Chapter 35 - "The Date"After Leo left, I couldn't describe how I really felt. He had been here a while, but we really didn't spend that much time together. I think he liked me, but that is not why he was here. I am hoping that the reason why he left, was maybe he had gotten some more information about my mother. Oh well time will tell.
A few days passed and finally I heard Leo's bike pull up. It was kind of late, but I had been reading, so it didn't matter. When he came in the house, he had a solemn look on his face and he said we needed to talk. This can't be good. He proceeded to tell me, pretty much what I had already figured out. I guess I had been one of many babies that had been kidnapped and sold to wealthy families. It happened to so many families and I thought, how cruel. He proceeded to tell me, that my mom searched and searched for me and never did find out who had adopted me. Those files were sealed and regardless of the reason, they could not be opened. Funny thing, I found out she lived only 20 miles from where I grew up. Anyway, I guess as she got older, she was placed into a nursing home because of ill health. When the nurse came in one morning, she had passed during the night. She had clutched in her hand, a worn, faded hospital baby picture of a little girl, with a pink bow in her hair. Goosebumps went all over my body. I guess that is it then. No more searches, it was just me and my family. Leo was watching my face as I took all of this information in and took my hand and told me he was sorry it couldn't have been better news. I guess there was no reason for him to stay here any longer and that made me sad.
Leo finally said, "ok, how about that date now." I asked him, now? He said that they had just finished building a small casino on the other side of town and we were going to go have fun. So off we went.
This was a nice place, not exactly what I would expect for this type of town, but maybe this town needs some more livening up.
Right off, I won some money. Poor Leo, he was not having any luck at all.
I don't think your suppose to do that Leo.
We were getting thirsty and went upstairs to a really nice little outside place, that served drinks and food.
Leo said, "lets get a room for the night. I promise, no hanky panky." So we got a room, but Leo said he had to kiss me goodnight, I had no objection to that in the least.
It was a gorgeous room. Leo slept on the outside of the covers and he was perfect gentleman.
I had thought about this for a couple of days, when we got up, I just came right out and said it. I asked Leo to stay with me and not in the barn, if he wanted to. He told me he wished it was that easy. He still had a couple of other jobs lined up with Mr. Payne, but maybe it wouldn't take him too long, but, yes, he would love to stay with me.
After that, we were starved and went down to one of the little cafe's and ate breakfast. It was yummy.
After that, before we went home, we played some blackjack. I came out ahead and Leo broke even. That was alot of fun.
What a wonderful date that was, it was more fun than I had had in a very long time. Secretly, I did not want it to end.
We didn't speak on the way home, which was unusual for both of us. Leo finally said, "I do have to leave for a while, but I will do my best to see if Mr. Payne can replace me. Tricia, I really do want to be here with you, it just might be a while and I will call everyday, I promise." Later that night, he left.
I felt so empty again. Would I see Leo again? Would we have any kind of future together?....
