First Time in Mansfield

Jim Williams worked at the headquarters of Kerwood Corporation in Branson. He was working on a project with Andy Hughes at Kerwood’s Mansfield office. A month into the project, Jim traveled to Mansfield, his first time there.

After finishing up on Jim’s last day in town, Andy said, “Jim, I want to invite you to join me and my wife, Linda, at dinner tonight at Penley’s Steak House. Linda is a life of the party type person, and I think you will enjoy meeting her. And since this a social event,” Andy chuckled, “no shop talk will be allowed.”

Jim said, “That sounds like an offer I can’t refuse. By the way, I used to date a girl in high school that sounds a lot like your wife. And her name was also Linda. I’m looking forward to meeting her.”

Jim arrived a little early at the steak house and was sitting in the waiting area. When Andy walked in with his wife, Jim was stunned! He immediately recognized her as his former girlfriend!

The years had added a few lines to her face, but there was no mistaking her bright, lively eyes and the warmth of her smile—just as Jim remembered from their high school days. However, Linda showed no sign of recognizing him.

“Jim, this is my wife Linda,” Andy said cheerfully.

“It’s nice to meet you, Jim,” Linda said, shaking his hand with a firm grip that suggested her confidence, clearly oblivious to any past connection.

Jim managed to maintain his composure, as he replied, “The pleasure’s all mine, Linda.” And then he thought, “Did she really not recognize me?”

After they were seated at their table, the conversation quickly shifted to lighthearted topics like favorite vacation spots and the best dishes on the menu, easing Jim’s initial tension.

But throughout the evening, Jim couldn’t help but marvel at the strange twist of fate that had brought him face to face with someone from his past.

As the conversation unfolded, Jim found himself appreciating Andy's sharp sense of humor and Linda's vivacious charm. She still had that life of the party personality, and she had developed a knack for drawing everyone into the conversation with her spirited anecdotes.

Jim contributed his own stories, careful to avoid any mention of his shared past with Linda. But then he realized “I’m feeling very uncomfortable keeping this to myself. I’m married to Barbara, who is a devoted, loving wife, and I am not tempted to pursue any type of improper relationship with Linda. I think I will drop some hints about knowing her and see what happens.”

Jim carefully planned his strategy. At the next suitable pause in the conversation, he said, "You know, Linda, you remind me so much of someone I knew years ago."

Linda tilted her head slightly, her smile unwavering. "Really? That's interesting. Who was she?"

Jim formed a slight smile, as if to send a message, and then said, “She was my girlfriend in high school. And her name was Linda.” Now Jim had a more deliberate smile as he stared intently into Linda’s eyes.

Linda noticed Jim’s smile and stare with curiosity, and then said, “Jim? Williams?” And then her eyes opened as wide as they could be. “Oh, my goodness! Jim Williams!”

Jim’s smile became a full grin as he saw that she finally realized who he was.

Linda continued, “How did I not recognize you?!”

Andy asked, with a puzzled look on his face, “What’s going on? Have you two met before?”

Still looking at Linda, Jim turned to Andy and said, “Linda and I went to John Henry Jacobs High School together in our hometown of Derby.” Then, turning back to Linda, he said. “Linda, I think you should explain the rest to your husband so that I don’t say something out-of-turn.”

Facing Andy, Linda said, “Oh, Honey, Jim was my boyfriend during our sophomore and junior years at JHJ High. But before we began our senior year, his dad was transferred to another state.”

Andy blinked, processing this new layer of his wife’s history. “Well, small world, isn’t it? I had no idea you knew each other.”

Jim laughed, trying to ease the tension. “Well, I didn’t know you two were married. Otherwise, I would’ve brought my old letters from Linda.” He paused a second and then added, “Just kidding!”

The three of them laughed, but Linda’s cheeks turned red. She hadn’t thought about Jim in years, but suddenly, old memories came flooding back. She remembered school dances, shared secrets, and their innocent love.

Jim said, “What’s it been… over twenty years? Time really flies.”

Linda nodded, glancing briefly at Andy, whose expression had softened into a faintly amused grin.

“Yes, twenty years…,” she continued, “…and here we are, catching up completely by chance. Who would’ve thought?”

Andy leaned back slightly in his chair, folding his arms. “I have to admit, I’m curious now. What was Jim like in high school, Linda? Anything embarrassing I should know?”

Linda laughed, a sound that eased the tension at the table. “Oh, believe me, Jim was always the gentleman—though he did have a knack for sneaking into pep rallies late!”

“I’ll have you know I had valid excuses,” Jim quipped, feigning mock indignation. “And I seem to recall someone being remarkably good at convincing teachers to give us an extension or two on our assignments.”

The trio laughed, the mood relaxing further as the conversation unfolded naturally, bridging the past to the present in a way that felt surprisingly comfortable.

“You know, I can’t lie; it’s a bit wild to think about how small the world is,” Andy said thoughtfully. “But honestly, it doesn’t change how I feel about Linda today. She is my love now!”

“Just as Barbara is my love back home,” Jim quickly added to help ease any tension.

Linda smiled widely at Andy.

Jim raised his glass. “To the past, but even more to the present and future! Cheers!” They clinked their glasses, and camaraderie filled the air.

Then, Jim turned to Andy, “So, it doesn’t bother you? Knowing that there was a time when Linda and I were together?”

Andy shrugged lightly, a grin on his face. “Not at all! That’s life. We all have had chapters before we met our true partner. Besides, if people didn’t have a past, they wouldn’t be the amazing people they are now.”

Linda’s heart warmed at Andy’s words, allowing her to reminisce about her previous relationship with Jim without feeling threatened. He was always the thoughtful one.

And Jim nodded, appreciating Andy's honesty.

The evening went on filled with laughter, jokes, and deep conversation. By the time it was over, an old friendship had been rekindled, and they all had formed a bond despite the twists of fate.

As they stepped outside to leave, Jim thanked them both for the dinner. Andy smiled and said, “Let’s do this again soon.”

“Agreed,” Jim said. “But next time let’s do this in Branson. You and Linda come and meet my wife, Barbara.” And then he went to his car and left.

As they walked to their own car, Linda looked at Andy with love in her eyes, grateful for the way he had handled the situation. “You know, I was nervous after we learned who Jim was,” she admitted.

“Why? You’re stuck with me and no one else!” Andy replied jokingly.

“Exactly,” she said, leaning in for a kiss. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

They both smiled, knowing their love story was solid, no matter what chapters had come before.