"I have never been lucky with love, man, not even once." Jude shouted at the top of his voice as he continued to drink his beer.
"Calm down, man. I know you have been through a lot all in the name of love, but this is a bar for God's sake. Put yourself together." James said as he put his hand on Jude's shoulder.
"I am a good guy; I know I am. What did I do to deserve all this pain?" Jude said as he burst into tears, not minding the number of people looking at him.
"Let's go home, man; you have had enough." James said as he helped him to the car.
Jude is a tall, handsome man who has worked so hard to get himself established; he did not stop until he achieved his dreams; despite the obstacles, he managed to maneuver, and now all he wants is a woman that will love him and love him genuinely and not because of what he has to offer, but so far he has had 4 broken relationships because all the women that cross his path only want him for what he has to offer, and in the end, after milking all the benefits that come with him, they dump him and move on with their lives.
He does not want to play games anymore and only wants someone who would take him seriously. "Come on, man, considering my age, I don't fancy being a playboy anymore. I want something serious." Jude said when James suggested in the office that he goes back to being a playboy and just enjoy the moment until someone serious comes around.
"So you like being played? I just want you to stop getting hurt. I hate to see you hurting, man. Be the one playing instead of the one getting played." James still insisted.
"I am not doing that. I am done for the day and off to the grocery store." Jude said as he left James in the office.
Jude got to the grocery store, and while shopping he bumped into a lady called Nora. They apologized to each other and went on with their shopping, but Jude could not get his eyes off her. The sight of Nora made his heart leap for joy, but he was still scared of past experiences, and his fear that history might repeat itself stopped him from approaching her and saying what he had in mind, but Nora still noticed how he was staring at her. "Hi, I hope my gown is not torn. I hope I am safe." Nora asked Jude, trying to know why he kept looking at her the way he did.
"No, not at all; you are safe. I am Jude. I am sorry about earlier; you look stunning, and I really could not get my eyes off you. How about we go on a date?" Jude asked shyly and ashamed of himself in a way.
"Haha," Nora laughed. "I am Nora but don't you think it is too early for that? You just met me?" Nora asked
"Well, through a date we can actually get to know each other better. Here is my card. Call me if you change your mind." Jude said as he handed her his card and headed for the counter.
"He is my spec; I think it is high time to give love a try." Nora said to herself as she kept looking at Jude and smiling more like a love at first sight situation.
Two days later, Jude's phone rang while in the office; he did not want to take the call, but he was forced to after the same number called again. "Hey, it is me, Nora; we met at the grocery store the other day." Nora said over the phone
"Hey Nora, I thought you would not call, but I am really glad you did." Jude responded
"I gave what you said a thought; maybe you should pick a venue and I will show up." Nora said, and this alone made Jude wish he could just leave the office already.
"How about 7p.m today? At the restaurant opposite the grocery store, we met." Jude asked with a very big smile on his face.
"See you at 7 then." Nora said as she hung up.
"Hmmmmhmm, I see you are about to embark on another love journey. I will not be the shoulder you cry on this time." James said as he got back to work.
"There is something different about Nora man." Jude responded, still smiling sheepishly.
"You said the same thing about Tasha, Christine; you literally say this for all of them." James said, frowning at his friend who has refused to learn.
"Just be happy for me this once." Jude said as he rubbed James on the head.
Even before 7 p.m, Jude was already at the restaurant since he was extremely excited and felt Nora was a different breed. "You made it; I like your dress." Jude said the moment Nora stepped in.
"Thank you; you don't look bad. So let's get to know each other a little." Nora said as she took her seat.
"I see you just stick to business. You already know my name, but nevertheless, I am Jude, and I work for a tech firm as a developer. I am from California, and I own a small business too. Your turn." Jude responded, smiling sheepishly as he was stealing glances of Nora.
"I want to know more, but I guess with time I will get to know you better. I am Nora from New York City. I am also into tech, where I work as a developer too. I am in your town for a tech conference, which means I will be here for a few weeks before I travel back." Nora responded
The few weeks Nora spent in town were the happiest Jude has ever been in a while; even people who were not close to him noticed the change, and we're all left wondering why the sudden change. All grumpy and sad Jude is now the happiest person alive; no more long faces, just happy ones. And in no time sadness covered Jude's world once again when he found it was time for Nora to leave.
"Can you stay a little longer?" He asked when he went to see her off at the airport.
"I have already overstayed my leave from work unless your firm has a free spot for me, which I know there is none at the moment. When do I get to see you gain? This is the happiest I have been in years; a few weeks felt like a month." Nora responded with tears running down her chin.
"You did light up my world too. We will keep in touch, but only God knows when and how our paths will cross again." Jude said, as they hugged each other, did not want to let go until the automated voice reminded them her flight leaves in 10 minutes and she has not even been cleared.
"Bye." Nora said as she broke off with Jude's hands, granting the escort she needed until it could not anymore.
"This is indeed a long goodbye; I wish she did not have to leave." Jude said to himself as he watched her rush to the departure lounge.
