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Michael plays catch with Ma Barker. She runs after the ball and brings it right back, wiggling her tail the whole time.

“Michael, would you like a cold beer with cheese and crackers? I found tasty organic goodies at Trader Joe’s. ”

“That sounds great. Yes, thanks. I need to go to Trader Joe’s. I’m out of a lot of stuff. I like to cook but don’t seem to pay any attention to how much food is stored in the pantry.”

“Why? Is it ugly?”

“What? Oh, no, it’s just camouflaged by surrounding cabinets and blends in like magic.”

“My pantry’s still empty. I haven’t had time to fill it since I moved in. I do have fresh peaches to add to our snack.”

“That sounds good.”

When I bring the tray out, Ma Barker rushes to sit down facing me, she looks right into my eyes and licks her lips. “Gee, Michael, don’t you ever feed your dog? She’s all skin and bones covered with fake fitness.”

“Ya, sure. I swear she smells food as far away as the neighbor’s houses blocks from home. She just has a hollow stomach. Wow, this cheese is good. I like the crackers too. Nice.”

“It’s Norwegian goat cheese. Not baaaaad at all. How old is Ma Barker?”

“She’s nearly five and was a Paws pup. I knew the moment I saw her she was mine. She ran to me, sat down right in front of me and stared directly into my eyes. She’s a dog that stares, and I find that a peculiar behavior I especially like. I couldn’t go home without her, besides, she wouldn’t leave my side. I’m forever stuck with a perfectly smart dog.”

“She’s energetic and beautiful. I brought out snacks for her, too. Some carrots, bacon pieces, and cucumber slices with peanut butter spread on them might be to her liking. Look, She’s begging, eyeing the side of the tray that has her goodies on it. She seems to know the difference between her treats and our food and wants what is hers.”

“Ma won’t sneak a snack although she’s dying to eat them. I don’t trust her too much, though. No dog could resist this layout.”

“Well, OK, I’ll keep my eyes on her.”

“Thank you. I like your patio. It goes straight out to the back yard from here. I think someone designed it with Ma in mind. She’s getting her exercise.”

“She only stops when you quit throwing the ball. Then she just sits and stares at you.”

“Yup, She goes for the ball until she’s exhausted, then hides it in odd areas before she drops down for a nap. I’ve found balls under my bed pillow, in the kitchen drawer that she can open, even inside my shoes.”

Our hands brush against each other when he reaches for the ball. Wow, I tingle at that minor touch. Suddenly there’s a multitude of seagulls singing their evening chorus. ”I love listening to the gulls calls. They circle the fishing boats every night as they come into port with their days catch. I’ve learned what time of day it is by the cacophony from the birds hungry screams.”

“Me too. I’m glad I’m not parked beneath them.”

I get up to take the tray back to the kitchen. “I’m smart enough to never look up when they fly over.”

“I should hope not. Some may have perfect aim.”

“I do duck their do-do.” I look at Michael sitting on my patio chair and give him an exaggerated flirtatious grin, “After all these years I’m young and gorgeous, but then again, I’m delusional.” With that I turn back toward the kitchen taking the tray inside.

“You’re fitty.” Michael calls out to me.

Aw, he called me extremely good looking, attractive and hot. OK, I’ll live with that. I turn my head to give him a big smile, set the empty tray down, and go back outside.

“It’s good to see you again. Oops, I’m sorry,” we say simultaneously. We’re a duet without music.

I sit down next to him. “How do you know what I’m going to say? Who are you? DNA isn’t airborne like insecticide or perfume, yet we speak in concert.”

Michael puts his coffee down, reaches for both my hands, looks at me and says, “OK, my synchronous partner, I’m really happy to see you. I’ve thought of you through the years regretting that I was too shy to ask you out when I had the chance. So much for high school foul ups.” Ma leaps up to face me and licks my cheek. Yuck!

“Is that a dog trick or is she just thinking I’m tasty?”

“She’s happy. Let’s go to dinner and catch up. Does an hour give you enough time?” He stands up. So do I.

