Long Time Coming

Just Lunch

        The night passed to slow for Markus and too fast for Sharon. She dressed in a  normal capri outfit that did nothing to draw attention to herself, but just what she needed for the huge shipment  of flowers that was coming  from her garden that day. She grew  every flower in her shop. All were fresh real flowers. She did not sell fake flowers of any type. Not even silk. So lost in her thoughts of her garden she realized that she was at her greenhouse.

    "Good morning my beautiful blossoms. Today you will make someone feel very special. You will make someone smile. You will bring joy to someone. Most importantly you will turn someone's life around."

This is the normal greeting for her plants but she loved them anyway though they never spoke a word of english. The calm that she needed prevailed. God loved her and she would get a chance to apologize for her outlandish behavior and put her guilt away forever. Maybe even allow herself to ave a heart. She wasn't expecting any kind miracle, but just a simple healing of her heart. She went along freeing herself with those thoughts. So free she felt that she forgot to watch the clock, until he walked in the shop. She whipped her head toward the clock and realized that it was a quarter to two just then.

    "Hey Ms. Sharon are you going to lunch at two? Jessica asked.

    "Yes I am"

    "Well you should go on in the back so that you can leave on time. If you are going to get the new flowers vased before you leave tonight. Good afternoon sir can i help you?"

    "Yes I'd like a bouquet of red roses. That is the color that means love right?" He asked Jessica

    "Yes it is. A bouquet of consists of... Let me just sow  you the red roses" She volunteered helpfully.

Sharon watched as they headed to the rose section and she turned and went to the back to get her purse and put away things to straighten her desk. Picking up her purse, saying a prayer she walked out to meet Markus.

    "If you would be so kind and put this on your boss desk I would really appreciate it." He said to Jessica.

She nodded then turned with the bouquet in her hand. "Have a good lunch. These will be on your desk when you get back."

    "Thank you Jessica. If you need me call. I'll be back." she said to Jessica

    "Thank you for the flowers but you didn't have to" she said

    "It was most necessary that I did. I hope that my flowers can be delivered on time tomorrow." he said

    "What flowers did you just order that? I do all the deliveries and what time do you need them delivered and please tell me it's local?" She rattled

    "Yes it is local. I left all the information with Jessica that is needed to make the delivery." He said

    "Good because i really don't want to go on any long journeys tomorrow."

    "So i was thinking Mack's for some good old fried fish with hush puppies and fries sound good? Markus asked

    " Yes that is fine."

    "If  you will come this way I'm parked over here." He said

    "Do you mind if we walk the two blocks. I really need the exercise?" she said

    "Please don't tell me that in twenty years you have gotten self conscious about your looks?" He stated plainly

    "Not so much as self conscious as health. I had a health scare about five years ago that forced me to change my eating and exercise habits" 

Okay truth is that she was self conscience around him. She was very comfortable in her size 14.

    "Momma never said anything about your health, what happened? Was anyone there for you at that time?" He just fired these all off as if she had time to answer each individually.

"Your mother doesn't know. No, no one was there to help me through it. I'd rather not talk about it. She said forlornly.

    "How can we start a life together if you will not be open and honest with me. You ave to trust me with you if we are going to work." He said with his frustration and agitation clearly shining though every word.

 She stopped mid stride and stared at him with her mouth slightly dropping open. He turned when she topped and he just stared at her. "What?"

     "Do you know what you just said?"

    "Yes. I know it is very presumptuous of me to assume that you want to live the rest of your life with me but a man's gotta have hope." He smiled his heart breaking, devastating smiles at her.

    "That's some big dreams you have there. We have to get a lot  of things cleared up before i can begin to even think of anything with you much less plan a future." She said 

    "I'm not worried about your concerns as much as I'm worried about what your reaction to the things that i have to reveal to you will be." He said

   She stepped inside the door he held while pondering his words.

    "Hey Sharon, Hey Markus. Would you like a table or booth? And would you like to sit somewhere kind of secluded?" Tonya asked.

    "Booth and a little privacy is in order for this lunch duo." Markus answered smoothly not giving Sharon a chance to respond.

   Grabbing two menus  Tanya led them to what is commonly referred to as love bird corner.

    "Here are your menus and Taylor will be here shortly to take your order but I'd like to place your drink order if you are ready. Or would both of you like your regular sweet tea?" Tonya asked.

 Both replied "sweet tea is fine."

    "So Markus, what's on your mind?"

    "Having you permanently" Starring in her eyes

    Sharon was glad that Taylor chose that moment to show up with the drinks. She took a big swallow of tea  

    "Are you ready to order" Taylor purred at Markus. At least that's how it seemed to Sharon. She had never heard that tone in Taylor's voice or saw that look in her eyes. Markus didn't seem to notice Taylor's attention. She said nothing but observed the come hither exchange.

    "Sharon do you know what you want or do you want the daily special? He asked confortably.

