Looking for Mr. Right
By Nancy Moore
Copyright 2012 by Nancy Moore
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Chapter 1
Looking for Mr. Right
Cynthia wiggled into the student desk and faced her best friend, Becca. "I've got an important announcement," she said, her voice a little bit louder than normal. "Listen up."
"I'm all ears," Beca mumbled between bites of a large chocolate chip cookie. "I've got to stop skipping lunch. I snack all afternoon when I do," she complained as she pushed a sprig of hair out of her eyes and tapped her teeth with her red correction pencil.
"Forget about your stomach for a sec and listen to me. This is serious," Cynthia insisted, rolling her eyes as Beca took another bite of cookie and then laid it aside to concentrate on her friend.
"Okay, okay, what's up?" Beca asked, as she pushed her glasses up on her nose. "Like I said, I'm all ears so spill it."
"I'm swearing off men," Cynthia emphasized her statement by sweeping her hands back and forth across the desk almost disrupting a stack of papers.
"Mmm," Beca said, turning back to her cookie and cup of tea. "And for how long are we talking about here? A day, a week, or are you talking long-term like a month?" Her smile, proof- positive, that she doubted her friend's sincerity.
"A year, no six months." Cynthia hesitated and then quickly added, "Yes, six months should be more than enough time."
"Are you also giving up deserts and sleeping in on Saturday mornings, too?" Beca questioned, the corners of her mouth turning up slightly as she tried not to laugh at her friend's out-of-character announcement.
Cynthia scrunched her nose and rolled her eyes. 'Friends were wonderful but when they tried to analyze your every move it was down right aggravating.' "No, I'm serious Beca, really I am."
"Okay, okay, I guess you must be to come in here while I'm grading papers to share this news me," Beca replied.
Cynthia looked around the deserted classroom. The students had gone home for the day. "Give me credit for at least waiting til after 2:30," Cynthia answered. "I've been considering this for several weeks and I've finally made up my mind to do it."
"And you are just sharing this with me? Cynthia, what's really with you today? Does it have anything to do with the fact that David hasn't popped the big marriage question?" Beca asked. "Which, in my opinion, is a good thing. You know how I feel about David."
"Absolutely not, David is ancient history. You were right all along; he's a jerk. I've decided I need to take a relationship break. Since you’re my best friend, I wanted you to be the first to know," Cynthia continued, "and don't drag anymore guys in my direction. At least not for the next six months. Deal?" she asked raising her eyebrows in question.
"I guess I can respect your request, but my cousin Vinny is coming for the weekend and I think you two would be perfect for each other."
"Beca, please! "Did you hear one word I just said?" Cynthia asked shaking her head in despair.
"I'm sorry, okay, okay. So for the next six months you intend to have absolutely no contact with the opposite sex whatsoever? When, may I ask, does this six months male sabbatical begin," Beca asked her friend. "And have you really thought this through?"
"Of course I've thought it through and it starts right now! No more men for the next six months. In six months I will reevaluate my life."
"Reevaluate your life. Really you sound like a doctor treating some critically ill patient," Beca said, "Doling out some cure-all miracle drug."
"Actually with the way my luck goes with men and relationships, I need a miracle drug."
Beca tidied up the stack of graded papers and stuffed them into her briefcase. "But, really, Cynthia do you honestly think six months will take care of your so-called problem? Won't you still have the same problems to deal with in six months? The only difference being you will be six months older?"
"No, I'll be more mature and better able to select the right man for me." Her attempt to convince Beca failing miserably. "The dating pool will have a different selection in six months, too."
"Dating pool is it?" Beca replied, shoving a sprig of hair behind her ear. "I think that's the first time I've heard available men referred to as being in some sort of pool."
"Dating pool, whatever you want to call all the available men out there. Anyway, don't you see how society works against us single female professionals? They are always trying to convince us that the only way to true happiness is by having a man in your life, a husband, a couple of children and a dog and living in some small cottage with a white fence is the only way to go according to most of the relationship programs I've watched on television."
"Have you been watching those reality television programs again?" Beca asked.
"No," Cynthia insisted. "I took one of those relationship surveys in a magazine at the dentist office last week. It all just made perfect sense to me then."
"Oh, no, Cynthia, don't tell me you let yourself make such a life changing decision from some magazine survey you took? That doesn't sound like you. You are usually so sensible."
"The survey just got me thinking, that's all. I made the decision on my own. Really I did."
And you concluded that?" Beca waited for her friend's response.
"I concluded the simple fact that I'm addicted to relationships. Even if it's with some totally unsuitable fellow because that's what society expects of a single woman. They expect you to find someone and settle down before you reach your mid-20's. My time is running out! My biological clock is ticking as we speak."
"You aren't serious? When did you start to care what society thinks and some nonsense about your biological clock?"
"I totally am serious," Cynthia insisted as she added, "I don't exactly care what society thinks, not really."
"I think you've been watching way too much television and taking too many magazine surveys. Maybe you should join the YWCA or take up knitting or something," Beca suggested.
