The Donut Man

"It was after Tim showed up. I didn't even see the photographer near us. I guess I was distracted as I was watching Tim leave."

"So you two are done?" my father asked.

"Yes, I told Tim I didn't want to see him again. I know I'm not going to change my mind. I know it seems like it happened quickly, but I guess I recognize it was building to a point where I was unhappy. His drinking for one thing was getting in the way."

"So you're okay?" my mother asked, her face solemn.

"Mom and Dad, I'm fine. I cried and felt terrible last night. But I've had all day to think about things and know it was for the best. Having been asked out right away by Wade has helped. I'm glad I've gotten to know him a little while at work as it wasn't like was I asked by a complete stranger. I'm looking forward to our date tomorrow. I just hope Tim knows I meant what I said and stays away."

I finished the evening by reading until my eyes felt heavy—the lack of sleep from the night before taking a toll on me. I walked out into the living room, said goodnight, returned to my bedroom, turned out the light, and slipped into bed. I lay there for a few minutes thinking about Wade, then fell asleep.

The next day I finished work at one and headed home, anxious to change clothes and get ready for my date. I was excited as it had been over ten months since I had experienced a first date with a man—even then I had known Tim most of my life. Wade was another matter altogether as I had never dated someone I really didn't know. The thought of getting to know someone essentially from scratch seemed wonderful and a little intimidating at the same time.

I had to smile though—we had shared a lot of donuts together. Often, I had picked which donuts he took with him, at other times he had—it had been simple enough, yet different from anything else I had ever engaged in with anyone. It seemed a strange behavior on his part, but I had accepted it easily after a few times— the mystery of who his 'love' was remained, as he didn't seem to have one based upon what Valerie had told me.

I dressed in jeans and a short-sleeved blouse, and comfortable shoes after fixing my hair into a ponytail, and touching up my eye makeup. I was sitting watching out the window—a few butterflies seemed to have found a home in my stomach and I started to think I was going to be a nervous wreck before long. I didn't think it showed until I glanced over at my mother. She was smiling at me and as I looked at her I realized my foot was swinging back and forth hitting the leg of the chair—my nervousness was showing.

"Robyn, I haven't seen you so keyed up before. Settle down, it's not like you haven't had your picture taken with him."

I had to laugh, "Thanks, Mom. I hadn't thought of that."

But I was keyed up, I was really looking forward to this date. I kept fantasizing about what it would be like to snuggle up close to him. It seemed silly in a way, but Tim had never really wanted to just hold me close for more than a minute or two before he wanted to take my blouse off and start feeling me up. Now that wasn't all bad, but I had always wanted a little more of a slow build-up to that activity—a little affection of a mild kind after a few kisses worked best—but he never seemed to catch on.

Wade's pickup pulled into the driveway and I watched as he walked towards the door. I jumped up and got to the door just as he knocked.

"Come in. You may as well meet my parents before we leave."

We walked into the living room and my father got up with a smile. I introduced Wade first to my mother and then to my father as he shook his hand. We stood and talked for a few minutes and as we prepared to leave my mother asked what time I expected to be home.

"I don't know for sure, probably no later than ten or eleven if I can stay awake that long," as I turned to look at Wade.

"I'm sure we will be back by then. I get up early too, not as early as Robyn, but I'm pretty much a party pooper too," he laughed.

We walked out together and when we reached his truck he looked at me with a grin.

"Do I score extra points by wanting to be a gentleman and open the door for you or are you the independent woman who prefers to get in yourself?"

I looked at him smiling, completely surprised by the question. "You've already score extra points just by asking me, I don't mind being pampered a little."

"Pampered it is."

I climbed into the cab after he opened the door and was reaching for the seat belt as he closed it. I was immediately impressed by how clean it was. Let's just say it was different than I was used to. He got in and we were soon on our way to Ashton.

"Robyn, there's a newspaper behind you on the jump seat, why don't you take a look at what movies are showing at the Cinema Eight and tell me what you would like to see. I'm pretty open to anything as I don't go but seldom."

I looked them over and found one that several friends had seen and liked. They were kind of chick flicks and I wasn't sure he would go for it. There was also a romantic comedy playing and I thought that might be the best for both of us. But I decided to tease him a little just to see how he would react.

