people, although I’m sometimes shy or hesitant about meeting new people. I do attend church but haven’t joined one. I dislike too spicy foods, being out in cold weather, people who are often late and loud, rude people.”
“I would like to meet someone who also likes and accepts people, who is not quick to judge, does not have a temper and likes music. I play a little piano and like to sing, but it’s questionable whether other people like to hear me sing.”
“I grew up in Maryland in a warm, loving family. My siblings and I keep in touch on a regular basis. My parents expected good behavior, good effort at whatever we were doing, good manners and to accept responsibility for our actions. I hope this tells you enough about me until you want to get better acquainted. Blessings.”
Jason sighed and looked at the notes he had jotted down. Would he need to see the video a second time? He didn’t think so, but still wasn’t sure what he would do about contacting this lady. She seemed nice and had some of the same likes and dislikes that he had. While he was sitting and thinking, Dottie came back into the room.
“Do you need to view the video again or do you have any questions?”
“No, thank you. I think I’ll just go home and ponder what I’ve seen and heard. I’m inclined to wait until the party to make any decisions.”
“That’s fine, Jason. We start at seven and dismiss at nine. Not everyone stays the full time. Some of our members come from nearby areas and we don’t want to keep them on a winter night. In the spring, when the days are longer, and the time changes, people have a tendency to stay later.”
“Thank you for helping me. I guess I’ll wait for the party.”
“That’s your privilege. I’ll see you out. I’m sure there’ll be requests from other ladies to meet you. Why don’t you take the time to look through the book of ladies and see if you’d be interested in asking to meet any of them?”
He hesitated. “I’d like to do that. They returned to the first room to look through the book out of curiosity. After he had looked through the book, he told everyone goodbye and thanked them for their assistance.
Jason said nothing to his staff about joining a dating agency. He was a little embarrassed about it and basically was a private person. Not so secretive, just private.
Chapter Five
The time passed quickly and the Saturday rolled around for the party. Jason took a shower and laughed at himself for being nervous. He felt as if he was shaking visibly and he was perspiring heavily. He dressed carefully in new jeans in a western cut. The sage-colored turtle neck sweater complimented his eyes and coloring. He drew on white cotton socks and a pair of brown Western boots. He loved those boots.
He checked his wallet to make sure he had drivers license, insurance cards and some money in the event he wanted to go somewhere after the party. Slipping a watch with a stretchy bank on his left wrist, and a ring that belonged to his grandfather on his finger, he checked himself in a full-length mirror on the back of his bedroom door.
Taking a deep breath for courage, he slowly walked out and to a closet in the hall just before entering the living room. He took an overcoat and a Stetson out of the closet and whispered a quiet prayer.
“Lord, I really don’t know why I’m talking to you. I’ve had to endure so much heartache and cruelty that I’ve, at times, felt that you no longer cared about me. I’ve been taught better by my precious grandparents. They said You never leave us, that it’s we who leave You. I’m trying very hard. If You’re still with me, give me the wisdom to make the right decisions and help me to be the man my grandparents raised me to be.”
He left the apartment, locking the door behind him. He rode the elevator down to the underground garage and entered his two year old blue Camry. He carefully backed out and started on his journey. At that time of night it didn’t matter where he parked as long as he wasn’t blocking a fire hydrant. He had to sit in the car a few minutes and talk himself into going into The Perfect Spouse when he observed so many cars parked on the street and beside the building in a small lot.
Slowly climbing out of his car, and touching the button on the remote to lock it, he walked into the building. Bright lights were spilling out on the sidewalk and rousing music could be heard faintly. He opened the door and was hit with music, the cacophony of voices, laughter and the odor of fresh-baked pastries.
On one of the long tables, near the front, was a thirty-two cup coffee pot, a big pot of hot water and a basket of a variety of tea bags. There was regular sugar, artificial sugar, and cream beside four big trays of a variety of pastries. There were also finger sandwiches and a big bowl of cut fruits.
Napkins, paper plates, small paper bowls and swizzle sticks were in abundance.
The room was decorated with Christmas lights, good-smelling greenery and beautiful ornaments. In a corner was an eight feet tree beautifully decorated with gaily wrapped packages on a red velvet skirt under the tree.
He had noticed that in the window was a scene to represent old Jerusalem. There were handmade houses, an inn and an ice-cream stick stable with straw inside. The full nativity was in place including lighted angels and a star on top of the stable. Eye catching and interesting.
On a small table near the window was a menorah and items connected with Chanukkah. On another small table were items acknowledging Kwanzaa. Jason was impressed with the thoughtfulness of the religions.
“Jason. Hello. I’m glad you decided to join us. Leave your coat in the room over there,” Amanda greeted him. “Come on with me and I’ll introduce you to the staff and some of the members.”
“No. Please. Can’t I just blend in and look around?”
“Whatever you wish, but the Harpers will want to meet you.”
“Who’re they?”
“The owners. And the rest of the staff will want to meet you.”
“Well, okay. Lead on McDuff,” Jason grinned nervously.
“Would you like refreshments first or do you want to meet everyone first?”
“I’ll have to meet the staff sometime, so I might as well do it now.
Amanda slipped her hand into the crook of his right arm and led him to a couple who reminded him of his grandparents. The man, about six feet tall had beautiful silver hair and sky blue eyes. His ruddy complexion showed he was an outdoor person. His muscles and rugged appearance led one to think he either worked out often in a gym or participated in a lot of outdoor exercises. He wore tan slacks and a yellow shirt with no tie. Jason guessed him to be early sixties.
The woman was about five-six, small build, obviously dyed black hair, and brown eyes. She wore a natural sweet, laughing expression and moved toward Jason as if she already knew him and was glad to see him. She was dressed in a long, green gown with white lace trim around the neck. Small silver heels with pointed toes peeped from under the gown. He guessed her to probably be sixty.
Amanda smiled and greeted the older woman. “Elaine, you’ll enjoy knowing one of our new members, Jason.”
“Jason, welcome, welcome, she gushed with an honest voice. We want to help you and make
