Awakenings: The Greek, The Russian and Me

Chapter 10

The morning shift at the restaurant goes by so fast. I find myself working on autopilot as my brain goes over the details of yesterday's surprise encounter with Conn and the wonderful evening with Erik and his friends. Before I know it, I'm counting out my cash box and getting ready to make the deposit. In the locker room, I run into Pam as she is getting ready to start her shift. "So how did it go? You are glowing today," she says with a smile.

"I had a really good time; Erik is a nice guy. We are meeting on Wednesday to work on the class project."

She is pulling out a package from the massive bag that she totes around and hands it to me. "Got this for you. I think it's the right size. I hope you like it. Go ahead; open it."

Surprised, I take the package and open it to find a beautiful black skirt with multitone tiny pink flowers. "Oh, Pam. It's so pretty, and the fabric is so soft. Thank you so much. I'm going to wear it today," I say while hugging Pam tightly.

She smiles and quickly adds, "Don't forget a little makeup, some lip gloss, and you'll be a knockout." I laugh as I carefully put away the skirt and gather the rest of my belongings.

Thank heavens I live really close to the airport and it only takes me about ten minutes to drive home. Conn will be here at four; I still have to take a shower and get ready. As I enter the house, I see Mom is getting ready to go to work; she is working a double tonight. As she feeds the cats, she reminds me, "Don't forget that I'm going away with the girls on Thursday and won't be back till Sunday morning. Don't forget to feed the cat and lock the door when you leave the apartment." Inwardly I'm thrilled to have the house to myself. She gives me a kiss on the forehead on her way out, and I'm relieved that she is finally gone. I dash to my room, take off my clothes, and head to the bathroom for a shower. The hot water feels wonderful. As I soap up my body, I wonder where we are going today, and a thrill of excitement courses through me. I quickly get out of the shower and head for my bedroom, where I have the skirt Pam gave me careful- ly stretched out on my bed. I look in the closet for a top that will complement the skirt, and I settle for a green scoop-neck T-shirt. Glancing at the clock, I see it's 3:15 p.m. already. I decide on some black ballerina flats and head for the bathroom to dry my hair. Looking in the mirror, I try to tame my wavy hair and brush it several times as Pam did, but it seems to have a life of its own to- day, so I opt to twist it and lay it on the side. Now for some makeup. Hmmm, definitely some mascara, and maybe a touch of eye shadow and Pam's lip gloss. I hear the door- bell and panic. Oh no, he is here already. I quickly spray a bit of Chloe perfume. Grabbing my belongings, I lock the door and run down the stairs. Conn is waiting casually reclined on the front fender of his car. He's wearing a dark-blue pinstripe shirt with several buttons undone and a form-fitting pair of blue jeans with a black belt and black shoes. As I slowly walk over to him, I see that he is looking me over with an approving smile. Feeling suddenly reassured and filled with nerves, I bite my lower lip while a smile escapes me. He opens the passenger door as he says in a deep voice, "You look lovely today." As I turn to thank him, I realize that his lips are on mine for a brief but electrifying kiss. My senses are reeling as I enter his car.

He turns on the car and begins driving. Not knowing what to say next, I opt to enjoy the thrill of his touch as he holds and caresses my hand while he drives. "Did you have dinner yet? Are you hungry?" he asks.

"No, I haven't had dinner, but I'm not too hungry."

"Well, we can go to this café I know and get some- thing light to eat if you want," he says as he briefly glances in my direction.

"Sure, I'm fine with whatever you want to do."

"Really?" he replies slowly in a deep, raspy voice that makes my blood run hot.