* * *
"Of course you can go!" Rebecca bubbled over, her cute face lit up
with genuine enthusiasm. They'd just completed rehearsal and she and
Lloyd were preparing to lock up the studio. "I'm so thrilled you met a nice
guy and I hear SunFest is a blast! We had something like it in Sarasota
where I grew up, but from what I've heard, this blows away every festival
in the state."
"Thanks Rebecca!" Maddy exclaimed, hugging her friend.
"No problem, honey. You've got the routine down pat anyway; you
and Scott make a great dance pair." She was referring to Maddy's partner,
a genuinely nice guy with wavy dark hair and a neat beard and mustache.
With his tall, lanky build, he defined the stereotype of a ballroom dancer,
though Maddy was self-conscious about him having to lift her in the air
during the course of their Addams Family tango routine.
Then again, the entire production made her uncomfortable, though
she'd never dare back out. But as she began her short commute home,
Maddy vowed to get up early the next day and use the treadmill in her
apartment complex. There were still a few weeks to go before the big
night; perhaps she could shed a pound or two. And while it was too late
to really make a difference for tomorrow, she'd still feel good for having
made the effort.
She headed down scenic Southwest 18th Street, picturing the clothes
that hung in her walk-in closet, imagining which one of her many
ensembles would flatter her figure the most, in anticipation of her big date
with Mark.
* * *
Madeline entered the stillness of the fitness room for a 7 a.m. session
with the treadmill. Normally bustling during the work week, the small, but
well-equipped gym was typically devoid of exercisers on the weekends.
Armed with a Walkman and a bottle of water, she was ready for a
vigorous, heart-pumping workout as she flipped on the light and quickly
got started. Before long, she power-walked up to a speed of 4.9, her
ponytail swinging wildly while she visualized the forthcoming day's
activities, eagerly anticipating meeting Mark's family and enjoying a
renowned South Florida event. Meanwhile as Mark maneuvered through
the heavy traffic on I-95 on his way to class, he came to a surprising
decision.
* * *
Entering the air-conditioned sanctuary of her apartment, a sweaty
Madeline wiped her forehead with a towel as she proceeded directly into
the shower. Invigorated by the pulsing stream of water and an elevated
heart rate, she closed her eyes and imagined a new and fulfilling life
without Kenny. It wasn't until a few minutes later when she tied her short
terry-cloth robe around her waist and headed to the fridge for a cold
bottle of water that she noticed the blinking red light on her answering
machine. And as she listened to Mark's outgoing message, her heart was
once again consumed by sorrow, anger and frustration.
Madeline, this is Mark. Uh, listen, I'm sorry about this, but there's been a
change of plans. Since I am already in West Palm Beach it's not really convenient to
drive all the way back to Boca to pick you up. Actually…that's not the real
reason…the real reason is that I'm kind of torn up by Catholic guilt. You know, I
just broke off my engagement and I just don't think it's right for me to start anything
new right now. I'm really sorry. Uh, I hope you have a great weekend anyway. Take
care.She listened to his recording again to confirm its authenticity; more
and more her life was beginning to feel like an episode of The Twilight
Zone, filled with surreal happenings that defied logic and understanding.
Had she somehow misread his interest in her in spite of their enjoyable
conversation over drinks last night? Did she say or do something to turn him off as they
sat at the bar talking? Had this whole thing been a ploy to determine if he really liked
her enough in person to commit to taking her to SunFest?Maddy sank into the couch as she mentally replayed every detail of
her experience with Mark Donnelly, beginning with his surprising phone
call to her office. It was more than a bit ironic that she was the one who
made the impression on him; when she recalled her embarrassment over
her inability to remember his face, she laughed bitterly. Apparently, this
man had so little regard for her feelings he had no qualms about brushing
her off at the last minute for a date he initiated. It reminded her of Gary
Snyder back in Ocean City that summer, though to his dubious credit, at
least he'd had the guts to dump her in person.
A ringing phone suddenly pierced the silence, forcing Maddy to her
feet; she didn't bother to pick up until she heard the familiar voice begin
to record another message.
"Mark," she greeted him sternly, "This is Madeline. I was at the gym
when you called before."
"So I take it you got my message?"
"Loud and clear."
"Look, I'm sorry Madeline. It is the truth, though; I am feeling really
guilty about taking another woman out so soon after breaking my
engagement. I know it sounds crazy, but Gina is coming down in a few
weeks to officially return the ring and until then it seems wrong to get
involved with anyone else."
"Involved? Mark, we weren't picking out China patterns, we were
going to a music festival with a bunch of other people! And may I point
out that I cancelled my plans so I could go with you after you invited me! I
don't know what kind of game you're playing here, but you can count me
out!"
"I'm really sorry, Maddy," he repeated sheepishly.
"So am I," she retorted as she hung up the phone.