He mumbled something about gettin a little sugar from his sugar and before I could react his mouth was on me like a vacuum cleaner hose. Im sure the memory of that impromptu embrace is going to haunt me for the rest of my days, Alexis said glumly. She brightened up and added, But hes gonna remember it, too, because I kneed him right in his party favors. His little favors.
Sherri was howling with mirth and Emily had joined her, but Alexis didnt care at that point. It was a funny story, although it wasnt a testimonial for dating in a modern world. After a few minutes, Alexis reminded Emily that she had more tales to share.
Well, when the friends-and-family intro program didnt bear fruit, we tried speed dating, she reported.
Emily gave a Sherri a surprised look. Sherri, you went speed dating?
No, no, no! You know Im not going to date until Sydney is at least fifteen. I dont have the time or the inclination to try and incorporate a man into our lives right now, Sherri said firmly. Sydney had just turned six and Sherri was determined not to complicate her childs life with an entourage of strange men. Alexis often told her that a few dates were hardly a parade but Sherri wouldnt change her mind.
Sherri didnt participate in the speed dating. She just dragged me there and loitered around until I had to bolt, Alexis said. And before you ask, yes, I absolutely had to get the hell out of there. She shuddered theatrically as she thought about the night in question. The event was held on a Wednesday evening at a popular restaurant/nightclub. The tables were arranged so the aspiring daters could face each other. In Alexiss mind it was sort of like what purgatory would resemble.
A couple of the men she talked to seemed nice, but they didnt strike any chords with her. One man she recognized as the husband of one of her clients. He had no idea who she was, but she definitely knew him. There was no way in the world Alexis could face sitting across from him, so she kept a keen eye on his progress. The bell rang to signal it was time to change partners.
So Im barely over the fact that a married man had the gall to show up at a public affair for single people when another guy sat down. He was tall, dark and handsome, believe it or not, and he was in PR or something. We actually had a decent conversation for about a minute until he said that he hoped I wasnt a democrat. Thats when I noticed the little enamel Tea Party button on his lapel and I got up and walked out. I just couldnt deal with it, she said wearily. Besides, if Id stayed in my chair, my next prospect wouldve been the married man.
Sherri and Emily knew how seriously Alexis took politics and infidelity so they didnt suggest that she had overreacted. Emily did have a question for her. Have you ever thought about online dating?
Alexis made a face. Yes, I tried that, too. The results were less than stellar. I keep getting emails from boys who were too young and men who were too old. Lots of white men, for some reason. Why they found their way to a site called Mahogany Singles I dont know, but I was their pick of the week.
Dont be so close-minded, Emily chided her. Are you telling me you wouldnt date a man from another race?
Not if hes old enough to be my grandpa, Alexis replied. I dont care about race. I just dont want to date senior citizens. If somebody bought me a Mercedes and it was blue instead of red, I certainly wouldnt hand back the keys, she said. If a man has the right qualifications, who cares what color his wrapper is? Im just not into antiques, thats all.
Sherri tried not to laugh but failed. That is so wrong, Alexis! An older man might have a lot to offer. Wisdom, maturity, sophistication
Age spots, wrinkles and a lifetime supply of Viagra, Alexis cut in sarcastically. If youre interested, I have several you can email. One of them looks like he played backup for ZZ Top, except his beard is longer.
They were all laughing when Todd Wainwright came to collect his beautiful bride. Todd seemed to be perfect for Emily in every possible way. He was tall, gorgeous, brainy and he adored her. He cherished her so much that it would have been sickening had it been anyone but Emily on the receiving end of all that love. Alexis felt as if her friend deserved every wonderful thing that had come into her life and she was really happy for the two of them. They chatted for a while, until Todd announced that Emily needed to relax before dinner.
You ladies will have to come up to see us soon, he said. No more flying for her before the babies get here.
Once upon a time Emily would have had a sarcastic remark to rebut a statement like that, but all she did was smile and agree. Were actually cutting it close, she said. This is the beginning of my last trimester. Im due in August but with twins you never know.
Alexis and Sherri walked the couple out to their car and waved them off. Sherri gave Alexis a one-armed hug and reminded her that she had to pick up Sydney from a play date. She got into her car and buckled her seat belt, but before she drove off, she had to drop some knowledge on Alexis.
