When I got to Winkie’s, the parking lot was packed with the usuals plus a few extras. I had to park a few blocks up the street. But, I didn’t mind the walk, so I didn’t complain. I spotted the guys right away. They had already served up shots and were cheering in a rowdy way in the back of the bar. The strippers hadn’t come out yet, but the crowd was already drunk and ready.
Everyone looked like they were having a great time. And normally, I probably would have enjoyed the scene, too. But I just wasn’t into it. Even once the strippers came out and the crowd went wild, I kept finding myself wanting to leave. Hell, especially when they came out.
I was bored. And I kept thinking about Candy. I wondered what she had been doing at that moment and if she had been thinking of me as much as I thought about her. I couldn’t stop thinking about how she felt, how I felt inside of her. My dick hardened at the thought.
Just then, one of the strippers stands up on the bar and starts dancing. Her heels clicked loudly on the bar and she slapped her thighs hard. It made me smile because it reminded me of Candy’s victory dances when we were bowling.
Could I really think of nothing else other than Candy? I was starting to get annoyed.
I couldn’t take it anymore and decided that I had to leave.
I got into my car, sliding down into the leather. I rubbed my temples, the music still ringing loudly in my ears even though I was outside. I pulled out my cell phone and found Candy’s number. It was late, but I wanted to hear her voice so badly.
I dialed the number.
“Hello?” she said, sleepily.
“Hey, Candy, it’s Elliot,” I said. “Sorry if I woke you.”
“Oh, you didn’t wake me,” she said, her voice starting to sound more perky. “What’s going on?”
“Oh, nothing much,” I said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. “I was just thinking about you and wanted to give you a call. Everything okay with you?”
She was silent on the other end for a minute
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said.
“Good,” I said. “The other reason for my call was…I was wondering if…would you like to go on another date with me?”
I held my breath, waiting for her answer.
“Yes,” she said breathlessly and eagerly. “I would love to go out with you again.”
I felt like doing a happy dance.
“Good. Great. Thanks.”
I hung up, a smile plastered on my face. I started the car and drove home. There was nothing left for me at Winkie’s and I knew it.
I couldn’t help but wonder if this girl was the mythical “The One” that everyone speaks about.
Chapter Eleven
Candy
One Month Later
I couldn’t believe that I could say that I officially had a boyfriend. I had been single for so long, I was starting to think that it would never happen for me.
But, then Elliot came into my life. It had been a month since we had started dating and it had been a blissful month. I had never been so happy in all of my life. The only thing that I could even closely compare it to was the feeling that I felt when I finally started my bakery.
My heart sank as I thought about my business. Even though I had been having a great time dating Elliot, part of me felt guilty about dating him because I felt like I was neglecting the bakery because of it. I guess this was the part of the trade-off between having a dating life and a thriving business.
But, I was still determined to see my business grow. I rode past the building that I had my sights on and saw that it was still available. It was a shame, though, because I still hadn’t found a way to come up with the money that I was shy. That frustrated me. It was like I could see the clear path to my true joy and yet it evaded me.
I had a dinner date with Elliot, so I told myself that I would think more about my bakery and how I could get the building later. For the moment, I would enjoy spending time with Elliot.
He picked me up from my house, opening the door for me like a true gentlemen. I couldn’t help but wonder what I had done to get such a class act.
We went to an Italian restaurant that had the best chicken alfredo and wine pairings. We always got the same thing when we ate there. It was one of our favorite spots.
I guess it was a popular spot for a lot of people because as we were finishing up dinner, I looked on the other side of the dining room and noticed Tammy, my baking rival. She was sitting there with a guy that I noticed had been at the auction.