Oowatanite!
AAAHHHH! Okay, so he might be shy, but holy cats he rocked the room. Although we’re still on very different time schedules, last night we were absolutely in sync.
Three or four times.
Just before I fell asleep in a glorious haze of after-sync, Aiden asked to use my computer. I don’t remember answering him, but I would have given in to anything right then. The next thing I knew, the sun was shining. It was just after 7 already.
Aiden pointed out that I was singing while making french toast. I denied it, but couldn’t stop smiling.
He told me the french toast was beautiful, and I looked delicious. Or something. I told him that he was delicious too.
He made some suggestions as to what to do after breakfast. We returned to the bedroom to follow up on some of those.
However, before long it was about noon, and Aiden had to leave, to take care of some things at the bar before the evening crowd. I reluctantly kissed him goodbye; he said he’d call me later.
I was puttering about when Caitlyn called.
“There’s a flea market going on in the downtown market. You want to go hit it up?” I hadn’t been to a flea market in years, and hanging out with her is always fun.
“Sure!” I couldn’t wait to tell her about last night!
“OHMIGOD!” She high-fived me. “Tell me all about it!”
I wasn’t subtle. She’s my best friend! I told her everything as we wandered through the market. There seemed to be a lot of lamps, but some funky furniture was out for sale as well. It was after 2 by then, so I grabbed some pho for lunch.
I’m getting much better with the chopsticks, but I wasn’t quite prepared for…
… the spice! Gah! It was yummy, but wow it was hot.
Caitlyn pointed out the basketball court nearby, and “challenged” me to some throws. Balls? Basket drops? We sportsed for a bit.
Of course she’s way better than I, and in way better shape. I think she was just trying to get me out exercising a little more than my 6 or 7 days a week of nothing.
I’m sure I totally would have won though, if Trisha hadn’t taken that exact 10 or 15 minutes to walk out on the court and talk to me.
“Have you tried this soup? It’s really hot, isn’t it?”
We spent hours at the market, checking out the stalls, laughing and hanging out and failing at basketball. When the sun began dropping behind the mountains, I invited Caitlyn out to dinner. I was hungry.
She might be right about this exercise stuff.
Naturally, we headed over to the Chowder House.
Caitlyn disappeared to the washroom, and came back with a complete change of clothing. We’ve been out since lunch time, and this is her third outfit. She didn’t see anything weird about it.
Anyway, we ordered a couple of glasses of wine and some dinner, but before the wine ever arrived at the table, my phone rang.
It was Aiden, asking me out on a date.
“Go! Go, for heaven’s sake!” Caitlyn laughed and made shooing motions. “I’ll pick this up and take it home.” I thanked her multiple times, and I’m certain she may have heard some of them as I ran out.
I met Aiden down at the old ruins. I spotted a bonfire near the centre, but there didn’t appear to be anyone there. It certainly wasn’t the dance party I was used to down here.
The fire was mesmerizing. It was deserted, and romantic. And since we were all alone out in the vacant ruins …
We set fire to each other again, and nearly this bush.
The stars were out, the moon high, and I knew I had to call it an evening. It was nearly 2am again, and since it was Monday already, I had to get some sleep.
I had to get some food too, since Caitlyn had the dinner I’d ordered.
I made a quick sandwich with leftover french toast (I’d left it out this morning. I was distracted.) and some … ham? I think? I fell into bed.
Man, I felt good this morning!
I got dressed, thinking I’d head out somewhere, when I got a phone call.
Ooooh dear, this felt so good. While I get me some of that hot pore-cleansing, Aiden offered to help take some tension off my shoulders.
I wasn’t going to tell him that I didn’t have any. Just keep with the hands on me. More hands on skin, Aiden!
Although I’ll have to work on that too. Who wears a tank top into the swimming pool? Jeez, guy. Well, perhaps he’s as shy as I thought he was.
Tank top or no, he’s just too damn cute.
Jimmy here – or Jumpy or whatever – welcomed me in and asked me to lay on the table.
Oooohh. I warned him that I thought I was pretty relaxed already, but figured it couldn’t hurt.
Augh! Maybe I wasn’t as relaxed as I thought; Jamie found a few places that needed some kneading. He wasn’t exactly gentle, but I could feel my back loosening further with every …
And the rose petals are just so damned pretty.
