a new year's bash

[susurrus]

Micki felt so good, walking close beside me, I found myself hoping the restaurant was a good walk away yet. Unfotunately, though, we stopped and turned. We were there.

Just as we started in the door, I mused aloud, "Ever notice how these French restaurants are almost always 'Chez' something?"

Inside, we were shown to a nice, private table, sort of tucked away from the rest of the place. In fact, it seemed almost like it was our own private restaurant. Not that it really mattered, but I wondered if all the tables were as secluded as this?

I was gallant and held Micki's chair as she sat, and noticed a very slightly impressed look on the maitre 'd's nearly implacable demeanor, as he silently waited for us both to be seated. With my long ponytail, black jeans and boots, I was sure he expected me to just let my lady seat herself.

When I sat, he handed us each a menu and asked if we wanted drinks. I almost expected a stereotypical comedy movie response toward me, "And for the gentleman, we have Bud and Miller Light." I realized I *was* being a hick, just thinking such things. Micki ordered wine, and although I don't drink often (last night, at the "party," I'd only had cola), once in a while, I indulge.

The maitre 'd nodded and left, and I opened the menu. Fuck. Just as I'd suspected: all in French (imagine that!) I tried to avoid looking at prices: when I decide to splurge and try something different, I try not to let the price tag deter me. They kept tugging at my sight, though, and it was made worse by the fact I couldn't read a damn thing, *but* the numbers.

I laid my menu on the table. "Babe, I won't lie to you. I can't read any of this. I can fake pronounciations, but as far as understanding what any of it means, I'm lost. 'Escargot' I know, and a couple other terms, but for the most part, I'm a stranger in a strange land. I hope you can help.

"And just so you don't assume, even though your assumption would be correct, the numbers I see here are shocking, but I've got a personal thing where if I'm trying something new, I try not to let the cost stop me.

"So, help... Please!" I begged.

 

[intriguess]

Micki

I smiled at his words and spoke teasing, "Francais c'est la langue de l'amour." I chuckle as the words zip in one ear and out the other. "I apologize, I guess he assumed that if you were with me you spoke French. The restaurant's are called Chez, because it means the home of or place of, so chez moi, would be my home, and chez Luc, the home of Luc." I scan over the list, "I normally don't drink, but you just can't have a fine French meal without a glass of wine." I smile and say, "We'll start with the variete du fromage, then a salade pour duex," I pause and look at you, "Do you like seafood?" I listen for his answer order the appropriate entree and a bowl of soup.

"Bon chois Mademoiselle," he says takes the menus and scurries off.

I smile at you, "The costs are high because the meal includes a salad, soup, fruit, and choice of cheese." I reach out my hand and touch yours as I take a sip of the wine. "So what I ordered is a variety plate of cheese which will go with the bread, a basic salad which we can split, as well as a great soup. I doubt we'll make to dessert."

 

[susurrus]

I had to smile a little. I could understand bits and pieces of what she was saying, just from paying attention to the snippets of French I'd heard over the years.

I told Micki seafood would be great, and she ordered for us. The sounds coming from her mouth were entrancing. The waiter *did* give me a small look, expecting some Froggy words to come spilling out of my mouth, but I simply nodded to let him know the lovely lady was ordering.

When the waiter left, I tried to let Micki know I wasn't a complete and utter idiot as far as the language went (that fucking pride thing...) I reached out and took Micki's hands when they slid across the table. "Ah, language of love. I see. Symbolism." I enjoyed the face she gave me, that I knew at least that part of what she'd said. "I guess I know a *teeny tiny* bit of French, but just words and the *very* occasional, really basic phrase that I've learned from movies and such.

"I could have worked out he 'variete du fromage' - 'bunch of cheese', also the 'salad for two' thing, but, please, don't ask for a ton more.

"Thank you for ordering. I'd have made a complete ass of myself, and wouldn't have had any idea what would be coming to the table.

"I like hearing you speak French. I'm afraid the only foreign languages I know are Sesame Street Spanish, and the little bit of Japanese I remember from a two-year night class."

As I told her this, I found myself looking into Micki's eyes, something I'd done the night before, but in a different way. As I rambled on, I got the feeling that somewhere along the line, I'd lost Micki to something. She looked almost hypnotized. I couldn't tell whether it was the glaze of intense boredom, or something else.

I hoped it was something else...

