This is a 3-part story, which I hope will be published on three consecutive days.
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I met Nina in a party at a friend's house. Among the five girls in the group, she was the one who stuck out: Tall with long blond hair, a pretty face, dressed elegantly - The whole package. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I ogled her from a distance. When I saw her walking to the bathroom, I waited for her outside the door.
As she exited, I introduced myself, "My name is Ryan. I think you are the prettiest girl I've ever met. It may sound like a clichΓ©, but it's the truth. You have no idea if I am a normal guy or a pedophile, and I do not know anything about you, especially if you have a boyfriend. But I'd love to meet you for an afternoon coffee. If you are interested, this is my phone number. Go back to your friends, and I won't bother you again."
I left her standing and moved to talk with two of my friends. I stayed for another hour, occasionally peeking in her direction. She chatted with her girlfriends, but twice our eyes met, and we smiled at each other. When I left the party, she was already gone.
Three days have passed, and I haven't heard from her. I was sure she thought my pick-up line was too stupid and almost forgot about her.
Five days later, at 5:30 pm, I got a phone call from an unknown number. I assumed it was the wrong number and blurted, "Wrong number, buddy." I almost hung up when a woman said, "This is Nina. We met at Jerry's party. If you are still interested, call me back at this number," then the phone went silent.
I dialed back, "Sorry. I get a lot of mistaken phone calls. It's nice to hear your voice. I almost gave up on the chance to know you..."
She had a contagious laugh, "Ryan, I pondered whether to accept your invitation and decided to give it a chance. I am single, and I hope you are too."
"Lady, I am not married and have no girlfriend either. Would you like to meet for a coffee or tea somewhere?"
"There is a Peet's Coffee near my house. Do you like their drinks?"
"I've never been to one, but I heard it's a good chain. So, which one is near your house?"
"Drive to 5th Street. It's near the intersection with Main Street."
"When do you want to meet?"
"We can meet there in half an hour if you are free."
Nina, I'll be there at 6.
...
I arrived before her and was lucky to find a free table for two. I saw her strolling in my direction and was impressed again. Her hair was now tied in a ponytail, and she wore a midi-style skirt with a summery blouse. She looked... noble.
I stood up, extended my hand, and said, "Thank you for agreeing to see me again."
She smiled, "I liked the way you introduced yourself. You showed a lot of confidence and didn't try to bug me at the party. You let me make my decision without pressure. And, finally, I am over my former boyfriend. Did I mention you are very handsome?..."
I grinned, "Let's order drinks and talk."
We sat for two hours and enjoyed each other's company. I found out she was a 20-year college student majoring in literature, and told her I was 22, a senior in another college, majoring in architecture. Time passed quickly, and we started dating soon after. On our third date, she asked me to join her and her mother for a Friday dinner. Initially, I hesitated, but her pleading eyes convinced me it was a good idea.
...
I knew Nina's mother had to have a good impression of me to secure a long-term relationship with her daughter. I shaved thoroughly, added a manly aftershave, and wore my best shirt and pants. I brought a bouquet of gardenias and hoped for the best.
I was very nervous when I rang the bell. Nina opened the door. She wore a nice flowery dress and... a broad smile, "You look so handsome, I am ready to eat you alive. Are the flowers for me?"
I smiled, "Not today, but if you promise to stick with me even if this evening is disastrous, I'll bring you prettier flowers."
"Ryan, you seem scared of Mom. She is completely benign. She may be sarcastic at times but never offensive. Come in and meet her."
Nina led me to the living room and asked her Mom, who worked in the kitchen, to be introduced. My first impression was she could not be related to Nina. They looked so different!
Nina was tall and skinny. Her mother was much shorter and more voluptuous. Nina's hair and eyes were blond and blue, respectively, while Mom's were dark brown. The only common denominator was their attractiveness. They looked very different, yet both were very feminine.
I extended my hand with the flowers to the mother and said, "My name is Ryan. Lady, I should have brought nicer flowers. You are so much prettier than your daughter. May I date you instead?"
She grinned, "Young man, my name is Grace. I see you learned already that the way to my daughter's heart goes through me. Compliment the mother, and her daughter will be charmed. Do you play chess? What would be your next move if I agreed to date you?"
I laughed, "A dream come true! Dating two pretty ladies is every man's fantasy. I may need a helmet and lead shield to protect me from you two competing who could hit me harder, but I'd take the risk..."
Grace turned to Nina, "Honey, your boyfriend is naughty. But he is cute, too. Guys, let's eat. Dinner is about ready, and Ryan, you like what I made, or I'll tell Nina you are a jerk. By the way, you are not allergic to certain foods, are you?"
Grace gazed at me, "Ryan, I slaved for three hours to make oysters with tofu and broccoli. How does it sound?"
I chuckled, "Really?..."
The two ladies burst into a prolonged laughter. Nina recovered first, "That's Mom's famous test. If you do not faint or leave the house with utter disgust in the first two minutes, you are worth dating."