"How could my joining the Y or knitting solve my problem?" Cynthia bit at her lip.
"Keep you busy; anything but watching television or taking magazine surveys. You have to come to grips with the fact that you have to do a lot of dating to find Mr. Perfect," Beca continued. "There is a guy somewhere out there that is right for you. You just have to stay open-minded and keep looking. Kind of' like shopping for the perfect dress or pair of shoes."
"I guess, but for the next six months my eyes are closed. No men, no relationships, no dating, nothing."
"I would say 'good luck' but as hard headed as you are you won't need luck," Beca picked up her briefcase and jacket. "Let's get out of here. But remember, Mr. Right, is out there somewhere and more importantly any bad luck you've had with men in the past doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. You just haven't found Mr. Perfect yet."
"Thanks, Beca, I knew I could count on you for moral support," Cynthia smiled as she followed her friend down the empty hallway toward the exit.
"But, Cynthia, promise you'll stop it with the reality television, please."
Chapter 2
Cynthia glanced at the computer printout stretched out on the car seat beside her. She felt confident she had made the right decision; she just hoped her friends and family felt the same way when she broke the news to them. Probably should have told everyone before I took the plunge and packed up and moved, she thought. Good thing she'd at least taken the time to search for directions to this street. She should have taken David's advice about buying that GPS but when he'd mentioned purchasing one, she wasn't even considering taking a short trip. Now, here she was over 1,000 miles from home and with her s
ense of direction she was lucky to have found the right city, especially the right street.
According to Maddy the house numbers were all posted on the front doors so it should be a snap from here. She was looking for 109 Brandon Lane. There it was a neat little brick on what appeared to be a quiet street. One good thing about this teacher exchange program was she got to switch lives with another teacher so she didn't have to look for a job, find a house or anything. She just slipped into someone else's life for a few months. And, too, she would have six months of freedom from all her well-meaning friends and family members. They were obsessed with hooking her up with their idea of the perfect mate.
Maddy hadn't had time to tell her much about the school or neighborhood except the school was nice and the neighborhood was quite but friendly. This should prove to be the time she needed to get her life in order. Maybe being away from all the outside influence was just what the doctor ordered.
She pulled her compact car up in front of the garage, glancing over next door where a guy was busy washing his jeep; probably one of those outdoorsmen types. Cynthia shook her head. No way was she the outdoorswoman type; she was 100% city girl. She preferred a fellow who wore a suit and tie not some redneck in jeans and cowboy boots. He was probably married anyway so nothing to worry about with him, but he did look pretty cute in those tight fitting pants.
As she swung her car door open the guy next door glanced up and nodded. She smiled and waved back. Seemed like a nice enough neighbor. She removed the two suitcases from the trunk of her car and then lifted two brown boxes filled with school supplies and momentoes from her class back in Miami. She stood up straight and drew in a deep cleansing breath; she was actually pretty excited about her new adventure. It was refreshing to take a deep breath of clean air minus the exhausts from the cars on the busy highways back home. Yes, a few months of country life was sounding more and more inviting.
"Were you looking for Ms Maddy?" a dark haired little girl that looked to be about four or five years old inquired.
"No, not really. I'm going to be living here for the next 6 months," Cynthia looked down at the child and smiled.
"My daddy has the key to Ms. Maddy's house." She was staring at her shoe and scuffing her toe on the driveway.
"Where is your daddy? I need to get my stuff inside and get settled," Cynthia asked the child.
"I'll go get him," the little girl was already headed next door.
A few minutes later the child reappeared, followed closely by the guy who had been washing his jeep. "You must be Cynthia," the dark haired fellow asked. "Maddy said to be on the lookout for you sometime this afternoon." His smile was warm and friendly.
"Yes, I'm Cynthia Bowling," she replied returning a smile. He was better looking up close. In fact, he could fall into the magazine cover handsome category.
"I'm Jack Dawson," he said. "Welcome to Arkansas." He grasped her hand sending a warm tingle up her arm. She felt an instant connection.
"I'm engaged," she said snatching her hand out of his. Her face tinged from an unexpected burst of heat.
The corners of his mouth turned up ever so slightly. "Well, congratulations. I see you've already met my daughter, Halley."
Cynthia blushed again. She had just acted like he had made a pass at her by jerking back her hand and making that announcement. He probably already thought she was goofy.
"Hello, Halley," Cynthia turned and smiled down at the little girl. The child didn't look up.
"She doesn't talk much. She's a bit shy until she gets to know you," Jack said as he reached down and gathered the little girl in his arms. She immediately hooked her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder.
Cynthia stood staring directly into the darkest set of eyes she'd ever seen and a smile to die for. 'Get a grip girl---remember your resolution---no men for six months. Stop drooling!'
Anyway he looked a bit rough around the edges and she'd just announced to him she was engaged. He was married, obviously since the child firmly attached to his shoulder was his daughter.
Jack reached across and opened the front door. His closeness made her feel suddenly more warm and uncomfortable then she had seconds earlier. She had barely been here six minutes and already met a hunk that just happened to live next door. 'He's safe - remember he's married' - her inner voice kept reminding her - the big problem would be if she would listen to that voice.
