All sensible questions, she’d tried to tell herself. One anxiety that she was unable to quell, however, came in the form of the text message conversation she’d begun the prior evening.
Isaac, if you’re available for coffee tomorrow, I’d like to talk to you about something.
It probably would have been easier to ask him through text messages. Texting required little more than the ability to spell and press Send - meeting someone face to face involved being forced to look at the other individual straight in the face and actually witness their reaction. For being someone outgoing as Jules was, she found herself incredibly nervous as she sat at the table in the coffee shop, fingers playing with the paper wrapper around her coffee up, which she’d barely touched.
This sort of thing was completely out of her element. She hadn’t bothered with this sort of thing since… well, since she and Jack had been dating and if the nasty divorce had told her anything, it was that relationships were far more complicated than the romance novels she loved had insinuated.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and sipped on her coffee. It was too late to back out now - she’d made the commitment and now all she had to do was wait.
A bell jingled above Isaac’s head as the metal frame bumped against it when he pushed the door open and stepped inside bringing with him the sweet scent of cherry blossoms from the streets outside. One of the beautiful things about spring time is how everything seems to have woken up from a long slumber and is now completely refreshed.
Hanging basket arrangements were being installed across the street at one of the mom and pop antique store adjacent to the coffee shop he was meeting Julie at. A vibrant touch a color to the otherwise weather warn sidewalks and curb edges.
Cars drove by when the light turned green only to have one person slam on their breaks and lay on their horn behind another individual trying to parallel park. Idiot probably was looking down at their phone; they’re lucky nobody got hurt. Ignoring the yelling, Isaac stepped over the metal threshold and shut the door behind him.
Julie was easy enough to spot among the singles dispersed throughout the room. With her back towards him, he spotted the blond halo of hair that bled to an almost black at the ends and made his way between tables and chairs behind her. “Excuse me.” He politely stepped aside when a couple, study partners he assumed as they each carried a similar science book, stood up suddenly, their chair legs scratching against the polished floor.
When finally he stood behind Julie, he places his hand on her upper back and peered “I’m sorry I’m late. It looks like you have a coffee already, can I get you something to eat or anything before I sit?”
She’d heard the bell’s soft chime but hadn’t bothered to turn. The last three or four times, it hadn’t been him and she was feeling as though looking for him every time was just going to make her grow even more anxious.
What is wrong with you, Julianne?
She hadn’t gone on a date in, what, four years? Five? But this wasn’t a date, so it shouldn’t matter. Why was she trying to keep track anyhow - to make herself feel bad?
Her self-chiding kept her focused vacantly on one of the many floral paintings scattered across the coffee shop’s walls. The one in particular that she’d seemed attentive to was the one covered in daisies - soft, beautiful white flowers that reminded her of springtime.
At the sudden touch near her shoulder, she was jolted back into reality, her body physically reacting to being startled with a tiny hop. Her head whipped around, hair following with the motion as she blinked once, then twice.
“Isaac! Good morning!”
One hand moved up to cover her mouth and the embarrassed laugh that escaped. It took her a second more to process what he’d asked. Ever the gentleman, it was touching for him to make an offer when she was used to being around men - a redheaded General, to be specific - that had only demands and requests, but never offers. “I’m sorry, I would have ordered something for you but I wasn’t certain of what you would want. I’m fine, though… thank you. Go ahead and order for yourself, I’ll keep your seat.”
One hand still clutched the mug unusually tight and she released her grip once she realized she was holding on to it so strongly. She had no reason to be nervous. Isaac would either say yes or no, it was plain and simple as that.
So why was there a small voice in the back of her head reassuring her that she wasn’t worth the effort?
Isaac nodded. An apologetic smile on his face as he straightened up again. “I’ll be back in a moment.”
The line itself was fairly short; only two people stood patently ahead of him, a mother with a child perched on her hip and a younger boy with his nose in his phone sending messages to someone at a breakneck speed.
