Can There be Romance?

I love sitting and watching the waves come in from the ocean, especially as the sun lowers it head and sinks into the pillow on the horizon. The steady breeze coming in from across the water wraps around me as it journeys inland. Sitting here makes me feel less alone.
My name is Juanita Rowe and I am enjoying my fourth day on the beach like this. I have been staying at the Ocean Blue Beach Resort this week as a getaway. I don’t know why I had to come all the way here to be alone; after all I was alone when I was at home.
I am an empty nester at the age of thirty-eight. A single parent mother who’s only son moved off to the university two months ago and left me in that big lonely house. I hadn’t realized how little life of my own I had. Bo, my son, was always the center attraction in my life, more so after my husband left for greener pastures. Bo had been both a good student and an athlete. He was in the school’s choir and drama program. He even lettered two years in both tennis and swimming.
But it was time for Bo to leave and find his own way. And it is time for me as well. Bo’s father moved out six years ago and has had two romances while I have been raising our son. It still makes me laugh when I recall Frank’s words when he told me he wanted a divorce. “These past years have been a charade for me. Now that I have found Betty, I truly know what love is.” Betty, the twenty-two year old part-time secretary with bleached blond hair.
Soon after Bo moved off to school, I circulated among my friends. They were all married and although they all expressed interest in easing my loneliness, they lived busy lives with families of their own. That is not to say they didn’t try. I had several blind dates, each with the “perfect man” for me.
Ugh! Some of the men they matched me up with... First was the fat guy with bad breath and glasses followed by the man with seven hands. My girlfriends meant well, but really. I’m not that lonely, am I? Well, I’m beginning to wonder. At least the man with searching hands would hold me when I cry.
When Gloria, my best friend since grade school, suggested I come out to the coast to the Ocean Blue Beach Resort, I laughed. What an idiotic thing to do. Gloria said it was a resort where mature singles went to find new mates. I told her I wasn’t going to do such a thing, but she kept pushing and finally wore down my resistance.
The resort is lovely and relaxing, but when the brochure said mature couples, they meant Mature with a capital M. I haven’t seen more than a dozen men close to my age here and they all had women in their arms. Well, one more day and it will be over and I’ll return home.
Juanita got up from the sandy beach and took one last look as the sun disappeared from view. She turned and headed back to her room. A quick shower and wardrobe change and she would head to dinner. The resort had an excellent chef and Juanita never missed a meal. She opened the door to her room and disappeared.
It took Juanita only thirty minutes to dress. Her empty stomach kept urging her on as she showered and changed. It did take time for her to make up her mind on the dress to wear. She first wanted to wear the fitted black skirt that showed off her curvy bottom and the peach colored silk blouse with the low cut front. It was the sexiest attire she had brought on the trip. Finally, Juanita decided on the cotton sundress and a scarf across her shoulders.
Juanita was feeling good as she walked down the long corridor leading to the dining room. At least she did until she reached the entry. A line of couples, hand in hand, stood waiting their turn to be seated. The room was quickly filling and by the time she was shown to her table for two, there were only a few empty tables.
Lord, I feel so out of place. Everyone has a partner except me. I stand out like a sore thumb. Why did I ever let Gloria talk me into coming here anyway? This is making me feel lonelier rather than cheering me up. If I had my car with me, I’d pack and head home tonight. It just isn’t meant for me to have a man.
A handsome young waiter handed Juanita a menu and recited the specials for the evening. It was an easy choice for her; the seafood gumbo and shrimp salad was exactly what she wanted. The waiter smiled and went to place her order. When he returned, he brought her a glass of wine and freshly baked French bread.
“You are a sweetheart,” Juanita said to the young man. “I could eat a whole loaf of this bread. Do you have any of that butter with the green stuff mixed in?” The waiter assured her he would bring her some garlic butter and parsley.
Juanita’s table was next to the wall of windows facing the ocean. She looked out at the expanse of darkness and watched as the moonlight glistened off the gentle waves. Where the ocean had lifted her spirits earlier in the day, now with darkness wreathing the ocean it made her feel forlorn.
There are some people who are alone in life by choice and others who are alone by fate she decided. Tomorrow I will pack most of my clothes and get ready to go home. I will start looking for a job as soon as I get back. I may not need to work to make a living, but it will give me purpose and keep me busy. Busy people aren’t lonely, are they?
