Man of Mystery

by L. B. Wilde

  Finally 4pm rolls around, counting down the drawer and then her supervisor will come by to double check. By 4:20 she is heading out and smiling like a childish school girl. What a great spring day!

  On the drive home reeling in the day, the birds chirping this morning Mystery Man, her favorite mock cherry blossom showing signs of spring, Mystery Man, going out tonight with her BFF, and still Mystery Man. OK needing to really do something about this. What is wrong with her? Why won’t her mind stop seeing that last smile or glimpse he gave her, or really it had to be one of the other cute girls at work? Imagining it was her is more fun but seriously unrealistic!

  Tiffany as she said is all ready for us to have a pleasant dinner with Mikey and Pete. While plopping down the keys on the small stand we keep by the door, strolling lazily to the couch and plop her butt down, clearly her head is still in a cloud. Tiffany strolls over from the kitchen counter, their living space consisting of an open living room/kitchen area, being the largest part of our small apartment sitting down to tell Brandy the plans for the night. As she sits down next to Brandy her mouth drops open with a concerned look on her face.

  “What happened today, did you get in trouble for something? You look like you just....hmm I don't know exactly but you have a glaze in your eyes.” She expresses so sincerely.

  “Well” I gulp, “Do I really look that funny or is it my shit eating grin that's giving me away?” trying not to blush and saying sincerely back because I'm thinking about him again!

  “You met someone” she squeaks and claps her hands in excitement.

  “No not really just saw the most gorgeous man who ever walked this earth, I didn't meet him of course, but it was just about the greatest view I had for about 20 minutes of my life!” Sounding a little high pitched but it was an exhilarating experience for today.

  “Well, seriously Brandy you should have taken the opportunity and spoke to him or something, really haven't I taught you anything over the past few years” She says to her teasingly.

  “Like I have that kind of self confidence, I leave that to you, you're much better at that than me and always will be!” a little exasperated not having the guts to do that like she does.

  “That's OK Brandy, when the right man comes along, you and I will both know.” she politely pipes in.

  Trying to change the subject interjecting, “So when are going out buddies going to get here anyways? Do I have time for a shower to freshen up?”

  Just then there is a knock on door. Tiffany bounces off towards the door and lets Mikey and Pete in. They are all smiles and hugs. Coming over to sit down next to me Mikey gives her a warm hug and says, “You're not going out like that are you?!”

  “Oh please, can't a girl lift up her feet for a few minutes when they get home from work? Actually I was planning on letting you pick out my outfit for tonight since you’re so good at it!”

  “Oh good, I always like it when you look your best when you come out with me, I don't like frumpy girls!” What a tease he is but that's our Mikey.

  “Tell you what, I'm going into the shower to freshen up and you can rummage through my underwear drawer and find me something sexy!” I smile wickedly at him.

  We both burst out laughing and Tiffany and Pete come in with dishes of our favorite Chinese food and sit down.

  Pete asks, “So what's the joke?”

  She explains to Pete that she gave Mikey permission to dress her tonight and to make sure he picked out something sexy out of her underwear drawer between mouthfuls of food.

  Pete chuckles, “Well maybe not tonight the underwear drawer, I'll make sure he saves that treat for a real special date night!” he turns and gives Mikey a kiss on the cheek, “Like we had last weekend at Olivers, wine and dined, then you fill in the blanks!”

  We all start laughing and enjoy the rest of our meal with small talk.

  Finishing up telling everyone she is heading into the shower. Mikey speaks up “I'm still rummaging through your closets and outwardly dressing you like a million bucks tonight!”

  Smiling back over her shoulder she thinks inwardly only in my dreams.

  Letting the hot water wash over her body and soak her hair, Brandy’s mind starts to drift again to Mystery Man. How would it feel to have those strong arms washing her right now? His crystal blue eyes lavishing her body and starving with a hot passionate desire as he washes her breast with his hands, gasping at how her nipples enlarge at his touch. He starts to kiss her neck softly and breathlessly pulling her into him with one hand on her butt cheek. He nibbles on her ear, whispers hot sexy words to make the desire for him even more. She is soaping up his strong masculine chest running her fingers through his small amount of chest hair which tickles between her fingers.

