talk to. It was almost as if she was talking to Carol, only as someone that barely knew her he was able to look at things with a new perspective. Somehow, somewhere, she ended up telling him all about her 30 day plan.
“I LOVE THIS IDEA! So… was talking to me today part of your plan? Did you plan the whole fall on the grass thing too?”
“Finding a cute guy at the park was definitely part of the plan, but falling on the grass while doing it was certainly not.”
“So what’s next on the agenda?”
“I don’t know. To be honest I’m not sure if I want to carry on with it all. Today was a disaster.”
“Don’t be daft. You met me! So it must be a good day. And I have an idea anyway. Please let me set you up on a blind date! Please!”
Melissa laughed. Being around Ryan was contagious. “Okay! But only because I’m desperate for ideas and I cannot bear the thought of my friend Carol setting me up again. I’m putting my faith in you though Ryan. Don’t disappoint me!”
Ryan practically jumped up with delight and a date was all set for the following evening.
Chapter 3
“You found another friend? I’m hurt. So hurt!” Carol was complaining to Melissa after she told her the whole park story.
“Now, now, you always told me to spread my wings. Anyway, I told him all about you and he’s dying to meet you.”
“Naturally.” She said and huffed. Then she laughed, “Just kidding, he sounds delightful actually. And he’s setting you up on a date. I like him already! So, when’s the date?”
“Tonight. It’s at that Italian restaurant you and Mark always go to. I’m meeting him there at 7pm. Ryan organized the whole thing. So I have no idea what to expect. All I know is to go to table four and wait for him. I’m so nervous. I mean, even though set you set me up with some disasters, at least they were good to look at. Ryan has no idea what my taste is. This could go bad!”
“Or it could go brilliantly. Either way – you’ll have a story.”
“I’ll have a story!” Melissa repeated to make herself feel better.
“Phone me later, okay?”
“I promise.”
Figuring out what to wear each day was starting to become a problem. Melissa had become far too used to staying in pajamas each night, and now that she actually had things to do and people to see, she realized that she barely owned any nice clothes at all. She made a promise to get herself some new clothes the next day. In the meantime, she settled on a black dress that was short enough to seem sexy but long enough not to be slutty. It was a safe bet and she knew that she looked good in it. Then again, she realized with horror, it had been her mother who had told her that. She hoped it wasn’t like those mothers who tell their children they have voices like angels and send them off to audition for Idols only to be mocked by the judges for a voice akin to nails scratched on a chalkboard. Nevertheless, it was too late and Melissa quickly put it out of her mind and made her way to the restaurant.
When she arrived she found her way to table number 4 and looked around. She had a brief moment of panic when she thought that Carol and Mark might be hiding close by to spy on her. This was one of their favorite restaurants and Carol was completely open about her nosiness. But thankfully the coast seemed clear. Melissa ordered a glass of wine and waited and took a grateful sip when it arrived.
“Liquid inspiration?” The voice came from the side and when she turned she saw
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