J.P. Bowie - Portrait 3 - A Portrait of Andrew by J.P. Bowie

Author:J.P. Bowie [Bowie, A Novel by J. P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

chapter 12 s

As he pushed open the door to Sullivan’s bar, Fallon caught sight of Eric sitting alone at a table, and he felt his heart quicken. God, he’s cute, he thought, as he walked quickly over to where Eric sat.

“Hey, Eric.”

“Hi there.” Eric stood and held out his hand.

Nick took it and enjoyed the pleasant tingle he felt at the touch of Eric’s

warm skin. Eric had taken off his coat and scarf and was wearing a beige knit shirt, open at the neck. He looked fresh and, Fallon thought lasciviously, good enough to eat.

“Good to see you,” he said, sitting down and trying not to look too much on edge.

“I ordered you a Scotch and soda. Is that OK?”

“Perfect.” He picked up his glass at the same as Eric. “Cheers.” His hand shook slightly as he raised his glass to his lips.

Eric caught his eye and grinned. “Relax, Nick. You seem tense.”

“I don’t do this very often.” Fallon tried to smile. “I guess I’m a bit rusty at the dating game.”

“Is this a game, then?” Eric said, somewhat teasingly.

“No, no. I didn’t mean it that way…”

“I’m kidding, Nick. Look, relax. We’re going to have a nice evening getting to know one another. That’s what the first date is all about. I’ll ask you very personal questions—and you’ll decide whether it’s any of my business or not.”

Fallon looked at Eric’s smiling face and found himself mesmerized by the dimples on each side of his mouth.

“Okay, so let’s start,” Eric was saying. “How old are you?”

- 110 “Uh…thirty-four.”

“I’m thirty-one.”

“You don’t look it. I thought you were younger.”

“Is that why you asked me out?” Eric chuckled. “You like ’em young?” “No, no. I didn’t…oh Jeez. You’re kidding again, right?”

Eric’s smile got broader as he nodded.

“Okay,” Fallon said. “Let me ask you one. Where are you from?” “Cincinnati, Ohio. And you?”

“Pittsburgh. I’ve only been in New York six months.”

“Like it?”

“Not really, but I wanted a transfer out of Pittsburgh, and this came up.” “Why did you want to leave?”

“Personal reasons.”

“Aha!” Eric leaned forward and looked into Fallon’s eyes. “You see, you can’t

give that answer, my friend. It’s the personal stuff I’m interested in.” Fallon looked away uncomfortably. “Not on the first date.”

“Sorry. Touched a nerve have I?” Eric looked at him, an apology in his light

blue eyes.

“Somewhat. It’s just not something I want to talk about just yet.” “Got it. Hey, I have a suggestion,” Eric said, his smile returning. “This place

is a bit too public. If you’re hungry, I know a nice little restaurant close by. The owners are friends of mine, and the atmosphere is a bit cozier than this. Interested?”

“Sounds good.” Fallon downed his drink and stood up, glad of the change of subject.

“Let’s go then.” Eric threw on his coat as they left. The cold night air took their breath away after the warmth of the bar. “It’s not far,” Eric said, through chattering teeth. “Just a block or so.” They walked briskly together, their shoulders occasionally touching with an intimacy that Fallon found exhilarating.

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