Unexpectedly...Suddenly...
The clock was ticking well into the afternoon, probably 2 o’clock give or take a few. However, we weren’t concerned about time in the least. Business had been done for the day, and it was about time to kick back.
I sat across from Michelle, my newly met business partner, over an orchid-decorated table in the Benjarong, a well known Thai restaurant in Rockville. She allowed me to order lunch swiftly for both as our conversation continued after a brief interruption. She talked enthusiastically about business planning as we quickly sipped the orange-color ice tea. Somehow, my mind unintentionally drifted, and I suddenly found myself wonder about Michelle, the person.
It was our first dinning table alone, so I had more time to really study Michelle. Young, very young, indeed, determined and tenacious about business affairs. She wore her long, silky smooth hair down to the mid section of her back. This rich black silk accentuated a big dimpled round face adorn by impeccable white skin. The big brown eyes showed tenacity and sincerity as much as the ability of persuasion. Just a bit of eye shadow, but there was no hint of other make up product. “Hey, you’re staring at me,” she grudgingly protested, seemingly a bit perplexed by my stare. Her full pink lips pouted posing a look of a question. Instantly, I regained my attentiveness and apologetically said, “Sorry, but hmm…I thought that we should get to know each other on a more personal level, since we’re gonna be partners and all”. Still perplexed, she agreed, “sure, you wanna go first or you want me?” She then paused, and I was still slightly embarrassed about my rudeness knowing not what to say next. Then suddenly the waitress reappeared and said, “Your seafood combo, sir”.
After a near whole day of driving around scouting for location, we were both tired and hungry. We dug quickly into the food as the conversation changed from favorite cuisines and dishes to singers and song writers. I was neither surprised nor impressed that she liked Trinh Cong Son, but the thing that did impress me was she sang his songs and analyzed their lyrics. Another thing in common, I thought to myself. As the subject changed once again to my and her personalities, the waitress came over and cleared the table. That ended the conversation. I looked at my watch. It was a quarter to five.
Since business had been taken care of for the day, there was no hurry of going home or anywhere else for that matter, as we drove in my SUV, I asked Michelle to think of a place to rewind. A bay, perhaps, as it was suggested and later agreed. So I turned back to get on South I-270 towards Baltimore Harbor. The traffic had lessened on a Sunday afternoon, allowing us to stroll along the freeway with a comfortable pace without any interruption. The conversation was getting more and more comfortable and personal. Michelle emphatically stated that she just came off of a long relationship and was not ready for another one any time soon. I guessed this was her way of fending me off of my possible advances. She was now very focused in her career and business. I, however, came off of a recent break up myself, and was not ready to venture romantically, despite the apparent curiosity that I still had.
It had been a while since we each came to Baltimore Harbor, new constructions were growing up in the down town area. It certainly had become more attractive. Scores of tourists and locals were strolling a long the boardwalk, taking pictures, stopping by the shops, watching street musicians, and magicians. We found ourselves among of the crowd, cheering for a college boy, who juggled three torches while balancing himself on a board that situated haphazardly on a big bowling ball. After each act, Michelle cheered enthusiastically, clapping her hands and smiling happily. I found myself once again gazing at her. Her genuine joy, free spirit, and cheerful countenance exuberated as if there was no worry in the world. Her hair was slightly blown out of place. A few strands stuck on her blushed cheeks as we started strolling down the boardwalk.
Day light was giving way to darkness, as the sun was departing, leaving a crimson sky, which beautifully reflected on the water. We were now sitting on the edge of the boardwalk at the farthest section towards the deep water. Our legs dangled just above it. Our hands anchored to the wooden board. We looked towards the sky as it turned redder and redder in very pleasant silence. Finally, I broke the tranquility and asked, “Are you enjoying yourself?” She turned and slightly nodded. Her dreamy look professed that she probably had forgotten reality. Suddenly, she asked, “Would you bring me here every Sunday?” as she leaned her head backward to fully felt that ocean breeze. I smiled and nodded back. I, myself, forgot reality at this moment. I turned to have a full view of her as my hand reached for hers. She did not make a movement. Only her blush visibly got redder and redder. Her innocence brought out more curiosity and infatuation in me. This day and age, and I still had moments like these! Michelle still did not move or protest my sudden advance. My gaze at her culminated, when I leaned forward to find her lips. She slowly turned away, and my lips landed on her left cheek. I slowly leaned back and whispered, “Sorry”. Oddly enough, after that failed attempt, it was still very pleasant without any hint of inappropriateness or awkwardness. We were back in silence and dangling our legs. Suddenly, unexpectedly Michelle turned and leaned forwards as her eyes slowly shut in trustful anticipation. I gradually leaned towards her with shutting eyes. Our lips finally met as we heard the sound of fireworks started thundering on a Sunday evening in late July, 2005.
For Michelle
QuangVu
August 29th, 2005
