Mia sat alone in her darkened home. She was not a fan of holidays in general, and Halloween always seemed particularly ... dark. Only once had she enjoyed the traditional Halloween event, and she had been in college at that time. Now, she was much older and alone. Her life was filled with work, communications with her adult children, and a handful of acquaintances she rarely saw socially. Still, she was not as unhappy as one might think.
Recently, she had grown bold enough to converse online with a few men, and although there was nothing she considered remotely serious, it helped to fill the occasional lonely evening or weekend.
The annual Halloween party at work would be the usual, she had no doubt. She didn't even want to go, but, heaving an audible sigh, she knew it really was not optional if she appreciated her career status. Nothing like a bunch of adults making idiots of themselves while trying to impress one another! OY! Sometimes the real estate business lost its glimmer, and with the economy slipping and sliding, the local bunch of agents was that much more phony and shallow.
Suddenly, she laughed out loud. "Oh, am I really that cynical?"
The IM beeped and drew her attention. It was an agent friend from another brokerage across town.
"Hey Mia! What's going on?" he asked.
"Oh hi, Mike! Nothing much. Just thinking about our Halloween party. You guys have one, too?"
"Yea, sure. You, too?"
"Yes, and I hate these parties! They're always the same ... tacky!" she laughed again at her tired attitude.
"Wow! Aren't we the party pooper!" He laughed with her. "Well, when is your party?" he asked.
"Halloween night. Yours?"
"Same! Hey, I have a great idea. Why don't we go together. We'll make up some wild duo theme and put some money and creative energy into our costumes and freak everyone out? What do you say? Let's have some fun, girl!"
"Hmmm, well, OK. What do you have in mind? We only have a few days to make our costumes."
"Don't worry about a thing! I have an idea. Let me chew on it a bit then I'll email you the information, ok?"
Mia agreed. They chatted about an hour, then she went out shopping and enjoyed the rest of her weekend. Her mind was spinning now, though ... entertaining thoughts and fantasies she'd never dare to admit aloud.
Monday morning, there was an email from Mike in her inbox. It simply read:
"Meet me at George's Garage (a local watering hole for realtor's) about 5 pm Friday. I will have your costume and details. It will be fantastic! And, if I may suggest, you may even enjoy yourself! lol - Mike"
The rest of the week flew by with the usual activities, two closings, and lots of paperwork. Mia had gone out with Mike twice casually. She had enjoyed both evenings. Mike had a wacky sense of humor, and though he wasn't exactly Hollywood's idea of a leading man, there was an attractiveness about him that was subtle and understated. He was essentially masculine in his very demeanor, and in some way, this sort of soothed Mia's uptightness and enabled her to relax a little.
The other thing that enabled her to relax and enjoy his company was that he had made no advances sexually. The second date, he had given her a tender, but impassionate kiss at the end of the evening, but that was the extent of their physical relationship. "Still, he seemed attracted, or why would he pay her any attention," she wondered.
Most of Friday, Mia had a horrible time concentrating on anything. Fortunately, her schedule was not busy, and she found herself indulging her thoughts in almost shocking ways. "After all," she thought, "it is Halloween!" She chuckled as she cleared her desk, locked her cabinet, and the office door.
George's Garage was the kind of place even a single woman felt comfortable. There were always at least two bartenders, one male and one female. Most of the patrons were realtors, though not necessarily friendly, they were generally respectful.
Mia walked in about 4:20 and sat at a small round table draped with a white tablecloth, ordered a glass of white wine and perused the clientele. There were a few familiar faces. She smiled in recognition.
There was nothing about Mia's appearance that suggested there might be some real substance to this woman. She stood only 5'5" and was Rubenesque in stature. Her hair was short and well styled. Her makeup, well done, if understated and conservative, but her green eyes radiated a provocative depth to anyone who took the time to look into them. Her smile was warm and genuine, and those she turned it on were charmed by her warmth. Still, there was an allusiveness about her that kept most at bay.
She sipped her wine and allowed her imagination to flow freely. She felt a flush as she recalled the sweet kiss Mike had given her, "... was it three months ago already?"
Mike strolled in a little before 5 pm. His countenance brightened as his dark eyes found Mia nursing her second glass of wine. He was dressed in an exquisitely elegant tuxedo, and looked amazing. Mia's eyes were immediately glued to his striking 6'6" full frame. His complexion was ruddy and his dark eyes pierced all her defenses with ease.
"Hello!" he said cheerfully. "Don't you look sweet sitting here all alone? How long have you been here?"
"Long enough," she whispered, "but I was early! I couldn't get anything done. I'm actually excited about tonight," she paused, "even more now." She smiled demurely.