Singles Awareness Day

Valentine’s Day was a date she was able to forget existed for about eleven months out of the year. Then the month of February would dawn, icy and cold as ever, bringing with it a day that certainly didn’t help warm her up. At least the fact that it was icy and cold outside usually made it easier for her to justify staying home for Valentine’s Day. Of course it would be nice to have a guy to cuddle up with in front of the fire on that night, but she didn’t, and she couldn’t think of a single reason she had to wish anyone a ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ this year.

The way she saw it, it was a day based more and more on consumerism. Roses and chocolates were just as nice any other day as they were on Valentine’s Day, and they also cost a lot less, but that didn’t stop people from spending far too much money on each other to celebrate one day. Maybe if they spread those grand gestures and other romantic efforts out through the whole year there would be less unhappy couples in the world. Frustrated at herself for feeling so negative, Sue slammed the door of the freezer, finding herself face to face with her roommate.

You okay? Lucy signed, furrowing her brow as she took in the spoon and container of ice cream Sue held.

Fine, Sue replied with a nod, but she knew she probably wasn’t fooling her for an instant.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, really.”

“Mind if I join you?” Lucy asked. In response, Sue grabbed another spoon from the cutlery drawer and handed her one. The two of them sat down across from each other at the kitchen table, both savoring a couple bites of the creamy cold chocolate before Lucy spoke again. “I don’t know about you, but everything about Valentine’s Day this year fills me with a sense of impending doom.”

“That’s dramatic,” Sue replied with a grin. “But I know what you mean. It’s really putting me in a bad mood,” she admitted.

“I think we should plan something fun.”

“Well, the last couple of years we ordered in and watched a movie. That was fun.”

“No, I mean really fun. I think we should go out and celebrate our singlehood.”

“Celebrate what?” Sue asked with a frown.

“We’re single women in our prime who don’t need a man to be happy, and we have no reason to be ashamed of that. We’ve got great lives. Let’s celebrate that!”

“I’m not sure what you’ve got in mind, but…I don’t feel like going out on Valentine’s Day. It’s all about happy couples, and I’m not a happy couple.” Sue wanted nothing more than to slam the door on this conversation right now, but Lucy was determined.

“Come on, Sue. This will be a lot more fun than staying in and doing what we always do. Let’s get all dressed up and go out to a nice restaurant. I’m sure Tara will want to go; she doesn’t have a date either.”

“It’s only a week away. That’s not enough time to plan something if we want to go out to eat. We’ll need reservations,” Sue said doubtfully.

“Oh, I bet a lot of guys wait until the last week to make plans for that night. If I can find a place, will you come?”

Sue let out a sigh as she met her roommate’s persistent gaze. She knew she didn’t want to be out on Valentine’s night, because then it wouldn’t be as easy for her to ignore, but she could tell Lucy wasn’t going to back down either. “Okay. If you make the arrangements, I’ll be there.”

“Great! I’ll arrange everything. I’m going to call Tara and get her in on this.”

“And here I thought I wouldn’t have a date for Valentine’s Day,” Sue said, shaking her head as Lucy reached for the phone. While this wasn’t exactly what she’d had in mind, she decided that the best thing to do would be to go along with Lucy’s plans. And maybe she’d end up having fun after all.

I don't know if Sue will have fun, but I have a feeling we will! Tina I can't wait to see where you take this.

Kim

Intriguing start.....wonder if this story will stay on track - or does Lucy have something up her sleeve? Or is somebody gonna crash the girls' party? Or...or...or....

Guess I need to settle back and let you do your thang! I'll just enjoy the ride.

Oh, Tina, this is going to be fun! I can just tell. I'm buckled in and ready for the ride.

Woot! My mind is full of possible scenarios, but I know none of them will compare with what you have in mind for Sue, and us!


So glad to see your contribution to the challange and looking forward to the next post, and the next, and the next...

Tina2

I'm excited! I wonder what Jack is planning for Valentine's Day/Single's Awareness Day.

Wonderful. A story from Tina. I am on board and excited to learn more.

You know what they say about the best-laid plan... they never go like planned

A very funny and interesting start!

Tere

A girl's night out on Valentine's... that could actually pretty fun... especially if there are three guys who don't have dates for the night either.

Whoo-hoo! Tina, I love that you started a new story!

I know I will have fun following where you'll take us with this story.

