This is based on a dream I had two year ago. I had started writing it the following morning, but moving around, I'd lost track of it. I finished it recently after I came across it backing up my system. The lead-in and foreplay is long for those who wish to get down to the nitty gritty immediately.
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"Here's your rhubarb and peach cobbler, topped with vanilla-bean ice cream, Navid. Please let me know if there is anything else I can get you. Enjoy!" said the waitress, with the slightest hint of New England charm and tease. She adjusted her bangs to show off her sparkling green eyes to match her congenial smile.
Into his first bite, Navid couldn't help but run several scenarios through his mind as to the true intentions of the waitress. Was she slightly attracted to him? Or was she simply being cordial and hoping for a better tip?
Sure, she made small talk before he began his three-course adventure. She seemed genuinely interested in the conversations of wine and food pairings after the appetizer course. She even addressed him by name several times, implying his effort to introduce himself was not wasted. But, alas she must have quickly been deterred by his somber attitude after the entrΓ©e course. After all, the only thing she really knew of him was that he was celebrating a graduate school admission all alone. Surely, one would expect him to be far more elated and lively. Beyond that one fact, he was a complete mystery to her. His arguments against himself had won, and he fell to the only rational answer, that she was simply a pleasant person, and was doing her job.
He quickly finished his dessert and took one last sip of his mediocre Pinot Noir, the one he ordered against the waitress' desire to pair something appropriate to his cobbler. Waiting for the receipt, he took one final look around the bar area and restaurant. He soaked up the full-bellied laughs of the jovial couples hanging off the other end of the bar. He too chuckled, but merely at the out-dated notion that bars were a great place to meet singles. He signed his receipt, leaving a generous tip, and swiftly walked along the narrow path leading to the exit.
The fresh, cool summer air felt great on his flushed-red face. He loosened the purple-striped tie enough to unbutton the second button of his off-white oxford shirt, and rolled up his sleeves. He ridiculed himself of his old-fashioned views, but maintained that proper attire was necessary to enjoy a fine dining experience, no matter what the circumstance. Besides, he figured this was the best he's looked in weeks. This was motivation enough to take the longer route to the subway station as well as enjoy the wonderful post-thunderstorm breeze.
On his walk, Navid couldn't help but think about his future. He had largely regretted not taking advantage of being in the city the past year. Sure he had co-workers he could call friends, but he never went out on a date nor had an opportunity to hook up. He promised himself that next year would be different. Becoming a student again would help him ease into meeting new women, and he simply had to take advantage of it. Besides, he couldn't let his dry spell last forever.
Reaching the subway, Navid scanned his pass, and entered the station. He had a preference for the front of the train. The loudspeaker announced, "Attention Passengers, the next North bound train is now arriving." He quickened his pace to the front as the train pulled in. As he waited for passengers to exit, he heard a soft voice far behind him exclaiming "No...No!" As he was boarding, he saw a petite woman running towards the door. Instinctively, Navid held the door open for the woman, despite the alarm ringing in his ear. The doors reset, and the woman made it safely onto the train. The doors snapped closed behind her, and the train quickly departed.
Out of breath, the woman thanked Navid and grabbed a hold of the safety railing next to him. He thought this was odd, as the train was fairly empty, and figured she would want to grab a seat considering her dash. He smiled back to her as acknowledgement of her courtesy, scanning her in the process. The woman was wearing a flattering floral summer dress of purple and white, along with pearl earrings and necklace and flat white ballet slippers. She was several inches shorter than Navid, with a curvy figure and petite waist. She looked a few years older than Navid, but did not bare any rings. Her skin was a dull bronze, and she had perfectly layered hair reaching her mid-back.
As the train continued, Navid could not get this woman out of his mind. He used every opportunity to turn his head to look at her. He caught her looking at him as well, each time offering an inviting smile. 'Is she into me?' Navid pondered.
After the first stop had passed, Navid was convinced something was odd, as she maintained her position close to Navid on an otherwise empty train car. He had plenty of opportunity, and let his optimism from earlier motivate him to make a move. But what could he possibly say?
The next stop approached, and Navid could still not decide on what to say to her. What if that was her stop and he misses this opportunity? What if too much time with silence had passed and saying anything now would be awkward?
The train stopped, but the woman maintained her position. Navid took this as a sign. He had to say something. Navid settled that honesty was the only chance he had.
The next instance he caught her gaze, he somehow grew the courage to speak. "umm, I'm really bad at this... but I think... you look beautiful tonight, and I... uhh, wanted to, uhh, introduce myself," Navid shyly mumbled.
The woman replied, "I'm sorry, did you say something?"
Navid panicked. 'Shit, I could still back out,' he thought. But he decided to repeat himself. "oh... ya, I was just saying... Hi, I'm Navid." He put his right hand out to shake.
"Hi, I'm Laila." She reciprocated his hand shake. They smiled at one another. Navid noticed Laila had a slight dimple on both cheeks, further accentuating her subtle cheekbones.
"Looks like you've had an eventful night."
"Ya, I'm a little overdressed. My friends had tickets for the opera earlier today."