Soul to soul

Perfect date

The day my phone rang and the man I was in love with asked me if I wanted to have a drink with him, I had to pinch myself to make sure my brain wasn't tricking me.

I had met him at the reading club a few months ago. Not only was he good-looking, but he was also an erudite person with an impressive knowledge of all things related to science. I had a keen interest in astronomy, so when he was talking about Sirius, Antares, or Betelgeuse, it sounded like a poem to my ears. I was totally under his charm, hypnotized by his suave voice.

We agreed to meet in a Parisian café we both knew, so none of us would feel uncomfortable for a first date. The place was welcoming and cozy, Art Deco style with soft lighting. He took a table in the furthest corner and when I saw him patiently waiting, I still could not believe we were really both there. I had to take a deep breathe to try to keep my composure. When I sat in front of him, he greeted me on a sweet tone, which increased his attractiveness even more and let me guess he was as nervous as me. He then asked me what would please me to order, and we remained silent. I wasn't surprised, I knew it would be troubling for each of us to be here for another reason than our passion for books. But it didn't matter because it was not oppressive. It didn't feel awkward any second, it was plainly natural, like we were having our own high-flying conversation with our eyes, peppered with mischievous smiles from time to time.

Even though he was so anxious, that he was playing with the little chocolate given as a sweet treat with every coffee ordered. He was sliding it up and down between his thumb and his forefinger, indefinitely. On my part, I think I spent my time putting my hair in place. And the more I was doing it, the more I was thinking that it was ridiculous, but I couldn't help it. When at last, an unexpected spark woke my brain up ! As I was striving for a strategy to get things moving, I realized that he had already begun his. Playing with his hand on the table was a way to get my attention on it ! So I put mine not too far to see what would happen. I considered that this time, it was his turn to make the first move. I had been the one who gave him my number, telling him candidly that I would be glad if he asked me on a date, I wasn't going to do all the work and annihilate his male role for good. He had to show me he was enjoying being there with me. Yet, I didn't have to wait long before he ultimately decided to take action. As if nothing were the matter, while casually continuing his little game, he was slowly coming closer, until his middle finger touched mine. Once there, he stroked it very lightly before he put the chocolate aside, and finally took my hand in his. My God ! I was deeply moved. He was holding my hand ! He was holding my hand. I could die in an instant, I had reached nirvana. And when, only after a few seconds like that, he timidly said « may I », I almost fell down. My heart is still thrilling just writing it.... But it made me feel so dizzy that I was struggling to hide it, and he noticed it. As he asked about my condition, I vaguely pretended I had skipped lunch to not look like a total idiot. At this answer, his chivalrous side took over in no time, he immediately ordered us a small snack. While we were eating we chitchatted for a bit, then we went back to being quiet. Not short of subject, but because words became utterly superfluous again. It was just a soul speaking to another.

Then it was time for me to leave. The two hours I spent with him had simply confirmed my first impression. He was a lovely man, with very good manners, caring and sweet. He made me go to pieces with his little something endearing. After this date, I knew I made the right choice : it was him ! That night I remember I was the happiest girl in the world. I could finally live this Love I had been dreaming of for so long.

My feet were no longer touching the ground.