Sunshine Hunter Read online

Chapter Two

  “Susan, there’s someone here to see you,” Angela said.

  Mrs. Jackson had just finished weighing in at one hundred fifty-five pounds and was sitting down for her consultation with me when Angela, my assistant manager, stuck her head through the doorway with the announcement.

  “And that someone is a hot guy,” she said, making fanning motions with her hands as if to cool herself off.

  I frowned and shot her a reproving look. I turned to Mrs. Jackson and said, “Excuse me. I’ll only be a moment. It’s probably a salesman. Let me see what he’s selling, and I’ll be right back.”

  Slimmers Weight Loss was in a professional building on the east side of Carbide City. The company catered to women only, so it was somewhat unusual for a man to come into the center. It was even more unusual for someone to ask for me by name.

  I walked into the waiting area and was shocked to see Mick. It had been over a week since I met him at the racquetball club, and I assumed he had decided against joining.

  My greeting to him was abrupt as I asked, “What are you doing here?” I grabbed him by the arm and ushered him out of the center and into the hallway. “You can’t be in here, and I’m working. How did you know where I worked? If you wanted to talk to me, why didn’t you come to the club?” I was noticeably agitated.

  His smile faded, and I could see he was distressed at causing me discomfort.

  “Susan, I’m sorry,” he said apologetically. “I asked Husky where I could find you, and he told me. I haven’t had an evening free to go to the club, and I had to see you again.” He lightly grasped both of my arms, looked into my eyes and said, “I can’t get you out of my mind.” He paused for a moment before saying, “Not that I’m trying.”

  My knees went weak. I tried to say something, but no words came out.

  “I have tickets to Smokey Joe’s Café at the Carbide Dinner Theater for Saturday night,” he said. “Come with me. I want to see you again.” His smiling eyes were back, and so was my voice.

  “Ok?” It came out as more of a question than an answer. I tried again and said, “I’d like that.”

  He let out a chuckle. “How about if I pick you up at the club? Say, around six thirty?”

  “Perfect,” I squeaked.

  He smiled, squeezed my arms lightly before letting them go, and turned to walk down the hallway. I took a few seconds to watch him walk away before gathering my composure and dashing back into the center. I leaned against the wall.

  “Who was that?” Angela asked excitedly. “I told you he was hot.”

  “That was Mick, and he’s my date for Saturday night. I’ll let you know who he is when I find out myself.”

  My knees were still weak, but I was happy he had stopped by to ask me out. I especially appreciated that he hadn’t tried to force his way to my apartment to see where I lived but had chosen a safe, neutral meeting place for our first date by suggesting the club. I made my way back to Mrs. Jackson to finish her consultation.

  “Is everything all right?” she asked. “You look a little flushed.”

  “Everything is fine, Mrs. Jackson, and you are down another two pounds this week. Let’s take a look at your food journal.”