A VALENTINE MIX-UP

A Just for Fun Fiction

By Celia Jolley

Finn groaned when he saw who was across the room.  It was someone he had set his sights on five or so years ago, someone he had a history with.  Once he thought she was the finest, nicest, prettiest person he had ever met.  First they had become friends.  Then when he had thought there was a mutual attraction and acted on it, she had shut him down cold.  What was it she had said?  It was something like she couldn't go out with him because he was an "unbeliever."  At that time he didn't know what that meant, only that Miss Goody Two Shoes did not think he was good enough for her.  

His friend Ted interrupted his thoughts.  "Come on, Finn.  You lost the bet and promised to let me set you up on a date.  My wife has this friend of hers.  In fact, she's right over there, the blond in the blue dress."

He looked away from the brunette to the young woman his friend pointed out.  "What?  But I've told you I'm not interested in dating or having a relationship with anyone right now.  Been there, done that, crash and burn sort of thing.  I'm still not over the grief it caused me."

"Hey, you're a new man now.  All that stuff is in the past."

Finn just grunted.  He was a new Christian, but wasn't too sure of how to navigate a relationship as a Christian.  It wasn't that he really wanted to date either.  But going home to an empty house got old.  He was getting old, well, older.  That was the only reason he was considering letting his buddy set him up.

"Her name is Trish Jones."

Finn whipped his head around.  "Did you say, Tish or Trish?"

"Trish, why?" Ted asked.

"It's just close to the same name as someone else I knew in the past is all.  Strange coincidence.  So, how are you suggesting I go about this?  I'm not sure I'm ready to let you introduce her to me yet."

"Okay.  How about you send her flowers one week, then the next week send her a box of chocolates.  You wouldn't even have to tell her your name, just keep it a surprise.  Finally you can send her an invitation to meet you for dinner someplace nice on Valentines Day."

"How would she know I'm not some creep?"

"I'll give her a heads up that I know someone who is interested and that she'll be hearing from you soon.  I mean, it's almost Valentines Day.  Trust me.  To an unattached female, it's the loneliest day of the year, worse than New Year's Eve.  There is no way she'd turn you down."

Finn took another glance at the blond.  There was no instant attraction, but she looked okay.  Yet his eyes were drawn to another across the room, the brunette, someone he wanted to avoid at all cost.  Fortunately, she had not seen him yet.  Finn took a deep breath and told his friend, "Okay, I'll do it.  But don't expect instant fireworks."

Ted grinned.  "Okay, no fireworks, but maybe a sparkler?"

Finn shrugged.  "Whatever."

Ted went on to say, "Tell you what, in order to make this as painless as possible, I'll even send the flowers for you and the candy.  Then I'll send you the bill.  I'll even arrange to have a balloon bouquet sent to her with an invitation to dinner attached.  Then you'll have to take it from there, buddy."

Finn took a deep breath with one more glance at the blond before saying, "Alright.  Let's do this."

Ted let out a whoop that attracted too much attention in the professional gathering of librarians and tech support.  Finn noticed that the other young woman finally saw him.  Their eyes met briefly before she looked away.  It still seared him, even after all these years that she would spurn him with just a glance.  Time to move on.

The next Monday, a courier walked into the library with a beautiful bouquet.  "Is there a Tish Jones here?"

Her friend Charlotte gasped, "Oo, Tish!  That is so beautiful.  Who is it from?"

"I have no idea?" she said as she took the little card from the plastic fork in the arrangement."

"From a secret admirer?  That's strange," Tish said chewing on her lip.  "It could be from some weirdo, a stalker or something."

"It's so romantic!  Don't be silly.  Remember when Jake used to send you flowers all the time?"

"Ugh, don't remind me.  The florist kept my name on file because he sent me flowers so often.  But I know these aren't from him because he's engaged to somebody else now."

"I wonder who it's from then?" Charlotte pondered.  "Do you have any idea?"

"Not at all.  Just leave it at the desk so everyone can enjoy it.  I don't want it on my desk since I don't know who it's from.  If it's from a library patron, I wouldn't want them to think I am giving it too much personal attention."