When finally he came to be his turned he politely order a tall Americano with room for cream. While he waited for the barista to call his name he mused for a moment at the fact he use to hate coffee so much as a kid; the smell was fine but the taste was so bitter. Every morning there would be a pot brewing in the kitchen and by the time he had to leave for school both his parents had already polished it off and were preparing a second one to go for work.
“Isaac?” The woman looked between him and the young man, but only he made eye contact and stepped forward. “Here you go. Enjoy!” Rather cheerful for someone who dealt with customer service all day. With how rude people tended to be he held a great deal of respect for people who acted graciously regardless of the crap they deal with day-to day.
“Thank you, you as well.” Isaac smiled then turned to weave his way through the table seating.
“I apologize for the wait.” He slid the chair out, set his drink on the table, and took a seat. Once comfortable he leaned forward, elbows on the table and hands folded in front of him. “Are you okay?” He asked genuinely concerned, head tilted downward as he looked up, brows raised questioningly. “You seem a bit... jumpy. Has work been forcing more overtime on you?”
She had enough sense to blush at that, realizing just how ridiculous she probably looked. One hand moved up to push her hair back, an older, familiar sensation that she’d missed from years prior. A coping mechanism from when she used to be nervous back in high school, then through nursing school up until the first few months of her first job.
“No, it’s not that.” Dark blue eyes met bright blue in return as she laughed, genuine. “I’m sorry. I’ve never been put in a situation like this, so I’m a little…” One hand waved around in the air dismissively as she searched for wording, “Disorganized.”
If only he knew the amount of organization she’d been dealing with for almost the entire past year…
“I’ve actually been off work for the past few weeks.”
She forced her fidgeting to settle down as she took a deep breath, regaining her focus. This was a mission. She was on a mission and she needed to quit acting like a flustered preteen. “I’ve been helping the new hospital with their operations.”
A finger gestured towards the flyer in the window, announcing the upcoming Health Awareness Fair to mark the opening day of the facility. Julie was aware of the flyer because, like all of the other ones posted in shops along that street, she’d ensured their delivery. If one wanted a job done right, they’d do it themselves.
“And that’s why I wanted to talk to you.”
Hands folded together, coffee cup now forgotten to the side as she did her best to keep her gaze focused on his. “As a part of this event, I’m expected to attend the opening Gala, on the thirtieth.”
As in, two weeks from now.
“And while I don’t mind going, all of my other associates are going with dates and I was wondering if…” Her voice trailed off and she cleared her throat. There was no backing out now. “.. I was just wondering if it might be something you’d be interested in attending? With me?”
Despite Julie’s honest effort to compose herself, Isaac could not help but grin at all the dismissive hand waving that had been going on prior. Unashamed of his wide smile or laugh lines at the corner of his eyes he at least had the sense to not laugh at her expense.
Instead he held his hot cup between his hands yet dared not take a drink. For a few seconds, which to her it likely felt like an eternity waiting for his reply, Isaac waited to make sure she was done. “I would be honored to be your date.” Yup, he said it, the “d” word and it wasn’t “damn”.
“Although” he paused for effect. “I should warn you. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to any formal gathering outside of a ceremony.” The last time being when one of his military buddies got married after finishing his 8 year contract. Though he was sorely missed, the guy was wize to not re-enlist.
Although Isaac had seen the flyers around town a few times he hadn’t stopped to read any of them. Even now, from where they sat, it was a bit too far away to read the finer print beneath the date. “So if everything you have been working on is for the new hospital, does that mean you’re transferring to a new location?” She was undoubtly both talented enough and intelligent enough to work at whatever hospital or clinic she chose. A rare flower amongst a punch of common daisies; someone who genuinely cared about her patients. Then again he was perhaps a bit biased.
She hadn’t even realized she’d been holding her breath until he’d finally given her his answer and then it all came out like one giant wave of relief. She could feel her heart beating madly in her chest as she exhaled and clammy palms moved to take hold of her cup once more and sip from her coffee.
