"Just let her go. We all know you're curious about him," Joe chimed in.

It was a cloudless Sunday night. The stars twinkled overhead as the three friends enjoyed a late dinner. They were all dressed comfortably for their relaxed get together. Even two weeks after- the-fact, Kiki could not stop thinking about the blind date her friends had forced her into. She could not say that there was anything really wrong with Jeff, except for his up-front, hands-on attitude towards her. With that evening still fresh in her mind, Kiki was not thrilled by the prospect of them setting her up again.

Yet, the chance to learn a little bit about him was tempting. Once again, the same dark eyed young man was at Charley's. This time he was alone, reading a textbook. Kiki figured he was studying for a final since it was time for all the college students to be taking finals. She had to admit it was the perfect opportunity for Gwen to introduce herself and ask a few questions. Kiki almost wanted her friend to go over, to satisfy her curiosity. But she also knew that if she gave in, Gwen would find a way to play matchmaker again.

"Kiki, all I'm going to do is introduce myself, ask a few questions - find out who the blonde is," Gwen replied. She smiled reassuringly as she continued, "It's not like I'm going to try to auction of off into marriage or something."

Kiki could only sink back in her chair, her face covered with a defeated look. There was no way she win this argument, no matter how much she begged, pleaded or whined. The only thing left for her to do is hope and pray her best friend didn't embarrass her - too much.

Gwen walked over to the young man's table slowly. Her mind worked feverishly to come up with something to say. She had expected more resistance from Kiki and had yet to come up with a plan. Silently, she wished she had thought this out a little better. But the ball was rolling and it was now up to her to keep her balance on top of it.

"Hi," Gwen said with a friendly, bright smile.

The young man looked up from his book, smiled and said, "Hello."

Gwen left her heart jump when she heard his deep voice. Quickly, she reminded herself that he was for Kiki, not her, and fought off the warming feeling growing in her cheeks.

"Do you mind if I sit down?" Gwen asked politely in her sweetest tone.

"Sure, I was just about ready for a break," he replied as he closed his psychology book and set it on the table.

"I'm Gwen Madison," she said and offered a hand. She was groping the corners of her mind for something to say.

"Scott Charles," he responded as he shook her hand. "I see you in here a lot."

"My sister owns the restaurant."

"That would explain it."

"I've noticed you in here too. Except you're usually with a blonde," Gwen decided to just be blunt about things.

"That would be my sister, Mary," Scott answered with polite honesty in his tone.

"You're sister? She doesn't look anything like you." The words slipped out in a disbelieving tone before Gwen could stop them.

"Different fathers," Scott explained.

"Oh - that makes sense," Gwen remarked, again feeling her cheeks warm. However, Scott did not notice. He was looking past Gwen to the table she had come from. Gwen noticed his glance and said, "Kiki."

"Hmm?" He grunted.

"My friend, the one you're staring at - her name is Kiki," Gwen grinned knowingly. "We've both noticed you watching her before. We always thought you and the blonde, Mary, were a couple though."

"Well, we're not. Her and her fianc� are the only family I have around here."

"If you don't mind me asking, where are you're parents?"

"In a small town about two-hundred miles away."

Gwen was surprised at how open and honest Scott was. Having grown up in the big city, she had learned that the best way to not get hurt was to protect yourself, both physically and emotionally.

"Are you dating anyone?" Gwen asked knowing there was no subtle way to ask that question.

"Nope," Scott replied and lowered his head with an almost bashful smile.

"So why haven't you ask Kiki out, or at least try to talk to her?"

"Because I always thought she has a boyfriend. Just about every time I've seen her in here she's with him," Scott answered and motioned toward Joe.

"Joe? No, they're not together. He's pretty protective of her, but relatively harmless," Gwen responded. "Kiki is another story."

"What do you mean?" Scott questioned.

"I'll be blunt. She has a two year old daughter that is the most important thing in her life. Plus, she just got out of a painful relationship. So, if you're not a patient man or you don't like kids, don't waste her time."

Gwen had taken on a serious attitude. She looked deeply into Scott's eyes, searching for any second thoughts he might be having about his infatuation with her.

"Why are you trying to set her up with me?" Scott interjected.

"I'm not - not yet. I have to check you out first," Gwen answered.

"And if I pass?"

"Joe and I think she needs to get a life outside of me and him. She needs to do things with other people, make friends, have a life."

Scott's expression became very serious and he looked deeply into Gwen's eyes as he spoke. "Well, I'll be just as blunt as you have been with me. First of all, I love kids so that's not a problem with me. Second, I just got out of a serious relationship myself so Im not exactly looking to get married next week. I'm a patient person if the woman is worth it."

"She is," Gwen assured him with a slight smile. She noticed Kiki and Joe getting ready to leave. "This has definitely been enlightening, but I"m afraid I have to leave. It was very nice meeting you Scott Charles, and I'll be in touch."

Gwen's sudden business-like demeanor got her strange looks from Scott as she stood and headed toward the door to meet her friends. A large smile spread across her lips as she made her way toward Kiki.

"Well?" Joe questioned anxiously. Kiki walked away, heading toward the restrooms, not wanting to hear their plans.

"He's definitely worth looking into. Seems really nice. His name is Scott Charles and he says he loves kids and isn't looking for marriage right away."

"Sounds nice. Think Kiki will like him?"

"I think so. He seems like a genuine person. Not like he just wants to get a girl in bed."

"That's a plus when it comes to Kiki," Joe said and smile. There was scheming to be done and he and Gwen were anxious to get started.

COMING MAY 23, 1999: Scott Charles





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