Meeting you

[36b7]

I'm married, have been for quite a while now with all the usual stuff - children, mortgage, two dogs and a husband but ...

I spend a great deal of time thinking about what it would be like to be with a different man, especially the exciting discovery phase in dating.

I miss those first glances, the sussing out who might be interested, the initial verbal contact, the feel of a first kiss and the excitement of what might follow.

Supposing I met you in Starbucks, standing next to each other waiting for our coffee - how would it go, what you you say?


OOC Open to one man who can write.

 

[adonisjon]

Excuse me. I hope I'm not being too forward, but I've seen you come in here from time to time and always meant to talk with you. But our timing has always been off before. I have to take advantage of the coincidence that we're both waiting together.

You are absolutely stunning and I love watching your enthusiasm for life even just in ordering coffee.

My name is Jon. Can I walk you to your car or something? I'd love to get to know you more.

I'm married, have been for quite a while now with all the usual stuff - children, mortgage, two dogs and a husband but ...

I spend a great deal of time thinking about what it would be like to be with a different man, especially the exciting discovery phase in dating.

I miss those first glances, the sussing out who might be interested, the initial verbal contact, the feel of a first kiss and the excitement of what might follow.

Supposing I met you in Starbucks, standing next to each other waiting for our coffee - how would it go, what you you say?


OOC Open to one man who can write.

 

[36b7]

"Mmm, oh hi, yes, I think I've seen you too."

I have seen him before but now he's spoken to me I'm not sure how to handle this so I turn back to the counter watching to see when my coffee will be ready.
I'm aware of him standing next to me and I guess he has an order that he's waiting for so it is just chance I suppose.

"Skinny latte"

The barista's call shocks me into action and I grab my coffee, turning and almost colliding with him.
"Yes, Jon ... uh, yes, I'm Sally ... Sally ..." and I stop there. I don't know this guy at all and although he seems ok that seems enough for now.

"Look, thanks for the offer but I'm meeting a friend so ..." and I smile at him and meet his eyes for perhaps just a moment too long.

I'm not meeting anyone but I had to say something.

 

[adonisjon]

"Oh, alright. Nice to meet you Sally."

I've obviously made her a little nervous. I'm a little nervous myself. Never been too good at the whole 'pick up' thing.

"I guess if you're meeting somebody, maybe we could do a rain check? Lunch or something later today?"

I pause, trying to gauge her response. She really is lovely. If I let it drop here, I don't think I'll ever take the chance again.

"Or...are you meeting your friend here? Maybe I could keep you company until they arrive? I hope I'm not being too forward or anything but now that I finally got the nerve to talk to you, I want to make sure I don't let the opportunity slip away completely."

 

[36b7]

He's insistent but in a nice way, not pushy and for a moment I juggle my day and commitments but why? Who is he?
And yet...

And then suddenly I'm saying words that I haven't even thought about.

"No, not today but tomorrow? I usually stop here on the way to work so ..."

And I'm just looking at him, willing him to say yes.

 

[adonisjon]

I watch her eyes intently as she ponders my request. When I hear the "No", I feel my heart sink but happily she leaves the door open for possibilities.

Tomorrow? Can I be sure she's not just stringing me along? Trying to get rid of me? Even if she is, what does it hurt.

"That sounds perfect" I reply, trying to keep my excitement and relief to a reasonable level. "What time do you have to be to work? Maybe we could meet around 8? Share a muffin or a bagel or something and talk for a bit?"

 

[36b7]

"Yes that would be good, a muffin or a bagel."
I'm aware that I'm repeating his words but I can't find my own, as if I'm captured in the moment and can't think outside it.

I check my watch and see that I have to leave for work.
"I have to go but tomorrow would be nice."

I smile at him as I stand to leave. "8 o'clock then." And turning I walk to the door but I can't resist just one glance through the glass of the window and I wave briefly, just a little wiggle of my fingers.

As I walk away my heart is singing and I realise I haven't felt like this since ... well since I can't remember when and I only have to wait until tomorrow.

 

[adonisjon]

As she answers and walks away, it's evident she's just as nervous as I am. That, at least, is a relief. I glance at my watch and see that I need to be going soon as well. More than that, though, I make a note of our breakfast date in less than 24 hours.