Was this how men normally felt when approaching women? She’d always found it to be foolish and cowardice on their part but now that she’d assumed the role of the asker, she understood the insecurity that came with the unknown, the insecurity of knowing your happiness completely depended on another person’s answer..
Although…
Here it came. She held her breath once more as she waited for the inevitable “but” to appear in the conversation. Yet, when he explained his circumstances, she once again could only grin at how foolish she’d been acting.
“Truth be told,” she admitted, feeling leagues more relaxed now that her handsome companion had agreed to her request, “I’ve never actually been to such an affair. I mean, I’ve been to a few weddings here and there, but nothing that required black tie or expensive ball gowns.”
Blue eyes lit up when she realized there was yet another factor that she hadn’t calculated into her equation. His tux!
One hand moved out to rest on top of his. “I’d be happy to cover the cost of a rental, if you don’t have one. I know it’s last minute and I hate to rush you, I just…”
Didn’t know who else to turn to? Failed to have any real friends in this city? Was terrified that she would scare off the one man whose company she actually enjoyed being around?
“Just… was a bit worried at what you would say. I’ve enjoyed our meetups and I was worried that asking for a date would ruin things for you.”
It was true. Out of all the lies she’d spun around throughout the past several months to ensure perfection, she found herself being bluntly and completely honest in her companion’s presence. Perhaps it was his charming disposition or his sincerity in his concern for her - whatever it was, Julie was forever grateful to have run into him that day in the hospital.
“No... “ She had to watch her wording, not wanting to subject herself to too much association. While proud of her accomplishments, DSH was not something she wanted on her resume in any form or fashion, for certain particular reasons. “I offered to help get some of their new staff trained. I know one of the members on the Board of Directors and he called in a personal favor.”
“That’s really nice of you to help out. Especially with how much of a time investment I bet it’s been.” For the barest of seconds his eyes flicked downward at their hands yet he didn’t feel compelled to pull away. She had already been through the trials of self doubt and embarrassment before finally asking him to accompany her to the Gala, he wasn’t about to send her through that spiral again by shying away from her touch.
“As for the tux, don’t worry about it. I have one already; it just needs to be taken to the dry cleaners. However.” he paused for dramatic effect. “I would not be adverse to you helping me pick out a tie or vest so they match your dress.” That is assuming she had one picked out already. Not that he had much of a fashion sense but it would be rather strange if he showed up wearing red while she wore a blue or purple.
Isaac then lifted his cup to test the coffee temperature with his top lip before finally taking a drink. With a pale colored brow raised he awaited her reply.
“Awwww.” Well that was touching. “I would be honored to help - goodness knows it’s the least I can do.”
She’d found a simple number near the clearance section in one of the more higher class dress shops in town. There had been an internal struggle there, too, whether or not the money was worth spending over a dress she’d wear for one, potentially lonely evening. Black to match the ends of her hair, she’d hoped that it looked at least half as flattering on her as it did on the mannequin she’d gotten it from.
“Would you like to go this morning?” Retrieving her hand from his, she moved to pick up her cup. Eyeing her rather plain looking fingernails, she made a mental note to go out later in the day for a manicure. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d gotten her nails done - what else could she have been forgetting when it came to primping up for a special night out?
“I’m free the rest of… well. Most any day now.” Julie laughed, daring to allow even the smallest bit of excitement to begin swelling up inside of her. “So just say the word and I’d be happy to accompany you.”
“We can go now unless you’d like to finish your coffee first.” He had already allocated most of his day towards spending time with her as it was, moreso because he wasn’t entirely sure what she wished to talk about; the text he received yesterday was kind of vague.