  There's a knock on the door Tiffany speaks up “Hey, did you flush yourself in there? Come on girlfriend you need to start getting ready to go out.”

  Blushing inwardly; she can't believe she just had a fantasy in the middle of the shower. It would be embarrassing if anyone saw her right now all lathered up and touching her breast like it was Mystery Man. Time to turn on cooler water and calm down!

  Quickly rinsing off, she is composing herself stepping out of the shower. Grabbing the robe and putting a towel around her hair emerging out of the bathroom to let steam out and her fantasy with it.

  As promised, Mikey has clothes laid out on the bed. Her expensive Tony Walker jeans that Tiffany bought for at Christmas but she insisted on getting them because her ass looks great in them. It feels funny taking expensive gifts but she insisted she wanted to buy them and she wouldn't take no for an answer. Seemingly Brandy is borrowing one of Tif's pretty blue silky low cut shirts and with her favorite stylish mid calf boots that she adores which look great with the jeans.

  After dressing into everything, towel drying her hair, now the challenge begins to tame it. Tiffany comes into the bathroom saying it's her turn. Brandy complies, “Fine with me, have at it!” She does some more drying, brushing, takes a few clips here and there, whoa la, it looks great! It's slightly pulled to the side and the soft curls look amazing with the highlights. Exclaiming she should be a hairdresser; she is so good at fixing anyone's unruly hair! She smiles telling Brandy, “You have about 15 minutes left to do your makeup.”

  That is something she is pretty good at since going to plenty of Mary Kay parties just to learn the tricks of what to do. She enters into the living room and Mikey smiles from ear to ear.

  “Now there's my million dollar girl!”

  Chapter 2

  We decide to walk since we are not that far from the new bar on Elmwood stripe and it's a pleasant spring night. A little chilly so a light jacket will be fine and the walk will be refreshing. Tiffany says we can window shop as we go since they have the greatest little shops in the area agreeing on her great idea. Strolling along there are other people heading out too and looking happy that we don't have to be bundle up anymore from the frigid winter. It is so peaceful and exciting at the same time knowing summer is around the corner.

  We finally make it to Denny's Den wondering where that name came from anyways. Was the owners name Denny, you would think so. The place is packed; everyone around here always likes to check out the new places. We located a table to stand at; obviously there is no sitting room which is normal. Pete grabs the first pitcher and we start our people watching. It is amazing how people dress and go out. We have some in Goth, others punk looking, or biker looking peeps to observe. Then you have the college looking guys who hang out with the girls who look like cheerleaders. It seems like everyone is trying to figure out what kind of place this will be.

  We mingle a little with people we recognize from school along with other new faces. The usual drunken guy will come up to asking Brandy her name and she'll politely tell a fake name. Go through the small talk and brush them off. Obviously, knowing better than to pick up a guy in a bar! They only want one thing and it's not her! The night has been progressing nicely, Tiffany and Brandy
have danced a few times and they even dragged Mikey and Pete with them too. Coming back from the dance floor to the table sensing eyes on her; looking up towards the bar she gasps!

  Mystery Man is here and he is looking in her direction! Holy shit, we just made eye contact and she can't breathe! Her jaw drops open, forcing herself to close her mouth to not look like a total jerk. He smiles in her direction and gives a slight nod of his head. No way is he looking at her with that beautiful smile it must be someone behind her. She turns her head to see if there is a model or something standing behind her and nope, no one. When she turns around again he is gone. Did that just happen?! This can’t be real, how many times has he surprised her today!

  From the other side she hears a voice, “Hi, I'm Nathan Porche, do I know you from somewhere?” Turning to the other side there he is inches from her face. Trying desperately not to show her shock and failing miserably since her eyes are popping out of her head, she shakes her head no. Her mouth is so dry but she is unable to move, the words he spoke run through her head like when he asked to help her this morning. She couldn’t speak, this isn’t normal.

