Just Around the Corner

Dr. Liza Jane Edwards, PhD. Seabold University graduate, May of 2015. Staring at the piece of paper that states Liza has completed all necessary courses to provide psychological and behavioral services. Holding her diploma, felt like she was holding a fifty-pound weight. The pressure and responsibilities that she will need to uphold so she doesn’t put a stain on her name outweigh the document itself. All that mattered was she could start her path in psychology and work towards opening her own clinic. Liza’s life starts today. Trying to erase the doubtful thoughts, Liza takes a deep breath and rolls her shoulders back, appearing to stand taller she reassures herself, “I’ve got this.” 

“Celebratory drinks are in order!” Reflecting on her conversation with her roommate/best friend, Beanie. Beanie was a nickname, her real name’s Bethelma, but she she felt no nickname that could branch off of Bethelma fit her. Beanie was born from the excessive amount of Beanie Babies that covered her bedroom. Liza was looking forward to a night to blow off steam and bask in her accomplishment of obtaining her doctorate in psychology. That celebration wouldn’t be until later tonight because right now it is 10 am and Liza decided a hot caramel cappuccino at her favorite cafe with her newest read, a 400-page “Who Done It” mystery/thriller. Excitement fills Liza’s veins while biting the inside of her cheek to stop her from smiling. She didn’t want to be the creepy girl bouncing down the street with an ear-splitting smile, she might come off as insane. 

After placing her order, Liza sets herself up at a two-seater in front of the window, she loves to people-watch between chapters. The barista brings out her cappuccino, and Liza opens her book to the page before the one she left off at. She always likes to re-read the page before, to refresh her memory on what has already happened. 

“Is there anything else you would like, or will it just be the cappuccino?” Liza was a regular, and the staff always took care of their regulars. Liza doesn’t usually indulge in a sweet treat, but today was a day of celebration so she made the decision, “Can I get a slice of that chocolate mousse cake, please?”

“Of course, I will be right out.” she turns with a smile and Liza gets back to her book.

“James wakes up in an unfamiliar location, wrist tied behind his back. Grogginess has taken over and he feels like he was hit in the head by a brick. Wiggling his fingers he realizes he isn’t alone. He is bound to another person, sitting back to back with him. ‘Jenny? Is that you? Are you okay? Do you remember what happened?’ he proceeds shooting off questions a mile a minute. The response he gets throws him off, it wasn’t the voice he was expecting to hear. ‘It’s Kathy, James. I don’t know where Jenny is.’ James can hear the tremble in Kathy’s voice, trying to keep her tears at bay. Pure silence between the two hostages, both trying not to think how badly this situation could end for the both of them. A door in the distance creaks open, snapping both of the bound victim's heads at the same time. Putting on his brave face, and adding a little more bass in his voice, ‘What have you done with Jenny? You better not have hurt her or else!’ he demands. ‘Or else what? You’re a little tied up at the moment.” The silhouette with a voice states as if the two hadn’t realized. ‘James, I’ve heard that voice before.’ Kathy softly whispers…”

“Is this seat taken?” a deep voice inquires, startling Liza right out of her seat. Hand to chest, she informs the stranger that no one was using that chair. She expected the stranger to take the chair to another table, so she was confused when he sat in the chair instead. She wasn’t expecting company in her reading spot.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to spook you.” The deep voice rolled over her skin like velvet, causing a little shiver down her spine.  Liza waved off the stranger, informing him it was no big deal, she was about to find out who the captor was and wasn’t going to slow down for nobody. Not getting the hint, the stranger continues, “What are you reading there?” Liza lifts the book off the table showing the cover as she slowly uncovers the mystery.

“Is it any good?” Why can’t this man take a hint? 

On a huff, Liza slaps her book down on the table and meets the stranger's eyes. His piercing greyish-green eyes were mesmerizing. Tranced from the gorgeous stranger, Liza forgot what she was getting all huffy about. She couldn’t even form worms to make a sentence. What is wrong with me? Scolding herself for allowing her brain to turn to mush. The stranger reaches his hand across the table, snapping her out of whatever dreamland she found herself in, and introduces himself.

“Sorry, I’m Dylan. I didn’t mean to intrude on your reading.” Liza could sense a little sarcasm in his tone, the cocked eyebrow and smirk confirmed that he was teasing her.

“Hi, I’m Liza.” she returns the handshake and continues, “Word of advice, you should never interrupt a reader they may bite. It’s the quiet ones you have to worry about.” Trying to ignore the electricity sparks and feelings rushing through her body, as if it was on fire, but the way he was looking at her wasn’t cooling her down any time soon. A lot of emotions were springing on Liza at one time, excitement, fear, confusion, and her libido just kicked into overdrive after a 3-year stand-still. Today was supposed to be about her doctorate, but now meeting Dylan seemed to trump that.