“It’s a nice enough day, we can either stretch our legs and walk around the local shops or I can drive us somewhere if you have a destination in mind.” The offer was on the table since he was well aware how much time she spent on her feet in a given day. There were a few times times when the two of them met up for either lunch while Julie was on break, or dinner when she got off work, where she looked simply exhausted; not at all like today which that in itself was a good sign at least.
“We can take our drinks - I would hate for you to waste yours. Coffee isn’t cheap, you know.”
She gave him a wink. It was nice to be able to relax again, returning to their normal dynamic, sans all the awkward, nervous pre-game jitters she’d been suffering from all morning. Rising from her seat, she plucked her cup from the table and tucked her chair out of habit.
The weather had been rather nice out and it wouldn’t hurt for her to get out and stretch her legs, as he’d phrased it. Typically she’d get her workout in during her shifts at work, but with being off work for the past few weeks, she’d noticed not only feeling more restful, but… well, she’d been feeling more lazy as well.
“I’m afraid I’m not sure where to even start when it comes to vest shopping.” She moved to stand beside him, glancing casually over towards the window, where a handful of passerbys were glancing in at the flyer taped on the window. Returning her attention to him, she shrugged. “I can… help with dresses and probably shoes but I’m going to have to let you take the lead on the rest.”
“Hmm…” Isaac’s lips pursed in contemplation as they made their way towards the exit. “There might be a Men's Wearhouse nearby otherwise we might need to go to the mall.” The last word was spoken with a mocking tone of dread.
He side glanced in Julie’s direction as he held the door open for her. A mirthful smile alighting his face. He chuckled add she passed by then followed her outside.
The air outside was crisp enough to make for an enjoyable walk without the worry of overheating, yet not so cold out warranted a heavy jacket; then again he was me accustomed to much drastic weather conditions. Julie on the other hand might feel differently.
She was glad to have kept her hair down as the chill of the breeze sent a shiver as she stepped out onto the sidewalk. Holding her cup close, her other hand found its way into her pocket as she turned to grin back at her companion. “The mall? I think maybe we should take our chances closer to the shopping district before we risk the chance of getting trampled by gaggles of preteens.”
Her comment startled a laugh out of Isaac to which he attempted to cover by clearing his throat. “I’m glad we’re on the same page.” His comment was then followed by another drink of the now comfortably warm coffee to allow her time to continue.
Plus, if they did find a Men’s Wearhouse, she bet there’d be several more attractive selections than a Dillard’s or Penny’s would provide. There was something just downright handsome about a man in a suit - isn’t that why all the spies wore one in the movies?
“Is there a favorite color you’d like to go with?” She knew she was sticking with black for her dress, but there wasn’t a reason he couldn’t have a little more color to his attire - maybe she could find a matching jacket or wrap? Did women still wear wraps to formal affairs?
Man, she really was getting old.
Isaac paused, surprisingly enough he actually had to think about her question for a moment. A part of him wanted to jokingly say it was Army Green but that would be a lie she’d probably believe. “I’d probably say dark red or a titanium grey.” A good neutral color that went with just about everything. “Honestly though I’m not picky.
“What about you?” He unabashedly turned the question around on her. “What’s your favorite color?”
“Hmmm,” She mused, putting thought into the question. Ever since she was a child, her favorite color tended to bounce around, changing as quickly as her moods did. For a while she’d been into the normal, expected little girl colors - pinks and yellows and all of the pastels that came with the world of princesses and unicorns. As she’d grown up, her preferences tended to migrate towards more calmer colors, like seafoams and turquoise… but it’d been so long since she’d needed to bother thinking about it, it was rather fun to put thought into it now. “I’d probably say blue. Icy blue, robin’s egg, royal… then again, when you wear blue scrubs three to four nights out of the week, maybe I’m just a little bit biased?”
His eyes were a fascinating shade, for example, but she felt her confidence retreat before mentioning it, choosing instead to take another sip of her coffee as she mulled over his response. “Titanium grey, hm? Sounds like someone knows his color schemes.”
