Chapter One “It’s for your own good.” Melissa stared blankly at her mother. This was not the first time, and probably wouldn’t be the last, that they would lock horns over an issue. “I’m not interested in dating. Every one of them has been a disaster.” “Because you set out to make them that way.” Katherine Stoddard’s anger reflected in her hazel eyes and her flushed cheeks. “Please do this for Gram. It’s too late to back out now. She only wants to see you happy, Darling.” Melissa could hear the concern in her mother’s voice. “I’m happy the way I am. All those goofy guys wanted to change me.” Melissa got up from the kitchen stool. She’d never had much success with dating, and tonight wouldn’t be any different. It wasn’t for lack of trying, either. But it hurt too much when she wasn’t accepted for the way she was. “Honestly, Mom, I don’t want someone in my life whose mission is to transform and reform me.” “Gram knows that. I’m sure this guy will be different. Now go put on a pretty dress and fix your hair.” Melissa tossed the mail she’d been holding onto the kitchen counter and fought the urge to scream. “That’s what I’m saying. You know I don’t wear dresses. Why can’t I just be me?” “ Please. Gram doesn’t ask for much, now does she? She’s concerned since ... since...” “I know. And I’m doing okay.” Melissa bit her lip, not daring to look at her mother. She hated how she had to struggle to keep her emotions in check. Still. After all this time. “I’ll go get ready.” She turned and thumped down the hall to her bedroom, slamming the door for effect. Leaning against it, arms crossed, she tried to think this through. A long-suffering sigh escaped before she seated herself in front of the vanity mirror. She raked a brush forcefully through her curls as she stared at a photograph on her wall. Though she loved this final remembrance of her dad, she hated how it showed all of her flaws. Defeat weighed heavily on her as she scowled at the picture. She looked like a boy, with flaming red hair, too many freckles and a pixie nose. She felt short-changed in every department, not just in height. Plus, she lacked backbone, at least when it came to family. Well, she would go out on this date, but that didn’t mean she had to like it. And then an idea began to brew. “I guess I’ll just have to be my charming self,” she said, unable to hold back a grin. Gram wouldn’t try to fix her up again after tonight, despite her prior success with Melissa’s cousins Chelsea and Callie. Jumping up, she yanked open the closet and began searching through her wardrobe. She threw a simple green cotton dress onto the bed then dove onto the floor to seek out footwear. “Ah, these will do nicely!” Moving back to the vanity, she plopped herself down and began to do her hair. When she finished, she dug through the drawers and pulled out an assortment of makeup. After applying a thick layer of foundation, blush, lipstick, eyeshadow, and eyeliner, she decided to wash it off. “This date calls for the natural look.” She giggled to herself. A tap on her bedroom door diverted her amusement. “Yes?” “Lissa, Honey,” her mother said, “I just have to run to the store. Are you almost ready?” “Yes, Mom,” she answered sweetly, feeling a little giddy about what she had planned. “Good. I should be back before your date arrives, but listen for the doorbell, just in case.” “Will do.” She heard her mother’s footsteps fade down the hallway. A small pang of regret rose in her stomach, but she quickly banished it away. Melissa knew she had to do this or forever deal with her family’s meddling. Using a cleansing pad, she rubbed took the makeup and stared into the mirror, lost in thought. Yes, she understood their concern. At twenty-two she still lived at home, wondering what she wanted to do with her life. But ever since that day, ten months ago, she’d buried her heart. Melissa knew somewhere, deep inside her, a longing for someone to love existed but she couldn’t get past her grief. God had already taken the most important man in her life – her father – and there were no guarantees it wouldn’t happen again. She knew, without a doubt, her heart couldn’t bear another such hurt. The door chime brought her back to present day. After a last quick glance at her reflection, Melissa headed to meet her date. “Please forgive me, Gram,” she whispered. Bounding down the hall to the front entrance, her pigtails flopped like the large ears she’d worn when she had a part in the school play, Lady and the Tramp. The capricious feeling somehow gave her courage. She flung open the door. “Hi. I’m so glad you dropped by,” she said brightly. “You are?” He appeared surprised by her comment. Obviously, he didn’t think too much about this blind date, either. “I’m Melissa. What’s your name?” She twirled some of her hair around a finger as she spoke. “Ah, my name’s Greg, and I–“ ”Nice to meet you!” She reached out and cranked his hand. Inwardly, she cringed for making such a fool of herself, but it had to be done. Anyway, it was kind of fun. “I wanted to invite you–“ ”How sweet of you. But I have a better idea.” “I’m afraid there’s been some sort of mix up–“ ”No. You’re right on time.” Her smile faded. Apparently the getup had worked even quicker than she’d thought. Men. They were so predictable. “Oh, I see. You’re no longer interested now that you’ve seen me – is that right?” She hiked her chin and gave an indignant sniff. “You men are all alike. I don’t fit your idea of the perfect date.” She gave an exaggerated pout. “And now you’ve had a change of heart.” She hoped he’d bought the act. “No. I haven’t had a change of heart, it’s just that–“ Rats. He might be harder to lose than she’d thought. She forced her lips into a smile. ”Good. Let’s get going then.” She closed the door and linked