As she did “So you finally did it,” Lindsey said, as she and Taryn made their way down the salad bar. “I didn’t figure you two would be able to keep your hands to yourselves for an entire weekend.” Taryn picked through several cherry tomatoes and finally selected two she thought looked good. “Man, I’ll tell you, I really remembered what I was missing,” she said. “It’s amazing what a year-long dry spell will do for your libido.” Lindsey sprinkled sunflower seeds liberally over her salad. “So where do you go from here?” she asked. Taryn and Lindsey grabbed napkins and sat down at a table. “I’m not sure,” Taryn said. “He said he wasn’t ready to make any serious commitments right now, and I guess I have to respect that even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear.” Lindsey speared a large cucumber slice. “I’d never pretend to know Isaac as well as you do, but I just don’t think he could sleep with you just for the sake of doing it,” she said. “When he was at my house to pick Clara up that time, it was obvious how much he still loves you. You should have seen him when he spotted that picture of the two of you that hangs in the living room. I thought he was going to break down and cry.” “I know you’re lying,” Taryn said. Lindsey shook her head. “I swear,” she said. Lindsey paused and cocked her head thoughtfully. “He’s a Scorpio, isn’t he?” Taryn nodded. “Yep,” she said. “Same birthday as Clara, remember?” Lindsey nodded. “Classic,” she said. “Scorpios can hold grudges for years.” Taryn frowned at Lindsey. “Thank you,” she said. “That’s very encouraging.” “He must have a real gentle moon sign or rising planets,” Lindsey decided. “I don’t think he’s as harsh as the typical Scorp.” Taryn took a long swallow of iced tea. “I just need to get him to trust me again,” she said. “I have no idea how to do that. I can’t believe I messed up so badly. I am constantly amazed at my own stupidity.” “He sure loves that baby,” Lindsey remarked. “And Iris, too. I know men twice his age who’d never own up to their own parental responsibilities, let alone someone else’s.” Taryn gave Lindsey a sideways look. “You’re making me feel so much better,” she said. Lindsey smiled. “I call a spade a spade,” she said. “You had a good thing and you fucked it up. But I don’t believe it’s too late to fix it.” Taryn popped a crouton into her mouth. “What do you suggest?” she asked. “I’m not sure specifically,” Lindsey admitted. “Besides, I don’t have a nickel in this one. You’re a smart girl. You’ll figure something out.” Taryn sighed. “I hope so,” she said. “I’m sick of dating and of looking for Mr. Right when I know exactly where he is.” Lindsey smiled. “He wants to be with you,” she said. “He’s just scared. He put his heart in your hands once before. He’s been hurt, and you have to be willing to give him his space. The one thing you don’t want to do is push him, Taryn. And let’s face it, you’re not the most patient person that ever lived.” Taryn nodded. “I know,” she said. “I’ve been trying to be really good about keeping a safe distance. It wasn’t me who initiated our little interlude, after all. I may have wanted to jump him the entire time he was there, but I was in my bedroom minding my own business before it happened. He came to me.” Lindsey grinned. “That’s a good sign,” she admitted. “Man, I wish I were a few years younger and single … I’d like a crack at either one of the younger ones. Guys were never that hot when we were in school, I don’t care what anyone says. I swear, I thought when that middle one whipped off his shirt at the pool I was going to pass out. Where do kids today get these bodies?” Taryn giggled. “You’re a dirty old woman, Lindsey, and I’ll be surprised if you don’t end up in jail.” Lindsey feigned pouting. “It’s not my fault you nabbed the only of age Hanson.” Taryn sighed. “I nabbed him alright,” she said sadly. “Then I screwed up, and now I have to figure out a way to get him back. And I will. If it’s the last thing I do.”
every Monday, Lindsey met Taryn for lunch at the Millenium Woman commissary.
