A Woman in Search Of...

Marty was back. He wanted to pick her up for dinner, but she explained she was tired and asked if they could do dinner tomorrow instead. They spoke briefly about his trip, and he told her he’d pick her up at seven.

In the morning Wendy drove to May Company in search of some gold clip-on earrings she decided might be great with several of her outfits. She went directly to the jewelry area where she found several pairs of clip-ons. As she admired them, she turned and watched a woman pierce the ears of a young girl. Wendy only watched for a second during the piercing and quickly turned away as the girl called out, “ouch.” When it was done the girl smiled into the mirror the mother held for her. Wendy decided she wanted her ears pierced too. She stared at the earrings she picked up, put them down and picked out pierced earrings. She couldn’t decide between the gold hoops she held, or a pair of pearl drop earrings in front of her. They weren’t real pearls, but Wendy liked them just the same. She decided on both, always good to have choices. She went back to the counter where the woman who pierced ears stood, and Wendy asked to have hers done. Wendy watched as the woman prepared the materials needed for the piercing. As the woman’s hand moved to Wendy’s ear Wendy closed her eyes and cringed at the sharp poke. She did the same with her other ear. Afterwards, she held up the mirror and admired the hoops. She’d no longer have to worry about clip-on earrings falling from her ears. At home Wendy put on a new, short white top and a black wide legged pants. She looked in the full-length mirror and grimaced. To get her body into even better shape she recognized the need to exercise more along with her continuing diet. But still, Wendy thought she looked damned good. She admired her long, auburn hair as it hung straight down her back, but with a center part instead of a side one she usually wore. She applied mascara and put on lipstick. Wendy stared at herself in the mirror, moving closer to see her new earrings better. She smiled.

Marty arrived wearing a business suit.

“Holy shit, you look fantastic!” he exclaimed as Wendy opened the door. “Every time I see you, you look great.”

“Thanks. Glad you’re good with it.”

“Of course, and I’m glad you decided to give it a go.” He stood back to get a complete look.

She turned around.

“You look sensational.” He took hold of her butt and squeezed it, pulling her to him. The kiss was intense.

Wendy pulled back. “I’m really happy you like it. You always look good in suits.”

“I didn’t have time to change.”

“I figured. I’m starved. Where are we eating?”

“There’s a place called Pirate’s Cove, thought we’d try it. It’s in Venice on Lincoln, a short distance from Ocean Front Walkway and the ocean. Have you ever been to Ocean Front Walk?”

“No, I haven’t.”

It’s very long with all kinds of shops and food stops. It’s a fun place. Pirate’s Cove resembled a hideaway, a cozy place with a few fishing nets and a couple of buoys. As they walked in, they moved to a bar straight ahead against the back wall. Wendy turned to the far left and across from the bar, she saw a piano bar with ten high back stools. A small musical group sat behind the piano bar with a drummer, piano player, and a singer with a guitar. There were tables and chairs on the main floor and to the right and up two steps was a railing with a few more tables and chairs. This area also had a dance floor.

Wendy followed Marty up to one of the tables near the railing. As soon as they sat a waiter came over and took their drink orders and left the menus.

Wendy crossed her arms on the table edge. “So, tell me more about your trip.”

“A good trip with some changes to come.”

“Good changes, I hope.”

“Well, the changes are still being finalized, so we’ll see.”

They previewed their menus.

The waiter set their drinks down and took their orders.

“I missed you,” Marty said as the waiter left.

“That’s really sweet. I thought about you a lot especially the many things we have in common, and I like that you’re supportive of equal rights for women.”

“It isn’t just women’s rights. I think there should be equality for everyone.”

“I totally agree, Marty.”

“As long as we’re sharing our thoughts…I have to tell you how special I think you are…your personality, your kindness, your smarts, your hair,” he said as he ran his fingers down the side of it. He leaned into her. “And you’re so pretty…” he stopped, moved her hair aside and stared at her face, pulling back, “Did you have your ears pierced?”

“Yes, this morning.” “Well, you dazzle all over.”

She demurred. “I don’t know what to say, except thank you. And you, your eyes, your beautiful blue eyes always entrance me.” She gazed at them. “They entice me to see more.”

He smiled, “I thank you, and I’m in total agreement about wanting to see more.”
 They smirked at each other as the waiter set their dinners down. “Let’s eat and I’ll tell you more about sites I got to see while on the trip.”