    "Yes Taylor I'd like the daily special no changes Thank you." Sharon ordered

    Sharon watched as Markus closed the menu turned and smiled at Taylor, "I'll have the special only baked  and I'd like vegetables instead of fries." He smiled at her. 

She smiled at him like the cat that ate the canary. She knew Taylor had all 32 teeth since she counted them as she smiled at Markus. Surprised at the at the thoughts he caused her to have she dropped her head in shame and embarrassment. If only she knew how he'd appreciate her thoughts she looked at him. He smiled the same come hither smiled that got her in trouble twenty years ago, total mistake she thought.

    "So Sharon how have you been? Over the years mom has gave me generic she's fine, but I'm really curious as how you really are. What's really going on with you?"

    "Ive been good yourself?"

    "I've been excellent since the divorce fifteen years ago. Letting go of a toxic relationship is always very helpful. You know what i mean. I never should have let you out of my arms that day." He said

    Shocked "What do you mean. I never should have let you out of my arms that day?" 

    "I mean I feel a lot better since the divorce."

    "That's not what i mean. I mean the last sentence." she said

    " I mean when I had you that glorious time I should have  taken you to the restroom and not let you out of my sight" He said looking her in the eye, waiting for her words.

    "But  I ruined your wedding day. You loved her. You were marrying her. I'm so sorry for how I threw myself at you. I have no idea what made me behave that way, but I apologize  for ruining your relationship" She said rapidly so that he couldn't get a word in.

    "You didn't. I should have kept you in my arms where you belonged then and belong now."

    "But....But..." She exhaled loudly and leaned back and slumped down in the chair as she unburdened herself.

    He could see that she was a little floored by what he said but he wasn't going to let her get away, brush him off, or send him back without and definite plans of them seeing each other.

    "Sharon there is not a day that has passed my that I haven't thought of you. Let me explain why mother nor I see a reason for an apology from you. The reason my mom said it didn't matter and the reason my mom always welcomed you  the same way she did before we met. You and my mom were friends, she had talked about you a little, so I knew your name and that you were nice to an older lady who had no one else since I moved away. When I came to pick her up from work, I saw you, she got in the car, saw me starring at you and said "we don't allow the barking variety around her, so just moved your eyes elsewhere"

     Sharon laughed out loud "I'm sorry to cut you off but your mom did not say that!! You should not exaggerate on the more wise!"

     "Oh i'm not that is a direct quote. I will never forget it because my mom had never said a word, not one word, that was degrading to me. When I looked at er in shock she looked at me and said 'No you don't tell me about you dating life but every broken heart has sat on my couch. I don't think for ten years I brought a box of tissue tat at least twenty was used by some girl crying over you. I'm your mother, but I'm also a woman. Those little girls came to see the new flavor. What you are drooling all over my car at in that window is someone that will snatch your heart and break it because she is not ready for you. So she will injure your pride with ignoring you and then you will hunt her and take advantage of her and she'll be too shame to talk to me because I had a louse who didn't know what respecting a woman or relationship actually meant. So I say again leave her alone before there is a funeral. I'd hate to bury you but I'd kill you myself.' Honest that is what my mom told me." He said seriously,

    "She's right about that one. I would have raised all kinds of hell at that point. I was just coming out of a bad relationship and I was a very angry young lady. By the time the wedding came around I was ready but after I left I realized I still wasn't ready. I have had casual encounters but nothing serious. As a matter of fact, Thank you for stealing my desire for a relationship of the romantic variety. After having you I couldn't spend my life looking for your caress so I went casual." She said plainly

    He smiled  brightly. " You dolt, you wasn't supposed to runt away from me then, but I'm extremely happy that I still have a chance to steal your heart. Thank you for the compliment."

    "I wasn't  complimenting you." She said 

    "I will take it as a  compliment. I want to be the only man to pull those delightful moans and uninhibited passion out of you , Lady the passion you have is incomparable, so I'm glad I ruined you for any other man but me. I want to be the only man in your life. It's ok if you let me have it, but that's how i feel. I don't want you with any man but me. So will you give me a chance to get to know you  and see if this thing can go to the alter?" He asked hopeful of a positive outcome.

    "Oh boy!" she said and thought what am I going to do. "Do you really mean that? If it was so good then why wait twenty years and not search for it when it happened? How can I know that you are not just looking for a bed partner and I'm just a safe option?"

