They had been messaging every day since meeting on a dating app 2 months ago. Selina was pleasantly surprised to find out they had a lot in common and a lot of differences, a good balance she thought. Max was very stoic and Selina was cheerful. They had similar views on religion, the same feelings about not having children, they shared music tastes and a similar sense of humour - though Max's was admittedly much darker. They had discussed sexual preferences, what was important to them in relationships, shared deep and meaningful conversations about life, been vulnerable when disclosing life events they had experienced. The serious stuff. Things had veered slightly more risqué at times, discussing sexual scenarios and situations they'd enjoy. It seemed quite well-rounded and inclusive and slightly too good to be true.
For Selina, there were still many doubts. At 33, Max didn't have a smartphone which was the first red flag. He used a desktop computer, he kept very strict routines, he rarely shared any information about his family, his home life or living situation, not much useful information about his friends or any type of time line for events he disclosed. He had also alluded to a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder which wasn't an issue for Selina but it added to her queries.
When he first invited her out for coffee, she almost didn't go. They had been in contact for just over a month and Max had spent the evenings and weekends messaging her, sending music and emails. But he'd refused to talk on the phone. Selina frantically sought advice from a close friend who encouraged her to go. When she got there, despite the nerves, she felt really comfortable. The conversation flowed and they lost track of time, talking for 2 hours.
After a second date 2 weeks later where Selina paid for lunch and they spent 3hrs chatting, he'd kissed her briefly on the lips. Later that evening, while texting about their date. Max stymied the conversation about him kissing her by stating he wasn't into PDA's and he hadn't kissed her properly. Still there were doubts for Selina but she told herself she needed to give it a chance, she'd been single so long that the dating scene had changed a lot, online dating was new to her, she was so used to being single that she needed to learn to tolerate another person, the more time they spent together the more she'd get to know him... etc.
A week after their lunch date, it was a mid-week afternoon. "I bought a size medium shirt from Zara cos the small was too tight but it still makes my nipples look like bullets." Max texted Selina.
Sitting at her desk at work, Selina laughed out loud when she read it. "Is it black?" she asked, knowing he only wore black.
"Of course it's black! I'm returning it, it doesn't look right." Max replied.
"Maybe for the best, I don't think Jogger's nipple is a good look tbh." she joked in reply.
"It's satin." Max texted back. She couldn't tell if he was annoyed. She got on with her day. "Plans tomorrow night? I've got tickets for a talk about A.I. at the Science Fest?" Max texted her on the way home. Selina agreed to go.
The next evening, Selina fixed her makeup and changed her clothes before leaving the office. She wore navy denim skinny jeans, a blue blouse, a navy cord jacket and her Dr Marten boots. She drove into the city. Just as she got to the door of the venue, Max texted her to let her know he'd got them seats inside. She walked into the small room, it was dark, there was a bar to the left and a small riser at the front of the room which was lit for the speaker. The layout was informal, some people sat on low benches at the front or at bar tables on higher stools near the back, many people stood in groups, chatting and drinking as music played.
Selina spied Max sitting at a bar table, she took a deep breath and smiled to herself. She was starting to find him more attractive every time they met. She approached the table and he looked startled to see her. "Hello! Alright?" She smiled.
Max looked her up and down quickly and she saw him swallow hard. "I got here earlier than I thought. You found it alright then?" he asked. He seemed nervous.
She nodded. "Yes. Give me a hug." she smiled.
Max's face showed recognition that he had forgotten to greet her properly. "You're taller today!" he remarked as he stood up and looked down at her. She stood up slightly on her tip toes and hugged him round the neck. He turned towards her, slid his arms round her waist and hugged her comfortably. She felt him smelling her hair and her perfume on her neck as he held her against his chest.
Then she stood back and nodded down at her feet. "That's cos I'm wearing my DM's." she smiled. He rested his right hand on her left hip while he looked at her. A sneaky smile teased his lips before he caught himself.
"What do you want to drink?" Max asked, lifting his hand from her hip and gesturing towards the bar. Selina hesitated as she thought. They talked over each other as Selina shifted on her feet to approach the bar. At that moment the waitress appeared. "It's table service." Max said to Selina as he sat back down. She nodded in realisation.
"Soda and lime, please." Selina ordered. The waitress looked at Max who already had a drink 3/4 full in front of him. He waved his hand to say no. Selina sat down on the stool next to his and looked around the room while she took off her coat. "I wasn't sure what to expect but there's a mixed crowd." she said, looking back round at Max who nodded as he gazed at her and failed to keep a smirk from his lips. The waitress brought Selina's drink and Selina held it out towards Max's "Cheers!" she smiled as he lifted his glass half-heartedly to clink, like he was too cool to do such a thing. Selina sighed a laugh. "What're you having?" she asked, casually nodding at his glass before tasting her drink.
"Sipping a beer." he said. Selina frowned. "What?" he asked with a laugh.
"I thought you said you were sober..." Selina's voice trailed off under the music.
"What?" Max raised his eyebrows, leaned in towards her and tipped his head inviting her to repeat herself.
She shook her head and thought it was none of her business.
They exchanged niceties about their day. Max told her a funny story he'd overheard a woman at work telling about how she'd had an orgasm on a rollercoaster. He was uncomfortably shy for a change, mouthing the word 'orgasm' even though no one was in earshot. They chatted more about their week at work but Selina felt like he was distracted. He was looking at her intently and he was deep in thought. The event began and Selina enjoyed it. Once it ended, they stayed chatting at the table and ordered another drink. Max ordered sparkling water. They discussed going to some events at an upcoming art festival.
Max still seemed distracted. While she talked, he watched her, his hand resting on his jaw as he leaned on it or his fingers teasing his mouth as if to keep in the words he really wanted to say. He asked her questions about her studies and work and when she answered she noticed a change in his body language. It was either a look of admiration or amusement but she couldn't be sure.
"Are you alright?" Selina asked, stopping mid-sentence to check in with him.
"Of course I am!" Max said in a sincere tone.
"You seem a bit preoccupied," Selina said as she sipped her drink. Max's top lip rippled a smirk and he licked his lips. He looked very attractive tonight in black skinny jeans, black boots, a fitted black shirt (the replacement for the satin one!) and a tailored black blazer. Even the belt on his jeans had a black buckle. His salt and pepper hair freshly cut in a skin fade, the front curled round onto his forehead. His hazel eyes and long eyelashes highlighted by his black framed glasses.
"Didn't you enjoy the talk?" she asked.
"It was a bit disappointing but I'm enjoying the company more..." he said, looking at her fondly. "Foxy lady!" he teased.
