Isaac had Isaac had told Taryn to be ready at 7 o’clock. He had told her the dress code for the evening was “moderately dressy,” so Taryn was glad she had brought a dress with her. She surveyed herself in the mirror. The dress was a long, white cotton tank sheath with a slit up one side. She turned to the side and struck a sexy pose, cracking herself up. Taryn rifled around in her jewelry case and came up with the delicate diamond pendant and earrings that had been a college graduation gift from her father, who had been dead for a little more than five years.
She put the jewelry on and brushed out her smooth, coppery hair. She perused the shoe selection she had brought with her and decided on a pair of strappy silver sandals. Taryn decided the outfit needed a little color, so she tied a colorful Aztec-print scarf into her hair. She put on a little face powder and a tiny bit of lip-gloss. She smiled at her reflection. It was then that there was a knock on the door. “Show time, girlfriend,” she said to herself in the mirror. Taryn swung the hotel room door open. To her surprise, it wasn’t Isaac standing on the other side, but a man in a chauffeur’s uniform. “Good evening, Miss Mathews,” the man said. “Mr. Hanson is waiting downstairs and he asked that I escort you there.” Taryn resisted the urge to crack up. He was nuts. This was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for her, but it bordered on corny. “Okay, Jeeves,” she said. Taryn picked up her light, white fleece jacket and draped it over her arm. “Let’s blow this joint.” Taryn followed the chauffeur downstairs, and found Isaac leaning on the back door of a long black limousine parked outside. He was wearing black khakis, a white t-shirt and a black sport jacket. His long hair fell in curls on his shoulders. Taryn caught her breath. He was beautiful. Isaac snapped to attention when he saw Taryn in the hotel doorway. He met her halfway and greeted her with a hug. “Hi,” he said nervously. “You look beautiful.” “So do you,” Taryn replied. “Could you explain to me why we have a child together and I feel like you’re my date to the junior prom?” Isaac asked. Taryn chuckled. “No,” she said. “I can’t. I was hoping you’d be able to explain why I felt like that.” Isaac offered Taryn his arm and led her to the limousine. The chauffeur opened the door for them and they slid inside. “Good God, Isaac,” Taryn said as she surveyed the crushed velvet seats, television, monster stereo system and wet bar the limo contained. “I’ve lived in apartments that weren’t this nice.” Isaac smiled. “Well, this is only the beginning,” he said. “Do you like French food?” Taryn raised her eyebrows. “Honestly?” Isaac’s heart fell. She hated it. “Of course,” he said. Taryn grinned. “I’ve never had it.” Isaac smiled in relief. “Me either,” he said. “But I thought classy guys always took their dates to French restaurants.” Isaac and Taryn looked at each other.
“Waiter, there are snails on her plate!” they said in unison, quoting the line from the Steve Martin movie “The Jerk.” They both cracked up. “I guess we’ll get to try it out together,” Isaac said. Isaac produced a bottle of sparkling cider from an ice bucket. “I hope this is okay,” he said. “I’m still underage and all.” Taryn grinned. “It’s perfect,” she said. Isaac popped the cork and poured two glassed of cider. He handed one to Taryn. “Here’s to recapturing the magic,” he said hopefully. Taryn clinked her glass to Isaac’s. “I’ll drink to that,” she said.
taken Clara and Iris back to the Hanson’s house with him. His parents were more than happy to offer their babysitting services for the girls for the evening.