her arm with his. “So. I thought we could go rollerblading.” She watched as Greg did a quick visual intake of looks. If he thought the black, five-buckle-storm-commando boots didn’t quite match her feminine dress, he never said a word. “I’ve never done–“ ”There’s always a first time for everything,” she interrupted him, again. “Where’s your car?” “At home.” “You walked here? No problem. We can take mine.” “Actually, I live in the neighborhood–" "Oh, did you move into the old Hanson house down the block?” She refused to let the poor man finish a sentence. “Yes. But how did-?” “It’s been up for sale forever.” She opened the car door for him and waited until he was seated before she slammed it. She walked around to the driver’s side, took a deep breath, yanked open the door and dropped onto the bucket seat. Before starting the ignition, she fiddled with the air conditioning dials and, when Greg wasn’t looking, turned up the radio volume. When the engine turned over, the music blared. She laughed inwardly as Greg’s hands flew to his ears. “You like your music loud?” he asked. “Doesn’t everybody?” “What?” She put the transmission in reverse and peeled out of the driveway. Greg gripped the armrest and closed his eyes. She repeated herself loudly, “Doesn’t everybody?” He nodded then visibly stiffened froze as she cornered on two wheels. Melissa’s heart pounded in her chest. She hoped she knew what she was doing. The brief drive to the park seemed to take forever since neither could talk over the music. Still, the radio provided a nice barrier while Melissa thought up ideas to make her date hate her. It seemed a shame, too, because he had such caring eyes. His dark hair with its natural wave and a winning smile could cause a girl to swoon. She needed to stop thinking this way, or she’d lose her nerve. Besides, on closer inspection, it appeared to be more like a grimace. No thanks to her driving. “I’ve never rollerbladed before,” he said quietly when she turned off the engine. Her ears rang. “You’ll love it!” She hoped she hadn’t just shouted at him. They nattered about the Wildcats and their last game as Melissa pulled her brightly colored skating equipment from the trunk of the car, where she always kept it. When they reached the rental shop, Greg pointed to a simple black pair of rollerblades. Melissa placed her hand over the skates the clerk held and shook her head. “He’ll have the neon green and yellow ones, with the matching helmet.” Turning to Greg she continued, “This is a fun sport, so you gotta look the part.” Greg smiled at her then took the wild skates now being offered. Together they proceeded to sit on a nearby bench. Melissa dropped beside him and pulled out a package of gum. “Want some?” “No thanks.” “I find it helps me keep my rhythm and balance.” She popped a piece into her mouth and pocketed the wrapper. In silence they removed their shoes and put on their skates. Melissa fought the urge to giggle when she glanced at Greg. “I’m not sure I can even stand up in these,” he said with a shaky voice as he pushed up and attempted to balance. She stood, blew a bubble with her gum until it popped, then gathered it all back into her mouth. “You’ll do fine,” she said as she slapped him on the back. The force sent him forward down a slight incline, while he waved his arms as he tried to stay upright. He headed straight for a nearby tree. Melissa raised her hand to her mouth and coughed hoping to hide the smile spreading across her lips. “Hey, you forgot your helmet and knee pads. Wait for me!” Scooping up the accessories, she effortlessly glided to Greg’s side. “I-I- wasn’t trying to leave you behind.” “Oh, you were just in a mad rush to hug this pine?” “Very funny.” He pulled back from the bark. “I don’t know if I can do this, Melissa.” The way he said her name caused a yearning in her heart and made her knees feel like marshmallows. But there wasn’t time for that now. “Nonsense,” she replied, handing him his helmet and knee pads. “It’s fun and safe and anyone can do it.” “So there’s no reason I need this equipment?” “None.” “I’d watch out for a big bolt of lightning if I were you.” He gave her a silly grin. Again, Melissa felt shame at her deception. But she couldn’t back out now. “Well, it’s like walking. You know. Everyone can do it once they learn how.” “Thought so. Did I ever tell you I didn’t walk until I was almost three?” “Maybe you should have taken up hockey. My dad always said I could skate before I could walk.” Pain seared through her at the mention of her father. She looked away from Greg before he could see the hurt in her eyes. “Maybe it’s too late for me.” He wobbled again. “It’s never too late,” she said, her light tone masking her anguish. “Try leaning on me.” What was she doing? She didn’t want any contact with this man. She wanted him to dislike her. But as she held him close, for balance, she inhaled his woodsy aftershave. Their cheeks brushed as his muscular arm clung to her waist. “Take a step and glide.” “Okay.” His voice seemed as unstable as his equilibrium. Melissa watched as he jerked ahead. Somehow his presence was almost comforting. Maybe Greg wasn’t so bad. “Hey, I’m still standing!” he yelled back to her. Melissa floated to his side, trying to ignore her unexpected attraction to this handsome man. “You’re doing grea–“ she started to respond, but he twisted and plowed into her. “Ow!” “Sorry. I knew I wouldn’t be very good at this. Are you all right?” Rubbing her ribs and nodding her head, Melissa eyed him for a moment. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a pessimist?” “Is that so bad?” His gaze met hers as he flashed a disarming smile. “Well, they say opposites attract,” she replied softly before she realized what she had said. [top of the page]