How about 'How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days', it's a romantic comedy.

"Sounds like a chick flick to me, but I think we could both use a laugh. Let's do it."

I looked at Wade not quite believing he would actually do it.

"Wade, really!"

"Sure, why not. I want you to have a good time and I know sharing the movie with you is more important than the movie itself."

I looked at him. I couldn't believe my own ears. No man had ever shown that amount of sensitivity towards me. Wade paid attention to his driving and didn't see the expression on my face as my smile grew. There was no way he could understand how good it had made me feel and I was sure deep down my mind was storing away the thought—Tim? Who the hell was he?

We arrived at the cinema and Wade purchased our tickets, then we stopped at the snack bar and purchased the largest tub of buttered popped corn they had and two soft drinks. We found seats and sat down, I felt so wonderful already, I just wanted to bend over and give Wade a huge kiss. I fought the urge, after all, this was just the beginning of our first date. I shouldn't go overboard. Should I?

The feature started and we settled in, laughing, sharing a few hushed comments between us from time to time as we munched on the popcorn. After a while, I felt his arm come across the back of my seat, his fingers touching my shoulder—a warm surge of pleasure rose up inside me, a small thrill as my heart reacted to his subtle affection. I squirmed a little in my seat as the warmth worked its way down. He leaned over and whispered into my ear.

"Robyn, are you okay?"

I turned my head slightly with a smile. "I'm wonderful," thinking I should tell him he was wonderful too, but remained silent.

The movie ended and we slowly worked our way out of the theater into the lobby. We both left for the restrooms and when I came out Wade was waiting for me patiently. We talked on the way to the truck, sharing what we thought the best scenes were in the movie, laughing as we walked next to each other. It felt so relaxing, I was thinking how much I liked his calm, gentle demeanor, and the way he carried himself. I noticed for the first time how strong and handsome he appeared. For the life of me, I don't know how I had missed it before. Maybe it was because I was so used to seeing him from behind the counter or while walking out the door of the bakery. Maybe it was because I was involved with Tim and really didn't have a reason to look too closely.

We decided on a restaurant together and half an hour later pulled into the parking lot and started in. Once inside the sign indicated we could seat ourselves, so we had the option of a booth or a table and Wade suggested we take a booth which was fine with me. Wade found a corner booth where we could sit almost right next to one another, which we did. We looked over the menu after the waitress left to get our drinks. I was surprised when Wade ordered a soda rather than a beer—something that never would have happened with Tim. My surprise must have shown—once again evidence I should never play poker.

"I don't drink when I have to drive, I want to make sure to get you home in one piece and on time. Not that I drink alcohol but rarely anyway. But get whatever you want to drink, enjoy yourself."

We ate and shared a few bites of each other's entrée, and I found myself smiling, touching, and laughing as we traded silly puns and lame jokes. After a while, we shared stories about growing up with our families, and the peculiar people we had encountered on campus when we went to school. It was after a while I realized these were the kinds of things Tim and I didn't share—well, all but perhaps the stories of high school friends—our stories stopped there, as he told me stories of my friends at college didn't interest him as he didn't know them.

We finished eating after having talked for over an hour and decided it was time to leave. I was expecting Wade to take me back home as it was just past six o'clock and it was just over half an hour home from this location. The time had gone incredibly fast and I knew I was going to be sorry to have the evening end so soon. Wade opened the truck door for me and soon we were headed for the exit of the parking lot.

"Robyn, shall we stop at my apartment for a little while, it's on the way out of town so it's not out of the way."

I immediately agreed, thinking it would be interesting to see what a single man's apartment would look like. I had never had a date with a man who had his own place other than Tim. He did tell me over dinner that he had been living here for almost three years. I wondered about that, surely he must have dated during over that period—I had gone through three boyfriends in as much time.