Grinning, she moved to nudge him gently. “I think you’d look stunning in a grey or silver, honestly. Let’s stick with that?”
Caught mid step Isaac stumbled slightly to the right, grateful he hadn’t been finishing off the last of his drink in that moment. “Why thank you,” his head bowed in gratitude as he nudged Julie playfully in return. He’d be lying to himself if he didn’t admit how refreshing it was to see her so relaxed. There were still some reservations in her reactions, minute delays or second guessing. But each time they met up she seemed to open up a bit more.
“Trust me though, I’m no artist.” Titanium grey was a common car color or metal used in men’s jewelry like class rings or the wedding band his Army buddy wore. “That would be my mothers field of expertise, not mine.” For years she had worked for a Real Estate agency staging homes before they went on the market. It was her responsibility to pick out furniture, decorations and wall paint to make the space look liveable which often yielded more bids on the house.
Pausing at the intersection, Isaac glanced down each street scanning the visible signs until he saw the word ‘MENS’; the rest was blocked by a white cherry tree in bloom. . “I think that’s it down there…” He pointed to a store diagonal from where they were standing.
Leaning in next to him to investigate where he was pointing, she tilted her head and then nodded. “I think you may be right - good call!”
Crossing the intersection and heading in the direction of the store, Julie couldn’t help but glance up as they passed under the trees. Overhead, beautiful blooms were covering the branches almost like little cotton fluffs. The smell was sweet and refreshing, as opposed to the typical hospital smells of sterility and sickness that she was accustomed to.
“They’re beautiful, aren’t they? It’s a shame they only stay in bloom for so long…” Her words were soft, thoughtful as one hand reached up to cradle a low branch’s cluster of blossoms. She would have to remember to pick up some flowers at some point from one of the local nurseries - that sounded like a wonderful idea for her front yard. Maybe something white, like these? Or pink…. Or maybe she’d just have to look and see at what they had!
“Perhaps at some point in the upcoming weeks, I can enlist your help in working on the garden in my side yard?” Jules had returned her attention to her companion, the men’s store swiftly approaching on their left. “I can offer cookies and company in payment, if you’re interested.”
“Help as in do the heavy lifting you mean?” He jested. The single raised brow coupled with the wide grin he now wore almost dared her to object but he didn’t allot her the time to reply and instead shrugged clearly unbothered by her tentative query. “Just let me know ahead of time and I’ll be there so long as I don’t have to be on base.”
“As a heads up though, I do have camping plans this June-July and my father asked if I’d help rebuild their deck.” The camping trip was an annual trip with his family up to Yellowstone however it sounded like they would be doing something closer to Destiny City this year, if anything he’d more than likely just go on a second one later in the season by himself or perhaps see if Julie would like to accompany him.
As they approached the storefront Isaac’s stride lengthened enough for him to reach the door so he may hold it open for her. “After you,” he motioned with his free hand.
Nodding her head in lieu of curtseying, she slipped by him and into the coolness of the large store. June and July were distant thoughts in the back of her mind - she’d do well just to see herself through the month of May, or at least until the project found itself finishing up in the timely manner she’d hoped it to. Thoughts of a peaceful afternoon in the garden with him was a happy thought she’d tuck away to look forward to when all the stress was finally done with.
Immediately upon entering the store, they were bombarded with all sorts of faceless mannequins wearing a varying number of expensive looking suits, tuxedos and accessories. Most were black with several charcoal and navy blues scattered among the racks behind the statues.
Eyes scanned the walls and racks, falling upon the section that seemed to hold the most accessories. Vests, ties, bows - it seemed to be precisely what they were looking for. And, hopefully, it meant avoiding a second stop to the dastardly aforementioned mall.
Dropping her empty coffee cup into the trash can near the store’s entrance, she held her hands out expectantly towards him. “I’ll hold your coffee, if you’d like? And your jacket, since I don’t think trying a vest on over it will work too terribly well.”
