The Wallet

                Daisy found the wallet Saturday morning while taking a short cut through the park.  She had been out for one of her gruelling jogs, the one that was supposed to rectify the night before’s over-indulgence.  She was feeling faint and decided she had had enough.  The park looked inviting, particularly the bench under the huge maple tree – her favourite spot. 

         She let herself drop down and slumped into a mound incapable of another step.  From her semi – prone position an object caught her eye.  Brown leather worn and fine collapsed against the bench’s leg sprawled open.  Thinking her eyes were playing tricks, she reached down to grab it and came up with solid soft leather meeting her fingers. 

         The touch righted her and brought the wallet up to eye level.  She no longer felt so run down.  She let her fingers trace the edges and find the opening.  There were several bills lumped together.  Closer examination had her counting out a mixture of ones, ten and twenties.  A total of  ninety three dollars.  Her heart kicked up a beat and she drew her eyes up to look to see if anyone was watching her or looking for the wallet. 

         Nothing unusual met her gaze.  Simply a Saturday morning: children romping with parents watching on and talking, couples walking hand in hand and dogs running after thrown balls. 

         Daisy shifted the wallet to look for the ID.  There were several credit cards, a library card and a driver’s licence.  She pulled the driver’s licence out and peered down at the photo.  Even without her glasses this guy looked... shockingly good. 

         Derek Paterson.  Good name she thought.  And definitely yummy.  She shook her head and did a further search for an address or something to get in touch with him.  No way was she keeping this thing; he would be looking for it.  Besides it might be nice to meet this guy. 

                  Closing up the wallet she headed back across the park towards home.  She needed to call her friend Irene and maybe do an internet search to see if anything came up.  She could take it to the police station, but where would the fun be in that. 

                  Irene had come right over.  Her curiosity bubbled over.  "I love adventure.”  She squealed, “You should take me with you when you go to meet him though...he may look yummy, but who knows what kind of weirdoes you can run into." 

                  Daisy had to agree. 

                  Once they found his address and his phone number, they had picked a coffee bar in his more upscale part of town. 

Daisy could not help feel a little thrill that ran up her spine when she called his number.  The voice that was left on the answering machine was deep and sexy.  Listening, she chastised herself.  Don't get your hopes up.  Anyone this yummy is bound to be married or have something wrong with him. 

                  She was prone to pick losers. 

                  She had left a message telling him she had found his wallet and were he could meet her.  She also mentioned she was bringing a friend.  She decided not to leave her phone number.  They would just go to the coffee bar.  She could always call him again if he didn’t show.  Besides, if she had lost her wallet she would move heaven and earth to get it back. 

         Before they left, Daisy had showered and changed into a flirty flared skirt and silk shirt with a camisole underneath.  She felt a little over dressed but Irene had insisted she pretty herself up.

         “We need to go to my place as well.  I want to change.  He needs to meet two hot chicks.”  They had laughed at that. 

         They arrived at the coffee bar early and found a booth that gave them a good view of the whole place.  While Daisy scoured the crowd looking for the man from the photo, Irene headed up to get them a couple of coffees.   

         Daisy brought out the wallet and held it in her lap.  She wasn’t sure if she should just plop it on the table or keep it concealed.  She decided that keeping it out, but holding it was probably the best option. 

         Irene placed down the two coffees then slid her way in beside her.

         “So...what do you think?”

         Daisy shook her head, her eyes trained on the door.  Irene shifted to see as well. 

         The door opened and in walked a beautiful blond, beside her was the man.  Daisy’s heart sank.  Yep, of course he would have a girlfriend. 

         Irene grinned and waved.  His eyes swivelled to take them in, and then he turned and guided the girl towards their table. 

         He towered above them forcing them to gaze up.  Daisy took in the long, muscular line of him and fixed her eyes on beautiful blue eyes that met hers. 

         “Are you the girl who called about my wallet?” 

         Daisy smiled and nodded unable to look away. 

         “See Derek...I told you...”  The blond said. 

         The girls looked at her and she smiled.  “My brother was worried there would be weirdoes...I told him anyone honest enough to return a wallet can’t be all bad.”

         Derek grinned sheepishly.  His eyes twinkled with warmth.

         Daisy’s heart soared.  Maybe there was a chance to this after all.





Word Count = 888