I watch through the tinted windows as she walks around the corner of building. I can't help but stare, caught in the euphoria of the moment. It's been so long since I've really had a conversation with a woman, let alone gone on a date. Fortunately it's a very casual date..breakfast at the coffee shop. But I'm still nervous. I feel like an awkward teenager all over again thinking about what to wear, what to say, how to act.

Finally, I take a sip of my drink and walk out the door to my car.

 

[36b7]

I'm early at the coffee shop so walk around the block to waste ten minutes before pushing open the door to the coffee shop and scanning the people there to see if Jon has arrived but I can't see him and my heart sinks, all the excitement suddenly washed out of me and I start thinking how stupid I am to make so much of a chance meeting and the offer of a coffee and bagel this morning.

But it did feel good yesterday and this morning, believing we were going to meet again.

I wait in the line to order my coffee glancing anxiously at the door, hoping against hope that he will come and I let several people go ahead of me as if an act of random kindness might be noticed by the gods and magically he'll appear.

Please come.

 

[RunningJib]

.....

.......

 

[36b7]

OOC

It looks as if RunningJib has stumbled into this tread not understanding the meaning of the word 'one'.
Perhaps he'd remove his post so adonisjon and I may continue?

 

[adonisjon]

I continue cursing under my breath as I finally climb back into the car and make my way back onto the road. I left a few minutes early fully hoping to beat her to the coffee shop and gallantly pull her chair out or something as she came in. Instead, a block from home I get a flat tire. How lame is that. And since I don't have a phone number or even a last name I could search with, there's no way to try and let her know I'll be late.

I glance at my watch. 8:05. And I've still got at least 5 minutes before I'm there as long as traffic doesn't throw any surprises my way.

Those 5 minutes feel like an eternity. Finally I pull into the parking lot. I'm dirty and sweaty from changing my tire as fast as possible and from the nervousness of the whole situation. Not only is it my first date in a long time but I'm already 10 minutes late and I'm a mess. I feel like a total schmuck.

I step out of the car and take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I smooth down my messy shirt and run my fingers through my hair.

Who knows, maybe she won't even be there. After all, she seemed really nervous too. Maybe a little reluctant. And now with me being so late, maybe she figured I'm a total loser and just left.

Still, I'll hope for the best. I walk around the corner of the shop and towards the door. I glance through the window as I quicken my pace, scanning the crowd for a sign of her but there are too many people and I can't tell right away if she's anywhere to be seen.

I step through the door and pause just inside the threshold. I scan the crowd again, aware suddenly that my breathing has gotten quicker. I try to calm down as I look from table to table, praying that maybe I still have a chance.

Finally, I see her at a table across the shop. She hasn't seen me yet but it's obvious from her face that she's worried and a little flustered. I gather my courage with another deep breath and I step across the floor.

I'm early at the coffee shop so walk around the block to waste ten minutes before pushing open the door to the coffee shop and scanning the people there to see if Jon has arrived but I can't see him and my heart sinks, all the excitement suddenly washed out of me and I start thinking how stupid I am to make so much of a chance meeting and the offer of a coffee and bagel this morning.

But it did feel good yesterday and this morning, believing we were going to meet again.

I wait in the line to order my coffee glancing anxiously at the door, hoping against hope that he will come and I let several people go ahead of me as if an act of random kindness might be noticed by the gods and magically he'll appear.

Please come.

 

[36b7]

How slowly can you drink a coffee? And, when it's gone cold, do you finish it?
I don't usually but today I discovered just how long a single cup can be made to last.

I was beginning to feel stupid, stupid for hoping to meet someone I don't know at all, stupid for hanging around waiting for a date that isn't going to show, stupid for allowing myself at my age to be stood up and stupid for feeling like this.

And yet ... on my way here I felt giddy with the thought of seeing him and now I feel so low as if some last chance has been taken away from me.

And then suddenly he's here, threading his way through the press of the morning, searching for me and then finding me and the relief in his face is matched by the leap my heart takes and for a moment I have to resist the urge to leap to my feet and embrace him.

Then I see him, slightly dishevelled with dirt on his shirt and a smudge on his face where he's wiped his hand and I almost laugh.

"Well hello stranger, whatever happened to you?"

