I wait to see surprise or pity or even predatory eyes, but all I see is understanding. Who is this man?
Who was he?
I did not try to pretend I do not understand what he is asking me. But before I can answer, the waiters return with our drinks and appetizer. I ordered a peach lemonade and Joshua ordered a glass of The Macallan Select Reserve 1946 whiskey and a charcuterie plate and a shellfish platter. When they finally set all the food up on the acrylic tray tables made for eating on the sofa, I look over at him and say.
“Joshua we can’t eat all this food.”
He signals the waiters, and they move the food to the dining table, while he escorts me to the table. He sits me in one of the high back chairs and takes his seat.
Who made these chairs? I literally melt into the chair. It is like a high back king and queen Barcalounger. I need these chairs.
“Joshua who made these chairs?”
“I can get you the maker's name.”
“Thank you, these chairs are amazing.”
He chuckles, “Yes, they are very comfortable.”
So, as we begin to eat, I go back to his question.
“My children’s father. We were together for twenty years before I finally walked away for good. So, for the past eight years I have worked on me, my finances, credit, and began dating myself. I began going back to school and traveling to all the places he didn’t want to go. Just loving myself and loving life.”
“That had to be difficult to basically start over in a way at that stage in life.”
“It was difficult but liberating at the same time. I no longer had to worry about another person and how they would feel about what I did, where I went. I no longer had to think for two or maneuver like a couple.
“So, you didn’t miss the companionship or couple-ness of a relationship?”
“No, unfortunately or fortunately he taught me how to be alone and that I can live this life alone. So, when I walked away there wasn’t much to miss. I missed having someone to share all the things I was experiencing with but he never wanted to share anything with me when we were together, so it wasn’t that different. I just grew closer to myself and my daughter became my travel partner and best friend. What about you Joshua?”
Joshua
I sit there and digest what she just told me about her children’s father, and I want to meet this male because I need to know what the hell he was thinking. Did he truly not understand what he had? Or was he one those cocky men who feel like their woman would never leave them? Yeah, I hope our paths cross because if she’ll let me have her, I will never give her up or give her a reason to leave.
“I have never been in a serious relationship, Savvy. All my encounters have been mutually casual. Going straight from high school to the military did not leave much time and once I decided not to reenlist my brothers and I focused on starting our company. Even though we are still pretty busy our company is established so it does not require as much of my attention as it used to.”
I watch her mull over what I just told her. I take my time focused on her and think back to when I helped her out the car. She looked fucking edible and I damn near set on the roof of the car, snatched her panties off and had my dinner right there. I bet she tastes like spun sugar, and I can’t wait to find out, but I will take my time with Savannah because I can tell she needs that.
I love that she loved the restaurant, this place means a lot to us as our first real build, and it turned out better than we had hoped. We were featured in several magazines and the architect from the restaurant we modeled our restaurant after came over to view and partake in our creation. It is important that my wife understand and take pride in my work as I will do the same for her.
I like that she eats, and she does not pick at her food. She enjoys her meal and I’m glad because not only does it show her level of comfort around me whether she realizes it; but it also shows her comfortability with herself and her body.
“Did you want to order an entrée?”
“Please no. I am already borderline full.”
“How about desert then?”
“We still have half of this food left!”
“We can get this to go if you are willing to spend a little more time together.”
Her shoulders slump a little and I know what she is thinking so I let her know where I am coming from.
“Savvy, please understand if all I wanted was some pussy, I can get that anywhere. That’s not what I am after with you. I will never take what is not freely given and I will never pressure you into anything, ever. If I say to you, I do not want this evening to end. I mean for us to go someplace more private where we can talk and further get to know each other, and nothing will happen that you don’t want. That I swear to you.”
I watch her scrutinize my words and finally conclude.“Yes, I would like desert and I would be ok going with spending more time with you tonight.”