The Circle of Friends

II - Life Renewed-3

“Come on!” he said, grabbing her by the hand.

When Maria realized his intentions, she began to protest. “James, I am way too big for the swings!”

He released her hand and held out a swing. “Too old, maybe,” he said with a grin. “But you are definitely not too big!”

Feeling silly and self-conscious, Maria gingerly took a seat. She grabbed the chains and James pulled back the swing. Her feet dangled above the ground as she was suspended in mid-air for a moment. He released the swing and began pushing her back and forth. The wind pulled her hair away from her face as she flew through the air and the sensation was exhilarating. Maria began to laugh. Allowing James to push her on the swings was ridiculous, but she was enjoying the moment.

He gradually allowed the swing to lose momentum and brought it to a halt. Maria jumped out of the swing and turned to face him.

“Shall I push you now?” she said.

James eyed the swings dubiously. “Naw, I’m definitely too big!”

Growing up in Orlando, Maria knew he’d been on better rides than a playground swing. “Did you go to Disney World a lot when you were a kid?” she said as they returned to the trail.

James shook his head and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Couldn’t afford to. But I have been to all of the parks at least once. Derrick and I had season passes to Universal one year, but after about the fifth time, it got kinda boring.”

Maria nodded. “We used to go up to Carowinds and the water park in Charlotte every year.”

“You and Lori?”

“And Sarah,” she said, peering up at him. “You remember her from the wedding? She was Lori’s maid of honor.”

“Yeah, I think I do,” he said, trying to recall Lori’s other friend. “Didn’t she end up dancing with the Best Man all night?”

Maria chuckled. “Yes, she did. In fact, she’s still going out with Jason’s friend.”

James grinned at her. “I guess Lori has a way of bringing people together, doesn’t she?”

“Yeah, she does.”

Maria’s smile was warm and she gazed at him with affectionate. Pulling his hand out of his pocket, James reached for her hand. She wrapped her fingers around his, their petite size dwarfed in his hand.

More relaxed, Maria was now quite talkative and lively. James realized she possessed the same gentle nature as Lori. While less outgoing than her friend, Maria’s attitude was no less genuine and honest. Her dark eyes and hair, coupled with a gorgeous skin tone, gave her an almost mysterious appearance. James felt quite attracted to her and judging from Maria’s expression, the feeling was mutual.

After a walk through the park, they discovered a coffee shop near campus. James purchased drinks, and they settled on an oversized couch. A stack of games sat in one corner and they challenged one another to several card games. Maria now felt at ease around James and thoroughly enjoyed herself. After dating a girl who just wanted to party all the time, James found Lori’s friend to be a refreshing change of pace. An unusual first date to be sure, but he was pleased with the day’s developments.

He returned Maria to the dorms around dinnertime. After six hours of one another’s company, James didn’t want to overwhelm her. He escorted her inside the building and up the stairs to her dorm room. When they reached her door, Maria turned and gave him a warm smile.

“I had a great time today, James,” she said with all sincerity. “Thank you very much.”

“Yeah, I had a good time, too,” he said, taking her hand. “Listen, I’d really like to come see you again, if that’s okay with you?”

Maria breathed a sigh of relief. She had feared there might not be a second date. “Yes, I’d like that,” she told him.

James returned her smile with enthusiasm and leaned forward to kiss Maria. She hesitated for only a moment before meeting his lips. James’s other hand moved to her cheek as he continued to kiss her, and it was with great reluctance that he pulled away. He gave her a tender smile, pleased with Maria’s response and the expression on her face.

“You are very sweet,” he said. James gave her another kiss before releasing her hand.

“I’ll call you, okay?” he said, taking a step toward the stairwell.

Maria opened her door, giving James one last smile before entering. Once inside, she took a deep breath and leaned against the door. Her heart beat against her chest, still aflutter after their parting kiss. Maria sighed and closed her eyes. Today had been amazing!

The bathroom door flew open and Maria jumped. Brenda let out a startled cry as she almost ran into her roommate.

