Everything More

by Arabelle Stevens

  “No thank you, I’m good,” Marie replied trying to ignore him.

  “I saw you from afar and I must say, mm-mm, you are looking oh so good in that dress. Come on, I’ll buy your drink and we’ll chat for a little bit. Of course, we can skip the chatting part if you want,” he told her.

  “Excuse me?” Marie questioned as the man went up to the bartender to order her a drink.

  “A big glass of red wine for this hot tamale right here,” he told the bartender. He turned his attention to Marie saying, “I’ll show you one hell of a good time. It’s better than spending this wonderful festival alone, right?”

  “Who said I was alone?” Marie said to him with her arms folded becoming visibly annoyed.

  “Well, I saw you at the bar alone so I, naturally, assumed you weren’t accompanied by anyone. You’d obviously be on their arm if you were,” he told her.

  “As a matter of fact, I’m not here alone. I’m with a hot date and I need to get back to him,” she explained to the man.

  “Well, why don’t you ditch your date and I’ll show you how a real man handles a woman,” he told Marie.

  That was the final straw for Marie. How rude. She ordered her beer from the bartender and once in her hands,

  “I just wanted a beer. Not interested, Jack. You’re way too obnoxious for my taste.”

  In the midst of her frustration, Marie didn’t see the person carrying trays of food walking directly in front of her. Before she had the chance to stop herself, she ran directly into him, sending food and sauce all over him and spilling her own beer on her dress in the process.

  “Oh shit, what a wipeout!” the rude man shouted. “It’s okay, I’ll find someone else have fun with. I’ll let you two clean up your mess,” he said sarcastically as he walked away.

  “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry young man. Please forgive me,” Marie said to the guy carrying the trays of food.

  Sighing in obvious frustration, he picked up his trays and cleaned up the food that had spilled.

  “The crew is going to be even more pissed at me now since I’m going to take even longer to get lunch to them,” he scolded to Marie.

  “What do you mean?” Marie asked in confusion. “That food’s not for you and your friends?”

  “No, I’m working the festival this weekend. I’m delivering food and drinks to the stage crew and performers throughout the day. Basically, I’m a runner for the festival,” he explained to Marie.

  “Oh, I see. Summer job during school break?” Marie assumed.

  “No, I’ve been done with school for a long time. This is just a side gig to make extra money. A hundred and fifty dollars just to deliver food for two days, listen to amazing music, and meet the musicians. That’s a sweet deal if you ask me! Of course, it does make it a little bit more challenging when a beautiful woman like yourself spills your food all over you,” he said as he joked with Marie.

  “I’m so sorry about that. You have no idea how embarrassing this is. I’m not a klutz, I promise,” Marie told him.

  “It’s okay. I have to be honest with you though, when I saw how gorgeous you were, I forgot all about the food. I’m sorry to be so forward, but you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said with the most dashing and confident smile. “Oh! My name is Lucas by the way. Lucas Anderson,” he said as Marie blushed from his compliments.

  “You are too sweet! I think I’m blushing. My name is Marie Gilman. Pleasure to meet you, Lucas,” she said to Lucas. “I hate to leave you with your spilled food, but I really have to go clean this beer off my dress.”

  “Don’t worry, Marie. Come with me, I can show you where a private bathroom is and you can clean your dress in peace,” Lucas said. “I hope you are able to wash the beer out of it because, uh, you look stunning in it,” he told Marie.

  Lucas showered Marie with compliments without restraint, completely enamored with her. He was the polar opposite of what Marie had just encountered. How refreshing.

  Marie went inside the bathroom to clean up. The last thing she wanted was for a parent of one of her students to see her soaked with, and smelling of, beer.

  Lucas completed his rounds of food delivery and came knocking at the door saying, “Marie, are you okay? Are you in there?”

  His disappointment clawed at him when there was no answer. He’d missed her. This woman who’d just turned his world upside down had just slipped through his fingers.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Marie arrived back to Sonja.

  “Where’ve you been? I thought you were going for a beer?”

  “I did. I had a little run-in with a food runner. The most gorgeous, sweetest food runner.”

