I hired a stranger to be my boyfriend for one afternoon because my ex was bringing the woman he chose over me. "s"I expected whispers, pity, maybe a cruel laugh by the pool. What I did not expect was for that stranger to notice one tiny habit of mine and make everyone see who had taught it to me first.
Acting & Theater
I almost canceled when Daniel stepped out of his car.
He was too handsome.
That was my first ridiculous thought.
Not kind-looking. Not safe-looking. Handsome.
He was too handsome.
Tall, broad-shouldered, dark-haired, with sunglasses pushed into his hair and a white shirt rolled neatly at the sleeves. He moved like the walkway belonged under his feet.
I stood on my porch in my blue sundress, gripping the doorframe.
People & Society
The dress had faded from years of washing. Comfortable. Soft. A little tighter around my waist than it used to be before three pregnancies and 15 years of family dinners where I ate last.
I had changed outfits six times before putting the blue dress back on.
The dress had faded from years of washing.
Daniel smiled when he reached the steps.
« Maggie? »
My mouth moved before sense could stop it.
« I’m sorry. I don’t look like my photos anymore. »
Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
He paused.
Not long enough to be rude.
Long enough for me to hear myself.
Then he said, « You apologized before you introduced yourself. »
« I’m sorry. I don’t look like my photos anymore. »
I laughed because there was nowhere else for my embarrassment to go.
« Sorry. Hi. I’m Maggie. »
TV Comedies
His expression changed slightly at the second apology.
He held out his hand.
« Daniel. »
Behind me, my youngest daughter yelled that someone had taken her goggles. One of the twins shouted back that goggles were communal property. A towel slid down the stairs like a surrender flag.
He held out his hand.
« Sorry, » I said, stepping aside. « They’re excited. »
Crafts
Daniel glanced past me into the noise.
« Looks like kids going to a pool party. »
I picked up the cooler before my hands could start shaking.
