Free Sparing the Heart (Pastime Pursuits #3) by Tracy Krimmer Page B

the time to date.”
    “Well, let me think here.” Gretchen rests her finger on her chin. “Most of the guys I could introduce you to are from Clark’s work or bowling.” She clicks her tongue against her teeth.  
    “Forget it.” I give up. She can’t think of one person.  
    “No, no. Don’t say that. I’m thinking.”
    Don’t think too long!
    “Ned is the only one who comes to mind. Unless you like younger guys, and then there’s Taylor.”
    “No. Not Taylor! He’s a baby!” Tiffany may be okay with it, but I’m not dating someone still in his twenties. Plus, even though those two aren’t a thing, they still sleep together. That’s … ew.
    Ned. I contemplate this for a moment. He’s got tattoos, light eyes, long hair. Not my typical type, but let’s be honest, it’s been over ten years, so I don’t really have a type. The only way to put myself back into the game is to dive in headfirst. I need to start somewhere, even if it’s Ned. Look at it like practice, like going on multiple job interviews until you find a match. “Fine. If you think Ned will go for it, can you set us up?”
    “Consider it done.” She winks at me, and I’m actually excited.

Chapter
  Twelve

    Gretchen sets my date up with Ned for Saturday night. I’m exhausted from the busy week. I contracted with another client and am also working with a young woman with a low budget and a minuscule mortgage approval to match. Dealing with Janice provides a feat in itself. I convinced her to drop the price five thousand dollars after the depressing open house after she laughed at me suggesting we axe it by ten. Five thousand is a start. The open house proved a total loss and the showings aren’t exactly scheduling themselves. Meanwhile, I’m still on the hunt for a place for Kellan, not having found anything I think he’ll like.
    I’m meeting Ned at a bar in the heart of downtown called Gold Rush. Gretchen said he chose the pub, his favorite, and he has a surprise for me. I don’t recognize the name, but I’m sure I’ve passed this place before.  
    Not having a social life means my time at bars has been very limited. Even if my visits were more frequent, when I step into Gold Rush, I understand why this is my first time here. The bar is standard, complete with rows of bottles behind it, but instead of stools, patrons are seated on saddles. The tables surrounding me are barrels, and I’m staring into a sea of cowboy hats. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a country western tavern. I grew up on the music, but I haven’t listened to the genre for years.
    I’m a little out of place with my outfit. Most people wear boots and a hat, and I’ve got on a babydoll shirt and my hair is spiked a tad. I’m glad I’m wearing jeans like everyone else. I scan the room for Ned and don’t find him, so I order a glass of wine and find a seat at the counter.
    The saddle is uncomfortable. How do people sit on these? I tried riding a horse once when I was seven, but being so high off the ground scared the daylights out of me. I swore that day I would never even attempt to ride one. I guess I’m sort of eating my words.
    Ten minutes pass and I’m beginning to wonder if I’m being stood up. Gretchen said Ned seemed very interested when she mentioned going out with me, so why isn’t he here? This is sending me the wrong message. Not to mention, I don’t like being made to wait when I could be home doing other things. I want to be out on a date. I asked for one. But I at least want my date to show up. If he’s not going to do that, then I would rather be coloring or reading. Or soaking in a bubble bath.
    I'm trying my best to enjoy the music, though I prefer the slow ones over the fast. The urge to polka hits me when the faster ones come on. Give me someone like Kelly Clarkson or Taylor Swift who can crossover and I can handle that. These Travis Tritt and Reba McEntire tunes drive me crazy. Too much honky tonk and not even poetry to the