Lucy -- you go, girl! I always love taking a postive spin on things. I like the idea of Single Awareness Day. Does Levi get to go too? He's single -- but not a girl, though he's technically not a boy either.

kav

Had no idea today would turn out to be such a fantastic day...I log-on the site and there's a story from JP, follow by a story from you. Can I just say I'm doing my happy dance right here in my kitchen.

Now regarding the story, how do you already have me so nervous with the first post? Oh, now I remember...you're really good at this stuff.

I've done that before on Valentines Day. It's always a blast!!!

Can't wait to read more

Em

Can't wait to see where this goes! Of course, Lucy could make the reservations for six and downsize at the last minute, if needed.....

Jill

I'm so excited and happy, Tina!! Another story from you!!!

Now, you take our three girls and have them plan a night out on Valentine's Day, you take our three guys who probably don't have dates and won't even think of doing anything until the last minute, and then we add you to the mix, Tina, and we have a very, interesting, romantic, page-turning story!! I can't wait!!!

Joy

Tina...It's great to have you enter the challenge!

I kind of feel like Sue...and I'm glad Lucy wants to do something different this year to have fun and try and forget they are all alone. Or is Flip right and Lucy has something up her sleeve for Sue and Tara? I can't wait to see where you take us. Oh, and I LOVE the title...like a self help day for all us singles....

Lynn

PS. I love your idea Jill! Go for it Lucy!

You're all so kind...thanks for all of the great responses! I'm posting this without much of a cushion (scary thought!!!) but here's another scene....

Jack studied the trio of women gathered at the desk across from him. Caught up in a conversation that was a mixture of spoken word and sign language, they were clearly excited about something. Over the past few days, they’d been discussing plans for hair and nail appointments and there had been whispers of dinner reservations and shopping trips to find the ‘perfect’ outfit. He’d caught enough of their conversations to know that whatever they were discussing had something to do with Valentine’s Day, but any attempts by him or the other men in the office to find out what was going on had been met with innocent expressions and shrugging shoulders.

He had a sinking feeling that what he’d always dreaded had finally come to pass: Sue had met someone special, and he was her date for Valentine’s Day. That seemed the only logical explanation, given the fact that she seemed to barely meet his gaze lately. The ironic thing was, this year he’d actually planned to surprise her on Valentine’s Day by taking her out for dinner and then giving her a gift he’d picked out for her a month before. It was something that would tell her how he felt about her and that he wanted to be the man to claim her heart for his own. Though he’d purchased it for her shortly after she’d turned down the job offer in New York, he’d been biding his time, waiting for the perfect time to give it to her. Valentine’s Day had seemed a fitting occasion.

While he generally wasn’t much for flowery gestures, he’d put a lot of thought into finding her something meaningful yet original, and he was sure she’d love it. It appeared now that he might not get the chance to give it to her, and he could kick himself for waiting too long to ask her out for Valentine’s Day. He’d had it in his head that he’d wait until what was supposedly the most romantic day of the year to sweep her off her feet, but now he knew he was a fool for assuming that someone else wouldn’t beat him to the punch. Telling himself that he’d be even more of a fool to let her go so easily, Jack decided that he needed to find out what her plans were for that evening so that he would know exactly what kind of competition he was facing. David’s name hadn’t been brought up in recent months, but Jack knew he was still a possibility. Then again, it could be someone completely new.

The not knowing was going to make him crazier than anything else, so Jack vowed that he would corner Lucy or Tara the next chance he got and get the information out of them. His well-honed interrogation skills would be very handy when that time came.

Yes, Jack, you'd be a fool!!!


I can NOT wait to see Jack in action.

Oh, poor Jack. Just when he is ready to make his move, he gets the mistaken idea that Sue may be seeing someone.

OK mister investigator, get those perfect buns in action and sleuth out what's REALLY going on with Sue and then blast those all girl plans to smithereens! I'm with Marlo, I can NOT wait!!

Tina

Jack!!! Think!!!

At least you're willing to make a move. Now, get moving!

Jack on the move

This should be fun!

I was sad for Jack, but when I really think about it, I believe that all is his fault (well, al least one part), but I hope he makes his move, NOW!!!



Tere

Well, okay, I'm gonna say this, even though

JACK IS JEALOUS! JACK IS JEALOUS! JACK IS JEALOUS! Serves you right Jack for being such a

assuming Sue would wait forever!

Maybe that was what Lucy had in mind all along?

