Proclivities Part 7: My Love is in the Open
I nervously pulled up to George's house and parked. Much to my relief, he bounded out the door and down the steps to my car. His big smile was so reassuring. He opened my door, helped me out, hugged me tightly and kissed me. Exactly what I needed.
"So," he said now that he had me all wobbly, "you need a hand?"
"I sure do. I couldn't lift a feather after that kiss."
"What can I say? I really missed you."
"Me too. My suitcase is on the back seat."
"Got it," he said, as he took it out of the car and I grabbed my purse. Putting his free arm around me, he led me inside.
Setting it down, he said, "I'm so glad you're here. I know it was rash of me to ask, but right now, I'm ecstatic."
"So am I, but, first of all, what's for dinner? It smells wonderful."
"Thanks. Spaghetti with basil pesto and a salad. That okay?"
"You bet. I'm sure it will be delicious. And second, could you take the suitcase upstairs? I need to change."
"Okay, but you don't have to."
"I most certainly do. Ground rules and all. I agreed to them and I'm not about to start breaking promises. Besides, I like the rules."
"In that case, my pleasure," he said as he picked up the suitcase and I followed him upstairs. Once in the bedroom, I immediately appreciated that he'd tidied up since the morning. He laid my suitcase on the bed, then led me to his big walk in closet.
"I made some space so you'd have somewhere to keep your clothes," he continued as he indicated some open space with empty hangers along the closet rod, two big unoccupied shelves, then opened some equally empty drawers.
"How thoughtful!" I gushed.
"I could hardly have you living out of a suitcase like some itinerant."
"I still appreciate it. Now get downstairs and get cooking so I can change and put my things away, if that's okay with you."
"Absolutely," he replied and gave me a quick kiss before departing, "but don't take too long. Dinner will be ready in ten."
I quickly opened the suitcase. There was a method to my packing. The deeper, bottom side had my work clothes and shoes -- no way I could move in without them, especially those black pumps that he'd insisted I wear on Friday The top had my 'George clothes' -- not much to them, three skirts and various tee shirts and camisoles. I went with a dark denim skirt and a snug, lightweight, pink camisole, remaining barefoot. Once changed, it was easy to stow the remaining contents in the closet. George had cleared much more space than I needed, but then again, I hadn't brought my entire wardrobe. A quick trip to the bath to check my appearance. A few brush strokes to neaten up my hair and, yup, my nipples were appropriately prominent. Perfect.
When I joined him in the kitchen, he was standing at the stove feeding spaghetti into a large pot of boiling water.
"Ta-da!" I said, spreading my arms in my attempt at a grand entrance as I stood at the end of the breakfast bar.
"I have to admit, that's a definite improvement," he replied as he turned towards me and eyed me up and down. "But, not to be rude, have a seat while I finish cooking. Nothing worse than overcooked pasta."
As I sat, I observed how carefully he'd arranged things. Set for two obviously, white cloth napkins, silverware, wine glasses, individual salads above each setting with a couple of candles burning beyond them. It definitely made me feel special.
"You didn't need to go through so much trouble," I said, indicating the bar.
"No trouble at all. Besides, you're more than worth it."
I intently watched him finish preparing dinner. I was fascinated. So effortless. In just a minute or so, he'd pulled and drained the pasta, added it to a sautΓ© pan, then the pesto, combined it all and, upon adding a drizzle of olive oil, set steaming plates on the bar, the delightful aroma filling the room. After pulling the wine from the fridge, he poured the two glasses and sat beside me.
Raising his glass, he said, "Here's to you."
I returned the toast, "No. To us."
His eyes softened and looked deeply into mine as we each took a sip.
"Buon' appetito," he said as he lowered his glass and picked up his fork.
"Oh! This is yummy," I said after my first bite, the peppery basil and tangy parmesan cheese a delicious combination, with the pignoli adding texture. The pasta had just the right chew.
We ate and drank at a leisurely pace. Suddenly, I had a divine revelation. We didn't have to hurry any more.
"So, how was your chat with Judy?" he asked.
"It ran the gamut. As expected, Judy being Judy, she wanted the salacious details, but she was also concerned, a bit confrontational, but in the end, highly supportive."
"Interesting. So what did you tell her?"
"For the lascivious, basically everything," I advised, but emphatically added, "Except posting on the internet. That has to remain between us."
"Indeed. I trust that satisfied her curiosity."
"I believe so, but because she knows me so well, I'd say she was shocked at what we did. As to her personally, it was kind of been there, done that, got the tee shirt."
"Can't say that surprises me."
"Me either."
"So what else?" he asked.
"As you can imagine, she was upset this morning when I told her I was moving in with you. I mean, that is what we're doing, right?"
"That's my intention."
"She was very concerned that I was acting hastily. Impetuously. Perhaps out of lust. So I told her about all of the other things you do. Listen to me. Talk to me. Solicit my opinion and take my feelings into account. Like instinctively knowing I'd love going to the Mallards game. But the clincher was when I told her all you did this morning to set things straight at work."
"Well, there was no way I was going to let that be a problem," he replied reassuringly.
"I know, but Judy thought it was proof that I was making a good decision, and that you really cared about me. Her biggest concern shifted to wondering when she'd see me again."
"I'd never prevent you from seeing her. Friends are friends and you've got to hold on to them."
"I know, so there's another thing. I invited Judy and her boyfriend, Bob, to our party on the eighteenth."
"Good idea. I want you to bring your life with you, not leave it behind."
"So I didn't overstep my bounds?"
"Not in the least. Like you said, it's our party. I did ask you to co-host after all. We're in this together."
"Speaking of together, there is one more thing Judy and I discussed, but...
"But what?"
"Damn it! I was hoping I would do this more smoothly, that I'd find the right moment, but it can't wait."
"Look, if you have something important to say, just say it. Don't wait for a moment that might never come. Why do you think I've babbled so often?"