Catherine’s emotions were wavering between anger, fear, and well happiness. ‘Gil couldn’t have done this,’ she thought.

She walked into his office, and waited for him to lookup. It didn’t take long; just a moment. He gave her one of those rare full mouth smiles, which he seemed to only save for her these days. It wavered a moment when he saw the look on her face, but it came back full force a second later.

“How may I help you?” he asked her.

“How dare you do this without asking me?”

“I thought it would be fun.”

“Fun? Yes, but people will talk about us.”

“We’ve both had days off on the same day before.”

“But you requested it for both of us and approved it. Are you sure you want our private lives to be open for discussion?”

“When hasn’t it?”

“She had to laugh at that. “As long as I can remember, but Gil?”

He stood up and walked over to her. His arms slowly moved around her. “Let me tell you my plan. It involves us spending the day showing each other the things we love to do. Sort of a day to get to know each other better.”

“Sounds wonderful. I’ll have to think on what I’ll show you.”

His gaze darkened with desire. “As long as it’s together.” Each word accentuated slowly.

“Let people talk.” Catherine whispered.

The only response was a soft, “Hmm,” as they melted together. Their lips, mind, body, and hearts became one.

When she left his office, she heard him whisper something. She thought, “I know I am.”

***********************************

Dating a man you’ve known for almost 20 years makes you think there is absolutely nothing left to learn about him.

Since we started dating I found that was not the truth. Being with someone on a more personal level gives insight into that person that is rarely seen in a casual relationship. Today, for example, surprised me.

Here I lay next to him, a smile crosses my face. It was one of the best days of my life. He allowed me into his life and heart. There is no question in my mind where I belong.

The most surprising moment had to have been when we went to the movie theater. Nothing went as I expected.

~~~~ I look at Gil surprised at his choice of movie. He just stares back at me, and out of nowhere he kisses my nose which leaves me speechless.

“Come on, we have a movie to…watch.”

I follow him in, I expect him to pick his center seat in the middle of the theater, but no he climbs all the way to the top and in the corner of all places. There were only a few groups of people scattered around him.

“What’s the movie about?”

“Don’t know.”

“Then why did you choose it?”

“Because I have no intention of watching it.”

“Have anything else in mind?” I lower my tone down to a more seductive voice.

“Hmmhmm.”

That is when I notice his fingers prancing along the nape of my neck. I take the hint. My hand slowly dances around his thigh. “I never thought you were the type to play in public.”

He leans over to nibble on my ear before whispering. “You bring it out in me.” ~~~~

Before anyone gets any ideas, no we didn’t do anything except a little teasing and making out. Gil would never do that, and age has made me a little more cautious in public.

He rollovers in his sleep, and snuggles closer to my body. Part of me wants to snuggle down with him, but I wanted to think more about our day together.

Some people forget that Las Vegas is a city with parks and neighborhoods with people who live separately from the casinos and the sin of the city. Deep in these quiet towns there are family activities that when I get one of those rare days off I take Lindsey and sometimes my mother into a little park.

Today, I thought, I would share this space with Gil, just the two of us.

~~~~ When we arrive, there is an extra surprise for us. There is a little orchestra playing in a gazebo. I reach for Gil’s hand, and lead him over to a bench near the gazebo.

“Let’s enjoy the music for awhile.”

I sat with my head leaning on his shoulder enjoying the soft tune playing. Most people probably think I’m into the more rhythmic and vibrating type tunes, because of my history. As much as I like that music when I’m in the mood, the classical tunes of the orchestra have always had a relaxing effect on me.

“Would you like to dance?”

His question gives me another surprise of the day. I nod my head against his shoulder. Gil is not really into dancing especially not in public. He puts his hands on my hips while I wrap my arms around his neck. We keep our distance from each other.

There was no question that the moment was sweet and romantic. This was something I rarely experienced in my dating life. Nothing like this ever happened with Eddie. This brings a sad smile to my face. I loved the man for all his faults, and he was part of my past and always part of my future because of the child he gave me.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

“Just thinking of the future.”

“With a frown?”

“Sometimes to think of the future, you have to think of the past.”

He nods in understanding, and leans over and kisses my forehead. This brings a smile back to my face. ~~~~

I don’t know if I ever thought of Gil being romantic, but today he showed me he can be. Maybe it just takes the right person. I finally give into sleep, and cuddle up to Gil. It’s really all about the person you’re with.

**********************************

As Gil and I walked in the next night to work, we get looks from those walking past us. I feel Gil freeze up a little next to me when we notice Sara coming our way. I put my hand on his back to relax him, and instantly I feel him do just that.

She looks back and forth at each of us seeing all the emotions shining. I answer her unasked question.

“It’s very simple, opposites attract.” Before she gets to far away after giving me a dirty look, “The differences in a couple bring out the best in each of them. Find your perfect opposite.” I nod towards a young man down the hall.

“What do you think people are saying?” he asked.

“We’re in love.”

“That’s because we are.”

I nod, and for his ears to hear this time. “I know I am.”

The End