Anyone for Dennis?
A Story Every Day in 2024 Feb 29th 60/366
"So, what're you saying?"
"I'm saying you should ask her out!"
"I don't know if I can do that."
Matt looked at his friend, Dennis and shook his head. It had been years now since Dennis had dated and Matt was concerned that he was still on his own.
Could Matt broach the dreaded subject?
"You know..." Matt started hesitantly. "You can date again, you know, without besmirching Elodie's memory." He hadn't mentioned the 'E' word for months. He'd thrown out the comment, he hoped casually, whilst adjusting his laces.
Dennis suppressed his anger. Matt was only looking out for him, he knew, but he was fed up with busybodies who had a better idea of how he should live his life than he did! Or so they thought. Only the other day, he'd been propositioned by a dental nurse who had known Elodie and had asked if he was dating again as her sister was recently divorced and new to the area - would he like to meet her? She could arrange it?
Luckily, she had one of those sucking devices in his mouth so he was able to shake his head and make a gruff noise of dissent, enough to put her off. Otherwise, he'd have barked out a "No!" for sure.
Why couldn't they leave him alone?
He did like Alice though. She was his mixed doubles partner and he liked the way she played tennis. But really, if he was honest, he liked her humour, her confidence and, he would admit but only to himself, her legs.
Matt was upright and looking at his friend a little chagrined, like a naughty boy.
"I'll think about it," Dennis said and Matt smiled so broadly that his cheeks stretched out into something like a half-moon, or as Elodie called it his "Cheshire Cat" grin.
"I'll get the drinks!" Matt said. It was progress, he thought, leaving his friend.
Dennis sighed. "Cheshire Cat wants me to date again, Elodie. What do you think?"
If Elodie heard, she never let on. But an inquisitive lady called Alice did, and said:
"Well, as someone called Alice, I would say you should listen to the Cheshire Cat."
***
364 words
Love might be in the air. Let's hope it doesn't get assaulted by tennis balls.
Back to the light side today after yesterday's rather macabre offering. Imagine my mind like a checkerboard.
Thanks to Jay Kantor for a nugget that provided a piece of this story. You can check his original and humorous writings out here:
Thanks for stopping by! If you do read it, please leave a comment as I do love to interact with my readers.
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Comments (5)
A lovely positive read… Clever last line! “ Well, as someone called Alice, I would say you should listen to the Cheshire Cat."
So sorry but at the risk of sounding dumb, did Elodie die or did she and Dennis break up? If she died and if I was her, I wouldn't want him dating or being involved with anyone. I know it's petty but it's who I am 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Dear Rd - Forget the accolades; where are my royalties? btw; It always amused me how the Dentist could read sign language so accurately with all that 'Goop' in your mouth. Not an antidentite but I think 'Hand Gesture' reading is their 1st course offered in Dental school. You're My Rd-bud Jb-bud
Especially since in tennis if you end up with love you lose! Beautifully poignant & sweet, Rachel.
Another delightful tale telegraphing hope of a happy ending, Rachel. I giggled at the final line. 😊