“Heh, true.” She had a point.
Passing her his cup, Isaac shrugged out of his jacket as sales associate approached them. “Hello! May I help you find something today?” He asked with all the pleasantries of someone hoping for a commission.
“I’m looking to buy a vest. However, I didn’t bring a dress shirt to try them on with. Could you help me find a plain white one in my size while she,” he nodded his head towards Julie. “Looks for a few things for me to try on?”
“Certainly, certainly.” The eager young man motioned for Isaac to follow him towards the left side of the store where vertical bins of neatly folded shirts were arranged by color and size. “I will get him set up in dressing room three once you find what you’re looking for” Vince, as it read on his name plate, pointed towards a row of six rooms towards the back of the store. This clearly was either his first job, or he was a new hire, because he seemed more focused on getting a quick sale by the way completely forgot to give Julie any indication on what size she should be looking for before walking away.
Isaac looked at her with an apologetic expression while mouthing the word ‘sorry’. “See if you can find something in a Regular 40 to 42.” Some brands simply fit differently.
She worked hard to suppress a giggle at the situation, folding his jacket over one arm as she nodded quietly in return to his sizing offer.
It had been a long time since she’d been shopping for a man. The territory was unfamiliar, yet appealing all at the same time. As she made her way to the vests, her eyes lit up excitedly at all of the colors offered, coordinated on the rack nearly like a rainbow. Bright colors, dark colors, plain colors and loud colors all sorted together and she soon found herself enjoying the task of sifting through them all in search of one that would look appropriate covering Isaac’s broad chest. Fingers pushed the greens by without a second though, her nose even wrinkling as she saw a particularly lime colored one. Yellows were also a quick no-go, though she found herself pausing as fingertips trailed over the soft, silky feeling of one of the blue vests.
Tilting her head, she picked up one of the powder blue ones, along with a silver colored vest and one that looked to be as close to titanium grey as she could find. There was a hesitation on the reds - had he said dark or regular? And would he want a more burgundy color or a crimson?
Deciding she’d be better off playing it safe, she collected both a dark red and a rather crimson looking color in his size before finding her way back towards the dressing room, her array of vests in hand and at the ready.
“Isaac?”
Her voice was soft, but firm as she stepped into the hallway. Vince was nowhere in sight but she was able to find number three easy enough, flat slippers stopping in front of the closed door. “Would you like me to slide these over or…?”
Before Julie had a chance to finish her sentence the lock clicked and door opened. “Did you find a few you liked?” He asked, eyeing her selection while fastening the top button.
“I figured it would be safer if I picked out a handful and let you figure out which ones appeal to you the most?”
Stepping out of the dressing room he tugged on each sleeve cuff and rolled his shoulders before walking over to the three panel mirror to make sure everything looked as it should. Isaac had to admit, if only to himself, that the kid knew his way around the shirts. First shot and he found one that fit comfortably not too tight around the neck or shoulder area and his arms actually fit through the sleeves. As someone who worked out and kept in shape Isaac was no slender man but he was no body builder either.
In the mirror he caught a glimpse of Julie standing behind him just over his right shoulder and smiled at her. “Alright, which one first?” He asked, combing fingers through his snow colored hair as he turned around.
Offering the titanium grey one to him first, she quietly paused to admire how flattering he looked in just a simple dress shirt. It also made her pause and wonder if Andrew Collins had bothered going out and getting a suit like she’d reminded him to, but that probably meant a last minute trip to the store for him, lest he show up to the Gala in his signature jeans, t-shirt and no-craps-given attitude. Sigh.
“I think we should start with your suggestion,” she explained while stepping forward to offer the vest. “I think it would go well with your hair, though I admit to being unsure about tie choses. I’m more of a purse-matching kind of a shopper.”
Grinning, she adjusted the items in her arms, stepping to the side to admire both the man and his triple reflection.
