A New Story: Amore Mio

Upon arriving at the restaurant, the lights were dimmed inside.  Julie asked, “Are they open?”  Marcus put the car in Park and said, “Let’s find out.”  They he exited the car and ran around to Julie’s side and opened her door.  He extended his hand as she swung her right leg out.  He said softly, “My lady.” 

“Dear sir.”

They went to the door and looked at the operating hours.  They were closed for 36 more minutes.  Julie looked at Marcus.  Had he been mistaken about the time?  Did he originally plan to spend more time at the park?  Marcus tried the door.  It was open.  They stepped inside.  An elderly gentleman approach and said in Italian, “I’m sorry but we are closed.” 

Marcus replied, “Ho una prenotazione per due. Hughes” (I have a reservation, Hughes.)

“Oh si, si.  Proprio in questo modo.”  (Yes, yes.  This way.)

“Grazie.” (Thank you.)

Julie whispered, “I didn’t know you speak Italian.”

“Two years in college and a year of Latin in high school.  I remember the basics.”

They were seated at a table next to the fireplace which was quite warm.  Marcus offered the seat nearest the fire to Julie.  The man pulled the chair out for Julie then for Marcus.  Then he placed napkins on their laps.  Next, he brought menus and glasses of water and antipasto .  Marcus noticed the vase on the table had no flowers in it yet all the other tables had flowers in the vase.  He mentioned this to Julie.  She mused they simply must have been an oversight.  When the waiter returned, he spoke to the waiter in Italian gesturing to the empty vase and the other tables.  The man nodded and went to the kitchen. 

When he returned, he carried a single red rose.  Two other men walked behind him.  The first held a large bouquet of lilies and the next man held a violin.  The rose was placed into the vase on the table.  The next man gave the bouquet to Julie.  The violin began playing and the trio began to sing. 

Sapore di sale, sapore di mare

che hai sulla pelle, che hai sulle labbra
quando esci dall'acqua e ti vieni a sdraiare
vicino a me, vicino a me

The men stood at corners of the table and crooned looking straight ahead.  Each sung with passion as if he himself were trying to win Julie’s hand.  Both Marcus and Julie looked up from one man to the next.  Marcus then gazed at Julie.  She was smiling.  He didn’t fully understand the words but felt them falling like raindrops on a dry land.   Julie had no understanding of the words but something in her heart told her it was about love. 

Once the song was finished, Marcus stood and shook hands with each of the men.  Then to his friend, he said, “Aldo, man, that was great.  Thanks a lot.”  Staying in character, Aldo replied, “E 'mio piacere, signore.” (My pleasure sir.)

With a laugh, Marcus said, “You can stop now, man.  I know you speak English.” 

By this time, the restaurant was officially open and patrons began filling the tables.  Aldo introduced himself to Julie.  Then he introduced his father and uncle.  He continued, “It is our pleasure to serve both of you today.  You sit back and relax.  We are going to take good care of you.” 

Each course was scrumptious.  Each bite, delectable.  By the 4^th course, both Marcus and Julie were full.  Marcus asked Julie, “Have you ever heard of the comedian, John Pinette?” 

“No, why.”

“He does a comedy bit about an Italian restaurant he went to.  He says ‘You know how when you are full you loosen your belt?  Well, pants were down around my ankles.’”

Julie laughed heartily.  “I can relate to that thought.  I’m glad I don’t have pants on but you’ll need to wheel me to the car.”

As the evening finished and Marcus drove Julie to her apartment, he said, “If you aren’t too full or tired, there is something I’d like to recite to you when we get to your place.”

“Ok, that would be fine.  Just so you know my roommate will probably be there.”

Marcus hadn’t planned on going into the apartment.  That was too much to ask.  That Anna would be there was no problem.  He was happy to have a few more moments with Julie.  Once the moment came for him to recite poetry, Marcus suddenly felt awkward.  He could picture Anna laughing at him.  Then again, with Julie’s sense of humor, she may laugh too.  From memory, he haltingly began,

“When in your enjoyable presence
I am like a child
My actions are course and wild
You beauty lights the sky
Oh my goddess, my love
May I hold your hand, my dove?”

Then Marcus took Julie’s hand.  He continued:

“Dear beloved, oh beauty sweet
I give you my heart
All I ask is a start”

Then he said, “I know it sounds corny and I’m not the most romantic guy in the world.  I also know I’m no poet but, you mean the world to me.  I really want to have an exclusive relationship with you.” 

