True Lovers

He was just thinking of how much he wished he could have Madison Cally forever. He would be sitting or working and she would walk in the room and the immediate image of her made his mind stop. His breath instantly sped up and suddenly the room was too hot.

"Hey Mr. Jack Bates." She said coyly seeing as how she was a bit older than this cute stud.
"Hi." He smiled back. He could feel her in his chest. It was embarrassing the way he would just stare at her and smile or laugh and not have a reason for ever doing it.
"What was that for?" She would ask laughing back.
"What?" His smile got bigger.
"What were you thinking?"
"Nothing."
"Then why did you just laugh?"
"I don't know." He'd reply never being able to reveal what he was just thinking.

This same situation had appeared every time he met up with Madison Cally, so she would quit pressing the issue. It was nice, though. He was single and young. Madison was a bit older and married, but her husband had wandered off chasing other interests and she could not persuade him to return. That was cool with Jack, though, because Madison and he had so much in common and just adored each other at every turn, that he had hoped for a future with the two of them in it.

Madison had come by the restaurant to check on the next day's Taster's Meeting and to write down her schedule for the week. Each month, Novio's had a menu-tasting time for all the employees to sample the newer dishes and even a couple of the regular dishes. This was especially effective for the waiters as they could really sell these delicious dishes. Novio's was the most fabulous Mexican restaurant in the southern, Texas town of Freeport. They had many delightful dishes that were famous both with the tourists and the local fishermen. She found out that the next morning they were to come in at 10:30 am to try two new dishes and two regular menu items. The menu items that were to be prepared were the new Butter-Crusted-Burrito Squares with Saucy Lobster Filling, the new Creamy Avocado and Sword Fish Tacos, the Tacos Maravilloso with Freshly Ground Sirloin and Cheddar and the delicate dessert, Chimichangas De Cereza . Yes, it would be a good day because tomorrow was Friday and now her plans included the menu tasting, work from noon until nine and some personal time with Jack Bates after nine.

He had finally managed to ask her if he had a chance with her. This was a complicated thing for her because of the dissolving marriage, but for him it was very straightforward. He wanted to be next to her every chance he got for the rest of his life. She could feel him, too. It was like she could see his handsome and kind ways in the little things he did for people. He was very sexy and beautiful and had a pure heart. She just adored him so much but had kept it on the inside because of her situation. For their date, they had decided to get two dishes for takeout after work, go grab a lantern and a couple of sodas from the local bait shop and sit on Amante's Pier. This pier had a direct view of the shrimping boats on one side and the vast and beautiful ocean on the other. Since they both loved the water, this would be a very cozy and romantic setting. Each time they met, the conversation just flowed so smoothly. They were so sweet and nice to each other. He knew just how to push her love buttons. And she knew just how to push his.

That next day at the tasting, Jack came over from busing the tables and pinched her in the arm. He was so excited for that night and it was obvious to her in his smile. They were always playing around pinching and poking. It was here in this restaurant that they felt so free because in their neighborhood, he would be considered 'way too young' for her even though he was an adult at age 20. Anyway, she was still considered 'married' and with her daughters around and sister-in-law living next door they had to watch their every move, even their every glance at each other. Jack Bates had been living in his own house across from Madison for two years. Madison had moved in with her husband about the same time. She met Jack one year ago. The attraction was instantly there. They both knew it, but there was nothing they could do about it. Her husband had been gone for three months. He had never been excited about anything in life, even her, so the loss wasn't drastically felt. It was sad, though, to lose in a marriage. This Jack was definitely a distraction, though. His warmness warmed her heart.

"So Jack... Are you so excited about tonight?" She asked while rubbing the pinched area in her arm giving him the look like she was going to get him back.
"Yeah. If you only knew." Was his reply.
"I'm glad we're going. It will be nice to just hang out with you."
"I know. Right?" He said.
Well, the tasting went well. She especially liked the Chimichangas De Cereza. Anything with cherry pie filling was guaranteed to be a hit with her. She could eat that stuff right out of the can! She chased Jack back into the food prep area with a bite full of Tacos Maravilloso for him to sample.
"Here, this bite is for you because you are marvelous!" She said practically shoving the bite into his mouth before getting his approval.
"Oh my God! You are crazy." He was loving the attention and the tacos weren't bad, either.
"I can't wait for tonight!" She said again.

The shift went pretty smoothly. Tables were tipping very well, except for one which was a pretty standard tip. People were feeling generous due to the fact that is was close to Valentine's Day. Lovers were coming into the restaurant and Madison was catering to them in the gentlest and most efficient ways. They all loved her even the grouchier customers. She was selling appetizers, desserts, main entrees, drinks from the bar just beefing up those tabs and making some serious money that night. It was a reason to smile. But, thinking of her time with Jack later was what made her heart jump.

It was just after eight and time to get off the floor and begin doing her closing duties. She folded up some silverware, cleaned the condiment fridge and refreshed all of the dressings for the fresh salads. It was just about nine when it was time to clock out. Jack had been mopping the back room floor when she walked to the office, so she knew it would be a minute or two before he would be finished for the night. He always did such a good job cleaning. He was a very hard worker and his muscles showed it. She always admired that in a man. He flashed her a smile. She just gave him a crazy, flirty look and kept walking. God, he liked her.

After checking out with the cashier at the bait shop, lantern and food in hand, they exited past the tanks with the live minnows, piggy perch, live shrimp and other live bait out onto the back pier which the owner had built to connect with Amante's Pier. It was then that they both pointed to the furthest bench towards the end of the pier. It would be far enough from the wave break where they could stay dry and warm. After unpacking all of their goods, they began talking. Subjects came up about life such as her husband, their jobs at Novio's and general things like that. But their eyes just seemed to lock and have a deep conversation going on of their own. He would stare deep into her eyes as if looking at her very soul and she would return the admiration by stroking his arm as they talked. They talked and ate for about four-and-a-half hours as the boats wandered out and finally back in. The waves were gently crashing on the side just daring to splash them, but never really being able to make that much of an effort. It was the most beautiful night and they were very happy. Then, while their eyes were locked, he leaned in and kissed her. It was the sweetest and softest kiss two lovers would ever share. They both felt like they were floating away and almost ended the kiss abruptly to gain their ground again.

"Wow!" He said out loud.
"Yeah. That was nice." She exhaled.
"Oh yes it was." He replied then began looking at her with a sincere look.
"What are you thinking?" She almost laughed seeing this play out again.
He would tell her this time. He was just thinking of how much he wished he could have Madison Cally forever.