The Love Game

CH.5The Invite

Chapter 5 The Invite

Rachel P.O.V.

It’s been two years since the accident. We have all manage to find our ways of coping with the grief. My oldest found her strength in playing soccer. She was a rough defender. She was fierce, fast, and let nothing get in her way. Bella went the artistic route. She enjoyed ballet and art classes. The had her on little art inspiration corner in her room. She created these beautiful landscapes and floral paintings that just made you escape and drift into the canvas. Bella took it the hardest, we had to send her to a few weeks of counseling. But she is improving and she is smiling more and more each passing day. Matt was active in karate and little league baseball. He found enjoyment in building. I sent him to a Lego Jr. engineering class and since then he has been creating new gadgets with whatever he could find. On top of all that extracurricular activity all three kids were able to do very well in school too. I was a proud mom, I admired they perseverance and strength. They never stop being caring and kind. If Jonny could see how they have grown I’m sure he’d be smiling.

I, on the other hand, felt hollow. I have gone to see a counselor once only to barge out because I just couldn’t talk without my chest physically hurting. I knew the only thing that would help control of my emotions and the pain in my heart was intensely working out. Control the amount of pain on my body, work myself until I come numb. That was my only release. Everyday pushing my body to its limits. Two hours everyday, whether it was at home or in the gym. I found the time to work out. Even convinced Cat to join me in some marathon. Yet I still managed to hold myself together to go back to work, stay active in the PTA/ Mom groups, and be the mom my kinds needed me to be. Honestly, not closing myself off completely was nice. I had so much support from my friends and community. My kids where so well taken care of. The sports moms would carpool most of the kids to practice, home, and games. Cat and Conner always was willing to share pick-up duty since Leah goes to the same school and attended similar activities as the kids. No matter how broken I was on the inside, I knew how blessed I was for this much support.

It wasn’t until last year that Cat and Conner started taking me out to different bars on a weekly basis. At first it started out as ‘social get together with coworkers’ but I knew that they were hoping that I might mingle and meet a guy. Ian merged into our group and every week he would try to introduce new guys to play whatever game they had at the bar at the time. These sneaky bastards. But I wasn’t falling for anything. I tried to incorporate Nate into the group, but the three didn’t really like him. Something about giving off the wrong vibe. No matter, Nate and I had been hanging out more and started to a routine of bi-weekly coffee breaks. Life my not be whole right now, but we are all breathing and smiling again and that’s all I can ask for.

My cell starts ringing as I put my knee high black boots on over my dark denim skinny jeans. “We’re outside.” Cat screamed. “thanks for the burst ear drum jerk, be there in a minute.” I glance over my look in the mirror one more time before grabbing my small sling back and out of my house. It was Saturday night and we were ready to go out again to a ‘get together’ with friends. I opted for a simple black t shirt and a long silver intricate chain necklace. My hair loose and naturally wavy, and light make up. I really never feel the need to impress anyone outside of work.

“Took you long enough.” Conner said from the drivers seat.

“Nights still young. Lets Go.” I say to him already in his car putting my seat belt on.

We make our way to an Irish pub take a reserved booth and order our beers. The atmosphere was so lively and loud. There was and Irish rock band playing on the mini stage at the corner of the bar. Ten minutes later Ian shows up and joins us.

“I’ve got a surprise for you.” Leaning in from across the table pointing his figure at me.

“Don’t you know its rude to point fingers… Now tell me what trick you have up your sleeve.?” I glare at him sarcastically.  

He reaches into his back pocket and hands my an envelope. “This is for you.” He says. I accept the envelope and open it to find an invitation to a masquerade ball for the business elite.

“Wow how fun!!! Are you two going?” I gesture towards Cat and Conner.

“Nope, it is only for singles, not married folk.” Ian quickly replied without them having a chance to.

“No I can’t go to this… I just… it’s just…”

“Look sweetie, we love you, and as much as we all miss Jonny it has been two years. We are not saying to forget him, but your have needs that need to be met. Your too busy with work and the kids. You are a remarkable person inside and out and you deserve someone taking care of you for a change.” Cat signed after her speech.

I sigh also. I know they are looking out for my best interest, and maybe they are right.

“Look if it makes you feel better I will be there too. Treat this as a nice game, nothing serious has com of it. If anything there’s an open bar, food, and lots of dancing. “ Ian was pleading with me giving me the funniest pout. I just nod, maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. Have fun and play the dating game again, I am still young. We continue to enjoy the night while Cat points out all the Hot guys that are staring at me. I don’t pay any attention to anyone as I am enjoying my beer and the music. My mind keeps snapping back to the thought that I am willingly going back into the game.

Cat and I decided to go shopping that next Friday to help me find a dress for party. Two hours and three store later we finally found one. Cat forced me to get it because it made me look too hot and sexy not to get it. It was a long red satin dress with a small slit that went up mid thigh. It had a skinny halter strap, sweetheart neckline, and the back of the dress was bare and showed off my toned back. I bought black stilettos and a black filigree lace mask to complete the sultry look. Well I’m definitely going to be turning heads on that night.

Wednesday cam and there were only three more day until the mascaraed. After finishing my morning work I take a break and meet Nate for coffee.

“Hey Rach… I got your usual!” He was already at the coffee shop seated at on one of the small tables where two coffees where placed. He looked dashing in his business suit and always with that happy grin of his.

“Thank Nate… so has this town kicked your ass yet?” I joke

“You wish. Besides what would this town do without me.”

“Mmm…humble.”

“Just for you. Hey have you heard of the party happening this Saturday? A Masquerade?”

“Yes, Ian told me about it and wants me to go.” I still had a little percentage of me that wants to turn back now and not go.

“You should go….I’ll be there.”

“Really….” I was surprised but not shocked. He is considered part of the business elite.

“Yea… I’d be nice. Its time for you to have fun a single lady. Get back into the game.” he was smiling from ear to ear.

“I guess… I suppose between you and Ian nothing bad will really happen to me.”

“Awesome… save me a dance ok?” He winks at me.

“Fine only to make others jealous that night. If I am going to be back in the game I might as well have fun with it.” I couldn’t help but say with so much confidence and sass. I guess I'm starting to look forward to that night.