Sweet Relief 4

It had been 3 whole years since the death of Jack's wife, Sarah. She died tragically at the mercy of an inattentive driver who had veered into her car, head on. All that was left behind was a broken widower and a confused 3-year-old daughter, Caitlyn who couldn't understand why her mother wouldn't return home.

During the last 3 years, Jack worked tirelessly with his owned mechanic business while caring for the needs of his now 6-year-old daughter. He hadn't been able to find the strength to attempt meeting anyone new since the passing of Sarah, let alone humour any advancements he received from women.

It had been another exhausting Friday at work, Sarah had been now put to sleep and Jack was enjoying some quiet beers with his long-time best friend and now faithful employee, Shane. They always appreciated each other's company for as long as they had been friends, these feelings had only been amplified after becoming work mates. The conversation that night naturally steered towards Jack and his non-existent dating life as it usually would when drinking was involved.

"I don't know how many beautiful women you're going to have to turn down until I strangle you, you know?" Shane remarked in a disgruntled yet playful tone.

"You know how hard it is for me, man. Not to mention Caitlyn."

"I get it, I really do. But there is only so much a best friend and a daughter can care for you. I know there are levels of company that everyone needs and you my friend, are no exception."

Jack let out an impatient sigh as he took large sips of his beer while being bombarded with reasons why he should be open to meeting women in his life. Jack had always been told that he was good-looking, from being over 6 foot tall with short, brown shaggy hair, clear, green eyes, a neatly trimmed, short beard and a muscularly built body from working as a mechanic for his entire adult life. All things that Sarah used to tell him she loved about him, that of which he had never once forgotten.

The hours passed, as did the beer supply finish while they continued engaging in jovial banter in their usual fashion. It was only after a good number of beers that Jack was convinced to let Shane set him up a profile on a dating app. Much to Jack's disgust, Shane used what photos he could find on Jack's phone to add to the app. Shane took the liberty of filling in the basic information and preferences section leaving Jack with rather broad set of preferences. By the time Shane was done, he seemed to have crafted a presentable profile, leaving a short biography in the free-text area.

"Jack 38

Business owner

Single father

Been out of the dating scene for a long time

Would like to meet like-minded people to spent time with."

They laughed their way through to the end of the night, Shane liking and disliking the women on the app on behalf of Jack who clearly showed little interest. The night came to an end and Jack was seeing off Shane who had called himself an Uber. As Shane was getting into the car, he turned towards Jack to give him some parting words, "Just don't disregard that app too fast, at least give it a chance."

With that said, Shane laughed to himself as he disappeared into the backseat of the car. Jack slowly found his way to his bed, lying on his back and looking up at the ceiling while contemplating the decisions he made that night. Laying his phone on his bed next to him, he put his hands above his head and let out a long sigh. He didn't even have time to consider changing his clothes before his eyes gradually closed and he drifted off to sleep.

The following Saturday morning proceeded like any other. Jack had been awoken by Caitlyn and he prepared them both breakfast to start off their day. Jack watched Caitlyn as she happily munched away on her scrambled eggs with bacon while her attention was focused on her other hand which was drawing on loose paper.

Jack's attention was pulled by the sound of his phone vibration on the table. He looked at his screen to see his newly downloaded dating app giving him multiple notifications on the screen. Curiosity got the better of him as he opened the app to see he had a decent handful of people who had liked him back from Shane's previous judgement.

He scrolled through the matches, not finding any of the women particularly interesting. He was unsure if it was his preferences that stopped them from being attractive, or his stubborn state of mind. He then stopped as he saw a match notification that was accompanied by a text message. With only a moment of consideration he opened the message to see what could possibly be waiting for him.

Linh: "Hey Jack, welcome back to the dating scene. It's likely just as much of a mess as it was when you left 😊."

Jack couldn't help but snicker at the sense of humour of the sender. He swiped back to the profile of the sender as his curiosity built. Looking back, he found a surprisingly beautiful woman on display in the photos. She had long, silky black hair, elegant facial features with hazel, almond shaped eyes, a clear and smooth olive complexion, a petite figure that looked well put together and a warm yet playful smile that gave off the image that she was a fun person to be around.