Now you're going to have to fight for her! I can't wait; this is gonna be so good!

Lynn

Jack on a mission? Whoo-hoo! :cues Mission: Impossible theme song:

I can't wait to see how all this turns out

Em

I love that the girls' decision to have a good time on their own has had the added benefit of perking up some ears!! You better get a move on, Jack!!!

Joy

Oh, I couldnt agree more.
...with the..uh...*ahem* part about the not being able to wait.

Paula

Posting before I run out again...should be at home writing tonight, but just can't seem to stay at home these days! Thanks again for all the comments.

An opportunity to dig for information came about a lot sooner than Jack had expected, when he and Tara went out to question some people who were witnesses to a murder they were investigating. He waited in the car for her afterwards, trying to be patient as he watched her flirt with one of the police officers also involved in the investigation, and had to admit that the guy was flirting just about as shamelessly as Tara. “So, have you got yourself a date for Valentine’s Day?” Jack asked her wryly as she got back into the car.

“Maybe,” Tara replied nonchalantly, buckling her seatbelt.

“Bentley’s a nice guy,” Jack commented.

“He really is,” Tara agreed. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes shining as she smiled back at him.

“Has he asked you out yet?”

“What’s with the third degree?” Tara asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

Jack knew it was time to get to the point. “I know that Sue has plans for Valentine’s Day, and I need to know what they are.”

“Then maybe you should ask her yourself,” Tara replied.

Clearly she wasn’t eager to volunteer any information, but Jack wasn’t going to give up easily either. “I don’t want to put her in an awkward position. I was going to ask her out for dinner, but I know she’s already got something going on.”

“You were?”

It bothered Jack that her expression registered such surprise, but he knew that was his own fault. “Yeah, but it appears someone else beat me to it.”

“Jack, you need to talk to her. She does have plans, but they’re not what you think.”

“What does that mean?”

“Have you ever heard of Singles Awareness Day?”

“No….” Jack waited for her to continue, not entirely if he really wanted to know what she was talking about.

“Well, it’s another term that some people use for February 14th, the day that celebrates sweethearts everywhere, at the same time rubbing single people’s noses in the fact that they’re single. So, we’ve decided to go out and celebrate the fact that we’re single and have some fun, instead of staying at home feeling miserable because we have no dates.”

“You mean, Sue doesn’t have a date?”

“Actually, she has three.”

“Three?”

“Well…four if you include Levi.”

Tara appeared to clearly be enjoying his confusion, and he resisted the urge to reach over and shake her. “So who are these three lucky guys?”

“Oh, Jack, you really are too much sometimes,” Tara said, shaking her head. “It’s Lucy, my friend Alison, and me! We’re all single and don’t have dates, so we’re going to go out for a nice dinner and treat ourselves.”

“So there’s no other guy?” Jack asked, relief surging through him.

“Not that I know of, but Jack…”

“What is it?”

“Sue has no idea that you’re planning anything. Don’t you think it might be good to let her in on it?”

“I wanted to surprise her,” he said, trying to defend his actions. He knew it was pathetic that he’d waited for so long---clearly too long.

“She’ll definitely be surprised.”

“So what exactly are you ladies up to that night?” he asked, hopeful that Tara would cooperate and tell him everything. Sue seemed genuinely excited about their plans, so he hoped that there would be a way he could still let her enjoy a night out with the girls and partake in some private time with him too. He knew that if he put his mind to it, everything would turn out perfectly.

****

That's so thoughtful, Jack. I hope things do turn out perfectly!

Kim

I agree. I am glad that Tara told Jack what was up.

You still have a chance Jack!! and how considerate you are!



Tere

Well Jack, that was easy! Sleuthing at it's best. A simple question, or two, to the right person at the right time. And now you get to plan something "perfect" for Sue and you... can't wait to find out what!

Tina

I just love how Jack wants to let Sue have a fun night with her girl friends as well as "some private time with him too." What's not to love about a man like Jack?
And I know it will be something special....Jack is an excellent "planner"!
Lynn

Oh, I really hope it does!

I think whatever Jack plans, he'll knock Sue's socks off.

I'm glad Tara gave Jack an honest answer. Now, Jack, keep working on your plan...

It's too bad Jack can't be that direct with Sue!!!

Joy

I love the idea of Singles Awareness Day....I just love that!!

Now, Jack, glad you are not turtle anymore...glad you are on the move and continue...you are on the right path
Josy

I'm loving this! I can't wait to see what Jack comes up with!!!

