Our story so far...
the story continues, the last time we left off, Bruce and Natalie were
going to meet sometime within the next week, for a romantic dinner in
Narragansett. Natalie is starting to wonder if Bruce really is a "good guy"
after all. [Start at the beginning]
... Let’s pick up where we last left off ...
It was the Monday, and the last week in July. The summer seemed to be
zooming by. The phone rang at Natalie's apartment and she let the
answering machine get it. It was Bruce. He wanted to know if she would
like to get together this week for a "friendly" dinner in Narragansett, at
the Coast Guard House.
"Bruce, it is Natalie. I was just coming in and heard your call.
What's up?"
"Well, I had such a good time with you, that I thought we could do something
a little more intimate, like dinner and a walk on the beach in
Narragansett," said Bruce.
Shivers went up Natalie's back , as she has heard this line before, but she
didn't hesitate to say yes. "Well," said Natalie, "I am free ONLY on Friday
this week".
"That's great!" said Bruce. "How about if I pick you up and we can go
together, rather then meet at the Coast Guard House?"
Natalie was still not sure about Bruce, so she thought it would be better to
decline. " How about I meet you there around 7, since I live north of
Narragansett, and it would be silly for you to come up here?" she said..
"Works for me," said Bruce. "See you Friday at 7; 00. I am looking forward
to seeing you again"
"Me, too," said Natalie, smiling sheepishly.
Friday came very quickly for Natalie, as she was still struggling with what
to wear. Something seductive? No, that would be too tempting. Something
"old maidish?" No, that would turn him off, she thought. She settled for a
black halter dress, with a jacket. She wore her red hair down, with a
silver necklace around her neck.
The drive to Narragansett was beautiful. Crisp summer air, the smell of
the ocean whisking through the car, and not a cloud in the sky. Bruce was
waiting in the parking lot, dressed in his khaki pants, loafers and white
button down shirt. His back was turned to Natalie as she approached him in
the parking lot.
"Hey," she said, tapping him on the shoulder, "what do you think?" as she
outlined her dress, hoping for his approval.
"Pretty damn good if you ask me," said Bruce, handing her the bouquet of
flowers he had bought on his way to the restaurant.
Natalie pulled her hand away, not quite sure about taking the flowers.
"Why the flowers?" she said, "are you looking for more than dinner?"
"Yikes" said Bruce, "That isn't something I would
even consider. Well, not now at least," he grinned, knowing that he was
hoping for at least a kiss by the end of the night.
"Well, we will see, because, if you are, I am sooooooo outta here!" she
said, accepting the flowers as they both walked into the restaurant.
The
Coast Guard House was almost filled to capacity, with a few empty tables
that happened to be located by the windows, overlooking the ocean. The
waves from the ocean splashed against the rocks outside and the sun was
setting, creating colors of pastel pinks stretching across the horizon.
Signs of where hurricane Bob water levels hit were displayed throughout
the restaurant. Music drivted down from above where people were dancing.
The waitress approached, asking if Bruce and Natalie wanted
dinner drinks, and both declined .
"I would like lobster," said Natalie, not caring if she might have to don a
bib while eating.
"I would too," said Bruce, "but I have to let you know,
I "wear" my dinner well!" laughing as he stroked his shirt, pointing out a
few stains already.
During the meal, both Natalie and Bruce were intent on eating, and trying
not to make a scene while picking at the lobster claws. Conversations of
whom worked where, where they grew up, and last but not least, when was the
last time they were in a relationship.
"Well," said Natalie, "to be honest with you, it has been awhile. I am
notorious for picking the wrong guys. You are my first "good boy" ever; so,
it will be a challenge!"
"Hum" said Bruce, "I am not sure if I want to be a challenge, but I do know
I want to keep seeing you."
"Well, I want to take it slow," said Natalie. "What do you think?"
"Ok, if that is what you want," said Bruce. Hey, how about if we skip
desert, and stroll along the beach?"
"Ok," said Natalie, withdrawing a little from the table.
The waitress came
with the bill; both paid their share, and decided to stroll along
Narragansett Town Beach.
The moon was full, and glowing intensely as they
walked. Bruce reached for her hand, and she willingly accepted. They
stopped for a moment, listening to the waves washing over the crystalline
sand.
Bruce turned Natalie around, and placed his hand on her shoulder,
wanting to draw her close for a kiss.
She stepped back, causing
his hand to slip down her front before she jerked away completly.
"Damn you. You were wanting only one thing all along!" she yelled. "You
are so typical of all men!"
"But, it was an accident!" said Bruce, embarrassed as all hell. "Honest!"
"I need to go," said Natalie, " I...I need to go!" pulling away from Bruce
and walking faster along the beach.
Bruce, puzzled by her reaction, yelled to Natalie "Can I call you,
please?" he pleaded , "Please, think about it and give me a chance. I
really am a good guy!"
"Well, we will see won't we!" said Natalie, flipping her hand in the air as
she stomped to her car. "We will see!"
NEXT MONTH...
Will Natalie forgive Bruce for the supposed "slip of the hand" and will they
get together for another encounter? Stay tuned in to see for yourself! [Go to part 4]
