Jake

jake

A s the wintry days of January dragged on, spent most of his free time with Eleanor and Henry. They shopped for their new apartment, arranged furniture, and unpacked boxes. Eleanor continued to perplex with her constantly shifting moods. One minute, she was a kid again—Henry’s playmate—blasting tunes and sock skating across the hardwood floors. And the next, she was the successful professional, skillfully negotiating with her new landlord to replace a problematic refrigerator.

Eleanor, who appeared to have little concern for her son’s nutrition, fed Henry a constant diet of popcorn, pop-tarts, and ice cream. During a trip to the market one day, as watched her fill the grocery cart with processed foods and frozen dinners, he addressed the issue.

“You and Henry need more fresh produce in your diet,” said, hip bumping her out of the way and taking control of the cart.

“But I don’t have time to cook elaborate meals with my busy schedule,” Eleanor said, hurrying to keep up with him as he navigated to the produce section.

“I’m not suggesting you make fancy dinners every night. I’m talking about blueberries on your cereal, bananas for Henry’s lunch, and bag salads to go with your rotisserie chickens at night,” he said, grabbing these items from the displays as they circled the produce section.

“But I don’t know how to cook, . And I’m not taking cooking lessons. Besides, Henry’s new school has a cafeteria,” she said, reclaiming control of the cart as they headed to the checkout counter.

Eleanor had so many positive attributes that it was easy to overlook the negatives. Fun-loving and easy to be around, she could light up a room with her smile—and turn every head with her striking appearance. She looked as hot in a business suit as she did in workout clothes. fantasized about making love to her, but with so little alone time together, weeks passed before he finally worked up the nerve to kiss her.

They were watching a romantic comedy on the last Friday night in January. Henry had gone to bed, and they were sharing a bowl of popcorn. Setting the bowl aside, pulled her close and pressed his lips softly to hers. The kiss was pleasant, but the earth didn’t shake, his head didn’t swoon, and no stars danced before his eyes. He tried again, this time pressing his body to hers and parting her lips. Still no chemistry. No sparks. The word that came to mind was meh .

He pulled away to look at her face. Eleanor smiled shyly, but her expression revealed nothing. Her poker face—a skill that had undoubtedly contributed to her success in the courtroom.

Would their attraction flourish over time? According to Jenna, that was not how things worked. With chemistry, it was all or nothing.

During the first week in February, Eleanor invited to attend a cocktail party at the home of the managing partner of her firm. He took extra time with his appearance, steaming out the blue sport coat he rarely had an occasion to wear.

The partner’s home was extraordinary, an elegant brick Georgian on an expansive lot with manicured English gardens. couldn’t help but wonder if Eleanor would make this kind of salary when she became a partner.

As they mingled through the crowded formal rooms, Eleanor introduced to her colleagues as her boyfriend. Most seemed genuinely interested in him—until they asked about his profession. Upon learning he was a nurse, their enthusiasm visibly cooled. He would never be in their league.

Excusing himself to use the restroom, he detoured to the bar for a refill. He was sipping a beer at the edge of the crowd when a low, sultry voice said, “They’re all in love with her, you know.”

He glanced at the woman standing beside him, then did a double take at her striking beauty. Her sleek gray bob framed an elegant face with wide-set emerald eyes.

“I’m sorry,” said. “Are you talking to me?”

She looked down her delicate nose at him. “Yes, you. All the men are enamored with your girlfriend.” With a chuckle, she added, “some women are, too.”

Pride swelled in ’s chest. “Eleanor’s a looker.”

“I’m not talking about her looks, young man. This room is full of beautiful women. The men in this firm are more interested in her brain. They claim she has one of the most brilliant legal minds in the state. She’ll make partner by forty.”

suddenly felt very small. What was Eleanor doing with a guy like ? He thought about their no-sparks kiss. If hot sex was her goal, she was barking up the wrong tree. Was she looking for someone to ground her? A stay-at-home dad type to help take care of Henry?

Eleanor heightened his suspicions a few days later when she asked if he would pick Henry up from his after-school program. She texted,

I’m tied up with a client. I shouldn’t be long. I may even beat you back to the apartment.

By the time Eleanor arrived home around nine, had already fed Henry a chicken Caesar salad, given him a bath, and put him to bed.

“I’m so sorry,” she said, shrugging off her coat. “The client insisted we go for drinks—which, of course, led to dinner.” Standing on her tiptoes, she gave him a peck on the lips. “How can I make it up to you?”

considered her question. He could ask for sex, but the moment felt all wrong. He placed his hands on her hips. “You can go out with me on Valentine’s Day.”

Her crystal eyes popped. “Valentine’s Day? The corniest holiday of the year? That’s asking a lot, . What did you have in mind?”

“Dinner with friends. There’s someone special I’d like you to meet.”

She tilted her head slightly. “Is this special someone male or female?”

“Female. Jenna and I have been best friends since high school.”

A faint smile curved her lips. “In that case, I’d love to meet her. I’ll get a sitter.”