CHAPTER 3

“So you must be the only person I’ve ever met that…you know.” Stuart said reading a menu.

“Yeah, you too…I think.” She said getting embarrassed now. “I thought you were joking.”

“I don’t even know your name.”

“Kirsty. Stuart right?” She took of her scarf and lay it over the back of her chair.

“You’re very….p, pretty Kirsty” He tied to hold her gaze to show her he meant it.

“Do you always stutter when you’re nervous Stuart?” She reached out and held his hand in hers, “Are you married? Girlfriend? Kids?”

“What? No, no…just me I guess.”

“I’ve been hurt before Stuart.”

“I wo…won’t hurt you.” He said looking hopefully at her crystal blue eyes.

“Damn, too bad. Bye.” And she made to get up but seeing Stuarts face she burst out laughing and sat back down, “Relax! I’m joking you big softy!” And with that Stuart was in love.

They ate lunch happily and discussed the chances of them meeting, their love of rainwear, hiking, Italian food and sci-fi cinema. She smiled a lot and tugged at her hair while he talked,

“I think I’ve always liked it. But I need to sell them all now. I’m moving away, I’ve got a job overseas.” He said, the regret of that decision stifling him like a sled of bricks on his chest.

"I’d love to see them, do you think any of them would suit me?” She said stroking his leg with her boots under the table, obviously a little horny.

“I can only imagine!” Stuart said with a tongue-in-cheek sigh.

“Maybe you won’t have to…”