Jeremiah (2)

(This is Part II of a series. If you’re interested click here for Part I.)


Dan married young and he married up. He was working at Ruby Foos in Times Square when at the age of 19 he met Beth. Dan prided himself in being a good judge of character and a person's social status. His first impression of Beth, based on the style and cut of the simple sundress she was wearing, the subtle squaring of the shoulders, and the attentiveness in her eyes as Dan explained the day's specials, he knew that she was not a regular run-of-the-mill girl.

As it turned out, Dan was right. Beth was the daughter of an anesthesiologist who was known in Manhattan circles as Mr. Sensitive. The pun was not lost on Dan, because even though he did not finish college, he has a sharp mind. Beth, on the other hand, was a private school educated girl but was not street smart. But she makes up for her average intelligence with a warm smile and a firm handshake.

"Are you expecting another person to join you?"

"No. It's just me. What do you suggest that I get?"

"I personally love the panko crusted salmon and I think you wouldn't be sorry if you choose that."

"Okey. Then I'll try it."

Beth visited the restaurant every Sunday for the next three months and sat at Dan's table. Dan noticed that she never dined with anyone. He felt sorry for her because a girl that beautiful shouldn't be alone. They chat for a little bit everytime she came and he found out that she attends the Christian church around the corner, which in his mind reveals a lot. They soon became fast friends and eventually started dating. However, what seemed like a promising start to a new relationship did not bode well for the future.

(to be continued)