Where Snapdragons Lie

Oh God, Its A first date.

I looked at my phone for probably the fifth time in a minute. Why am I so fucking nervous. Its not like I've never been on a date before. I've dated literally so many people. Some have been pretty cool, and others really sucked. But I've been around the bend a time or two. I guess its just the first date jitters. I've never dated a musician before. I live with one, but I've never dated one. 

My phone vibrated. It was Pierce. I hesitated a little, but answered after a few cleansing breaths. 

"Hello," I said my voice jumping up three octaves. Why do I do that?

"Hey, My bus hit some traffic. I'm about two stops away," He said apologetically. I looked at my phone again. It was only two minutes after the hour. He wasn't that late, but the call was sweet. 

"Don't worry about it," I said, "Thanks for letting me know. I'll keep your seat warm. Bye."

I hung up. That was nice. Lex was always late and never bothered to call. Or just never showed up. Shut up about dumb Lex! My inner self was very right. I'm on a new date with a new person, so...new beginnings or some such shit. But, god, I wish Liz were here. I need my wing girl. The sun shifted a little, so I adjusted the umbrella over the table, so as to keep the dusky sun from my face. This waiting is killing me. 

I saw a bus pull up next to the Cafe Gardein. My heart skipped a beat, or two, or three. He stepped out with his huge tuba strapped around his back. I waved him over when we made eye contact. His hair was a bit more messy than the last time I saw him. It curled over his forehead, and kind of reminded me of an old superhero from some comic my Grampa liked.  He was wearing a really crisp red button down shirt with short sleeves. His jeans were immaculate compared to my shorts. I tried to straighten the wrinkles in my purple tank top to measure up. God, he looks really well kept. 

I got up from the table to greet him. I held out my hand to shake, but to my surprise he took it and kissed it. Holy shit, I've got myself a gentleman. This is great. 

"Its really nice to see you again Magdalena," He said as we sat down. He took off his huge instrument and placed it on the ground. 

"Same here," I said with a smile. Though I felt incredibly anxious on the inside. "Thanks for meeting me."

"I never even knew this place was here. Gotta love these independent restaurants. I barely see them anymore," He said, "Anything you recommend?"

I laughed. I barely try anything new. But the food here, and the black coffee, is second to none. I wonder what he likes? 

"I'll be honest, their wine selection is kind of average. But I can tell you the cocktails here are great. And my friends say the coconut coffee martini is amazing. They also do a frozen blended take on it too."

Pierce's eyes went wide with astonishment, "A coconut-what? That I have got to try that." 

The waitress came over and greeted me by name. Cafe Gardein was one of the first places I went to that made me feel normal after I became cured. I go for lunch at least once a week ever since. Pierce ordered his drink, I asked for my usual (a hard pear cider), and we ordered an antipasto plate to share. 

After she left I immediately asked the one question that was on my mind, "Pierce, I've got to know. Where did you get those Das Jarh transcriptions you played?" He smiled and leaned back into his chair a bit. Very comfortable and relaxed.

"I did those transcriptions. With a lot of help from Lillia." Now I was the one taken back. My mouth dropped open. Holy shit, he did that?  "It was a lot of listening and a lot of trial and error," He continued, "But once we found a nice sounding key signature it was just a matter of messing around, playing by ear, and recording. Lots of recording." My eyes were still huge behind my sunglasses.