The last time we left off, Natalie and Bruce had exchanged numbers, and were about to embark on an adventure of “going for ice cream”. [See Last Month's Story]
... Let’s pick up where we last left off ...
“I can not believe where he wants me to meet him for ice cream” said Natalie, placing down the cell phone after Bruce’s call.
“Where?” Asked Beth, running from the kitchen with her wine spritzer to the bedroom.
“In Westerly, at some ice cream place called St. Claries Annex,” said Natalie. “Westerly is at the other end of the state, and it is almost 30miles away!” exclaimed Natalie, like a typical Rhode Islander.
“Well”, said Beth “it is by the water, and that can be a pretty romantic evening if you ask me”
“Romance? With Bruce? I don’t even know him, and I am not sure it is going to work out. Nice guys don’t last in my book. “
“Hey, just go and have a good time. You said that you wanted to start dating again, and now you have your chance. Go for it, and just be you.”
“Oh, all right,” said Natalie. “But I am not wearing anything slinky. He might just be a ‘bad boy’ in disguise. And, the first time he puts his arm around me, I am outta there.”
Beth laughed, knowing that Natalie was all talk most of the time.
The plans were finalized during the week, and Bruce and Natalie were going to meet at St. Claire’s Annex in Westerly, known for their home made ice cream on Saturday night. Bruce arrived earlier then Natalie, since he lived in Richmond. Natalie arrived about 6 pm. The streets where filled with beach goers, sunburned, and with windblown hair. Families, couples, and single people, all enjoying the serenity that
Westerly seems to have more then any other city in Rhode Island.
Bruce was sitting outside the parlor, dressed in khaki shorts, polo shirt, and sandals. He didn’t notice the good-looking red head approaching, with her bright red sundress, and white sandals.
“Hey, remember me?’ said Natalie, tapping Bruce on the shoulder.
“Yeah, I slightly remember meeting you someplace, but I can’t remember when,” teased Bruce, grinning boyishly as Natalie smirked back at him.
“Well, lets see if this place is everything you said it was;” said Natalie, walking towards the window. “I think I will be daring, and ask for………hum…death by chocolate.”
“I will stick with my usual, vanilla,” said Bruce.
“That’s so boring!” said Natalie.
“Hey, I never said I wasn’t boring.”
“Ok, ok,” said Natalie “lets be nice, and just walk around this beautiful little town. It must have been 5 years since I’ve been down here.”
They walked along the store front properties, noticing the brightly colored display of dishes, clothing, beachwear, and jewelry in the different stores. Outside cafes, and the odor of seafood swept through the air, reminding Bruce that he hadn’t had seafood in quite awhile. They stopped at the end of the row of stores, and crossed the street to watch the boats coming in to dock for the night. Though it was still early, the sun was starting to change to a brightly colored orange ball.
Couples were strolling hand in hand, and Natalie was obsessing about what she would do if Bruce took her hand. But, he didn’t, he was a gentleman. They sat and talked for what seemed like hours, with their feet dangling over the side of the stone wall, as they watched the sun hide behind some white puffy clouds. It was about 8:30, and the night was still young.
“Hey, how about talking a walk along the beach,” said Bruce. “It is really beautiful down here.”
“Ah, I would love to, but I need to be going soon,” said Natalie. She was sure Bruce wouldn’t try anything, but she also didn’t want to seem too anxious.
“Well, next time we meet, we will have to try a walk along the shore at sunset, and maybe dinner before that,” said Bruce.
Natalie was thrilled that he made that statement. It meant that he wanted to see her again, and believe it or not, she wanted to see him. There was something pleasant about this person, with his deep-set blue eyes, and his rimless glasses that he wears at the tip of his nose. “Sure, I would love that,” said Natalie. “We will chat during the week again?” Said Natalie, hoping that he wouldn’t notice the doubt in her voice.
“I will call you during the week, I promise,” said Bruce, taking her hand in his, and bringing it to his lips, where he gently kissed her hand.
“I am looking forward to it,” said Natalie, blushing slightly. He walked her to her car, gave her a hug, and then opened the door. “Drive slow,” said Bruce.
“I will,” said Natalie, as she backed out of the parking lot, heading back to Cranston to her apartment.
NEXT MONTH...
But the question remains, will the next encounter result in a kiss, or will Bruce turn out to be Natilie's "bad boy in disguise" and get a slap in the face? Tune in "Romance in Rhode Island" next month and find out! [ Go to part 3 ...]
