The Dating Plan Disaster - Chapter 1

Julie’s Proposal

“I want you to set me up with some of your friends,” Julie said with a laugh, showing her excitement in the idea.
“Sorry, what?” Allen lowered his fork to his ivy patterned dinner plate, the piece of beef he was about to eat still on its tines. He hadn’t been paying too close attention to what Julie was saying and so wasn’t sure where this conversation was going. But he had a bad feeling about it.
Julie laughed again. “It came to me when I was watching the Discovery Channel last night.” She reached across the table at her apartment where they were having dinner and ladled more mashed potatoes onto her plate. She took a few bites before continuing. Allen just stared at her with his elbows on the table, fork and food forgotten.
“I’ve been out of school for over a year and I’m happy at work. It’s time I get serious and think about marriage.”
“And how do I fit into this?” His heart was squeezing in the most unusual way and his stomach was doing flip flops. Had she noticed? Could it be she felt the same way?
“I want you to set me up with your friends. Don’t worry,” she said when she saw him frown, “I’ll set you up with some of my friends too. Then we can talk about our dates! Won’t that be fun? It’ll be just like when we were in high school.”
Allen’s mouth went dry. Yes, he remembered those times, and fun times they were. Of course, he hadn’t been in love with Julie in high school, had never even considered her a woman, despite the evidence. He looked her over. Her hair was long and so black it looked almost blue in the right light. Right now it was pulled back into a ponytail. She was wearing a dark green v-neck sweater that set off her blue eyes. He knew she considered herself a little overweight, but from his point of view she filled out her clothes beautifully. Besides, what man doesn’t like some curves on a woman? And boy, did she have curves. Her breasts might not be firm (he hadn’t gotten close enough to check) but he imagined they were soft and…
He was staring. With an effort he pulled his eyes away from her. Yes, she was definitely a woman, something he’d been having trouble forgetting this past year, since he first realized she was the perfect woman for him. He’d hoped Julie would come to the same conclusion over time. It looked like she hadn’t made that connection yet.
What to do?
“Hello,” she was waving her hand in front of his face. “Earth to Allen. Are you there?” When she had his attention she put her hand down. “Look, if you don’t want to help me I’ll ask someone else.” She finished her potatoes. “Are you done?” She asked. When he nodded she got up to clear the table. “I just thought, you know, since you have a lot more male friends than anyone else I know, you wouldn’t mind.”
Allen had to think fast. If he let her ask someone else to set her up with dates she might find someone she liked. Someone she like more than she liked Allen. He remembered why he’d broken up with his last girlfriend and shuddered. No, he didn’t want to see Julie have to make that choice. Especially since he didn’t know for sure which answer she’d give.
He sat back as she took his plate and disappeared into the kitchen. When she came back he had his answer. He’d have to think it through more fully, but he figured he could come up with something that would work in his favour. “It’s no problem. I’m not sure you’ll like my friends, but if you want I’ll set you up with some of them.” He paused, watching her. “What did you have in mind?”
She sat back down, enthusiasm oozing out of her. “I thought you’d have some ideas. You’ve had a lot more dating experience than I have.” Her dating past consisted of a few short term boyfriends in high school and one in university. After that she’d been too busy studying and working to worry about dating. Now though, her life was where she wanted it to be. The only thing she was lacking was someone to share it with.
“Alright, let me think about it for a few days. I’m sure together we can work out an arrangement that will achieve what you’re looking for.”
He looked at his watch. “I should get going.”
“What? So soon?”
“Yeah, I’ve got a paper for my violence in the middle ages class to write and a few more essays from the class I’m TAing to mark.”
“Oh.” Her face fell. Obviously she’d hoped they could talk about her idea more thoroughly. Allen needed to think this idea through properly before he could discuss it with her. There had to be a way to turn this to his advantage. There just had to be.
He picked up his coat from the back of the couch where he’d thrown it and slipped it on. “So, I’ll see you on Thursday?”
“Yes, unless something comes up.” They both knew nothing would and that their regular movie night was safe. “See you then.”
As Allen pulled the door shut and walked down the hall to the elevator he wondered about Julie’s scheme. Why would she suddenly be so anxious to get married? And why pick a time when he wasn’t ready to settle down? He liked being single. He liked his life. He liked his current relationship with Julie. He knew she was the right woman for him but wanted to keep things just as they were. Why ruin a good thing?
Allen knew he was afraid of commitment. His mother had walked out on his dad when he was eight and he’d never fully recovered from that loss. Deep down he wondered if he’d done something to chase her away. And he wondered if one day he’d do something to chase his own wife away. The idea terrified him. So he avoided thinking about it and got on with living unaware how deeply it permeated every date and every relationship he’d ever had.
