Page 30 of Remember That Time

Gianni had been pretty firm on his friends only boundaries. I planned to test those boundaries, but I wouldn't cross them until I had his permission. Despite what the media liked to report, I was not a beast. If all I could ever be to Gianni was a friend, I'd accept it. I just hoped for more.

Waiting for work to be over was excruciating. By the time five o'clock rolled around, I had mastered clock watching. The second the big hand hit the five, I grabbed my stuff and headed out the door.

I got more than a few surprised looks.

Having no social life to speak of, I tended to stay late at the office. People were used to seeing behind my computer as they left work. They weren't used to me speeding out of the office at a fast clip.

Vasso should have already done what I'd asked him to do, so I knew I just needed to get home, shower, and change into something a little more comfortable. I didn't want to meet Gianni in a three piece suit. I wanted our evening together to be more casual.

This wasn't a board meeting.

I arrived home soon enough and hurried upstairs to my penthouse. Vasso was waiting for me at the door. "Is everything ready?"

Gianni was to be here in a half hour.

"It is, sir. Dinner is almost done and I've set a place for you to eat on the patio. As soon as your guest arrives, I will light the candles and the fire pit."

"Thank you, Vasso. I'm going to jump in the shower and change my clothes. Would you put on some jazz?"

I figured a little background music would be nice, but I wanted something mellow and soothing. I didn't want it to overtake our possible conversation.

"Of course, sir."

Without saying another word, I headed for my bedroom and ultimately the bathroom. I only had about thirty minutes left and I wanted to be prepared for when Gianni arrived.

My heart was beating a little faster and there was a strong sense of anticipation filling me. I admit, I hadn't felt something like this in longer than I could remember.

Showering was done quickly. Picking out something casual to wear for our "first date" was a bit trickier. I went through my entire closet before finally settling on a simple pair of tan slacks and a white button down shirt.

After pulling them on, I neatly rolled the sleeves halfway up my forearm and left the first couple of buttons at the collar undone. I finished the ensemble with a tan leather belt and matching loafers. Lastly, I splashed a little cologne on my neck and wrists and then headed out of the bedroom.

The soft sounds of Coltrane filled the air. I stopped for a moment, closing my eyes as I listened to the soft sultry music. I wanted soothing music and that's exactly what I got. I could feel the tension rolling off of me by the second.

Of course, it all came rushing back when I heard the doorbell ring.

"I've got it," I told Vasso when I saw him heading for the door. I wanted to greet Gianni myself. Well, truth be told, I wanted all of his attention for myself.

Yeah, it was petty.

Sue me.

I had a smile on my face even before I opened the front door. "Gianni."

A flickered moved across my forehead when I saw a small shudder shake the man. "I see you found the place."

Gianni's smile was somewhat shy, which was weird. "It wasn't that hard."

"Come in, come in." I stepped back to allow Gianni into my home. As soon as he passed me, I closed and locked the door. "Can I take your jacket?"

I had dressed casually and so had Gianni. His was a button down shirt and a pair of faded denim jeans. I still nearly swallowed my tongue when he took his black leather jacket off and turned to face me, holding the jacket out to me.

"Thank you."

I quickly hung the jacket up in the closet and then led Gianni through the penthouse to the patio just off the living room. "Can I get you a drink?"

"Oh, um, do you have anything non-alcoholic?"

I was a bit surprised, but I wasn't going to argue about it.

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