“Then I’ll have to make this so special that you can’t resist seeing me again.”
She sighed and sipped. Then she asked, “What about you? Why massage therapy?”
“Mostly, I like making people feel better. I knew doctoring or nursing wasn’t my path so in college, I majored in science and anatomy. Then, when I graduated, a friend gave me a gift certificate for a massage. I knew almost immediately that was something I was interested in. So I went after it hard. I had 500-1,000 hours of training, got certificates in the discipline. Then I attended The Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage right here in Rockford. Afterward, I passed the licensing exam. Last, I did apprenticeships and internships.”
Her jaw dropped. “I had no idea there was that much training required to become a massage therapist.”
“Most people don’t. They think it’s just a matter of taking a few courses.”
“Did you know that was expected of you?”
“No, not at first. But I found out before I started.”
“Big congratulations are in order.”
“Says the cardiologist with years of schooling. Now, tell me about your family.”
They ordered first, then discussed their families.
At one point he said, “I have to tell you that my mother is very clingy.”
“I got the impression you took care of her more than your brothers.”
“I do. But I insisted that we split equally the two weeks she can’t be alone.”
“Good for you.”
“I like being with her sometimes. But other times, she’s a real pain. But I do love her very much and appreciate the efforts she put in to raise us all.”
Anabelle studied him. He had a lot in his life.
But so did she.
The house salad was crisp and tasty. The lasagna was cheesy and spicy. They kept talking even while they ate.
When they finished she glanced at her watch. “Oh, my gosh, it’s nine o’clock.”
“And still we haven’t had dessert.”
“Not tonight.” She put her hand on her stomach. “I’m full.”
On the car ride back to the collective, they talked some more.
He said, “Finn and Juliet are my closest friends. Of my brothers, I’m closest to Matt.”
“My mom’s my best friend and dad is a close second. But I have acquaintances at work that I like. We share some stories and talk about politics.”
He pulled into Harmony Healing and parked right next to her car. The collective itself was dark inside but the parking lot was well lit.
“It’s very bright here.”
He faced her over the gear shift. “I have to tell you something. We had some issues at the collective that I’ll go into someother time. Consequently, that car over in the last parking space belongs to the night guards.”
“I see.” When he shut off the engine, he said, “Don’t get out.” He went to her side and opened the door. Once they were standing between their cars, she turned to him. And smiled.
“I intend to kiss you, you know, if that’s all right.”
“I’d like that, Oliver.”