Alex Sigmore - A Liars Grave

Emily Slate Mystery Thriller

Book 8

As Duncan Schmidt sat at the small table, he couldnt tamp down the butterflies in his stomach. This was the first date hed been on in over six months, and he didnt want to screw things up like he always did. It didnt use to be like thishe never used to have trouble finding a date for Saturday night. But ever since his little slip-up, the well had run dry. Which meant matching on those dating sites was a complete bust. Everyone had the entire internet at their fingers, and it only took them a second to look him up. Trying to pick up women at bars wasnt much better, unless he wanted to use a false name. That was fine for a one-night stand, but he couldnt build a meaningful relationship off of something like that. And despite what his therapist said, no one had been willing to give him a second chance.

Not until tonight.

With a shaky hand, he grabbed the glass of water sitting closest to him and drank half of it down in one go. What he really needed was a solid drink, but as the therapist had reminded him, that was how he got in trouble to begin with. No, if this was going to have any chance of working out, he needed to be completely sober.

Duncan inadvertently picked at the wooden table as he anxiously looked around the restaurant, sure that he was being stood up. This whole thing was probably just a prank, someone having a bit of fun at his expense. It wouldnt be the first time, and he doubted it would be the last. He checked his watch, noting that she was already ten minutes late. Hed wait another five, then he was out of here.

All around him, raucous couples and groups of friends conversed over their meals, all of them oblivious to his misery. And why should they care? He was just a middle-aged man who was losing his hair and developing the same paunch that had plagued his father. Ten years ago he was a specimen, but as he turned the corner to forty, things had just started to fall apart. Now his back ached every morning and occasionally his knee would flare up, probably a consequence of all that running he did in high school. Getting old was hell, and combined with his other history, it was no wonder he couldnt get a date.

Just as Duncan stood up, prepared to throw a five on the table for wasting the waitresss time, he spotted her.

Her auburn hair perfectly framed her face, and her green eyes were piercing, complemented by the dramatic red dress she was wearing. Duncan realized that more than a few people had taken notice of her when she walked in, and how could they not? She was dressed to the nines, her dress barely reaching the middle of her thighs and six-inch heels showing off her sculpted calves and long legs.

She looked around a minute, then spotted him, a smirk appearing on her face.

Suddenly, those butterflies in his stomach started flapping a lot harder.

God, she was hot. That dress of hers accentuated every curve of her body, and Duncan found he couldnt pull his gaze away from her as she made her way through the restaurant.

Duncan? she asked as she approached. Her voice was light and velvety, and was it his imagination, or was there an undercurrent of mischievousness there as well?

Y-yes. Julie? he replied, sticking out his hand. She took it for a moment, her skin baby soft.

Thats me. She removed the purse from her exposed shoulder, setting it in the booth. Im sorry Im late. I got held up.

Thats okay. He anxiously took the seat across from her, doing everything he could not to drool all over this woman. Images of them in bed assaulted his mind, and what it would feel like with her on top of him. He couldnt believe his luck. After six months of nothing, hed finally hit the jackpot. It was time to get this train rolling, and for Duncan to get his game back. Arent you cold? he asked, noting her lack of coat or jacket.

Nah, not really, she replied, a little giggle escaping her lips. Youre sweet to ask though. You havent ordered anything yet, have you?

Nojust, he looked down at his half-empty water glass. No, I havent.

She leaned forward, just enough so that he could get a good look at her cleavage, which was clearly on display. Was she wanting him to look? It had been so long since hed been on one of these, hed forgotten how they went. I dont usually do this, you know, she said in a conspiratorial voice. But I just got out of a messy divorce. So its my first time back out in the dating world.

Duncans heart fell. Prior marriages meant baggage. Namely in the form of kids, which he wasnt ready for. Kids were out of the question.

Oh, he said. I didnt know you were married before. It didnt say anything about that on your profile.

She giggled again. I know, Im sorry for not telling you before, but I was afraid you might not come meet me if you knew I just went through a divorce.

He looked her up and down again. Maybe she wasnt the long-term relationship he was looking for, but with a body like that he could at least have a fun night ahead of him. Do you have any kids?

She shook her head. No. Thank goodness. I cant stand my ex. Trying to raise a child with him would have been a nightmare.

His spirits lifted again. Tell me about it. How long were you together?

About five years, she replied. But lets not talk about him. I want to get to know you. She turned, looking for the waitress. How about some wine?

Duncan glanced over at his sad little water glass. Wine would loosen him up, but at the same time, all he could hear were his therapists words in his head. Still, an opportunity like this didnt come along every day. He needed to take advantage of it. Who knew when hed get another date like this? The last thing he wanted to do was disappoint this girl before he got her back to his place. The fact that she didnt have children put her right back into the eligible category. And with a body like that, how could she say no?

Sure, wine sounds great. He motioned until he caught the waitresss attention. A bottle of Pinot Noir, on the double.

The waitress gave him a quick sneer, but what did he care? He wasnt on a date with her. He was here with the prettiest girl in the entire restaurant. You dont look thirty-five, he said once the waitress had left.

I hope I dont look older! Julie replied, though it was clear she was joking.

No, not at all. High twenties, at best.

Whew, she said. Thats a relief. You scared me for a second. She batted her eyelashes. Man, she was really into him. He hadnt lost his touch after all. Tell me about you. What brings you to the wonderful world of dating?

She was kind of funny; he liked that. But it wasnt like he could tell her the entire truth, not right now anyway. Maybe later, after theyd gotten to know each other better. But he knew from prior experience if he told her everything now, shed be out that door like a shot. Still, she was already so familiar to him. That had to be a good sign, right?