I just figured something out today, Lexie. The reason youre meeting the wrong men is because you dont know what you want in the right man. You need to make a list of every single quality you desire and then youll know him when he finds you, she said.
Alexis frowned. A grocery list for a man? That doesnt sound very romantic. It sounds kind of desperate, actually.
Not really. What happens when you go to the store without a list? You come home with everything except what you went to get. You have to know all the characteristics youre looking for in a man before you throw yourself into the mating pool. And I figured something else out today, too. You really dont want to date, you want to get married. Youre looking for a husband, not a playmate. I could see it in your eyes when you were looking at Emily and Todd.
No, I dont, Alexis sputtered.
Yes, you do, and theres no reason why you shouldnt want to get married. Youd make a wonderful wife and mother. But in order to get that, you need to be very specific about the man you want to see first thing every morning. When you make that list, dont hold back. Include everything you can think of and then put one secret thing at the very bottom of the list. It has to be something that will truly touch your heart that no one else could ever guess. When you see that trait in a man, thats how youre gonna know hes your mate, Sherri said confidently.
If you know so much about it, why arent you hooked up? It seems to me that youre the one who should be on her way to married bliss, not me. Alexis was very fond of having the last word, but so was Sherri.
Yes, but remember theres one big difference between you and me, chick. I dont want to get married. Go inside and start working on your list, Ill call you later.
Before Alexis could marshal up a reply, Sherri was backing down the driveway, waving merrily. All Alexis could do was stare at her friend with her hands on her hips and a little pout on her lips. She walked back into the house and poured the last of the lemonade over ice, deep in thought as she did so. She wasnt completely sold on the idea of making a list, but she did go into her bedroom, taking out a pretty navy blue leather journal shed bought a couple weeks ago. Armed with her glass and her notebook and a pen, she went to her deck and reclined on a chaise, sipping and thinking.
Chapter 2
Despite Sherris insistence that a list would make things easier in the dating department, it only made things worse. Alexis dutifully wrote down all the characteristics she was looking for in a man. However comprehensive the list was, it wasnt magic; even months later, the list didnt cause Mr. Right to show up at her door. She was sticking to her resolution not to look anymore, but she hadnt noticed a sudden influx of new men in her life. She told Emily so while they spoke via Skype that night. Emily was breast-feeding one of her sons and Alexis felt a pang in her own breasts as she watched. She was so fascinated that Emily had to call her name a couple times to reengage her in conversation.
You arent listening to me, are you?
Not really, Alexis admitted. Where is Daniel?
Im impressed. Most people cant tell Randall from Daniel. Daniel has already dined and his loving daddy is changing him and putting him to bed. So tell me what happened with the dating thing? We talked about this back in June and here it is, almost Halloween and youve done basically nothing to improve your dating situation.
I told you Im not on the hunt anymore. Hes going to find me and so far hes taking his own sweet time.
Emily was about to say something when Todd came into view to scoop up Randall. He was bare chested and wearing scrub pants and the look of love he gave Emily made Alexiss heart turn over. After he greeted Alexis with a quick hello, he bent to kiss his wife and cradled their son on his shoulder, patting his little back to insure a good burp. Emily stared after him with the same besotted look in her eyes and Alexis suggested that they talk later, but Emily wanted more dating details.
Emmie, there are no more details. I just havent had any social intercourse to speak of, really.
Wow. You made this decision way before the babies were born and now its the end of October. But I really do think its better to take your time than to mouse around with a slew of losers. Dont worry. Your man is on his way, trust me.
Hed better get here soon because frankly Im losing interest in the whole idea. Im looking for a couple new spa locations, one in Hilton Head and one in Georgia. Ive decided to be a tycoon. I dont have to look for anyone or wait for anyone to do what I do best.
Emily sighed deeply and ran her fingers through her hair. Dont give up on love, Alexis. Theres someone out there for you, I know there is.
Todd returned to the bedroom and soft music started playing. He had a tray with two flutes of what looked like champagne and a plate with fruit and cheese. This time Alexis insisted that she had to leave and Todd gave her a grateful smile.
