Free Dying for a Date by Cindy Sample Page A

her father had neglected to inform me he was residing elsewhere. “Did you know he had moved?"
    She gave me a sheepish look reminiscent of the man in question. “He told me he and Nadine were having problems so he moved in with his friend Bill. I thought...I thought maybe we could all be a family again...” Her voice trailed off as she slumped against me.
    All the anger I felt when Hank left two years ago erupted in full force. How dare he let Jenna get her hopes up for a reconciliation? It was a good thing he wasn't standing in front of me because I definitely had murder on my mind.
    I kissed the top of her tangled auburn hair. “We'll discuss it tomorrow.” The shopping expedition had worn me out and I didn't have the emotional stamina to think about my ex-husband's deceit right now. It could wait until the next day.
    Unfortunately Hank didn't give me the opportunity. He left a voicemail Friday morning informing me he would pick up the kids from school. I would have to wait until he brought them home on Sunday before I could berate him. Although our divorce decree granted joint custody, it ended up more like an eighty/twenty split. I hoped their lack of quality time with their father wouldn't make them any more dysfunctional than most children. Considering the amount of time they spent with me, that was probably a given.
    Despite Jeremy's courteous demeanor during our previous meeting, I was somewhat apprehensive about having him come to our house. Not to mention he probably wasn't used to tripping over the GI Joes and Matchbox cars that normally decorate our family room.
    After a restless night, I woke up early, determined my house would be so clean I could invite the first lady to dinner. I swept, vacuumed, scrubbed and polished. Once the house was immaculate it was my turn to be scrubbed and polished. I skipped lunch and by six o'clock, I was ready. Thanks to Liz, my face was aglow with sunny sheen foundation, an organic product that guaranteed I'd look ten years younger. Too bad it couldn't guarantee I'd look ten pounds lighter.
    With extra time on my hands, I paced through the house. I was half looking forward to the date and half dreading it. My pacing eventually brought me into the kitchen. A little wine wouldn't hurt and it might relax me. I uncorked a bottle of Chardonnay just as the doorbell rang. I took a sip of liquid fortification about the size of a Big Gulp, set the glass on the counter and walked to the front door to greet my suitor.
    Jeremy stepped into the entry, tall and slim in a gray suit, blue shirt, and darker blue tie. He smiled as his eyes appraised me. “Laurel, you look terrific. Are you ready to go?"
    "Yes. I didn't know what time the reservations were. Would you like some wine before we leave? There's a bottle of Chardonnay open."
    "Sure. Sounds good.” He followed me into the kitchen and perched on one of the oak barstools.
    I poured a glass for Jeremy and topped off my own. Our glasses clinked as he toasted, “to a beautiful woman and a beautiful evening."
    Aww. What a lovely sentiment. Both his words and the wine made me feel all warm and toasty inside. Jeremy was definitely a step, or an entire staircase up from my last date. I beamed at him. He smiled back then took a sip of wine and grimaced. Evidently the doctor wasn't a connoisseur of the McKay house brand, the infamous Two Buck Chuck. He set the glass on the counter then swiveled around, surveying my kitschy yellow kitchen.
    "Nice house. Very cozy."
    "Thanks. My ex built it. Lots of flaws just like him."
    Jeremy looked taken aback. Complaining about your ex is a no-no on your first date. Love Club rules.
    "I guess all men are flawed to some extent. No matter how hard we try, perfection eludes us.” He shrugged. “Are you ready to go?"
    Strange remark. Jeremy looked troubled but since he didn't elaborate, I didn't push. Maybe once we reached the restaurant he'd feel comfortable confiding in me. I eyed my glass of wine. I hated