Short Story When There’s Still Hope

by K. Deverill

Hope was lonely. She’d never had a man in her life. Devoid of love, Hope always expected it to happen, but at fifty-seven she’d all but given up. Besides, who would want an old woman? Even the men her age were looking for eye candy.

Hope wasn’t sweet, more like a garlic bulb or an onion, with multiple layers, and a lot to take in. Some may say an acquired taste.

Under the auspice of a cocktail party, one of her friends, Polly, dragged her along. Hope, less than pleased, made the effort but thought her attempt to learn the vagaries of modern makeup too little too late. Although her dress clung to all the right places, her body was toned and lythe.

Silver strands fell around her oval face, her full lips a pale pink, eyeliner understated and skin aglow. Hope walked in, head held high. And all eyes were on her from the moment she arrived.

It had always happened like that. But men had either been too sure of themselves, too shy, too short, too old, or too young. Just always too… something.

Hope, a stickler in her day, was never short of offers. However, caring for elderly parents while holding down a full-time job belied her wish for life, love, and lively encounters.

Age tonight, in the soft lighting, a less evident obstacle. The greatest barrier was Hope herself. Polly tried her best, introducing her friend to several eligible men. Somehow, none came near her high standards all too… something. Polly gave up. Maybe Hope had none. Hope that is…

Polly felt annoyed. Hope looked amazing, but her pickiness rankled. Hope deserved a life filled with renewed joy. However, she appeared reluctant to take any chances. She had to be missing something.

Without warning, someone swept Hope onto the dance floor. No time for rejection, no polite request, just a grab and dance!

Polly did a double take. And took a second look. She looked again. Hope was laughing. Polly thought Hope must have had Botox. Because she’d never seen her laugh. Not a real full on belly laugh, an all the way to the eyes kind of laugh. And suddenly, they weren’t laughing.

All eyes were on Hope. Slow dancing, very close, and kissing! There were even a few gasps. Everyone knew Hope had never had a romantic liaison, ever!

One more look confirmed it. And suddenly Polly got it. Hope had found love, and it wasn’t a man she had waited all those years to meet. As Hope and Alison walked hand in hand back to the table, without once taking their eyes off the other, Polly let out a long breath.

Without warning, Polly started laughing, a loud raucous sound as she rocked backwards and forwards in her seat, the tears cascading down her face in an uncontrollable stream. And it wasn’t because of Hope’s choice of partner, although it tickled her, but the look on the row of single men’s faces. Now that was priceless!