The Other Side of Perfect (3 page)

***

Jennifer and Mason sat in the booth for well over an hour and talked about Mason’s business, how he took it over from his father, who’d retired. Jennifer talked about her 'shift from hell,' and a little about life back home, but she wasn’t yet sure about mentioning Chelsea to this handsome, young man. 

The magic was beginning and Jennifer was virtually lost in his company. Kyra checked from time to time and was thrilled to see how happy Jennifer was.  Then, after the last customer had left the bar, Kyra approached their table.  “You want a ride?” she asked.

             
“Oh...” Jennifer had barely noticed the place had emptied.

             
“Not to worry.  I’d be glad to take her home” Mason said.  “That’s if it’s okay
             
with you, Jennifer?”

             
Jennifer smiled “Yes, I'd like that.” Then afraid of ‘
ditching’
her friend she said, 
             
“Are you okay with that, Kyra?”

             
“You know I am, girl.  I’ll see you at work on Monday, okay?”

             
Jennifer nodded. “Oh…and thanks.”

             
“For what?” Kyra asked.

             
“This…” She gestured about the bar and the setting in general

             
“Absolutely! My pleasure, sugar.”

Kyra offered a final wave, a smile good-bye, and then left her friend and co-worker to continue exploring the evening.

FOUR

The staff continued to clean up as Mason and Jennifer sat in the corner.  Then with everything cleaned, Mason excused himself to finish up the cash side of the business, before taking her home.  As he worked with the staff, he showed much charm and humor.  The staff liked him. He was funny, articulate, smart, just about everything a person could like. No wonder the women swooned in his presence….

             
As Mason locked up the bar, he said “Ready to go?”

             
Jennifer nodded. 

Leading her from the building, he opened the door of his black mustang to let her in on the passenger side.  Then he continued his gentlemanly persona, as he walked around the front to his side of the car.  The Mustang was gorgeous, and it smelled like Polo.  It reeked of fresh virility and sexiness.  It was as hot as Mason was and Jennifer was enjoying the moment.

             
“Thank you” she said fondly.

             
“You’re welcome.”  His warm voice and kindness wooed her.  She was hooked.

This wasn’t like her. In fact, it was completely outside of her nature.  She’d never let her heart wander so easily, but something about Mason made her feel like a school-girl in love for the first time.
‘Love? not possible…we just met. Get a grip, Jennifer!
’ she murmured to herself as he proceeded to join her in the car.

“
Alright, let’s take you home” he said.

When they finally arrived at her apartment, Mason led her from the car like a gentleman and walked her to the door.  Unsure of what to say or do next, she paused.

Then, like a gentleman, he asked.  “Would it be okay if I kissed you goodnight?”

She smiled sweetly and nodded in acceptance.  He smiled and then gently kissed her upon the cheek. It was sweet and she returned the gesture by kissing her finger tips and planting them on his warm lips.

She wanted to take him inside so badly, she could feel the sensation burning within, but it was far too early for that. 

“
Can I see you again?” he asked.

“
I’d love to.”

“
What’s your shift like tomorrow?”

“
I’m off, actually.”

“
Great, then I am taking the day off too!”

“
Oh, but I have my girl…”

“
Your girl?” A strange and complex expression crossed his face.

“
My daughter…”

“
You have a daughter?”

Jennifer nodded, hoping this wouldn’t be the '
OMG, get me out of here
' moment.

“
How old?”

“
She’ll be 3 next week.”

“
Nice.”

“
Does it freak you out?”

“
Not at all. I love kids.”

“
Yeah?”

“
Yep.”

She smiled with relief.

“
So, then maybe a trip to the zoo tomorrow would be good, huh?”

Jennifer paused. Typically, she wouldn’t allow a date to meet her daughter for a while, so she was hesitant.

“
You don’t want me to meet her?”  he asked.

“
Well… it’s not that. 

I just don’t typically introduce my dates to Chelsea until we’ve been out a few times. In fact, she’s never met many of my dates, because I'm leery about who I introduce her to. Silly, huh?”

“
I assume that’s wise, actually.  So, what if we don’t make it a date. Instead, I will
             
take you and your daughter out as ‘friends’ and we’ll keep it strictly fun.  What do
             
you think?”

She wanted to slap herself for battling this thought, but her senses couldn’t resist.
             
“Alright.  A non-date will be good. I can pack us a lunch in the morning.”

“
Sounds great!”

“
I hope you like egg salad?”

“
Love it!”

