first non-official date

Chapter 5    

  

Dinner at The Bibo

 Holding his arm feels comfortable like we’ve been together forever, familiar. His scent is intoxicating, spice, manly. His 6 foot frame makes me feel small as he leads me out to street and towards a quaint little restaurant The Bibo.  The era’s bold font of the sign tells me the restaurant is Confidence, just like I imagined a man beside me to be.

“I noticed you had pasta in your basket, that’s why I thought maybe Italian.” He lifts his one eye brow to me. “Here let me get the door for you” my hand releases his arm and as I walk through he put his hand on my shoulder, directing me through. He leaves his hand there and I feel a shiver of current, making my cheeks flush. It feels good, no qualm to his touch, it’s very natural, I want his hand there.  I wonder how old is he? Is he really single? He’s pretty handsome to be single. Who is he?

“Evening Mr. Darcy, table for 2?”  They know Jack by name, I’m impressed. Smells coming from the kitchen are divine; my hollow tummy is so excited right now...   I glance around the room, I see   it’s a warm mix of rustic meets modern Italian.  Rough butter colored walls encompass about 12 tables covered with white linen table cloths. . It’s small, intimate but, at the same time open. You can see right through to the chef preparing food in the kitchen.  Andre Boccelli singing Pot Ti volare boldly resonates from the speakers.  The atmosphere screams Italian but not too clique, here is still that hip west coast vibe.  Following the waiter I can feel Jack’s warmth on my back,  a like an ungrounded voltage. I like that he touches me. I feel sexy. Easy petunia you’re only having dinner. As we reach the table he lets goes off my back, only to pull out my chair. I take this opportunity to look at his incredibly beautiful face, strong jaw with an indent in his stubble chin, a tiny scar on his left eyebrow, I wonder from what? His warm smile looks back at me.

“For you Libbie.”

 I take the seat a bit surprised  he sit down right beside me, not across the table, interesting.  He smells fresh like soap and spice, clean, our bodies are just barely touching. Am I gawking at him? Stop staring, and close your mouth dear. He keeps drawing me in with his charming attributes, he looks at me, and I look down nervously.

 “Do you like red wine?”  He asks I look back up at him; his eyes are an intense blue.

“Yes I love red wine.”  I trying to sound sophisticated. “Great. Tony,” Jack lifts his hand and motions to the waiter.  “Yes sir?” Tony smiles at Jack.

“Could we get a Chianti Ruffino 2009” he orders with a polished confidence. “Thanks Tony. I love this place. It brings me right back to Italy.” He smiles.  There is that lightness in his face again when he said that, just now.  “You were in Italy?  I’m so jealous,” I imagine him in a vineyard sipping wine, white linen pants shirt open to the breeze, chest hairs shinning. Oh I’m starring again;  look around Libbie. I glance at the décor and back to Jack...

 “Yes, it’s my favorite country. I’m partners a vineyard there, in the Chianti region, but I love all of Italy.  Old world meets modern convenience.  Every structure, every piece of architecture we’ve learned about through history, hiding around the corner, just waiting to be discovered and great clothes. What’s not to love? Not to mention everyone is sexy as hell, even garbage men.” He laughs shaking his head in disbelief. “Have you been?”

  “No I haven’t had the opportunity to travel much, not at all actually,” I glance down at my hands, “I’m hoping to soon though.” The waiter brings us our menus and wine. He pours a sample of the Chianti in Jacks glass. Picking the glass up he swirls the liquid, smells then tastes it.

 “That will be great thank you.” And the waiter pours a glass for me then Jack. “Do you know wine Miss Whyte?”  Miss Whyte is so formal, also nice.

 “No, not really other than I like to drink it.” I answer innocently enough.  He laughs and touches my hand, putting me at ease, I giggle.  

 “Let me teach you.” His look becomes somewhat serious. He holds the glass up above his eyes, tipping it so the wine glass is sideways.

 “First we drink with our eyes, looking for dark rick burgundy, how it clings to the glass and clarity, sediment.”  Moving the glass down, tipping it so it’s on an angle, he puts his nose deep in opening he inhales, grinning a little.