  “Oh, really? Do tell.”

  Marie told Sonja about Lucas Anderson, and all that happened.

  “It took so long because I had to get that beer smell off me. I was paranoid that I’d run into a parent of one of my students smelling like that. That wouldn’t be good. This school system is funny about stuff like that. Personal conduct and all.”

  “Oh please. They need to lighten up. So are you going to see this guy again?” Marie laughed at Sonja’s question.

  “NO, of course not. He’s just a baby. But I’ll be having some pretty awesome fantasies for the next few days about him, that’s for sure. What an ass.”

  “I think you should track down that ass.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Sonja. I couldn’t possibly.”

  “Okay, but you’ll regret it. I can see lust in your eyes and you need to get laid. You’re still young. Go find him.”

  “No. I can’t. Gross.”

  “Alright. I’ll let it go. This is the last band. Let’s head to the car and beat the mass exodus.”

  That night in bed, Marie’s dreams were filled with erotic images and scenes of Lucas in various stages of undress. When morning finally came, she was exhausted.

  She puttered around the house while she drank her coffee, but the thoughts of Lucas Anderson wouldn’t leave her alone.

  “I need to get out of this house. I can’t stand my own thoughts,” she chuckled in amusement to herself. “He’s young enough to be my own son. What am I thinking??”

  She perused the Sunday paper to see the local activities in town, when she read about a new exhibit at the art museum. She decided to go check it out. She jumped in the shower, got dressed, and was on her way.

  She paid her admission, got her catalog, and began the slow stroll through the exhibits. There was no lovelier way to spend a Sunday afternoon than to stroll through artwork in her opinion.

  As she stood admiring and studying a particular beach scene, a man’s voice spoke softly behind her.

  “This is one of my favorites.”

  She turned around pleasantly to see who spoke to her. To her surprise, she was almost nose to nose with Lucas Anderson. Her heart fluttered and she felt her cheeks brighten.

  “Well hello! What a coincidence,” she said, trying to sound as casual and relaxed as possible.

  “It is, isn’t it? I went back to the bathroom and I was devastated that you’d already left.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you’d be coming back.”

  “I was going to try and get your phone number.”

  “Really? Why did you want my phone number?”

  “Uh, so I could call you. Ask you to go out to dinner with me.” Marie giggled.

  “Really? I’m very flattered.”

  “So can I have your number?” Marie, now realizing he was serious.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m not dating right now.”

  “Oh, you’re seeing someone. I understand. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

  “No, I’m actually just not dating right now.”

  “Why not? Not dating? Or not interested in dating me? Because you think I’m too young for you?”

  “Well, pretty much. Yes.”

  “I’m twenty-five. And you’re, what? Thirty-one? Maybe thirty
-two?”

  “Sure, we can go with thirty-one.”

  “That’s hardly a huge age difference. Five or six years. It’s nothing.” Realizing he still wasn’t convincing her,

  “Okay, tell you what. Let me take you to lunch and if you still think I’m a little boy, then I’ll leave you alone. But if you like me, you’ll have to give me your phone number.”

  “Well, I can see when I’m on the losing end of an argument. What the hell. Okay, you’ve got a deal.”

  “Fantastic!” Lucas was overjoyed. A second chance with a woman who’d made his heart stop. It couldn’t have been a coincidence. There was an awkward pause as Lucas let his eyes feast upon her inviting throat and gorgeous, plunging neckline.

  He realized he was openly checking her out, mesmerized by her beauty, and snapped himself out of it.

  “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. That’s so rude.”

  “It’s okay. No need to apologize. It’s been a long time since I’ve been checked out.”

  “It’s just that . . . you’re just so beautiful. I can’t help myself.” Stumbling now to get out of that conversation. “So what are you hungry for? Your choice.”

  They had a lovely lunch on the deck of a waterfront café. Marie had to admit, she did indeed enjoy his company and never once felt like she was with someone beneath her own maturity level. When the lunch was finished, they exchanged phone numbers and he walked her to her own car.