More than anything Allen was afraid of losing Julie. He’d already given up a girlfriend for her. Because he knew they were perfect for each other. But he still couldn’t bring himself to ask her out. What if she said no? What if she didn’t feel the same way? What if he lost her completely? He simply couldn’t risk that. So he kept the status quo. Kept things light between them. Friendly and happy. That’s the way they should be.
And now this. Julie was going to change everything.
What could he do?
He was surprised to find himself a block and a half away from her apartment building, walking purposefully and mechanically up the path to his own, more run down place. While they both lived in the Annex, one of the nicer neighbourhoods in downtown Toronto, the apartments still ranged from ritzy to slummy with everything in between. And looking at the faux hotel look of his building, with the cracked cement steps, he knew which side his apartment stood on. He turned his mind back to Julie. He had to think of something and it had to be good.
When he got upstairs and locked his door he threw his coat on the back of the second chair he owned as he took a seat in the first. He took a quick look around. No wonder they always met at Julie’s. With a real job she could afford proper furnishings and an apartment with more room than a broom closet. One corner of his room was the kitchen (with a hot plate, microwave, sink and bar fridge) and the only other door led to the bathroom. He could fit his entire apartment in Julie’s living room. And then she had a separate kitchen and bedroom to boot. And she had a balcony… With a view. Of something nicer than the back of the building next door.
The second chair was mainly for her, when she did come, so she wouldn’t have to sit on the floor, or stand. She conscientiously avoided sitting on his bed, which was the only other seat his bachelor provided. His TV set was also smaller than hers. And didn’t have cable.
Two of the walls were white, the other two were green with blue trim around the door and the single viewless window. Not that he’d painted it that way. As far as he could tell the superintendent had stopped mid job once he’d rented the place and Allen couldn’t be bothered to finish it. After all, he would only be he living here for a year or so. Well, it had been two so far but still, who cared about walls? He’d put a few posters up to cover the wall by his bed but beyond that and his prized broadsword (bought at the Milton Renaissance Fair before it closed down) there was no real decoration at all.
Why would she want me? He thought, looking around in despair at the mess of clothes and dishes piled everywhere. I’m a slob, I’ve got a lousy apartment, I’m doing a degree that’s almost guaranteed to not get me a job. He sighed and slid further down the chair so that he was slouching. I’ve got nothing to offer her. And why now of all possible time? Exams are only a few weeks away and my Latin still needs a lot of work before I take the test. I’ve got so much work to do as it is. How am I going to find time to set her up on dates? And then convince her not to see them again?
He sat that way for a while, trying to think of a way to keep Julie from meeting someone better than him. Despite his momentary pessimism, he knew they were perfect for each other.
They liked the same movies. They always had fun together. They could talk about anything, as this situation clearly showed. They never fought. They respected each other. They trusted each other. Wasn’t love the next logical step?
There had to be a way.
He stood up in a rush and turned his CD player on. The music that came out was loud and lively. Allen took a deep breath and started cleaning. If I want to win her than I have to prove that I can be the man she wants. As he cleaned he let his mind wander, solving the problem on its own.
An hour later his apartment looked much better and he was feeling good again. He’d had an idea.
First off, I know I’m the best person for her. So, to deal with my issues first. I’m afraid she’ll leave me if we do get together so how do I overcome that? I have to let her date. There’s nothing else for it. If she dates a couple of guys she’ll get some experience so she won’t feel later on that she missed out on something and regret not doing it. She won’t feel that she settled for me and there might be someone better for her if she leaves me and keeps looking. She’ll also gain some self-confidence and know that I’m not settling for her either, that we really do suit each other.
Two, I have to make sure that she’s not really interested in the guys she dates or I might just be throwing my chance out the window. So, set her up with decent guys that are completely wrong for her and then… then talk to her afterwards and let her see how wrong they are! While at the same time deepening our relationship by bringing it back to that level of intimacy we shared in high school! It’s perfect. She gets to meet other guys and I get to spend a lot more time with her. Time that I can use to show her I’m ‘the one’.
Allen smiled. What could possibly go wrong with a plan like that?
He sat down at his desk and started marking the rest of the essays he had to return at class the next day.

