3.
*******β
Sunday morning I awoke early and it took just a second to realize that last night hadn't been a delicious fantasy but that Veronica really was lying next to me. I looked at her with the visions from the previous day filling my head, seemingly an impossible dream, yet there she was asleep in my bed.
I watched Veronica for a few moments while I tried to makes sense of the events that led to her presence in my bed and finally came to the conclusion that it that would never make sense ... but also decided that I wasn't worried. I concluded that while many people might think we were looked an odd pair, Veronica and I needed each other.
I slipped out of bed, careful to avoid disturbing my goddess, pulled on a pair of boxers and a vest and went down to the kitchen and started the makings of tea. While the kettle was boiling I walked to the front door and picked up my Sunday newspaper from the door mat.
As I was pouring my tea I heard the toilet flush. A moment later, hearing movement, I turned, it was Veronica. She was naked. I stared, mesmerized by her beauty.
She smiled. "It's very flattering to have you looking at me but I think I'd be a little more comfortable if you could find me something to cover myself, something like what you're wearing."
I made a face and said, "Aw, that won't be as much fun ..." but nevertheless went into the bedroom and found her a clean pair of shorts and a tee shirt.
As I handed them to Veronica I said, "Would Madam like a cup of tea?"
She nodded. "Yes thank you Dougie, that would be very nice."
There was an odd formality to our conversation considering our intimacy from the night before. I was new to this situation but I figured it was probably fairly normal behaviour for two relative strangers who awoke to find themselves together after a night of casual sex.
Veronica pulled on the clothes I offered and sat down. I brought her a cup of tea, put bread in the toaster, then sat down at the kitchen table with her. I felt we were acting just like a married couple.
I opened the Sunday paper and maintained the illusion by asking, "Would you like to read the newspaper?"
She sipped her tea and nodded, "Thank you, yes. Is there a magazine section?"
I handed her the colour supplement and took the business section for myself.
For a few minutes we both read silently and sipped our tea and then Veronica suddenly looked up and said, "Dougie, listen to this."
She read me a story about a dog rescue, I listened and after we talked about the incident for a moment we both went back to our reading. A minute later she started giggling and read me a story about a mugger who fled the scene only to run straight into a police station. I shared in her laughter as I got the toast and put the slices on a plate.
For the next hour we sat in the kitchen, eating breakfast and taking turns reading from the Sunday paper. It was a wonderful start to the day and my fantasy of this being how a 'normal' married couple behaved was furthered when once it was warm enough we moved out onto the balcony to enjoy the morning sun.
We viewed the passers-by on the towpath below and spotted a few wading birds on the opposite bank of the canal and it was so wonderfully 'normal'.
Then the spell was broken when Veronica looked at me and said, "Dougie, I've had a wonderful time with you, but I think it's time for me to go home. I have things I need to be getting on with."
I slowly nodded my head. The past twenty-four hours had been a fairy tale come true and I didn't want it to end, but I knew it was inevitable. Veronica was a beautiful woman and a busy lady and I was quite certain she must have many handsome men eagerly waiting for their turn to entertain her. I was a total nerd, a wimpy schoolteacher, and I fully understood that I should be grateful that I had been allowed to spend one wonderful day with this bewitching goddess. Nonetheless, although disappointed inside, I put on a brave face and quietly waited while Veronica collected her things. Once she was ready we went out of the front door, down to find my 'funny little car' and then made the drive to Veronica's apartment in uncomfortable silence. The relaxed, easy going feeling that had existed between us earlier was now gone, the atmosphere distinctly uncomfortable; it almost seemed like an evil spell had been cast over us.
I pulled over to the kerb in front of Veronica's address and she leaned over, kissed my cheek and said, "Dougie, thank you for a wonderful evening."
I longed to take her in my arms and cover her with kisses ... but I didn't. I was afraid. Instead I politely said, "It was my pleasure."
Veronica nodded and got out of my car.
I sat mutely at the curb and watched as the woman of my dreams walked up the path to disappear into her apartment building.
After the front door shut behind her I continued to sit at the kerb. I couldn't bring myself to drive away. I didn't want to leave, but I didn't know what else to do so I just sat and stared at the view through the windscreen, seeing but not seeing.
My daydream was interrupted when suddenly my mobile rang. I picked it up and heard, "Dougie?"
It was Veronica.
I quietly said, "Yes."
"Why are you still parked in front of my house?"
Embarrassed by the sharp tone of her voice, I stammered,. "Yes, I'm sorry Veronica. I'll leave immediately."
"No, don't go, I'll be right out."
"I ahh..."
"Dougie, please stay there. I'll be down in a second."
Suddenly the front door opened and she stepped out holding her phone to her ear. For a moment she stood on the doorstep staring at me. Then she ran down the path to my car, came around to the driver's side, pounded on my window and said, "Dougie, get out of the car."
I opened the car door and stepped out. As soon as I was standing in the street Veronica threw her arms around my shoulders. As she hugged me she said, "Why did you let me go?"
I didn't know what to say.
Veronica held me and said, "Dougie, please don't leave me."
I put my arms around her and said, "I thought you were bored with me."