Once in a lifetime

Chapter 1 Favourites

It was a pleasant, warm spring afternoon when it happened the first time. He had just left his office as he finally went through the pending manuscripts he had to check for the day. Temperature was lovely for middle May weather. Others seemed to think the same as through the sea of people he saw a couple walking a dog. A family spending time in Central Park caught his attention, the guy made a funny face while laughing, it seemed like he was smiling with his whole face. He was still few blocks away from his favourite flower shop, however considering the nice warmth he didn't mind walking.

Amsterdam Avenue reminded him why it was his preferred one when looking for a place to grab something to eat. There were as many options as he could consider, being the italian and greek is usual to-go. He was a man of fixed tastes, not meaning that from time to time he didn't like to spice things up a little and try more latinamerican food or even thai.

He kept walking, getting closer to his destination. His mom was expected to arrive to his apartment around seven, so he still had time to get what he wanted and maybe start working on dinner. He had decided to cook some Alfredo pasta already since it was an easy, quick choice and he nailed every time if he could say so himself. He had a bottle of wine set apart for the occasion and was seriously considering cheating with the entrée and side dish when he passed in front of the italian place he loved, she wouldn't mind.

He felt the vibration of his phone, realizing she was calling him.

"Hi mum, how are you? How are you calling? I assumed you hadn't landed yet."

"Hi luv, I am not in New York. We had to do a bloody stop for whichever reason the pilot needed, they said but I didn't pay much attention. We are getting back in the air in a few minutes, I just wanted to check on you."

"But are you OK?"

"Oh yes, yes luv. Don't worry it wasn't a grave situation."

"Glad to hear, then. I was on my way to buy some flowers for you, and I have plans to make some pasta. That fine?"

"You were? Thank you, luv. That sounds lovely, don't stress yourself though, we can order take out if you want"

"No, no. M'cool, I want to cook for you."

"Hear, we are boarding now, and I appreciate you doing that for me luv be careful, yeah? Be seeing you soon."

"Yeah, not soon enough. Love you."

"Love you more, baby."

He made it to the flower shop, and he walked around a bit looking for a specific arrangement since he had in mind what he wanted to get for her. He always had sort of a weird connection with plants and flowers, hadn't he discovered his passion was getting lost in books, he would've loved being a florist. There was something so relaxing on growing flowers that he could never explain to anyone. His friends back home used to tease him a lot for that, saying that was not very "manly". He couldn't care less of what they thought. Putting his creativity to work while creating arrangements was always fun. His mum loved when he did it because there were never two alike.

He didn't realize he had zoned out, staring to nothing specific until a gentle touch landed on his shoulder. Nothing prepared him for what his body felt when he turned to the person, and he couldn't help but to stare again. In front of him was the most beautiful human being he had ever landed eyes on.

"Excuse me, I didn't mean to be rude, I just wonder if you are going to get that arrangement or if I can have it" the man said, pointing to the gorgeous bouquet on the shelf.

He was unable to produce anything coherent to get out of his mouth. He was way too invested in contemplating him, flowers long forgotten. The man had the most dashing eyes he'd seen, perfect cheekbones and impeccable jawline.