Julie started to reply when Anna said, “Excuse me.”  Then she went to her room and shut the door.  The couple laughed.  Then Julie said, “I would love to be in a serious relationship with you.”  The two touched noses.  Marcus looked intently into Julie’s eyes.  He felt a magnetism pulling his lips to hers but he fought the urge.  He caressed her cheek and stroked her hair.  Then he softly kissed her left cheek with small kisses, working his way to her ear.  He softly bit her ear lobe and Julie squirmed involuntarily.  He began to kiss her neck.  Julie could wait no longer.  She pulled away momentarily and then kissed him firmly, passionately on the lips.  In between kisses, Marcus repeatedly said, “Amore mio.”

A New Story: Make a Wish

The parking area held few cars.  Sunset was coming quickly.  Marcus parked the car in the same spot John parked his jeep the day they all hiked.  Julie asked, “Why are we here?”  I’m not dressed for a hike.  Neither are you.”

 

“Even though I knew I was interested in you when we met at work, it was hiking that day that I knew I really liked you.”  Marcus wanted to say “Love” but didn’t want to rush things.  He continued, “I love nature.  To me, few things are more romantic than the beauty of nature.  Since our relationship started here, I want to take the next step in our relationship here.”  His heart pounded.  He squeezed her hand and leaned in to kiss Julie.  She met him halfway.  Her lips felt ever so soft and sweet.  Then he added, “Let’s take a short walk.”  Then he quickly exited the car. 

 

Julie felt uneasy about this.  Neither was dressed appropriately for a stroll in the park.  Not this park anyway. Nevertheless, she relented and began to open the door when Marcus was opening it for her as he did when they left her apartment.  He was being quite the gentleman.  It made her feel a little uneasy.  No boyfriend of hers did this before.  Still, it made here feel special, cherished.  She decided to savor these feelings.  They walked hand in hand to a bench that overlooked the lake.  The breeze was cold and Marcus removed his coat and placed it on her shoulders.  He added, “Don’t worry, this won’t take long.”

 

They sat on the bench and Marcus put his arm around Julie, pulling her close.  He felt her shiver briefly and apologized saying, “I’m sorry.  I didn’t expect it to be this cold.  It won’t be much longer if you can hold on.  If not, we can go.”

 

“No, I’m ok.”

 

“I’ll just tell you.  When the first star appears, which should be Venus tonight, I want us both to make a wish.  I can’t promise where our relationship will go but in five years, if we are still together, I want us to share what we wished for.” 

 

“Okay.”

 

“I see this moment as one full of promise.  It’s an open door and the possibilities are endless.”

 

Julie heard him and the thought warmed her heart but she was intent on finding the first star.  Marcus was saying, “Possibilities are” when she exclaimed, “I see it!”

 

“Oh yeah, there it is.  Okay, make a wish but don’t tell me what it is.  That is for later.”

 

Both made wishes and Julie said, “Let’s get outta here.”

 

Once back in the car, Marcus apologized.  “I’m so sorry.  I was trying to create the perfect night.  Guess we coulda done this from the car.  I wasn’t thinking.  I’m really sorry.”

 

“It’s ok.  Once I warm up I’ll appreciate it more.  Besides, if we ever do get married, I’ll tell our kids you tried to freeze me to death to get me to say yes to your proposal.”

 

Marcus smiled, “I like your sense of humor.  He took her hands into his and kissed them softly, tenderly.  Then he softly breathed on them.  She appreciated the warm breath on her fingers.  “Don’t say I’m not trying to warm you up.” 

 

“Ok, I’m warming up.  What’s next?”

 

“Are you hungry?”

 

“You bet!  Where we going?”

 

“You like Italian?”

 

“I hate Italian.”

 

Marcus was stunned.  Who hated Italian food?  His mind raced.  What should he do?  Then Julie added, “Gotcha.”

 

“Oh, I’m gonna get you!”

 

“Let’s get outta here.  I’m starvin’.”

 

They discussed the restaurant where they would dine.  Julie had heard good things about it but never dined there before.  Marcus simply said, “I think we are in for a treat."

