Technically, the whole dating thing was not a competition. They were in it together after all. But Nate had taken her to the opera, and then to some fancy restaurant where the food looked like a combination of high end art and science fiction novels come to life. After the date, the make out session had left her in shambles. Once she had picked up the scattered pieces of her brain and was capable of fine motor control. She had picked up the phone and called Lili, squealing into the phone and raving about how great he was. How good the food had been. How good the music had been. And in case Lili had not heard her the first time… how great Nate was.
"So, what are you going to do for him?" It had been nothing but a innocent question, but it had sent Rose's mind racing. By the time she'd hung up, she had been having a silent panic attack. What did you give a man who had everything? If she looked into it, Rose was certain the money he had casually thrown around that night would be enough to buy someone's dream home.
To top his evening with money, she would have to do something crazy like take him to dinner in outer space, engrave his name on the moon and then shoot them both down to earth where they would land on an island not only shaped like his face, but surrounded by rock formations in the shape of a heart. Not only would that be crazy, she also did not have pockets that deep. And she would not be using the black card he had given her( again, casual as can be, like it was nothing).
After a few days of panic, Rose had finally gotten her head on straight. The date was not about the money. What she had liked most about their first date had not been how expensive it was. She had liked the opera. She had liked the food. And most of all, she had enjoyed the company. Nate had made her feel special, had made sure that she had a good time.
Rose wanted to do the same for him.
Which was why, on Friday night, dressed in a long loose skirt, and flowery blouse, was leading Nate, who looked like sex on legs in his jeans and form fitting black shirt, through the city streets. The two of them holding hands, Nate's confusion growing with every step he took. Staring at the passing buildings, trying to guess where they were going.
"I thought you said we were going to a party," He finally said, no longer able to reign in his curiosity.
Laughing, Rose dragged him the final block, stopping when their destination came into sight.
"We are here," The two of them stood side by side, taking in the spectacle before them. A dance party- a milango.
People from all walks of life, grouped together. Dancing their hearts out. The music loud and fast. There was graffiti everywhere, the walls alive with explosions of colour.
It was fantastic, and when Rose turned to Nate, she found him ready. Hands going around her waist, he led her into the fray. It was a bit awkward at first, the two of them not really used to how the other moved. But once they found a rhythm, there was no going back.
He twirled her and she went willingly, balancing on her tip toes. When they parted it was just so they could mirror each other's poses. She lifted a leg to his waist, running a hand over it, from ankle to mid thigh. He dipped her so low, the ends of her hair touched the ground, and when he pulled her back up, they were so close they could taste each other's air. His hand skimmed over upper body, close enough to, but never touching. Like a curator observing a rare piece of art.
Around them the dancing continued, bodies swaying, hips gyrating. But they only had eyes for each other, felt only each other. They lasted for just over an hour without ever stopping. By the time their bodies could take no more, both of them were an out of breath, sweaty mess. They did not get off the dance floor immediately, both content to just stand there embracing, foreheads touching, big smiles on their faces.
They left the still ongoing dance party with heavy hearts, but their mood soon picked up when they saw a nearby food truck. Rose paid for American style hotdogs. Deciding to play a prank on Nate, she took out the sausage, and swallowed down two thirds of it in one smooth motion. He promptly choked on his bite. Putting the sausage back into the bread, Rose kept a straight face for only two seconds before she leaned over. Giggling so hard her stomach hurt, laughing even harder when Nate joined her.
The two of them just standing there laughing, people walking around them like they scared to come too close, lest what they had was contagious. It was a fun night, and when it ended, with Nate drawing her into a kiss so scathing it left her seeing stars. Rose deemed it a near perfect night. It would have been better if he had come upstairs, but after everything with their exes, they were taking things slow. Later that night, curled up on the sofa that still smelled like him, clutching the bee that still retained the same scent. Rose read and re-read the simple text that he had sent her.
Goodnight.xxx
Yes, slow was good, slow was perfect.