“What? Does an hour give me enough time to transform this?” I move my hands suggestively down my sides to accentuate my body. “Since you suggest an hour, I’ll use that time wisely to camouflage my makeup, wear an overkill of spandex, and choose clothes that can be worn in public, I’ll make an hour work pure magic. But only so long as we’re in the dark so you don’t notice the paste up job I do in such a ‘small’ amount of time. You do know it can take weeks to look sexy.”

“You, my dear, are already sexy in your t-shirt and shorts. Would you prefer going to ‘The Pink Door’, ‘Tin Table,’ or ‘Red Lantern’? I’ll make reservations.”

“I love the Tin Table.”

“OK, I’ll pick you up in an hour. It opens at 5PM. I just checked. How should I leave? Shall I go out the front door or become a back yard bushman?”

“I think Ma would prefer the shrubs and you seem to cut easily through the greens.”

“ I can get through the thicket of things and hedge any trouble I encounter on that route. See you in an hour.”

Precisely an hour later there’s a knock at the front door. I open it to find Michael and love what I see. When he followed the happy dog through my creepers I instantly noticed he was hot, pure man candy to my eyes. “Come in. I’m all ready, I’ll just turn the lights out, grab my purse and lock the door.”

“You look wonderful.” He stops in front of me and inhales with a smile, “Your perfume is intoxicating, and that shade of green is a great choice. It makes your eyes pop.

“Thank you. And you look sharp. That casual blue blazer is smashing with your white shirt and slacks.”

“Thank you kind lass.” he bows with a flourish.

As I lock the door, he slowly slips his arm around my waist and gently leads me to his car. Fire surges through me. The feeling surprises me and I like it. Geez, I’m feeling like a teenager with a massive crush. In my driveway is a shiny black Mercedes with the top down. “This is your car?”

“Yes.” He leads me to the passenger door and opens it for me while talking. “I’m fond of Mercedes and love convertibles. They are perfect in the Northwest. Did you know 1.6% of all convertibles are sold in Washington? Even with the rain they are popular. We take advantage of good weather.”

“I’ve always been a fan. With a convertible you have great visibility and can smell the fresh air as you drive. Smart choice.”

“Do you mind driving with the top down?”

“Oh, my gosh, no. I love the smell of the ocean and the moon is peeking through the clouds giving it an ethereal look. I love it.”

The traffic isn’t bad as Michael drives the back roads. I like this route because it’s picturesque. “I love seeing the big beautiful houses and old business buildings still in yester-year mode. This part of Seattle is still quaint. I’m glad you took this route, Michael.”

“I like to drive off the beaten track because I can enjoy the scenic views I’d miss from the freeway.” As we turn onto Pine St. he points out the crowd at the field across the street. “There’s a ball game going on.”

I look over at the big field across from the restaurant. He finds a parking place like magic right in front of the Tin Table then puts the top up with the touch of a finger against the button. “I’m impressed that the top closes so easily. Pretty cool.”

“That’s one of the reasons I like Mercedes.”

Michael walks around and opens the car door for me, then escorts me into the old Odd Fellows Building. We climb the long stairway and hear 1980’s music get louder as we reach the landing. The old brick facade dates the beautiful century old architecture.

“The music is coming from a ballroom to our right. There’re so many couples dancing, the room is full. It’s like going back in time. They are playing the 1980’s ‘Every Breath You Take’. I consider that the perfect stalkers song.”

“I never considered it to be a song for dancing. I like it, but now it’ll stalk my brain. Never leaving, always there.” He looks at me with a wide grin. “I’m still listening, replaying it in my head.”

“Ha, told you.”

We stop for a moment to watch the skilled agility of the dancers before we enter the restaurant. “Its quite a sight.”

“They are graceful.”

We enter the restaurant and the waitress seats us across from the bar, “Welcome,” she says and hands us our menus. “Would you like a cocktail to begin?”

“Sounds good.” We order their house drink.

“Both of us will have the Old Fashioned Old Fashioned. Thank you.” Then turns to me. “I usually hate to repeat myself, but it suits the ambiance, besides it’s on the drink list that way.” He smiles as he takes in the décor of the place. “It’s interesting and comfortable in here.”

We talk about our past years and are distracted by the tempting bouquet of delicious spices mingling with the aromas of searing meats wafting from the nearby kitchen. We’re close to the kitchen door, and can hear the meat sizzle. My mouth actually waters.