 

[intriguess]

Micki

Somewhere along the line I lost track of what he was saying and just enjoyed watching his lips move. I almost wished I was wearing shoes that slipped on and off so I could run my foot up his leg. Instead my fingers began playing with his hand as we waited for our food. "Mon chere, I actually found it very manly that you let me order." I smiled and took another drink of wine only glancing up to see that a basket of bread and the cheese was arriving. It was subtly put on the table and they dissapeared into the shadows.

"So I'd guess you haven't travelled much beyond the great USA?"

"I actually got to go to France, twice when I was in high school, I loved it, I want to go back someday."

 

[susurrus]

Micki's fingers idly trailed up and down the back of my hands as I talked. The faint touch felt good.

When she told me she found it manly that I let her order, I replied, "I could just say, 'Certainly,' as if I intended on it in the first place, but the fact of the matter is, maintaining my masculinity had nothing to do with it. As I told you, I'm not afraid to admit that I was in over my head. I just didn't want to look like a fool, trying to be cool and acting like I knew what I was doing, and making you look bad in the process.

"Besides, I'm with Gomez Addams. You're so sexy when you speak French, even if I can't understand a thing."

Somewhere during this, a basket of bread and cheese appeared on the table.

"...And no, I haven't really been out of the U.S. I *did* get a few miles into Canada when I was about seven, but other than that..."

I picked up some bread. I knew better than to make a sandwich out of it and the cheese. It was good stuff. Swallowing before I spoke (I generally hate people who talk and chew at the same time, even though I find myself doing it at times), I continued, "You're lucky to have gotten to go to France. I'd like to go just about anywhere. I've read about so many places, I'd basically like to see everything."

 

[intriguess]

Micki

I smiled, "Bien sur, I figure the only way I'll get to travel anywhere now is if it's for a wedding." I took a bite of cheese and bread and washed it down with the wine. "I hope that I'm healthy enough when I retire to be able to travel parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. I haven't read much about South America but they have some amazing textiles so I suppose I want to go everywhere, including Canada eh?" I joke softly throwing in a little French and wondered when he would start kissing up my arm. Not that I was trying to find something wrong with him, but even if I was, I was not finding it.

 

[susurrus]

"Oh yeah, South America. Mesoamerican archeology, Andean music and rain forests. I'd like the opportunity just to get into a rain forest sometime, and just sit for an hour or two, close my eyes and listen to the chaotic sound of nothing but nature. Or Machu Picchu. The beaches of Brazil probably wouldn't be too bad, either..."

I smiled at the look Micki gave me at that one. Yes, in some respects, I'm a typical guy. I just don't normally let things like that Brazil line slip out. Of course, after seeing pictures of the things women wear on Brazilian beaches, one of the very first things that came to mind was how proud (and horny) I'd be to be the guy lucky enough to have *this* remarkable woman clad in what passes for a woman's bikini down there.

Suddenly, I was very aware of the fact that my beautiful companion was bottomless sitting there across from me, and I felt a twinge in my jeans. If I hadn't been wearing boots, I'd have somehow slipped off a shoe and done a little judicious rubbing with a toe in a certain tender spot... (yes, guys can do the teasing foot thing, too.)

 

[intriguess]

Micki

I smile at the thought of the beaches in Brazil and I offered up, "I have never worn a bikini in my life, though I wouldn't mind having sun tan lotion lathered liberally over my skin. Then again I'm fairly temperature indifferent, an visit to that hotel made out of ice would be just as much fun." I took another slow bite licking my upper lip after I take a nibble of bread. "Experiencing history first hand, exploring ruins, ancient temples, I hadn't given much thought to what I would want to see, just that I wanted to visit." I cross my legs under the table as I slowly am reminded of where my panties are. The light salad comes and I enjoy offering a bite up to him, leaning over the tabl just enough so that he can glance down my dress.

 

[susurrus]

"Never worn a bikini? That's too bad for the rest of us. We'd have to find a nude beach, then. I'd be more than happy to slather sun tan lotion all over your body. There'd probably be plenty of other volunteers, too.

"The temperature thing explains your love of water hot enough to boil lobsters in."

Watching Micki's tongue lick away whatever was on her lip, while innocent and unintended to be anything, turned out to be anything but. Her movement shortly after that made me think again of her bare ass and pussy beneath her sexy dress. I think she'd reminded herself of that little fact, too.

When the salad came, Micki tried to feed me some, standing from her chair and leaning over the table. She about poked me in the eye with the fork. I try not to be a drooling ass, but fortunately for me, Micki was intentionally putting on a show for me. Therefore, my eyes were drawn from the advancing, loaded utensil, to the soft, ever-so-inviting sight of her lovely breasts lovingly enveloped in her oh-so-sexy dress, and prettily on-display for me.