 

[Jim_Sydney]

it would be a subtle but confident move .. I would move my hand forward to pick a napkin from the counter and my hand would brush the side of your body .. I would look up at you .. and give a half apologetic and half cheeky smile .. and wait to see your reaction before I say my first word to you

 

[36b7]

I think Jon might be annoyed

 

[adonisjon]

As I walk across to her, I see a mix of worry, annoyance and relief as she sees me. I still feel like an absolute schmuck for being so late, but the soft laughter in her greeting eases my anxiety.

"I am so so sorry. You wouldn't believe the morning I've had. Honestly, if it wasn't for all the dirt and grime on me, you'd think I was making excuses for being so late."

I notice that she's already finished her coffee, which makes me feel even worse.

"Would you like another coffee? A muffin? A bouquet of flowers? How can I make this up to you?"

I realize I'm talking far too quickly and I'm just stammering out my thoughts without even thinking. I take a moment to pause, catch my breath and look at her. She is just as stunning as ever. I love the way her hair frames her face and her soft smile matches the glint in her eyes. I truly hope I haven't messed up my chance to get to know her.

How slowly can you drink a coffee? And, when it's gone cold, do you finish it?
I don't usually but today I discovered just how long a single cup can be made to last.

I was beginning to feel stupid, stupid for hoping to meet someone I don't know at all, stupid for hanging around waiting for a date that isn't going to show, stupid for allowing myself at my age to be stood up and stupid for feeling like this.

And yet ... on my way here I felt giddy with the thought of seeing him and now I feel so low as if some last chance has been taken away from me.

And then suddenly he's here, threading his way through the press of the morning, searching for me and then finding me and the relief in his face is matched by the leap my heart takes and for a moment I have to resist the urge to leap to my feet and embrace him.

Then I see him, slightly dishevelled with dirt on his shirt and a smudge on his face where he's wiped his hand and I almost laugh.

"Well hello stranger, whatever happened to you?"

 

[36b7]

He's being so sweet, like a little boy who's late for his first date but then that's how this feels for me too.

I guess we can all remember being stood up for the first time, the feeling of hurt, the loss of self esteem, asking aren't I good enough and then the anger, the 'See if I care', but now he's here apologising and I can't help but laugh at how crazy this is and also the laughter of relief that he's here.

"Well, so long as you didn't deliberately roll in the dirt to get away with being late I'll forgive you."
I smile at him and raise my hand to stop him replying or apologizing again.

"Here," I say pulling out a spare chair. "Put your coat here and go to the rest room and clean up and while you're doing that I'll get us some coffee and a couple of muffins - both for you - you look as if you could use them!"

I stand and squeeze by the next table and as I pass Jon I kiss him on the cheek. "Only one clean patch left! You'll have to do better than that." and I head for the counter to order our coffee.

 

[adonisjon]

I feel a huge relief as Sally jokes off the bad situation. I try not to let her notice just how relieved I am since I don't want her to know how nervous I was. After all, the man is supposed to be confident and unable to be rattled no matter what. As if to prove that theory wrong, she grazed her lips across my cheek as she moves towards the counter to order. I feel my blood flow more rapidly and my skin tingles slightly.

I chuckle slightly and walk towards the rest room to try and clean up. I glance over my shoulder just before turning down the short hall to the rest room. Sally is standing in line, waiting to order. She is so confident, so beautiful. I force down the voice of worry that tries to tell me that this whole thing is going to be one big disappointment. After all, she waited patiently for me when other women would have left after 5 minutes or, if they had waited would have just stuck around in order to throw a hot cup of coffee on me and call me a loser. But she waited. Better than that, she seemed genuinely glad to see me and even gave a flirty kiss in passing. What kind of woman had I just met? She truly seemed amazing and beyond compare.

Before she could catch me staring, I made my way to the restroom and splashed some cool water over my face. Grabbing some paper towels, I scrubbed away as much of the dirt and grime as I could. Even with the soap and water I was left with a couple of small grease smudges that just wouldn't fully disappear. I'd have to take care of them when I got home. I straightened my shirt, used a damp towel to brush away some of the dirt and dust then stared at my face in the mirror. I gave myself a confident smile then dried my hands and walked back to find Sally.

