I never thought I’d see him again, I’d rattled off my number and quickly walked away. I thought it was hardly likely he would ever call me. Well….. that wasn’t exactly how it went. One Friday my phone rang and when I answered, an unfamiliar voice said my name. I couldn’t figure out who it was until he said “this is Mark, we met on the beach remember?”. It all came flooding back, the big tall guy who talked a lot. Mark wanted to invite me out for a drink and I thought why not? I graciously accepted and gave him directions to pick me up.
I figured that since it was a Friday night we were probably going to the Gap so I should wear something that said ‘island living’. I chose simple black Capri pants and a lime green chiffon top with skinny straps that crisscrossed my back. I decided on black platform slippers to go with my outfit. I always hesitate when it comes to choosing what shoes to wear because I think it makes a guy feel weird if his date is taller than he is! but that was definitely not ever going to be an issue in Mark’s case, he was probably 6′-4″ tall.
When Mark drove up and I stepped into his SUV I saw that he had made an effort as well. He wore a white linen shirt tucked into black jeans and his cologne smelled like something pricey. He wore bold jewelry that complemented his simple outfit and I liked that he obviously cared about his appearance and knew how to dress well. We drove off and I did not get to say much because Mark loved to talk! He would ask me a question and by the time I was halfway through my answer he would be talking about something else! at first it was annoying, I love to hear myself talk too! but after a while I thought maybe its a nervous habit, so I let him to drone on.
We went to a classy beachfront restaurant which was owned by friends of his. He introduced me to the owners, an older British couple – and a few others we joined at the bar. Everyone seemed to know and like him and they welcomed me into their circle like I belonged. Mark behaved as though we had known each other for years, and I think that was the impression everyone got. He spoke mainly with his friends but checked to ensure I was comfortable from time to time asking ‘baby are you Ok?” or “can I get you another drink?”. He seemed naturally affectionate, holding my hand or putting an arm around my shoulders every now and then.
By the time we were ready to leave I was feeling relaxed and comfortable and liking the fact that I didn’t have to say much! Mark was not nervous, he just talked a lot! On the drive back I realized he wasn’t heading back to my place. “Where are we going? I asked. “I hope you don’t mind a little drive? I don’t want to let you go just yet” he said.
To be continued….