Micki's soft chuckle made me jerk my head up and look into her eyes again. Immediately, I realized what I'd been doing, and felt my face get hot. I knew she was flashing me on purpose, but the fact I'd been caught staring at her tits like some goony teenager, in public, found me somewhat sheepish.

The coquettish look I received told me Micki was amused and gratified by my inability to keep my eyes from her body. I think she especially liked the fact that I'd gotten embarrassed from getting caught looking.

It's hard to look confident when you feel like you've been caught with your hands in your sister's panty drawer.

 

[intriguess]

Micki

He was so cute, when he was staring at me as I tried to guide a mouthful to him. "In case you hadn't noticed honey, I do have some modesty." I opted to taste a bite of salad myself enjoying the mix of light flavours. "I know it might not seem like it right now, but I normally am not this provocative in my attire or behavior." I smile and wonder how well he will weather the meal as I debate finding an excuse to hit the hotel after the meal. The idea seemed a little impersonal though and I wondered if I really wanted to share my bed with him.

"Besides they don't make bikini's with enough support for me." I smiled at his male centered mind that all breasts were baywatch breasts that bounced as they ran on the beach.

 

[susurrus]

Suddenly I felt really stupid, especially after what we'd done together.

"I'm sorry, Micki. I don't know what came over me." I watched closely as she guided the fork she'd meant for me to her own mouth and chewed. "I just like looking at you.

"And now knowing you, I'd probably want to look at you even if you were wearing a baggy sweatshirt, and weren't done up as prettily as you are now."

I took the fork out of her hand, stabbed it into the salad and took a bite. I then got another forkful and tried the same thing she'd tried with me. As Micki leaned forward and took the salad from the fork, I continued with, "And I'm greatly honored that you feel comfortable enough with me not to hide."

 

[intriguess]

Micki

I bristled a little at his use of the word hide, but quickly realized or at least hoped he hadn't really meant it that way. "Therapists are supposed to be asexual, it helps with the whole concept of transference and relating to the therapist as a parental figure." Even though I was talking about my job, it just made me realize, that even if I could dress sexily, I wouldn't, it just wasn't who I was. Most of my underwear was plain comfy cotton and while I had enjoyed getting dressed up and turning him on, I smiled as I suddenly thought about how special our situation was and that we were getting a very skewed image of each other. After all I certainly hoped he didn't go to bars and pick up women often.

 

[susurrus]

Suddenly, the air between us changed. I didn't know what I'd said or done. I hoped to hell I hadn't managed to say something to offend Micki; even if we parted ways forever after this meal, I certainly never intended to insult her in any way.

At her speaking of asexuality, I was mightily confused. Had I mistaken her flirty behavior? Even though it seemed like I was starting to put my foot in my mouth every other time I opened it again, I decided to say, "If I've offended you in any way, I'm heartily sorry. If you're afraid I think you're some kind of floozy or something, you couldn't be more mistaken. If that was true, I wouldn't have taken you up on the suggestion to leave the party. I went with you because I wanted to get to know you better, even after the few minutes we'd been together. If we'd gotten into the hotel room and just sat and talked, I'd have been satisfied, believe it or not.

"I understand the need to not be a distraction to clients, in your line of work. The fact of the matter is, at that party, you were a distraction to me, enough that, instead of turning my sorry ass around and marching right back home and not bothering anybody, I took a gamble and tried to see if you'd be interested in wasting a few minutes of your evening with me.

"I'm glad I took that gamble. If you'd have turned me away, I'd have left. Places like that bug me. I'm not in the habit of asking strangers out, especially in bars. In fact, I don't often frequent bars at all.

"Now I'm starting to make myself sound pathetic. That isn't my intention, either.

"I guess what I'm trying to get at is, I'd be happy to be sitting here with you, if you were in blue jeans, a flannel shirt and sneakers, even if last night had never happened. I know we haven't known each other long, but I like being with you."

I stopped talking. I didn't know if I'd made sense, or if I'd started to ramble, whether I'd helped matters, confused them more, or made them worse.

 

[intriguess]

Micki

I had to smile, first off that he had even picked up on my feelings and then went further and read into my job description and then went on to say that last night would have been just as interesting if we had talked all night. "You're sweet when you are trying to say something important and end up stumbling all over the subject. After all I paid for the room and invited you to lunch, it's not like I kicked you out of bed gathered my clothes and stormed out." I blushed as I recalled where my panties were, "I have no idea where this is going, and perhaps I am testing you a little because I do like you, but believe me when I say you are doing excellent." I smile and continue, "Even when you do something odd, it's adorable." I stopped myself, I sounded as if I were in love with him as I said his quirks were adorable, from the ponytail to the cowboy boots. "Sometimes one has to grab life by the horns and take it for a ride." I did not mean sexually even as the implication made me blush.

