Wish of the Heart by Malia Mallory Page B

kept there just in case. She opened the umbrella as the light drops turned heavier. Maybe she’d treat herself to a vanilla latte on the way home and drown her sorrows in sweet, creamy foam.

Chapter 2
    By the time Friday arrived, Macie was more than ready for the weekend. Kenny called to ask her to dinner and she declined. He hadn’t been so polite in return, implying she was missing out on something big. She was , she thought. His ego. She’d almost asked how his shoes were, but restrained herself. Somehow, she didn’t think Kenny would appreciate humor at his expense.
    Macie kept positive about it, though. She was already messaging with another guy, James. He seemed reserved, but Macie chalked it up to the awkwardness of online dating communications. He was well-spoken and clearly intelligent. Both were huge pluses for Macie. His profile picture wasn’t the best. His face was in shadow and a bit pixelated, but she didn’t hold it against him. Pictures often didn’t convey the energy of a person. Besides, Macie always found if she liked someone, they became more attractive to her, anyway.
    She appreciated handsome men. Who didn’t? But she knew there had to be much more than looks, especially as youth gave way to receding hairlines and middle-aged spread.
    Macie had no weekend plans, but she hoped she could arrange an initial meet up with James. He hadn’t indicated an interest in moving forward yet, but she suspected he would soon. She tried to leave it to the men, not because she didn’t believe in asking men out, but more because she’d found if she initiated, some of the men accepted but weren’t really interested. If they weren’t willing to make a push in that direction, they were probably seeing someone else or hoping it might turn into an uncomplicated hook-up.
    As the clock hit noon, Macie grabbed her purse and headed out of the building. Most days she brought a lunch to economize, but today she was treating herself and wanted to get to the deli before the lunchtime rush was in full swing.
    Macie pulled her phone out to check her email as she waited to order. A text alert caught her eye.
    Macie, I hope you are having a productive Friday.
    She knew it was James before she even looked at the heading. Most of her friends weren’t so formal and used abbreviations in their texts, which sometimes were almost incomprehensible to her.
    Macie placed her order and stepped to the side to wait. She debated how to respond.
    Lunchtime—best time of the day next to quitting time!  
    Macie wanted to put something about the weekend—something—anything to probe his plans or maybe prompt him for an invitation, casual or otherwise.
    Casual would be better and she knew it. It was horrible being stuck across from someone you weren’t clicking with for an extended dinner. Then there was guilt—about taking a person’s time but even more so about the money. She learned her lesson permanently after a guy traveled in from New Jersey and took her to an expensive new “in-spot.” It had been excruciating to sit for hours, desperately trying to break past stilted conversation about the food and restaurant decor.
    Any big weekend plans?
    Macie debated her response. She didn’t want it to seem like she sat at home by herself all weekend, but she also didn’t want to discourage an invitation by appearing busy.
    No. I thought I might go to the park.
    Macie crossed her fingers, hoping he’d ask to join her.
    The counter clerk handed Macie her bag and she exited the deli, phone in hand. Macie sat in a little park between two buildings, waiting for his response. The minutes ticked by and nothing.
    Macie took a bite of her sandwich, and the hot peppers exploded on her tongue. Peppers! She hadn’t asked for peppers. Her eyes watered and she searched her purse for a tissue.
    That was it. She was taking charge and being bold.
    Do you want to meet me in the park late Sat morning? Maybe at the fountain?  
    Barely a moment passed