MOVIES AND MORE

Disclaimer: Don't own them
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Blockbuster Video-Columbia Heights

Gunny walked into Blockbuster and headed over to the new releases. He began to look for an action film when he realized he had no idea what kind of movies she liked. It was like someone had hit a panic button in his head. He didn't want to pick the wrong one and have her hate it. Gunny paced back and forth looking at every single DVD they had on the shelf. He picked up one after another and rejected them. He decided that he was going to get several so he had all the bases covered. He chose "The Rookie," after all, she did like baseball. Next he picked up "Amelie". It was in French but if that's what she wanted he would read every subtitle. Finally he picked up "High Crimes". It looked like a good drama. But to make sure he had everything she might like, he pulled Nightmare on Elm Street, Lady and the Tramp, West Side Story, an Affair to Remember and the tv movie North and South. Sighing, he took them up to the register and paid for them. Getting into his car, Gunny noticed that his hands were actually shaking. "Get it together Marine", he told himself and started his car. Her apartment was only blocks from here and he couldn't wait to see her.

Simone's Apartment-7 p.m.

Gunny walked up the flight of stairs to the second floor and down to Simone's apartment. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand and knocked on the door. Simone tried to walk as calmly as she could to answer the door. She checked her face one last time in the mirror and was pleased with what she saw. With a smile on her face Simone opened the door and said, "Hello Victor. Please, come in."
Gunny walked in and stood in the doorway and for just a moment, couldn't move. All he could do was stare at her. Simone was wearing her favorite jeans and a white v-necked tee shirt. She was barefoot and he noticed everything down to her purple painted toenails. Her hair was swept up into a ponytail full of curls with a few tendrils framing her face. Gunny didn't look bad himself. He too had gone for a casual look. He wore black jeans and a black tee shirt and what looked like work boots. Simone tried not to sigh out loud. He looked like a dangerous cowboy from an old movie.

Once they both regained the power of speech, Simone said, "Let me take those from you." She took the bag of movies into the living room looking briefly at the titles. She teased, "How long were you planning on staying?" Gunny just grinned. "Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable. Dinner is almost ready. Can I get you something to drink? I have some Corona in the fridge if you'd like one."
She even had his favorite beer. "I'd love a Corona, thank you. Can I help with anything?"

Just then the timer on the stove went off and she said, "No, that was the last thing I was waiting for." Simone went off into the kitchen to bring out the last thing she needed for dinner. The table was already set complete with some small candles and a centerpiece of colorful stones in a bowl. He would have expected flowers but thought she was going to be a constant surprise to him. He lifted the lid off one dish and peeked inside. His stomach involuntarily growled. She had made enchiladas, both red and green. She walked into her small dining room with a bowl of steaming Spanish rice.
Simone looked at his stunned expression and said, "It's hard to find good Mexican food here and I was craving Spanish rice. I hope you don't mind."

Mind..was she kidding..he had died and gone to heaven. He was always in search of good Mexican food in DC. It was one if the things he missed the most being away from New Mexico. He looked up at her and said, "It's perfect. I love Mexican food." They sat down and began eating and talking about everything under the sun. Before he knew it Gunny was telling her about his childhood and what it was like growing up with four sisters. Simone in turn told him what it was like growing up as an only child. Both had their advantages.

"Simone, this was absolutely amazing. Where did you learn to cook so well?"

Simone laughed and replied, "My mom and my nana insisted that I learn. I can make only a few things well but I'm trying to learn to make a few more dishes."

She got up and began to carry plates into the kitchen and as she turned around to go get the rest she bumped right into Gunny's chest. Both of their hearts leapt a little. He told her, "You cooked. It's only fair that I at least help with the dishes." She almost melted into a puddle right there looking at the smile he gave her. They worked quickly cleaning up dinner. It seemed so natural to be in the kitchen together after a meal.

