After our second date, we walk back to The Bar. He has to close up; I need to sober up before driving home. At that time of night, the only customers left are the regulars–drunk-they goad each other on about Liverpool and Manchester football.
I sit alone on a bar stool letting his last words to me sink in.
“I’m trouble.”
“Are you trying to warn me or stop me?”
“A little bit of both, I guess.”
***
A couple of minutes later he joins me at the bar as I twirl my straw around a glass.
“I’m sorry for confusing you.”
“It’s alright. But, why did you feel the need to tell me that?”
“Because I think very highly of you.”
***
Alone again, one of the regulars–a drunk Scotsman and Liverpool fan–strikes up a conversation with me.
“You’re gorgeous.”
“Thank you.”
“Does he know that?” [points to The Man.]
“I hope so.”
“I should tell him.”
“No, please don’t.”
“Although, he already fancies you.”
“How can you tell?”
“I know him. He’s really shy. And I’ve never seen him talk to anyone like that before.”
“Hey, what you doing?” a different, Manchester fan drunkard yells from across the room.
“I’m doing what Manchester United doesn’t do. I’m assisting.”
***
The Bar is closed. The blinds drawn. The waiters and their friends mill around. The Scotsman is almost ready to depart.
[To me] You’re gorgeous.
[To The Man] You’re gorgeous.
[To both of us] You should shag.
***
He walks me to my car. We talk until we are so cold that I suggest we sit inside my car. Inside, we talk until I need to pee so badly that he suggests we go to his place–down the road.
***
Side by side on the couch, we watch the countdown to the New Hampshire primaries on CNN.
“It’s a little weird that you’re so into it” he teases me with a smile on his face.
“Shhhh!”
He laughs.
***
It is 5-ish. We sit side by side on the couch. Still. I am wearing his hooded sweater. It is double my size.
“Just relax for a bit.” He nudges me to lean on him.
I lie my head on his chest. His arm is around me, stroking me gently, instantly.
My eyes are closed.
“Look. It’s that male reporter wearing too much make-up again”.
I open my eyes, I laugh. I look up at him. The sparkle in our eyes dance off each other.
***
He brings a blanket to the couch.
Tucks me in.
Switches off the lights.
Lies down next to me.
And in the darkness, our lips meet.
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I’ve always wanted to just say to somebody “I’m trouble”. Except I’m really not, so it’d be lying.
Gah! I feel like I’ve been waiting for this post forever!!
Finally. I’m so happy for you – sounds like you had a great time :).
Yay!
And I love the way you told the story.
Yesssssssssssssssssssssss. Victory is yours! Errr, well, you know what I mean. :) You were very patient and also brave in getting to this point – I feel it’s safe to say you went out of your comfort zone for this guy. Glad to see you’re having some fun with him now!
WOOT!!!!! WOOT!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!! Love this story! :-D
so i just read your comment on my post today and had to rush over IMMEDIATELY! this is great news. and a kiss, too?!
i am so happy for you hope! :D
How beautiful… I feel like I’m reading one of those ‘how we met’ stories. Yay for Hope!
“Finally” should be the label for this post instead!
Loosing my virginity had to wait less than this kiss to happen!!
Victory!!!!
Go Hoooope
Go Hooope
I may have just squealed and jumped up and down!
That is completely awesome. YAY for first kisses and staying up all night!! :-)
I wish you were here so I could give you a big hug and shriek in your ear! SO EXCITING!
oh, hope, YAY!!!! :)
best way to be written.
best way for it to happen.
best all over it.
Oh holy hell this is AWESOME NEWS! Yay.
YAY YAY YAY!
(too much?)
GAH! What everyone else said!
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Yessssssssss. Clearly that’s what we’ve all (and I guess you are included!) been waiting for!
More deets. More! Please.
Lovely story. And well told.
Also…
Go Liverpool!!!
Oh my gosh. I am so excited for you, my eyes got all misty. Damn you for writing such a beautiful scene so eloquently. Damn you!
Swoon! What a great night for you!
yes yes yes yes!!!
I don’t even care how much trouble he is! It is damn well time!!
Beautiful. Perfectly described.
Normally I just lurk, but this post was enough to bring me out of the woodwork. Well played miss hope! hope: 1 Australia: 0.
you are a fantastic story teller. :)
Yay Yay Yay!!!!!!!!!!!
BTW: I am so envious of the way you are able to convey things in your posts. Glorious writing, Hope.
Beautifully written, Hope. As always.
It’s so weird reading these posts when I (sort of) know the outcome from your guest blog…
…yet I’m *still* on the edge of my seat!! Definitely a credit to your writing skills my dear! Love you!
I know I’m six months late here but that post just gave me goose bumps!
Three years ago, I told someone that I should come with a warning label (after I’d totally humiliated myself). He was sweet at the time, but I think he believes it now… *insert sigh here* I hadn’t even thought that it might draw him in… and he’s the one who should have come with the warning label.
I believe you just owned Australia. Also, Scotland is now my favorite place because of that guy.
“I’m doing what Manchester United doesn’t do. I’m assisting.”
Thank goodness, Hope! I’m so happy for you, I can’t get this smile off of my fiace.