Liza didn’t get to return to her book after that, she and Dylan sat at the window spending time chatting and laughing. She had learned Dylan recently moved to the area after receiving a promotion that required an office change. He is single and has no kids. They shared their family stories and exchanged fears, hopes, and dreams. The conversation felt easy, their energy was magnetic. Liza was never one to believe in love at first sight, but she felt she had just found her soulmate.

Their conversation was interrupted by a phone call from Liza’s phone. It was Beanie calling her, looking at the time she was stunned to see how much time had passed.

“Hey Beans,” she greets.

“Hey, where are you? I thought you would be home getting ready for our night of celebrating!”

“Sorry, I lost track of time at the coffee shop. I am leaving now.”

“You must be reading a really good book if you are there this late.”

“Yes, I was lost in the book. Such a good book. I am leaving now, love you. Bye.”

“Bye-” click. Liza rushed Beanie off the phone, hoping she didn’t notice the awkwardness in her tone. 

“Do you think I can have your number before you leave?” Dylan asks, reminding Liza she isn’t sitting alone at the coffee table.

“Sure, hand me your phone and I will add it.” Liza lays her hand out palm up waiting for Dylan to place it in her hand. She slowly retreats the phone to her and adds her contact information. Trying to calm her excitement, she tells herself repeatedly that he probably won’t text/call. Realism is the best way to protect yourself from being disappointed. She hands Dylan’s phone back to him as she stands up. Grabbing the check the barista had left for her, Dylan places his hand on top of hers to stop her. “Please, let me pay.”

Stunned, Liza blurts out, “Why?” She didn’t mean for that to sound accusatory.

“In hopes you will remember this when deciding whether or not you should respond to my text later.” The smirk returns. That damn smirk has Liza fawning, having to catch herself. She giggled, “You’re such a gentleman, thank you.” Dylan stands up, towering over her with the check in hand, getting ready to head to the register. He leans forward, inching his way closer to Liza. His cologne invaded her senses, causing her brain to short-circuit. Her skin prickles with goosebumps at the closeness. Once his mouth reached her level, his breath tickled her earlobe and that spot just below the ear that would typically have her melt. Dylan decided to leave Liza with a warning, “I’m not always a gentleman.” Stunned, she must take a few breaths to regulate her heart rate and get her brain back to functioning. Remembering what she was doing, to begin with, she grabs her book slings her purse over her head, and rushes out before she makes a decision she may regret. Or maybe she wouldn’t. 

On her walk home, thoughts of Dylan flooded her brain. Reliving their conversation, how they had so many things in common, how much he made her laugh, talking to him felt so simple. Something that you don’t have to think twice about, you can talk about anything and not hold back. No fear of sounding crazy, or being judged. Just simple. Her skin tingled thinking about how close he was standing next to her, how his breath felt along her neck. She was feeling things she hadn’t felt in a while. Sad how the closeness was short-lived, almost like she missed being with him. Just as her head was about to spin out of control analyzing that statement, her phone beeps with a text. Pulling her phone out of her purse, she noticed it was a number she didn’t recognize. Her heart raced at the thought it could be Dylan, smiling as she opened the text.

Unknown: Hey Liza, it’s Dylan. I enjoyed our first date together and look forward to our second.

Deciding to tease him a little bit, she replies:

Liza: Dylan… I don’t remember having a first date with any Dylans. 

Texting bubbles pop up letting her know he was coming up with a reply. Then they stopped and popped up again, then stopped altogether. Did she take it too far? Was he offended? Finally, after what felt like hours, she received an alert of a new text.

Dylan: We can have as many first dates as you want. ;)

Dylan: I hope you don’t have a boyfriend or a partner, that is probably something we should have gotten out of the way first.

Liza: No exclusive partners, keeping my options open. 

Dylan: I love a challenge. Let me know which night you are free for our second date, and I will plan the rest.

Walking into her apartment complex, Liza reflected on the day she had. It seemed like her life was going through some major changes soon and she was excited for her future.

After Liza had relayed word for word the events that occurred in the coffee shop, Beanie seemed impressed with Dylan. “This Dylan guy sounds pretty nice, and he paid for your coffee and cake. He’s really showing off.”  

Trying her hardest not to cheese too hard, Liza agrees with Beanie’s assessment, pretending to be indifferent, “Yeah, we’ll see what he has planned for this upcoming date.” Quickly changing the subject, “So where are we going tonight for our celebratory drinks?”

“We can go to our usual, Joey’s, or we can try the new wine bar across town. I forget what it’s called.”

“Off the Vine.”

“YES!” Beanie cheers, “Let’s go there!”

“Be ready in 30 minutes?” Liza suggests, trying to calculate all that she has to do first.