“What happened to you after high school?”

“I went to college, married Chuck the Chaser right after graduation in 1989. We dated the last two years of College.” I look across the table and shrug my shoulders. “I didn’t know better and certainly didn’t know worse.”

“You were shy back then. I was a green horn in relationships too.”

“He started out flirtatious and considerate. I fell for him like a ton of bricks as did dozens of others. I was blind to that until much later.”

“Debauchers are never marriage partners. I’m sorry to hear that.

What do you want to eat?”

I hold the menu up where it hides my face and read aloud, “I want the Jamaican chicken and ‘waffles’. They are yummy, imagine pan fried crispy marinated boneless chicken thighs, with a yucca and sweet potato waffle, then spoil me with a peach habanero coulis, and island fruit salsa that’s to die for, or maybe to swoon over would be better.” I peek around the side of the menu to look at him showing a grin and rapidly blink my eyes. “That’s what I’m ordering. Besides, that chicken can’t run away.”

“It sounds wonderful but so does the Steak Frites. “He reads the menu and frowns. ”I’ll pass on the Floozy Burger though. I’m going to try the crispy skin red snapper that’s pan roasted, stuffed with sauteed leeks, and preserved lemon, then they serve it with roasted baby potatoes, wilted spinach, and huckleberry sauce. OK, now I’m starving. It all looks wonderful. You were right to choose this place.”

“I hope you aren’t what you eat, that snapper could be trouble.”

“That’s sounds downright fishy to me.” We order our meal and resume our talk.

“We’ll see about that snapper trouble. You never know for sure.” He winks. ”It seems we both experienced troubled marriages. I went to the UW and married Martha after dating her a whole semester. We married in 1989 too. That seems to have been a bad year for both of us.”

“Hey, we didn’t know any better. Besides, I had never been flirted with in such a concerted way, so I sucked it in like a sponge and fell for it.”

“I can just see you with trusting, loving eyes, being reeled in like a puppet by that jerk. Twenty years old was just too young to marry. Martha’s relatives told me she still channels Elvis for a living. She performs anyplace that will have her”

“That’s oddly interesting. At least she invited Elvis back into the building.” He pats my hand then holds it. My mind goes blank and I can’t remember what the heck I was saying. His hand is warm and invites my imagination to places I don’t want to resist.

“Martha didn’t have a plan, she blindly chose her career move. The kids and I never saw her again. Even after the divorce she’s remained absent from our lives.”

“That’s awful.” We keep holding hands while we sip our drinks. “She’s missed the best things in life. I’m blessed with two delightful children and I can’t imagine not being a part of their lives.”

We order wine to go with our dinner. I choose a Washington Merlot and Michael picks a Chardonnay to go with his fish. The waiter brings our dinner. The aroma knocks me over, my mouth waters. We let our hands slip apart and stare in awe at the beautifully presented food on our plates.

“This looks wonderful.” He says.

“Trust me, it is. You’re in for a treat.”

We eat in silence for a little while as we savor our meals.

I look up from my plate, and begin telling him about my daughter. “Angie, is 28 and works for a whiz of an attorney. She’s married to Christopher Robin, adding the ‘Robin’ after their three kids were born.”

“How does he like his nickname?”

“He’s a happy guy. He’s told me he likes being called Christopher Robin because the kids love it. He’s lucky enough to work from home and is a huge help around the house and with the kids. He even cooks. The family’s close, they laugh a lot and are relaxed with each other.”

“It’s good your daughter is happy. She is a year older than my daughter.”

“Tell me about her.”

“ Laurie married Sherman four years ago. She’s 27, he’s a whopping thirty. Their little daughter, Sherry Lynn is three and smart as a whip. Laurie keeps busy with her business, “The Keeper,” in Pike Place Market”. You may have heard of it. She loves antiques.”

“Oh my gosh, I have several things from there. I love that place.

“Her husband is a detective. I call him Sherlock instead of Sherman. He’s a big guy with an even bigger heart.”

“You sound like you raised your kids well. It’s funny how we both nicknamed our kids.”

“Well, I didn’t give my son one. Steven’s a Psychiatrist. I can’t share any crazy ideas with him. He’s 29 and dates Hazel, who’s a real nut. How many grandchildren do you have?”

