Perfect Tango

By Carolyn Fried

Book Synopsis:

Stacey & Jay meet on a blind date at a mutual friend's house for dinner. Neither one is looking for a long-term relationship. Jay is a 35-year-old distinguished doctor of sports medicine & orthopedics. He has high profile clients from both football and basketball teams. Stacey, a small to

• Language: English
• Publisher: Writers Branding LLC
• Release date: Nov 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781639452378

Book preview

Chapter 1

The sign on the door read Operating Room. The door opened as two men emerged pushing a patient on a gurney down the hall.

I think he’s expected in ICU on floor nine.

I think so.

Both men looked weary as it had been a complicated but not life-threatening operation.

Upon arrival they were greeted by two nurses who led them to the bed the patient was assigned to. After checking the patient’s vitals, the information was recorded on his chart. Satisfied, the two doctors exited.

That was a difficult procedure. Fortunately, it went well.

Thanks to your expertise.

I’m bushed. I think I’ll go home and take a nap. When I wake up, I’ll decide what to do next.

What do you mean by ‘next’? You’re due at my house for dinner.

"Ah right. I assure you I would’ve checked my schedule. I won’t disappoint you and especially Renee. I assume she has something—or should I say someone for me to meet?"

By now you should be used to it. She can’t stand seeing anyone single—alone. She has to pair them up or at least try.

Who says I’m alone?

You know what I mean.

I can have company anytime I choose. There’s an untapped reservoir of women out there just waiting.

Well, let’s not get carried away.

I’ll give her credit—she keeps trying, but sometimes I think I’m a lost cause.

They returned to the outer area next to the OR. Both men shed their masks, gloves and gowns.

Let’s go to the lounge and unwind a bit before going home.

Good idea.

They headed in that direction.

So what gives with your social life? I see there’s a pretty new nurse in your office. Have you asked her out yet?

No, and I don’t intend to—too close to my work. Could get ‘sticky.’

Knowing you as I do, you’ll get around to it eventually. You’ll find a reason. You seem to hook up with the pretty ones but none of them pass the time test and then you move on.

You know the old adage: Can’t hit a moving target.

The only one that stuck around was Jeanne. I thought for certain that she’d be the one. That you’d settle down with her.

She did come closest. So long ago. Too ambitious and not the kind of wife I wanted. I want a wife that’s going to be just that—a wife. Many of these women are good or maybe great in bed but that alone doesn’t cut it for me. I want a wife like Renee—a homebody. One that isn’t too ambitious. I’ll be the ambitious one in the family, and she’ll take care of the rest.

Renee does work.

Well, it’s not like a real job.

Don’t ever let Renee hear you say that! She does work hard at it and she shoulders a lot of responsibility.

That may be so, but she doesn’t punch a time clock.

You’re just jealous. Watch your tongue tonight.

Okay.

See you later.

Okay.

Back home, Jay took off his white jacket with the embroidered Jayson Trener, MD on the pocket. He’d worked hard for that title, four years of hell at Yale (Dad expected Harvard, but Jay was happy where he landed) then a long double residency in California. He loved his work and the weather in California was a deciding factor in staying. Becoming a professional football team doctor meant he got to marry his two loves: sports and medicine.

With an exhausted sigh, Jay stepped into the hot shower, hoping it would revive him for the night ahead. If he were going to indulge Renee in her favorite pastime, matchmaking, he might as well do his part.

He shaved and then the big decision: What to wear? What image did he want to portray? Maybe casual but high end—certainly not jeans. He found a dark blue pair of slacks and some black Italian loafers. He followed this with a blue shirt—no tie and a blue sweater which he flung over his shoulder.

He headed back out.

Rich and Jay were very close. They went through medical school together. Rich specialized in anesthesia and pain management. They were the same height: 6’2". Rich had brown hair and green eyes. Jay had black hair with deep blue eyes. Both men were slim, however Rich was a bit more muscular as he worked out and Jay never did—he was busier than Rich, never had time for exercise.

Rich got married right out of school and had a good marriage. Jay seemed to have missed that course as he was still single. Rich’s petite wife, light-haired Renee, worked out with Rich as time permitted. She was an interior designer by training and very much in demand. Contrary to what Jay had said—as a joke—she worked hard. They had two small children.

