Blind Date

Tammy_Rever_-_Final_Set_-_Proofread_-_22_August_24Paul Hendricksformatter232024-08-05T19:24:00Z2024-08-22T17:20:00Z2024-08-22T17:20:00Z22656443235936Aspose5243207329030616.0000589b8eea629fb3333d0735223234f57bec8e1ce3ec4dbf6277a3b649719d53a6

Blind Date

Tammy Rever

Copyright © 2024 Tammy Rever

All Rights Reserved

CONTENTS

About the Author

Summary

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

About the Author

I’m married with children. I recently retired and like to read and write. I love the sunshine, so I’m outside as much as possible. As a family, we love to go boating, fishing, and any outdoor activities. 

Page Blank Intentionally

Summary

Jake Athen signs up on the new online dating site called Match Up and is looking for his future wife. But with each new lady he meets, he finds something wrong with her, and his mother certainly would agree. So, the only thing to do is kill her. With no remorse he again searches for the next future wife.

As I mentioned, Mother must approve, but she has been dead for several months now.

Why can’t the police find him? It’s a small town.

Tammy_Rever_-_Final_Set_-_Proofread_-_22_August_24Paul Hendricksformatter232024-08-05T19:24:00Z2024-08-22T17:20:00Z2024-08-22T17:20:00Z22656443235936Aspose5243207329030616.0000589b8eea629fb3333d0735223234f57bec8e1ce3ec4dbf6277a3b649719d53a6

Chapter One

How are you today, Dan? You staying cool with this heat wave? asked Jodi, smiling.

Hey, Jodi, always good to see you, dear. I’m trying. Thank God the air conditioner works in my car, said Dan

What can I get you? The special today is meatloaf with mashed potatoes and corn. Or would you rather have a sandwich and fries? asked Jodi, coming to Dan’s stool at the counter with a glass of iced tea.

Oh, decisions, decisions. I do love meatloaf, but today I’ll go with chicken salad sandwich and fries, said Dan, all smiles, looking into Jodi’s eyes.

Jodi Belnot worked as a waitress at a small mom-and-pop café called Pop’s Place. It was small, but the whole town loved it. Many memories were made there over the years, including Jodi. She was their star employee for the past 9 years, including the years she worked after school and weekends. She was an average-sized woman with long brown hair that she always kept in a bun that flopped around on top of her head. Her long legs were always a plus when she had a large table family gathering to wait on. With her sparkling brown eyes and outgoing personality, she could count on good tips.

Dan Jenkins was the Chief of Police, and he took this very seriously. He dedicated himself to keeping the citizens safe, including Jodi, whom he had feelings for since high school. Even though they never dated, he knew all about her. She was the most beautiful girl he ever knew. She was popular as the cheerleading captain in several clubs at school, and she always had a boyfriend. Dan felt he could never compete, so he sat back and admired her from afar. He always made it a point to stop by the diner just to say hi. Dan followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps; they each had been cops for all their lives. After 4 years in the force, Dan was elected Chief.

During Jodi’s senior year, she became pregnant with Troy’s child. He was the football star and one of the biggest assholes known. Why him? Why would she fall for the biggest asshole around, Dan often wondered. Troy already had his life planned out, and it did not include Jodi and a child. When Troy’s parents got word of the baby, they tried to convince Jodi to get an abortion. When she refused, they offered to pay her $10,000 and sign a legal paper stating that she would not go after their son for child support now or in the future. They would be nothing to this child as grandparents. Troy had a football scholarship at a well-known university, and he wasn’t about to blow his chances of going pro by bringing along a wife and child.

Jodi had a healthy boy she named Dylan.

Jodi and Renee (she calls Nay) were working the dinner shift Saturday night. Jodi didn’t mind it so much because she always made good tips at the night meals. Families, dates, or a loner, Jodi treated her customers all the same. As the night came to a close, everyone was cleaning up and trying to get out of there. Renee struck up a conversation.

How come you don’t date anyone? You work and go home? asked Renee.

How do you know I haven’t been seeing someone? asked Jodi, smiling.

I know you, girl, and you would’ve told me, said Renee, laughing.

How about you? Not seeing anyone since the divorce? Is the asshole and his bitch still together? asked Jodi.

I don’t know about him. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I seen either of them in the store or around town. If I’m lucky, they moved away, said Renee.

You never answered me you start seeing anybody yet? asked Jodi.

No. But I have thought about trying out that new online dating site called Match Up. Do you know of anyone who used it? asked Renee.

