Their relationship began innocently enough.
Deb was a young looking 50 year old woman, married to the same man for almost 30 years.
After raising two great kids, Deb returned to work part time in her husband's orthodontist office. She enjoyed the patients and just the general busyness of the office and being married to the boss had it's perks so she chose to work just Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Her schedule gave her the freedom to get together with friends, volunteer and take long weekends visiting her grown kids and their families. Life was good and then out of the blue she got a call from her niece.
"I'm stuck, Deb. The only dance class I could get Brittney into meets on Tuesday mornings at 9:00. I have to be at work by 8:00 and my parents are busy on Tuesdays. If she is going to take dance, I have to find another way for her to get there."
The desperation in her voice was clear. Deb understood the frustration since she knew the grandparents, her sister and brother in law, were very rigid about their schedule and most likely wouldn't flex to help out with their only grandchild. Irritated with them but feeling for the young mother, Deb found herself not only agreeing to drive the child to dance class but also to care for her until mid afternoon on Tuesdays.
Her niece, Lisa, thanked her over and over until Deb finally found an excuse to end the call. Walking past a large minor in the hallway, Deb looked at herself intently and said, "Sucker! There goes a chunk of your freedom."
That evening Deb explained the plan to her husband. Scott was a bit put out but trusted that Deb would make it work. In the end they agreed that caring for little Brittney would take up most of one of Deb's free days but she actually adored the 4 year old and soon she was
looking forward to spending time with her regularly.
The first dance lesson was scheduled for early September so Deb was up and ready when Lisa brought Brittney over early that morning. Brittney was excited about her lesson and about staying at Auntie's house.
Arriving 15 minutes early, Deb and Brittney waited in the car for the other children to arrive. Soon lots of happy little girls, including Brittney, skipped into the small dance studio. An instructor came over to take the group of children into the other room and she invited the adults to wait in the small lobby. Strollers and diaper bags took up much of the space so Deb retreated to the peaceful quiet of the coffee shop located at the other end of the small strip mall.
No sooner had she ordered her latte and sat at a table, but a tall young man entered the shop. She couldn't help but notice him since he reminded her of one of her son's friends. Sipping her drink, she began fiddling with her phone. At first she didn't even notice him standing next to her table but then he said, "Excuse me, Mrs. Nielson, you are Deb Nielson, aren't you?"
Deb looked up at his handsome face and charming smile. It took a minute to place him but then she smiled and exclaimed, "Danny Taylor! How great to see you!"
They shook hands and she invited him to sit with her. Danny was an old friend of her son from middle school. It had to have been at least 12 years since she last saw him.
"It's Dan now." He said with a smile. "How's your family? How's Brian? It's been a long time."
"Yes it has. The last time I remember seeing you, you still had your braces on. Then your family moved and you and Brian lost touch. Are you back in town now?"
"Yes, I'm going to Med school to become a doctor. I always loved living here and was happy to be accepted at the university." He answered.
They exchanged small talk easily. She shared about the kid's marriages and grandkids and he shared about his family and the intensity of Medical school.