 “Then we drink with our nose, smelling for blackberry, cinnamon, hints of oak and vanilla. Do you smell that?” He brings the glass to my nose.

“Yes, I do.”

 “Then we drink with our mouth, allowing the tongue to do its job. Our pallet is experiencing 4 parts to a delicate puzzle.  Tannin, acidity, residue sugar and alcohol content all move together in a slow dance, allowing each personality to grow.”  He takes a sip in his mouth, and then he swallows, his Adams apple moving up and down his tanned neck.  He must spend a lot of time outdoors.                                                                

 “If everything is compatible you end up with a fabulous relationship, a perfect marriage so to speak... Mm this is delicious. Tony, some for the lady.”

Tony fills my glass half full, along with Jacks and walks back to the kitchen.

“Try some, Libbie.”

Picking up my glass, I drink just a sip. It is delicious. Rich, crisp and very fruity.

 What do you think?”  Just lifting his , his movements are graceful.  He’s very comfortable with himself. Wow.

“It’s good.” Did I just say, it’s good?  Nice. No other adjective floating in your brain to be used?  He’s going to think I’m simple.

Placing his hand on mine, Jack says in a forward manner, “I’m pretty familiar with the menu mine if I order for us?”  “No not at all,” I whisper.

 “Is there anything you don’t like? Or can’t have?”

“No” I’m feeling a little bit nervous I look back at my hands. “Great!”  He reaches for a stray hair caught in my lashes and pulls it loose, then for a brief moment he looks deep in my eyes, making me flush.

 “Has anyone ever told you, you have incredible eyes? Because I’m telling you have incredible eyes,” he’s sinsure.

Wow did he just say that to me?  I suddenly feel shy and glance back at my hands, “thank you.”

 “I’m sorry I, didn’t mean to embarrass you, I just am taken by them, quite stunning,” he grins, “entrancing.” His hand cups my chin and brings my face up to his. The moment lays heavy between us then, like someone pushed the fast forward button to change the song his conversation switches to another topic.

 “Libbie, I know you are attending school from our conversation the other night but, you never mentioned what are you studying?” He remembers that, Petunia! He’s changed in his demeaned somehow, more formal

. “I’m a working towards my arts degree. It’s challenging but, I love my classes. Just another 10 years and I’ll be finished,” I giggle another girlish giggle, I look down once again.

 “10 Years?  That seems like a long time”, peeking sideways at me he has a quizzical smile starting, “you’re teasing me of course.”   

“Well, maybe not 10 years but, I’m working my way through and sometimes it feels like it will take 10 years. I have 35 credits; I could finish in a half a year if I really focus. I need 9 more credits for my degree.”

 “A goal is nothing if it is easily achieved. The achievement of your goal is assured the moment you commit yourself to it”.” his face is warm and light again.

 “You’re right” I chuckle, “I feel the same way, that’s Mack R Douglas.” He smiles and nods. 

“Tony; yes I think we’re ready to order. We’ll start with the Bibo Bresaola, then the Rigatoni Capio e Pepe, then the Bunet and duo espresso. Benne.”  Speaking Italian, “I hope you’re hungry, it’s quite filling here.”

 “That sounds like you just quoted poetry. You speak Italian? What is Capio e pp?”

“Pepe,” its extraordinary here, butter, percorino Romano, spicy pepper and homemade pasta but, but for something so simple it is incredible. I eat here at least once a week if not more.

 “Brunet is my favorite dessert, it’s a traditional Piemontese chocolate pudding, and I’m highly addicted to chocolate.   For me great sex followed by a glass of red wine and dark chocolate, is like reaching the top of Everest, ecstasy.” He stops as if to ponder a thought.  I instantly turn crimson, shocked and a little curious how he just said that just so matter of fact.

“Sorry I shouldn’t say that, you’re embarrassed again. It seems I tend to say things that make you blush, please forgive me. ” When he frowns he has a v between his brows. “No its ok, I just. It’s ok.” I laugh nervously. The first course comes. I take my first bite, it’s delicious.

 “Wow this is fabulous!” I hope to change the subject. This is invigorating.

“So, an art major. How exciting.”