A New Story: Just Wait Dearest

Marcus had a friend whose family owned a local Italian restaurant.  From grandparents to grandchildren, the whole family worked there and it was a genuine Italian atmosphere.  The waiters served from a platter onto your plates in courses.  After dessert, you were served espresso.  The family would assist Marcus in making it a special night.

He spent his Saturday morning washing the car, buying flowers and picking up his suit and shirt from the dry cleaner.  Julie was kept in the dark about the plans for the evening.  She only knew he would pick her up at 4:00 PM.  He wished it was winter instead of autumn.  While Marcus liked Fall colors, the thought of walking hand in hand with Julie with fluffy snowflakes drifting down made him sigh.  He could picture the quiet and serenity of such a time with her.  He hoped it would happen in a few months. 

While dressing, Marcus paid particular attention to the details.  He wasn’t happy with some of the wrinkles in the shirt.  The dry cleaner shouldn’t have left them on the sleeves but it was too late to worry about that now.  He was just happy the suit jacket would hide the wrinkles.  He redid his tie three times to get the proper length.  Once finished with the tie, he added a matching color handkerchief square in the suit pocket.  Finally, he put a handkerchief in the right front pocket of his pants.  His mother used to stress the importance of a gentleman having one.  He didn’t plan on using it but it would make his mother happy.  He may even tell her about the date just so he could mention the handkerchief. 

He arrived at Julie’s apartment at 3:56.  A woman about Julie’s age opened the door.  “Hi, you must be Marcus. I’m Anna, Julie’s roommate.”  She put out her hand and Marcus extended his as she continued, “Come on in.  We are still getting ready.  It’ll be a few more minutes.  Why don’t you sit for a bit and she’ll be right out.”

“Uh, ok.  Nice to meet you, Anna.” 

Anna hurried down the hallway to the second door on the right.  She closed the door after entering.  Marcus sat on one end of the couch and looked around the room.  The furnishings were a hodgepodge of items.  He mused they were either hand-me-downs or garage sale items.  They were somewhat worn but clean.  While he was sure each item was purchased separately, the ensemble worked together to give a feel a comfort and home.  The smell of a lavender candle in the kitchen filled the room. 

Marcus saw some pictures on pictures on a table more on the wall above.  He stood and waked over for closer inspection.  Most of them appeared to be Anna’s pictures.  One frame had a collage that showed Anna as a child, teen and college graduate.  From the photos, Marcus mused she had two siblings.  Then he turned his focus to the two photographs of Julie. 

The largest was a professional photo of Julie and her family.  It appeared Julie was the second of three children.  The picture had the parents seated with the three girls standing behind them.  The whole family had clear blue eyes.  Marcus was drawn to Julie.  Though her smile was genuine, her eyes seemed tired.  His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a door opening.  Anna stepped out and gestured toward the door she exited and loudly exclaimed, “Ta da!”

Julie stepped out with a nervous energy and looked into Marcus’s eyes and smiled.  His heart leapt for joy at the vision before him.  Julie wore a black sleeveless dress with a white scarf tied around the waist.  Her hair was up which, other than being in a ponytail, was a new look.  Marcus loved it.  His mind repeatedly reviewed the vision before him.  It would forever be imprinted in his brain. 

Marcus stepped toward Julie as Anna asked, “How’s she look?”

 “Stunning, incredible.”  He held out his hand when he reached Julie and she took hold of them.  Then he added with emotion, “You look beautiful!”  Julie beamed. 

Anna walked to the kitchen saying, “Ok you two.  Get a room!”

As the couple walked out to the car, Julie asked, “So what are we doing tonight?”

“Just wait, dearest.  Just wait.”

A New Story: Give em Something to Talk About

Lunch at the Greek restaurant, which was next to the Cuban place, was nice.  Julie and Marcus had finished eating when Marcus said something that caused time to stop.  Julie’s heart pumped with intensity.  Her whole body warmed as her mind replayed the words Marcus just told her.  He said, “I like you a lot and want to get to know you better.  Will you go out to dinner with me?”

Everything within her screamed to kiss him.  Her reply should be a resounding “Yes!”  Instead, she smiled, squeezed his hand tightly and said, “I guess my choking in the break room that day really made an impression, huh?”

Marcus stared at Julie trying to comprehend her reply.  Suddenly, they both burst into laughter.  Now that the excitement of the moment was tempered by the laugh, Julie calmly said, “Marcus, I would love to out to dinner with you.  You have made me so happy.  I could kiss you right now.”

