When Hearts Collide (Complete)

~ Chapter 20 ~

                “Is that a yes?”  Jackie bit her lip and shook her head at the way Tony was being.

                “Tony, why in the world do you keep wanting to date me?”

                “Uh, hello, because you are sexy as f**k!  Any man in their right mind wants to date you.”

                “Fine, fine, I’ll go out with you.  How about lunch tomorrow, because I have to work.”

                “That sounds great!”

                “And if you decided you hate me, I will still force you to come into my bar.  This changes nothing,” she told him.

                “Deal, but I don’t see what’s not to like about you,” Tony said as he tossed a wink her way before he walked back to the table with his friends.  She glanced around, glad that Bobby had left for his break.  She sighed as she wiped down some of the counter.  Jackie wished she had a good reason that she said yes to Tony, but she really didn’t, other than he was quite pushy.  And maybe it was nice to feel wanted.  So, why did she really wish that Bobby didn’t know anything about this?

                Not that he would be all upset, because he was the one who told her to go out.  And would lunch really be a date?  Tony was a good looking guy, she couldn’t fault him that, and she did feel lucky that he was showing her any attention.  But she also found that there wasn’t much depth to the guy which would make anything more very unlikely.

                “Why the face?”  Jackie jumped and spun around, smacking a laughing Bobby with her towel.

                “God, you scared me.”

                “Sorry, you just seemed so lost in thought, why?”

                “I’m, uh, having lunch with Tony tomorrow.”  Bobby nodded, his gaze flicking over to the table where Tony was at.

                “I think it will do you good.”  Okay, that was really the last thing she was expecting, especially given all that they had shared recently.

                “Yeah, why is that?”  Keeping his eyes on the crowd, he walked up behind her and moved her hair to one side.  She shivered from the touch and the breath that fanned both her neck and ear as he leaned in close to whisper to her.        

                “You need the time with the little boy, let him show you how sexy you are, so that when you are ready for the real man, you know just where to look.”  Jackie pulled her lip between her teeth and she heard the soft growl in response to her little biting.

                “Oh, you think you are that?”

                “I might be the same age as the prick, Jackie, but trust me when I say you won’t be left wanting with me and this man, me here, knows how to take care of you.”  ‘Sweet f*****g Jesus,’ her mind screamed at her.  Her nails dug into her palms and she mentally fought with herself.

                “Is that so?”  Her voice was breathless but she was positive he caught it as his hand landed on her hip.

                “Oh that is my guarantee.”  He gave her a squeeze and then walked away, leaving a buzzing in her body that she was sure only Bobby could take care of.

                She knew that she wanted Bobby that was never the question.  She just didn’t know if that was the smart thing to do.  But as she turned and watched him, she knew.  She wanted to go on this date, to show herself that being with someone younger was okay.  And that would give her the clear light to try this….thing with Bobby.

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                Jackie let out a pent up breath as she looked over her wardrobe.  Sure, she had some nice things, but mostly she had shorts and jeans.  Dressing up and dating just weren’t many things she did and her wardrobe reflected that.  And the few dresses she did have were formal and that wouldn’t work for a lunch.  In fact, the place was a newer joint right next to the bar.

                Her eyes roamed over everything again and finally pulled out a nice black skirt and a white tank top style blouse.  She figured with a pair of her lower heels, she would look nice but not to overly dressy.  She nodded as she laid the outfit out and then headed into the shower.

                Somehow, though, she didn’t have the kids as they were still staying at their friends, and she still managed to lose track of time and now she was rushing herself.  And as she let the water rush over her, she couldn’t help but wonder if that was a sign.  Yesterday, when she got ready for work she was taking her time and even did her makeup all nice with the hope of making someone smile.  And yet, here she was, going on a date with a damn good looking man and she couldn’t get the energy to take her time.  What was wrong with her and that picture?

                Two hours later, with her makeup done as nice as she could since she kept fighting with it and her hair up in a classic twist as the curls didn’t want to hold, she walked into the restaurant.  Her eyes scanned the area and she saw him at a table.  With a smile, she walked over and lightly touched his shoulder.

                “I hope you weren’t waiting long,” she told him, walking over to the chair across from him.  His eyes looked over her and then stayed on her legs for far too long.

                “Oh, uh, no, wasn’t long, just a few minutes.  Please sit.”  Jackie pulled out the chair, already hating the fact, that even though he was young, he was no gentleman.

                “Sorry it took so long, finding something to wear was hard.”

                “Why, you look great.  And that skirt highlights enough leg.”

                “Limited wardrobe makes having a lot of choices hard.  So, what’s good?  I haven’t been here before.”

                “Really?  My buddies and I come here a time or two before we hit the bar.”

                “Guess that’s a good way to absorb the alcohol.”  Tony smiled at that.   

                “It is.  You know, I can’t say I’ve ever gone out with someone who had their own business.  You are leaps and bounds above anyone in my past.”

                “Well, I guess when you talk to someone older, usually; they hopefully have a damn good job, or something that they own.”  Tony signaled the waiter over and Jackie bit her lip to keep from saying anything.  And after their order was placed, Jackie gave Tony a smile.  “Why did you really want to go out with me?”

                “Because I like you Jackie.”

                “But you know nothing about me, how can you like me?”

                “I know enough.”  Jackie leaned back, fiddling with her napkin.  “Why did you get a bar?  It’s not normally a female type job.”

                “To piss off my ex husband.”  Jackie watched the show of emotions on his face and almost laughed.  For f***s sake, she was shy of 40; did he think she was only ever single?

                “Is that why you have a limited wardrobe?”

                “No, because my job and my kids take up a lot of my time, so I find no need for nice clothes.”  And that was the nail in the coffin.  Tony’s eyes opened wide and he looked at her in a new light.  And though she was pissed, she also found it funny.

                “You h…have…kids?”

                “Two beautiful…”

                “I don’t care,” he said as he stood.  “I want nothing to do with anyone who has kids.”  Tony turned to walk off but he quickly bumped into a chest.