Yes, Renee was also an inveterate matchmaker. Jay loved them both, so he humored her every time she had someone for him to meet. She was so determined that, for example, at the wake for Rich’s mother, she had two women standing by for Jay to meet.

Jay walked down the brick path to the Greenson’s home. The path was lined with rose bushes, beds of flowers ranging from white to various shades of pink flowers. There were three very old oak trees which were a beautiful sight as the late sun glittered through the branches and cast an extra degree of illumination on the beautiful flowers bordering the brick walk. The house was very impressive—Mediterranean Revival style with two stories.

Jay arrived at the door with a bottle of their favorite wine in hand.

Rich answered the doorbell, they gave each other a welcome hug.

Jay said with a grin, It’s been a while since I saw you.

Jay spotted Renee and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek while handing over the wine.

Where are the little ones?

Spending the weekend with my parents.

Jay followed Rich to the den where the table was set. The room was very spacious with a lit fireplace. Renee certainly knew her business when it came to furnishing. The room had a high ceiling, and the entire ceiling was paneled in a rich brown stain which matched various parts of the walls. Built in bookcases with silver, crystal pieces and books artfully displayed, also stained to match the finish of the ceiling and molding. Due to the size of the room, there were two large sofas, four lounge chairs and a large HD TV.

The table was set for only four. Jay thought: Only four? This could be a painful evening.

Rich handed him a drink, knowing he liked gin and tonic. The doorbell again and Rich greeted Stacey.

Jay was introduced to Stacey Redlen.

Nice to look at.

Stacey, what would you like to drink?

Gin and tonic, light on the gin.

Jay tried to not read too much into this.

Stacey was reminded of an earlier conversation she’d had with Renee.

I’m having Rich’s buddy Jason Trener for dinner, Renee had said. He and Rich went through med school and are besties. Jay is very handsome, 35, never been married.

No way he’d be interested in me, thought Stacey. So it didn’t matter that she had to come straight from the office with no time to fix herself up and change her work clothes to something more pleasing. She did, however, Google Jay before leaving.

Boy, he really is good looking. Here’s a photo of him with some woman and she is really out there gorgeous and a nice body to go with the face. How funny. They call him Dr. Dreamy…!

They sat for dinner.

So Stacey, what do you do when you aren’t spending an evening with the Greensons?

I’m an editor. I work for a publishing company. When an author submits a manuscript, they’re assigned an editor. That’s me.

How much do you edit?

Good question. The job of the editor is not to write, or ghost write the book but to read and critique the author’s work, to make it sound better or explain better. To make sure that the characters in the story, if it’s fiction, come to life visually.

Do the authors ever become hostile?

They may not always agree with my assessment, but they’re generally appreciative as they want the book to be the best it can be.

It was obvious to Jay, and he was surprised, that she hadn’t even bothered to fix herself up like other women that Renee had procured. Despite all that he could see, she was a natural beauty. He was surprised to find himself drawn to her apparent innocence.

They talked about his work. He could see that she had a familiarity with his line of work because she asked him interesting questions. Or maybe that was just the editor in her, intellectually curious. She was totally relaxed, not trying to be witty or clever as she didn’t think he’d be at all interested in her.

One thing that Renee should’ve said: Jay Trener was devastatingly

handsome.

Accidentally, Stacey spilled some red wine on her white blouse.

Come with me, said Renee. We have to get that blouse off and work on the stain right away!

Stacey followed Renee upstairs to her bedroom where she gave her a sweater to put on. Renee was smaller, hence the sweater was rather tight, making Stacey somewhat self-conscious. Renee soaked the shirt in her bathroom sink, and they rejoined the guys for dinner. Stacey had her arms crossed as she approached the table which did not go unnoticed when she sat. As she ate, her arms became uncrossed, revealing a rather voluptuous figure—which Jay of course noticed.

The conversation soon shifted to Renee’s current project.

