Just Like Heaven

Who could sling a two-four with one hand?
Who could take a swig of ice cold fresh brew from a bottle, swirl it in her mouth, spit it out and tell you the brand?
Little did she know what awaited her at the end of the summer...

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We changed plans a bit for the Labour Weekend date. Seeing as Lab 1 Guy (it's Ian, but this name sounds sexier somehow, maybe it's just me), didn't know the city very well, I thought it would be easier just to meet at the work parking lot. The lot was very conveniently located not too far from Harbourfront, so it made perfect sense.

I remember thinking how bizarre it all was, as I made my way down the winding highway. My excitement built as the Toronto skyline with its CN Tower beacon, appeared closer and closer. Only the week before we had been at the same place, going to work, leading separate lives. Could my heart be a flutter over the guy I chuckled at a couple of short weeks ago? The same fellow I found slumped, sleeping over his work report in the early evening whom I had to shake awake to ask his preference for pizza delivery? And here we were together again on a totally different level. No labcoats to hide behind, no steel-toed boots, no work distractions -- just a guy and a girl about to find out if that recent flirtation was just a dream.

When he saw me he got out of the car, gave me a huge smile and suggested that we take his car. His recycling-blue coloured Toyota Corolla, whose engine was running fantastically, but body was starting to fall apart (reminds me of the today me, but let's stick with the history, I'm ruining my own romance here).

The minute details. His light beige khakis a yellow shirt over a white T (remember, we're talking Miami Vice days). His pseudo Euro mullet (which we coined much later after he got a Mullet encyclopedia as a gift one year) was coiffed, just so. More tame than Nik Kershaw, definitely not Kajagoogoo or as dramatic as Robert Smith. He was freshly shaven, a bit better presented than the last time I saw him. (After all, the night that he asked me out he was running on only a couple hours of sleep from an all night party the night before. Yes, this boy was good!).

But it was his smile, slightly crooked at the end and his green, oh so green eyes with flecks of hazel, framed by gorgeous lashes, that drew me in. And he was wearing the scent of Armani. Pick me up off the floor now.

We popped into his car, and as it was quite a warm, humid evening, he rolled down his window. As we sped along Lakeshore road, he stuck his left arm out to bring the breeze in, his own version of air conditioning. I looked up at his rearview mirror and noticed that he had a bolo tie hanging there. Bonus, this guy had some fashion sense too. What a character, he was unlike anyone I had ever met before. So different for me. But I was already falling hard.

We had no definite activities planned for the evening. We thought we would grab a few drinks, get to know each other, see where things went. After we parked the car, he grabbed my hand in his and held it tightly as we walked toward the lights and action that beckoned by the waterfront. Such confidence and familiarity, I was just so impressed. I don't even know why it was such a big deal for me. Perhaps because it was so natural, when it was happening so fast.

As we passed by a small bakery, he noticed some rumballs in the window.

"I love rumballs! Do you wanna go in and have something?" he asked.

I'm not a great fan, but hey, this was Date #1 so why not. I didn't feel like having anything, so he got one to share with me. Really wanted me to try them. How cute is that? Sharing his rumball (and this is a HUGE deal for him, believe you me!). He didn't feed me or anything like that (that would be a bit much) but the whole activity seemed like such a perfect date thing to do, like sharing a soda. Cute, romantic fun.

We made our way to one of the outdoor patios, where it wasn't too busy. We sat, ordered some drinks, talked, had some munchies, laughed a lot and talked some more. We shared a similar taste in music, movies, spoke about our school programs, our summers, a bit about our families. The conversation didn't let up, no awkward moments, it was all more than good.

When we got tired of sitting, we strolled along the dock, and then came to the man-made pond that doubles as a skating rink in the winter. The small remote-controlled boats that bobbed slightly in the water were irresistible. So with the softly lit patio lights providing a lovely evening glow, music and quiet chatter emanating from the restaurant just next door, and the warm lake breeze wafting around us, we drove one of those miniature ships, the two of us together. With me in front, not knowing what the hell I was doing with the remote, and him wrapping his arms around me from behind. Taking my hands in his and helping me guide the controls. The others around us seemed to melt away. Yes, this guy was smooth... but I was soooo loving it.

I don't think either of wanted the evening to end. But time couldn't stand still forever.

When we got back to the parking lot, he saw me to my car. We discussed getting together again very soon, schedules permitting now that university would be in session again. Before we parted ways, we gave each other a hug, and he leaned in for a kiss.

Not just any kiss. The kind that started off soft, knee-meltingly slowly, that sent sparks literally from my lips down to the tips of my toes. And progressed to a kiss worthy of being loaded up on Youtube as a part of a "Best Kiss of the Movies" compilation. But even "The Notebook" couldn't hold a candle to this one.

Under the knowing, watchful gaze of the neon Molson's logo shining down on us, protected in a paved paradise guarded by chain link fences, I experienced the most romantic kiss of my life. The kiss that held a wonderful promise since fulfilled.

Dressed up to the eyes
It's a wonderful surprise
To see your shoes and your spirits rise
Throwing out your frown
And just smiling at the sound
And as sleek as a shriek
Spinning round and round
Always take a big bite
It's such a gorgeous sight
To see you eat in the middle of the night
You can never get enough
Enough of this stuff
It's Friday
I'm in love