"I think I kinda like you."

Father's Day - 2016. A chance meeting on an unlikely day. That is how I met the "Taximan".

His kids were treating him, I was sullenly cheering on my own Dad. I went outside. So did he - a total stranger, who thought he was flirting with a younger woman. It worked! For the first time in seven years, I gave a stranger my phone number, face to face. Wrote it on his hand. (It sounds sleazy, but we had both forgotten our phones in the restaurant!)

Still, I must confess, I hoped the ink would run. Obscuring the information. Little did I know that he gave me a permanent marker. He was always sly (yet genius) in his own way.

First impressions: 🚩EGO alert!

Never before had I gone on a date with an "old-school" gentleman. You know, the one who insists on meeting the family? Whom he then promptly annoyed. Every sentence was My…. As In my company, my collection, my, oh my. He could talk. About anything. Trying to make a good impression, meanwhile digging with his words. There I was, waiting. Wondering if I had made the worst decision in my life.

Fancy dinner on a jet?

Ok, that's a lie. I did not ask. It was a modern restaurant, with STYLE. Fusion cuisine was trending. Once again, the very talkative man kept his own counsel. At least he did not order champagne. I went for a whiskey on the rocks. I could feel waves of relief. A sense of him thinking: "Hey, this girl's is okay!"

(●'◡'●)

The secrets revealed.

As we spoke, he told me about his life as a marine. His life as a drummer/ guitarist of an old 80's pop group. We realised we both loved music. That he had achieved "celebrity status" whilst I was listening to Brit-pop and American rock.

Of course, I was sceptical. I had a coughing fit when he played me their most played music video. Until I mentally aged a boy in make-up, to a day labourer without. Yes, he owned the business. That did not mean he sat back and watched his bank account. He worked harder than any of his employees. Long hours on sunny rooftops. Every day. He did not HAVE to; it was just his way.

The biggest secret?

He saved my life. I was never his lover. (Not for lack of trying on his part). 😉

We did share the bed sometimes. He'd fall asleep, with his head in my lap. Or I'd throw my arms around him. Nuzzling his shoulder.

I will never forget the night he carried me of the dance floor. (I said he worked hard, so we partied harder). Nor will I forget his attempt to scoop me of my aching feet, running a cold bath to wash them in. The profanities that came out of my mouth. A sailor would have blushed. He never minded that.

The worst words were the true ones I should have bitten down on. Calling him "childish" when he was playful. Even worse, a "lying, narcissist" when he treated me like a lost doll. That was awkward.

Standing in the rain, voices cold as ice. Him, collapsing inside as if I plunged a blade. A grown man with the eyes of a hurt child. Me hissing through my teeth: "Your fake friends would never tell you this. I care for you. I tell the truth."

I was being one of those. In my defence: I had some really good reasons.

So, he hated me for two hours. (Secretly resented me for far longer).

Here's a tip, learnt the hard way. Know your place! There are some things best left unspoken. Apologies are just hollow words. And there's not enough "I love you." Guess who taught me that. Looking back, I know it was his empty promises that made me fight back.

Well, I passed that test. We'd never quite be equals but, I proved myself to be a worthy queen.

Now my "batman" - military term, has said goodbye.

All I said back was NOT YET.

My treasure.

Soon enough all will know. As promised, we will celebrate you. A "Hansa" for all. Still keeping your secrets.

Resigner

P.s. I still do not believe you turned her and him down. If it was only him ~ I might have.

My mentor, my friend. My protector. I DID pay attention!

P.p. s. I've got your manuscript. Waiting for the concluding chapter. Get a move on.

Good night, my sweet.

As this one is for you, I'll add one of your favourites. Not yours. Not yet.