“Swissy”

The first day of the rest of her life ended with a list and started with a glass of merlot.

Olive had only been separated for a few short months. She had gone out on dates with a couple of men. She saw dating as a distraction from her life. The life was completely turned upside down and she saw no future with any of the men on “The List.” She joked with her friends and they even had made up nicknames for them. Dustin “The face", Jonsey " The coach”, and Micheal "the Viking”.

She had only known Nico a short time, but he was the kind of person you could immediately relate to. He was not only witty and charming. He was handsome in the most adorable way. Best of all a true gentleman. The rare kind that not only opens doors, pulls out chairs, and puts his coat over your shoulders. He always asks for permission... in that cheeky manner he used to enchant his clients with. Nico and his Brother represented a ladies fashion house established by his grandparents nearly a century earlier in Zürich Switzerland. It had been passed down to his mother and father with who still had the majority role in design and day to day business. They were a lovely family, who seemed happy to work and travel together often even on holiday.

Olive made it to Austin and was so nervous to see him that she realized she had lost her favorite ivory scarf at the airport. Then, at the hotel, had gone up to the room and noticed that she'd left her phone in the cab. This was so unlike her. Olive was the one you would ask if you lost something. She would always seem to know where to look. Immediately, she called the cab company and they were able to locate the driver. Hey returned promptly with her iPhone. She thanked him and gave him another tip for his troubles. She then headed back up to her room to await the arrival of a man she hardly knew.

Sure she had known and worked with Nico on a few bookings as a showroom and runway model. However, it had merely been a business relationship until recently. Now, only weeks later, she was off on a “destination” date.

OK. Austin TX was far from a glamorous destination for their first date. Regardless, upon the proposal, she looked forward to visiting the quirky little city. She told herself that it didn’t matter whether or not the date turned out the way she imagined. Just as long as she got to experience a new place and an adventure with her new friend.

Olive had been married for just three short years, but it had been a very public marriage. Having such private events made public put quit a damper on her social life. For this reason, she did not wish to be seen out with another man until her divorce was final. You see, her husband was in the music industry and the close relative of a Rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame artist. She had been a seasoned fashion icon and well know in her industry as well. Both traveled frequently, but lived with his two small children in “Music City”.

Nico had never been so forward. Upon hearing of the separation. He thought “Now is as good a time as any.” So he asked Olive to join him for drinks after work. It had been a long day and Olive was tired, but had not looked forward to going home to her unfurnished apartment. She had been used to having a family and the kids would often come to her shows. Her Bonus Daughter would scream loudly, as proud as could be.

“That’s my mom!”

This always brought a smile to Olives face as she slinked down the runway, in that seasoned strut she was known for.

This time had been different and none of them had come to the show.

Olive pretended not to care. Of course, she knew how things would be. She had loved being a Bonus Mom. Although, admittedly often thought how pleasant and quiet it was when they were gone. So she would tell herself they had just gone home to their moms.

Olive raced home to change and meet Nico at her favorite spot. There they sat for hours and spoke of god and the world. Some friends of hers showed up and invited them over to share a bottle of wine and listen to music. “Wonderful.” she thought, since there was really no place else to go.

There they would chat some more with her friends, listen to music, and danced the night away.

The night ended with a kiss and an invitation for a real first date. They would spend a week in Austin Texas where he had business.

Olive knew she wanted to go, so she told him she would look at her schedule and let him know.

The following day she accepted the invitation. Now she is in another city. In another state. Somehow, she had no hesitation of meeting a man on a “destination” date.

All she knew was she couldn’t wait to see him again. Had they already been on a real date?

It was then that Olive realized…

She hadn’t thought of “The List”, the events of her failed marriage, or her ex for that matter... not even once... not since they met her friends for late night music and a glass of Merlot.