His Name is Christian

[itismeangied]

“You look hot,” Jade took my hand and twirled me around, “love this dress.”

“I do?” 

“Yes, we are gonna find you a new man tonight,” she challenged as she applied her purple lipstick and pressed her lips together, letting out a big smack and then smiling.

Jade is the first friend I’ve made in the city. I moved here, for a boy, (eye roll) about a year ago and I haven’t seen him in six months. She said something like, “oh fuck him and come live with me,” and I’ve been here eversince. Tonight, we are off to explore a new place in Boystown that I am sure is super-way-too-cool. I just hope she doesn’t run off again and leave me by myself. 

“Remember not to abandon me,” I say with questioning eyes.

“Oh my god, I would never!” she says as she walked up behind me, putting her arms around my waist. I hate this level of closeness, but I let my anxiety rise and fall as she releases me. “Ok, put on this jacket and let’s get to the Red Line, we only have a few minutes to the next train.”

I slid on the jacket, wondering what leftover bodily fluids await me in the armholes and pockets and pulled it straight against me. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and nodded in approval.

“Love it, I knew that would be perfect on you.” Jade winked and took my hand, “c’mon!”

I didn’t get to check that everything was turned off before we rushed out of the apartment, but it was easier knowing if anything happened, it’s technically her fault.

 

We arrived at the Red Line about three minutes before the train was set to arrive. I was pulling nervously on the studded zippers on the jacket and wondering if I had locked the door correctly. I looked up and my heart jumped before I realized who was standing about ten feet away from me. IT. WAS. BARISTA. I took a deep breath in and Jade noticed my excitement. 

“What? What?!” She looked around not knowing if she should prepare for screaming or squealing. 

“It’s him; Barista.” I whispered through my teeth.

“Ooh! Where?”

“Like, ten o’clock.”

Jade’s nose and eyes perused the crowd and her eyes widened, “let’s go over there.” She took my hand again and led me towards him. He looked so cute. He had this worn navy tee shirt on and jeans that were a Goldilocks fit, not too tight and not too loose. His hair was falling slightly over his glasses and he pushed it away so beautifully.

“Do you work at Sadie’s?” she asked, startling him.

He pulled out an Airpod and looked at both of us, his mouth agape with surprise and then he smiled.

“Hey you,” he gestured at me and turned toward Jade, “yes I do,” he nodded. “How are you?” he said to me.

“I am well, thank you. It’s…it’s nice to see you without your apron.” Wow, really? That sounded NOT creepy at all.

“Haha, yeah,” he replied looking down, “so where are you guys headed?”

“A new bar on Halsted,” Jade replied, “you should come!” 

“I gotta run to my friend’s house for a few, but I might be free later.”

The whoosh of the train and its familiar clunking began to envelope his words and a rush came over me. As the train screeched and the doors opened, he signaled for me to enter. Please sit next to me, please sit next to me.

“Is it ok if I sit here?” he motioned to the seat next to me. 

“Yes, I’ll stand,'' Jade said rolling her eyes as the seats filled up. 

“That would be awesome if you stopped by.” I said as the train began to move ahead, trying to sound excited but not like my happiness depended on him going, even if it kinda did.

“I don’t know if I can tonight. My buddy is having a going away party. He’s moving to LA.”

“That’s OK, I know it’s short notice.” my heart was sinking and I was reading all the muscles in his face wondering if he liked me. His mouth was like those in a Caravaggio painting. So curvy and plump.

“Do I have something on my lip?” He ran his thumb across his lower lip and I had to take a breath.

“No.” I shook my head and licked my lips. 

“Oh good.” He smiled and it made my stomach feel tight and fluttery. His eyes are so blue, like that cerulean crayon I loved so much as a kid. Every sky was cerulean. 

“I really like your jacket.”

“Thank you, it’s hers,” I tipped my head toward Jade, who was fully distracted by her phone. “I usually look like a bum when I’m heading to work.”

“You never look like a bum. You always look pretty.” He leaned back in his seat and lifted his hand to his face again, sort of hiding behind it.

“Aw, thank you.” I felt my face getting hot and tried not to fan myself. 

“This is my stop.” 

“Oh no,” I said aloud and began to feel the panic set in. I have to say something good. I wanted to be certain that I took advantage of this moment. But should I touch his knee? Ask for his number? Be mysterious? He’s getting his bag, hurry!

“What’s your name, anyway?”

“Christian, what’s yours?”

“Marti.”

“Cool, I like that. See you soon?”

“Yes, yes please.” I had the same questioning eyes I’d given Jade earlier.

He grabbed the bar in front of the seat and swung over to the sliding doors. He looked back and exhaled with a smile. Our babies are going to be fucking gorgeous.

 

Comments

[roina_arwen]

This was a very sweet slice of life piece. Go Marti!

[static_abyss]

I love love love that last sentence. It made me smile. This was such a cute story. Well done!

[erulissedances]

And the original boy fades even more into the depths of time. I like the Barista. I think it'll be a good natured, fun relationship.

- Erulisse (one L)

[adoptedwriter]

Awww…a fun story.

[bleodswean]

A great scene!

[ofearthandstars]

This is lovely scene - I love the casual flirting and questions left in the air, but especially that last sentence!

[banana_galaxy]

Totally needed to exchange numbers there! Bit more awkward to do it when he's working!

[aggienaut]

Or is it! If Iiii were a barista I'd totally slyly write my number on the cup of a cute girl (:

[itismeangied]

Haha, Marti would flip!

[aggienaut]

Cute. I look forward to seeing where this story goes (:

[mollywheezy]

Such a fun read! :)

[alycewilson]

Funny thing: I was reading this as the protagonist being a gay male, because of her friend taking her to a place in "Boystown" (slang for a gay neighborhood) in order to "find a guy." But it worked that way, too. I wasn't even clear to me from the name Marti, entirely.

[itismeangied]

Interesting!

[alycewilson]

All I'm trying to say is that it works, regardless of the gender of the protagonist, or what pronouns they use. I did wonder why they followed someone to town when they didn't really know them, though. There's so much more to learn!

[drippedonpaper]

So sweet. Jade is a good friend. Sometimes we need someone to drag us out or the "perfect accident moments" will never happen.

I wish Christian and Marti luck :)

[itismeangied]

Exactly!

[marlawentmad]

You got me good with that ending line. I chuckled out loud! I find this character so endearing. I am so pleased to meet them again! I wasn't expecting that tie in. What a delight. It sounds silly, but sometimes it feels like you are writing to me. I was delighted to see some of the nearby areas to my home referenced, and delighted that you talked about the cerulean crayon. When I got to paint my room as a preteen, I literally took a scrap of paper with a swatch of that crayon color with me to the paint store to find the closest match. I loved my blue room deeply.

[itismeangied]

Thank you! I used to live in Chicago and wished I had more fun there. I don't even know where all the cool places are. Haha I am so glad you are a fellow cerulean stan lol

[dadi]

awww <3

[gunwithoutmusic]

I love how this went from a crush-obsession to now maybe something real! How exciting!

I really enjoy the way you write "socially awkward." It's too relatable sometimes but always gets a laugh out of me. :)