A time for Love

 

A young undergrad plans to improve her love life, but life has a way of going in its own direction.

I know I’m kind of old to say this, but I haven’t been on a real date yet.  So, I said it, now you know.  I’m 20 years old and have a group of friends (guys and girls) but no one special.  Same with Karen.  We’re best friends.  We’ve both gone out with friends who are guys, but not on real dates.

 

            As usual, I arrive at the Tech Center hyped up from listening to the radio.  Mom always lets me listen – and I think that’s because she’s a kid at heart.

 

            “Be good, sweetie.  And why not find a nice doctoral candidate to fall in love with today!” She blew me a kiss, as always, followed by a wiggly wave.  I’m beginning to wonder why I don’t meet someone – and then I remember how shy I feel around guys.  At least the date-worthy ones. 

 

            “Bye, Mom.  Thanks for the ride.”  I jump out of the car with a half smile - something I’d practiced in order to hide my braces.  Unfortunately, if something were really funny, the braces would be front and center.  I pull my plaid miniskirt down and smooth it out, re-tie mom’s silk scarf around my waist, tucking in my white ruffled blouse. I head in to work, which will be followed by classes – followed by lunch – and finally, followed by more work until Karen, my best friend, picks me up. 

 

            It was two weeks ago when Lenny started working on the help desk.  Installing software is so boring.  I have nothing better to do than sit there and check out the guys.  Not that I ever do anything about it, but its fun.  I go home and Karen and I talk about them. She does the same thing waiting tables in the Faculty Dining Room.

 

            Today, I’ll have to work extra hard to keep my braces hidden.  I’ve accepted Karen’s double dare.  See, I have it for Lenny.  I mean really.  I will absolutely die if he ignores me today.  He’s so shy, and me too, really.  I don’t know how, but I’m going to hit on him.  And Karen’s going to go for a young professor she’s had her eye on too.  I can’t wait for tonight when we talk about it!

 

            “Sally, you’re late!  You’ll be working in the faculty lab today.” 

 

            “Sorry, I’ll get right on it.”  I give her my winning half smile, and leave to grab the software out of my inbox.  I’m doomed!  I won’t be able to see him today.  Of all days, why today! I head for the faculty computer lab and get busy. 

 

            “Excuse me, but can I use this computer?”

 

            I look up and a gorgeous guy smiles down at me.  I realize I am staring when he asks again.

 

            “Would it be okay to use this computer?”

 

            “Sure, of course.  You won’t be in my way.  I’ll leave that one for later.  I’m installing a new software. My eyes, avert, staring onto the floor where four computers neatly stand between desks.

 

            “Thanks.”  He turns away and gets busy.

 

            While I wait for the next prompt, I glance his way.  He’s different than the profs I’ve seen:  a lot younger; good looking; dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt and tennis shoes.  He lifts his head and I quickly study the plug situation along the floorboards. 

 

            “I’m new here, I guess I should have introduced myself.  I’m Peter Shaw.  I’ll be assisting Dr. Bellingham in the Chemistry Department.”

 

            I look up and realize a little late that he has been addressing me.  Oh, my God!  What do I say.  He’s gorgeous!  Half smile, half smile.  “Oh, sorry were you talking to me, Mr. Shaw?”

 

            “Please, call me Peter.  I don’t know anyone here yet, I wonder if I could take you to lunch?”

 

            My heart pounds, and I can’t find my voice.  But my smile comes off, as practiced.  “Sure, I go at noon, is that okay with you?”

 

            “Perfect.  I’m going to head over to the Chem Lab and I’ll come back at noon.  You can pick your favorite restaurant since I don’t know any of them yet, okay?”

 

            What a face, what a smile, . . . “Sure, see you then.”  Ooops I think the braces snuck out on that one.

 

            I could not wait to tell Karen about this.  The day was ruined and then this!  Trouble is, I didn’t hit on him – he hit on me!  I can’t wait to tell Karen!  I looked at the screen flashing at me and wondered how long it had been ready for the next step.  I worked hard all morning and almost finished the entire faculty lab.

 

            Peter showed up five minutes early and we left for The Greek’s, home of my favorite middle eastern sub.  

 

            Hey, I made this for you.  It’s a glow stick.  You can wear it like a bracelet.  And, if you’re good, it’ll shine in the dark!  He laughed, and I was touched at the silly gift.

 

            “How on earth did you make it?”

 

            “Oh just a little luminol,  hydrogen peroxide, distilled water, sodium carbonate, and copper sulfate pentahydrate,” he says proudly.  We were having some fun in the lab. 

 

            It turns out Peter loves Greek food too.  He makes me feel comfortable - like I’m talking to Karen. It feels like something else too – something I’ve been dreaming about.  With that thought, Peter sees my braces, and I don’t seem to care.