We walked into his apartment fifteen minutes later. It was larger than I expected, with a combination kitchen/dining area, a separate living room, then a single bedroom, and a larger than expected bathroom. It took all of five minutes for him to show me around. I was pleasantly surprised as it was nicely decorated, the hardwood floors with colorful, tight-weave rugs, and limited edition nature art on the walls—red fox, orchids, and two birds I didn't recognize. There were also several pictures of his family and I was able to attach faces to the names he had talked about over dinner. He looked a great deal like his father, while his sister definitely took after his mother, who was a very attractive, slender blonde.

We talked for a while longer as I appreciated how easy it was to feel comfortable with him. When it was time to leave I used the bathroom before we left and found all of the towels and other items on the vanity were clean—a new experience as I seldom entered a bathroom that was as clean as my own. I didn't feel I was excessive in that respect, but it did tell me something about him nevertheless. If he had taken pains to clean his apartment knowing we would stop here I wouldn't think much of it. But the invitation seemed to have been spontaneously based upon the time we had left before having to get me home at a reasonable time. I was already starting to tire and it wasn't close to nine yet.

The drive back was entertaining enough as we continued to talk. It was just a few miles before I would be home when he said, "Robyn, I really wasn't sure I should have asked you out or not. But I'm glad I did, I've enjoyed our time together today a lot."

I was surprised at the revelation. "Why wouldn't you have asked me?"

"Well, you just broke up with your boyfriend right in front of me and I thought maybe you would make up with him right away, or that you would be so turned off with men you wouldn't say yes."

I didn't respond immediately, pondering a few seconds to form a reasoned reply. "I guess I can understand that. Then why did you ask me anyway?"

"Because I've wanted to ask you out since the first day I saw you in the bakery window. I just couldn't hold myself back when I felt there was a possibility you might say yes."

I remembered back to the first time I glimpsed him out the bakery shop window. Betsey had been right—he had been watching me. I smiled, not wanting to pass up the opportunity.

"So window shopping for a woman huh," as I reached over to touch his arm.

He chuckled. "It was too hard to pass on something that looked so sweet and delicious."

Wow! He was so smooth, I couldn't help but feel good knowing he was sincere. We were just approaching my parents' house when I saw the pickup truck parked along the road in front. It was Tim's pickup. I felt my stomach start to churn and found my mind turning over what might possibly happen—none of them good from my perspective. Since it was this late it was likely Tim had been drinking and would be a little aggressive, that much I knew for sure—perhaps not with me, but with Wade. I was starting to fidget, trying to make up my mind what to do.

"Robyn, it that Tim's truck parked there?" Wade queried me.

"Yes, I think it is. Wade I don't want to see him. So maybe we should just pass by and go down the road a little way and I can call my parents to see if they know what he's up to."

"Okay," Wade replied calmly.

We passed by the house not slowing down and as we did I could see Tim sitting in the front seat waiting. We continued down the road, turning into a side road about half a mile away before Wade pulled over. I pulled my cell phone out and called my parents.

"Hi Mom, its Robyn. Wade and I just passed the house and saw Tim's truck sitting there. What's going on?"

"Robyn, where are you?"

"We are parked on Meadow Lane. I thought I would check with you and Dad before we pulled in."

"Well, Tim showed up about two hours ago and asked if you were home. We told him you were out and didn't know what time you would be back. He says he wants to talk with you. He has been drinking so we have been discussing what we should do and then call you to let you know he was here."

"I know he's sitting in his truck as I saw him as we drove past. I don't think he recognized Wade's truck as we passed. Tim wasn't drunk was he?"

"Robyn, you know how he gets. He's not drunk, but he's not all there either. Do you want us to call the sheriff's department?"

I looked at Wade and saw he was looking out the rearview mirror to make sure no one had come up behind us.

"Mom, I'll call you back in a few minutes."

I leaned back in the seat and closed my eyes. My life had just gotten so much more complicated, my stomach still telling me it wasn't happy with the situation. I wasn't frightened as I didn't think Tim would be at a point where I couldn't talk to him—he tended to hold his alcohol pretty well. What I didn't know was how he would react to Wade dropping me off.

"Wade are you comfortable dropping me off at home or should I have Dad come to pick me up here? I don't want you to have to face Tim if you drop me off."

