A week had passed since Dennis had called Tessie and asked to see her; saying he had something to tell her. She thought to herself - more like confess something. She had no sooner got that thought out when her cell phone sounded out with music. She knew it was the tune she had put in on Dennis’ number. She leaped up and snatched it from the kitchen table. “Hello.”
“Hello Tess. I got in late last night or I would have called you earlier – are we still on for dinner?”
She chuckled and sat down in the nearby chair and placed her feet up on the next chair. “I thought so, are you having second thoughts about whatever it is that you wanted to con…tell me?”
“No…no second thoughts. May I pick you up at 8pm tonight?”
By eight o’clock that night Tessie had dressed in sleek black slacks and a bright red sweater. She felt brave and wanted to show it so she reached down and even went so far as to slip on her red shoes to match. She viewed her reflection in the mirror, feeling satisfied ,and then hurried to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of wine, and just as she was about to pour it the doorbell rang. When she opened the door she saw Dennis standing on her porch with red rose buds in his hand. She smiled as she opened the door wider and said, “I see the roses changed from orange to red – I suspect this is a good sign.” She took them and said, “Would you like a glass of wine before heading out to dinner?”
He smiled his toothy smile and nodded no, telling her that he had a reservation and they were running late. As soon as she placed the roses in a vase she grabbed her jacket and out the door they went. Moments later Dennis pulled up in front of Star’s fine Restaurant and then jumped out of the car, cornered the front to Tessie’s side and opened her door. He reached in and took her hand and helped her out. Within minutes they were seated at a table near the back which was more private, and Tessie wondered if Dennis had requested that table in order to have no disturbances or people nearby listening. He pulled her chair out and after doing so quickly ordered the restaurant’s finest wine before seating himself. When the wine came and the waiter poured them each a glass he set down the bottle in front of Dennis and left. Dennis turned to Tessie and said, “A toast to you my Dear.” He took a big gulp of his wine, set it down on the table while Tessie sipped on hers and then said, “If I could read the future, I sure as hell wouldn’t have made the mistakes I made with you, but it’s never too late to correct them so here I go.” He lifted his glass and took a sip.
“As my mom always said, one doesn’t cry over spilt milk, you just wipe it up and start over and that is what it sounds like you have done, but before you continue I want to tell you…”
Dennis lifted his hand up and said, “No Tess, let me get this over with before I pass out right here in my chair. I mean…my heart is beating faster than the blood can pump it out, or at least it feels that way. I’m not a doctor, but nevertheless, here goes. I lied to you Tess. Well…I didn’t lie out right, but I held back who I am and what I do. Recently when I found myself falling in love with you I realized it was high time that I leveled with you…you know…my profession.” He took in a deep breath and then released it and said, “I’m a CIA Agent Tess.”
How could Tess be upset with his confession, after all, he had suffered enough over having to tell her he had lied, but for some reason she felt afraid. Not so much by his confession, but by his announcement of love for her. She hadn’t known until that moment how afraid she was of feeling the same love for him that he mentioned having for her. She capped her hand over her mouth and then dropped it knowing if she dwelled on the fear it would simply worsen, so she suddenly blurred out, “ “I love you back Dennis, but regarding you’re being a CIA, I’m afraid someone beat you to that reality.”
Dennis stiffened and said, “Who?”
Tessie proceeded to tell him about her friend who had innocently informed her that he had a friend while he was an FBI Agent and was so impressed with him that he wanted to change his profession to the CIA. When she told him who her friend was Dennis shook his head and said, “Yes, I know Cecil. He was a great FBI Agent but was never happy with it and I shared some things with him about being a CIA agent. So you knew when I called a week ago, and you still agreed to come on this date with me; that is a positive sign?”
Tess nodded her head and alleged, “Yes I know because you see weeks ago I knew something was wrong but nonetheless I continued to feel something for you that was more powerful than my hunches or fears. Deep down I knew you were an honorable man.”
Dennis reached across the table and grasped Tessie’s hand and said, “I was afraid to think you’d forgive me or even ask myself what if you didn’t, then what would I do? But it was I who had a bit of doubt as to who you really are.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “You are better than I had hoped for Sweetheart. If I had a ring in my pocket right now, I’d ask you to become my wife.”