"Biggest job I ever tackled. The house has 5,000 square feet and it needs everything. They gave me carte blanche. The house as it stands now has large rooms to work with but no character. It’s very plain and lacks warmth. With paneling and moldings, I’m going to change it to a warm, somewhat provincial atmosphere. As for the furnishings, I’ve learned that if you have one or two special pieces, depending on the size of the room, it makes everything else look good. With that in mind, I’m looking for some 17th or 18th Century pieces. Even if they need restoration. I have a small shop with a couple of expert men I can call on. I have a round dining table that has hardware underneath so that I can add round leaves to the table making it much larger circle. It’s a very old piece of furniture but these two men fixed everything and then refinished the table, so it looks really old but good. The dining room is so big that it can accommodate both tables. Normally I don’t have the leaves in place. Meanwhile, I’m busy planning my operation and preparing a timeline for myself, so I get everything on schedule… "

As Renee rambled on, Jay found himself watching Stacey very carefully, like a puppy watching his next meal, with eager anticipation.

Jay, 35, guessed Stacey to be in her mid-twenties. She had blondish hair with highlights that framed her face in a very natural, blown-dry appearance. She was built nicely and wore very little makeup. I don’t usually date women that young. But I’ll make an exception as she is very appealing. Stacey had a pleasant demeanor, wasn’t jaded. She appeared to have an innocence about her, yet much enthusiasm as evidenced by the way she described her job.

As the evening progressed, the conversation between Jay and Stacey picked up once again.

Have you ever thought of writing a book about being a team doctor?

Jay was surprised by this question—but also delighted as he found that to be a very fine idea for a future project.

No, I haven’t.

You might want to give it some thought. It could make a fine book, inspirational for sports-minded men entering or already in medical school. We have people at the publishing company who’d guide you. If you’re interested, here’s my card with the number of the office. Just identify yourself and tell them that I referred you.

Stacey was getting the impression that Jay was rather full of himself. She couldn’t exactly pin it down, but it was his whole presentation—expensive clothes, the way he carried himself. The post-prandial repartee between Jay and Rich seemed to exclude Renee and herself. She had an opportunity to speak with Renee privately when the two of them were cleaning up the dishes in the kitchen.

Jay sure seems… cocksure.

Don’t go by first impressions. He’s really a very nice, caring human being. He’s wonderful with my children and they adore him. He’s a real catch.

He probably won’t even call me so why should I care?

Well, if he does, give him a chance. He may surprise you.

The evening ended and Jay offered to drive her home as she came by Uber.

I don’t like driving alone at night, she’d explained.

I drive a convertible and the top’s down. I can put it up if it bothers you. Your hair may get tossed about.

Oh no, I don’t care about that. Please leave it down.

He liked her carefree attitude and lack of desperation. He definitely wanted to see her again. But she didn’t seem to show any interest in him other than professional.

Jay walked her to the entrance of her building, and she let herself in. He said: I hope to see you again and planted a polite kiss on her cheek.

She didn’t read anything into this other than social correctness. After all, she wasn’t anything like the woman in the photo with him. She certainly wasn’t sophisticated—just a small-town girl with a small-town knowledge of the world.

After getting inside her place, Stacey checked her phone, no messages. She yawned and as she stretched, she thought of Jay. This guy was very attractive and appeared to have a good sense of humor. She could only hope that he would call again. He did say he wanted to see her. She undressed, brushed her teeth and put on her trademark night clothes loose fitting nightshirt that just covered her body and ended above the knees.

In the morning, she took her usual cache of vitamins followed by an orange. She took a shower, dressed in a sports outfit and settled down to do some reading.

This was often how she spent Saturdays. She always had reading to do as she was working with more than one writer.

She thought about Jay. Stacey was a romantic. She liked reading romance novels and historical romance novels. The women in the latter were always very chaste—never seen alone with a man. Some of the men improved with marriage but she wasn’t prepared to take a chance. She often indulged in this vision of finding a perfect man—so far, no luck.

Jay lived in Brentwood, a nice residential area in Los Angeles. He had a very comfortable home with a pool and spa, three bedrooms, four baths, a powder room, maid’s room and bath, and a couple of fireplaces. He was a doctor, affluent. While the house seemed large for a bachelor, he’d made a very good buy as the owners wanted a fast sale not held up by the buyer’s need to qualify for a loan and Dr. Trener was in a position to do that. He’d hoped to fill the house up with a wife and children but no such luck yet.