"Robyn, it really doesn't matter to me. I would prefer to drop you off myself, but you know Tim and how he might react. I don't see a reason to get him into trouble because I drop you off. I'm going to leave that decision to you—I'll respect whatever decision you make and I appreciate it's a tough spot to be in."

I looked at him as a smile came to his face. "You know, I could just take you back home with me. I wouldn't mind having you close tonight. It would just a matter of how close."

His sense of humor hit me just right, it was suggestive, but I needed the release it gave me. I couldn't help but laugh.

"You want to keep me out of one kind of trouble and get me into trouble of another kind."

He gave me a wicked little smile. "My kind might be more to your liking," as he reached over to touch my arm and caress it a few times.

It felt so good, it was enough to convince me he was right, I would enjoy it. The timing was wrong, but the concept was so damn inviting it sent a little shiver through my body. He had definitely made an impression on me during our time together. I reluctantly brought my mind back to the present—I had a decision to make. One way of making my point clear to Tim that we were through was to show him I was dating someone else, someone who was present right now and he couldn't ignore it. I turned to Wade, not smiling.

"Please take me home, I may as well get this over with."

Wade turned around and we headed back after I called my mother to tell her we were coming. I felt a little tense, but Wade seemed perfectly calm as we pulled into the driveway—Tim was visible sitting in his truck. Wade got out and walked around the front of the truck to open the door for me—I hadn't expected him to do that, but was happy he did it anyway. I saw my father standing at the door and we started walking to the house. We were still about ten steps away when Tim called out my name. I wasn't sure what to do, even though I had thought about it before we pulled in. I quickly made up my mind to confront Tim while both my father and Wade were present, it didn't seem to make any sense not to. I turned in time to see Tim a few feet away.

"I've been waiting over two hours for you to come home, I didn't know you were out with someone else," as he looked at Wade with narrowed eyes. Then he looked at me. "It sure didn't take you long did it? The first chance to go out with someone else you take it."

I looked at Tim with a hard stare. "Tim, I told you we are through. We are and I'm not changing my mind, so you may as well accept it. Now, please just leave as this is the only thing I have to say—don't come around again."

I had turned around when I heard Wade's voice behind me.

"Don't even think about it unless you want your ass kicked. She told you to leave, so leave before you regret it."

I quickly turned my head to see Tim had advanced a few steps towards me to take my arm. Wade had blocked his advance. I felt my father's hand on my arm, then his voice.

"Come on Robyn, time to go inside."

The last I saw of Wade and Tim they were standing face to face, a few feet away from one another. I was almost shaking as the door closed behind my father as he went back outside. My mother came to me and took me to the sofa to sit down. It was a few minutes later that my Dad and Wade walked in together.

"Well, I should get back home Robyn as it's getting late. Call me tomorrow if you want. A pleasure to have met you, Mr. and Mrs. Stover."

Wade walked out, my father following. When my father returned he told us Tim had gotten into his truck and left, dad indicating he thought Tim wouldn't be back in the future.

I looked at him. "Dad, what happened?"

My father grew a smile. "You know, I never thought Tim was all that smart, but he really picked the wrong guy to mess with. He took a swing at Wade and found out a hard left-hook really hurts. The blow knocked him to the ground, he got up slowly, and walked to his truck, and left. He'll remember that hit for a while, he won't come back here and Wade told him he had better not come close to you again."

I said goodnight to my parents and walked into my bedroom thinking this date hadn't ended the way I thought it would. It had been a wonderful day and I had enjoyed all of it up until Tim got involved in it. But maybe I had made the right decision after all—Tim had gotten the message and my father and the sheriff hadn't gotten involved. Tim might have a bruise on his face in the morning, but maybe that was a good thing too—now he knew to stay away from both me and Wade. I admitted to myself I got some pleasure from that thought and knew I was going to call Wade tomorrow to thank him.

I woke the next morning after a very restful sleep, feeling refreshed after my shower. Sure I was a party pooper by having to be to bed by nine, but a vision of Wade's eyes and smile had greeted me as I woke. I walked out into a quiet house as my parents wouldn't be up for at least another two hours at six-thirty. I ate a light breakfast and went back to my room to check email and do some reading, twice glancing at my phone wishing it was a reasonable time to call Wade.