Dinner was hectic. Between the rain showers and the ever present crowds of Manhattan, it seemed like it took forever to get the chemistry working. The sushi was wonderful, when we finally got it, and the Saki martinis were going straight to my head. I had wanted to wow you. I mean absolutely sweep you off of your feet. But I felt like just another guy trying too hard. The only thing that was really working out was you. You looked amazing. Your silky blue dress seemed to hang just right, as if you were the only person the rain didn't touch. I loved the way it would slide across your hips as you walked. And you wore your four inch heels that I bought for you on a whim my last trip to San Francisco. I know that you did that for me because I had told you how much I loved high heels on a woman and you told me how much they hurt! I did notice that you had just had your hair cut. I could tell that it surprised you a little that I noticed, but I notice everything about you.
At least the conversation went well. It was funny how many times we seemed to know just what the other was thinking. And how many times we both smiled at an unfinished thought. It did seem to me at times that the crowds would just melt away and all that was left was you. Then the annoying waiter would come back and wonder if there was anything else that we neeeeeded. I know he saw the way you rolled your eyes, but they are just trained to ignore the silent sarcasm.
The flirting was what finally made me relax a little. I felt like we were back on solid ground. You are so funny and casual. I blushed when you teased me about kissing you on a first date. We eased into our typical back and forth about what would YOU do if I did this or that. A little sophomoric, I know, but it always worked to make us smile. "What if I put my hand right here" I asked as I placed my right hand on your left knee. "What if I placed my hand over yours" you asked, and I felt your fingers intertwine with mine. The game seemed sillier to say out loud, but much sexier since this was the first time we played it for real. A few more "what ifs" and suddenly we both knew that it was time to go. You excused yourself to freshen up as I paid the check and stepped outside to get a taxi. The doorman caught one for us just as you stepped out of the door.
There was a crowd of men gathering under the awning, smoking and chatting and waiting for their wives and girlfriends. You came out and walked past them and the conversation stopped. The rain was still coming down steadily and I held an umbrella for you as you walked to the opened door of the waiting taxi. As you turned to slide in, I noticed how many men watched you. It was just one of those unforgettable moments. Your long legs, the high heels, your dress sliding up your thighs. Every man noticed and then looked to see who I was. I saw a few wistful smiles. When I got in behind you I noticed a small smile on your face. You must have noticed them looking at you, too. It was then that I remembered that we had not actually worked out where we were going. I started to feel that small panic. The Jamaican driver was looking at me, waiting; when you said "Didn't you say that you were staying at the Dream?" My confused mind went into overdrive. What were you doing talking about my hotel? I have a PhD in engineering but sometimes I swear I can be so slow. I blame it on the alcohol, the perfume and your smile. I turned to the driver and said "Dream Hotel on East 56th". I gave the driver a confident smile as he seemed to have no clue what had just happened and we darted into midtown traffic.