Chance Meeting

     You met up for dinner in the city with one of your best friends to celebrate her birthday. It was an upscale crowded restaurant that recently opened up and it was the perfect opportunity to check it out. The atmosphere was hip and the music was on point. You dined, drank and eventually had cake. It was a great evening. When you were getting ready to leave you accidentally brushed up against someone who was waiting for the elevator. He turned around at that moment and you both said " excuse me" and then you both smiled and chuckled. He kept smiling as he was looking at you. He then said it's OK. Are you going down? You said yes. He said "me too". In a split second you glanced at your friend and gave her a subliminal look that she understood to mean that you thought he was attractive. She smiled back excitement for you. The elevator doors finally opened and you 3 got in. He couldn't help himself, he asked you what your plan was for the rest of the night. You didn't have a plan. So you said that you were about to head home. He then said he was hoping to get to know you. You said you were with your friend for her birthday and didn't want to leave her. She then chimed in saying that actually it's ok, and that she had an early day tomorrow and that she'd rather head back and not to worry. You asked her if she's sure, and she nodded in approval. And she mouthed "don't worry about me, have fun, he's hot!". You then smiled back and whispered "thank you" as you hugged her. By this time you were in the lobby and were about to go outside. He held the door open for the both of you as you all head out. You had separate cars so you walked your friend to her car. As she drove off, he said he knew a late night coffee house on down the street. You knew which one because you been there before. You smiled and said "great!". When you arrived, there was a leather couch free by the fireplace. A waitress took your order and then you sat in the dim semi crowded space admiring all the books, gilded framed artwork on the walls and the crystal sconces that had a dim glow. He took off his jacket to get comfortable and you started talking. Your coffee and biscotti arrived just then... As you sipped your coffees, you got deep into conversation. You talked about your interests, what you do, hobbies, things like that. He said he's lived there all his life, but he would travel to Europe with his family every summer when he was younger. He enjoyed music and movies a lot. Then you had an epiphany when he said "movies". You thought he looked familiar but you couldn't figure it out. He then smiled and asked what you were thinking. You zoned out for a second trying to place him and didn't realize he noticed. You blushed and then decided to be blunt and just ask him. "I can't believe I didn't realize it before, but are you an actor?" You asked. He then smiled and said, "I'm shocked it took you this long." In a playful way. Then he said, "yes, I've been in a few films. Mostly independent art house ones, but I have a rather big one coming out that I'm excited about. It's called Dune. Have you read it?" You then gasped! You love Sci-fi. You responded, "Yes! I love Frank Herbert!". He smiled as was happy to hear you say that. He then answered your questions about filming and locations, etc. Then, you didn't want to talk about work all night. You felt he probably wouldn't want to and you'd rather get to know him for him, his personality. You had a lot in common and the night was pretty serendipitous. It was pretty exciting. It was pretty late and you both decided to leave. You continued talking as you walked together to your car. Then you wondered where he was parked, he said he lives a few blocks away and walked. You offered him a ride. Since the streets were pretty empty by this time, and it had started to drizzle. He accepted and got in. As you started the car, your music blared loudly. You apologized and started to turn it down. He then said, "no, I like it! I love music!". So you let it blast as you drove. When you got to his building, you stopped in front of the entrance. He then paused for a moment and said that he was really happy that he met you and hoped he can get your number. He said that he enjoyed spending time with you tonight and wanted to see you again. You smiled and told him you also enjoyed tonight. You exchanged numbers, then he leaned over to give you a hug. As you hugged him back, you got a whiff of his cologne. It smelled euphoric. He then smiled and said goodnight. You said it back and then you watched him head inside as the doorman opened the door. Then you drove home, the smell of his cologne still lingering in the car. You were on cloud 9. When you got home, you changed into your pjs and started searching him online. Your jaw dropped in amazement and shock when you saw everything he's done to that point. He was so humble that he downplayed a lot of what he did before. You thought that was a sweet quality. You bthen decided to catch up with his films, but tomorrow since it was almost morning and you were pretty sleepy. You went to bed. The next morning you texted your friend and told her everything. She confessed that she recognized him, but didn't want to say anything out of turn. She then said she was so excited for you. She had to go because she was at the airport. You wished her safe travels and finished texting. Later that evening, he texted you and asked you out for dinner tomorrow. You accepted and fast forward to the fact that you have been dating for a year and it's still going strong! 😍

Chance Meeting