When the final dish was dry Simone said, "Why don't we go into the living room?" Gunny followed behind her and as she was looking through the movies again he was looking at her books. She had everything under the sun. There was romance, mystery, teaching books and a vast collection of history books. So she's a history buff. Gunny was mentally planning their next couple of dates. Somehow he knew there would be more.

"Victor, would you mind if we watched 'High Crimes'? That's the one I was going to pick up on my way home from work."

"Sounds great. I couldn't help noticing your collection of history books. You have such varied interests here. European royalty, the American Civil War, World War II and even military history. It's an impressive collection."

"Thank you. I've always loved history. I've been meaning to get to the Smithsonian and some of the national monuments but haven't made it yet. Would you like anything else to drink before we sit down?"

After he answered no, Simone sat down on the couch with the remote in her hand. Purposely, she sat close to the middle of the couch to avoid the awkward sitting at opposite ends problem. And just as she'd hoped, Gunny sat down right next to her. There was only a small lamp on the table across from them and the glow from the tv illuminating the room. They both felt like teenagers on their first date, both trying not to fidget or say the wrong thing. Sometime during the movie, they unconsciously shifted so that Simone was leaning against Gunny's chest and his arms were loosely around her. She could feel his warm breath on her neck. All of a sudden they both realized where they were and Gunny looked down at Simone hesitantly. He hoped he hadn't overstepped his bounds. She just smiled up and him and snuggled closer. Gunny tightened his arms around her just slightly and settled down himself. When the movie was over neither of them wanted to move but Simone broke the silence.

"Do you know what I'd really like to do right now?"

Gunny said, "What's that?" "I'd really like to go to the National Garden and take a walk. I love to look up at the stars from there. It's such a beautiful and clear night."

Gunny replied, "I'd love to go look at the stars with you."

Simone slid into her shoes by the front door, grabbed her purse and followed Gunny to his car. He was thankful he had taken it to be washed yesterday. He opened the door of his black Ford Expedition for her and walked around to the other side. He slid behind the wheel and they took off for the National Garden. He drove less recklessly than he normally did so as not to scare her and pulled into a spot. He walked around and opened her door, earning huge points with her for being a gentleman. He locked up the car and extended his hand to her. She slid her hand into his. Their hands fit together perfectly. They walked for a short time and stopped near the rose garden. There were other couples walking through the garden as well but Gunny and Simone could only see each other. It was starting to get a little chilly outside so Gunny put his arms around Simone and once again she leaned into his chest. He murmured into her ear about what a beautiful night it was and she let out an audible sigh. Gunny turned Simone to face him and tilted her chin up with his finger. She looked up into his eyes and at that moment, fell completely in love with him. He brought his lips down to hers and kissed her gently. It was like she was having her very first kiss all over again. They kissed in the moonlight for quite a while until the temperature dropped so far that Simone was shivering. Gunny took her by the hand and they walked back to the car. As they drove the short distance to Simone's apartment neither said much. They were both lost in thoughts of one another. Once they had arrived back at her apartment Gunny walked Simone to her door.

"Simone, I can't think of when I've had a better evening."

"Me either", she replied.

"Can I see you again soon?" Victor asked.

Simone smiled at him and replied, "Absolutely".

Gunny didn't want to leave her but knew that he had to before he was unable. "I'll call you tomorrow. Maybe we can go see the National Garden during the daytime or go to the Smithsonian."

Simone grinned at him delighted that he remembered what she said earlier that evening. "I'll look forward to it."

He kissed her deeply one last time before leaving her. She watched him walk down the stairs toward his car and before he left, he turned and gave her one of his devastating smiles. Simone's heart did flip-flops as she walked into her apartment. It no longer seemed quite so empty. Tonight as she lay in bed, Simone had no trouble sleeping. She fell asleep dreaming of Victor with a big smile on her face.
Gunny and Simone spent most of the day together on Saturday and Sunday. They couldn't seem to get enough of each other. But on Monday they both had to go back to reality and their jobs.