Jack scrolled downwards towards her profile which he found to be unexpectedly as simple as his was.

"Linh

25

Vietnamese

Student at Ivywood University

Studying Children's Education

I'd appreciate if someone would take my mind off how mundane Uni work is."

Jack was so distracted by the unfamiliar charm of Linh's profile that he barely thought as he scrolled back to the chat box and began typing in a reply.

Jack: "Hi Linh. I would have hoped to go through this as cleanly as possible, but knowing my luck it won't be that easy."

Jack's morning continued until he heard his phone vibrating on the counter. He was surprised to realise that he was already hoping that the vibration was caused by a reply message from Linh. Needless to say, he was happy when he checked the notification it read "New message from Linh."

Throughout the course of the day, the two exchanged various text messages with each other as they worked their way through the pleasantries. Jack seemed to enjoy the attention of Linh, but even he could not recognise why.

Linh: "To be honest, it's rare I see someone of your age being the 'new kid on the block' to an app like this. What gives?"

Jack: "To be completely honest, it was a friend of mine who forced me to use this app. Is my age that surprising to see?"

Linh: "Not so much the age, but the attractiveness to go along with it was a nice surprise 😛."

Jack: "I'll have to thank my friend for choosing those photos for me."

Linh: "We all know that type of friend. I used to wonder why I don't have a friend like that until I realised that type of friend was ME all along."

Jack: "I wouldn't usually, but in this case I'll thank my friend for bringing me here. You've been more than good company."

Linh: "I should probably thank them too, because I feel the same way."

Jack: "It's been quite some time since I enjoyed someone's company like this."

Linh: "I thought so by your profile. You've got a gorgeous daughter, how old is she?"

Jack: "I'm happy to hear that. She's Caitlyn, just turned 6 not long ago."

Linh: "Is it too much to ask where Mum is?"

Jack: "She's no longer in the picture..."

Linh: "Gotcha! So, since you've been out of the game for so long, I guess I'm going to have to be the one to ask you out."

Jack: "I hadn't really thought that far ahead. I must be rustier than I thought."

Linh: "Then it looks like I'll take the liberty. I'll see you tonight at Palais du Goût at let's say 8? I hope you like French food."

Jack: "Actually, I do. It sounds like a solid plan to me. I haven't been there, how fancy is this place, exactly?"

Linh: "Haha! Don't worry, it's not nearly as fancy as the name suggests. It's a date then 😊."

Jack: "I'll take your word for it, you'd better not be underselling this for some kind of gag. I guess I'll see you at 8 then."

Linh: "I'm looking forward to it."

Jack looked at his phone without moving for several minutes, taking in the conversation he just had. He had done it, he had agreed to a date for the first time since losing his wife. He could not shake the feeling of guilt, but it was narrowly outweighed by the feeling of excitement for his new venture.

The day went on and the time got closer to the time of Jack's date. A quick google search of the restaurant showed it wasn't far from his house. Jack wasn't able to tell how formal the place was but went for a safer option with some navy-blue dress pants and a light blue buttoned shirt, leaving the neck button undone.

It was about time for Jack to leave when a knock at the door sounded through the house. Shane had arrived at Jack's house on request more than willingly after he was informed the reasons why. Along with being able to pick up his car he left the night before, Shane was eager to look after Caitlyn for a few hours while Jack took on a new experience. Shane was as encouraging as he was jealous of Jacks fast progress, something Shane had always struggled with but was glad to see Jack leave on his first date in over 3 years.

Jack arrived at the restaurant 10 minutes early and was seated waiting for Linh to arrive. A part of him expected no one to show up and find out he had been played for someone's sick amusement. That feeling was instantly annihilated when he saw Linh walk through the door with a large, bright smile. His eyes scanned over her unable to help himself from admiring her beauty. She modelled a yellow, floral summer dress that contrasted her radiant, olive skin perfectly.

Linh approached the table as Jack stood to greet her. Unsure of what to do, Jack extending his hand to shake Linh's. She looked as if she didn't even see Jack's hand, ignoring it as she stepped past it towards him where she slid her arms under his giving him a short but warm hug. He took a second to realise what he was feeling before gathering himself enough to return the hug in greeting.

