A Walk in the Park
“I’m 45,” she said.
Kevin looked her over, trying to discern whether she was being truthful. She looked younger. “That’s an opening line I won’t soon forget.”
“I don’t like to waste time and you look like you might be too young for me.” Marie got up from her park bench when she saw a softball rolling toward them. She picked the ball up and threw it back, expertly to the teenager who had been chasing it down. “I played softball in college,” she said.
“I saw that in your profile,” Kevin said, “shortstop, right?”
“Second team, All American,” Marie said.
“I brought sandwiches and a couple of cans of Coke, Marie. I hope that’s all right.”
“That depends. Are you going to tell me how old you are?”
“Maybe I’ll let you see my driver’s license, later. If it makes it any easier for you, your age doesn’t disqualify you.”
“No? How about my looks?”
“Not a chance.”
“What do you think of my personality so far?” she asked. She wasn’t smiling. She really wanted to know.
Kevin placed his chin in his hand, the classic thinker’s pose. “It’s different, Marie. I guess now is the right time to ask you a question. When you saw me walking up to your bench, what was your first thought? Be truthful, please. I don’t like to waste time either.”
An older man wearing a fedora and a vest walked past the bench clutching an umbrella. He smiled at Kevin and Marie and said, “Lovely day for a walk, isn’t it?”
Neither Marie nor Kevin responded. The man had stopped in mid-stride before he spoke. They sensed he would consider any response an invitation to a conversation. When they ignored him, he offered a quick wave and moved on.
“My first thought as you walked up was ‘This man is carrying a Dean and Deluca bag. I’ll bet he’s broken the rules already.’”
“I take it you’re referring to not wanting to meet at Rigby’s for lunch,” Kevin said. He pointed to the bag. “Obviously, this isn’t from Rigby’s. Since we’re on the subject, why did you want to meet in a park?”
“It’s easier, I guess.”
He laughed. “You want a sandwich? I have a turkey club and a roast beef with sharp cheddar.” He pulled the sandwiches from the bag and held them out for her to choose. “Roast beef is in my right hand.”
“I am a bit hungry.” She chose the turkey. Kevin handed her a napkin and opened her Coke. They ate quietly for a while.
“How long have you been divorced?” He asked.
“Three years. I have two girls, 15 and 13.”
“Good ages to be.”
“Well, yes, better than 45 for sure.”
“Again, with the age thing? Is today your birthday?”
“No.” Marie studied Kevin’s face. “You don’t look a day over thirty. Perhaps you’re a bit older than that, but not more than five years.”
“Why does that matter? We’re just trying to get to know each other.”
Marie nodded. She wrapped the other half of her sandwich and put it in the bag Kevin brought. “My ex-husband was nine years younger than me. I think he started running around on me when I turned 40. The last thing he said the morning he walked out was, ‘You look washed out, Marie.'”
“He was wrong. And I’m not younger than you.”
“I’m not sure I believe you.” Marie took a small sip of soda and put the can on the edge of the bench.
Kevin made a show of pulling out his wallet. He opened it and removed his driver’s license. “I think you’re beautiful Marie, even better than your profile picture.” He handed her his license.
"Is this real?” she asked.
“You think I have a fake ID for dating purposes? I had a fake when I was 19 so I could buy beer, but I got caught.”
“I can’t believe you’re 47.” Marie searched Kevin’s face, seeking the truth in his eyes rather than his words.
“You’re just being nice,” Kevin said. “You think I’m too old for you, don’t you?”
She laughed. “You have two boys, right?”
“Well, that’s what my profile says, but I rent the boys, actually. They come with the fake ID.”
“You asked me what was the first thing I thought when I saw you walking up to the bench,” Marie said. “I lied a little.”
“We’re even. I made the sandwiches myself and put them in the Dean and DeLuca bag.”
"I watched from quite a distance. As soon as I waved to you, I thought, ‘He’s disappointed.”
“Wow!” Kevin looked up toward the sky. “That man was right. It is a lovely day for a walk.” He took Marie’s hand.
She stood up and brushed the front of her skirt. “I’d love to. It’s my favorite thing to do.”