The Marrying Kind by Monique Miller Page A

looked as good as she had the first time he saw her at the Wash and Dash. Today she wore a tight-fitting business suit that hung on her perfectly. Her hair was pulled up in a bun and she wore a pair of glasses that made her look smart and very businesslike. She carried an attaché case and her purse. He figured that maybe she was on a break from her job and wondered if she worked somewhere nearby.
    As the woman completed her transaction, getting her own cup of coffee, she made her way to the area to put sugar and cream into her cup. Travis thought about approaching her to say hello. He looked down at his clothing and suddenly wished he’d chosen something better to wear out instead of the jeans and T-shirt he’d chosen.
    He hunched his shoulders and went for broke as he slid out of his booth to approach her.
    â€œHi, miss,” Travis said as he walked up next to her.
    She looked around to see if he was talking to her, and when she realized he was, she said, “Hello.”
    The hello was void of any warmth; it was more functional than anything else. It didn’t look as if she recognized him at all from the car wash.
    â€œYou look familiar. I think I’ve seen you somewhere,” Travis said.
    She stirred the cream and sugar in her cup and said, “Oh really?”
    â€œYeah, I think I saw you at the Wash and Dash a couple weeks ago,” Travis said.
    Still Jade looked at him blankly. She did not remember that he was the one who had cleaned her car.
    â€œAh, yeah, I was getting the platinum service on my car.” Travis had no idea why he’d just told that lie, but figured if he’d been truthful the woman would have given him a smirk and would have gone about her business.
    For a second it looked as if a light went off in the woman’s head, as she finally let a smile cross her lips. “The platinum service, huh? What kind of car do you have?”
    Without a second of hesitation Travis said, “I have a BMW 135i, candy apple–red.”
    He had finally gotten the woman’s attention. The platinum service was the most expensive service at the car wash. And now that she believed he had a BMW of his own, he figured the woman must have figured he must also have some money.
    Travis continued talking. “Excuse my appearance; my office is being renovated and I decided to take the day off to run a few errands.” Lies continued to flow out of his mouth.
    She stuck her hand out for a handshake. “I’m Jade,” she said.
    Travis shook her hand. She had a very firm handshake. “You can call me Wayne,” Travis said. This name flowed out of his mouth. He figured if he was going to present himself as something he wasn’t, then he might as well take on the whole persona.
    â€œWell, it is nice to meet you,” Jade said. “Although, I have to admit, I don’t remember ever seeing you at the Wash and Dash.”
    â€œIt’s okay. I believe you were sitting in the waiting area. I was outside making a few calls,” Travis said.
    Jade took a sip from her coffee to test it, then put the top on it.
    â€œSo I see you aren’t wearing a ring. Are you unattached ?” Travis boldly asked.
    Surprisingly, Jade was very forthcoming with him. “I am unattached at the moment,” she said.
    â€œOh, well, this must be my lucky day.” Travis smiled.
    â€œMust be.” Jade matched his smile.
    â€œI wonder how much luckier I can get.”
    Jade looked at him with her eyebrows rising in question. “And what is that supposed to mean?”
    â€œI’ll bet you like the finer things in life—fine dining, going to the opera, and traveling to exotic places. Am I right?”
    â€œAnd your guess would be right,” Jade confirmed.
    â€œWhat about concerts?”
    â€œThat depends on who it is,” Jade said.
    â€œHow about Sonnette?”
    Jade’s eyes widened. “You have tickets to see Sonnette next