The Dating Chronicles – In Unspoken Terms

The Dating Chronicles

In Unspoken Terms

The ride had been silent since they left the party.  No words had been spoken between them.  Maria knew Steve was proud to be with her, but she had been embarrassed at the party because of his lack of social skills.  She hoped he would make a good impression on his looks alone, but he had not.  Her friends had been polite when he slaughtered the English language, but their disdain was apparent.  It was obvious he had little or no social exposure, but she needed “eye candy” on her arm for this formal occasion and he was a perfect choice.

She glanced at him as he drove with no expression on his face. She wondered what he was thinking She had cringed when he was asked what college he attended and he answered he had never been to college. They had been dating for three months and she wished silently for better choices but there just didn’t seem to be any.

This was the first time she had taken him around her friends and colleagues, and her fears had been realized.  Her friends had high expectations of her, and it was important to her to fit in.  As the silence continued, she decided to keep him as a hidden companion.  She needed a man and Steve was a “showpiece” she didn’t want to lose.  She would find a more “polished substitute” for social occasions and Steve would be tucked away in the background.

As her apartment complex drew near, she began to relax and look forward to the rest of the evening.  After all, he was at his best when they were alone. As was custom, he pulled into the driveway to let her out, while he went to park the car.  “I’ll be right back,” he said softly, as she exited the car.

When Steve drove away, he released the ache he had been holding all night.  He mumbled angrily to himself as he mentally recalled the events of the evening.  He had never felt so humiliated.  It was obvious that Maria was embarrassed by his lack of social credentials as her friends quizzed him condescendingly on his occupation as a plumber.  He breathed deeply as he headed his car toward home.  He shook his head in disgust when he saw her standing in the lobby as she always did, waiting for his return. But this night, she would have a long wait because he knew he would never see her again.