The two sat down and stumbled through the initial greetings that was mostly reiterating what they had already spoken about through text. It took a few minutes, but Jack was gradually able to settle himself into some smooth flowing conversation. It didn't take long before he had forgotten he was on his first date in years as the laughs and smiles shared between them became increasingly comfortable.

"You're studying children's education. That must mean you like kids, right?" Jack asked.

"Of course, I've always loved kids and been intrigued into how their little minds work. I have a nephew who I adore and my studies have helped me get closer to him."

"That's great to hear, sometimes I wish I knew what was going on in my daughter's head. It can be a little difficult to understand each other, especially with no woman figure around for her."

"Well maybe one day I'll get to meet that little angel and who knows, I might be able to give you a tip or two." Linh laughed softly to herself at her own remark.

The evening continues to exceed Jack's expectations as their conversation never seemed to slow down or pause. Eventually, their meals had been eaten and a couple glasses of wine had been drunk when Jack was surprised when the waiter asked if they wanted anything else. They both had failed to notice they had been sitting talking well after their meals had been finished.

"I guess that's their way of telling us to hurry up." Linh laughed.

"Maybe you're right. I kind of lost track of time there."

"That makes me happy to hear." Linh presented a large, bright smile towards Jack.

Jack noticed that how when she smiles, her whole face smiles which he found unexpectedly attractive. He found himself stopping for a moment to soak in the beauty that sat across from him.

After a small debate with Jack insisting on taking the bill, the meal was paid for and the two headed into the car park to end their date. As they strolled through, Linh turned to Jack as they had reached her car.

"Thank you so much for a great time today, Jack. And next time I'll be paying for the meal." Linh said with a mischievous smile.

"You're very welcome. But you might have to fight me for that right."

The two laughed and gradually fell silent while standing in the car park. Linh stepped towards Jack, sliding her hands under his arm and wrapping them around his torso in a warm embrace. Jack smiled to himself as I instinctively returned the hug, holding her firmly but gently as they stood for a prolonged embrace.

Linh closed her eyes for a moment and smiled to herself as she listened to Jack's heart beat fast while her resting her head on his chest in their hug. She slowly slid slightly back, both keeping a loose hold on each other as she looked up at him with their height difference now painfully apparent.

"You won't make me ask for the second date too, will you Jack?" Ling asked with a grin on the side of her mouth.

"I definitely won't. Although I might have to organise something more than a last-minute babysitting friend."

"I hope I didn't put you out too much by being so sudden."

Jack shook his head in reassurance. "No, no. Not at all, I have a close friend doing me an owed favour tonight so don't worry."

"Good, I'm sure it must be hard for you to get out of the house. I won't push my luck."

"I mean, there are other options I suppose."

Linh raised an eyebrow out of curiosity. "What are you suggesting?"

"Well, on Wednesdays I always cook spaghetti being Caitlyn's favourite meal. If you'd like, you could join us next Wednesday. That way, we won't have to fight over a bill."

They both laughed softly before Linh gave a large smile and a confident nod. "That sounds amazing, I'll be happy to meet young Caitlyn too."

"Great, I'm sure you two will get along just fine."

They agreed to discuss the details later through text as they began planning a fast second date. Eventually, they finished with one final hug before leaving in their separate cars.

Once home, Jack was pestered ruthlessly by Shane for detail which were provided even if it felt like it was under duress. The night ended with Jack lying in his bed once again looking at the ceiling thinking about the evening's events. His mind lingering on the hug he shared with Linh, remembering how he could smell the unfamiliar but alluring scent that Linh had when being so close to him. The rest of the night was spent reminiscing with excitement for what the future held.

The days passed with various back and forth texting between the two. Flirtatious banter had become normal as it seemed that when the time was their own, it was spent conversing through text. Jack had prepared himself for his second meeting with Linh, keeping himself casual but presentable he put on a nice pair of jeans and a button up, red flannel shirt which he rolled the sleeves over his forearms to prepare dinner.