 

[36b7]

As I stand in the queue waiting for my order I have moment of déjà vue and I have to look over to the table to check that Jon's coat is still there over the chair but it is and I feel so happy and excited as if we're staring an adventure.

I'm back at the table just ahead of Jon and spot him coming out of the rest room and there's a spring in his step and, despite a couple of smudges of oil, he looks just wonderful.

I smile at him as he arrives at the table.
"Well, I have the perfect excuse for being late for work, I'll tell them I had a flat!"
And I think I will, after all if I did have a flat I wouldn't have had a clue what to do and as far as I know you can't get dirty using a cell phone to call the automobile club.

"Will it be a problem for you being late for work?" I'm hoping he'll say no so we can spend a little time together, especially now the morning crush is starting to thin out a little.

 

[adonisjon]

I try to keep my enthusiasm contained as I approach the table and see her sitting there smiling at me. Her smile is perfect. Absolutely entrancing. I slide into my chair across from her, chuckling at her comment about having the auto club change her tire. At her mention of work, my heart falls slightly and I check my watch.

"No. No, I should be fine." I smile back at her, knowing that I really only have about 15 minutes before my boss starts wondering where I am.

"Actually, I should shoot a quick email to let them know I'll be a little late. Do you mind?" I hold up my phone and she nods approvingly so I tap out a quick message to Dan letting him know that I've had a mess of car trouble and will be in late. I tell him that I'll check in with him after lunch before heading into our meeting with the execs. I set my phone back down and look back to Sally, taking in her beautiful features again.

"What about you? Do you need to tell anybody you'll be late? How much time do I get to monopolize you?"

I take a small sip of the coffee she's ordered and then set a muffin on my plate and break off a small chunk. I take a small bite and smile across at her.

The date has officially begun...and my heart is pouding so loudly I'm sure everyone can hear it.

 

[36b7]

There's a moment when I get to see the other Jon, the Jon I don't know who has a job and responsibilities, not my Jon in the coffee shop, and he fires off a quick message to his office explaining his lateness.

Then my Jon is back and it's all in slow motion, like watching those films of flowers opening petal by petal as Jon sips his coffee, and then his hands, like they're those robot things that build cars, so clever, so precise, knowing exactly what to do as the wrapper is peeled and a piece of muffin lifted to his lips and his teeth, straight and bright, a glimpse of tongue and the muscles at the side of his jaw as he chews.

And then the world reappears, the sounds and vision, and Jon is asking me about work and if I have to be there and there's one phrase that lingers, hangs in the air like smoke 'do I get to monopolize you?' and I'm thinking 'You are, already' as I say "It's OK, I already called." and yet I haven't and the excitement of deception against work, people with whom I have no real emotional attachment, just adds to the buzz of the moment.

"No, I'm fine, we mostly work flexi ... " and I'm about to add 'Y'know, kids, school, that kind of thing' and yet I don't as if it might reveal something that would make me less appealing to Jon.

"No, fine." I smile brightly at him. "So what do you do? Is there a patient waiting in theatre for your scalpel?" and again my eyes are drawn to his hands and fingers, so important in a man, so very attractive when they're right and Jon's are.

 

[adonisjon]

I feel a little guilty taking pleasure in Sally's hesitant and clumsy answers to my questions. She seems as nervous as I am which strangely puts me at ease. I hope I can do the same for her. A woman as lovely and elegant as her should be nothing but completely comfortable and satisfied with every moment of every day. As we dive into the minutiae of getting to know one another I carefully watch and memorize every aspect of her. Her gentle cheeks which curve perfectly around her luscious lips. Her entrancing eyes filled with joy and curiosity for the world. Her soft and enticing hands that playfully move in the air and trace nervously along the table as we talk.

"A patient? No, not a surgeon. Nothing so life altering as that. Though I did take a couple of general human biology and anatomy courses at university. Just fiddling around to see what I might be interested in."

I chuckle, remembering that I was primarily interested in Jenny Sumption, the first year nursing student who was dating my roommate but who I thought might be interested in me if things were different.

"I'm, um...Well, I guess I'm just a boring run-of-the mill businessman. Facts and figures all day. Researching competition. Looking for strategic advantages. Negotiating contracts. That sort of thing."

