“Works for me,” I replied as I sat next to him, “But I doubt I’ll ever be able look at them the same way ever again.”
“Oh really? How so?”
“Oh come on! You know the last time I had one, we were right here and I was an emotional wreck.”
“Yeah, I guess you were. How about now?”
“Well, I’m still an emotional wreck, but I mean that in a good way.”
“Do tell!”
Intentionally locking my eyes on his, I replied, “I’m on cloud nine now, but wearing underwear again is so damned restrictive!”
“I guess that’s my fault, but I’ll tell you what to do…”
I wasn’t sure where this was leading and his mischievous grin made me a little nervous despite that I usually loved when he did so.
“And that is?”
“When you get to the office this morning,” he started, barely controlling his laughter, “The first thing you should do is go see Betty and file a disability claim.”
“Oh, you are so wicked!” I teasingly chided, but couldn’t help joining his amusement, loving how he could always diffuse a situation with humor.
A timer dinged.
“Saved by the bell,” he said, rising and fetching the croissants from the oven with tongs and putting them on plates that he set before us.
As we began eating, any time we looked at each other, we snickered at his wonderfully preposterous suggestion.
About half way through, I’d finally regained my composure and said, “Can I ask you something?”
“Always, but as I’ve said before, you don’t have to ask.”
“I know, it’s an old habit, but I wanted you to know I’m serious.”
“Just so you know, I always take you seriously.”
“True and that’s one of the things that I really like about you. Anyway, what about now? I mean, what comes next? We’re going back to work and I just don’t know what to expect. How should I act about you?”
“Wow,” he said, “I guess you’ve got a lot on your mind!”
“I do. Normally I’d keep things to myself, but I feel I can tell you anything.”
“I can’t tell you what to do, but I can tell you what I’d like.”
“Okay…and that is?”
“What I’d like is you to pack a week’s worth of clothes and come back here after work today. I can help if you’d like, but it has to be your decision.”
Damn it! Tears welled up in my eyes.
“Uh-oh, did I say something wrong?” he asked.
“Far from it,” I answered as a droplet trickled down my cheek. “That would be wonderful. You’re just going have to get used to the fact that I can get weepy when I’m overjoyed.”
“I can live with that, but how will I know if you’re upset or overjoyed?”
“I’d be smiling.”
“Duh. I guess I walked right into that one. So now that it’s settled we’d better get a move on.”
As we drove back to my apartment, of course I still had one concerns spinning around in my head. George had put me at ease when I asked why he’d brought his laptop. He needed to meet with Chuck and debrief on his recent trip. Normally, they’d do it remotely, but George also wanted to let him know about us. And that, he wanted to do in person. How lovely, I thought, but that still left busybody Betty.
“One more thing,” I asked. “What will I do about Betty? You know how when she left on Friday, she was doing her best to drive us apart, but she’s probably been wondering all weekend what I did.”
“No doubt. So when you see her this morning — and I’m sure you will — thank her for making you my naughty little bitch.”
I slapped his arm playfully and said, “You are so bad.”
“I can’t help it. You bring it out in me. But seriously, stick with the truth. Just not whole truth. We had a nice get to know you chat on Friday, went to the Mallards game on Saturday. Then out to dinner and a stroll on the boardwalk Sunday.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t worry about it too much. When I talk to Chuck, I’ll politely deal with the Betty situation. After all, he’s the one who thought we should meet. And I’ll tell him the same story about our weekend.”
“Sounds like you’d really given that some thought.”
“I did, after all, it’s about you and me. There’s no point in hiding things and it would be best if we choose what to reveal and when.”
I gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “Thank you.”
“But there is one thing that surprises me,” he said.
“Oh?”
“Yeah, that you could keep your clothes on while we’re driving.”
“I know, right?” I confirmed, amused with his observation, “Don’t worry, I’m sure other opportunities will present themselves.”
“Speaking of missed opportunities, we never did get around to posting your wardrobe malfunction documentary.”
“Maybe tonight?”
“I was thinking of more immediate gratification.”
“Somehow, that sounds ominous.”
“I’ll text you the photos, so you can post them, should the urge arise.”
“I could get caught…”
“Your choice, but you can do it from the Ladies room. Just be sure to turn off your Wi-Fi. The company firewall blocks access to adult sites.”
“I’ll think about it,” I said, unsure if it would be appropriate.
“That’s all I could ask for. Tonight, maybe we’ll do some video editing, if you’re up for it.”
“So we can post them?”
“With your approval, of course. And now, unfortunately, we’re in your complex. So we’ll have to say good bye — for now. I’ll be counting the hours til I see you again.”
“Me too,” I replied as he parked. “Reality bites.”
George opened the door for me, retrieved my bag from the back of the car and we headed towards my apartment.
Taking the bag from him, I said, “I’ll take it from here. Judy’s going to be full of questions and I’d rather handle her alone.”
“You sure you don’t want a little immoral support?”
“Thanks, but I’m sure it will be immoral enough without you. Besides, we can be immoral tonight.”
“Okay, suit yourself. Just know I’ll be thinking of you.”
I dropped the bag and flung my arms around him. “I’m going to miss you too, but thanks so much for a lovely weekend.”
He returned my embrace and kissed me, just as I come to expect, hard and aggressively, with the usual effect, leaving me breathless and weak-kneed.
When he finally let go, I said, “You’re a great kisser, you know.”
“Wait til tonight and we’ll see how the rest of your body feels about that.”
“Til tonight,” I replied, picking up my bag and going to my apartment, without looking back, afraid I’d cry at the sight of his departing.
“Well, time to face the music,” I muttered as I unlocked the door. Upon entering I saw Judy, dressed for work in a red blouse and black slacks, drinking a cup of coffee and looking out the window that faced the parking lot.
“Good morning!” she said cheerfully. “I take it you had a good weekend?”
“Not really,” I replied, feigning dejection, but couldn’t suppress a wry smile. “Not good. Just the best weekend ever!”
“Judging by the kiss he just gave you, I’m not surprised. Damn, girlfriend, it left me hot and bothered.”
“You were watching?”
“Sure was. I’ve been waiting a good thirty minutes for you to get home so you could tell me all about it.”
“I will, within reason, but not now. I’ve got to get myself together for work and have to leave in about ten minutes.”
“How about a Reader’s Digest version?” she implored, following me like a puppy to my bedroom as I tossed my bag on the bed and headed to the bathroom to comb my hair and brush my teeth.