IT!!” I exclaimed over my new look as Jessica giggled at my reaction.



It was so… blonde! I never thought the color would look good on me, but I was astonished at what I saw.

“See, I told you! You’re drop dead gorgeous!!” Sofie said, squealing with delight. “Not that you weren’t before, but you know what I mean!”



The new look was a real confidence booster, just like Sophia had hoped it would be. I really wanted to show off my new golden locks, but since bars and clubs weren’t really my thing, I settled for grocery shopping. I know, I know, that seems kind of boring, but at least I was getting out of the house. And besides, single men have to buy food too. I mean, if I was going to date again it would have to a mature, responsible guy, not someone who hangs out at bars.

My theory proved right; there were a few single guys at the mart that day, and one in particular caught my eye.

Across the store, shopping in the orange juice case, stood a 5’11 hottie. He was wearing jeans and a nice fitting black t-shirt, very attractive from behind.



I was beginning to think that this dating thing wasn’t so scary… until he turned around.



Oh my gosh! I had to hide, get out of there, do anything to be sure he didn’t see me. Of all people to ogle at the grocery store, why did it have to be my ex-boyfriend? I could do without the rest of the items on my shopping list, so I rushed to the register.



I mentally urged the cashier to hurry, but she was having some trouble operating the register. Sneaking a quick peek around me I saw Sean get in line behind me. He smelled good. I held my breath.

Glancing plaintively at the cashier, I handed her some money. I was dying to make my escape, and hoped my new hairdo would act as a disguise and Sean wouldn’t recognize me.



Finally, I got my change and was free to go. I took a step back so I wouldn’t have to turn around and reveal my face as I made my way to the exit. At that same moment, Sean had taken a step forward to place his basket on the counter, and we collided. I saw his startled face, and quickly dipped down to pick up the contents of my shopping bag that had spilled onto the floor.



“Here, let me help you,” he said, stooping down to join me. His voice was as gentle as I remembered it to be, but with a new rough undertone.

“Really, you don’t have to,” I said, using my hair as a curtain between us.

“It’s the least I can do. Here you go.” He handed me the last spilled item, a head of lettuce, and smiled warmly at me.



My breath caught in my throat and I stared at him with wide eyes, frozen to the spot. What was this ache in my chest?

His smile turned awkward, as if to say I should stop staring now and take the lettuce from him. And then suddenly I saw the recognition dawn on his face.
“Kat?”

I smiled sheepishly, without meaning to confirm his question.

“Kat, it IS you!” he said, helping me up now. “Wow! You look great! When did you go blonde?”



“Oh, um, just a couple of days ago actually.”

“Well, you look amazing,” he said in approval. “It’s really great to see you. I haven’t run into that many people since I moved back here.”

“Yeah, it’s good to see you too,” I swallowed hard, hoping I didn’t look as mortified as I felt. I didn’t sense that he was letting me go just yet, so to turn the attention away from myself, I asked him a question. “So, where have you been since college?”



“I’ve actually been doing some mission work in Senegal, Africa for the past two years.”

“Africa?” I exclaimed. “Wow.”

“Yeah. I had a rough time after… well, during the last two years of college. I decided I needed to do something meaningful with my life. You know, help others and all that.”

I listened intently, feeling a twinge of guilt for not having pursued a more selfless direction in my life.

“So I heard about some doctors who travel to remote villages with a group of missionaries and provide medical services. I thought it was the change I needed.”



“Wow, Sean, that’s great. It sounds like you’ve really done something with your talents.”

“Aww, thanks,” he blushed, rubbing his neck. “I’m sure you’ve gone far too. I bet you’re the top nurse at Danview Central.”

“Not exactly… I have too much to take care of at home to go back to work right now.”

“Oh? Like what?”

“I have two little girls. Gabriella and Isabella,” I explained nervously. “You know, it’s hard taking care of twins when you’re a single parent.” That last part slipped out before I could catch it. Would he judge me for having a failed marriage? Did he even know I’d gotten married?



“Oh… I see. Well, I’d love to meet them sometime.” His smile was sincere.
I nodded in agreement. It felt like my personal revelation had brought the conversation to an end.

“Well, I probably shouldn’t keep you any longer. It was great running into you. I’ll see you around, Kat.”

“See you, Sean,” I replied.

He started to turn, paused, and changed his mind. “Hey, Kat?”

“Yes?”

He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and started pushing buttons. Then he handed it to me.

“I don’t really know that many people in town anymore. I’d like to stay in touch… if you don’t mind, that is.”

“Oh, of c-course not,” I stuttered. I furrowed my brow and thought for a second. I didn’t see any harm in exchanging numbers. After all, this conversation had gone pleasantly enough. Maybe he’d also moved on from the past and we could be friends again. I keyed in my number and handed it back to him.

------------------------------

My blood was pumping a little faster than normal as I replayed the scene with Sean in my head on my way home. I changed clothes and sat down to play with the twins to calm my nerves. Gabriella was becoming a little Mozart, clanging out childlike tunes on her xylophone, and Isabella was quite the talker with her Wobbly Wabbit Head toy. They were already three years old and growing so fast.



I heard footsteps on the stairs and heard Sophia call my name.

“In here Sof, with the girls.”

She came into the room and looked down at me. “Did you remember what tonight is?”

“Uh… no… Is it Pete’s birthday or something?”

“No silly! We’re having company… of the male persuasion,” she grinned impishly.



“Oh no. I told you I didn’t want to be a part of this. I’m going to stay up here with the girls.’

“No way! That would make Pete and I look like poor hosts. Like we keep his sister-in-law locked up in some tower and she isn’t even allowed to come down for dinner. You’re coming down tonight, Kat.”

“Fine, Sof,” I rolled my eyes. “But no more blind dates without asking me first.”



She glided from the room like she’d just won a small battle. Was I really being that difficult?

“Oh, and wear something nice! We’ll be using the formal dining room,” she called over her shoulder.

“This guy had better be cute,” I mumbled under my breath.

----------------------------------

A few hours later I was wearing a little black dress and was finally ready for the moment of truth. Momma had stopped by to take the girls. How very convenient – it was like she and Sophia had been planning this night behind my back. I wondered if Pete and his friend had any idea that their reunion had been made into a setup.



After mulling it over for a bit, I’d decided to go along with the plan. If I could just flirt enough to get through the night, Sophia would have to get off my back for the time being. Besides, I’d never have to see this poor guy again.
I checked my appearance in the mirror, taking in my new look again. Why did I feel like this was high school all over again?



I heard the front door open and the sound of voices in the foyer below me. It was time to face my fears.

_____________________________________________

Next time: Will Kat hit it off with the mystery guest?