Once Around the Sun

Chapter 1

It was a distinct but fleeting moment. We laughed at something stupid; a lame dick joke, but it tickled our funny bones. We rolled with laughter, loud guffaws from the belly up as we walked out the door and into the damp springtime air.

Myself, a known klutz, tripped on an upturned corner of the doormat. I stumbled forward just a half-step. Your hand reached out to stop my fall—palm flat on my stomach. My breath hitched as it sunk into my softness.

I caught your gaze; frozen, unsure. A flush crept up my neck and flamed my cheeks. I knew that at that moment you were acutely aware that the body I clothed did not look underneath as my clothes made it appear.

You just giggled again and your eyes crinkled at the corners. I thought I imagined your fingers pressing just a bit deeper as we climbed into our cab. The mirth eased my nerves more than the alcohol, though, and I didn’t mind your hand on my thigh during the ride home, where I fell asleep with a dopey smile and my cheeks still pink.

The next time we met, you insisted we had to try a hot new Indian buffet before going to the movies. I wondered if you knew just how powerless I was to fresh naan and samosas. I may have misread the playful twinkle in your voice as you swiped your card:
"Three plates or you owe me a refund, lady!"

I made good on the promise, though, as I'd never pass up any paneer or curry. We caught up on each others’ weeks and ridiculous work lives, commiserating over clueless bosses and office gossip.

I was thankful for the reprieve of the darkness in the theater as we sipped on the extra-large Diet Coke you got for "yourself" even though my water bottle was completely empty. Maybe the popcorn was for "yourself" too and I know you didn't mind me mooching as we found ourselves contorting around the unforgiving theater seats and snuggling like high schoolers. My stomach groaned the entire time but now I wonder if it was from the food or our saccharine crushes on each other.

***

I arrived at my desk on my birthday none the wiser to find a stunning, classic bouquet of fragrant roses. I'd never received flowers at work before, most especially for this occasion.

Congratulations echoed from all around the office. I couldn’t suppress my grin as I worked my way through the tray of chocolates that accompanied the flowers.

Unused to receiving such decadent gifts, I still felt beautiful, even as I begrudgingly broke in my new work slacks, two whole sizes up from before.
My phone buzzed on my desk as I savored the first sweet.

you: Did you like the roses?

me: no. I LOVED them. I adore roses. thank you so much :-*

you: the chocolates are Belgian!

me: I saw the label! Thank you.
me: really, thank you for this. I'm having a rough day (new pants… new size :( ) ... and you made me feel beautiful.

you: you are welcome. And stunning.
you: you are the most beautiful woman I've met and you have only grown more beautiful as we've gotten to know each other.

me: I'm speechless. Don’t make me cry at the office!

you: just tell me how you like the chocolate :)
Every last morsel warmed me from the inside out.

You asked about each bite and nuance of flavor. By the time I went home my stomach churned from the sugar but I was on a high from the affection and attention.