    "Because waiting gave me the time to have something to offer you. Yes it took me fifteen years to figure out what silver platter I would or is willing to lay at your feet to have you. Now I'm retiring in a few years, I can move back here and have the life with you that I always wanted. I have never been desperate for a bed partner, and after fifteen years I know exactly who I want in my bed. I'm tired of imaging you and comparing to you, so it's tiime to step up to the plate like a man and give you whatever your heart desires, so that I can spend the rest of my days making you happy. Showing you that the feelings in that room wasn't a crush. It is our natural attraction and chemistry so please do try to understand me. Girl, what you put on me is the very thing I want to get the rest of life. Real, true genuine emotions. No show, no expectations just honest love from someone that i can love in return. If I thought of another woman when alone in my bed at night, I wouldn't be sitting across from you. I wish I  could  accurately express what I think and feel nut it's just not possible, you'd have to be inside me to understand." He said

    "Let me ask you this. When you're alone in your bed at night and I come to mind what do you think of? "She asked

    "I think of your beautiful face. I love your eyes. They are so honest. They tell me rather you really believed what the mouth is saying or if I need to ignore your words and watch your face. I also think of the surprised expression  on your face when I pulled you to me for our first kiss. Once I'm aroused, I think about the sensations that rocked my body, soul, and mind when I pushed all of me inside you. I remember how your body wouldn't let me go. I remember how you strained to get closer to me, just like i was trying to get closer to you. I think of how I want to cradle God's perfection in my arms and let me be the earthly supplier for his most greatest  bodily creation! Those are the things I think of .

    Their plates arrived at that moment and she was very grateful. That was a lot of pressure to live up to. She was uncertain. Looking at him she knew that what he said he meant.They both dove into their food to give themselves time to figure out where they wanted the conversation to go. 

    "Ok. I can see that you are very serious about coming after me. I'm very wary on why now? You have the entire world before you, so why are you in small Pt. St. Joe looking for love! Go see the world."

    "That sounds good if you can leave your shop and go with me." He said unblinking

    "Why?"

     "Because Int someone to share the world with. I've been without love and  companionship for fifteen years. I have had only one woman on my mind in all that time and I refuse to think of her when I can have her in my arms. Why wish, hope and pray for something that you can very well have in your hands."

   Eating seemed to be what she needed to buy time. Slipping most patty melt in her mouth."What if I don't want to? If I'm not willing to leave my shop. What is your alternative?"

    "There is no alternative. I want only you for now and for always. It's only you. I will not be with someone and constantly need another"

    Shock on her face was so apparent that everyone in the restaurant could see it. Kelly came over

    "Sharon are you ok?'

    "Yes I'm fine"

    "Oh I'm sorry Sharon, I don't know your friend. I'm Kelly, Sharon's friend and part owner of this establishment.

    "I'm Markus, I'm Jean's son and a friend of Sharon's" He said

    Turning to Sharon" You are kind of making this table the center of attention for the late lunch diners, just tell me you're ok"Kelly said

    "Sorry! I'm fine no need to be alarmed. Tell everyone that I'm fine."

        "Yes you are" Karl said approaching the table

        "You never did answer my question about Saturday. Do you have an answer?"

    Sharon looked up at Karl towering over her and knew he was referring to the Cattle feast in Cottondale that she didn't have the slightest interest in. Honestly she had even less interest in him. She smiled politely "The answer will be no I'm not interested but thank you. Ohh by the way I hear that Jacqui loves Cattle Fest Maybe you should ask her:" she said 

    He dropped his head and walked away.

    "Are you sure about Jacqui?" Kelly asked.

    "Positive! I'm the florist!"

    "You are my idol if they get married! I don't know what I'm going to do with you" She shook her head and walked away.

    "Bet between friends?" he asked

    "It's common knowledge to the town that Jacqui has a thing for Karl really bad but he can't see it. He's very smart, handsome, polite, easy to get along with, cute and very lovable. Any woman would be extremely blessed to catch his attention but he can't see Jaqui for looking about town."

    "He seems too interested in you . I know that." He said

    "If I didn't know any better I would say that you were jealous but that can't be because there is a lot of time and space between us." She said eyeing him.

    "You got it right! I don't want any man around you. You have no idea how enticing you are to men. Just look at how they fawn all over you. Look at me. I can barely keep my hand off you! My mind and heart is a lost cause. I  I thought Carolyn ad it until you were in my arms. Then I knew. But I was stupid not to say anything before. So I was going to admit afterward but you ran out on me. I want to be the man that all men envy because I have you. A smart, beautiful, intelligent, talented, independent, self-starter and self motivator to share my life with. Give me a chance?  Give us a chance? Let's have something together." He looked to gauge her reaction to his words.

    "Don't you think that is a lot to ask of me?"

    "No I'm settling by asking for just that when there is so much  more than  meets the eye with you." He leaned over closer to her. " I know there is because I've been close to your hiding place." he sat back " So tell me will you spend some time just getting to know me and letting me get to know you?" He asked.

"I guess we can become friends. Talk regularly see what happens." She said

    "Good, if you;re finished it's almost three and I have to get you back to work. So you can tend to your business" He said smiling.

 They got up and left after he paid for lunch. They walked the two blocks in silence, both lost in their thoughts of where they thought the relationship could go.  

    Holding the door open " Have a good rest of the day. I'm staying with mom so call if you need anything" he kissed her cheek then closed the door behind her.