Sweet Saturday Samples - Feb 11

Welcome to Dallas, Texas and a scene from   I.O.U. Sex. In today’s excerpt June has gathered her courage and driven across town to Reid Automotive for what she hopes will be a face-to-face meeting with her former steady. She hasn’t seen Denny since high school, so does she just want her car serviced, or is she after more?

When she walked into the waiting area, she saw Denny standing behind the counter. June's heart thumped in her chest. A surge of panic made her stop and wonder if she could leave before he noticed her. She took a step backwards.

That's when Denny looked up and stared. He seemed puzzled at first, then his smile stretched into an enormous grin. His dark eyes sparkled like the chrome on the hubcaps nailed to the wall above his head.

"I knew it," he said. "June, you called last week, right? After you hung up, I thought 'That sounded like Junie.' " He walked around the counter, hands outstretched.

June smiled—too nervous to speak. She watched her high school love come toward her and a collage of memories collided in her brain.

Denny enclosed both her hands in his. "Gosh, it's great to see you. You look terrific. It's been a long time since I've seen that smile."

June took a deep breath. Her inner voice told her to be calm. After all, he said she looked terrific and seemed happy to see her. "It's good to see you too, Denny. I thought this might still be your garage. I wasn't sure."

"Oh, yeah, I'm still a working man, though my son Marty has taken over most of the business." He nodded toward an open service bay to his left. "You wanted an oil change, right? How about you leave your car here, and we grab some lunch while Marty takes care of it? We can catch up with each other and share some laughs about old times."

June hesitated. This was all happening quicker than she'd planned. She'd just walked in the door and now he wanted to go to lunch?

Then Denny spoke again, disappointment evident in his voice. "Look, I'm sorry. You're probably busy."

Do it, June's mind shouted. "Actually, I don't have anything planned until later this afternoon. I'd love to have lunch with you."

Denny's face lit up with a smile that used to make her want to kiss him senseless. June's face felt warm, and she hoped she wasn't blushing.

Courage, girl. He can't read your thoughts. Everything's under control.

She looked down and rummaged through her purse, glad for an excuse to look away for a moment. "Here are my keys. Mine is the silver Camry." She pointed to the parking lot with a pink-manicured nail.

"Okay, give me five minutes. You can't imagine how glad I am to see you." Denny took her keys, then walked out of the office and into the garage.

June sank onto a vinyl-covered chair, her knees weak. She clasped her hands in her lap to keep them from shaking, but she couldn't stop grinning.

I've done it. I've taken the first step.

What will June do next? And will she find the courage to tell Denny what she wished she’d confessed so many years before?

For Sweet Saturday Samples from more writers, click here: Sweet Stuff