  He politely breaks the silence, “I’m sorry if I surprised you and I know that is really a lame line, but you do look very familiar. I'm sure I've seen you somewhere recently, but I’m not sure if we actually met?” May I ask your name?”

  Finally her mouth starts to register the fact that he was just asking for her name, “I'm Brandy and it's a pleasure to meet you”. Great recovery...OK she can be handled this hopefully. Politely she extends her hand trying to act like a lady which he takes it warmly and firmly in his. Inside her a flame ignites with chills running down her spine. Surely the response resounds on him because there is a sparkle in his eye as their eyes connect; lowering her head, blushingly sneaking a peek back up trying to gag his reaction. He gently releases her hand slowly lingering for milliseconds as he places it near her on the table. Keep steady don't grab it back, her subconscious is telling her. She is electrified with his touch but is it only her or did he feel it too?

  He grins, God what a beautiful grin he must be used to girls going gaga all over him, “I'm not from around here but it really is a pleasure to meet you, my friend opened this bar and I told him I would come to his grand opening. You’re not here alone are you?” He slightly scowls like I shouldn't be in a caring way.

  “Oh no way I always come out with my friends and never alone, it's a safety net thing, there is 4 of us and they are dancing” Did she just babble that out of her mouth, get it together Brandy!

  “Good, a beautiful girl like you shouldn't be alone in a crowded bar without protection. There are people who would take advantage of that situation.” He states protectively. Did he really call her beautiful, sorry to correct you but you're the one who is beautiful! Listening to him speak mesmerized at the sound of his voice. Mystery Man who is now called Nathan Porche has a voice to make you swarm at his feet. It is hypnotizing and rich sounding with a slight accent that she can't put her finger on. Wondering where he is from but still unable to form the words.

  Before having a chance to stumble on her reply, a very adorable man with blonde shoulder length hair and hazel green eyes comes up and slaps Nathan on the back, “ Hey Mate, are you having a good time?” he looks over at Brandy and giving a warm smile with a hint of wickedness. “I see you already made a new friend!”

  Nathan cocks his head toward her “Yes Denny, I'm having a great time. This is Brandy, we just met. Brandy may I introduce you to my friend Denny Williams; he is the owner of this establishment.”

  Extending her hand, we shake, nothing pulsating there. “Your accent sounds familiar; may I ask where you are from?” asking not feeling as flabbergasted, since no flame came out of her belly when they touched thankful for not feeling flabbergasted at his touch.

  “Well, Sheila, we are both from Down Under”, Sydney, Australia to be exact” he says sweetly heavily accented. Denny smiles broadly making her start to giggle and blush. She has never been called Sheila before but then again she has never met anyone from Australia before.

  OK in her mind, that explains the accent and wow, this is really cool. Before getting a hold of the new situation a stunning blonde of at least 5' 9” comes bubbling up to us with bright green eyes and exclaims.” Nathan! It is wonderful to see you here!” She pounces on Nathan and plants a kiss on his lips wrapping her arms around his neck! OK being at a loss for words, turning away slightly embarrassed from watching him get kissed by his real girlfriend. She is getting ready to excuse myself from this situation like right NOW. This is normal bar scenes and she was just being played. Why oh why did she let Tiffany drag her out!

  Nathan looks worriedly at her and pushes the bosom blonde off his face, slightly embarrassed but keeping control of the situation, “Hi Crystal, This is my new friend Brandy, Brandy this is Denny's sister Crystal, we are old time friends so please excuse her forward approach. She is like a sister to me!” He exclaims in explanation. Wow is he showing embarrassment? Ok I’m not the only one Brandy thinks to herself.

  Crystal pouts slightly but composes herself, “Fine sweetie, I'm used to your rejection but you are my someday!”

  Nathan scowls at her deeply agitated “Never going to happen, you are like a sister to me so stop the playing around, seriously Crystal, I don't always appreciate that outward affection in public!”

  “Oh, I'm just playing with you, no offense Mate” she smiles brightly and turns to Brandy with a wide grin. “Brandy, what brings you here tonight?”