“That actually explains a lot.” Isaac commented teasingly. “Didn’t you have a blue one with you last week? Or maybe it was yellow...” While shrugging into the vest she had handed to him, his head canted to the side as he tried to recount the events that day when he had picked her up to go out to lunch.
“No-, it was definitely blue!” Having found time to escape for an hour from work Julie’s hair had been pulled back into a messy bun, a few strands that didn’t quite reach the back hung in her face as she sped walked through the sliding doors towards his car. He’d remembered making a comment as she got in about how she looked like she was heading to an interview.
For a brief second he turned to look at himself in the mirror and tugged on the bottom of the vest to pull out the wrinkles. “What do you think?” He asked, waiting for her appraisal with a charming grin.
It impressed her, his ability to remember minor details when most gentlemen did good simply to remember basic information, like age and occupation. Isaac never ceased to amaze her on that front - it was one of the many unexpected pleasantries she'd grown to know and adore of her friend.
“Yes - it's a go-to color thanks to work, I'm afraid.” Her laughter was light, fading as she watched him pose in his newly adorned vest. It looked remarkable on him, the way it hugged against his chest while remaining loose enough to look comfortable. The color was flattering, to say the least, going well with his light hair and striking eyes.
“I'm not sure I care to see the others on you,” she admitted, hand casually rising to rest under her chin. “That one looks absolutely phenomenal on you.”
Julie’s appreciation for the ensemble elicited another deep chuckle from Isaac. “Thank you,” His head bowed in her direction, humor alighting his eyes as he stepped toward her “Perhaps I should bring you with me next time I need to find something to wear.” Most women, like his mother, could spend hours in a store like a gambler at a casino and not even realize they had wasted the day away. Julie, however, made the task far less daunting with her decisiveness ; it was actually quite refreshing.
“How about we look for a tie in this color.” He tugged the powder blue vest that was slung over her arm. A color that would compliment her well if he could find a ribbon to match. “I’ll go get changed first.” His gaze lingered for brief moment longer before finally taking step towards the dressing room. “I’ll be back in a moment” With patience and kindness in spades, Julie truly was a special woman. Someone he was very fortunate and blessed to have met despite the circumstances.
She nodded her head in agreement at his tie suggestion, finding the color to go perfectly with his eyes, not that they needed anything to compliment them to begin with. He disappeared back into the dressing room and she turned to bring the remaining vests back to the rack, only to be stopped by one of the workers, who insisted he take the lingering items from her and replace them himself. Hands returned to his jacket and coffee cup instead, the tip of one shoe rubbing against the fibers of the carpet as she waited idly for Isaac’s return.
After the door had closed, Isaac made quick work getting out of the vest and button up shirt, both which were folded neatly and stacked on the chair while he put his shirt and jacket back on. A few moments later he emerged, hair slightly tussled. “I’m going to go ahead and get the shirt as well.” He commented when the sales boy stepped forward to take it from him.
“Ready to get outta here?”
“Are you sure that I can’t get those for you?” His coat and coffee were returned to their owner, freeing up her hands to reach over to her purse, gesturing towards the wallet and credit card that lay within. “I feel guilty, not only taking up one of your evenings but making you pay for it all too.”
He was one of the sweetest men she’d been fortunate enough to stumble across in the city and the absolute last thing that Julie wanted to do was to scare him away.
“Trust me,” He paused to place a reassuring hand on her upper back between her shoulder blades. “It is okay. Honestly, there’s no reason to feel guilty.”
Given the time of day, the line was unsurprisingly nonexistent which made check-out a breeze. On the way out, Isaac held the door open then tossed his now cold coffee in the trash beside the exit. “Should we head back or is there another place you’d like to stop by?” There was still plenty of sunlight left in the day and, for now, he had no place important to be.