Of course, nothing goes together with a rose love potion than a few pints.
I finally had the nerve to ask my glass if I had the nerve.
Right! Well who am I to argue with talking intoxicants?
Back at my place, we sat and talked for nearly two hours. We shared and debated hopes and dreams, neighbourhood tax rates, llama breeding, everything.
We learned an awful lot more about each other. Specifically, we both really wanted …
… to do more of this.
A lot more. It coulda been the Marvin Gaye, it coulda been the tea, but it was Aiden who’d suggested a move to the bedroom, and I could not get there fast enough.
But I took my time, gesturing him to lead the way.
He did. I’ll leave it there. You understand.
He did, as he was waiting outside the restaurant when I arrived.
The waitress showed us to our table, and Aiden all but ran off to the washroom.
I ordered for the both of us. It was nearly 3AM, I had to be at work in 7 hours or so, and I was ordering a glass of wine, and a beer for Aiden. This might take some getting used to. I wonder if the lab would let me change my hours.
Aiden returned, and told me how great I looked, and how much he appreciated me coming out for dinner.
Aiden kissed me goodnight, and kissed him good morning in return. I was blissful and exhausted. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, but I could barely keep my legs moving. Eventually I found my way home, but I don’t remember much of the trip.
Which – of course – starts with a glass of wine. What I want is wine.
Oh, no you don’t. Your perky young ways are no match for my … er. Experience. I’m going to sit here all night, and wait for his shift to end. Eventually she gave up, conceding victory to my obvious captivating smile and bewitching conversation.
Holding hands, we walked across town to the disco. I figured we could get out to someplace he didn’t work at, even if it was another dance hall and bar. I didn’t want to tell him that this place had better food.
It got late. We danced for quite a while, had a couple drinks, and some snacks. And he just wasn’t … well, he just … wasn’t. FINE. Getting on with my life, right?
Still, I felt great. I tried calling Aiden, to see what yesterday was all about, but he’d already started work. It might be tricky making this work if he starts his job at the same time that I finish mine.
Let’s get this over with.
At least he didn’t run when he saw me come in. I sat where he couldn’t ignore me, ordered wine, and asked him WHAT THE HELL.
Oh man, I need coffee.
After a few hours wandering the park around the cafe, Caitlyn wanted to head over to the park where I’d run into her wife Teagan, and we both met Creepy Guy. I didn’t see him this time.
Caitlyn barbequed up some vegetables, although I really could have used a burger. Apparently Teagan’s a vegetarian, and Caitlyn has … “adjusted”, she said. I wondered briefly if there was any meat in the park I could catch with the stuff she’d cooked.
But it was a great day out with good friends. I wondered what Aiden was doing on this sunny Sunday afternoon.
By the time I’d convinced myself to call him, Caitlyn wandered off to the bar, and a friend of Jade’s had shown up. Lacie, I think she said. I wasn’t paying too much attention. Aiden said was just sitting around the house, and agreed to come down to the park! I was really looking forward to this.
He spent the entire time down playing with the kids. I don’t *think* any of them were his, it’s just … I don’t know. I guess it’s really nice that he likes kids that much, I just wanted him to spend some time with *me*. It was heart-warming and -breaking at the same time.
After ordering and talking for a few minutes, I realised what was going on. Jeez I’m clueless sometimes. Caitlyn had set us up. I’ll have to have yet another talk with that woman.
We talked well into the night, and I think got to know each other well. We won’t be dating, but I’m sure we’ll be good friends.
At least, I hope so. I’d hate to lose friends just because I won’t date them. That would SUCK.
But first – of course – wine.
The DJ was fantastic tonight. None of my usual friends showed up, but I had a good time with those who were here. I headed back to the bar for another drink, to find that there’d been a shift change during my workout on the dance floor. And that’s when I met….
I’m glad I did. I’ll call Aiden, but I really needed to get out and jump with my friends. Caitlyn was at the Ruins, and was I happy to see her.
He eventually gave up.
Most of the original group had given up by that time as well. Caitrin was getting a second wind after a nap, and her friend Carla came down to join us. Carla seemed like a good sort, and we got along well right away. I think she needed to get out for a fun night.