Upon arriving home from Rich and Renee’s, he’d heard the dog barking: Roxie, a golden doodle he was dog sitting for a friend. He let her in from the spacious backyard and she was all over him. It would be hard to return her.

While watching the 11:00 news, he thought about Stacy and made up his to make a date with her. There was just one problem: she hadn’t shown any interest in him other than professional. What to do? He could phone her on the pretext of discussing writing a book. After all, she was an editor and used to working with authors. Maybe a professional objective would be the way to go?

The next day Jay contacted Renee and got Stacey’s phone number.

Renee was very happy to hear that Jay planned to call. She’s the real thing. What you see is what you get.

Jay thanked Renee for dinner and told her to tell Rich he’d be in touch.

Chapter 2

Jay thought about his approach—how to open the conversation. Maybe tell her that her suggestion to write a book had piqued his curiosity and he’d like to discuss it further. Then he could pitch the dog-sitting story and brunch—maybe that w ould work?

Hello, Stacey?

Yes?

This is Jay. Hope I’m not calling too early?

Not at all.

Question, do you like dogs?

"No—I love them."

I’m dog sitting for some friends. Her name is Roxie.

Upon hearing her name, Roxie barked as if she were getting paid.

Roxie and I are going out for brunch and thought you might like to join us? I was interested in your suggestion of writing a book about being the team doctor and thought this might be a good time.

Well, yes it would be all right as I’m not that busy.

I’ll pick you up at eleven. Does that work?

Perfect.

He’s still not interested in me other than for professional reasons, thought Stacey. Guess I’ll have to live with that—something is better than nothing.

Stacey was outside waiting when Jay arrived. She was dressed in a blue pantsuit that enhanced her blue eyes. She opened the car door and got in. Coincidentally, Jay was wearing a blue shirt. ESP?

Roxie immediately jumped in her lap. Stacey started laughing and Jay joined in as Roxie gave Stacey a good licking. They chatted about dogs as he drove.

She’s a Golden Doodle.

Cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, right? Wonderful combo. Smarts of a poodle and the sweetness of a golden.

You know your dogs.

When I lived at home, we always had a dog, still do. I mean my parents are also dog lovers so they have a standard poodle. She’s so smart and hypoallergenic. Poodles don’t shed so there’s much to recommend them. If I was ever in a position to have a dog, that’s the breed I’d want.

Soon they arrived at the restaurant. Chez Marie’s was a French Restaurant with a large outdoor patio. The patio was filled with tables and chairs under an assortment of colored umbrellas making a lovely and cozy setting. The garden was bordered with a variety of flowers and shrubs. The waiter approached with a bowl of water in one hand and menus in the other.

Jay recommended the quiche and salad.

Sounds good to me.

Jay couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was a bit more put together today and while the blue pantsuit really brought out her eyes, she could still use some help with her selection of clothes—much too conservative. Yet there was a freshness about her—and a natural beauty he couldn’t help but admire.

So tell me, Stacey, if you love dogs so much, why don’t you own one?

Dogs need a lot of love and companionship. I’ve got plenty of love to give but because of my job I can’t give a dog the companionship it needs. If I at least had a yard, I might consider it, but I don’t. Dogs are very loyal, and they usually attach themselves to one person in the house and not necessarily the one that feeds the dog. They seem to have a sense about them when it comes to who they pick.

Guess that’s why dog is man’s best friend.

Sometimes, sadly, the only friend, added Stacey.

They finished eating.

Jay said, Do you have plans for today?

No, I don’t.

Let’s find a park that allows dogs.

They drove around and finally found what they were looking for. They took a walk with Roxie and found a spot where they could let her off the leash and they sat down on a nearby bench.

So tell me about sports medicine.

"While in med school I did six to eight weeks in different departments of medical practice. This is where you get an idea of what each discipline offers so you can get a feel for what interests you, then you decide your specialty.

Sports medicine and orthopedics seemed a perfect match. Because sports medicine required study separate and apart from orthopedics, I stayed in med school longer. It was worth it as my practice is now sufficiently diversified.

Jay told her the team he worked for. He tried to be casual about it—not to brag—but there’s was no getting around the fact he worked for a pro football franchise.

Wow! she said. When you said sports medicine I pictured you treating middle or high schoolers.

