The Chameleons Among Us

Sarah looked down at her form-fitting pink blouse. Her hands were shaking as she looked in the rearview mirror, checking her makeup for any imperfections. She was in the restaurant parking lot waiting for her mysterious blind date. A flashy black sports car raced into the parking lot and made a hairpin turn into a vacant spot. When the broad-shouldered man in a tailored jacket got out of the car, she recognized Roger from the photo her friend had showed her. Sarah felt her hands get clammy because her mystery date was already taking her breath away. Sarah was immediately impressed with his entrance into her life, but at the same time she felt her heart racing with anxiety. What have I gotten myself into? This hunk of a man will never like little average-looking me, and besides, these heels are killing me! I would do anything to have my sneakers on right now!

She walked toward his car awkwardly in her high heels with her long legs just about to buckle with nervousness. Sarah smiled but was sure it looked timid, since she felt herself about to stumble walking toward him. The smile he gave her showed his satisfaction, she thought.

Sarah allowed herself to breathe and managed to say, “Hi.” When he replied, Sarah couldn’t help but notice his perfect white teeth and his deep-set blue eyes underneath his prominent brow. Sarah walked into the restaurant ahead of Roger as he held the door. As she walked through the door, she could feel his intense analysis of her backside. She felt an instant attraction to this distinguished older man whose cologne permeated through the air, strengthening the grip on her heart.

They sat down at a secluded table for two. Sarah had a tough time making eye contact with Roger and often fixated on the burning candle until the waitress came. When they ordered their food, Roger asked, “Would you care for a glass of wine?”

“No, thank you,” Sarah quickly replied.

Roger looked perplexed and muttered, “Huh.”

She could feel his constant staring at her as if he was analyzing a complex 3D puzzle.

Roger asked, “How was your day?”

“I had my last final exam today, and it was a tough one. I have officially finished my second year of medical school,” Sarah happily reported.

Roger smiled and said, “I remember those days very well. Medical school isn’t for sissies, that’s for sure. I love that we’ve both gone to medical school. I felt connected to you during our first phone conversation.”

Sarah smiled and thought to herself, I don’t think this could be going any better.

Roger continued his adorable smile and never-ending stare with his denim blue eyes, and then he asked, “So, tell me about your childhood.”

Sarah’s heart sank a bit as her brain raced to sort out the flood of memories.

“My mother died from cancer when I was twenty. My parents didn’t have the best marriage. My mother cried a lot, and my dad seemed controlling. I’m not close to my dad. Because of the difficulties at home, I became an overachiever.”

Sarah stopped and hoped she hadn’t revealed too much of her past. She took Roger’s nod as a sign of understanding. Luckily, at that moment their appetizers arrived. Sarah bowed her head to say a quick prayer like she always did before eating. Then she decided to ask her own questions. “So, do you have your own practice?”

“Yes, I do. I’ve owned my family practice for twelve years.”

“That’s great! Do you like your job?”

“Oh, yes,” he answered. “I like my job very much.”

We do have a great connection. How sweet that he loves being a doctor, Sarah thought with a smile.

“And your childhood?” she asked.

“Well, I’m the oldest of five children, and, like your parents, mine also had many arguments. My dad was and still is a hard-working man, but unfortunately, he barked orders a lot to all of us. Once my siblings came along, it was like I was forgotten. But I think I turned out darn good. I’m a great guy.”

As Roger spoke, Sarah was mesmerized by his thick salt-and-pepper hair. She became more comfortable as they talked and laughed during dinner. When Roger paid the bill, Sarah noticed that he had lots of cash in his wallet. She couldn’t believe how much Roger seemed to offer her. She felt like a hole was being filled. She didn’t know exactly what was happening, but she knew a relationship was beginning, and it felt good.