Chocolate Vanilla Sweets

Chapter 5

I shed my suit and change quickly into a blue sweater and mint grey jeans. I grab a light jacket. They are predicting snow in a few weeks. Rufus indicates he wants to go outside with me. But Roger, the dog walker had already come by, "Roger has already taken you walking Rufus. I'm going to look for a friend. Be a good boy until I get back okay?" Rufus wags his tail and does a friendly bark. "That a boy," I say, rubbing his head. Rufus has been the love of my life, ever since I got him as a pup four years ago. There was no need to have a woman living in my space. I was fine using dating apps like Happn and Hinge. No commitment. Although, there is Barbara. My beautiful dating partner on and off for the last six years. Barbara and I have an understanding. If neither of us are hitched by the age of forty, we'll get married. We weren't in love or anything. But we were both successful businesspeople and fully understood each other. I turn thirty-six next year, and still find it difficult to settle down. The possibility of marrying Barbara is becoming real with each passing year.

By the time I whizz downstairs, Suzanne's still in the lobby and is growing very impatient. I can tell by the way she's tapping her boot on the floor, while sitting.

"Your boss is clearly late." I say, surprising her.
"I guess she is." Suzanne's voice is tight.
"What'd you say we go to a nearby coffee shop? It's the best in this part of the city?" I say.

Suzanne chuckles, stands and hides her delicious figure in a snuggle white Fall jacket. "Sir Michael! You're on." She laughs taking my arm. We are back to our old days, where she calls me "Sir Michael".

Perhaps I should call her "Sue."

The coffee shop is warm and cozy. We order coffee, cookies and cake. I ask Suzanne if she had gotten the chance to visit my parents. They live in a penthouse apartment on 52nd street.

"Of course, Mike! Your parents are the benefactors of my fine education. They are absolutely incredible!" Suzanne quips.

"They are very proud of you. We all are!" I smile.
"How is Doug?" Sue asks.

"He's getting married on Valentine's Day!"

"Stop! Doug. Married. Wow! I am so happy for him. So, he's going to take the plunge," Suzanne's eyes are a brilliant brown and for a moment I am lost.

"Michael!" Sue brings me back from gazing. It's an embarrassing moment and I blush.

"Doug had called me when he got back from Milan. He wanted to know if I needed help with anything." Sue says as a forkful of cake disappears into her mouth, "your mom told him I was here."

I nod, sipping my coffee. I felt like a jerk. I didn't call Sue, but my brother did. My brother, the stiff, snobbish one. I run my hand over my face, "Hey Sue, I am sorry..." I try to apologize for not meeting up with her earlier. But she brushes the comment aside with her hand, like she's brushing away an insect, "No need to explain Sir Mike. I know how busy you are." She replies.

I grow uncomfortable. Her smile is adorable. I am relieved that she swats away my apology. I can't explain not calling her. How can I explain that I've dreamt of her since she was skinny twig in high school? How can I explain that she continues to be one of the brightest, funniest people I know, and I am happy just being in her presence? I can't explain any of it. Oh, how I wish I could.