“As happy as that makes me, let’s wait on it for now.”  Then Marcus gestured with his head toward the door.  Marsha and Anita walked in.  Julie turned to see what Marcus saw and returned her gaze to the man seated in front of her.  With a hint of bitterness she said. “I don’t trust that woman.”

“The more I hear, the more I agree with you.  I’m sure the gossip is flying about us.”

“Let’s give em something to talk about.”  With that, Julie leaned across the table and kissed Marcus

Marsha spied them upon entering the restaurant but wasn’t looking in their direction at that moment.  Anita saw the kiss and the couple watched her as she leaned toward Marsha and said something.  Marsha leaned in the direction of her friend to hear more clearly.  Marcus and Julie watch the two as Marcus quietly said in unison with their body actions:
“Marsha, Marsha, Julie kissed Marcus.”  “What did you say?”  “Julie kissed Marcus.”

Julie was grinning as he did this.  Once Marsha understood what was whispered in her ear, the two ladies turned to face Marcus and Julie.  Marcus waved and Julie gave a sweet, innocent smile.  Marsha rolled her eyes and returned to ordering her meal.  Anita continued looking absent mindedly at the young couple.  Finally, she turned and placed her order.  Marcus chuckled and said, “Let’s get outta here.”  They quickly exited and returned to work holding hands.

Anita noticed Marsha was quiet while they ate and it made her uncomfortable.  She began commenting on various group emails recently sent at work.  Normally, this would get Marsha going about the waste of time spent when everyone insisted on replying to all for every little remark.  Marsha was one who liked things to the point and streamlined.  Excesses bother her.  Instead, she was preoccupied.  Anita knew her mind was elsewhere.  She wasn’t her normal “take charge” self.  Anita simply didn’t know how to approach the issue.

Marsha sat and ate mechanically.  Her mind was awash with thoughts.  While she was certain the whole deal with Julie’s missing card would never come back to haunt her, she had a lingering feeling it wasn’t over yet.  Seeing Julie’s smile bothered her.  Julie must be on to her.  Why else would the two of them mock her like that?  She felt as if the two of them were biding their time before pouncing. 

However, they had no proof she took it.  No card was found in her possession.  The card has never been found and cannot be found now.  It was put in the trash days ago.  She was in the clear regardless of what they think they know. 

Thankfulness: It’s a matter of focus

In a society that covets, thankfulness can be a difficult thing.  If you spend your life looking at people who have things you want, you will never be grateful  I have posted before that the key to thankfulness is knowing what you have.  Too many people think they aren’t rich because they keep up with the Kardashians.  I recently saw a statistic saying people whose income is more than $30,000 USD per year are in the top 1% of worldwide income earners.  I agree that sounds unbelievable.  Still, if your measuring stick for possessions is someone who seems to have anything they want, you will never find contentment.  You must change your focus.

We must open our eyes and see what we have.  Do you have family and friends who love you?  You are blessed.  Do you have a car, television, cell phone, computer or a home?  You are blessed.  Perhaps you have none of these.  There are still blessings in life.  Are you healthy?  Can you hear, see, taste or feel?  You are blessed. 

If you base your happiness on things, you will never be satisfied.  Things can break and become useless.  Also, there is no shortage of newer things coming to market.  You will go broke getting them all and you will find futility in chasing after them.  Not one thing that can be bought will ever touch you and your life the way another human can. 

Put your focus on what you already have and those you love.  My sister likes to say we should invest our lives into things that will outlast it.  Create a lasting legacy by helping those in need.  Give as you receive.  Just because you have doesn’t mean it is meant for you.  Change your thinking.  Give to others and live a thankful life. 

A New Story: Mom

Marcus looked at the display on his cell phone.  His mother was calling.  He answered, “Hi mom.  How are you?”

“Hi Marcus.  I am well and how is my favorite youngest son?”

“He is well too.”

“Did you eat breakfast this morning?”

“I always do, mom.”

“What’d you eat?”

Marcus sighed.  This happens every time, he thought.  “I had cereal, orange juice and a banana.”

“What kind of cereal?”

“Jeez, mom, you always do this.  I had raisin bran.”  He lied. It was Captain Crunch.

“I don’t want you to get sick.  If you eat right, you can fight off diseases.”

“I know, mom.  You always say that.”

