Ten Fingers and Ten Toes (Installment 5)
May 5, 2018
3 min read
After the prior incidences of losing my lunch, Andrew and I found ourselves in an old downtown theater. The picture was an old black and white. I was skeptical, but it was proving to be one of the best movies I had seen. Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak were surprisingly funny and romantic. The story of a modern-day witch living in New York that fell in love with a mortal man was intriguing. It wasn’t what I would have thought Andrew would have picked, but it was entertaining. The atmosphere of the old building was charming and of an era long gone. The isles covered in carpet lit the path with small lights resembling twinkle lights. The walls were covered in velvet, and large red drapes pulled back with a gold cord. The night was made better when he slipped an arm over my shoulder and whispered in my ear of things to come. I wasn’t sure if I should be scared to death or delighted that he felt that way. There wasn’t a doubt he wanted to be alone. The intentions of what he envisioned to do with that time were concerning. It wasn’t as if I had to worry about getting pregnant. I had accomplished that already. It ran through my mind what would he do if he knew? Would he stay, or turn tail and run? I couldn’t blame him if he ran for the hills.
“You’ll love this scene,” he said, as he leaned in and whispered against my ear. His breath sent chills down my spine causing me to sit stiffly in my seat. What was wrong with me? I had been with men before. Somehow, this one felt different. He - was different. After all the time I had spent with my sleaze-ball of an ex, I had never felt like this with him. Andrew sat and munched on some popcorn with one hand and run his fingers down my arm with the other. Each sweep caused me to light up inside.
“Harper, relax. I’m not going to bite.” That took me by surprise. My eyes met his in the darkness. I could have lost myself in him. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Yes, you do. You’ve been fidgeting all evening. I promise I’ll be a gentleman.”
“I never meant to,…” I don’t know what I thought I was going to say to that. I guess I had. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little nervous I guess.”
“You don’t have to fear me, sweetheart. I’m one of the good guys. You know, the white hat and galloping up on the white horse kind of guy?” He grinned as he eyed me. I couldn’t say my anxiety had left. “Sit back and lean on me. I assure you, you don’t have to protect yourself. I’m not going to do anything that you don’t allow. I’m not in it for sex.”
Did he say that? “Not unless that’s what you are expecting.” He raised an eyebrow and smirked. My body burned for him. Not in fear, but in anticipation. We were playing a dangerous game, one that was bound to lead to pain. Somehow, that confession on his part caused me to go rigid. “I’m kidding. Will you take it easy? Try to enjoy the rest of the movie. We’ll take it as it comes.” He motioned for me to lean into him, and I did, cautiously. The smell of his cologne and his manliness filled my mind. He kissed the top of my head like I was a child and he settled in. All thought of the movie playing, left my mind as I sank into him. Being held next to him was something I had only imagined. Now it was a reality.
When the movie ended, I found myself being awakened by Andrew kissing my cheek. “Hey, Harper, wake up honey.” Rubbing my eyes, I looked into the eyes of the man that had allowed me to be myself, if only for a short time. That smile of his and the look on his face was indescribable. “I wasn’t expecting you to get so relaxed that I would put you to sleep, but I’m glad you are that comfortable with me.” Well, that was embarrassing. Suddenly it hit me. The churning of my stomach had started, and the room began to spin. It didn’t take long before I found myself running with my hand over my mouth to the closest bathroom. Andrew’s footfalls were right behind me. He called to me as I came to the door of the ladies room. I was going to have to tell him, tonight.
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