"Kill joy," Charlotte grinned.  "I'm sure he won't stay a stranger if he's gone to the bother of sending you something like this.  This is no cheap bouquet.  Two dozen roses?  I mean, who does that?  My John's never sent me flowers like this."

Tish couldn't help but sniff the glorious floral scent before she turned away and went back to work.

The following Monday, the wilted roses had no sooner been plunked into the garbage when a courier brought a box of chocolate truffles into the library.   "Is there a Tish Jones here?"

he asked.

This time it was Tish who gasped.  "My word!  This is too strange."  She quickly read the little card attached to it.

Charlotte looked over her shoulder then squealed, "It's from your secret admirer again.  This is so exciting!"

"This is so weird.  I can't think of a single person who would send me this," Tish said.  But nevertheless, she took off the lid and the aroma of chocolate was like an irresistible nectar.

"Want one," she offered holding the box open for Charlotte.

"You have to choose first," her friend said barely holding back her glee.

Tish chose her favorite, a dark chocolate truffle.  "Mmm, this is so good!"  She could almost drool chocolate.

Charlotte plucked a Carmel filled one and popped it into her mouth.  "My goodness!  This is no cheap candy.  I don't think I've ever eaten something so delectable."

"It is some of the best I've ever tasted too.  But I'd like it better if I knew who sent it."

"I wonder what he will send next?"

"I can't even imagine and don't even want to think about it," she said with a glower.

"Oh, come on, Tish.  You have to admit this is romantic.  I'm sure he will reveal himself soon."

It was Friday, February 13th and the candy box was empty when a courier squeezed in the library door with a huge bouquet of balloons.  "Tish Jones?  Is there a Tish Jones here?"

She timidly raised her hand.  The man handed her the weighted balloons grinning.  "Happy almost Valentines Day, miss."

She took a deep breath then huffed it out.  "I can't believe this!"  She quickly found the note attached and tried to read it before Charlotte could.  

Charlotte was looking over her shoulder and suddenly lit up as if she'd been struck by lightening.  "He wants to meet you for dinner at the Atrium?   It's the nicest restaurant in our whole area by far!  Did he sign it yet?"

"No, it just says from your secret admirer again, but he adds that we have a mutual friend who had suggested everything."  Tish chewed her lip.  "There is no way I can go there and meet a stranger!  He could be a serial killer for all I know."

"Good grief, Tish.  Would you rather spend Valentines Day at home alone like last year?  "I'll tell you what, I'll get John to take me there too.  We'll be close by if you need us."

Tish shrugged.  "You'd do that?  Are you sure?  Would John agree to that?  But I'm still nervous."

"Of course you are, honey.  It's been awhile since the breakup with Jake, and you haven't dated once since that happened."

"Dating makes me feel like a pathetic teenager or like I'm desperate at my age.  I'm not desperate, you know," she declared staring at her friend with a frown. 

"Of course not.  You are only meeting someone who says he admires you.  There's nothing desperate about that.  He has already shown you his admiration by the roses, truffles and balloons.  The least you can do is meet him."

Tish sighed.  "You and John will be nearby, you promise?"

"I promise," Charlotte tried to look certain, but had a niggling fear that it would be too late to get a reservation.  They never did the bar scene, but maybe she and John could at least order an appetizer and some Cokes there if they couldn't get a table.  That's probably all they could afford anyway since he'd lost his job.  She just hoped her John would agree.

Saturday evening rushed forward with the speed of a tornado and just as fearsome.  It was making her heart beat furiously and her face flush.  "This is crazy!" she told Charlotte who had come over to do her hair and to make sure she looked her best.  

Her friend flipped through her closet and pulled out her only fancy dress, one with a white lace skirt and a shimmering red top.  "For crying out loud, I haven't ever seen you wear this before!"

"Because I've never worn it before.  I can't believe I'm doing this." 

"Just think of it as a very special invitation, Cinderella.  So what if it's a blind date!  Remember, we'll be close by," Charlotte told her.

"I'm sorry there weren't any tables available."

"I understand.  Valentines Day is probably their busiest day of the year, so it's okay."  Her friend chortled, "I've never been in a bar before.  John has though and says he'll get a laugh about this for years, the day his wife asked him to take her to a bar so they could be her friend's bodyguards in the nicest restaurant in town."

