at Jamie, knowing full well she hasn’t. “Oh! I know! Would you like to come, Brad? They let you men out of here occasionally, right? It should be part of your therapy to see a good concert.” “Well yes, occasionally if our doctor OK’s it we’re allowed to leave the hospital. It’s not like we’re prisoners and locked up here. Are you…” Before Brad can finish his sentence, Carol closes the deal. “Great! It’s a date then. The symphony starts at seven. We’ll pick you up here at five for dinner. Only one condition, it will be my treat! That’s the least I can do to say thanks for your service!” Carol only grins at the two who stare at her with open amazement. “Come on Jamie, time for us to go. It was nice meeting you Brad!” Carol is excited at how well her matchmaking went and briskly walks out of the room. In a bit of a daze Jamie starts to follow, hesitating a moment as she reaches the door. “Good bye Brad. I guess we’ll see you Friday?” She gazes directly into the soldier’s warm brown eyes. “Dragons spitting fire couldn’t keep me away.” He replies, smiling. Jamie makes his day as she returns the smile, before chasing after Carol.
Chapter 2
Jamie is excited about her date. Friday night can’t come fast enough. That is until Friday morning. As the day finally arrives she suddenly wonders if she’s setting herself up for a major disappointment. She is assailed with doubts “What if he has a girlfriend? What if he just said yes just to be nice? What if he can’t come? What if he only pretends to like her so he can better practice his music? What if he is a womanizer? ” Her stream of troublesome worrying thoughts is interrupted by Carol’s car horn honking. Jamie hurries out the door. Carol’s boyfriend Barry is driving. “Hi Barry, you’re looking sharp. Not a bad looking date either.” “Yeah thanks. She’ll do for the evening. Maybe quite a few evenings.” He looks at Carol and laughs. Carol blows him a little kiss. ”You’re a lucky man and you know it. Just try to keep your eyes on the road. I know driving around with two beauties is distracting.” Jamie hops in the backseat and immediately shares her worries with her friend who promptly laughs them off. Carol confesses to checking around. “I spoke to some of Brad’s friends at the VA center. His girlfriend of five years broke up with him before he left for Iraq. After that he hasn’t had an interest in any woman. That is until you. He thinks you’re gorgeous, extremely talented, and is really excited to be seeing you tonight. He thinks he’s a lucky man so relax and have fun!” Jamie hopes her friend is being truthful, not just trying to make her feel better. She leans back in her seat, rolling her eyes at her friend’s effervescence and know it all manner. Minutes later the three arrive at the VA center. Brad is waiting for them. In his dress uniform he is truly handsome. He’s standing near the main entrance chatting with some friends, his wheelchair pushed off to one side. Jamie shakes her head in amazement as Carol greets all the soldiers by name. Carol has taken a genuine interest in the VA center’s wounded warriors and donates several hours a week of her time to play piano for the soldiers. Chatting the entire time Carol folds the wheel chair and places it in the trunk of the car. Jamie walks over to greet Brad and gives him a little hug. “Hi Brad. You’re looking great in that uniform. Ready for an evening out?” “I’m more than ready. I’m really glad to see you. I thought Friday would never arrive.” Jamie is startled and flushes to scarlet as Brad takes her hand and gently kisses it. She carefully helps him into the car, guiding him by holding his elbow in one hand and his hand in the other. A tremor of heat from the contact completely surprises her as it races through her entire body. She hasn’t been kissed in a long time, not even on the hand. At dinner,