I stayed rooted where I was, having not moved an inch by the time he looked back at me from the side of his car. He smiled and then opened his door to get in.
I did the same, though I stayed in the parking lot for a few more minutes with my fingers pressed to my lips, reminiscing about the kiss I’d had moments ago. The best kiss I’d ever had.
Three days later,I was headed to the bar to meet Axel again. He was on a shift tonight and had texted the day before to ask for some help.
Axel: I found our topic for the next time we see each other.
Me: Okay, I’m intrigued.
Axel: Ruthie informed me today that it’s not enough for me to know what a phrase means, but that I also have to say it in the right order. Apparently, I failed at this.
I smiled, thinking about what must have happened.
Me: I feel like there is a good story behind this…
Axel: We are having a potluck at work this week, and I offered to bring dip and chips. Ruthie said it’s called chips and dip, not the other way around.
Me: Technically, she is correct.
Axel: Let’s not tell her that.
I laughed as I typed out my response.
Me: Okay. And yes, I can help you with those. Do you have any shifts this week at the bar?
I knew we had a date planned for Saturday, but I really wanted to see him again before that. While I waited for him to respond, I pulled up Google on my phone to search for what he was talking about.
Axel: I actually have a shift tomorrow night from 5-9pm.
Perfect.
Me: So, the things you are talking about are called irreversible binomials. I’ve got you covered.
Axel: Why does it not surprise me that you are both beautiful and smart at the same time?
Thankfully, he couldn’t see me blush, because I had no doubt my entire face was bright red.
Me: I’ll come up with a list and meet you at the Watering Hole tomorrow.
Three days later I walked into the pub with a list in my purse that I had worked up for us to discuss—oh, and a small box for Tammy. Silent joy spread through my body in anticipation of seeing Axel.
As I rounded the half wall that separated the hostess stand from the remainder of the restaurant, I saw Axel typing something into the computer at the side of the bar. His face was blank as he poked at the screen.
“Hey, Stella, please tell me inside that white box is something you made?” Tammy called out from behind the bar.
At her voice, Axel looked up from the screen, and a big smile spread across his face as he took in the sight of me. It wasn’t just a pleasant, friendly smile either. It was full of satisfaction, triumph, and what appeared to be a little lust.
“Yes, I brought this just for you, Tammy,” I said as I made it to the bar and took a seat.
I handed her the small box as she clapped her hands in excitement. She took it from me and ripped it open like a kid on Christmas morning.
“Did you bring Axel one too, or am I supposed to share this one?” she asked, sounding a little deflated.
“Nope, that one is just for you. You don’t need to share unless you want to,” I informed her and watched her smile inflate back up again.
“Idon’twant to,” she replied, letting out a small squeal. “This looks like a biscuit but smells like an apple pie, and I cannotwaitto try it.”
She turned to go through the back door to the kitchen as she yelled, “The bar is all yours for five minutes, Axel!”
