"It is indeed very unladylike not to share, Alex. You have had those two handsome men all to yourself! It seems you are partial to the Red Speedo one. The least you could do is introduce me to Tattoo!"
I was braced to be punished, to be fired in disgrace. It took me a minute to grasp this new twist. It seemed I could not only have Davis, but I could keep my friendship with Sue, stay at my job, and make Tattoo very happy. Sue was looking at me expectantly. I found myself smiling, giggling, incredibly pleased by this development. Promising Sue that I would get back with her, I hugged her and left the office, anxious to be with Davis.
As promised, he was waiting in the lobby. I almost walked past him. Silly me, I had still pictured him in the red Speedo, and for some reason had not expected perfectly fitted jeans and a red sport shirt. He was so handsome! Red was his color, complimenting perfectly his dark hair and blue eyes. He stood as I approached, reaching for my hand, pulling me close for an embrace. His smile lit the room. His hand on mine was warm and smooth, the fit perfect.
I was grateful for so many things. I hadn't lost my job or my friendship with Sue. It was a beautiful Saturday, so I had no classes and could spend the whole day with Davis, if he wanted me. Dressing for work this morning, I had worn a pretty sundress, newly purchased to celebrate the arrival of Spring. Under it, was a lacy black demi-bra and bikini panty, making me feel extremely sexy and womanly. AND, I was with Davis, my dream man, about to embark on our first date. Today was wonderful!
Davis stared, trying to reconcile the cleaning lady in the baggy, big outfit with me, a woman with a nice figure and pretty girlish clothes. He was having problems. I had left my hair down, the curls softly brushing my shoulders. Without the dark-framed glasses, my hazel eyes were wide and fiery. He stood there, holding my hand and just looking at me. Finally, I guess he realized that he was being quiet, and he pulled me close again, whispering, "Hello, Mouse!"
I liked the nickname on his lips, so I didn't correct him, rather I stood on tiptoe to kiss his dimpled chin and whispered, "Hello, Speedo!"
Of course, now he would forever be Davis to me, but I thought of him fondly by his previous name. Holding hands, we left the gym, walking together to his car. He had to shorten his stride considerably so I could keep up with him, but he did it effortlessly. I thought it might have been awkward, considering the way we had met, the things I had seen, but it wasn't. It was a perfect first date. He was every bit as sweet and charming as I had dreamed he would be.
We went to breakfast, discovering we had many similar tastes in foods. We sat there forever, eating, talking, laughing. It felt so comfortable, yet so exciting to be with him. I felt we were in a different world, one where the census was just two.
After our leisurely meal, we began to walk around the neighborhood. It was full of old specialty shops and stores. The sun was out, the sky was blue, the streets were crowded with strolling couples, yet it seemed we were alone, discovering each other. He was so funny. I laughed all morning, happy to be alive and to be me. He was also kind and considerate, polite and intelligent. He told me about his writing, some of the people he had interviewed, some of the places he had been. But, unlike many males, he was interested in me too. He listened as I told him of my dissertation, my life, even my family. He appeared to care about my opinions, and I loved that.
It seemed just moments later that the sun was beginning to set and the air became cool. And hunger struck. Davis invited me to dinner and I quickly accepted. In his car, he had a sweater which he gently draped over my bare shoulders, holding me close for a moment.
