Time to Time

Morgan was tall, dark, handsome and oozed testosterone. He took charge: ordered her meals when they went out, choose her outfits to accentuate her curves, and planned their dates, which always involved some kind of adventure. Her prior boyfriends, a pilot and racecar driver, were also thrill-seekers but she was sure Morgan was different because he took care of her. He was different. The others broke up with her; he cheated.

“How’s the hunk hunting going,” Jeanine asked at their weekly happy hour.

“As a matter-of-fact, I’ve been messaging a guy and we’re going to meet for coffee,” answered Mira.

“A pirate this time?”

“Ha ha ha. His name’s Dan. We connected on OKCupid,” said Mira, passing her phone to her friend.

“Look at that hair! He could be a romance novel model. What’s his story?”

“He works for Google doing some IT thing, plays sax in a blues band and loves pickleball,” said Mira.

“Not exactly your type, but maybe that’s a good thing,” smiled Jeanine.

“I’m done with jocks, construction workers, bars and country music. I need a change. I think he’ll do nicely,” beamed Mira.

Mira couldn’t decide what to wear. Most of her social wardrobe was tight-fitted and low cut, and her work clothes were too stuffy for a first date. She pulled on Morgan’s favorite pair of jeans because they really did make her butt look great.

A new boho top brought out the gold flecks in her brown eyes and she added chunky jewelry and low-heeled sandals and left the cowboy boots in the closet. Morgan loved her hair down, so she twisted it into a bun, framing her face with a few loose tendrils. She didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror and liked her already.

Dan was waiting at an outdoor table, his long golden locks pulled back in a ponytail.

“Mira. Great to meet you in person. You look lovely,” Dan said, clasping her hand in his smooth, soft hands. Morgan’s hands were rough and calloused.

“Thanks. Great to meet you, too.”

Dan ordered a latte and Mira changed up her usual black coffee with a chai, and they chatted about their likes and dislikes, careers and, eventually, dating history.

“My last relationship lasted two years, but he didn’t want to be exclusive, so we went our separate ways. How about you?” Mira thought that was close enough to the truth.

“I want to get married and have kids someday. She was all about constant thrills, which I enjoy from time to time, but I wanted more. I thought she would change and finally gave up. It took me awhile to get over her. That’s why you appealed to me. You’re completely opposite,” Dan added. “You’re my first date since the breakup.”

“Me, too!” Mira said. “And you are soooo different from my ex.”

“I hope that’s a good thing,” Dan laughed.

“I think it’s a very good thing,” Mira said. And meant it.

Written for the  To Live and Write in Practice  June 2023 “Flash Lit .” We were challenged to write a piece of fiction, non-fiction or poetry of 500 words or less, inspired by a specific prompt (the title), in three days or less. Click the link to join this awesome group of writers and find out how you can participate in future workshops, retreats and challenges, led by a woman of many wonderful words, Bronwyn Emery.