Jennifer smiled as she entered the building and casually walked up the stairs, looking back for just a moment to wave good-bye to Mason. Then entering her apartment, she noticed Helga fast asleep on the couch. Not wanting to wake her, she carefully placed a blanket over her and turned off the television.

Wally-B scurried towards her from down the hall, meowing boldly as he approached.

“
Shhh…Wally-B.  Don’t wake Helga,” she gently patted the cat upon the head and then walked down to Chelsea’s room,
             
with the Maine Coon following directly behind her.

As she slipped the door open quietly, she got a good look at the young girl, sleeping soundly upon her bed. Jennifer’s heart fluttered affectionately. Then, she carefully tip-toed into the room and covered the child, and gave her a gentle kiss upon the cheek.  Wally-B hopped upon the bed and rested by the child’s feet.

“
G'night, Wally-B” Jennifer said, as she patted him on the head and then left the room.

Now finally able to unwind in her room, Jennifer removed her party clothing and slipped casually into her silk gown.  She opened the window to allow the night air to flow, and smiled as a cool and refreshing breeze blew through her silky hair.

As she proceeded to pull back the covers, the cell phone on her night stand began to buzz. She had a fresh text message from Kyra.

‘
Soooo?’ she asked.

‘
went gr8’

‘
and?’

‘
c-ing him again…’

             
‘when?’

             
‘tmrw.’

             
‘oh. Wat ‘bout chels?’

             
‘her too.’

             
‘wat? U nvr do tht!’

             
‘I no.’

             
‘well. Have gd time.’

             
‘thx. I will…’

As Jennifer began to drift off to sleep, thoughts of her magical evening raced through her head and she could scarcely anticipate what would come of it. Still, she enjoyed the thought of spending time with Mason and finding out just where this thing may lead.

FIVE

Mason arrived at the apartment right on time and Jennifer quickly buzzed him in.  She was gathering the morsels for their picnic, while Chelsea finished chomping down a bowl of sliced banana.

Opening the door, Jennifer smiled.

“
Welcome to our home. ” she said with a smile.

“
It’s nice…”

It wasn’t, really.  It was cheap, the walls were in rough shape, the cupboards were falling apart, and it was in dire need of minor AND major repairs, but it was all she could afford for the time being.  Despite it’s inept appearance, she kept it clean and decorated it as tastefully as a dollar-store budget would allow.

Mason then spotted the brown eyed child in her booster chair and smiled broadly. 

             
“This must be Chelsea…”

“
Yes, this is Chelsea.”

“
Chelsea, can you say hello to Mr….” Jennifer suddenly realized she didn’t know
             
Mason's last name. “I don’t know what your last name is… sorry.”

“
No problem.  Last name is Wilson, but she can call me Mason, if you like?”

“
That would be fine,” Jennifer agreed.  “This is Mason.  Can you say hi?”

Chelsea waved shyly at Mason with mashed banana peeking through her fingers as she said “Hewo...”

Mason smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Chelsea.  You enjoying your
             
banana?” She nodded.

“
Oh my, I love bananas, too!”

“
She likes banana’s because she’s part monkey.” Jennifer giggled.

“
I think we all are at times, right Chelsea?”

She nodded, not certain what she was agreeing to, but smiled as she finished her bowl.

“
She’s lovely.” Mason turned the conversation back to Jennifer.  “Can I help with
             
anything?”

“
No.  I got it all packed up and ready to go.”

“
Well then, I can carry it down to the car when you’re ready, if you like?”

“
That would be great.”

After Chelsea had finished her banana bowl and had been washed of all her mashed banana messiness, the three of them made their way to the car.

“
Oh shoot!” Jennifer gasped.

“
What?” Mason asked.

“
Car seat, I freaking forgot to get …”

“
I thought of that last night on my way home.  So, I picked one up at Walmart this
             
morning.” Mason interrupted.

“
What?” Jennifer was shocked.  “How much do I owe you?”

“
It’s from a friend.” he winked.

She smiled. “Thanks.”

***

They arrived at the zoo and Mason catered to Chelsea’s interests continuously.  Jennifer was beyond words.  His charm and goodness exuded confidence and serenity.  She loved it.  And, she was certain she was falling in love with him, even though this was only the second time she'd been with him. 

He made no attempts to seduce her in front of the child, but made certain to continue treating her like a woman. She’d never experienced such attention and thought, ‘I can get used to this!’

As Chelsea marvelled at the Merry-Go-Round horses, Mason smiled.  “Can I take her on that?” he asked.