Serendipitous Events

Two

When we finally made plans Robert took me to one of his favorite pubs. It was very lively, although there weren't very many couples in the bar. I thought it was an odd place for a date but he swore by it. It was late in the evening when we went and the sun was starting to dip out of the sky.

"The food here smells so good. You would think we're at an actual restaurant." I sat down across from him and looked around.

"We practically are. This is one of my favorite places to be. You look quite ravishing tonight if that's alright for me to say." He reached across the table to hold my hand. It seemed like every second I was talking to him my face was hot with embarrassment.

"Thank you. You look quite well yourself." I was startled by him grabbing my hand but I didn't mind. His hands were surprisingly soft and warm. He wrapped both of his hands around mine, rubbing his thumbs along my palm softly. I stared at his face as he focused on the lines in my palm.

"You know once a fortune teller told me you could tell all of your life's major events based off of the lines in your palm. Although I must admit I don't remember which lines are supposed to stand for what." He put pressure along the longest line in my palm. "I think this one is supposed to be the life line but I'm not sure."

"We could look it up if you want. We're waiting on a server anyways." I said, smiling over at him.

"I suppose you're right. Maybe in a moment. How have you been since we last spoke? I apologize for falling asleep." He looked up from my hand and smiled at me. "I will say that your voice is very soothing.'

"I've been okay. And it's alright. It was very late."

Our server came and took our drink orders then went to go get them.

Robert leaned in close. "I'm sorry for being so forward. I just find myself feeling very close to you already."

I cleared my throat nervously. Would it be inappropriate to tell him that I felt the same? "That's alright. I really don't mind it. Like I said, it's been quite some time since anyone has treated me with such... clarity."

"That is such a shame. Some people these days need to be taught the art of properly courting another. Although I will say I am glad it has led you to me."

Our server was back in what seemed like no time. They surprised me a bit which caused me to pull my hands away from the center of the table and into my lap. Robert clearly noticed my hesitance. They placed our drinks on the table. "So, what can I get for the two of ya?" I looked at him with an ounce of panic. I hadn't even looked at the menu, I was too focused on him to even think about what to eat.

"We'll both have the special. I'd like all the fixings. Although I do not know what they would like on theirs." He smiled warmly at me, a reassuring look on his face. It was instantly calming.

"I'll just have it plain. Thank you." I smiled nervously at the waiter who swiftly disappeared with our order.

"You don't have to be so nervous. They've watched lads puke their guts up before, they're not gonna judge your food order." Speedwagon chuckled and stared at me intently. "Although I can understand being a bit anxious in new situations. I was quite nervous that you were going to reject me the other day."

I almost spit out my drink. "Why on earth would anyone reject you?" I could feel myself gaping like a fish but in the moment I didn't care. He was possibly the most considerate man I'd ever met in my entire life who would want to turn him down?

He seemed surprised at my reaction. He fiddled with his hair for a moment before answering. "I have been told I can be quite intimidating due to my stature." He looked away when he said this, as though he was embarrassed to admit it.

I couldn't help but laugh. "I suppose you do look a bit intimidating. You are very tall, and if it's not too much for me to say, very handsome. I was very surprised when you told me you were interested. I didn't really think I would be your type."

For once, his face turned red. He cleared his throat. "You think I'm handsome? A lot of people don't see past my scar..." His hand drifted up to his face. It felt like someone had punched a hole in my heart when he said that.

"Can I ask to be very forward with you?" I scooted my chair around the table and closer to him. I could not believe I was about to say anything this earnest to a man on the first date but I had every intention to anyway.

"Of course. You have given me such leeway with my emotions. why wouldn't I do the same for you?" He frowned.

"I think you are probably, no, I know that you are the most handsome man I have ever had the luck of meeting. Both physically and otherwise. You are built like a work of art and you are the sweetest human being I have ever come into contact with. When we met you asked permission to lay your hand on my arm to guide me. No one has ever cared enough about how I feel to ask that, especially upon first meeting. And anyone who thinks that your scar hinders your beauty rather than enhancing it is a damn fool." I took a deep breath at the end, fully expecting him to be apprehensive.

His face flushed with color and he stared at me for a moment. It was the longest minute of my life. I could see him struggling with how he wanted to respond. Suddenly, it was clear he had made up his mind. "Can I kiss you?"

A flood of emotions smacked me in the face. I had just said probably the most cliche and somewhat creepy thing I had ever heard come out of my mouth and he still wanted to kiss me. "I- uh- Yes."

He leaned forward as soon as I responded and cupped my face, pressing his lips against mine. I closed my eyes and leaned towards him, savoring the feeling. His mouth was soft and gentle on mine, and his hands were warm on my face, perfectly cradling me close to him. After a moment he pulled away from me, but still held onto me. I kept my eyes closed for a moment and took a deep breath before looking back at him. He had the most tender expression on his face, the way that lovers in the movies stare at each other when they realize they're the one.

His hair cradled his face perfectly, small wispy pieces rebelling and accentuating the curves of his cheeks. His eyes looked like glimmering pools of warm honey, and they were staring directly at me, unwavering. Even his scar looked like it was carefully carved, meant to bring more attention to his face. My eyes wandered down to his lips, which were slightly damp, and very full especially for a man. A small smirk began to form on his mouth and I quickly looked up to find him watching me carefully. We were still less than an inch apart.

"If you'd like to kiss again all you have to do is say so, darling. There's no need to stare like that." He said softly, a hint of cockiness in his voice. He knew exactly where he had me, putty in his hands. I could tell it wasn't often that he was this confident, although I didn't understand why. I mumbled an apology, embarrassed at being caught gaping at him like that. He chuckled and stroked my cheek with his thumb lightly before letting go, sitting up and giving me some space.

I sat up and cleared my throat, suddenly remembering we were sitting on an outdoor patio. I resisted the urge to see if anyone had noticed our little moment and took a drink from my glass.

Our food came soon after that and our evening went well. After we ate we walked to the park and watched the sunset together. He kept his arm around me the entire time and walked me home afterwards. We stood outside my door and talked for what seemed like eons. He asked me to kiss me goodnight and promised to tell me once he was home safe. I stared out my window at the stars for hours after he left.

I hadn't felt that cared for in months.