Im not giving up, Emmie. Im just not looking anymore. If my Mr. Right is out there, hell find me. Now it looks like your Mr. Right has some plans that dont include a third wheel so you go ahead with your evening and well visit again soon. Good night, you two. Before Emily could protest, Alexis got offline at once.
She stared at the computer screen and traced the outline of her lips several times, something she did when she was deep in thought. Without actually realizing what she was doing, she took out her navy journal and turned to the pages with her secret list. Maybe I need to rethink this, she murmured as she picked up her pen.
* * *
Now that her list was complete, it occupied a permanent corner of her mind. Given the time of year, it seemed like an early letter to Santa Claus. She was headed to work in her cute little MINI Cooper Countryman. She loved the little car with its custom paint job; the roof was creamy ivory and the base was chocolate brown and it suited her perfectly. While she was fastening her seat belt, the list was still foremost in her mind and she started giggling at the Santa Claus idea. Dear Santa, Ive been a very good girl. Could you please bring me a burning-hot hunk of tall, dark-chocolate-colored love to have my way with on Christmas morning? Ill be a very bad girl then, I promise.
Alexis was still laughing out loud as she pulled into the parking lot of Sanctuary One, the first spa shed opened five years before. When she crossed the employee entrance in the back of the spacious building, she was engulfed by the familiar scent of her home away from home. It was a combination of organic hair products, scented candles and the incense from the yoga studio. She inhaled deeply and smiled as she went to her small office to leave her purse and jacket. After she looked at her daily planner, she slipped on a fresh smock while she took off her taupe platform heels and put on her black wedges. They were just as high as her heels, but shed learned the hard way not to wear light-colored shoes to work. One drop of tint was all it took to ruin an expensive pair of pumps. That was also why she protected her expensive clothes with a cover-up; one drip of peroxide or even permanent wave solution would wreck an outfit. This she knew from sad experience.
Alexis worked very few customers these days. Her emphasis was on managing the spas, not servicing customers. Hiring, training, managing the budget, advertising and other such areas were her bailiwick now. Besides hairstylists, she had aestheticians, yoga and Pilates instructors, nail technicians and manicurists to manage, in two locations, no less. But there were a few clients she continued to work on mainly because they were close friends and they simply wouldnt allow anyone else to touch their heads. She also liked to keep her hand in the various offerings so that her skills would remain sharp. Emilys mother was one of those ladies she couldnt abandon and, since she was in town, of course she was getting the full treatment today.
The salon was laid out in such a way that each patron had the luxury of some privacy due to the half walls that separated the stations, yet it wasnt so closed off that they couldnt chat with one another. There was something about being in a hair salon that encouraged even the most reserved women to relax. There was always pleasant conversation to go along with the soothing jazz that played all day, except for the early afternoon when the soaps were played on the wall-mounted flat-screen televisions. Alexis was making her customary preopening walk-through to make sure that everything was in proper order. It was always pristine and perfect, a tribute to her management and to the loyalty of her staff. All Alexis had to do was start the coffee and the water for tea, and she really didnt have to do that because her lead stylist, Javier, was already taking care of that.
He greeted her with a raised eyebrow and a grin. One of these days youll let someone else do things around here and were all going to pass out from shock, he said dryly.
Alexis pretended to misunderstand him. Oh, then I shouldnt have made those ultrarich brownies and pecan tassies last night? Well, shoot, I guess we dont need them here. I can just drop them off at church for choir rehearsal, I guess.
Dont pay me any attention, Im still half asleep, Javier said hastily. Did you leave them in your office? Ill just go back there and get them and you can arrange them any way you like. Just ignore me altogether. You know I dont have good sense.
Nothing could have been further from the truth, of course. Javier DeLaCruz was very smart as well as being very talented. He was also quite easy on the eye with smooth golden skin, jet-black hair and eyes and a smile that brightened any room. Alexis sized him up as he left the room. He was a devoted and trusted employee of several years and there was no reason not to consider promoting him to a management position. He had the experience and education and the right attitude. Alexis would be foolish not to offer him a better position with a higher salary; if she didnt, he might leave and start his own salon. She was still mulling over that idea as she continued the opening procedure for the day.