CHAPTER 12 - PRAYERS

As Bobby drove to work, he was thinking about Alex. Suddenly it hit him and he smiled broadly as he began to piece together a plan. Friday just happened to be Alex’s birthday and a perfect time to go to dinner. And dancing. By the time his plan had taken form, he was at the center. When he got to his office, he reached for the phone and punched in her number. She answered on the second ring with “Hi, Bobby.” They made small talk for a few minutes then Bobby made his pitch. “I remembered Friday is your birthday.” Alex replied with laughter, “Oh please, don’t remind me.” Bobby responded, “I think it would be a great time for us to go to dinner. What do you think?” Alex could hardly contain her excitement, “I think it would be a wonderful time for us to go to dinner.”Bobby waited a beat and finished his pitch with, “And dancing.” Alex was struck mute for a minute then asked, “Dancing? Bobby, did you say dancing?” He chuckled as he assured her she heard right. They talked a few more minutes then said their goodbyes and hung up. Bobby immediately grabbed the phone book, located his number and dialed. He got lucky-reservations for The Rainbow Room at eight Friday night. He smiled with delight as his plan fell in place.
The week moved at a snail’s pace for Bobby. He kept busy during the day but evenings seemed to drag on and on. Finally Friday arrived and he was almost giddy. He found himself whistling as he walked from the parking lot to his office. When he reached his office, he found a note on the desk informing him of a meeting scheduled for four. “Great. Just great,” he muttered. He shrugged his broad shoulders, sat down and began his paperwork. He had to review applications for the next training session. Meanwhile, Louise was planning the ceremony. Silently Bobby prayed there would be no motorcycles, no leather outfits, and no drinking challenges. But knowing Louise it would definitely be noteworthy.
Around four, Bobby put his paperwork away and headed to Louise’s office. He knocked on the door and heard, “Come on in Bobby.” As he entered, she pointed to a chair and instructed, “Have a seat.” He sat, looked at Louise and raised his eyebrow. She recognized this as her signal to begin. “I’m glad you’re here. We have a lot of work to do tonight.” Bobby took a deep breath and stated, “Louise, I’m on a tight schedule here. I have plans tonight.” She responded with, “Really?” He nodded, “Maybe we can reschedule for Monday. “ Louise smiled and said, “Well, I guess I don’t have any other choice. Hope you have a good time. I will see you later.” Bobby nodded and replied, “Um, thanks. Well, good night. Have a good weekend.” She nodded as he stood, turned to the door and walked out. Louise’s face fell as she whispered, “Later.” Then a smile played across her lips.
As he headed toward home, Bobby debated between flowers or wine for Alex. He opted for wine-not her drink of choice but more romantic at the very least. Maybe, just maybe, they could have a glass to top off the evening. When he arrived home, he turned on the stereo and grabbed a soda. As smooth jazz floated through the air, he looked at his mail then pitched it on the desk. He finished his soda, walked to the bathroom, stripped off and stepped in the shower. A few minutes later as he was toweling off, he decided not to shave although he had his usual five o’clock shadow. When he finished in the bathroom, he walked in to the bedroom, opened the closet door and stood there. He shook his head and laughed out loud when he admitted to himself he was trying to decide what to wear. Since when did he care if someone else cared what he wore? He made his decision and dressed in his light gray suit with a French blue shirt and dark gray tie with matching blue diamond design on it. As he made a final inspection in the mirror, he noticed his hair was close to the color of his suit. He recalled that just before his mother’s death, she asked him when did his hair turned gray. Time-where does it go? He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. Bobby looked at the clock again, buttoned his jacket and walked to his car.



He arrived at Alex’s at seven on the dot. He grabbed the wine, jogged up the front steps and rang the doorbell. He heard Alex call out, “Be right there.” In just seconds, the door opened and his breath caught as he looked at her. She was dressed in the proverbial little black dress low enough for just a glimpse of cleavage. He handed her the bottle of wine and stammered “I thought it could chill while we’re out and…” His voice trailed off as he noticed the deep v-cut of the dress’s back as she turned toward the kitchen. He ran his eyes up and down her. With her hair in a French twist, the dress, the four inch heels, the WOW factor was off the charts. Bobby closed his eyes and prayed,
“God, give me strength.”

By Lynn.