Jack was just finishing up preparing his meal for 3 when a knock came from his door. Caitlyn accompanied him to answer the door to be presented by the joyful Linh. Jack was unable to help himself from taking a quick glace over her as he invited her in. Her silky legs led up to some short denim shorts accompanied by a tight fitted, light-coloured tank top.

They exchanged a warm, short hug in greeting when Caitlyn came to meet their newest house guest. Linh crouched down to greed Caitlyn as they exchanged greetings with each other. Linh gifted Caitlyn with a bag of mixed Vietnamese candy which Caitlyn looked more than delighted to receive.

The evening proceeded well, the 3 ate together while conversing energetically throughout. Caitlyn seemed to have warmed up to Linh quickly as she was eager to share her stories and thoughts on almost anything she could think of. Throughout the dinner, Jack and Linh shared numerous glances and smiles at each other, both clearly impressed by one another in the presence of Caitlyn.

The evening was winding down smoothly after an ideal first meeting over dinner. Caitlyn had spent all her energy trying to impress Linh and she was finally put down to bed. Linh and Jack had retired to the living room where they shared the couch to continue talking with nothing but a dim, nearby lamp to barely light the room.

The two of them continues talking about their lives, Caitlyn being the topic of conversation more often than she wasn't. Linh had a gentle smile on her face while talking as she found herself more impressed with Jack as she learnt more about him and his daughter.

"I didn't want to ask, but curiosity has gotten the better of me." Linh explained with a somewhat shy face.

Jack let a small sigh followed by a gentle grin in response. "Caitlyn's mother, right?"

Linh nodded her head gently, still looking shy as she wasn't sure it was right to bring up. "Caitlyn doesn't seem to talk about her, I couldn't help but wonder."

"She was too young to understand at the time, and probably now doesn't want to remember."

"Remember what, exactly?" Linh's curiosity got the better of her as she didn't think before asking.

Jack continued to explain what had happened 3 years ago. The conversation skimmed over the details of the incident and focused more on the effect it had on Jack and Caitlyn. While talking, Linh's eyes began to well as she fought back the urge to cry at Jack's story. Her hand had gradually slipped into his as they firmly held each other in comfort.

"You and Caitlyn have done an amazing job so far. You should be proud of the both of you." Linh said with a smile as bright as she could muster in the situation.

"Thank you, really. There's been a lot of dark times, but I am grateful to have crossed paths with you. You've brought some much-needed light."

Linh wiped a tear from her eye as her smile grew, showing through all her facial features. "I would be very happy to be a part of your lives. I'm sure I'll be able to look after you well."

Jack chuckled lightly to himself. "You really don't owe anything, I can't ask for anything more from you than you've already-."

Linh cut Jack off mid-sentence as she leaned herself towards him, pressing her soft lips against him in and unexpected kiss. With little thought, he instinctively returned the kiss as their lips slid across each other while parting and locking in a firm, intimate first kiss.

She brought her free hand up sliding it across the side of his face, tracing her fingers through his short beard whilst caressing him softly. He responded by sliding his hands around her waist, holding the small of her back.

Their lips parted eagerly as they locked and tangled between each other. When she felt his hands curling around her, she took it as an invitation as she moved her body closer to his on the couch. Her hand letting go of his as I slid across his thigh, using it to pull herself in.

He couldn't help but feel excited by her touch, a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time. His hold on her unconsciously tightened as they held each other intimately. She could feel her body reacting to his touch and his kiss, causing her to slide her silky, wet tongue past their kissing lips and into his warm mouth.

She greeted his tongue with hers as she playfully wrapped it around it, sliding back and forth in a massaging fashion inside his mouth. He responded by twirling his tongue around hers, sucking on it gently into his mouth as they swapped saliva between their kisses.

Jack's eyes suddenly opened widely in surprise as he felt a hair-raising sensation. Her hand had slid up his thigh and had covered his crouch over his jeans. His body had already been reacting to her touch and she could feel it as her hand wrapped around the long shape which had formed in his jeans. Without meaning to, he let out a small moan into the kiss as he felt his body getting more excited than he had felt in a long time.