I couldn't sleep the night before I saw you. I couldn't stop thinking, "this is my chance, I can't mess this up. If I drive her away, she'll fall right back into Jock's arms." And he's already had his chance. I have to show her what she means to me…without pushing too hard.
I knew you loved classical music. We'll go to the symphony. I already knew your favorite restaurant. I picked up a bouquet of yellow chrysanthemums, your favorite too.
When I arrived to pick you up that night Mary, I was practically jumping out of my skin. I was excited, nervous, and terrified all at the same time. I tightened my hand to keep it from shaking, took a deep breath and knocked on your door.
"Coming," I heard you say, then seconds later, you opened it.
"Hi stranger," you said softly and smiled. You were wearing a new dress. You took my breath away. You were so beautiful.
"Ah, good evening my good lady." I was mockingly gallant, trying to hide what I really felt. "These are for you," as I handed you the flowers.
"Oh, thank you kind sir." You said and smiled again. There was something different about the way you looked at me. Almost coquettish. You had never looked at me that way before. I held out my arm and said, "shall we go?"
You wrapped yours around mine and cheerfully said, "Yes, we shall."
We went to dinner and after a slightly awkward start, we started talking and laughing about old times. Like how I used to tease you and pull your hair ribbon and call you "snot-nose." Or the time you wanted borrow my racquet and I wouldn't give it to you unless you kissed me first. Our first kiss.
It all started coming easier. I took you to the symphony. And you kept your hand on my arm throughout. You would tug on it when you wanted to whisper something in my ear. And at every chance, when you weren't looking, I'd just sit and watch you. You seemed happier. At least happier than when you first walked into my office. Still, I was shocked at my good fortune, praying it wouldn't end.
When the night was over, and I took you home, I reminded myself to stay on my best behavior. I'd let you lead in whatever was going to happen next, if anything.
"Thank you so much Bill. I had a wonderful time," you started, and looked up at me shyly, "I really did miss you," and leaned in to give me a soft kiss on my lips. I leaned in for a second one, longer and deeper, and just as I started for a third, you stopped me, "slowly, remember."
"I'm sorry," I pulled back, mentally chastising myself.
You laughed and said, "it's ok Bill. We have all the time in the world to get to know each other again. When can I see you again?"
I smiled at the idea you even had to ask. "Anytime you'd like. Tomorrow? Next weekend?" Not wanting to push.
"There's a gallery opening tomorrow. Would you take me?"
I smiled, "of course."
"Wonderful!" You exclaimed and quickly kissed me again.
"I'll see you tomorrow at 5." You said cheerily as you went inside.
I laughed and I thought, "you've got me wrapped around your little finger, don't you." Not that I minded, you always did. You just didn't know it.