“I’ve just finished finals, for this last semester. I do work though.

 “Wonderful, what do do?” He takes a bite of dinner.

“I work at the art gallery a little; downtown, Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Mon and Wed. night I teach dance.”  “ yes I remember you mentioning  that Sat, night, I would love to have a lesson, with you, Libbie” he reaches with his index finger pointing and puts my hair behind my ear, so simple yet so, intimate. I feel voltage resonate in me, then the moment of heat is broken when Tony brings the rigatoni, it smells heavenly.

 “What do you do? For a living I mean.” I stumble on my words. 

“I’m involved in a little of everything; Real-estate, I own several businesses, I love to dabble. I sometimes feel like I need a relaxing distraction, it gets to be too consuming. Don’t get me wrong I love what I do and I’m very good at it.  I’ve made a few rupees but, I need something more.” He has a look of qualm in his eyes. Suddenly I feel a distinct compassion for him, I would like to nothing more than take him home with me and look after him. Dessert.

 “You’ll love this, heaven in your mouth.”  He cuts his spoon into the chocolate pudding and scoops out enough to fill his spoon and holds it up to my lips until I open my mouth and he pops it in, he’s smiling like a child, now. He’s fascinating.

 “MMMMMMM delicious!”

 When we finish our meal, we walk out of the restaurant back on the street. I turn to him and start to say “Thank you...”  Suddenly his hand is on my jaw pulling face to his and with a no hesitation his lips are on mine. Soft warm, exciting, a spark once again heats in my belly. I’m frozen for an instant then, I kiss back, and I hardly know him. Man he smell so good. Oh I like this, who are you and where have you been all my life? His kiss makes me feel dizzy, or maybe it’s the wine buzz. He leans back leaving his hand there for a little longer, owning my face, then glances at his watch.

"A new watch?" I ask.

"What? Oh yes I kind of have a thing for them, this is a Raidillion  Chronograph. I bought it last month in Switzerland," he seems suddenly in a hurry.

 “I’m so sorry I have to be somewhere at six and it's 5:45 so, I'm going to have to run. Please forgive me," he looks at his watch again.

 “Yes by all means don’t let me keep you. It’s been a pleasure having dinner with you.” I look down, feeling a little shy.

 “The pleasure has been all mine,” he whispers in my ear, “I assure you.” He stands back and shoots me a devilish grin. I can’t help but smile back at him.

 “Are you going to be okay to get home Libbie?” he hurries with his question. “Yes, I’m fine” surprised by his concern. And with that he’s gone. Petunia is somewhat disappointed but, relaxes and I walk home. My mind reals as I make my way to the apartment, what a lucky collision that were, it did just happen. I did not imagine that!  Wait! I didn’t get his number! Shit he’s gone and I don’t know anything about him, phone number, last name, and status. Did I just fuck up? Libbie!  I reach my door and fumble for my keys, managing to unlock the door head to the elevator and push 2. The hum of the cables is a distraction, I always fear I won’t reach my destination, it’s so old. I drift back to the kiss; I liked it, spontaneous, exciting.  Why didn’t we exchange cell numbers? Why did he kiss me like that way?  He gave off electricity from his body?   Once I’m in my door I shed the day’s events at the floor, my clothes, my bag, myself doubt and replace everything with .my dance leotard off the back of the bathroom door. I can’t believe he kissed me. The music gets cranked and I, as always, begin to dance. Get up; grab my IPod touch select random dance on my playlist. Removing my jeans and socks I feel the rhythm of the music. My body starts to relax and I feel like I’m okay, back in my skin.   To the beat of Michael Jackson’s Beat it, I pull off my top and in my bra and panties start to dance. I can do all his moves, spin moon walk and hand on my crouch.  Michael Jackson’s Thriller I know the moves so well.  Michael always manages to pull out my courageous.  One more time there is nothing that needs me right now . Do-do-do-do-do, clap, “It’s close to midnight, and evils lurking in the dark.” That kiss was intense; I shake the thought and dance. “No, not really other than I like to drink it.” He laughs and touches my hand, putting me at ease, I laugh with him. I let the thought drift through my head and continue to dance.