There's always two sides to a story.
**. **. ***
Lainey's fingers hover over her phone keyboard. Should she do this? She's already texted him twice before with no response. Well, third time's a charm, her mother would say. She quickly taps out a message and sends it before she can change her mind.
Hi, Richard! It's Lainey (again)! Just wanted to say 'hi' and ask if you've ever been to that coffee shop on Palmer? Wanna meet?
Lainey bites her lip as she waits for a response, hoping he won't block her or worse, think her a pest. It isn't just the amazing sex that makes her want to keep their connection, although that's a big part of it. He was just...charming, but not in a fake way, not like other guys who only wanted to get into her pants. Richard seemed genuinely interested in her; it had made her feel good. And then back at her place--wow. The way he'd touched her...she wants that again.
Then, his reply pops up:
Hi, Lainey-I have been to that coffee shop a few times. When would you like to meet? I can take my lunch anytime, just let me know.
Cheers! R
Butterflies erupt in her belly as she texts back, licking her dry lips. Miranda had been right: Lainey didn't have to wait around for a man to make the next move. She hurries to the coffee shop and snags a table after ordering a chicken wrap and water. But she can't eat, nervousness robbing her appetite. What if this is a mistake? The potential for embarrassment is huge. Then she sees him come through the door in a dark suit, tie a bit askew, as if he'd tied it by feel rather than in the mirror.
He looks around as he gets in line at the counter, sees her waving and smiles.
"Hi," he says, sitting down with his food. Lainey smiles, sits up a little straighter. She taps her red fingernails on her glass, shifts in the chair.
"Hi, Richard. How's your day been?" She watches him unwrap the plastic utensils and place the napkin in his lap. A woman at the next table is staring at him, and when she meets Lainey's eyes, quickly averts her gaze back to her coffee. Lainey smirks, conscious that she's with the best looking man in the coffee shop. She wonders what kind of car he drives, wonders what his home looks like. He's a hotshot right now, one of the highest sellers in greater Las Vegas.
"Better now," he tells her with a grin, and hope flares in heart. Maybe he's one of the good ones. Miranda would tell her not to get too excited so soon, that all men are on their good behavior at first, especially when they want to get in your pants. Well, he's already been there, so if he wants to continue to see her, then good.
"I hope I wasn't too annoying, texting so much," she says, making her tone light, as if it doesn't matter. "I don't usually do that but Miranda told me I should."
"She did, huh?" Richard takes a bite of his sandwich, his eyes flickering over her face.
"Yep. She said that you were probably busy and that's why you hadn't called me yet." She holds her breath, wondering what he will say. Will he blow her off?
"Well," he says after a moment, wiping his mouth. "Miranda's a smart woman. Persistence is a trait I admire."
"Oh, good. I didn't want to be a pest," Lainey says, a smile stretching across her mouth.
"Nah, no worries." There's a little bit of razor burn on his neck, his eyelashes are long and his eyebrows prominently frame those amazing blue eyes. His black hair is short, a little spiky on top--super cute.
They fall into conversation then, chatting about the real estate market, horrible clients, and then Lainey takes a deep breath and just goes for it.
"So...are you doing anything tonight?" She bites her lip, nervous again. What if he says no? Or worse, pretends he doesn't understand what she's asking? Will she have to spell it out?
"No. What did you have in mind?" A sly grin flits across his handsome face.
"I think you know," she says coyly, giggling when his grin widens. "I guess the question is where, yes? Where do you live?"
"I'd love to get to know you better," he says, gathering up their trash. "We can grab something to eat first. Do you like sushi? There's this place I know with great drinks and the best sushi I've ever had. "
Thrilled, Lainey can only nod. She never dreamed he'd want to actually take her on a date. He is one of the good ones. She can't wait to tell Miranda.
And so it is settled. He holds the door for her as they leave the shop, kisses her cheek as they go their separate ways. Lainey can't help standing on the sidewalk to watch him walk away, reliving every moment they just had. As she finally gets her feet moving, she texts Miranda.
You were right! I just had lunch with him and I'm seeing him tonight! He wants to get to know me better!
Later, drowsing beside him in her bed, her head on his chest, Lainey fights the sleep that presses against her body, because she doesn't want to miss one moment with Richard. He's a considerate lover--more concerned with her pleasure than his own, making sure she enjoys herself, asking if she likes this, kissing her there, touching her until she's trembling. Then and only then does he consummate their time together. Their first time had been explosive--but this ...this was slow and languorous and lovely. She sighs.
"I hope that wasn't a sad sigh," Richard murmurs in her ear, pulling her closer. He kisses her and they begin again, and afterward she drifts off, and when she awakens to her alarm in the morning, he's gone.
*************************
"When am I going to meet this mystery man?"
"Come on, Mom," Lainey sighs, considers 'accidentally' hanging up, then sighs again. "We haven't been dating very long," she tells her, glancing at her computer. Her mom always calls when Lainey's at work, never seems to care she could be interrupting.
"You've been seeing him for at least a month," Gail says reasonably. "That's a long time these days."
Lainey rolls her eyes. She can just imagine the ensuing conversation if she ever brought Richard to her mom's house. Meeting a parent is a big step--and she doesn't think they are at that point yet. She makes a vague promise and hangs up, finishes up for the day and goes home to get ready for her date with Richard.
They've been seeing each other several times a week, for drinks, for dinner, just to talk. Sex too, she admits as she brushes her hair. Tonight they are going to a play, which will be a first for her. She's not even sure what to wear. She doesn't want Richard to think she's ignorant, or cheap, and she's afraid that's how she comes across.