"I am so sorry about that.  He's being a good sport.  She slipped her friend some cash saying, "But this is on me.  Happy Valentines!"

"You don't have to do this," Charlotte said, but slipped it quickly into her purse anyway.  Tish knew her husband had been laid off and they were having a bit of a tough time right now.

"I'll see you there," Charlotte winked.  "John's outside waiting."

"Pray for me.  I'm so nervous that I might throw up on this stranger's shoes."

Charlotte hugged her laughing, "No you won't.  Stop worrying."

"This is it," Tish told herself trying to bolster her backbone.  She got in her car and drove to the fine dining restaurant.  Of course they offered valet parking, so she left her Ford Focus with someone who didn't look old enough to have a license.  Walking in she tried to distract herself by remembering what would be on the menu, the one she had looked up ahead of time on the Internet.  The Valentine special was steak and lobster, but she would prefer salmon.  Thus, she walked in the restaurant repeating in her head, "I like salmon, I want salmon."

She gave the hostess her name and looked wildly about.  Charlotte was in the doorway leading to the bar and gave her a little wave.  Her friend would never know how much that meant to her.

Her knees wobbled and her hands were shaking as she was led to where she saw the back of a man, noticing his dark hair and his well cut black suit.  He most certainly was a real man, not a figment of her imagination.  Tish took a deep breath and stepped forward to say, "Hello."  The man rose to his feet and turned around.

She was shocked to the core to find Finn there before her. "Finn?"

"Tish?  You're not blond."

"Huh?" She was stymied.  Instead of blushing, she paled.

He looked up at the ceiling groaning before looking sheepishly at her.  "I'm sorry.  My friend was trying to fix me up with some blond he and his wife knew.  Her name is Trish Jones.  I guess the flower and specialty shop got it mixed up with you though.  But have a seat anyway."

"No thank you.  Well, I mean, thank you for the flowers and chocolates and even the balloons, even if they weren't meant for me, but there is no way I am staying since I'm not the one you wanted." She spun on her heels and tried to leave, but he caught her arm.

"Please, Tish.  I'd rather eat with a friend than with somebody I've never met before." He handed her the rose that was laid across her plate.  "Please, sit down.  I don't want to eat here by myself.  Please?"

She sighed and sank down into the chair that he held out for her.  "This is insanity.  Are you sure she won't somehow show up here?"  Now she was blushing.  

He thought it looked better than when she'd looked white as a sheet and about to faint.  "God is either playing a practical joke on us or for some reason wanted us to meet again.  I saw you across the room at the library conference, by the way.  I should have greeted you then, but I chickened out."

"I saw you too."  Then she burst out, "I like salmon.  I want salmon."

"Okay," he looked a little puzzled but glanced down at the menu.  I think I'll get their Valentine special.  Are you sure you wouldn't rather have that?"

"No, I like salmon," she bit lip before she could keep up her nervous mantra. 

The waitress took their order and soon brought a small loaf of warm bread that smelled heavenly.  Finn sliced it and offered her a piece and passed her the churned butter.  

As she buttered her slice, she said, "I must admit that I'm impressed you went all out for this blond Trish.  Too bad you'll have to start it all over for her.  She must be somebody special."  Tish almost giggled but was afraid it might be too close to the edge of hysteria and might not be able to stop.  She clamped her lips together and tried hard to keep her face impassive ,which was difficult the way her nerves had set up a circus in her stomach with high flying trapeze acts swooping back and forth.

"Forget it.  I've never met the woman and really have no desire to do so."

"You're kidding?  So why all the elaborate secret admirer stuff?"

"It was all my friend Ted.  We made a football bet, and I lost.  The pound of flesh he demanded from me was to agree to go on a blind date with his wife's friend.  I never wanted to, believe you me.  He's the one who arranged all the secret admirer nonsense, and he's the one who mixed it up."

This time she did giggle.  "And had it sent to me by mistake.  I think the florist must still have my name on file.  This is unbelievable.  I almost feel sorry for you being set up like this and having to suffer through dinner with me as the boobie prize.  Anyway, I like salmon.  But you should choose your friends more carefully."  She almost burst out laughing but instead choked on her water.

