The drive to Barbara's shore house was less than an hour but I was filled with anticipation. You see, Barb and I became close friends at work. She was always so lovely and giving of herself, we instantly hit it off like we knew each other all of our lives. Our coworkers teased about it being the Barb and Melissa show whenever we'd plan an office event. They were always appreciative as we, more like Barb, always went full stop with every event, never leaving out a single detail. Whenever I went to her house or shore house, she was always doting and thought of everything. Guests never left hungry or wanting.
I pulled up to their gorgeous shore home just down the block from the beach and boardwalk and, as I turned off my car, I heard my phone vibrate from inside of my purse. There was a message from Barb. It read "Hi Missy! Sorry to say I won't be able to make brunch with you today as my sister called and needed me to help her with a time critical issue at her work. We will catch up this evening. Go in and make yourself at home (as usual :) ) the guest room is ready for you. Dan is home and you guys can hang out. Make him take you to brunch! ;) I am so excited you are staying with us for the weekend! We will have so much fun! Love you XOXO!"
Sigh. I grabbed my purse and small suitcase and headed for the front door. A gentle breeze played with my dress as my heels clicked on the walkway. I was already dressed for brunch at this lovely little bistro on the boardwalk. Barb and I love to get dolled up for each other as we are share a love for fashion. I had on this silky white sundress with pink and red flowers strew across that came down to my knees in a full skirt. It had a wide boatneck with little ruffled cap sleeves. I paired it with high heeled white sandals showing off my pedicure and a floppy, wide brimmed hat with a bow on it. Our brunches together were always dressy and feminine.
Dan greeted me in his normal warm and welcoming smile. "Melissa! Come on in! it's great to see you!" He opens the door and we exchange our usual friendly peck on the cheek. "Hope traffic wasn't too awful for you." Like Barb, Dan knew how to dress. He was an impeccable dresser. And he had the body to showcase it. He was a former professional baseball player, though short lived due to a career ending injury, and he stood at a towering 6'4 to my 5'5 frame. And he is incredibly handsome, in fact, hot. I took notice of his perfectly cut slacks showing off a perfect derriere and his large pecs and washboard six pack was easily seen through his polo. And his cologne...I have to find out what that is that makes me swoon so badly every time he's leaned in for a peck on the cheek or a hug. Dan, though, was always the perfect gentleman and so nice. He was the perfect match for a gorgeous wife like Barb. I always thought they were the "A" couple.
Dan grabbed my suitcase from me. "Here, I'll put this away in your room. We'll have to hurry to make our reservations on time. I told Barb to keep the reservations and I would take you since she couldn't. She thought that was a great idea!"
"Aw, you didn't have to do that. You guys are too much!"
"Listen, we'll have fun." He looked at me up and down. "We can't waste that gorgeous outfit on just sitting around, can we?"
I can feel myself blush. "Dan, you're too kind!" I wished silently that I would find a man just like Dan whom I could share my life with in the future. He is amazing and had all of the attributes a girl could want.
"C'mon, let's go!" Dan led the way, opening doors for me and even his SUV. He drove an Expedition and gently held my hand as I climbed up into the passenger's seat, no simple feat in heels. What did I say about him? The Perfect Gentleman!
We arrived at the boardwalk restaurant. In typical Dan fashion, he pulled the chair out for me. So rare these days. Even my dates don't do this often. But this was him through and through. It was natural for him. A sign of a great upbringing!
We chatted up a storm. Talked about everything. Even baseball. He gets carried away when that subject comes up. He's still connected through a few of his friends who were teammates and now were managing other teams. He always apologizes when he over does it but I love hearing about his adventures. It's a life most people will never know and it's exciting.
Brunch was amazing. Dan, again, paid the check in spite of my best efforts to give him money.
"Are you up for a stroll on the boardwalk, Missy?"
"Yes! You don't have to ask me twice!" I hastily responded.
We walked for the better part of an hour, up and back down, in and out of some of the shops along the way. The gentle breeze was turning into a more persistent wind and I found myself having to hold onto my dress and hat more often. We both laughed at that. Dan suggested we head back home after watching me struggle to keep my modesty in check. I thought that might be the best idea and then I could change into something more casual. Dan kept a close eye on me, though, and he kept looking down at my billowing dress. I was thinking he was hoping it would blow up over my head in a Marylin moment and get a peak at my little floral print undies. I was feeling a bit playful (the mimosas were working on me) and would let the skirt flow up a bit more before catching it. We'd just laugh. Although climbing into his SUV, it almost happened! When my dress blew up suddenly, Dan, saved the day by grabbing the runaway skirt and holding it down to help me. There goes the blushing again. Chivalry is not dead yet, so I thought.
As we arrived home, dizzy from the smell of his amazing cologne, we walked inside. I sat down on the couch for a minute not really wanting to change my outfit. I felt like such a fem fatale and I secretly enjoyed the attention my dress was getting from Dan, and even a few others on the boards. Dan reappeared with two more mimosas.
