Jon was not really ready to move on. Miriam had left him to “find herself,” only six weeks ago, but his sister kept insisting that he put it behind him, and take the plunge again. He therefore reluctantly agreed to a bind date with her colleague, Eva.
It wasn’t going to be any more awkward than it needed be, just a cup of coffee and a chat. No planned meal with reservations, or anything. It could be short and sweet if they didn’t hit it off.
“So how long have you been a teacher?” Jon asked.
“About three years, and I really enjoy it. I love seeing the creativity, and expression the kids can give. That’s what’s great about teaching art.”
“So you’re an artist?” he asked, sincerely interested.
“Yes, I guess so. It’s kind of my passion.”
“Having passion is good,” he said – before blushing and quickly adding, “about your work I mean.”
He was now even more embarrassed and Eva took pity on him. “So Helen tells me you are an architect. Kind of an artist too,” she said with a wink.
“Um, yeah, but mostly just straight lines, and – and,” he trailed off.
Eva liked the shy innocence he was showing, and changed the subject to places she had been to on holiday and the beautiful buildings she had seen. Jon took the opportunity to overcome his momentary shyness and joined in with some travels of his own.
The conversation then fell onto Barcelona, a city they both had been to and loved. Art, Gaudí, parks, and food were recalled and enthusiastically discussed.
“I just adore paella,” Eva was concluding when Jon noticed that they had come to be holding hands across the table. Not only that, but two hours had passed, in what seemed mere minutes.
“Eva,” he said, “this has been really wonderful, but it’s getting kind of late. Do you think – do you think you might like to meet me again?” He asked, reddening again.
“Of course I would,” she responded.
As the left the cafe, Jon asked if he could walk her to her car.
“That would be really lovely,” she said, “I am parked across the street, next to the park.”
Hand in hand, they crossed over and then cut a little diagonal through vivid blue flowers in the park to get to her car.
“Aren’t these just so beautiful?” she said, more as a statement than a question. “I love turquoise.”
“Second most beautiful thing I have seen today,” he said reddening yet again,
At that, he suddenly felt the moist softness of her lips upon his. It was exquisite. They stood embraced, enjoying the gentle sensation of their joined lips, breathing each other’s air. They were both sure at that moment that this was for life.
Padre
Inspiration Call: Write about a unique first kiss.
Padre's Ramblings 