How much have we missed?

Strangers

I woke the next morning, alone. We'd been very well behaved and after making out outside for a while, headed back inside for the end of the party. I left him attempting a round of shots with the guys and headed home. I checked my phone as I remembered the evening's fun.

There were a few messages at 3.45am

PP - shots were not a good idea! Hope you got back safe

PP - I should have made you stay!

PP - I can't wait to see you again tomorrow.

I checked the time, sensibly 10.30 am, and replied.

Me - good morning, how's your head? What time did you get to bed?

I didn't expect a reply, but my phone rang and his initials popped up on my screen.

"Good morning, what are you doing awake?"

"I'm barely awake" he growled. "I couldn't bare looking at the screen to text back, sorry hope you don't mind the call"

"Not at all. I wasn't expecting to hear from you for a while"

"Yeah, we got in at about 4 I think, I had a shower in the hopes that would help sober up a little"

"Did it work?"

"It did not" he sighed.

"Can you get room service to send you pain killers?"

"I've just taken some. They'll kick in in a bit and I'll feel better I'm sure. What you got planned for today?" He asked softly

"Not too much really. My mum wants me to sort through some stuff at home I think, then I've got some zoom meetings after lunch"

"What time are you free tonight? You still cool to go for dinner?"

"I am yes. I can be free any time from like 6"

"Right. How about I book somewhere for like, 7.30? Give me long enough to return to full force. I've explored a few of the places to eat round here, there's a cool Cuban place not far - sound good?"

"Sounds perfect"

"I'll send you the address. And until then, I'm going back to bed to feel sorry for myself" he chuckled.

"I'll see you later" I hung up and excitedly got on with my day.

Some time after lunch, I got message from Pedro with an address and I had a quick Google before starting to get ready. I was rather excited. I'd not been on a date in ages - I seemed to just fall for guys at work, not really go out on date or start something new with someone I'd not been mates with for a while. Pedro and I had chatted and last night we spent a good while talking but I didn't really know him at all.

I was running late, which I hated.
Me - I promise I'm on my way. So sorry traffic is shit!

PP - don't panic. I'm at the table. Shall I order you a drink? x

Me - yes!! 5 mins

I found him seated at a small table near the back of the busy restaurant. "Hey, so fucking sorry" I rambled as soon as I got there. He'd stood to kiss my cheek as I arrived and looked mighty fine.

"Stop worrying. You're here, I'm very glad I wasn't stood up, and now we can enjoy a meal" he smiled and sat back down.

"I wouldn't stand you up. Do people actually do that?" I picked up the menu and had a look.

"You'd be surprised."

"Look at you, no one's turning that down or standing you up" I took him all in again and he over did his blushing.

"Again, you'd be surprised. Right. How hungry are you? I've reached peak hangover and could eat the world!" He smiled over like an excited kid.

"I'm going to sound rather lame now but I'm not sure what any of it is" I'd seen a bit of the world but my langue skills were appalling and he'd taken us to a very small, very traditional place and I could never get my head around Spanish.

"Ok, how about I order for us both, and whatever you don't like - I'll eat" he grinned before checking what I liked and if there's anything I wouldn't eat. When the waiter came over he quickly flipped into Spanish and ordered and joked with the guy. I sat staring, I was always in awe of people who could speak more than one language and when he did it it was fucking hot! "What?" He asked catching me staring.

"Nothing, just jealous. I was never any good at learning languages"

"Of the Spanish? I've only ever known talking and thinking in both. Nothing really learnt, just always has been" we got talking about his growing up and his family. Brother and sisters and parents, he opened up about his mum taking her own life when he was in his early twenties, and I could relate in a way as my dad had died - away in the army - when I was young.

Food arrived and broke our deep conversation. I tried everything, he'd definitely picked a good spread of food, and by the end of the evening I was full, tipsy from a cocktail or two and felt very much like he wasn't a stranger any more.

His knee had been brushing mine all evening, he was tactile all night; a little touch here and there or stroking my hand when he caught it. He made my heart flutter, made me nervous and excited all at the same time.

He paid the bill, even after me insisting we split it "I invited you out, I should pay" being his argument. "So what's the plan now?" He asked as he handed me my coat and we headed out.

"Umm well I could get a cab back to my parents - like a child - and I guess..."

"Or we could walk 5 minutes that way and be back at my hotel" he interrupted and raised an eye brow and he pulled me close.

"Yeah let's do that one" I managed to make out before his lips were on mine.