Call me your Master

The Man

It had been four months of learning to move on without Andy. Yes, I could finally think his name without a major breakdown. Honestly, life had gotten so much better. I'd managed to get a new job as a multimedia tech for an up and coming company, Sam and I were back to being best friends, and I'd even gotten myself a new phone since my other one wasn't really mine. I spent my weekend mornings going to farmer's markets or picking up a few extra jobs walking dogs through an app on my phone.

This particular Saturday, I found myself scrutinizing some new vendors for veggies. Cooking was something I use to have a passion for that I rediscovered over the months. I smiled at one of the usual vendors who I purchased from a handed her the usual list of herbs and fruit I got from her.

"You're never late Layla i'll give you that much. Always here right at 10 am."

I gave the older lady a smile as she bagged what I wanted and ran my card.

"Well Ms. Andrew's you have some of the best produce this side of LA. Plus it's a great walk to start my morning." As I got my card back into my wallet she leaned forward and put her hand by her mouth, trying to be secretive.

"You know, eventually you're going to have to go talk to you're admirer. He never takes his eyes off of you when you're here deary."

I giggled with her and gave the mystery man a side glance. He had been here a couple weeks now, sitting behind the same booth, normally with another woman. I tried not to pay much attention to him but it was hard. His eyes were alluring, a different shade of bright blue than I was use to. He was built, strong, with a kept beard and messy brown hair. 

Maybe this was the time to stop being such a scaredy cat. I hadn't gone on any dates or gave boys much attention, trying to get through my own shit before I drug someone else into my chaos. Luckily the sun wasn't blazing hot today, so I was in some black yoga pants and a loose grey t shirt. Nothing too revealing or flirty.

I took a deep breath and walked casually over to the booth, browsing the photos he was selling. Even for someone who didn't pay much attention to art, they were beautifully taken landscapes. 

"In the market for some new wall art?" 

Fuck. His voice was smooth and deep enough to make my throat tighten and my heart skip a beat. This was such a bad, bad idea.

"Um, yeah, I mean, these are beautiful. How long have you been photographing landscapes?"

Mentally I was kicking myself. I should turn around and go, never come back and forget all about this flustering man. And he hadn't even said much.

"I'm just helping watch the booth, my sister is the real mastermind. She calls it a 'hobby for her soul'." His laugh sent shivers down my spine and we locked eyes. "I'm Ian." 

It was an innocent handshake, but the way his hand gripped mine made my mind wander to what else he could squeeze with that hand....

Okay, that was it. I had to stop this right here.

"I'm Layla-" I managed to squeak before backing away with a sheepish grin. "It was nice meeting you but I really have to go now." 

I got all of two steps around him before his hand gripped my wrist. 

"Wait, not to be too forward or creepy but, you're beautiful. Can I take you out for a drink sometime?" 

My mouth slightly opened, dry and very very unsure of how to answer. This man was so handsome, and he was far out of my league. 

"I..." He let my hand go before writing down something on a paper behind me and handing it to me.

"This is my cell number, throw it in the trash if you want but, if by chance you do want to go out send me a text. No pressure."