“I know I pester you but I love you.  That’s how I show it.”

“Yes mom.”

“So what’s new with you?”

There was no way he was going to mention with Julie.  She would latch onto that topic and… He didn’t even want to think about it.  Instead, Marcus brought up the work he did on the supervisor’s presentation and how he found the error while under a deadline.  Topics switched to his dad’s health and his brother’s as a newlywed.  The call ended after 15 minutes.  While Marcus genuinely loved his mother, sometimes she smothered her family too much.  Consequently, both he and his brother were anxious to go to college and never moved back. 

He thought about Julie.  He was infatuated with getting to know her better.  It had been just over a year since Kathy broke off their relationship.  He was deeply hurt but now felt ready to be in a relationship again.  Marcus was beginning to understand that he put too much of himself into a relationship in the early stages.  Somehow, he needed to pull back a little. 

As he pondered who he believed Julie to be, he felt she had more substance than kathy.  He wouldn’t call Julie a beauty queen.  He felt her allure came from her soul.  He believed that was what made her different from his previous relationships.  Julie was a genuine person.  She was not fake.  She did not pretend to be someone other than who she was.  She was real.  Oh, to be with someone who was real. 

Marcus wanted to go on a real date with Julie.  He wanted to hold hands and snuggle and give her sweet kisses.  He closed his eyes and savored the idea.  He could picture himself stroking her hair, caressing her cheek.  He wanted to envelope her in his arms.  He wanted to hold her, protect her.  He opened his eyes.  He would make it happen. 

A New Story: Not a Typical Night

Bob was sitting in his chair nursing a beer when Marsha arrived.  The sight of him sitting there again disgusted her.  She wished he would have started something for dinner.  If he would peel carrots or potatoes or simply chopped onions her life would be easier.  Instead, they had defined roles in the house.  He worked outside.  She worked inside.  While Bob did put his dirty dishes in the dishwasher, that didn’t stop Marsha from wishing he would help more around the house. 

Her husband meticulously maintained each vehicle.  In the winter, he had Marsha’s car warmed up and ready to go when she left in the morning.  While Marsha appreciated this, she still grumbled he should clean out the garage.  Then they wouldn’t need to park their cars outside.

Throwing her keys and purse onto the kitchen table, Marsha asked, “How was your day, darlin’?”

Bob got up and walked to his wife to give her his obligatory kiss.  “Today was fine?  How ‘bout you?”

Normally, Marsha would go into details about various aspects of her day.  Bob would partially listen to her drone on and make corresponding nods, noises or gestures to certain phrases and catch words.  Marsha’s mind was filled with dread over the whole missing card incident and knew she couldn’t mention it to Bob.  She couldn’t think of anything else that happened during the day.  Therefore, she simply replied, “My day was fine too.”

Bob noted the different and short reply.  He also caught a troubled tone in her voice.  Had they been newlyweds, he would have gladly been her knight in shining armor.  There was a time when they were crazy about each other.  Now they drove each other crazy.  Hence, Bob was simply happy not to have to listen to her talk about nothing for the next 30 minutes or more. 

Since he was sure Marsha would start complaining about what he hadn’t done since arriving at the house, He asked, “What shall we have for dinner?” 

She stopped and looked at him for a moment, thinking.  Finally, she replied, “I don’t want to cook a darn thing.”

“Well, you wanna go out?”

“Yes.”

“Well, where you wanna go?”

“I don’t know.  Can’t you make a decision for once in your life?”

“I would if you’d stop second guessing every decision I make.”

On a typical day, this would be the beginning of a fight.  Instead, Marsha had no energy or the stomach to deal with it.  Bob’s guard was up and ready for battle.  He was surprised to hear her reply, “Why don’t we go to that buffet place.  Isn’t tonight their steak special?  How does that sound?”  Stunned, Bob looked at Marsha.  What is going on here?  Then he followed Marsha to the door. 

Bob was happy to fill up on steak and baked potatoes.  He even managed to eat a small salad so Marsha wouldn’t complain he should eat healthier.  As always, he felt it necessary to get his money’s worth of food and he overate.  Then he had to make room for dessert.  Driving home, Bob repeatedly took deep breaths and felt indigestion and heartburn.  Finally, he said, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.”

Knowing the reference, Marsha let out a slight chuckle and replied, “You ate it, Ralph.”