Ya, I talked to Beverly at the bank, and she started dating a guy she met off that site. She said it was going good for them, said Jodi.

I don’t know if I trust those dating sites. How much info do they ask you? I’m afraid a weirdo or stalker can get your info. Know what I mean, said Renee.

Me too. Maybe that’s why I haven’t investigated them either. Plus, I guess deep down, I’m not interested in dating now. I got my job working different shifts, and Dylan in school now. I don’t have time for a guy, said Jodi.

Oh, girl, you’re going to grow old and alone. Maybe tomorrow we can get together and check it out, said Renee.

Sounds good. Now let’s get out of here, said Jodi.

Hey, Pops, we’re done. See you tomorrow, yelled Jodi.

Night girls, Pops yelled back.

Chapter Two

Jake Athens filled out his application on Match Up. He was so excited to get his name and picture on the scene. He recently moved from the city to Tolsen on a job transfer after his mother’s passing. He was a nice, good-looking guy with a short, almost buzzed haircut, hazel eyes, and a toned body, for which he thanked his mother. She always made sure he ate the right food and took care of his body. He was 34 years old and no longer living at home since he took care of his mom due to her health problems. Jake thought it was time for a fresh start. He filled out the questionnaire and hit submit. There it was done!

Jodi and Dylan were getting groceries at the local IGA when she spotted Dan Jenkins. She smiled and waved. Dan waved back and headed towards her.

Hi, who do we have here? Dan asked, leaning down towards Dylan.

You helping mom with groceries today?

Ya, said Dylan softly, taking a step behind his mom.

Honey, you don’t have to be afraid of this man. This is Dan and he’s a police officer. He’s a good guy, said Jodi.

Good guy? Now that’s a first being called a good guy. Jodi, I’ve been wanting to ask you something for a long time. Would you like to go out with me? On a date? Hopefully soon, asked Dan nervously.

I, um, I guess so. Yes. Dan, I would, said Jodi, blushing.

Are you sure? You didn’t sound so sure, asked Dan.

I’m sorry. You caught me off guard. That was the last thing I expected you to say, said Jodi.

Can I get your phone number, and we can talk about it later? asked Dan, bringing out his pen and notepad. Dan jotted down the phone number and placed his notepad and pen back in his pocket. He smiled at Dylan and patted his shirt pocket.

If you can’t reach me, you know where I work, said Jodi.

They each said goodbye and went back to groceries.

A month had passed before Jake made a connection. He was going on a date that evening with a lady named Donna Reyes. They were going to meet at Pops Place at 5 pm.

Jake was nervous. After all, it was his first date. He waited all week for Saturday, and it was finally here. He scheduled a haircut early that morning. It was nearing 3 pm as he entered the shower. He had to have everything perfect. He hoped the mother would approve. He finished his shower and shaved. Combed his fresh-cut hair. He went to the bedroom to find his outfit. He figured if he left at 4:30, that would be plenty of time to get across town.

Jake made it to the diner with time to spare. Good, he couldn’t allow himself to be late. He picked a booth halfway down, and he sat facing the door. He checked his watch over and over. It was 5 pm and no Donna. He ordered a Pepsi and sipped it slowly. It was 5:09, and he decided to call it a night. His date was not going to show. When I get home, I’m calling Donna to give her a peace of my mind. Who would make plans and not show up or at least call? As Jake started to leave the booth, a woman came running into the diner. She stood at the door and began looking around.

Excuse me, ma’am, are you Donna? asked Jake nervously.

Are you Jack? asked the lady.

No, my name’s Jake. I was meeting a lady here named Donna. Supposed to be at 5, said Jake sternly.

Yes, well, I’m Donna. Sorry, Jake, I’m no good with names, said Donna.

Well, you’re here now. Please have a seat, said Jake, pointing her to the seat.

Hey, wait, they don’t serve liquor here! Can we go somewhere else where I can get a drink? asked Donna.

I don’t usually drink, but I guess we can go somewhere else. I’m hungry why don’t we eat first, said Jake.

I guess I can wait. I’m not hungry, though, said Donna.

Not hungry? Isn’t that why we picked this place? To eat? said Jake, getting upset.

You can eat. I might steal a fry or a bite of your food, then we can go, said Donna quickly.

No! I’m not letting a stranger eat off my plate, snapped Jake.

The waitress stood listening to their conversation, wanting to laugh.

Well then, I’ll take the fish special with a baked potato, sour cream, and cheese, please. And if you would refill my drink. Are you sure you don’t want anything, Donna? asked Jake.

Ok I’ll take a side salad with ranch. And a rum and coke, said Donna, laughing.

