Free Far from Blind by S.J. Maylee Page B

last weekend, I’ve been
thinking about booking a date night there with Seth. Hey, this invite is for
this Saturday. Are you going?”
    “I
don’t know. We have several events this week.”
    “I
don’t get you and Brad. The two of you are always working. You both need to
take time for yourselves.”
    “Brad
is still getting over you.”
    “Hardly,
he only keeps it up to tease Seth.” She put the card down and picked up her
purse. “I still think the two of you should date.”
    “I
don’t think he’ll ever think of me that way.” Candy picked up her old reliable
bag with the torn lining. “We have nothing in common.”
    “Candy,
look at me.”
    “It’s
nice of you to think Brad and I could be a match, but it’s never going to
happen. I’m just not the right girl for him.” It was past time she faced
reality. Men like Brad were simply out of her reach.
    “What’s
that supposed to mean?”
    “I’m
completely out of his league.”
    “Nonsense.
Brad would be lucky to date a woman like you.” Ivy dropped everything and clutched
Candy’s shoulders. “You’re passionate. You’re brilliant. You’re honest. Not to
mention beautiful.”
    “I
know.”
    “You’re
a catch. Brad would be lucky to deserve you.” She tapped Candy under the chin
before stepping back and grabbing her purse.
    “You’re
right. Of course you’re right.” Candy stood a little straighter. “It’s his loss
for not seeing what’s in front of him.”
    “Exactly.”
Ivy shook her head. “You had me worried there for a minute. Don’t do that.”
    “Sorry.”
One of the first things Ivy helped her with was self-respect. She knew better
than to sink into those worthless thoughts. “Those who can’t see me don’t
matter.”
    “That’s
right.” Ivy handed her the Blind Date Night invitation. “You’ve been waiting
for this for weeks. If you’re done waiting for Brad, then what’s standing in
the way of your next big adventure?”
    “Hell,
Ivy, you sure know how to get to the point.”
    “Well?”
    “You
think I should go?”
    “Don’t
you?”
    She
picked up the phone and dialed. “Hi, Mistress Charlie. This is Candy. I’ll be
there Saturday night.”
    ****
    Brad flipped through his phone looking for a
distraction. Having dinner with Seth and Ivy used to be the best way to end his
stressful week. Ever since he left the CPA firm, he not only had time to breathe
but he had time to witness what was missing in his life.
    The
career change to the estate planning firm set him up to have the time he’d need
to treat his woman right, even have a family when the time came. Only problem
was he couldn’t seem to attract the attention of the one woman who’d caught his
eye. Seth liked to tease him about having a thing for Ivy and he’d encouraged
the abuse. How else would he be able to cover the real object of his affection?
    It
was hard to approach a woman when in the office seven nights a week though.
However, now that he’d changed jobs, he couldn’t use lack of time as an excuse
for not asking her out. He needed to find a way to get a feel for her level of
interest, but he’d barely been able to get her to talk with him in weeks. Their
simple conversations and her smile used to light up his world. Now, he guessed
she’d figured out how completely dull he was. How could he possibly attract a
woman as alive as her?
    Seth
whispered something into Ivy’s ear, and she blushed a deep shade of crimson.
Before long they’d be excusing themselves and he’d be on his way home, alone.
The waitress placed their last round of drinks on the table.
    “We’re
ready for the check.” Brad took a sip of his martini.
    “It’s
all taken care of.” The waitress smiled and walked away.
    Brad
scanned the room.
    “Master
Marcus.” Ivy kneeled on the banquette and waved her arm over her head.
    The
man walked over and stopped at their table. “I hope you all enjoyed that fine
meal.” He reached out to Ivy and kissed her