He patted her back hard then smiled warmly at her.  Before she knew it, he was putting his hand over hers.  "We used to be friends until I blew that too.  But since becoming a Christian, I finally understand a little of why you refused to go out with me.  I'll admit it hurt and was so mad that I was put off going out with anyone for a long time.  Then when I did, it was a colossal disaster.  It was so gruesome that it led me to want to change my life.  My friend, in spite of this failed set up, is one of the good guys.  Ted is a good Christian who led me to the Lord."

She met his serious eyes.  "I'm glad for you, Finn.  I've never stopped praying for you.  She watched as his eyes registered his shock.  "It wasn't because I didn't want to go out with you, but that I couldn't go against the warning in Scripture, the unequally yoked thing.  It's like putting a yoke on two oxen who are facing in opposite directions."

"You did?  You wanted to, really? I should have surrendered myself to God a long time ago, I guess, and saved myself a lot of heartache.  But enough about me.  What about you?  How are you doing?"  His heart was beating fast with a little hope rising.

The waitress brought their salads.  The blue cheese dressing was delicious.  Tish finished chewing, wiped her mouth to be sure there was no dressing on her face, then said,"There's not much to say.  I'm still working in the library where we first met that day when you came to help with tech support.  I did have my own colossal failure in a relationship since I last saw you, but am relieved to have escaped."

He grinned.  "Good, I'm glad it didn't work out then.  He glanced over her shoulder and asked perplexed, "Do you know that red head who keeps peeking out at you from the bar?"

A laugh burst out before she could stop it.  Then Tish admitted, "That's my friend Charlotte.  She and her husband agreed to be my bodyguards in case my secret admirer turned out to be a sicko."

"Do you mind if we invite them to join us before she chews all her fingernails off?"

"I'd love that," she said grinning.  "They never go to the bar, but couldn't get a reservation to eat in the dining room.  Charlotte and John are just being good sports."

The waitress found a couple of chairs to squeeze in while Tish walked quickly to where her friend was haunting her.  She grabbed her hands, and laughed.  "You won't believe this, it was a total misunderstanding.  He was expecting some blond to show up, a Trish somebody, but was stuck with me instead.  The funny thing is that we were good friends once upon a time.  Finn wants you and John to join us at our table, his treat."

"Really?" Charlotte said wobbling in her high heels.  "John, come here, quickly.  Hurry!"

John shot off his tall stool and came over rolling up his sleeves as if he needed to bounce some louse right out of the restaurant for her.

"It's okay, John.  It's an old friend of mine.  But he wants you two to join us, his treat."

It took him a minute letting the adrenalin drain before he could say with a grin, "Sure.  I won't pass up a chance to get a free dinner with my sweetheart here."  Charlotte beamed up at him.

It was hard to have decorum as much as they laughed over dinner.  John had steak and lobster while Charlotte ordered crab legs, even as messy as they were to eat. "Don't laugh.  I never get to order crab legs," was all she said as she cracked the shell and plowed right in.

After allowing themselves to order desserts even as full as they were,  John and Charlotte thanked Finn profusely and left.  He then helped her up. "You look very beautiful tonight, Tish.  I'm so glad for the Valentine mix-up.  I don't know when I've had so much fun.  But most of all, it was so good to spend time with you again, bodyguards or not."  He winked, then captured her eyes before mustering up his courage to ask, "Would you be open to seeing me again, Tish?"

She blushed and said, "The Bible doesn't prohibit fellow believers from seeing each other."  This time she was the one who winked before saying, "I would love to."

They were staring into each others' eyes as waiters dodged around them, but Tish's near misstep back almost caused a disaster with the tray of dinner plates one was rushing by with.  Finn grabbed her and pulled her up to his chest just in time to save the waiter from spilling it all.  She looked over her shoulder and said, "Oops, sorry.  We'll get out of your way."

Finn had a better idea and leaned down and softly kissed her, "Happy Valentines, Tish Jones.  This turned out to be the best mixed up blind date I could have imagined. "

"Happy Valentines Day to you too, Finn.  You are the  best secret admirer any girl could dream of."  She kissed him back.  But it took a few minutes to register that the diners surrounding them were clapping, some whistling for them, a perfect Valentine surprise indeed.