 

[susurrus]

Relief swept through me that I hadn't somehow offended her. It was, as I'd said, the furthest thing from my mind. I wanted nothing more than to leave this wonderful woman with a good impression of me, even if we never saw one another ever again.

I smiled crookedly, "Yeah, I tend to ramble on at times.

"And you don't know how glad I am you didn't storm out. It'd mean I'd done something bad to you, and I'd never want to do anything like that."

Micki must have remembered where part of her clothes were, because she suddenly got very quiet and sheepish. That girlish embarrassment wasn't a look I'd seen in her yet. It charmed the pants off me, and I smiled, immediately hoping she didn't think I was laughing at her discomfort.

When she told me that even with my frantic backpedaling that I was doing fine, it made my smile widen just a little.

I just *had* to make a comment to her "odd" statement. "Well, 'odd' is something that just comes naturally to me. It's one of the things I manage to do instinctually."

"Adorable" seemed sort of strange to hear, especially from Micki's lips. She seemed to have gone from the rather confident young woman to a fleetingly un-confident girl. It was nice to see that she, too, was capable of such adolescent awkwardness, just like my goofiness earlier, gawking down her cleavage.

When she started to blush after realizing how her "Taking the bull by the horns" sounded, I laughed lightly and reached my hands across the table to her. "Baby, your Freudian slip is showing."

 

[intriguess]

Micki

"We all have our moments," I smile slowly and was glad that this odd moment had brought us together instead of parting us. "So tell me more about the odd architect in front of me." In my mind I hoped I had correctly recalled his job as draftmen and structural engineering and used the right term. The details of what we said had kind of blurred together with the heigtened sense of the intimate part. I had this feeling that it would be a fantastic holiday even if we parted ways after and never saw the other again. It would be a most memorale new years.

 

[susurrus]

Taking a bite of cheese, I thought about how to put my job.

"Well, Micki, actually, *architect* isn't really correct. Those guys create houses and buildings. My official title is "Product Designer." I work for a plastics company creating the parts they manufacture and the molds to make them with.

"I didn't start out in plastics. For a while, I looked into Civil Engineering, but now that I see how my hometown is paving over all the cornfields and such, I'm glad I decided not to pursue that any further.

"I worked as a contractor for the world's largest manufacturer of farm machinery for a couple years, drawing up parts for combines.

"That was pretty interesting, but I never really understood what I was making. We'd just get sketches from the engineers and have to turn them into working drawings, but I never really saw a sample of one of those parts.

"The job I have now, and the one before it, was in a smaller venue. Design and manufacture all under the same roof, so I could draw the plan, then in a little while, I've got the real thing there in my hot little hands. I'm sure you've stumbled across my stuff. Probably everbody in America has. If you've got a power tool of some type in a plastic case, probably one of my coworkers or I created it."

It was probably the most coherent long statement I'd made all day...

 

[intriguess]

Micki

"Well I don't think I own any power tools. However my dad owns his own construction company and I've seen what he has. The only thing he understood about my art degree was that he could give me a staple gun, which I used to stretch canvas." I smile and snag another bite of bread. "I haven't stretched canvas in a long time, or built stretcher bars." I admit it, sounding as if it was simple a lost opportunity, not something I really needed to find time to do. "That was before I found my passion and pursued my masters degree. It's interesting that you say you want to see the big picture and what I hear is another example of the desire for instant gratification." I smile and internally laugh at myself, "Perhaps I am too used to working with clients," I smile at him, take a drink and say, "I had forgotten how good it is to talk with someone relatively normal outside of work." I smile and notice that the soup has arrived.

 

[susurrus]

Almost immediately after Micki mentioned the "stretcher bar" thing, it reminded me of something I'd read about on an "alternate lifestyle" website one night while surfing, but then realized it was a different term entirely. I kept my stupid mouth shut on the subject.

What I *did* finally say was, "Gee, I never thought I'd come to a fancy place like this to be analyzed." I smiled at another brief flash of that sheepishness she 'd displayed earlier.

This time, I actually *saw* a human being place the soup on the table, but he must have been a magician or something, because I glanced at Micki for a moment, and he was nowhere to be seen.