* * *

Julie just managed to get to work on time the next day. She’d spent the evening, after Allen left, thinking of the type of men he would set her up with. She’d been excited ever since she got the idea to have him set her up with his friends. Surely there was someone he knew that she’d be able to connect with. Though her alarm rang and rang this morning she kept sleeping. Finally, with less than twenty minutes to prepare, she woke up.
Brenda accosted her right at the door. “You wouldn’t believe my weekend. I swear, you could have found me Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn.”
Julie brushed past her, thinking more of the many duties she had to perform before the library could open than what her co-worker was saying.
“Well? Do you know?”
“Know what?”
Brenda sighed. “The author.”
“Sorry, you’ll have to give me the clue again. When-” she paused, stopping Brenda from saying it now, “we’ve got the place open.”
Brenda shrugged. “You’re not going to get this one. I can wait.”
They joined their co-workers in opening the branch. Julie retrieved the books dropped off during the night, finding, in addition to the books, an apple core and a set of keys. She shook her head, wondering what was wrong with people. There was a garbage can across the street for crying out loud. The keys had no identifying features, so while she put them in the lost and found she doubted anyone would come and claim them.
Meanwhile, Brenda turned on the computers and set up the check out desk. They could already see people waiting outside for the library to open. When they were done Julie sat down at the info desk.
“Now, what was that clue?” Julie asked as Brenda walked by.
“Do you want the whole sentence again or just the title?”
“I think just the title will do.”
“Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn.”
Julie put the end of her pen in her mouth, thinking through the mirad titles she knew, trying to match it with the author. She shook her head. “I’ll need some time for this one.”
“Remember, no looking it up.”
“I know the rules,” Julie said, a little annoyed at the reminder. “Don’t worry. I won’t cheat.”
“You’re never gonna get it,” Brenda chanted as she noticed a patron waiting at the check out desk. Brenda was a slim woman whose chocolate brown skin made Julie jealous in the summer, when she inevitably burned rather than tanned. Brenda was also happily married to a white accountant. Their love of books had made them instant friends, getting together outside of work to discuss life, books and anything that took their fancy.
An hour later Julie had to admit defeat. “Alright. Who’s it by?”
Brenda punched the air in triumph. “I knew that would stump you. I’m up six titles this month. Looks like you’ll be buying me lunch this time.”
“You’re just getting lucky. Month’s not over yet. Besides, you bought the last three months. So who’s the author?”
“Kris Radish.”
“Kris Radish.” She shook her head. “Doesn’t ring a bell. What kind of book is it?”
“Chick lit.”
“Ah, that explains it.”
Brenda laughed. “It would, yes. You should try one. They’re not that bad.”
Julie laughed as well. “I think I’ll pass. But thanks for the info. I guess I know what books I should be looking at if I want to beat you.”
“You’re not going to this month. I’ve got a whole bunch of titles you’re never gonna guess.”
“We’ll see.”
“Any new developments on the dating front?”
“Possibly. I’ve asked Allen to set me up.”
Brenda laughed. “You’re joking!” She continued when she saw that Julie was not, in fact, pulling her leg. “You’re getting a guy to find you a husband?”
“Allen’s trustworthy. He’ll pick out someone decent for me.”
Brenda shook her head. “You’re crazy. No guy is a good judge of other guys. Just look at what they consider each others ‘good points’: sex appeal, ability to burp a sentence, drinking capacity-”
“Oh come on. Men aren’t all animals. Look at Matt. You can’t tell me you didn’t pick a winner.”
“Yes, but I picked Matt. I didn’t ask other guys to choose someone for me. I think you’re setting yourself up for a major disappointment. The only person you can rely on when it comes to choosing a husband is yourself. Don’t let anyone else pressure you one way or another or you’ll never be happy.”
“Thanks mom.”
“Hey, I’ve been there. I know what the dating game is like.” She shuddered. “It’s hell. Pure hell. I’m glad I’m not there anymore.”
“Besides, it’s not like an arranged marriage or anything. It’s just dates to see if we click. Allen agreed to help me but I have to admit,” she said, thinking it over, “he didn’t look too enthusiastic about it,” Julie said, her euphoria vanishing as the pondered whether this plan was such a good idea after all.
“Show’s he’s got more sense than you do. He’s probably thinking of all the problems this will cause. Wow, would you look at that line!” Brenda said, and left to help patrons at the sign out desk before Julie could respond.
Julie scowled after her shaking off her uneasiness. Problems this could cause? Like what? Making me happy? Make one of Allen’s friends happy too? How are those problems? As far as she could see the worst case scenario was that there wasn’t any mutual attraction with any of Allen’s friends and she’d have to come up with a different means of meeting guys. And she was willing to risk that. She dismissed Brenda’s pessimism and turned her mind back to the task at hand, going through the list of books to withdraw and sell. Some were read so often they would need to order replacement copies. Others were sold or simply scrapped.
The next time she looked at her clock it was time to take her shift at the information desk. She did that for 2 hours and then helped at check out. She had her preschool kids in for reading time, using some of her pent up excitement about her plan to give the story an extra kick. The day passed slowly, her mind not on her work. She was too hyper to sit still. The normal annoyances of work failed to bother her. The kids who ‘whispered’ to each other in shouts, the teens who insisted that iced tea wasn’t ‘food’ and should therefore be allowed and the adults who neglected to turn off their pagers and cell phones didn’t cause her to bat an eye. She was going to find her future husband. Finally her shift ended and she was able to leave and contemplate her plans.

Bad Blogger!

Looks like I haven't posted here in several months. Oops. In my defense I've been busy planning a wedding (mine) and had to get all the preliminary work done fast. Now I've got a bit of breathing room.

So...

For months I thought I'd post chapters from my chick lit. I know, I know. I'm a SciFi nerd and fantasy freak. Why did I write a chick lit? I can't tell you either. I didn't want to write it. I purposefully tried to get all the chick lit ideas out of my head so I could go back to my nice respectable fantasy but it just wouldn't let go. I like my chick lit - though I've rethought a few things and will probably be editing it sometime in the next few months (ah for more time in the day).

To keep things simple I'll post the chapter in a new post. While I've had several working titles, the one I like the most is:

Dating Plan Desaster

Enjoy.