“I didn’t hear you come in!” she exclaimed, clutching at her chest. “What are you doing back so soon?”

“I was out all afternoon,” Maria replied.

Her roommate grinned. “So, how did it go?”

Maria smiled, ducking her head. Brenda gave a joyful cry and grabbed her hands.

“Okay, you gotta tell me everything!” she said, pulling Maria to her bed.

They dropped onto the covers and Maria laughed at her friend’s enthusiasm. She regarded Brenda thoughtfully before replying.

“It was wonderful,” she breathed, setting her purse on the floor. “We went out to eat and to the park and to a coffee shop …”

“Did he kiss you?” Brenda interrupted.

Maria met her eyes and grinned like a fool. “Yes,” she admitted.

Her roommate wouldn’t release her until she’d heard every last detail. Maria described James, from his shaggy, black hair to his sporty muscle car. She tried to recall every detail, implanting the memory deeper into her mind. Brenda even enticed Maria to admit that she found James incredibly cute and could not wait see him again.

James called her several times that week and they talked for two hours on Valentine’s Day. He apologized that he couldn’t come to Tallahassee and take her out for the evening. Maria seemed quite happy with his phone call, though. Considering how he’d spent the holiday last year, alone in front of his computer all night, it was a definite improvement.

The swim team had a meet out of state Friday night and he called her the moment the competition concluded. After recounting Lori’s spectacular victories, James asked if she wanted to go dancing Saturday night.

“Dancing?” Maria gasped in surprise.

“Yeah. You like to dance, don’t you?”

“Well, I…” she began helplessly. Her sole previous experience had been at Lori’s wedding and she had allowed Jason to lead. “I’m not very good,” Maria admitted.

“I’ll help you out. It’s not hard!” assured James. “You just find us a cool place to go, okay?”

“I can do that!” said Maria. She felt confident Brenda would know of a really good club.

“Great! I’ll pick you up at six on Saturday then,” he said.

“Okay. Bye, James.”

“Bye, Sweetie!”

He turned off his phone and glanced around the empty bus. The athletes were still inside and no one else had returned. James sighed with relief. Drew had already teased him for Maria’s pet name and he didn’t need anyone else harassing him. Maria was a very sweet girl and the phrase had stuck in his mind. She was a proper young lady in all respects and James would have to proceed unhurried with Maria. So far, things were working out great.

“Well, I’m doing much better this semester, Mom,” Maria said, adjusting her hold on the receiver.

“That’s good, Maria. You just keep applying yourself. A high GPA is important.”

Glancing at the clock, Maria realized James would be arriving soon to take her dancing. It was only their second date and she didn’t want to keep him waiting.

“Mom, I hate to cut this short, but I gotta go,” she said, hoping to forestall any more questions.

“Going out with a friend tonight?” her mother said.

“Yes, a friend of Lori’s actually.”

“What’s her name? Do I know her?”

Maria winced. “Um, his name is James. He attended Lori’s wedding.”

There was a moment’s silence. “Oh?” her mother said in a voice filled with skepticism. “Is he taking you out on a date?”

“Yes, he is,” Maria answered, “and he should be here any minute, so I really need to get ready.”

“Well, I expect to hear more about this James next time we talk, young lady.”

“You will,” Maria promised. “Love you, Mom. Bye.”

Maria tossed her cell phone on the bed and dashed into the bathroom. Her mother’s phone call left her with fifteen minutes to prepare. Fortunately, she had already selected her attire for the evening and put on her clothes. Maria fixed her hair in the mirror, her thoughts returning to her mother. Beth Davis would have a million questions for her daughter next time they spoke. Hopefully Maria’s answers would pacify her overly protective mother.

She had just slipped on her shoes when her phone beeped. Snatching it from the bed, Maria smiled at the number.

“Hi!” she said, still trying to adjust her socks.

“Hey, Sweetie,” said James. “Sorry if I’m a little early.”

“I’m almost ready. I’ll be right down!”

