What has this woman done to me?
Holly
He’s easy to talk to, funny, kind, and down to earth. It seems that everyone knows him and he’s given out quite a few autographs since we sat down. But each time, he always turns it around, thanking them for being a fan.
“So, I knew you were big time, but I had no idea how big,” I tell him before taking another bite of the cinnamon roll.
If anything, his face turns red a little. He just shrugs his shoulders. “It’s fine most of the time. Sometimes women get a little out of hand; I’ve had a few stalkers. But my favorite is the kids that tell me they want to be me when they grow up. That’s the best.” He has a soft smile on his face and he looks a little uncomfortable, like he said too much, and changes the subject. “So, what about you? How’d you get into photography?”
“I’ve always loved taking pictures, even when I was a little girl. I just always knew it’s what I wanted to do. What about you? Did you always want to be a baseball player?”
He takes a drink of water. “Yeah. Since I was little. It was my dream.”
“Well, uh, you’re really good at it.” I can feel my cheeks tinge as I say it, but it’s true.
He leans forward and puts his hand on top of mine on the table. “So you’ve watched me play?”
I roll my eyes at him. “Of course I’ve seen you play.” But as soon as the words are out of my mouth, I blurt out, “But I’m not a stalker or anything. I mean, I’ve always thought you looked good, but I don’t…Oh my God!” I finish, covering my face with my hands. How embarrassing can I be? I pretty much sound like a stalker right now.
His laugh fills the room and he pulls my hands down from my face. “I know you’re not like them, Holly. That’s why I like you. You’re different.”
I think about his words. I’m soft spoken, but I’m not a coward, and I know I’m different in so many ways from his normal, so I can’t help but ask. “Those models were all hitting on you. My coworkers asked you out. They’re all beautiful. Why did you turn them down and ask me out?”
He brushes a strand of hair from my face. “Because I wanted to get to know you. Will you go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?”
His hand is cupping my jaw and I don’t even hesitate. “Yes.”
4
Shawn
The next morning, I’m happy to realize that I forgot to return the shirt. Holly and I texted a few times last night and once already this morning. All I’ve thought about is when I’ll get to see her again. She’s intoxicating and no matter what I do, I can’t get my mind off her. I hope I get to see her when I return the shirt.
Today must be another sexiest bachelor photo shoot. The man standing in the same spot I was yesterday is a local TV news anchor that I recognize. I stand off to the side, not wanting to cause a distraction and I watch as Holly works. She’s behind the camera, taking pictures again. I have to admit that even though Troy Gunther is a little eccentric, he seems to be good to Holly.
In between shots, the anchorman calls for Holly. I walk toward them, waiting for her to be free. I can’t see her face, but I can see his and I know he’s come over to her with a purpose. My fists clench at my sides when I hear the man hitting on her. Anger boils inside of me, making me want to tear the asshole to pieces, but deep down I know I don’t have a claim on Holly. Not yet. At this point, she can do what she wants.
I just stand here watching as the man leans toward her, and when he asks her out on a date, I barely contain myself. I wait with bated breath for her response. What will I do if she says yes? I don’t even want to imagine it. Finally, when I hear her tell him, “No, thank you, I’m seeing someone,” I release the breath that I didn’t know I was holding. I must be louder than I thought because both of them turn to look at me.
Holly excuses herself and she looks a little confused seeing me standing here. I can tell by the look on her face that she’s wondering how much of that conversation I just heard. Unable to resist any longer, I pull her into my arms. She’s trying to read me. It’s obvious she’s wondering if I’m mad or what is going through my head. I decide to make it plain for her the best way I know how.