****
A month after CJ had first walked back into her life though, they had an interesting conversation. It was a typical Thursday afternoon, the majority of the week’s work was done and they were both filling their time with odd little jobs that needed doing, rather than fighting deadlines and battling the clock. The pace was relaxed and easy and it was then that CJ mentioned he was considering dating again.
“Oh exciting,” said Cat, “What’s brought this on?”
“I’ve been considering it for a few weeks,” CJ answered, “I think it’s about time that I put myself out there again.”
“Good, you deserve somebody.”
“To be quite honest Catherine,” he said, “I’m more than a little nervous.”
“Nervous? Why?”
“I don’t know, I just…” he stammered, took a moment then continued, “Sometimes I think I’m too old to try my hand at this again.”
“Too old? No come off it CJ,” she said, “You’re…what? Fifty five? Fifty six?”
“Sixty one.”
“No way,” she said, “I never figured you for being in your sixties, I’m impressed.”
“Thank you my dear, but yes I’m what the more generous call the vintage type and what the less generous call an old fart,” he smiled sadly.
“Well I’m sure whoever you go out with will find you quite charming and be swept off their feet regardless of their age.”
“But everything’s so different now. I haven’t dated a woman, when my wife and I first met it was called ‘courting.'”
“You just need a confidence boost,” she said, “Come on CJ, I’ve seen you in meetings and working round here. You’re always in charge, try thinking like that when you meet someone.”
“Try acting like the bigshot boss?” he chuckled.
“Yeah, why not? Some women like that sort of thing.”
“Is that how Graham won you over?”
“Yes, sort of…well, he made me laugh and looked good in a suit,” she laughed.
“Oh I have plenty of suits,” he said.
“And I’m sure you’ll look incredibly dashing in them,” she said, “Why don’t I help you sign up to a dating website?”
“Uh…is that how people meet nowadays?” he said, a look of terrified uncertainty crossed his face.
“Yeah, Internet dating is the thing. All the singles do it.”
“Oh heavens, Internet dating? I have a hard enough time getting Youtube to work.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you set something up,” she laughed again, “Come on it’ll be fun. Besides, I want to help.”
“Really?” he said, his eyes flicking up at her.
“Yeah, let me give you a hand.”
“Well…if you really want to help, can I ask you a favour?”
“Sure.”
“How would you feel about a dry run?” he said, shifting awkwardly.
“What do you mean?”
“You know, I was thinking maybe you could help with a…fake night out with me? So I can get some tips.”
“You mean like some sort of practice date?” she asked, starting to feel as awkward.
“Yeah…just to get myself back up to speed.”
A heavy silence filled the room.
“What…what would that entail?” she said.
“I don’t know, I only just thought of it,” he replied, “Maybe before I arrange a date with anyone I could go on a…a practice date with you? I’d take you out to a restaurant, get used to spending an evening with a woman again.”
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