There is a song that I absolutely love by the Bluetones that seems to get my mind going. There’s this scene that always plays in my head when I hear this song, called “Sleazy Bed Track”. I ask that when you read the following that you play this song on low. Well, after the ads of course, because we can’t play a song anymore without ads. But once the song starts playing, please start reading and picture that person, whomever it is, there with you. Because this is the date. The date with you and that person, you’re thinking about right now. Disclaimer: It’s 1am…I’ve had a very interesting day…and I’m not used to writing this way. Please be kind with your hate and generous with your love. Thank you.
The puddles shimmer and ripple on the dark, wet pavement as falling rain drums a quiet tune. Street lamps, with their dull orange glow, cover you and her in a warm blanket of light. The sounds of the city swim around you, but you can barely hear them. Even the loud conversations in the cafe and the passing cars on the street, fade into a sing song of unintelligible words and steady rhythms. And it’s with those rhythms, you feel your heart beating, as you look at the woman before you.
The conversation has stopped, but only so you and her can sip your warm cups of tea and coffee, it’s aromatic steam heating your nose, lips and cheeks. The chill is slight, but comforting, and you relish these quiet moments with her. It’s those first dates that can seem so awkward. Where you’re learning each other’s like’s and dislikes, loves and hates, and looking for any sign that she’s interested in you or not. But this is not your first date, nor your second, nor your third, nor your fourth. Those pleasantries lead to laughs, talk of your favorite things, and bold kisses at the end of the night. This was a new day, a new evening, and a realization that this could be more.
A smile spreads across her lips as she holds the hot cup of coffee close to her face, skin pink from the heat. She tells you about home, about her life, and about the adventures she’s been in, and you listen intently and revel in her joys. You share with her your dreams, your aspirations, and your passions, and her eyes reflect your excitement. It’s that moment, when you realize that this was more than just a date. She sees in you a man she could be with, and you see in her a woman you connect with. You hesistate before leaning in closer to her, and you watch her mimic your movement. You reach out your hands to hers and encompassing them with your palms. The touch is familiar, but no less electric than the first time you felt her skin on yours.
You beging to speak of the adventures you and her could have, the world you can see, and you weave a story as your fingers into hers, working them away from the hot mug and into your warm palms. You find each her hands fitting into yours like two puzzle pieces fitting into place. It is as if no other hand had ever felt right in your grasp.
A nervous laugh escapes her lips, as she gingerly rubs her thumbs along the knuckles of your hands, as if testing to see if they felt right. You return the favor, taking a moment to remember the very bone structure of each finger. Your eyes look up to bask in the way her hair tumbles down along her shoulders, and her eyes so bright and affectionate, staring back at yours, her lips that utter sweet words that touch your heart, and you find only one word to describe her. Beautiful.
You can feel the beating of your heart grow stronger, as the admiration you had for her turns into a fondness you weren’t prepared for. You stand and she stands with you, your drinks forgotten, the rain, just an afterthought, and world around you just a blur.
She looks up at you with curiosity and excitement as you move her around the table and into your arms. Her frame presses up against yours, and you feel her head turn and lay delicately against your chest. Your heart beats faster, and you can feel her giggle. You hold her for as long as you can before you pull away to focus on that face you, so love to see. A grin spreads across your lips as you wink.
Her surprise is brief as you run away from the cafe laughing, her hand held tight to yours. Rain coats your face and clothes and you don’t care. You look back to see her hair matted down along her cheeks and it does not diminish that loveliness you’ve become so enamored over. Splashing and laughter fill the air as you dash along the streets to your home, it’s protective auning proving both of you a much welcomed relief from the rain.
Wet and cold, you brush the strands of damp hair from her face to look upon her elegance. No longer is it mere infatuation, you feel an actual closeness that you hadn’t felt in a long time.
You feel drawn to her as you try to reason out this urge that comes rising from within you. You’ve kissed her many times before, but this moment felt different. This moment held with it something that took time time to develop, to grow, and to mature to something that felt real.
No more time for thought, you lean in and close your eyes allowing your lips to touch hers. Timid at first, your kiss is soft and tender, giving you time to take in her scent, her body heat, and her very presence. It feels surreal that this woman before you is returning a kiss with the same affection you feel for her.
You feel her embrace around you tighten, and you become emboldened to kiss her more fervidly, your mouths to dancing in a passionate flurry of emotion.
You part for a moment to take in her presence, your heart and mind swimming. She tenderly wraps her arms around your neck and leans up to kiss you once more, but you gently push her away. Her face is painted with confusion, but you smile and take her hand into yours, squeezing it in reassurance as you lead her to the door, to a place where her heart could feel safe with yours, and a place where love might grow.
~fin~