While technically true, the answers are drastically misleading. After all, most of my research and strategic 'negotiation' happens outside of the office and usually after business hours deep in the shadows. But for the time being, she certainly doesn't need to know that.

"I have a meeting later today to report on some findings. Wrapping up a critical project that could mean millions for someone and the end of the world for someone else. Still, I'd much rather spend time with you than cooped up in a board room somewhere."

I glance out the window and an idea comes into my head.

"The weather's fairly nice today. Would you like to take a walk? Maybe just down to the park and back. Give us a chance to enjoy the fresh air and continue our conversation? You can tell me all about you. I want to know every wonderful and intriguing detail that makes you wonderful."

 

[36b7]

He's nice, chatty and doesn't seem to be holding anything back.
I didn't notice a wedding band but then perhaps he's not married or maybe he took it off while he was changing the wheel on his car.

Why am I looking? He must have noticed mine. Is it because I'm looking for a fellow conspirator?
I shake my head and smile to myself and then, in case he thinks I'm laughing at him, I apologise.

"Sorry, just an amusing thought." I smile at him again. "It's just I'm not sure there is much to tell you about me that's wonderful and intriguing but yes, a walk sound like a lovely idea. Can't be too long though as I really should be at work before too long."

Why am I saying this? I feel as if I could spend the whole day walking and talking with Jon.

"Give me a mo, I just need to freshen up" and I stand and move past Jon heading for the rest rooms.
"Don't run away."

In the rest room I freshen up my lipstick and allow just a brief spray of perfume to my neck.
'Not bad' I think and I feel so alive, so excited.

 

[adonisjon]

I watch her disappear down the hall, enjoying the sway of her hips as she walks and the way her hair bounces over her neck and shoulders.

Once she's out of sight, I stand and gather up the trash and the remaining muffin and coffee. I slip my jacket back over my shoulders and pick hers up off the chair. It is unseasonably warm for this late in the year but still chilly enough that a jacket is nice.

I watch as she emerges. Somehow she looks even more vibrantly stunning than before.

"Allow me", I say, lifting her jacket up. She turns and delicately slides into the jacket. I breathe in the subtle scent of perfume. Has she been wearing this the whole time or is this new? Either way, the smell is intoxicating. As the jacket slides into place, I let my hands linger on her shoulders just a moment longer, my fingers lightly grazing the side of her neck. So soft and warm. I let my hands glide down the sides of her arm and then step back to let her turn and face me. I smile warmly and offer her the rest of her nearly empty coffee cup.

"Shall we?"

Cocking my arm to offer her my elbow and let her slide her arm through, I walk her through the door and out onto the street. The crisp autumn air momentarily shocks us as we move from indoors to outdoors but it isn't really very cold and so we start down the sidewalk to the corner. It's only a block to the park. From there I figure we can take a walk along the outer path then cut back across the central walkway, maybe pausing at the benches by the fountain.

"So Sally. Tell me more about you. What do you love? What do you aspire to? What makes you happy?"

 

[36b7]

It feels cold as we leave the coffee shop but in reality it's still early autumn and not cold. Even so, having my arm through Jon's make's it easy to snuggle in a little.
I don't want him to get the wrong idea though - this is just fun and I think that I'd be happy to let it stay that way and yet, even as I think this I feel a pang of regret, as if I'm losing something before I've even tried.

It's easy walking with Jon, we seem to match pace and stride, as if we've been walking like this for a long time.

"I work at Scrivens, the insurance adjusters?" My voice rises in query although I'm sure he knows the company.
"I get to look at the claim files that don't look right, like where a claimant is looking for betterment or where the claim is fictitious; there's quite a few of those you know."
I glance at him to see if he's listening, taking it in.

"Anyway, it's interesting, always something new."

We cross the intersection into the park and suddenly it's quiet, just us as we walk in the shadow of the trees that line the pathways.
I'm about to continue with details of home and children, my husband and all the hum drum stuff of domestic life but I don't, not wanting to appear ordinary I suppose.

I perk up and give Jon my best dazzling smile.
"So tell me, what little fibs did your tell your boss about being late? I can tell when someone's fibbing you know, after all, it's my job." and I dig him playfully in the ribs.