A Very 80's Infatuation - manxman

8. Rush Hour

Song: Rush Hour by Jane Wiedlin

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Jessie has set me and Ethan up on a man-date to get to know each other a little better. I felt so rejected when I went round to his place hoping to clear the situation up, but I ended up feeling less clear about things.

He made it obvious he didn't want to see me like that though so even if he liked me, he doesn't want to act on it. I guess we should spend time becoming friends instead - get kissing Ethan out of my mind and make him friend Ethan. Then I can put my thoughts into Jessie instead.

Something's coming over me

He is waiting by the coffee shop and I have to catch my breath a little. He is dressed so simply in light blue jeans and a black vest top, but it really sets his face off - beauty contrasting against the plain look. I stare at him for a short while until he catches my eye and waves me over.

I'm so dizzy I can't see

The kind of thinking I just don't need. Maybe spending time with him will desensitise myself to him? I take a minute to regain my thoughts and tell myself off for feeling any attraction. I believed my lust for him would wain when I continued dating Jessie, even though I met him first. This hasn't started to happen yet, as is evident by my pulse racing - but I'm hopeful.

My heart is beating faster now

As the traffic's slowing down

The traffic clears up and I have an opportunity to cross the road and join him now. I stroll over to where he is standing and give him a polite smile and shake his hand. Keep it nice and formal for now.

And suddenly I'm all alone with you

'Hi.' I hope he can't hear the nerves in my voice. I feel like I am about to start shaking but a few deep breaths calm me down - hopefully in time for him to have not noticed anything yet.

'Hi.' He lets go of my hand and rests it casually into his pocket. 'I know Jessie said coffee but I have a better idea. Been roller-blading recently?' I get it, roller-blading will keep things impersonal and we won't get to chat too much, just have fun. Coffee can be intimate at times, sitting close to one another with nothing to do but sip coffee and talk.

'Sounds great.' It actually did sound like a good idea.

'My cars over this way.' He guides me round the corner to a blue Cavalier and hops in. I get in after him and we drive in silence but that doesn't seem to matter.

It's so good

Baby when you're at the wheel

I have the most fun of my life that day with him. In the car journey there, although quiet, it is pleasant. We also have a chuckle when we spot two old people making out like teenagers in the middle of a busy high street.

We are only at the skating rink for an hour but it really has been a while since I put on a pair of skates and it makes a nice change. I fall flat on my face the minute I try to stand up but after an embarrassing few minutes until I get inside the rink, it's like I go all the time. Ethan is much faster than me though and circles me a couple of times, laughing at how stupid I looked when I fell over. I don't think he'll let me live it down.

'Watch out!' I hear Ethan shout behind me, and he suddenly whizzes past nearly knocking me down. 'Sorry!' He hollers back to me.

'Just you watch yourself now. I'm coming after you!' I joke and go racing off after him.

I can't believe the way I feel

It's such a rush

Just being with you

As I near, I grab his arm and practically launch him forwards with me. 'Oi! No fair.' He laughs and I join in.

Feel it getting hot in here

We slow down a bit and skate together for a while. 'So tell me, has today been better than you expected?'

It has actually. 'Yes, much more fun that just coffee.' I state, and smile back.

Feel me getting close to you dear

'Can I ask you something?' I need to clear just one final niggle in the back of my mind. 'Are we ok? I mean, we can get along and be friends, right?'

'Of course. I didn't have a problem in the first place. It was strange seeing you after we... er, kissed, but I am willing to let this all go behind us and start fresh. I can be your friend.' I have a sense of relief when I hear this, but at the same time, it's not quite what I wanted to hear.

After skating, he invites me to get a quick drink and we continue chatting all day - getting to know one another as friends.

For the next couple weeks, this friendship continues and we do become friends. I still feel something towards him but I can live with it being unrequited, and Jessie is a great person to hang around with so I continue with that relationship.

Ethan has even found himself a girlfriend called Josie and we have been on a few double dates. I do not like her much but she seems to make Ethan happy so I stay friendly towards her. When I see them together though, I can't quite ignore the slight sinking feeling I get -  but it gets easier to deal with each time it happens.

I can't believe the way I feel...