“I’ve three little angels. Mary’s four, Carrie’s two and a half, and baby James is a year. They are the light of my heart.

It’s so much fun being around them. I’d forgotten how much energy it takes to try and keep up.”

“I still can’t keep up. I’d be superhuman if I did.”

“If you did, I’d have to take you to Comic con dressed in a suitable costume, and kid about you having unbelievable out of this world stamina in a child like sort of way.”

“Ha!”

“I’ve got a son, Sky, short for Skylar. He’s 27 and at the UW getting his degree in Climate Science. Work is a breeze for him. He stays calm without depression. He’s going with a feisty redhead. Gale is 26, as quick as lightening. Theirs is a whirlwind romance even though they are polar opposites. Their forecast is a hot wave that will eventually be a warm front.”

“That’s fair. You’re enjoying their sizzling first summer of discovery, right?”

“They’re both ready. It’s wonderful.”

I think we’re the same age. I was born in 1969. Since we were in the same class, I figure we have that in common.”

“Yes, I’m half a century old too. Think about how much has changed. Now, the old stand-up dirt bag vacuums are self-propelled discs, cars drive themselves, we almost don’t have to do anything for ourselves. Watches as well as cameras and recording devices are part of phones, no chords or watchbands. We never guessed there would be cameras placed at each corner and inside all buildings.”

“Theodore Sturgeon wrote about what tomorrow would be like, as did Ray Bradbury in the 70’s. Even Edgar Rice Burroughs wasn’t far off. They all wrote about the future as if they knew what was in store for us.”

“You’re right. I’ve read every Science Fiction book I could get my hands on. 1984 scared me to death and now its come to pass that the inventions were dead on.”

“I’m glad you like Sci-Fi too. Today’s books read to you as you do your daily routines. You mention cars. My old Ford is now worth $25,000. The only bad thing is I sold it for $50.00 long ago.”

“$50.00, I bet you wish you still had it. Tell me what you do?”

“I’m a Hedge Hunter. I find investing a challenging game. I’m good at it.”

“You’re a natural, you found my patio Hedge, now you have a high return there, a whole two step incline. Are you aggressive and successful in everything?”

“Only what I set my sights on.”

“I ‘ve stayed far away from stockbrokers. They’ve often made the public ‘broker’. Hedge Hunters have an increased knowledge of the market. How risky are you?”

“I think I’ll have to show you.” He says with a suggestive grin. “I rely on my research and have a very good record.”

“Smart. I’ll trust you any day of the week. How about Tuesday?”

“OK, I’ll trust Tuesday too. It’s a good day for you to join me on the dinner train?”

“I’ve never been on it. That sounds perfect. I hear their waiters don’t get side tracked. But of course that’s just gossip.”

“They are well trained. You still haven’t told me what you do?”

“I work from home as a Technical Writer. I teach people how to use products without blowing themselves up, damaging their home, breaking fingernails or causing world wars. I consider how a second grader would understand what I write. I love getting paid to tell people what to do.”

“The next time I see an instruction manual I’ll think of you. I’m so full. That was a wonderful dinner. Thanks for suggesting Tin Table.”

“You can’t lose, eating here.”

We leave the restaurant and walk to the car. He opens the door for me. “You are spoiling me. I haven’t had a door open for me since I was at the supermarket. Cold Mechanical equipment can’t replace your good manners and this is the third time you’ve opened a door for me tonight. Thank you. Look, it rained while we were inside the restaurant. The full moon is peeking through the clouds, and reflects off the puddles on the streets. It’s beautiful.”

“I better keep the top up, the clouds look threatening. I always love the smell of the rain, too. It’s fresh and clean.”

“Me too.” We arrive home much too soon. Michael escorts me to my front door where we stand face to face. He slowly moves his arms around me, looks into my eyes and smiles. We hold tight, then he touches my ear with his lips, and carries the warm touch down my cheek until he reaches my lips. His kiss is warm and passionate. I burst with emotion and feel myself melt like a teenager. He is some kind of good. “I missed out when we were young. I didn’t know you were such a talented kisser.”

“It’s you, not me. You are warm and wake up my senses. It’s time to catch up, for years lost, beautiful lady.”

To be continued

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