I started this one but you'll need to finish it. The title is "Short Stop".


We stared at each other across the small stable table placed outdoors on a wooden deck. The restaurant we chose for this night was one we had visited months earlier for our first encounter. A white stout candle separating us provided most of the lighting in this corner of the small nondescript Italian bistro. Simone was dressed in a bright red dress. It's soft velvet texture reminded me of a Christmas bow which is never thrown away but instead is given to a new present each year. The dress' two inch-wide straps looped over each of her shoulders crossing at the back once. The dress was simple and sexy just as Simone.
"There isn't a way this is going to happen," she said.
"Nothing happens if nothing is ventured", I replied, "we didn't think we would be here now yet we are. Remember that first encounter?"
"Yes", Simone smirked, "I remember that bottle of wine quite well."
"What were you thinking as I knocked it over and watched helplessly as it rolled across the table towards you?"
Laughing briefly in an understated way she responds, "I was thinking, now I know why this man no longer plays professional baseball."
Playing with her and knowing the comeback I offered, "in my defense none of if managed to get you."
I watched seeing her face straighten as her sassy nature released, "no, but it did manage to roll off the table and land neck down into my brand new Prada purse. I think I said, way to go short stop didn't I?"
We both laughed and stopped only after I touched her hand guarding her wine glass. We both looked down at her right hand's long fingers pushed down on her wine glass's base. I rolled my hand over next to hers displaying my palm. She took the invitation releasing the wine glass and began to softly slide her middle finger again and again in an "S" pattern along my inner hand. I sighed ever so slightly as she slowly released her gaze from our hands focusing instead on my mouth. Her eyes darted up to meet mine and we both smiled ever so slightly.
Simone asked, "why should I believe you aren't like the others I knew?"
My mind flooded with many answers and the best stood out from the rest and presented itself. I answered, "we've spent enough time together now. Am I like the others?"
"No", she paused briefly looking away at another couple finishing dinner, "no you aren't John."
"It's alright to feel fear lover," I calmly stated. "What isn't right is when that fear holds you in place and doesn't allow your life to continue."
"True...true. Look you're a nice guy but-"
"But what? I don't know how to love?"
"Stop, that's never been a problem with you," she replied.
Throwing my hands up in frustration I spoke, "well then what is it? I don't know what to say anymore Simone. Tell me what am I supposed to do?"
She offered a question of her own, "Can we just enjoy the meal?"