The excitement began on the Sunday night before going to bed; realizing I'd be seeing her tomorrow evening with no solid plans but to simply "hang out". I was preparing my outfit mentally, considering the hot weather to come and I'd be going right after work. Tailored black skinny jeans, white ankle chucks, white singlet and cardigan with a gold chain to dress it up.
I would apply my fruity perfume as it was her favorite and because I didn't want to smell stale after a long day's work. Sleep was uncomfortable, body fluctuating between temperatures and randomly waking with her on my mind but only darkness before me. The day could not come soon enough.
The morning was brutal with my imagination running wild as it did all weekend anticipating what would or could happen. Many scenarios flashed in and out of my mind as if I was trying to write a letter and decided to scrap it. One of which was her inviting me over where privacy was a given and alone time could be had.
I didn't want to text her too early to mask my anxiety nor too late in fear of implying a lack of interest. I decided lunchtime would be perfect as I'd finish work at six anyway, but before I did, she'd already invited me over. My heart sank in relief and my spirit flew about with sheer happiness. I couldn't wait.
Already sweating from the heat, I clutched the paper bags of food tighter to absorb my sweaty palms and hide my nerves. She greeted me with a friendly hug and a kiss on the cheek, conversation was quickly made which did not help. The evening was spent having take-away food together as well as socializing with her family and a bit of gossip. I couldn't get a grasp on my nerves or was it my excitement? She wore a black off-the-shoulder dress with a hint of her light tan shoulder and legs. I loved when she looked so simple, she was utterly divine.
It was getting late and I felt my mind giving in and giving up before becoming an open book. I wanted things to go smoothly yet had no idea how. But what were these "things?" I wanted it to be perfect and again with no strategy in mind. I think I really just wanted her. Her beautiful smile directed at me and her breath intertwined with mine.
I wanted to undo her hair and run my fingers through them lovingly. I'd long fantasized about this moment, this coming of moments but already felt the ground shaking beneath me, the cracks opening up where she'd see right through me before it swallowed me whole. Before any such fantasy would be lived out.
There we sat, inches apart and still not close enough. I noticed how much I wanted to get to know her. Our friend's birthday was fast approaching amongst the festive season and she enquired, "So what are you gonna wear?"
"I'd like something sheer but not too sheer," I responded.
"Have you had a look online?"
"Yes, but nothing to my liking, but what would you have me wear?" I asked flirtatiously.
As she turned and looked at me, unsure that I indeed did ask her that as well as unsure of where her answer could lead off track, I felt my insides giggle with excitement.
She flashed a smirk which I returned and awaited her answer.
"Everything looks good on you, babe," she replied endearingly.