Em

You know, I really want to shout WAHOOOOO here and tell you that I can't wait. But then I remember it's you writing this story and you love angst. Then I think about the deadline and I feel a little relief....but then again, with that last line of Jack's, about everything turning out perfectly, I'm back to

I don't know if I can stand the roller-coaster ride of my own emotions trying to figure you out. But I can't stand not reading (instead of waiting until you are finished and I can read right through) more than I can't stand checking morning and night to see if you have posted more.

I hope everything works out perfect Jack. No angst please Tina. I've had enough angst already today with a leaky dishwasher that has ruined a portion of the wood floor in my kitchen, mad dash to the store to buy a new one to have it delivered and installed tomorrow while my husband is around to make sure they do it correctly (servicemen tend to think women are stupid and unfortunately when it comes to home repair matters I'm not sure of what to watch for). Only to find out that they can't deliver it until Monday and now I'm hoping to hear from my husband that he isn't starting his new day shift on Monday so he'll be around. Not to mention trying to cook dinner in a kitchen that has a good portion of the floor ripped up with a fan going trying to dry off the padding they had down between the old linoleum floor and the new wood floor! So, needless to say some good fuzzies would work wonders right about now!

I like the idea of Singles Awareness Day, too...Valentine's Day isn't something I exactly get into, but I thought if I was going to write a story set at that time of year, it might be fun to get into the other side of things a bit!

It was February 13th, and for once, Sue was actually looking forward to the next day. As she and Levi went for their morning jaunt she thought about the plans they’d made. Lucy had made reservations for them at a local Japanese restaurant. Because dinner guests sat around the grill while the chef prepared their meal, they figured it was less likely to be the choice of couples wanting to share an intimate meal than some of the other restaurants in town. They would have dinner and some drinks before sharing a cab back to Tara’s apartment, where they were going to have a slumber party, complete with junk food galore and chick flicks. If that wasn’t a celebration of being single, Sue didn’t know what was, and she knew there would be very little chance for her or any of the others to wallow.

Usually wallowing wasn’t her thing anyway, but it was easy in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day to start feeling a bit down. It seemed to be her lot in life to fall for the guys who were unavailable or just plain uninterested. The men who did show her some attention usually weren’t her type; even if they appeared to be in the beginning of the relationship, in the end there was always some major reason why it wouldn’t work out. She knew she’d never find the ‘perfect’ man, but she also knew that she wasn’t about to settle.

Jack came about as close to perfect as she was going to find, but after years of friendship that could be something more but never was, Sue was pretty sure that door was always going to remain firmly padlocked. Valentine’s Day served as a painful reminder of that fact, and she was glad she had something fun to look forward to this time. They’d dubbed it a ‘Singles Awareness Day’ celebration and had kept their plans top secret from the men in their office. It wasn’t that they didn’t enjoy their company, but they’d decided it would be more fun and less complicated if it was ladies only, especially given some of the tangled emotions that related to certain members of the opposite sex that they worked with.

She wondered about Jack’s plans for the next evening, if he had any. Looking at him, it was hard to believe he was still single, and considering how often the two of them had dinner together after work, it seemed unlikely to her that he had anyone in his life. Allie seemed to be ancient history, but at the same time, she could never be sure. As they turned around the corner her apartment came into view, and Sue quickened her pace, eager to get out of the frigid air. Whatever plans Jack had for Valentine’s Day certainly didn’t involve her, and while it made her sad, she was pretty sure there was no one else either. Jack Hudson was obviously too involved in his work to think about much else, let alone getting into a relationship with anyone. It was a fact that she’d just have to accept.

Oh Sue, you're perception of Jack is so about to change. I can't wait until tomorrow. Now I wonder how Sue is going to react when she finds out Tara ratted on their plans to Jack. Tara did end up telling him where they were going, didn't she? Can't wait until tomorrow and find out Jack's plan!
Lynn

Very gloomy thoughts, Sue

Sue, I hear you girl. But keep the faith, your 'as close to perfect' guy is about to come through in grand fashion... and I plan to live vicariously through you!

Tina

I love your story Tina. I'm wallowing with Sue tonight (although not over Valentine's Day) so it is nice to have company!

Sue...please keep dreaming...Tomorrow might change a lot of thing
Josy

Oh Sue! I think that you will have a surprise

Tere