Unfading Love

It had been one year to the day since Nathan’s death, and Roselyn knew she had to press on somehow. Tonight was her first date in over a month; the first in a series of first dates ending in disaster. However, she resolved in her mind that she was ready for what the night may bring, even though her recent track record with rekindling love had been slippery at best. She refused to stay cooped up in her eight hundred square foot loft. It had been solely her for far too long, and the confined space mixed with a shot of loneliness was enough to drive her mad. Even though her mind said she was ready, her heart played a game of tug of war. Each date felt like it got worse and worse to carry on. Nevertheless, her five minutes of trying to talk herself out of it turned into an hour, when finally she admitted that the dawdling needed to come to an end.

Roselyn convinced her legs and her apprehensive heart to make their way to the closet. As an unfortunate result of a somber night a few months back involving a sappy movie, scissors, and a desperate need to make her clothes ‘prettier,’ her dress selection was a tad limited. That being said, it wouldn’t have mattered much anyhow. She always went for the same two dresses. One was short, black, more skirt-like at the bottom, and was perfect for any occasion. The second was blood red, beginning at the bodice with a halter around the neck, flowing into an exquisite lace skirt, which was shorter in the front than in the back. She was feeling vulnerable this evening, so the red halter top won the toss. After all, Nathan would always mention that it was as luxurious as the finest red wine, which made her feel extra special.

She barely pulled the zipper up before she had to bolt to the toilet. As she stood up, she wiped away the dribble from the corner of her lips and sipped some water to settle her nerves. She glanced in the mirror at the dreadful sight which was her hair, scoffed at the absurdity, and pulled the bundle back and up into something resembling a pony tail. Surely he wouldn’t notice the neglected knots and frayed ends. Dating was not something she’d excelled at this past year and she couldn’t pinpoint why.

That all changed, of course, when she was startled by a stranger in the home improvement aisle at the market last Friday. Nathan’s favorite aisle, as it were, though she had good reason to be there. A dozen lightbulbs had been out for the better part of six months and she figured it was high time to change them.

“Oh!, she shrieked, dropping her bundle of bulbs all over the floor.

She knelt down to pick up the mess when she couldn’t help but notice his boots bore a striking resemblance to those which Nathan used to wear; a rustic brown with stitching across the toe. She stood up with her heaping pile of shattered glass, and stared at him with rosy cheeks and a dumb smile, to which he reciprocated with his own warm smile.

Her friends all told her that she needed to be strong and make the first move. She wasn’t sure about that idea, although she was sure that ‘strong’ was not something she considered herself lately. Nevertheless, she saw her moment and asked the dashing stranger to dinner. She even took it upon herself to recommend the place – Restaurant Le Coup de Foudre. It was the only place where she felt she could be herself. It was the same restaurant that Nathan took her not only on their first date, but also where he proposed. He’d spent so much on his suit and the meal, that the only wine he could afford was a $6.99 bottle of merlot. The romance of it all captivated Roselyn to the core.

Poking her head out of the bathroom, she glanced down the hall at the clock on the wall. Time was running out, and decisions had to be made. The dress would have to do, and the hair was satisfactory at best. Shoes…shoes…Roselyn was maniacally tossing shoes over her shoulder as she hunched over the pile of heels, flats, and wedges. Feeling defeated, she lunged for the black flats and dashed for the door.

With all her racing thoughts, the fifteen minute drive felt like an eternity. Was this really happening? Maybe he only accepted my offer because he felt bad about the light bulbs! What if he didn’t bother to show like the previous three? Roselyn knew she was damaged goods, and apparently all the eligible men in the city knew it as well.

She pulled up to the restaurant and paused in front while the valet patiently waited for her to emerge from the car. Roselyn wiped her sweaty hands on the under side of her now wrinkled dress, forced a smile, and stepped out clutching her handbag in attempt to keep her hands busy.

The door man greeted her with a pleasant, ‘good evening, madame,’ coupled with a respectful bow. Upon entering she could feel the romance in the grande room and was immediately transported back to her and Nathan’s first date, which took place at table twelve in the corner. She couldn’t think about that tonight. Tonight she had to be in the right frame of mind for something new, which was why she made reservations for table ten.

She scouted out the crowd to see if her date had already arrived. The ambience was breathtaking; a sea of reds and blacks, and white lace table cloths that could put the most elegant wedding dress to shame. Roselyn nearly jumped out of her skin at the sudden sound of the hostess.

“Miss Coulter, your table is ready.” The hostess gestured to her left.

“Thank you. Um… has anyone arrived ahead of me, by chance?” Rose asked, slightly embarrassed.

“It’s only you, madame… Ah, yes. Here we are, table twelve.” The hostess pulled a chair out for hesitant Roselyn.