Staring deeply into her pretty eyes, I eventually said, "So, doctor, I know what you do, but exactly what does Art Therapy entail?"

 

[intriguess]

Micki

"Do you mind if I don't talk about my work?" I pause and smile, wishing I had not mentioned it. The last thing I wanted was for him to feel analyzed. "I try to leave my work at work, as I'm sure you can understand when considering confidentiality. I drove my last room mate crazy because I would not talk about my work, except to say whether it had been a good or bad day."

 

[susurrus]

She really didn't want to talk about her work, so I didn't press the matter.

"That's okay. I think I've seen enough TV shows and movies, and am a smart enough guy to piece together the gist of what Art Therapy is. I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable telling me anything; it isn't why I asked."

I tried not to sound upset or disappointed, even though I really *was* curious as to whether Art Therapy was like they portray it in the media, with people drawing pictures or creating bizarre sculptures triggered by repressed traumas. I didn't want case studies. Of course, I didn't want to be treated as one, either, and Micki didn't want to make me one, so I figured I'd just leave well enough alone, and content myself with the fact that she was a highly intelligent woman, bent on helping other people with their lives.

I tried the soup. It was really good. With all the food that had come to the table already, I wondered how much room I'd have for the main course.

For a full minute, we both tackled the food laid out before us, not speaking, but looking up and catching the other's eye while we ate. I really liked being with Micki. I hoped she felt the same about me.

Suddenly, a thought came to me, one I couldn't remember bringing up before.

"So, Micki... This'll seem like kind of a strange question to ask, especially after what's gone on in the last many hours, but it just occurred to me: What brought a nice, intelligent, attractive girl like you to a party like the one we both ended up at last night?"

 

[intriguess]

Micki

"So, Micki... This'll seem like kind of a strange question to ask, especially after what's gone on in the last many hours, but it just occurred to me: What brought a nice, intelligent, attractive girl like you to a party like the one we both ended up at last night?"

"A combination of working too much, playing too little, being tired of being the 'single' one if I celebrated with my family, and throw in a good dose of horniness and there you have it. Besides what did I have to lose? I can out drink most people I know, I'm strong enough and smart enough to fend off unwanted advances, and if all else failed I could leave and still spend a relaxed New Years in my bed watching a movie marathon. What about you?"

"And any other day and I would love to talk about my work, just not today," I smile and add, "Just gives you a reason to see me more often?" It's part question, part request.

 

[susurrus]

I spoke between bites of good food. I'd realized we'd been doing a lot of talking, and not much eating, but now we both were talking and eating at the same time.

"I guess I figured that maybe I could meet some new people. The people at my work, while good folks, just aren't the kind of people I usually opt to spend time with outside of work." I felt myself start to blush, just before I half-whispered, "...And I was really getting tired of taking care of matters myself, so I was hoping something more than just talking would happen." I reached across the table and took one of Micki's hands. "I never imagined I'd meet somebody like you, though."

A smile started on my face at her half-question about my seeing her again. "Baby, if you aren't sick of me by now, I'm yours. I think I'd've told you that at almost any time along the line. Now, though, knowing I love being with you even with our clothes on, I *know* I'd shrivel up and blow away if I couldn't see you again."

 

[intriguess]

Micki

"Well you do have some of my clothes," I softly tease between spoonfuls of soup, "Dating someone you work with is like shitting in your backyard," I chuckle and smile at him, "I know what you mean I work with a stern professional bunch. Most of them are married and more than ten years older than me, not exactly the type I want to socialize with, then again I'm usually happy by myself. To be honest I don't recall the last time I had the time and desire to take care of business as you so politely put it."

 

[susurrus]

My cock twitched at Micki's mention of my possession of an article of her clothing.

Returning her smile, I replied, very matter-of-factly, "I believe they were given as a gift - a token, of sorts - and as such, they now belong to me, as a reminder, and - I hope - a promise."

I ate a little bit in the following silence before adding, "...And if you want them back, you'll just have to see me again to find out if I'm ready to return them, otherwise, they'll just have to go into my trophy case with all the other panties women have given to me over the years..." The teacher-looking-over-the-top-of-her-glasses look Micki gave me at that last made me laugh.

I ate some more, then said, "As far as the other thing... yes, I do it. When I'm alone, which is quite a bit lately, I find I do it quite often. I *know* that if I'd left that party alone, after having seen you and that gal with the big hair, I'd have needed a little "laying on of hands" to get myself under control."

I quietly added to that, a little guiltily, "I'd love to watch you, with no interference from me."