His kind words were reassuring, Julianne deciding to simply accept his generousness as she sidled alongside him, mindful not to jostle the bag by his leg. The question he posed gave her a moment’s pause - it was too early to be looking for lunch in any of the nearby restaurants, but shoppers scattered around on the sidewalks regardless. The sun was bright in the sky, the birds were chirping and the flowers were blossoming happily, as if arranging the perfect morning for them both.
“You know,” She mused as her hand fell to her side, brushing gently against his as they walked, “I think I’m actually content doing just about anything, as long as I’ve got pleasant company like yours with me.”
There really was no disguising the smile that lit his face, not that he wanted to hide how happy hearing that actually made him. Isaac was not oblivious to the fact that he could be rather unapproachable at times especially in regards to his lack of empathy towards certain topics.
Perhaps it was due to circumstances but with Julie he hadn’t experienced that initial distrusting wall that was normally present when meeting a new face. Then again it could be because she was one of the initial ones there when he woke up. It was honestly refreshing to see that trust continue unbroken.
“I know of an interurban trail nearby.“ It was a nice wooded area that in some places ran parallel to major streets and even intersected with the community center swimming pool towards one end. “It’s… about five miles long I think. We don’t have to walk the whole thing if you don’t want to.” One of his buddies from high school had first shown him several years back and had easily become a route that many bicyclists often used it to get to and from work.
The thought of spending the rest of the morning on a nature walk sounded absolutely divine - how long had she been cooped up at her table at home, or in the Negaspace going over document after document, examining blueprints and working with youma, of all things? Taking an extra hour or two to simply breathe in the fresh air sounded invigorating, to say the least, and considering the company she’d be keeping, it was even better.
"I don't mind walking, as long as there's somewhere I can stash my purse?" She pulled on the strap for emphasis, then glanced over at his own shopping bag and gestured towards it. "Do you think we can leave these in your car in the meantime?"
Blessed be that she wore flats out today; she probably wouldn't survive more than a quarter of a mile if she'd worn anything elevated!
Pulling a hair tie from off her wrist (where one always sat, just in case of emergencies), arms rose back to tug up her hair, fastening it back into a bun. “I think I’ll be alright for at least a couple miles - while I may not be as young as I used to be, I do more than my fair share of walking!”
Isaac gave her an almost incredulous look with one brow raised in a fashion that begged the question ‘did you really just say that’. “To be fair, nobody is as young as they use to be.” Age and time moved in a linear direction, always forward, never back. “Anyway, age is just a number. It speaks nothing of experience, maturity or a person's integrity.” Or energy level as more and more teens stayed at home, playing on computers instead of going outside or participating in some sort of physical activity like team sports.
“That aside,” He segued back into the other topic rather quickly “Yes, we can put the bags in my trunk.” Aside from an emergency backpack the only other things he kept back there were a few pieces of camping equipment just in case something were to happen while on the road and he became stuck with no cellphone towers nearby to call forhelp.
“And maybe, if the weather stays nice, I could treat you to some frozen yogurt from the Menchie's that opened up by the Mexican restaurant you introduced me to a month or two ago? My cousin was raving about the place last week and said they have a candy bar for toppings that include chocolate bits.” The last of which he knew was a favorite treat of hers.
“Now you’re speaking my language.”
Grinning, she dared to link arms with his as he led them both to where he’d parked. While walking and nature was healthy and good for the body, chocolate was what kept her spirits happy. She’d never tried the Menchie’s place in specific, but if they had frozen yogurt, chocolate and an Isaac Harrison for company, then she wasn’t about to complain.
The trunk popped open and she slid her purse within the safety of its coverage. She started to head towards the passenger seat when she paused, then moved back towards the trunk and slid her cell phone out from her pocket and tucked it away in her purse. Then moving towards the passenger seat, she took her place and buckled her seatbelt before he had the chance to back out of his parking spot. Her hand reached out to turn the volume up of the song, Julianne having no qualms with not-so-quietly humming along.
Maybe, just today, she could keep all the distractions at bay and remember what it felt like to be normal again.
Shanyume
