I didn’t need any more embarrassing moments today, but Jack wouldn’t tell me where he was taking me, and I didn’t do well with surprises. We were definitely going on a date, and I couldn’t be happier. All that mattered was we were together. Wherever Jack was taking me, it seemed isolated enough to keep our distance from others, and we didn’t have to quarantine inside.
The truck slowed down, then Jack merged onto another empty dirt road before parking off to the side. He took out the keys from the ignition and put them in his pocket as he turned to look my way. He just stared. I laughed and waited for him to make a joke about how I should remember my keys.
I brushed all of my hair out of my face and lost myself in another moment with him. “What? Do I have something on my face?”
“Stunning. Jessa, do you know how beautiful you are?” His words caught me off guard.
I was glad Jack liked my dress, an old blue thing I had hanging up in my closet for at least a year that had never faded or wrinkled. I hoped he was staring at my lips, which were shiny lip gloss. I didn’t know how to dress up for a date, though, I did pretty well with what I had. But beautiful?
I licked the sides of my lips as if mayo was left from my sandwich. “Is it off?”
“No, nothing is on your face. I finally have a moment to take you in. All of you. Away from chaos.”
Jack was a big city doctor. His clean dark blue jeans and button shirt were clean and tidy, but he knew the back roads and perfect spot for a date, so it was obvious he could also be a country boy. A romantic one at that.
“One sec.” He jumped out of the truck, but before shutting the door, he said, “Close your eyes.”
Tempted to peek, I didn’t. “I promise.”
Jack slammed the door and nearly caught his fingers. I still didn’t peek when I heard him curse, and I tried not to laugh at his expense. I hoped for the sake of my sanity that nothing went wrong.
Jack made me feel like a teen again, all dressed up for a first real date or ready for prom… Before I could finish my thought, the driver door opened, and music played low before the door shut again. His footsteps crunched in the gravel, moving toward my door.
Jack walked around the front of the truck, opened my door, and held my waist. “Okay, open your eyes, Jessa.”
I looked around the open fields. It was finally quiet. “Where are we?”
“Alone.” He leaned in for a kiss, and I gave in without hesitation.
Nothing much compared to kissing someone for the first time, someone you’d wanted for such a long time. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in for a deeper kiss.
After what felt like another timeless moment between us, he helped me out of the truck. He led me by my hand, fitting perfectly in his, and took me to the truck bed. Jack organized blankets, pillows, and a brown basket that sat in the middle. Grabbing my waist, he lifted me up while I looked around in amazement, and he climbed up after me, slouching against some pillows. Large fairy lights lined the truck bed, lighting up our space. I lifted the basket lid and found some whole strawberries dipped in chocolate. Jack reached for one and fed it to me. Taking a bite, careful not to drop it, I could smell the tarty aroma as the chocolate swirled with the sweetness over my tongue. I shared the flavour by pressing my lips to his.
I laid back into his arms and rested my head on his chest, not noticing until now that the sun had fallen quickly. Calm and quiet. And when I stared up at the sky…only in the darkness, could you see the stars.
He spoke softly, “You’re stuck in isolation with me when work isn’t a priority. I’m not going anywhere, beautiful.”
I peered up at him and slipped my hand into my pocket, pulling out my cuffs. “I’m so glad you said that because it’s your turn, Dr. Jack Masan.” I winked.
About Crystal St. Clair
Crystal St. Clair is a busy mom who lives in the multicultural country of Canada. She does not live in an igloo, but would love to own a pet beaver who loves maple syrup and pancakes!
Crystal works many jobs but would love to one day become an Author full time, writing novels for adults and younger generations.
She can often be found playing soccer with her children while their dog steals the spotlight! She loves making others laugh, writing poetry and other inspiring stories. Once upon a time, Crystal played Momma Bear in a Middle School production of The Berenstein Bears and wrote her first A grade children's story that sparked her creative writing interest.
Aside from fulfilling her longtime dream and calling as an author, Crystal enjoys helping her community as a volunteer for charitable organizations such as, Canine Connect A Care Rescue, Boys' and Girls' Club of London Ontario, and many more. She was also a proud sponsor member of Plan Canada–I Am A Girl Foundation, helping empower girls to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their communities. Through anthologies and individual sales Crystal's inspiring words have spread awareness and raised money for causes such as human trafficking and Alzheimer's.
As one of the leading founders of the Ignite Your Soul Author Event, Crystal has helped lead a team to raise proceeds for Bereaved Families of Southwestern Ontario, Wounded Warriors Canada, and National Service Dogs.
https://authorcrystalstcla.wixsite.com/inspireme
Just One Night
Geri Glenn
Just One Night
I pull up in front of the old tavern and take in the crowd of people standing around outside. Our entire province had been placed under social isolation for months now and all of our bars were the last thing to open. This large group of people standing so close together is a sight that almost feels foreign to me. My brain has yet to break from the mindset of social distancing and I’m not sure that will ever change.
Bikers and scantily clad women are draped over motorcycles and leaning against the wooden banister of the patio, smoke rising into the air in graceful plumes. I’ve never been to this place before. This isn’t exactly the type of bar a stay-at-home mom from the suburbs frequents. But tonight, I’m not a stay-at-home mom. I don’t have to worry about home-schooling or breaking up arguments over whose turn it is to play on the iPad. For tonight, I’m a sexy, badass woman looking for an evening of freedom and excitement after months of doing nothing but be a super-parent and sleep, unable to socialize for fear of risking the health of myself, my family. Tonight, I’m burying the real me as deep as I can get her, and eager to experience what it’s like to be someone else.
I got married right out of high school to the only boy I’d ever loved. We were each other’s first everything. First crush, first kiss, first time. Hell, even first dance. I’d had no first that didn’t include Jeremy.
When people hear our story, they often marvel at the wholesomeness of it all. The boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy and girl live happily ever after part of it is a sweet story. It’s also getting old. Boring.
Taking a deep breath, I gather my nerves and swing my leg over the seat of my brand new Kawasaki Vulcan, sliding my helmet off. The motorcycle had been a gift from my husband after realizing just how much I loved to drive his. For my birthday, he’d gifted me with this beautiful ride, and I take every child-free opportunity I have to put it through its paces, though it’s been ages since I’ve done it.