Maddy's living room was lovely, open and spacious painted a lovely shade of swimming pool blue. The high cathedral ceiling added elegance to the simple setting and contemporary furnishings. The shafts of sunlight filtered through the front window casting a warm glow to the room. Maddy obviously had excellent taste in furnishings because her home looked like one in a decorating magazine. Cynthia thought about her little apartment back in Miami and hoped Maddy wouldn't be too disappointed with her temporary home for the next six months.
"Come on Ms. Bowling, I'll show you the rest of the house," Jack was staring at her again while he waited for her to follow.
"Please, call me Cynthia."
"Okay, Cynthia, follow me," he replied suppressing a grin as he ambled across the foyer and walked toward the back of the house. He appeared surprisingly 'at home' in his next door neighbor's house.
Boy the next six months weren't going to be easy. If Jack was a sample of the available men in this town, Cynthia was in big trouble. Thanks goodness this guy was already taken.
"This is the kitchen. I'm pretty sure Maddy has the frig stocked for you. She's a stickler for health food. I hope you like tou fou," Jack grinned. "She is a strict vegetarian."
"Well, I'm afraid I'm more of a junk food addict. I'm not into the domestic scene. I don’t do a lot of cooking," Cynthia said as she followed Jack and Halley down the hall past a large bathroom into a bedroom.
It was charming. Light frilly white lace curtains gave the room a bright, friendly feeling. The bed was covered with a white lacey spread; a bright patchwork quilt was neatly folded at the foot. "This room is so inviting." She mumbled.
"It sure looks inviting to me," Jack replied staring at the king size bed. Cynthia would have sworn he was flirting - but he was married and she'd just told him she was engaged. She could feel heat running up her face again.
"Oh, I meant….never mind!" She suddenly felt hot and closed in. Jack shook his head and laughed.
"I've got to run. It was nice meeting you, Cynthia. I'll be seeing you around and if you need anything I'm just next door. Give me a hollow."
"Thanks so much for the tour. I hope I haven't made you late for anything," Cynthia said.
"No, I just have to have this little lady over at her grandmothers by 5," Jack said as Halley buried her face deeper into his shoulder.
"Please, don't let me keep you. I'm sure your wife is wondering what happened."
Jack was already out her front door and didn't look back or comment on her last remark.
Cynthia leaned back against the door and surveyed her new surroundings. 'That went well - not' she thought to herself, but at least she had met a neighbor and gotten into the house without a hitch. Now it was time to call Beca and break the news to her. Cynthia snapped her cell phone shut. She'd just spilled the beans to Beca via voicemail. When she got that message she was going to be totally surprised. She had only told Beca she was swearing off men for six months, not the fact she was doing it 1,000 miles from home.
"You did what?" You are where?" The voice through the phone high-pitched and totally shocked at Cynthia's news.
"Slow down girlfriend. Give me a chance to explain," Cynthia held the phone at arm's length to avoid the deafening shout coming from the other end of the phone line.
"Have you lost your mind?" Beca was shouting now. "Gee, Cynthia, I didn't know you were planning on leaving Miami to undertake this fool hearty idea of yours."
"Beca, don’t you see. This is the best thing for me ri
ght now. It is the answer to my problems."
"You have really lost it this time, girlfriend."
"No, Beca, no. I told you about my no men resolution for six months and since I don't know anyone here it will be so much easier. The teacher's exchange program came at just the perfect time for me." Cynthia thought she sounded more like she was trying to convince herself rather than her best friend. "No one trying to hook me up with his or her cousin or brother."
"Okay, I deserved that but what is this teacher's exchange program anyway and how did you find out about it?"
"I got a letter in the mail that one of my professors from graduate school forwarded to me. He said it was a wonderful opportunity for me to expand my horizons."
"Mmm, what about our Saturday afternoon shopping trips and whose gonna listen to all my whining about my life?" Beca asked, trying to keep her voice steady and under control.
"We can still talk on the phone and email each other. I didn't move to the North Pole," Cynthia tried to lighten the tone of their exchange.
"This isn't funny, Cynthia. What do your parents think about your move?"
"I haven't told them yet. I wanted to wait until they got back from their cruise."
"Oh, I'd forgotten about that trip," Beca's voice sounded a bit more steady.
"I didn't want to spoil their 30th wedding anniversary celebration." Cynthia said. "Mom had this trip planned for a long time."
"And you don't think this bit of news will spoil their homecoming," Beca asked.
"Mom might be upset for a few days but she'll understand I need space to spread my wings."
"If you say so. Email me everything when you get settled, okay? I want to know all about it."
"I will and Beca be happy for me. You want me to get control of my life don't you?"
"You know I do but this just seems so impulsive even for you."
"It'll work out - wait and see," Cynthia added quickly, "I'll email you soon. I promise."
"I'll be waiting."
Cynthia slipped her cell into her pant's pocket. She headed down the hall to the kitchen. She was starved. That tou fou sounded pretty tasty.