Promise Me

Finding real love is like finding a hundred dollar bill in a Kmart parking lot—and about as likely.

Beth Cardall’s Diary

The next morning at work Roxanne was as wired as a hummingbird on caffeine. “How was it? Jan said you said it was perfect. Tell me everything. Full report.”

A content smile crossed my face. “He was wonderful.”

“What did you do with Mr. Wonderful?”

“He took me to my favorite restaurant. We talked. We laughed a lot. He is very sweet and funny and very romantic.”

“Girl, I told you so, didn’t I?”

“And he’s Italian.”

“Grand slam.”

“There was only one thing I didn’t like about the date.”

“He mentioned an old girlfriend,” Roxanne said. “He wore white socks.”

“What? White socks? No, the only thing I didn’t like is that he didn’t kiss me. Maybe he saw me up close and changed his mind about me.”

“Honey, stop that. You know you’re gorgeous. And after how hard you tried to scare him off, he was probably just being careful. Or being a gentleman. And heaven knows we could use a few more of those.”

“Well, he’s coming over Sunday night to make fried rice.”

Roxanne nodded contently. “And he cooks. You were right, it may be too good to be true. So let’s get down to bare knuckles. How many times has he been married, and is he gainfully employed?”

“He was married, once, and he was employed. He’s between jobs right now.”

Roxanne grimaced. “Oh, not good.”

“About which.”

“Divorced I can handle, but the ‘between jobs’ thing sounds a little dodgy.”

“I think it’s okay. He’s financially stable, evident from the new BMW he was driving. He used to be a financial advisor, but he’s looking for something more meaningful.”

“Money and conscience. So tell me this—he’s Italian, gorgeous, nice, financially stable and can cook. What woman in her right mind would leave him?”

“His wife died of cancer.”

She looked strangely happy to hear this. “Oh.”

“I saw this very beautiful side of him. He was still mourning her.”

“Two broken hearts who still believe in the promise of love. Beth, this is a gift from heaven, he could be your soul mate.”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but do you think it’s too soon to be falling in love?”

“When did you know you wanted to marry Marc?”

“Second date.”

She nodded. “You know when you’re out shopping and you find that pair of red high heels that practically kicks you from the shelf?”

I laughed. “You’re comparing guys with shoes?”

“Well, I know it’s not fair to the shoes, but it’s essentially the same thing. When you know, you know.”

“You’re a nut.”

“That’s why you love me. So he’s coming over tomorrow night?”

I smiled at the thought of it. “Tomorrow night.”

“And you’re not worried about Charlotte being there?”

“I should be, but I’m not. He’s even cooking something that Charlotte can eat.”

“I am so pleased for you. You discovered what’s wrong with Charlotte, you found a nice, financially secure guy you like being with—I’d say things are finally looking up.”

I nodded happily. “It feels like it. You think my luck has finally changed?”

“Yes. And it’s about time, I say.”

“I hope,” I said. “I hope.”