Sorry, we don’t serve liquor. Can I get you a soda or juice instead, asked Lucy.

I know, just checking. I’ll take a coke, said Donna.

I feel bad now. If you didn’t plan on eating, then why did you agree to meet here? asked Jake.

No problem. I told my friend we could meet up with them tonight. I had better call her and tell her we’ll be later.

They ate their food with small talk. Donna kept checking her watch. Jake could tell she was eager to leave and get to the bar. He already knew she was not the lady mother would like. Donna was not a nice person.

Jake decided to make the best of it, so he paid the bill and he followed her car to Garden Grove Bar across town. Donna jumped out of her car and almost ran to the door. She turned back to see where Jake was and walked in. Jake found Donna at the bar with a drink in her hand talking to a man and lady.

Guys, this is Jake, my date tonight, said Donna, sitting down.

Hello. You already have a drink? asked Jake, not smiling.

My friend knew I was coming and ordered it. I didn’t think you drank, so we didn’t get you one, said Donna.

You’re right. I barely drink. Little did they know Mother forbade it. I’ll take a beer, Jake said to the bartender.

Hey buddy, we got all kinds what’s your choice, asked the bartender.

Jake looked down at the bar and saw a Budweiser, I’ll take one of those.

The bartender rolled his eyes, and Donna snickered, sitting next to her friend. Jake felt odd there. He was out of place, and he certainly didn’t like Donna anymore. He shouldn’t have been so nice at the diner, then she wouldn’t have drug him over here. Now what? He’d finish his drink and leave. He didn’t have to stay. She had her car and friends.

To his surprise, the beer tasted better than he had thought it would. The guy next to him struck up a conversation and slowly sipped his beer. Jake followed his lead, and the two conversed back and forth until 4 empty bottles sat in front of Jake.

Jake stood and headed for Donna. As he started talking, Donna and her friend started to smile. Jake couldn’t figure out what was going on. He wanted to go home now.

Jake, I think you’re drunk. You’re in no shape to drive, said Donna.

I want to go home. I need to go home, Jake said, slurring his words.

Give me your keys, and I’ll get you home, Jaky, said Donna.

You can’t drive? You had more drinks than me. You had a lot of drinks. You don’t know my address. I’ll take a taxi. Again, Jake slurred his words.

No, I can take you home. Which pocket is your keys in? asked Donna, putting her hand in Jake’s front pocket. What’s your address, Jaky? asked Donna with keys in her hand.

2 Maple Street, said Jake, falling into the passenger seat.

Come on, Jaky, home sweet home. Let’s get you inside, said Donna, struggling to help Jake.

Once inside, Donna helped Jake undress and get into bed. She kissed his forehead softly before leaving. She and her friend laughed all the way back.

The next morning, Jake woke with a splitting headache. He took a big handful of aspirin and washed it down with a large glass of orange juice. The clock read 10:10, and he didn’t care. He could sleep as late as he wanted to. Mother can’t yell at me now, can she? He plopped down on the couch and grabbed the remote. A good day for an old movie. As the day passed, his thoughts kept going back to Donna and her friends. She knew I didn’t drink and made me go to that bar. She kept drinking her dam whiskey. Why did I keep drinking? It was her fault; she should have told me this was what would happen. I can’t remember much except when they were laughing at me. Did I say things I shouldn’t have? Oh, my, I guess the right thing to do would be to thank Donna for getting me home. Then I won’t ever have to see her again.

Jake was out of it the rest of the day. Good thing it was Sunday. He went back and forth between the couch and the bed. He thought about calling in sick on Monday, but a long hot shower and a stale donut with coffee did the trick.

Jodi and Lucy worked the breakfast shift on Monday. Both came in dragging their feet. Lucy was young; she had just graduated high school and didn’t have a clue about what to do with her life. So, they put their smiles on, ready to meet customers.

It was Tuesday before Jake made the call to Donna. He debated if he should be mad or thankful. He made the call. Donna answered.

Hello, I’m glad to see you survived your first drunk, laughed Donna.

Yes, no thanks to you, Jake said sternly.

Ouch! Do I take your tone to be angry with me? Awe, come on, Jaky, said Donna.

I should be. And quit calling me Jaky! My name is Jake.

Jaky, Jake, what’s the big deal? asked Donna, laughing.

I don’t like it. Mother called me that when she wanted something. I don’t like it. Ok! said Jake.

Fine, what can I do for you, JAKE? Donna asked sternly.

"I would like to invite you over for dinner. I wanted to thank you for bringing me home safely. Can