Wednesday, 9.01pm
We met two Sundays ago, at a mutual friend's behest. We walked along the Yarra, amongst our friends, and weaved through the crowds. We exchanged stories about our respective selves. I have always loved the fairgrounds - it's the kind of place perfect for lingering around in and there I was by the river with friends, waiting for the fireworks. As the night sky lit up, I remember wishing I was standing next to you.
Two days later, you got in touch.
We sat across the table from each other nervously that Sunday morning. I remember thinking how easy it was to listen to you - of your travels, aspirations and excitement of being back in Melbourne. We took a walk though the Botanical Gardens after brunch. The moments seemed to go by so quickly as the morning turned into the afternoon. I remember standing at your doorstep, looking at you tentatively. And then you leaned in and gave me a kiss. It was simple and quick, like it never even happened, save for the fact that I was blushing.
Later that week, we met for dinner and the French film festival. You arrived for dinner in a dashing grey suit. I was suddenly nervous but we began to talk, about our families and of living life overseas and things became effortless. We left the restaurant for the movies and as we walked that one block across to Collins St, I felt you reach for my hand and hold it in yours, and my breath caught in my throat.
It's been ten days. Ten days ago you were the guy in the red jumper with the nice boat shoes I was introduced to. And today, today I feel like this could be the start of something bay-beee (as that guy in the French film would say..)
"I see the crystal raindrops fall and the beauty of it all
is when the sun comes shining through
to make those rainbows in my mind when I think of you sometime
and I want to spend some time with you"
- Just the two of us, Bill Withers