Haumia was on her last break at work on Monday when one of her friends, Amanda, sat at her table.
“Heard you did a great job in triage today with that two car MVA.”
“Thank,s Amanda, how did maternity go today?”
“Rather calm, three babies and one was a week early but no problems.”
“That’s good,” Haumia replied.
“Mind if I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“I’ve heard that you’re dating Matt Caruso, is that true?”
“We have a date tonight and had ice cream a couple of nights ago. Why do you ask?”
“Some girl news for you, there’s something wrong with Matt. Oh, nothing illegal or dangerous but he’s twenty-seven and can barely fuck a sock or lick a lollypop, if you know what I mean,” Amanda said with a snicker of a smile.
“Say what? You’re saying he’s a virgin?”
“No, in that I can attest to. I mean such lack of skill, in a fairly attractive mid-twenties guy with a nice personality, is unexplainable.”
“For you sex is an important reason to marry?”
“Marry, hmm, never thought about it... not top three, maybe number five. For dating, definitely number two.”
“You don’t want me to date him, do you?”
“I only want you to know what you’re getting into. Matt’s a nice guy but… simple. Oh, if you’re using Matt to get to his cousin Paul, that won’t work. He’s in California with his new girlfriend, some writer lady.” Amanda took hold of Haumia’s hands. “If you like him, then date him. My break is over. If you want to talk later, let me know.”
Haumia got home, took a shower, made an overnight bag, and got dressed.
Amanda has a point, why is his foreplay so good but sex so bad. OMG, why didn’t I see it the other night. Matt has PE. Well, that I can help him with, and I might just enjoy it. It also makes sense why he didn’t say anything and his “too soon’ comment.
Phoenicia arrived home and saw the overnight bag by the door.
“Haumia, you ready?”
“Be out in a minute and close your eyes. Want your opinion on what I’m wearing.”
“Okay, they're closed.”
The clicking of heels on the hardwood floor stopped.
“Okay, open them.”
Haumia was wearing a one shoulder magenta-violet dress, that went halfway between knees and hips.
“Damn girl, you look great.”
“Thanks, hope Matt likes it.”
“He will and I’m sure he’ll like you as well. Nervous?”
“Yes, and the next fifteen minutes will take forever because of that.”
“Aww, you’re blushing. I’ve got to get pictures, stand over by the door, yes.”
Phoenicia took out her phone. “Okay, make some poses, that’s right,” as she took several pictures. “Think Matt will mind if I take some of the two of you?”
“Don’t see why he would.”
The intercom for the front door buzzed.
Haumia answered, “Who’s there?”
“Haumia, it’s Matt.”
“Come on up.” She had the door open waiting for him. He was in a darker grey suit with a purple tie and had a box in his hands.
“Matt, you look nice, come on in.”
“You look awesome,” as he gave her a kiss.
“Matt, this is my roommate, Phoenicia.”
Matt nodded, “A pleasure to meet you, Phoenicia. Haumia, this is for you,” as he handed her the box. It was a hand corsage, a red and white rose.
“Thank you, Matt, it’s beautiful,” as she put it on.”
“Okay kids, time for me to get a few pictures of you two,” Phoenicia said.
They do look cute together, no better than that. I wonder of she’s heard the rumors.
“Okay, that’s done. Now, if you have too much to drink, call me and I’ll pick you up.”
“Funny one, Phoenicia. We’ll be fine,” Haumia said.
“Trust me, I’m not a drinker and if I ever did, I’d call for a ride. Ready, for dinner, Haumia?”
“Almost,” she said as she pulled his face to hers for a long sensual kiss. This will quiet Phoenicia down and answer the question she didn’t ask. Maybe make her jealous. I saw her eyes when looking at Matt.
The night was clear, so the top deck was open for dinner. Maybe a hundred people were there. Matt was well known and Haumia lost track of names and faces. She had the chicken dinner and Matt had the lake trout. There were several wines from local wineries, and it was a good meal. They were at a table with two other couples, both married. Dr. Thomas and his wife Claire, and Luke Peterson and his wife Amy, who were celebrating their fourth anniversary. Conversation was pleasant. They went to the main deck as the tables were being cleared.
Matt was having his usual K and C, Haumia a glass of rose wine. A man came up to Matt and asked to talk with him. Matt went with him but returned a few minutes later.
“Sorry about that. Robert wanted to talk business and I told him to come to the office in the morning.”
“Matt, you could’ve talked with him, I wouldn’t have minded.”
“That’s genuinely nice of you but I do my best to separate work from non-work hours or everyone would be talking to me and I’d have no time to spend with a most attractive and personable lady. Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Very much,” as she kissed him. Matt slipped his arm around her waist and returned the kiss. “It’s not that often I have such a suave and handsome gentleman on my arm.”
“Such flattery yet, thank you. You’re on the rather sexy side tonight as well.”
“You are a throwback, you know.”
“Uh?”
“Polite, suave, and gentlemanly. Not many out there like that.”
“Oh, so I’m like an endangered species?”
Haumia laughed. “That what I mean, a je ne sais quoi about you. I can see why people like and know you.”
“Thank you, and I’m not always like this, I’m comfortable right now. A beautiful night, fantastic date, and an enjoyable time. If I may ask, what makes you a Florence Nightingale?”
“You could say it’s in my genes. My parents met in Guam. Mom was a babaylan, she knew the herbs to help people, was a midwife and healer. My dad was a military medic. I was born there. Mom died when I was fourteen. I finished high school and dad suggested I become a nurse. The army paid for it after my three years. This is my third job since then. Now let’s dance.”
The next forty-five minutes were on the dance floor, a few light kisses and gazing into each other’s eyes.
I’ve only been this comfortable with a lady once before, but this is more than that. What is it about Haumia that makes me feel that way?
Matt is both complicated and simple. I felt that shudder that went down his spine. He’s honest, his heartbeat hasn’t changed all night. Glad I brought the bag.
The ship’s bell sounded, indicating they’d be docking in fifteen minutes. Once docked, they said goodbyes to several and went to Matt’s car, where they kissed.
“Thank you for a very enjoyable night, Haumia.”
“I have my bag so we can continue the night.” She returned his kiss. “Maybe I can make us breakfast in the morning.”
“I look forward to that. Would you care for some dessert before seeing my place?”
I’ve got dessert in my arms.
“Don’t you have something at your place?”
“I do.”
It took a few minutes to get to Matt’s house, on the outskirts of Penn Yan. He gave her the tour; she dropped her bag in the bedroom and they went back downstairs. Haumia made some coffee and Matt made them each a milkshake. They went to watch TV.
“This is a genuinely nice house, Matt. Not the bachelor pad I thought it would be. You’ve an office for work and it’s… cozy.”
“Thank you. It was my mom’s; I took it over when she moved to Delaware.”
“How did you get into finance and helping people?”
“You’ve probably heard of my cousin Paul Caruso. We were born two days apart, he’s the older. When he was eighteen, we won the state lottery. I’ve always been a whiz with numbers and such. Paul’s parents died eight months later. I explained how we could make money and help the people of the area. We each took some money from the pot, so to speak. The rest was put into a business account. We changed his parents' pawn shop into Rainbow Lenders. We both own it. Paul’s the flashy PR guy. He meets people, donors, some applicants. I run the applications and disbursement side.”