“I’ve had my heart broken and it’s not fun, but I’d rather have my heart broken than break someone else’s heart” - Josh Hartnett

Ch 2

Later that day, Brian Fields was sitting at a local steakhouse, listening to yet another date drone on and on.

He checked his watch.

9:24, Damn, these things never go by quickly enough.

Brain smiled politely and continued his thoughts, mostly longing for an excuse to leave. Brain was a well built man, strong, and in great shape. He had chocolate eyes that it seemed no woman could resist, and well defined facial features. He wasn’t gorgeous, definitely not a Brad Pitt type of guy, but he was handsome in a rugged way.

He always got stuck in a situation like the one he was in now. He was on a date, at the same restaurant as always, they didn’t even need to ask him for his order anymore. It was always the same. Always. Although his date was beautiful, long blonde hair, brilliant blue eyes and a body to suit, he just wasn’t interested. But that didn’t surprise him, he just felt like he couldn’t relate to anyone anymore, especially women.

There was nothing about this particular one that made him any more turned off than the rest. What was her name again? Alice? Alexa? Carrie? Brenda?...That’s it...it was Brenda.

“Hey listen, Brenda,” he interrupted her, “I’m thinking that I’m going to have to cut this short. I have an early class in the morning, and I need to get some rest. You don’t mind, do you?”

Brenda looked taken aback, but she smiled, and said, “No, I know how it is. College is a busy time. Shall I call you sometime for another date?”

Brian hesitated, “Umm....no. No that’s okay, I’ll call you.”

She got up, gave him a kiss on the cheek and walked down the stairs to the door. He stood, and watched her motion for a taxi, and then she was gone.

No. He wouldn’t call her back. He never did. But he was surprised he hadn’t even made it through the entire evening without being bored out of his mind. He called for the bill, payed, and then left.

As he walked down the street, passing a young couple hand in hand who were teasing each other, his heart felt flat. He had been on at least 8 dates in the last 2 weeks alone, and nothing. Sure Helen, his old kindly graying Aunt who lived down the street, had tried to get him a great match, but nothing had clicked.

She doesn’t go for any depth at all. Aunt Helen is worse than any guy I know, all she thinks I look at is how beautiful a girl is...

He fumbled in his pocket for his keys, and greeted the doorman. He went up the elevator which stopped on the first floor. Once he got in his apartment, he looked over at the flashing answering machine.

Click.

‘Hi Brian, this is Kelsey...” Who the hell is Kelsey? Brain wondered. “I was just calling about possibly going out on a second date sometime? I really had a great time last Friday...”

The message droned on as he recalled the date.

Oh yeah. How could I forget? The beautiful brunette with sparkling green eyes. No..no second date. I hated that date....I hate most of my dates...

MESSAGE 2

“Hello Brian, this is Aunt Helen. I’m just calling to see how the date with Brenda went. She’s a nice girl and real easy on the eyes, if ya know what I mean. (She chuckled in the background). Give me a call when you get in. I want ALL the details! I dropped off some homemade lasagna for you. It’s in the fridge on the third shelf up. Now eat up, a college student needs his food! I love you, and if you need anything give me a call!”

Brian didn’t even bother to listen to the next two messages. He just deleted them, and threw his coat onto the shabby old couch in his living room. He clicked on the TV and then walked to the kitchen pulled out the lasagna and tossed it in the microwave.

I don’t even like lasagna...

But he hadn’t really touched his dinner while he was with Brenda...his thoughts had been elsewhere. Brenda had worn this perfume...it reminded him of her.

He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head...he wasn’t going to even get into that now. He had hurt enough...he had spilled enough useless tears because she was never coming back. Ever.

Brian sat on the couch, and fell asleep almost instantly leaving the plate of lasagna untouched in front of him