Bill Mc Gill, thinks of his life, and where he is at twenty-three.
Single, in good shape, neat, loves concerts, movies, walking his dog, and
cooking healthy food. His goal now is to have a family. He’s ready and is
trying to be more aware of women around him.
The idea came to him when he was at the doggie park. A woman and her dog
caught his eye.
Bill works in a cubicle downtown in a bean counter job.
After eight hours shuffling papers that detail the progress of earthworm
development for the zoo, he needs a break.
At home by 6:47 PM precisely, because of his unchanging
daily routine. His darling Golden Retriever, “Puddles” jumps up on him, trying
to lick his face, excited to see him. He rubs his ears, and pets him for a
minute, “You’re such a good boy. Did you miss me? I missed you. In a minute
I’ll give you some treats for being so good.” Heading for a quick shower, after
shave, clean shirt and Levi’s. He gets the leash on Puddles and out the door
they go.
“Hold on, big boy, I can’t run as fast as you.” The dogs long golden hair sways in the breeze. Bill rehearses the carefully planned comments.
Eager to see the woman and dog. “Maybe my
dream with come true.”
He unclips Puddles from his leash. The family friendly Park is
large with tall trees shading the tables and benches with families sitting
watching their pets. His eyes dart across the grassy space. An eclectic mix of Collies, Daschunds, Chihuahuas,
Shepherds, and curb stone setters. Looking for the woman who has been in his
every thought since they met two weeks ago. He spots her.
Jill De Ville is laughing at Sweet Pea, her Golden Retriever
jumps in circles when she spots Puddles. The two pets run to greet each other
with tails wagging and mouths open as if yelling hello to each other.
Jill is slender, has long brown wavy hair, and a dazzling
smile. She’s stunning, he’s amazed at how he feels. His heart pounds just
looking at her.
Like their pets, they hurry toward each other. Turning to
look into his eyes, “Hi, Bill. It’s good to see you.”
Loving the way her fingers comb windblown whisps of hair
from her face, his head bobbles up and down in agreement. “Isn’t this a perfect
way to spend the evening?” The weather is perfect, our dogs are happy, a
beautiful woman is standing in front of me. Everything is perfect. “You are
looking good, I mean, happy. How was your day?” he blurted out too much at
once.
Jill couldn’t know he had rehearsed those sentences a
thousand times, worried he would stammer and panic, He never felt this way with
any other girl. They were just staring at each other when she reached for his
hand, turned and said, “Let’s play with our furry ones.”
She was also holding a frisbee.
Completely tongue tied, and knowing he hadn’t rehearsed
anything more, he broke out into a sweat trying to saying something that sounds
relaxed and normal. Opening his mouth to speak, he realizes his voice is a
squeaky two whole octaves higher than usual. “Puddles loved playing frisbee
with Sweet Pea.” Whew, he got it out but sounded pitiful.
Jill freely laughed and squeezed his hand, “Aren’t they
darling together?”
She then releases her hand and with practiced skill, throws
the frisbee high into the air. Both dogs run after it, bump into each other
midair and fall to the ground in a blur of yellow fur while the frisbee flies
off, landing in a long skid.
Jill and Bill laugh. Being with her is beginning to feel
natural and relaxed.
“I have read of a dog friendly restaurant up the road. They
have tables outside and room for the dogs to be tied at our table, perfect
place for them to beg. Would you like to join me for dinner?” He holding his
breath while waiting for her answer.
End
of part one