I do a little of that. In my practice, I deal with people who have what I’d call structural problems. Problems of aging or injuries sustained from falling. It can also be the result of exercising and not doing it properly. My mother has a motto: Don’t exercise, it’s bad for your health.

Stacey laughed. Mom sounds fun.

She is and she has other quaint sayings.

Is that how you met Rich—in the operating room?

"No, Rich and I went through medical school together and became good friends. He went into anesthesia and pain management, so we were apart for a few years. Then we both ended up at the same hospital so sometimes we scrub up together. He and Renee are my closest friends. How do you know them?"

When I moved here, I needed decorating help. Coming from my parents’ home I didn’t have any furnishings. And with very little time for shopping, I was referred to Renee by one of my colleagues. During the process we spent quite a bit of time together and became friends. Renee is great to work with and I’m very happy with the end result. I now look forward to spending time at home thanks to her.

Without realizing it, they were getting to know each other and not a word had been spoken regarding writing a book. Naturally, this fact hadn’t escaped Stacey. Maybe he’ll become interested in me? I’m certainly interested in him.

Where do you come from? he asked.

Raised in Tiburon, just north of San Francisco. Small town. We have a library, a police department and a fire department, one location for each. It’s got a small shopping area and a few restaurants. One is very famous in the area. Sam’s has been there for many years and is an institution. You can sail up to Sam’s and dock your boat while you go in and eat, or you can dine outdoors with a view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge…

Stacey described the school system. Tiburon was a rich bedroom community. The real estate was rather expensive now as the community had evolved into a neighborhood which boasted an array of high-level financial professionals.

Jay smiled and nodded. In the quiet, she reflected on her home and childhood.

She’d been fortunate to have the parents she had. Her home was a place of tranquility, and they were always supportive. Every time she was involved in an activity they always showed up: at a ballet performance, soccer games—even Tai Kwon Do competitions. But it was lonely being an only child even though Stacey’s parents were totally focused on her. That sometimes created a situation where she felt she was too supervised and not free to make decisions for herself.

She said, And where are you from?

Jay related how he’d been raised in New England, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His father was still a law professor at Harvard and an author. Summer home in the Berkshires… Mother taught music at a small private college and instilled a love in him for Cole Porter and Irving Berlin—much to the consternation of his college roommates who worshipped Kurt Cobain. Reflecting on his upbringing, Jay saw his mother as perfect. She enjoyed a good marriage to a man who adored her and showed it. A stay-at-home mother when he was young. My mother taught me to Tango, he said. She likened it to Life. The Tango has dips, changes pace, passion, emotion and excitement. If you miss a step—you just Tango on.

You’re one fortunate guy to have had all that culture. You enjoy LA?

Oh yes. It’s got a lot of things I enjoy. I have season tickets to some of the theatres and a box at the Bowl.

The conversation just flew. Soon it was 4:00.

You know, we got sort of sidetracked, and we never discussed the possibility of my writing a book about my experiences.

You’re right.

Meanwhile Jay found himself more attracted to her—it was more than just mere physical—it was the total package. Stacey was having a similar reaction. Neither knew of the other’s feelings but it was clear that they had good chemistry.

Guess we better set another date for that discussion. How does the coming weekend look?

I’m quite open.

Let me check my schedule.

Jay entered the dog park. I’ve got tickets for the theatre. If that works for you? Without waiting for Stacey to reply, We could have some dinner and talk before the play?

Without even asking what the play was, she said:

Yes, that’d be fine.

More than fine—it was just great.

Maybe his interest is more than professional… maybe?

After wearing Roxie out at the dog park, Jay drove Stacey home and gave her a kiss. This time, she turned her cheek and allowed him to plant one on her lips. He was surprised even further when she lingered.

After this encounter, Stacey saw Jay in a different light. He didn’t reveal the side she’d seen with Renee and Rich. She particularly enjoyed how he spoke about his family. She could readily see he had a loving and caring side. He spoke of his Grandmother Bea with such respect, love and humor. Apparently, she was quite the character. These qualities of Jay’s fascinated Stacey, made her more curious about him.

Chapter 3

They started seeing each other every week. And somehow the business of his writing a book still never came up for di scussion.

Then she didn’t hear from Jay for about ten days. She decided the relationship had run its course, right? It’d just