11:50 AM (Part 3 point two)
Here You Are, Mine, After All This Time
I imagined being with her in high school. I’ve orchestrated this meet:cute. Now, we will be.
At 11:50 AM, my iPhone’s cosmic ringtone signals that it’s time for brunch with the woman of all my dreams since I was fifteen years old. I was on a business trip and happened to be in a local bar when I saw her. I arranged this date the same night.
A minute later, I stepped out of the hotel room and headed to the restaurant on the third floor.
I planned my outfit the night before.
I project devastation, determination and sex appeal.
I knew it.
I smiled devilishly now as I look at my reflection in the shiny elevator walls.
I walk into the Clocktower restaurant and I see her right away. I ignore the maitre’d as I stride towards her, our eyes locked.
I think, ‘Here you are, Nichelle. You are all mine. We’ll be together now’
‘Oh my Lord,’ she thinks, ‘He looks so good.’
She was thinking her black dress was all wrong, but now she was delighted that they were both dressed in dark colors.
His outfit was dark and black, from head to toe: a handsome crewneck; a classic bomber jacket made with smooth lambskin leather; and inky wash, relaxed fit jeans that stress his strong thighs.
She could not look away from him. She feels like he has captured her soul and body. She is aware that her body tightens and throbs in response to him and she feels aware of all of him.
He reaches for her and she automatically stretches her hand out to him.
I smile, stretch out my hand, and pull her up.
“Nichelle, thanks for meeting me,” I whisper against her ear. I can feel her tremble as my lips brush her lobes.
Then I step back, looking at her from face to toe. I do not try to hide my appreciation.
“You look amazing.”
Her black shift dress hugs all her curves deliciously. Her leather oxfords remind me of the shoes she wore in high school. I loved her braids today; she pulled them back into a severe bun. She smelled divine too.
When she smiles sheepishly and says, “Thank you, Casper. You look amazing,” I feel my heart race and blood rushes to primal parts.
“What are you drinking?” I ask, trying to distract myself.
“Oh, it’s a super strong brunch concoction.”
I tell the host, who just caught up with me, that I’ll start with the same.
Nichelle and I never spoke in high school. I was always surrounded by many girls but noticed she never sought me out. I used to imagine what talks with her would have been like; she was smart and serious. It dawns on me now, my dreams are coming true right now. I was with Nichelle.
I feel excited and happy.
Our conversation flows effortlessly — we talk about the past and present, our hopes and dreams for the future. I can’t believe I’m here with her after so many years apart.
We finish brunch and stand up to leave. She takes my hand in hers and stares into my eyes, her lips curling into a smile.
“Casper, I can’t believe we’ve met after all this time. Did you know I had the biggest crush on you when we were in high school?”
I kiss her cheek after I pull her close. “I’ve been looking for you for a long time,” I reply.
She looks at me with wide eyes and says, “It was worth the wait.”
Her brain is alight with excitement.
Casper Merritt has happened into her life now like a cosmic event. Her feelings for him are spiritual, physical, vast and deep.
He takes her hand now, and they walk out of the restaurant, ready to begin their future together.
The End.
© 2022 K. Joseph, all rights reserved.