With her attention focused on the scenery and her personal problems, Juanita didn’t hear the hostess at first. When the young lady interrupted her thoughts, Juanita turned and saw the hostess beside her table.
“We are so busy tonight,” the lady said, “I was wondering if you would mind if someone shared your table?” The lady was almost apologetic as she asked her question.
“Oh, sure, why not,” Juanita answered. “There really is a crowd tonight. Word must have gotten out about how good the food is.” She chuckled and the lady smiled and walked away. Within a minute, the hostess returned with a tall man following. The hostess placed a menu at the extra chair and the man pulled out the chair.
“Hi, my name is Eric Taylor,” the man said before sitting. He held out his hand to Juanita and she placed her hand in his. She was certain her jaw was hanging open as she looked up into the steel blue eyes of the man. He must have been about forty years old and in very good physical condition. He could have been an athlete if he were younger.
“I... I’m Juanita Rowe,” she replied. Eric released her hand and she missed the warmth of his touch. She knew she was staring but she couldn’t seem to look away.
“Thank you for letting me join you, Juanita,” Eric said, “may I call you Juanita?” She smiled at his question.
“Sure, even my friends call me that,” Juanita said as a joke. When Eric smiled, even his eyes seem to smile.
“I only arrived a few minutes ago,” Eric said. “My plane was late and when I checked in they told me dinner was being served. I haven’t even been to my room yet.” Juanita was looking into his face but barely hearing what he said.
“Oh, yes, the food is great,” Juanita finally replied. “I’m sure you’ll love it.” She moved her knife and fork around just to make herself break eye contact.
“Have you been here long, at the resort I mean?” Eric asked. Was he a bit nervous too?
“Four days,” she answered. “Tomorrow is my last day and then I go back home.” Eric’s eyes seemed to express disappointment.
“Too bad,” Eric said, “I was hoping you might show me around. I hate going to strange places, especially when I’m alone.” His smile brightened as he spoke.
“I guess I could show you some things tomorrow,” Juanita said. “I really hadn’t planned to do anything special.” Nothing other than pack for the trip home.
“I don’t want to impose,” Eric said, “but that would be nice.” The waiter took Eric’s order and hurried away. The conversation moved to where they each lived and status of their families. Eric had been married and then divorced with no children. He lived in Indianapolis, Indiana but also worked in Dallas.
“I live just east of Dallas,” Juanita said, “Isn’t that nice?” She surprised herself when she almost giggled. Eric gave a low soft laugh at her reaction.
“Yes, it is nice,” he replied. The waiter began serving the food and refilled the wine glasses. While they ate, they thought about the evening rather than exchanging much conversation.
Eric leaned back, pushed his plate back and moaned, “That was delicious. Would you like dessert?” His smile was sweeter than anything the chef could stir up.
“Oh, no, I am quiet full,” Juanita answered. “I’ll need to go to the gym before I’ll be able to sleep.” Eric looked into her eyes as he sipped from his wine glass.
“Go dancing with me,” Eric said. It wasn’t a question, more of a command. “There is a small band in the lounge next door. We could dance instead of working out in the gym. I think dancing would be much more fun.”
It was Juanita who looked back at Eric as she took a sip of wine. Was this handsome man making a pass? Was this stranger asking her out on a date? What were his intensions? Were they honorable? There were too many questions for her to consider.
“Yes, I would love to go dancing with you,” Juanita heard herself answer. How could she do this? She hadn’t been dancing with a man since before she married.
“Good, then it’s set,” Eric said. He picked up the tickets for the two dinners and signed his name with his room number. He stood and offered his hand and helped Juanita stand. Her legs were trembling as she tried to walk. When Eric’s hand pressed against the small of her back, she almost fainted.
Is this possible? Is it really happening? Maybe she isn’t the ugly duckling in the pond after all. Perhaps she is a swan and Eric is her prince. The only question remaining is, could she go through with this? It took only a moment and then Juanita raised her chin, smiled and proudly walked out of the dining room beside Eric.
Juanita’s answer was, yes, of course I can do this. After all, it’s only dancing. Isn’t it?
Darn now I wish I had worn that fitted skirt and sexy silk blouse.