“Sounds good to me, Dr. Edwards.” Beanie praises while walking back towards her bedroom. Dr. Liza Jane Edwards, the confidence boost that provides was something Liza could get used to.

Thirty minutes had passed, and right on time both Beanie and Liza were in the entryway doing their last make-up check in the mirror before heading out the door. Beanie had already reserved an Uber, and according to the app, it was only 2 minutes away. Sliding into the back seat, they confirm their destination and the driver pulls away from the curb.

The wine bar had a good-sized crowd but was not uncomfortably packed. Grabbing a seat at the bar, the ladies flagged down a bartender for their menu. Scanning through their wine selection and pairing suggestions, they both ordered a bottle to split of cabernet and a cheese and crackers plate. While Beanie was putting in their order, Liza scanned the room. People-watching is and always will be her favorite pastime. Her eyes cast on a familiar pair of green eyes and that cocky smirk, she instantly melted in her stool. The synapses in her brain keep misfiring, not allowing her to look away. How long until her staring turns into creepy? Thank goodness Beanie notices this and grabs her shoulder. “What’s going on? You look like a love-sick puppy.” The only response Liza could formulate was, “It’s him.”

“Him who? From the coffee shop?” 

“Yes, and he seems to be walking our way.” Liza forces herself to sit up straight, turning towards her glass of wine not wanting to appear as if she tracked his path to her.

Dylan comes up behind her, slides his arm next to her on the bar, and leans into her, “This does not count as our second date, but can I still buy you a drink?” Liza raises her half-filled glass of wine and the bottle she and Beanie are splitting, “This is my limit for tonight.”

Dylan nods to himself, accepting defeat, “Okay, I can respect that. Do you mind if I join the conversation?” 

Glancing around, Liza noticed Dylan had walked up by himself, “Are you here alone? Or are you on a date?” She realized the last question wasn’t any of her business, and yet it was the most important question she needed answered at this moment.

Dylan’s eyes lit up with intrigue mixed with a little playfulness, “Getting territorial already? It’s only been one date.”

Annoyed, Liza spits back, “I wouldn’t call that a date, an ambush maybe, but not a date.” Liza was just minding her business at that coffee shop, reading her book. He could have sat anywhere in that cafe but he chose that seat. Yup, she was going with ambush.

“An ambush?” Never wavering, “And what do you call this now? A stakeout? I believe you are following me, Dr. Edwards.” The emphasis he put on her title, almost sounded sinful and it had her heart racing. This man was able to exude confidence, carrying alpha male energy, and still can bow down to a woman showing her respect. He was a rare find, and Liza realized she would never be able to walk away.

Liza completely forgot she had asked Dylan a question until started to answer, “Don’t worry, Liza. I am not on a date. My buddy stepped outside to take a phone call, and I was not about to pass up the opportunity to talk to you again. He’ll find me if he wants to.”

A few minutes had passed and Dylan’s friend did indeed find him. After introducing his friend, Patrick, the conversation continued between Dylan and Liza. Beanie and Patrick watch in awe as they witness their closest friends create a buzzing energy between them. At one point during their conversation, Liza and Beanie excused themselves so they could take care of a few things in the ladies' rooms.

Once they returned, the guys suggested going for a walk in the small park across the street. Beanie had to close out their tab first before they could leave, so she flagged down the bartender. Looking confused, the bartender checked the computer and returned to let her know that the tab had already been picked up. Stunned Liza and Beanie look at each other, almost as if they were speaking with their eyes trying to figure out how that was possible. The lightbulb went off almost simultaneously, Liza turned to Dylan who wore the most adorable smile confirming her suspicions. He was so proud of himself for being able to sneak that by them. “Just wanted to make sure I get on your friend's good graces. We can call this a continuance of our first date.”

Speechless, all Liza could do was reach for Dylan’s hand and lead him outside of the wine bar. Once their feet hit the concrete of the sidewalk without a second thought Liza turns into Dylan’s arms, raises herself on her tiptoes, and kisses him on the cheek. Lowering herself down, they never break eye contact. Something passes between them, the look of adoration written all over Dylan’s face. His eyes drag down to her lips, lingering there for a beat while running his tongue along his bottom lip. His eyebrows furrowed for a split second, almost as if he was at war with his next move. His eyes shift back to Liza’s, looking for approval to proceed. She closes her eyes on a deep inhale, tilting her chin up. Taking that as the green light, Dylan places his pointer and thumb on her chin, as if to hold it in place making sure this all is real and softly places his lips over hers. Electricity bolts through Dylan into Liza, the kiss soft and fragile. Not wanting to rush the moment, but also wanting to communicate everything they are feeling in this one kiss. The moment felt like forever and too short at the same time, lowering herself down to earth Liza's head was spinning. Never had she experienced a kiss that powerful, and never did she want to feel it with anyone other than Dylan.