It was a warm summer evening; I didn't really have anything better to do so, I went to a senior league ballgame in our tiny little village. Here everyone knows your mom, your dad and your basic family history. Kind of like Mayberry, I guess.
I was sitting in the 2nd row of the bleachers watching the game when I caught sight of a long hair brunette wearing a black blouse. It had varying types of flowers printed on it. Her blouse was tucked snugly inside a black skirt down to her knees. She wore a small leather belt around her hourglass figure.
She stood next to the fence a few feet away. Her sleeves were rolled partially up her forearm revealing a small gold watch. She looked around and caught my eyes glancing at her. She spoke softly with an Irish brogue, "Excuse me, is that seat taken?"
"No, be my guess!" My heart skipped a couple beats as I answered.
"She came up, sat down beside me and extended her hand, "Hello, I'm Roma. It's certainly a lovely evening isn't it?"
"Hi Roma, I'm Brian, it sure is, excuse me are you visiting from Ireland? I couldn't help but notice your accent."
"No," she answered, "I just moved into town today from a small city to open my new practice. I came to Canada after my father died 12 years ago."
Suddenly, the game announcer called, "GO BALL, Get out of here!" Our bleacher grumbled. Well...guess we're behind now!
I turned my attention back to Roma, "Are you a doctor? A lawyer, What practice?"
"Yes, I'm a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. My full name is Dr. Roma Quinn."
"Oh, Glad to meet you Dr. Quinn! So out here you'll look after farm animals I suppose."
"Yes everything, even little bunnies. I hope you'll be my little bunny too.", she smiled!"
"I'd hop over to your clinic right now, but I don't have a dog or cat." I joked.
"That's alright, I'll look after you anyways." She quipped.
"Roma are you into this game? Can I talk you into a tour of our little town?"
"I'd love to!"
We stepped off the bleachers and walked slowly down the street as we conversed. I'd point out places of interests that might help her both professionally and personally. Every now and then I'd run into a friendly face and introduce them.
"Hi Brian, it's a hot night...did you ever get my dad Ben's scooter fixed?"
"Hey Paul, yep...come pick it up tomorrow. By the way, I want you to meet our new neighbor and animal vet Dr. Roma Quinn." I said.
"Oh, glad to meet you Dr. Quinn, my wife has a couple cats; I'll tell her about you." Paul assured as he takes off waving back.
"It's so peaceful and quiet here Brian. I could get used to this. Paul mentioned a scooter?"
"It's a part time gig for me, for some of the folks out here, the city is too far to go to get their wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other stuff fixed. I don't always get paid as a few people, like Paul's father, can't really afford some of the repairs. I'm actually an industrial electrician." I explained.
"Oh, that's nice of you!" she encouraged.
"Are you married, any children?
"No," Roma sighed, "no children, I guess no one wants a simple small-town girl"
"How about you Brian, I don't see a wedding ring. Do you have a girlfriend or kids yourself?"
"No, same as you. No one wants a small-town workaholic, I guess."
"OH, here's my new office, there's some stuff inside already. I'm still waiting for other things." Roma pointed out.
"Oh, this used to be old Sam McGee's Shoe Repair shop. He died several years ago, and it's stood empty up until now," I explained while peeking in the window, "When do you figure you'll be open?"
"If everything comes and I pass my inspection end of the month." Roma speculated.
We continued walking and she pointed out her apartment where she's living for now. Roma tucked her arm inside mine and we continued walking and talking. After some time, we came to my place, it was around 9:30 and dark.
"Here's my place; it was my grandparents house," I volunteered, "They passed on and I got it. Do you want to sit on the porch?"
"Sure, it's too nice to sit inside tonight."
"Unfortunately, I don't have any wine or liquor, would coffee or tea do?"