Nice to Meet You

Chapter 3

Tom approached Bruce and Monica. They were both so wrapped up in their conversation that they didn't notice him. "Excuse me." They still were unaware of him. He tapped Bruce on the shoulder, startling him, "Bloody hell Tom. Are you trying to kill me?" Both Tom and Monica laughed at Bruce's reaction. "Sorry. look, I have to close. You two can stay here and enjoy yourselves. You still have your set of keys, right Bruce?" Bruce nodded. He looked at Monica and caught her yawning. "No, we'll head out. It's been a long night. I'll help you clean up." Monica stood up and was beginning to pick up as well. Bruce looked at her and smiled, "No need to help, Tom and I have done this a lot over the years. Have a seat. This shouldn't take long." He headed over to Tom's old jukebox and put on some Deep Purple. Looking over to Monica, he gave her a wonky smile and a thumbs up. Bruce picked up stray glasses left behind on tables and brought them over to Tom who was at the sink washing them. "So, fancy the pretty young lady?" he looked at Bruce and gave him a nudge with his elbow. Bruce blushed and looked down at his feet, "I don't know what you're talking about. I think she's nice. And I would like to be her friend." Tom stopped washing the glass that was in his hand and looked at Bruce, "C'mon, I've known you since before you could talk. You can't fool me. She's a beautiful young lady. I've never seen you so shy and so careful around anyone before. Usually you're straightforward and aggressive. This must really mean something." Bruce sighed and looked toward where Monica was sitting. She was reading a magazine and tapping her foot to "Pictures of Home", which happen to be one of his favorite songs. "I don't know what it is. Something about her is different. Not only is she beautiful, but she's smart and she intrigues me. Any other girl would have already been upstairs in my bed. But I don't want that with her. I don't know what I want." He looked at Tom. "Why are women so complicated?" Tom laughed, "If you ever find out the answer to that my boy, please let me know. Now get out of here, I'll finish and close up.———————————————————————————————————————————-

Bruce and Monica stepped out to a cold night. Monica didn't have a jacket. She was rubbing her arms trying to keep warm. Bruce noticed and took his jacket off, putting it over her shoulders. "Oh no Bruce. You don't have to do that. You'll be cold." Bruce shook his head and smiled, "Don't worry, I'm used to these cold Worksop nights. And anyway, it'll be a reason for us to see each other again, that is, if you'd like to." Monica looked at him and saw that he was blushing. She couldn't believe how shy he was. He seemed like the type who wouldn't be shy. She found him attractive. He was short for a man, but that didn't matter. She loved his long brown hair, and his eyes were mesmerizing. The whole time they were talking he made her feel like she was the only person in the bar, the only thing that mattered. He had a goofy smile, but it was adorable and marked by dimples that were carved deep in his cheeks and full plump lips. She also had a feeling that he was hairy. She could see tufts of hair poking out of the neck of his t-shirt. Although he was short, he was well built with broad shoulders and what seemed like a well built chest. Monica had to admit, she was attracted to him. She didn't know him well, but she wanted to. "I would love to see you again." she smiled, wrapping his jacket around her, it smelled like him. She couldn't say exactly what he smelled like, it wasn't cologne, it was just his smell. Bruce smiled back. "Excellent. I don't work tomorrow, so we can meet a little earlier and I can show you around the "fun" parts of Worksop. Even take you out to lunch." 

"That sounds lovely." Monica said giving him a huge smile. 

They walked in comfortable silence. Bruce looked at her and smiled to himself. She caught him staring and smiled back, "What are you looking at?" He blushed, "Nothing, just enjoying myself with you, that's all." Monica giggled, "I'm really enjoying myself with you as well." She hooked her arm around his and pulled him closer, walking side by side through the quiet streets of Worksop. Both of them developing feelings for each other.