She heard a chuckle from James before he hung up the phone. Grabbing her keys, wallet and phone, Maria stuffed everything in her jacket pocket. She threw open the door and jumped when she discovered James standing in the hallway. He smiled and held up a single red rose.

“This is for not spending Valentine’s Day with you,” he apologized.

“Oh, James, that is so sweet!” Maria exclaimed, accepting the flower. She held it up to her nose and breathed in the rose’s delicate scent. Maria had always dreamed of someone bringing her flowers.

“I wish I could’ve gotten you a dozen,” he lamented.

Maria’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, but this is absolutely wonderful!”

“Well, you deserve a dozen.”

“James,” she said, c*****g her head. “This means more because I know the thought and effort that went into this single rose. Thank you so much.”

He grinned and Maria returned his smile. He bent to kiss her, his hand touching her shoulder, and this time Maria leaned forward. Her reaction obviously pleased him, for James’s hand moved to her face, his thumb caressing her cheek. When they parted, Maria noted joyful satisfaction in his expression.

“Let me put this in some water,” she said, stepping into the bathroom.

She located an empty glass and filled it with tap water. Maria set the rose on her nightstand where she was sure her roommate would notice the flower. Brenda would certainly have something to say about a guy who brought her as rose on their second date!

James took her out to dinner, hoping to avoid appearing cheap with his casual restaurant selection. He soon realized that all concerns regarding overspending on a meal for Maria could be put to rest. As evidenced by her petite figure, she was a dainty eater. He knew better than to ask, but James doubted she even weighed a hundred pounds. Lifting her with just one hand would not be challenging. He hoped she wasn’t as delicate as her size suggested.

Maria chatted during dinner, but once they reached the club, she became very quiet. She scanned the crowd, her eyes wide as she absorbed all the sights and sounds. James noticed her nervous expression and wondered if she’d ever visited a dance club. Fortunately, Maria had selected an underage club that played a good variety of music and he decided to get her out onto the floor as quickly as possible.

He waited for a slow song before enticing her to dance, though. Her uncertainty and apprehension was evident in her stiff posture and wide eyes. After a moment, Maria became comfortable with the situation and let James lead. He enjoyed his first opportunity to hold her close and maintained a smug smile as they danced. Maria required some prodding, but he managed to entice her out again for a song with a much faster beat. He coached his shy date, quite willing to guide her with his hands. Every time they stepped onto the dance floor, Maria became just a little bolder. James continued to encourage and praise her efforts. By the end of the evening, she was laughing and having a great time.

With reluctance, James returned Maria to the dorms at eleven o’clock. As he navigated the campus, he apologized for not staying longer.

“You’ve still got to drive all the way back to Gainesville,” she exclaimed. “Be careful, James.”

“I will,” he replied, reaching for her hand. “Did you have fun tonight?”

“Yes, I did!” Maria answered.

She still felt daring for patronizing a club tonight. Doubtful her parents would approve of her evening’s activities, but their opinion no longer concerned Maria. After listening to Lori and Sarah’s escapades, she felt thrilled to experience an adventure of her own. Her sheltered life provided few opportunities for boldness.

“Are you going to be at the swim finals next week?” he said, breaking into her thoughts.

“No, I only go to the home meets,” she said, shaking her head. Maria refrained from explaining why, though. Her parents felt she needed to focus on her studies and forbade their daughter from traveling or missing classes. She still resented them for placing such strict conditions and limits on her photography.

“Oh, I won’t get to see you next week then!” James protested. “I doubt we’ll get back in time next weekend for me to come up and see you, either.”

“I’m sorry. I appreciate you coming to see me tonight, though. I know it’s a long drive.”

James smiled and squeezed her hand. “It’s not that far. Besides, you’re worth the distance!”

He walked Maria to her room, and their goodnight kiss was a little more intense this time. Encouraged by her eagerness, James found it difficult to relinquish his hold. He finally released Maria to the safety of her dorm room, her beautiful face occupying his thoughts as he returned to his Camaro. James’s spirits rose whenever in Maria’s company and he temporarily forgot his troubles

It would be a long two weeks before he enjoyed her presence again.