Turning to look at her. She turning to face me. Both of us smiling. No words necessary.
Strolling to the boating lake. Carol putting her arm through mine, hey R, can I ask you something? Sure, and you can ask without asking first if you can ask.
Hey, Carol, it’s a good question, I’ll answer in a minute, let’s get something to eat, then we can talk. And it’s information I don’t normally give out free, if you want it you’ll have to pay, the price being another kiss like that last one, which, by the way, I’m still recovering from, still feel a bit giddy.
Carol pushing at me, teasing. Okay R, done. You can have the kiss, you could have had it anyway. But not now, let’s save it until later.
Making our way to the cafe, deciding against a big meal, getting sandwiches and sparkling water. Choosing a table, settling down.
Carol, your question, why don’t I ask you anything, the reason is, I already know everything I need to know, namely, that you’re a stunning woman who to my amazing luck wants to meet up and lets me kiss her, and who it’s fun to spend time with in the spring sunshine. What more is there to know?
Pausing for a cleaner to wipe our table, move the debris. Continuing. Carol, actually, I do know some things, you’re married, doesn’t sound like the marriage meets all your needs, you seem to have enough money to get by, you’re smart. But those are details, they’re background they get in the way.
Taking her hand, stroking it. Lowering my voice. Here’s a little secret, beautiful Carol, just thought I’d mention, maybe sex will happen, maybe it won’t, hope it does, but I already think of you and me as lovers, and here’s the main point, lovers travel light. Pick up baggage, you might as well be married, eventually it suffocates you. So what I have is you, here, now, tomorrow’s another day, yesterday’s gone, who needs anything more.
Raising my plastic glass of sparkling water, tapping it into hers, so here’s a toast, Carol. To being alive and being uncomplicated.
