“Coffee ? Yeah. I like coffee.” I look at you and my brain starts overthinking things. I lean into you. My lips were supposed to touch your cheek but my stupid head caused them to brush against yours. I step back, ready to apologise to you.
I walk at you pace, having to check my stride a couple of times. We are soon at your door. “This you? Nice place.” I shuffle my feet nervously as you hold on to the panda and Winston’s lead. “I would like to see you again” I say, almost to the floor rather than you.
I laugh as we walk out of the market and back to the laundry shop. “None of them. I promise you, I don’t work for any law enforcement agency” We stand there looking at each other. “May I walk you home ?” Winston barks at you. “Sorry boy but, I don’t understand dog”
I chuckle to myself as I walk to the stall. “Good evening Mr W” I shake my head. I’m not sure if you heard him or not. “Okay. Five darts. Five balloons, any prize.” Five darts are thrown rapidly, five balloons burst. “We have a winner. Pick your prize Mr.” He stops himself again. “Athena.”
I smile at you and wait for you to tear another piece off. Before your lips get to it, I snatch it playfully from your fingers and eat it. “Like that?” I stand there grinning at you, your face a mixture of surprise and astonishment. “I can be fast when needed, but I prefer a nice slow pace”
I laugh and look at mine. “They say that size isn’t everything but in this case, hell yeah it is.” I begin to eat my cotton Candy, breaking pieces off to give to Winston. “Okay boy, enough. Momma doesn’t want to have a doggy with a sugar rush to look after later.
“I’ve lived in New York for nearly all my life. You get to recognise the way they move. Usually in pairs. One to distract you, one to snatch or pick your pocket. I’m sorry. You wanted to ask me something” I stop walking and face you. “Please. Ask away”
“You’re nonna would be right. It would be my pleasure to cook for you, both” I step aside and pull you out of the way of a couple of young men that were walking straight at you, but they change direction when they see me. “Pick pockets. Spot them a mile away. You’ll be safe with Winston”
“I do, yeah” I lick my lips after swallowing. “I kind of taught myself. I’m pretty good, even if it me blow h my own trumpet.” We pass a stall selling chicken satay and I buy two skewers. “I make my own pasta as well” I smile as I strip some of the chicken off my skewer and feed Winston.
I take a fry between my teeth, taking it from your fingers. “Hmmm. Delicious” We walk as we eat, pointing out different foods and Winston barking his own opinions at us. “He seems to like everything” I laugh, as I finish my burger and offer you the last two fries. “I had two of yours”
I look you up and down. “Hey architect lady. You look pretty damn good as well” I kiss you check before kneeling to fuss over Winston. “So, where shall we start ? I’m hungry and need filling up” I hold out my arm for you to link your with. “What do you fancy?”
I grab my jacket and I’m in the corner outside the laundry shop in ten minutes. I keep checking my reflection on the window. Then I see you pair. “Damn” I say a little too loudly. I wave at you.
I hear my phone ping and nearly break my neck falling to over to get it. “Fuck” I was your message.
📲 Hey Athena from somewhere called Earlier. ( I’d like that. Do you know the Chinese laundry on the corner of fifth and Main? Meet you there in twenty minutes ?? John.
I’m sat at home a few hours after waiting on your text. I’m like a love struck teenager, waiting on a message from the girl he fancies. I must have checked my phone about ten times already.
“I would never part a pup from his momma. Of course he can join us. You will have to pick the restaurant as I don’t know any dog friendly ones.” I look into your eyes. “Athena. I look forward to seeing you and Winston later” I lean over and kiss your cheek as I pat Winston on his head.
I get my phone out and look up my own number. I enter it into yours and mine starts ringing. I save your number and hand you your phone back. “Thank you. I’ll message you later and you can tell me where to meet you” I look at Winston. “You coming as well?”
“This one does. Unfortunately he doesn’t have a pencil on him right now, do you have a pen, please.” I smile at the in joke you couldn’t possibly know about. Watching the way you are with Winston makes me laugh. “You sure do love each other, don’t you?”
“ I would like that very much. Street food sounds, interesting I take it that’s not just the normal hotdogs you get on every street corner?” I hope you realise I’m teasing you. “ you’re getting more beautiful with every shade of red you are going through”
I sit there feeling a little heat build on my cheeks “ I don’t get to meet many women to be honest, certainly none as beautiful and charming as you. I know we have only just met but,, would you join me for dinner later? You can choose the restaurant if you feel more comfortable doing so.”
“ I know what you mean. Thank you for the compliments. It’s been awhile since I’ve sat opposite a very beautiful woman that might actually be interested in me.” I look at you waiting for your reaction, not knowing if pushed it a little too far. “ I mean, interested in talking to me”
