The Meet Me Novellas

The phone rings like clockwork. Every other Tuesday my mother calls to check on me.

“Hi Mom, how are you?”

“I’m good, sweetie. Tell me what you have been up to lately.” My mom’s voice sounds awake and chipper given that she’s six hours ahead of me. While I’m getting my first cup of morning coffee, Mom has just finished afternoon tea.

“Same old stuff here. I’m still working like a slave for the law firm. The worse the economy gets the better the lawsuits.”

“I imagine that’s true. Hard times make hard people. Are you still volunteering at the VA?” Her voice sounds hopeful.

“Yes, every Tuesday and Friday.” What she wants to know is are you dating anyone?

“Have you met anyone special? You live in such a big city, surely there is someone who interests you, honey. It’s been a long time since you dated. Too long.” Her voice is filled with concern. She’s right. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been out with anyone. My last relationship ended in heartbreak, and it’s been tough to pick up the pieces and move on.

“There is a man I met at the VA, he’s a patient. We’ve been talking for months. I like him, Mom. I don’t know if it’s the right time for him though. He’s recovering from a significant injury, and his focus should be on healing. I don’t want to be a distraction.” That is partially the truth. The other part is I feel like a fish out of water. It’s been so long since I’ve dated, I’m not sure how to go about it anymore. Do I dip my toes in one at a time to adjust to the temperature or do I dive in headfirst?