Page 35 of Call Me Sir

I nod.

Quietly we walk side by side and walk down the pier.

“Thanks for taking me out. Well, thank you for everything.”

My voice finally works again. “You’re welcome.”

He deserves what I’ve given and more. I turn my distracted thoughts to what I want to do to him tonight.

Halfway down the walk he stops and leans against the railing. I sip my drink and I set my drink on a post and wrap my arms around him.

Leaning down I press my lips to his exposed neck. I’m rewarded with a sweet sigh.

Resting my head against his, I ask, “how’s your drink?”

Taking a long sip, he thinks on it. “It’s not bad. It’s better than coffee which tastes like cigarettes.”

“Do you smoke?”

Scanning my memories I don’t recall smelling them on him.

“Nah. I tried when I was a teen. I have friends who smoke but it’s not really my thing.”

I take in his scent. I notice a hint of coconut and lime.

Releasing him, I grab my drink and we continue our walk.

The boards creek under us, occasionally rumbling as kids race past us. Or someone roller blades by.

“What’s the longest relationship you’ve ever had?”

The random questions pops a bubble of reality I didn’t realize was being held far away by helium.

I take a long swig of my drink. “7 years.”

I don’t miss the way his mouth gapes open.

A breathy chuckle escapes me. It’s been so long that the break up doesn’t put me in a choke hold like it used to.

I offer up his name. “Andy.” The power it used to hold over me is gone. “He was fun. He loved life. Not that I didn’t, but he wanted more.”

“What kind of more?”

The interesting question makes me tilt my head thoughtfully. “I was ready to settle down, he wasn’t.”

Cole isn’t looking at me when he says, “I get that.”

Half a dozen questions spring to mind. Like, is he the one who isn’t ready? Is he in the mood to date a handful of guys?

I bring my cup to my lips trying to pull my attention from the pressing thoughts.

We continue walking in the bright sun, our conversation shifting to more casual matters like the best time to get drinks on the beach and the best beach games. I make a mental note of his answers. Then try to scratch them away knowing this is a one time weekend love affair.

Nine

Cole

After basking in the sun and drinking our caffeine, we ride back to my place looking forward to a whole Saturday afternoon and evening with no plans.

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