Page 6 of Brighton

“What is it you do for a living, Brighton?” Edward took a seat on a nearby bench. Not too close but not too far either. A comfortable distance.

“I’m an accountant.” Most people underestimated the depth of knowledge and amount of research it took to be successful in my chosen career field. Though those whom we audited grasped that concept very fast.

“That’s fantastic. Did you just graduate from college?” Edward truly appeared to be interested, which I found refreshing.

“About eighteen months ago. I got the job with this firm straight out of college. I’m a math geek and I love crunching numbers. I’m learning the auditing portion now and I’m excited to dive further into it.” Why was it so easy to talk to Edward, and a perfect stranger at that?

“Brighton, I hope it’s not too forward of me to ask but would you allow me to buy you lunch today?”

“Oh, um, I planned to eat at the restaurant in the aquarium.”

“Could I join you then? I love eating there as well.” Edward smiled, and I nodded. Words escaped me as I followed the handsome man who’d asked to dine with me. We stopped along the way and visited a few more animals. I snapped a ridiculous number of pictures and couldn’t stop smiling. Not only had I fulfilled a promise to myself, but my zoo membership was a donation that would help with the upkeep of the animals and the park and could also be claimed on my taxes. It was a win-win for all parties involved.

“Table for two, please. Near the shark tank, if possible,” Edward told the hostess as we walked inside. My eyes widened as the ginormous tanks that filled the restaurant came into view.

“This is so cool.” I followed Edward and the hostess to the table, and nearly tripped several times. Edward’s hand appeared at the base of my spine and guided me in the right direction. “Sharks! Sharks are right here.”

He smiled brightly. “Yes, dear boy. I thought you’d enjoy being near their tank.”

There it was, that word again.Boy. But it didn’t come across negatively, at least not when Edward said it. That smile of his made me weak in the knees. Was I crushing on this man? My overanalytical brain was hard at work deciphering my reactions.

“Yes, thank you. Great suggestion.” I buried my face behind the menu to hide the embarrassment. I was like a child in an aquatic wonderland here, my excitement barely contained and to say I was new at flirting would be an understatement.

“Do you know what you’d like to eat?” Edward asked a few moments later.

“Oh, um. I think I’ll have the pulled pork sliders and fries.” The waitress walked up as I answered. “Oops, sorry.”

“No need to be sorry, I got it. What would you like to drink?” she sweetly asked.

“Iced tea, please.”

“And for you, sir?” She turned to Edward.

“Actually, that sounds perfect. I’ll have the same, please.”

My eyes darted every which way as I took it all in. My feet were barely contained with the urge to run to each tank and press my face against the glass. Each time I looked at Edward he was watching me, his smile bright as though he was having a good time . Possibly even enjoyed my company. When was the last time anyone looked at me like that? Try, never.

“I’m sorry, I hope I’m not being rude, it’s just,” my hand flailed wildly around. “This is amazing.”

“You are not being rude in the least. I love your childish exuberance and am enthralled with this place myself which is why I have an annual membership.”

I don’t know what came over me, but I whipped my new card out to show him. “Me, too!”

His laughter was infectious as I joined in his merriment. “That’s fantastic, Brighton. Good for you!”

Beaming, beamed? Were those even words people still used? Either way, his power of positivity and praise had me beaming. They weren’t very busy today, and our food came out quickly and halted our conversation as we focused on eating. “Mmm,” I moaned around the first bite. Barbeque wasn’t generally my go to but I’m glad I’d chosen it today. “This is fantastic.”

“I have to agree, definitely hits the spot.”

“So, Edward. Tell me about you. Married? Kids?” I rattled off.

“No husband, no kids.” He answered the questions while identifying his sexuality. Nice. Smart.

“You? Girlfriend? Boyfriend? Kids? Pets?”

“None of the above.” My focus had been on school and my future. I’d never so much as looked at another with a desire to pursue them, no matter the gender. Was I interested in Edward? The thought made my insides bubbly, or was that from the pulled pork?Pull it back around, Brighton.He’s staring at you.“I was thinking about getting a pet. A cat.”

“That’s wonderful. You should check Ms. Kitty’s Shelter. There are far too many lost souls wishing for a forever home there.” When he put it like that, how could I not?

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