Short stories: Love at first sight

by Donald Hancock

Matchmakers
Her name was Lola. She was one of those girls who tried too hard to look good - too much make up, skirts too short, dresses too tight. In high school, she just did make it through graduation, but she was a natural when she got to secretarial school. She aced every subject.
Lola had a good job and was well thought of by the doctors for whom she worked. They would often jokingly say, "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets!" But she did make a few waves along the way, to the dismay of her bosses. An example of this was the time she ordered the Chairman of the Board of one of the local hospitals out of her office because he had shown disrespect to their janitor. She was right, of course, and was fully supported by the doctors. But there was a lot of pressure placed on the doctors to fire Lola. It was to their credit that they stood by her.
Well, I spoke of that instance to explain why the janitors in the building - six in all - got together to take Lola out to dinner at the swankiest restaurant in town. They also took it upon themselves to provide Lola with an escort for the evening. Each of the men, all of whom happened to be Hispanic, were bringing their wives or girl friends. But they had chosen a very, very handsome young man to be with their "adopted daughter". His name was Julio, and he was every bit as good looking as Ricky Martin. Julio was, like Ricky, from Puerto Rico.

Lola was not at all sure that she liked the idea of a blind date. But she would never do anything that might hurt the feelings of "the boys", as she called them.
She had to work until 6:00 that night and she had to meet the "boys" at the restaurant at 7:00. So she took a change of clothes to work with her.

When she got to the restaurant she really looked good. She had turned lots of heads as she walked down the street.
When she entered the restaurant she saw that the boys had already pulled tables together and were sitting there with their wives. When they saw Lola they all jumped up and showed her to her seat. Julio was holding her chair for her. Before she sat down her eyes met those of Julio. She was not aware of anything else for the next several minutes, nor was Julio. They were both absolutely in a world of their own.

That night was the beginning of Lola's first and only real love. It was the same for Julio. She had been married to her work and Julio had not had time for anything but his job. He was an apprentice plumber and worked very hard at it. He was also a nephew of one of the janitors.
But Lola and Julio both made time for each other after that night, and, after a year of courtship, they had a wonderful wedding. Julio's family came from Puerto Rico. His brother was their best man, but the ushers and groomsmen were the "boys"! Lola's sister was her Maid of Honor but the janitors' wives and girl friends were given places of honor either as attendants or cake servers, etc.

The doctors in the office gave Lola and Julio the Honeymoon of a life time in - Puerto Rico! Julio was given a choice of location and he chose the most beautiful beach in Puerto Rico.
Lola retired very soon to raise a family of three girls and two boys. Julio became a Master Plumber.

The janitors all told their children and grand children the story about the night they worked a miracle of love. One of the "boys", Jose, claimed that he was the main one because he chose the restaurant. Of course, Manuel claimed the prize because he had thought of bringing his nephew, Julio, into the picture. But we know that, in truth, all of the "boys" acted as very special matchmakers on that very magical night at the restaurant.

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