“Oh, there must be a mistake. I specifically made reservations for…”

“Table twelve, madame,” the hostess interrupted, showing Roselyn her clipboard for verification. “I’ll be sure to send the rest of your party upon their arrival.”

Her waiter arrived a moment later with a glass of water. “Madame, may I start you with a glass of fine wine?” He asked in a refined tone.

Still looking around the room, she replied, “Um… sure.”

Minutes later, Roselyn’s eyes grew large with delight as her handsome date sauntered towards her. He looked as wonderful as she imagined he would, his outfit choice making the night that much more perfect. His suit was as black as night, with a pearl white shirt, and a bow tie that was nearly the exact shade of red as her dress. It was almost as if he knew what she was wearing and dressed to complement her with razor precision. Maybe this night was going to work out just fine after all.

As he sat down, the waiter returned with breadsticks, the bottle of wine, and a single glass.

“Excuse me, monsieur, could I bother you for a second glass for my date, please?” Roselyn asked with a new perky attitude. He glanced at her curiously, but maintaining his five star manners, obliged without question.

As the night progressed, mouth watering meals arrived, conversation blossomed under the dim lighting, and Rose was laughing. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed. Aside from the occasional awkward stare from a few of the other guests, everything seemed to be far surpassing her expectations. She wouldn’t dare let a few stares bother her.

Feeling intoxicated by his green eyes and the joy of the evening, she hadn’t realized she’d made it through the entire bottle, though his glass remained untouched. Maybe he doesn’t even like wine!

The night grew long amidst the laughter and pleasant gazing into each other’s inner most thoughts, that she was entirely unaware that their table was the only one not cleared off with chairs turned upside down. Before she called for the check, she had to finish off one last joke. Laughing hysterically at her own humor, she threw her head back to polish off the final drop from her glass. As she set the glass down, she was dumbfounded at the sight of an empty chair across from her. The night was over, her wine was gone, and so was her date.

The valet had already pulled her car up and had the door open awaiting her presence. She could tell he was slightly on edge, her being the last to leave and all, so she made sure to tip him well to make up for it. A crisp five oughta do it. He scowled at Roselyn as she stepped in and slammed the door behind her without so much as a ‘good night.’

She fumbled out of her flats and plopped in bed to call Gwen, who’d been supporting Rose through her endless circle of disastrous first dates.

“Hey you! How was it?” Gwen asked, anxiously awaiting the details.

“It was good. It was better than good. It was wonderful, Gwen!” Roselyn’s voice sounded tranquilly at ease, which gave Gwen some solace.

“I’m so glad, Rose. Well, come on then! Spit out the goods,” her girlfriend ordered playfully with a light giggle.

“Well, there’s not much to tell really. Except, the whole night reminded me of Nathan and I’s first date, which was perfect, of course.”

“Aww, that’s great Rose. Tell me, did he pick you up in a nice suit?”

“Oh, no. I didn’t want to seem too needy. I met him at the restaurant. However, at the end of the night he managed to slip away. I didn’t see him again after that.”

“Wait, he left you with the check?” Gwen snapped defensively.

Roselyn laughed dismissively. “Eh, I didn’t really mind. Gwen, I now finally feel like I’m ready to get back at it. I don’t know what it was about this one, but he comforted me in such a way that it felt like I was with Nathan all night long.”

“Oh, Rose, no…”

“No, no, it’s fine. Please, don’t feel sorry for me. I’m ready now. I’m finally ready for my next first date.

“Rose, won’t you have me over to meet him before the first date? I’d love to be there for you…”

“Well, I, er,…I don’t know.” Roselyn was cautious about letting others meet her mystery men.

“Come on, I could do your hair.” Gwen begged until Roselyn caved in. She knew it was the only way to get her to see the truth.

“Ok, fine.” Roselyn finally gave in.

“Great!” Gwen felt victorious. “Next time, make him come up to the door to pick you up like a proper gentleman.”

Two weeks later, Gwen got the call, and rushed over without hesitation. The two prepped and primped for hours, laughing and talking like they were lovesick teenagers again. At precisely seven o’ clock, Roselyn jumped up from the chair.

“The door bell!” She exclaimed.

Though Gwen didn’t hear anything, she followed her friend out to the entry way. Roselyn opened the door at lightning speed, only to find the doorway empty. She stood frozen, arms hanging lifeless at her side, with all confidence and hope drained from her face. Gwen said nothing, for she needed not; reality struck, and Roselyn now knew what she’d been fighting for over a year. The two friends cried deep into the night, and by dawn’s break, Roselyn was finally able to smile as she embraced the love that would never die – the love that began over a cheap glass of merlot.