Finally it was Wednesday. A day off. Like many women, trying to balance being a wife, mother and full-time worker stretched Pat thin. Having a half-day off to herself was a luxury that she looked forward to. Twice a month Pat got a half day to herself before she had to pick up the kids from school. Last time she thought she'd loaf at home, but ended up working around the house.
Pat wasn't going to let that happen this week. Married 12 years, mother of two, Pat had hit a point in her life where things weren't quite like she'd hoped. Marriage, motherhood, work... it all seemed like a pointless, draining grind at times. Things weren't all bad, but they sure weren't all good either.
Which is why Pat decided that she was going to treat herself to something at the mall. Damn, most everything went into bills, kids, food, and big boy toys for her husband. It was way past time to do something nice for herself. No kids distracting you, no huffy husbands rushing you... four glorious hours to do whatever she wanted.
After parking at one end of the mall and spending two hours window shopping, Pat had made her way down to the food court. Maybe some ice cream would help the shopping go better. Pat stood in line at the Dairy Queen, eyeballing the menu, but knowing she'd probably settle for a cone.
There were a surprising number of folks in the food court. Lots of mommies with little ones in strollers, mall employees on break, kids cutting school, retirees out just wasting time... Some kids were roughhousing nearby. Pat wondered if she acted like that when she was fifteen, but that was so long ago. Hmmm... maybe its time for something more than just ice cream. But what to eat?
Getting ready to scan the various food court offerings, Pat took a couple of steps backwards. Pat realized she'd made contact with someone behind her. Turning around, she saw a man trying to keep his balance and not sit down in the stroller parked behind him.
Realizing what she'd done, Pat reached out and caught the man by the inside of his right elbow with her right arm. To keep his balance, he'd grabbed her back, and the two held each other and pulled, with predictable results. They ended up quite a bit closer than anticipated.
Embarrassed about almost dumping the man over, Pat flushed. He was handsome, in good shape, and dressed well.
Pat said, "Oh, I'm so sorry. I just backed up and didn't see you there. I can't believe that I did that!"
"No problem, I really appreciate the nice catch."
Pat looked at the man- he was gorgeous! Deep eyes, and a smile that seemed to light her up inside. Speechless, she stood there for a few seconds, and blurted out "Any time," all the while checking the man out. She then realized that he was in no danger of falling any more, and let go of his arm.
While walking away, Pat couldn't resist, and turned around to take a second look at the man. She spotted him, and he was watching her too. He gave her a grin that made her flush again, and she hurried on her way.
Pat thought to herself, "My God, I can't believe I just did that" First she'd just about body checked this guy over, then she'd swooned all over him. The thing with the arm was awful! Why didn't she let go of him? "Any time?" I must have sounded like an incredible flirt. And finally, why in the hell did she look back at him? Pat could feel the warmth of her blush, and thought that it just couldn't get more embarrassing than this.
She walked into the nearest department store, head still slightly spinning, and decided to get back to shopping. There was no way she was going back to the food court now. Calming down some, Pat made her way to the dress department and began to browse.
Some therapeutic shopping would be just the thing... Pat went from rack to rack, not having anything special in mind, just browsing. She spotted a summer dress with a nice print in a style she liked. It buttoned down from the neck to the waist, a comfortable looking cotton that would be good for both casual and church wear. After finding her size, Pat pulled a couple of dresses off the rack, trying to decide whether she liked the lighter print or the darker one better.
"The red one would look best on you" came a voice from behind her. Pat turned to see the man she'd just about knocked over in the food court. "It's a nice fabric, and you'd look great in either one, but I think the darker print would set off your eyes better."
Pat felt light headed. Maybe she'd waited too long to eat. Still hadn't bought anything, her day was flying away, and now this. She couldn't believe this guy was actually hitting on her, although it wasn't all bad. "With my luck it won't fit right, but thanks for the compliment."