  Amazed she even caught her name as she is still hanging on Nathan's arm with her head on his shoulder so she shrugs “ Just out hanging with my friends who should be back any minute, I just met Nathan and your brother Denny.” He says it somewhat dryly.

  Denny can see that his sister as well as he just interrupted big time on Nathan as he scowls at him so he pipes up “Well let’s do a quick shot on the house and I'll drag my sis to the dance floor.” He politely pulls his sister towards himself clasping her under his arm. Before he can even order a round from the nearby waitress, my companions are arriving back to the table. Seeing Tiffany coming up behind Nathan, she sees Brandy is beside two very good looking guys, she mouths “score” and Nathan catches the fact that she is looking over his shoulder turning to see whom she is looking at.

  Tiffany stops in her tracks for one second, drops her mouth open then quickly recovers and composes herself “God she is good at that, wish I had those skills! She politely steps up to the table, introduces herself along with Mikey and Pete who are very close behind her.

  We have now become a group of seven when the small talk begins, being much better at standing back and watching then being involved. Tiffany has already found out that Crystal is Denny's sister and taking a real liking to Denny. She is observant to the fact that Nathan is here while she keeps glimpsing at Brandy with a girlish grin. He is standing really close to her so she is finally getting a good look at his dazzling smile with the most adorable dimples.

  Nathan has also observed her stand offish position he frowns slightly and places his hand on her arm. “I can use some fresh air, would you care to join me?” Already her heart starts pounding from his innocent touch shaking her head yes. Speechless again, she really wishes she can stop acting so foolish! He politely excuses us both, telling our friends we will be right outside the doors to get fresh air. He takes her hand sending chills down her spine directing the way. As we are passing people every woman in the bar stares at him, amazingly he doesn't notice them. It seems once he has a set direction nothing else matters.

  The air is crisp outside as we lean against the building taking in a huge breath of fresh air which she lets it out slowly trying to fathom all that has just happened. Nathan is leaning against the wall next to her gazing down. “Hey, I'm really sorry about all that, I wasn't expecting the rush of people. I know meeting someone in bar is not the ideal situation.” gazing up at him, our eyes meet strangely feeling thi
s pull towards him and her mouth opens slightly. He turns toward her with a sparkle in his eyes feeling the same pull or is it only me?

  Blurting out, “You’re right about that, I don't normally pick up guys in bars; usually they are just looking for one thing.” Did she just say that, that came out wrong, damn!

  He laughs shaking his head, “Well, Brandy I can assure I'm not one of those guys. I would like to see you outside of the bar scene; maybe for a cup of coffee?” Did he just ask her on a coffee date, she’s in seventh heaven! “That sounds ideal” squeaking back a little too high pitched.

  “Are you free tomorrow? Here's my card with my cell phone number on it. It's a local number that I got while I'm in town.” He hands over the card. Taking it “Yes, I'm off from work tomorrow. While you’re in town; so you're just visiting from Australia?” sounding slightly disappointed.

  “Yes my permanent residence is in Australia, but I'm here for the summer on business and pleasure. I come to the US very often.” reassuring her that it's not a short visit. Good maybe she’ll be able to see him more, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Cool your jets Brandy.

  Smiling back at his beautiful face “Well then, I'll take you up on that coffee tomorrow. I'll give you a call in the morning.”

  “Great, well let’s get back in before your friends think I ran off with you.” He smiles just as brightly taking her hand to lead her back through the bar.

  Tiffany sees her, smiling like she is having a great time talking to Denny, pleased that she is back. Mikey and Pete are chatting with Denny's sister Crystal. Brandy doesn't think she realizes that they are a couple, but that's OK, she seems to be enjoying their company. Denny excuses himself from Tiffany, turns to Nathan “Hey Mate, I have something I want you to look at. I think I have a great idea for some improvements for the bar and you know what’s worth investing into better than me.” Turning to her, “Do you mind if I steal him away for a few minutes, Sheila?“ Giggling, still thinking its funny being called Sheila, “Go right ahead, I don't want to interfere with business.”