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Doug had always been a level headed person. He never made hasty decisions. His friends and family counted on him for advice and encouragement. He had always known exactly what he wanted and worked feverishly to achieve all that he had.
He had ventured out on a limb a few years back purchasing a bookstore in financial trouble not far from his home in Vicksburg. With steadfast determination and sound business ethics, Doug turned the business around in no time flat.
Things were going great. He, against his better judgment, had decided to hire an assistant to help out in the store especially since things were becoming so hectic. Doug knew this was something he needed. It would free him up from the day to day hustle and bustle of dealing with customers so he could spend more time managing the store.
Customers were showing up in droves. "The Book Depot" was becoming a bigger success than Doug had ever imagined. Although Doug initially had reservations about hiring Nancy, things were working out just fine. In fact, Doug and Nancy had actually grown quite close.
Doug knew that Nancy realized how lonely he was. His entire life seemed to revolve around running his business. She often urged him to get out and meet people. He could hear her voice in his head this very moment going on and on about how any young woman would be blessed to meet him.
Doug knew Nancy was right. He was lonely and missed having someone to share his life with. He just wasn't sure he was ready. It had only been eleven months since Victoria's death and as each day passed, Doug seemed to love her more and more.
The cancer had spread so rapidly through her body. They had only been married five years but had known each other since there days at Ole Miss. He missed her so much. Still, he realized he couldn't go on this way.
One evening, as he and Nancy were preparing to close the store, Nancy walked up to him and gave him a huge hug. "Wow, what did I do to deserve that?" he asked. As Nancy began to speak, tears welled in her eyes. "You deserve so much more, Doug. I love you sweety and I know you're unhappy. Stop beating yourself up and get on with your life." Nancy was an older woman. Yet, she was quite attractive. Doug knew she had his best interest at heart. "I will Nancy. I promise."
The next morning Doug made it to work before Nancy. He made a fire to get the damp chill out of the air. After it appeared to be sufficiently aglow with warmth and heat, he headed to the snack area to put on a pot of coffee.
His thoughts kept drifting back to what Nancy had said. Stop beating yourself up, Doug. He silently said it over and over again in his head.
As he was heading to the front to unlock the door, a familiar face was just preparing to knock. It was Stephanie DeAngelo, the interior designer that had helped decorate his store.
She had done an absolutely fabulous job. Everyone complimented Doug daily on how beautiful the store was.
There were several small areas Doug called "reading corners" throughout the quaint but very well decorated building. The chairs were quite comfortable and each corner had it's own floor lamp and small table.
It was such a pleasant and relaxing environment. Customers would sit for hours sometimes just reading novels, magazines, or surfing the internet.
"Is everything ok?" Doug asked as he walked in her direction. Doug had always found Stephanie very attractive. Her smile was warm and pleasant. She was tall and athletic with gorgeous bone structure. Her dark brown eyes always seemed to say more than her mouth ever did. But today was the first day he had ever asked her anything personal. Did she know? Of course not, he told himself. Stop being a silly willy. Finally she replied, "I've just got a lot on my mind. Nothing to worry about. I'll get over it. I always do."
Doug realized that he and Stephanie were still standing in the door. The air outside was crisp and damp. Doug began to speak, "Please come in. Let's have a cup of coffee."
He had never been this close to her before. Usually the counter or bookshelves or some obstacle had always been in their way. Today she was close enough to him to practically kiss and to his surprise that's exactly what he wanted to do.
As they sat in one of the reading corners sipping their coffee the silence was almost deafening. They sat for what seemed like hours listening to the sounds of the fireplace, the wind gently rattling the glass in the door, the traffic speeding past outside and finally Stephanie began to speak. Stephanie had been going through a very bitter divorce and everything had been finalized on yesterday. She used him that morning as a sounding board. It was apparent to Doug that she was closing that chapter in her life by finally letting it all out.
Doug couldn't remember when he took Stephanie's hand in his but there it was. Her hand was as soft as rose petals. He caressed the back of her hand and gave her his best words of encouragement. As he spoke to her, he couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful she was. Her voice had only been a bit louder than a whisper and occasionally he noticed a slight trembling in it as she spoke.
As the conversation ended, Stephanie thanked Doug for listening. They both stood up at the same time. To his shock and surprise, Stephanie leaned in a gave him a hug. He hugged her back.
Doug realized it was now or never. He listened to Nancy's voice in his head telling him to move forward with his life. Stop holding on to the past.
"Stephanie, I know this is kind of spur of the moment and very out of character for me but I was wondering if you'd like to go to dinner with me sometime?" As he finished speaking, Doug braced himself on the back of the chair. He hadn't asked a woman out to dinner or anywhere else for that matter since Victoria.
"I'd love to Doug," Stephanie replied. "I think that's the best idea I've heard in a long time."
Just as they headed towards the door, Nancy came strolling in. "Good Morning," in her raspy, rich southern voice. "How is everything this morning?"
Doug and Stephanie looked at each other smiling. "I'll call you," he whispered as Stephanie headed out the door.
As he turned to respond to Nancy, she was right behind him with a smile as bright as a 100-watt light bulb.
Neither of them said a word. Nancy hugged Doug tightly and patted him on the back as she turned to head towards the snack area.
Doug realized a chapter had just closed in his life and a new beginning was on the horizon.
Roschelle Nelson is a Registered Nurse by profession and mother, wife, freelance writer, mentor, friend and genuine lover of life by choice. Roschelle has achieved success with several business ventures. She enjoys writing, meeting new people and considers life a precious gift. View her blogs Admissible Banter and Sagacious Rambling. Her views on life, current news, work and family are never dull and often sprinkled with humor and wit.
» left by Susan Thom(8,705) Susan Thom (128 days 7 hours ago.)
hi Roschelle,
boy, you really took it to heart when i said "keep writing"
and i'm sure everyone that reads your articles are happy.
you write beautifully, and about interesting things, even if it is simply about the happenings in a normal day of a mother. please keep it up, many are enjoying,
best regards,
sue Respond to this comment
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