  As Lucas was walking away from her car, he pulled out his phone and dialed her number. She didn’t even have her seatbelt on yet. She looked at the number, smiled, and looked at him as she answered.

  “Yes?”

  “So I was wondering, now that you like me, if you’d have dinner with me?”

  “Friday night?”

  “That long?”

  “Friday or nuthin’.”

  “Okay. Pick you up at seven.”

  “See you then.” She hung up, as he stood there and watched her drive away.

  “Until then, I’ll be dying. Can’t wait, Marie.”

  When she got home, the first thing she did was pour herself a glass of white wine, got comfortable on the couch, and dialed Sonja’s number.

  “Hi, Marie. What’s up?”

  “Oh nothing, really. I just thought I’d fill you in on my lunch date with Lucas Anderson just now.”

  “Shut UP! How did THAT happen?”

  “It just happened. I went to the museum for something to do, and there he was. Next thing you know, we’re having a nice lunch on a beautiful waterfront deck and exchanging phone numbers. He was so sweet and he’s so hot,” Marie told Sonja. “Sonja, he checked me out.”

  “Wow. What I wouldn’t give to have that happen to me now. What else happened?”

  “He called me and asked me out to dinner . . . while I was still in the car.”

  “Aww, that’s so romantic, I’m so happy for you. This is what I wanted for you. Even if this doesn’t go anywhere, you deserve to enjoy yourself.” Sonja said with joy.

  “There is only one problem about this whole scenario. Well, two I guess when I think about it,” Marie said.

  “From what you told me, I don’t see any problems.

  “Remember I told you? He’s young. I mean really young!”

  “Uh oh, Marie snagged a younger man. Did you become a cougar without telling me?” Sonja joked with her.

  “Stop it! I’m not a cougar. Those types of women are repulsive walking around with their boy toys, tossing them around like pieces of meat.” Marie said annoyingly.

  Sonja shrugged off her comment and said, “Well, however you look at, the young guys I see them with sure are sexy. Anyway, how old is he? You never told me,” Sonja asked again.

  Marie paused for a second before answering.

  “He’s twenty-five. To be honest, I actually thought he was a few years younger and assumed he was still in school.”

  “Wow, twenty-five! Marie got herself a young one,” Sonja joked with her. “So, you’re turning forty-four in a few days and he’s twenty-five. That’s a nineteen year age difference Marie. Welcome to the cougar club.”

  “Shut up! I don’t go scoping out guys young enough to be my son, but damn Lucas was cute, and he had the best ass in those tight jeans he was wearing,” Marie dreamily mentioned.

  “You know what the worst part is?” Marie asked Sonja.

  “I don’t know. Does he still live with his parents?” Sonja guessed.

  “No, I kind of fibbed about my age,” Marie said as she shook her head saying, “I told him I was thirty-one!”

  “Marie, come on now. You are the one who is always preaching for men to be honest and you go and tell Lucas that you’re thirty-one? Seriously!” Sonja told her.

  “I just got so nervous. I don’t know what happened. Lucas assumed I was thirty-one or thirty-two. I was just like, okay that’s my age,” explained Marie. “The near twenty-year age difference made me uncomfortable. Plus, what if he thought I was too old for him?”

  “Well, you’re going to have to tell him at some point since you’re going out on a date with him,” Sonja said. “A date with your cub,” she chuckled. “When are you seeing him again?”

  Marie did not take too kindly to Sonja joking about the subject as she gave her a nasty look in reaction to her cougar/cub comments.

  “Maybe I should just call off the date, prevent myself from going too deep,” Marie said reluctantly.

  “Just go Marie, you need this. You’ve been waiting nearly two years to get out in the dating world. Here’s your chance. Just go out tonight. Have some fun and don’t take it too seriously,” Sonja explained to her like the wise friend she had always been.

  “Okay fine. We’ll see how it goes, but how serious could I possibly get with a twenty-five-year old?” Marie asked herself.

  Friday came as expected. As Marie got ready for her date, she looked through her closet trying to decide what to wear. She went to the back section, the place where the special outfits were kept but rarely worn. A smile lit up on her face.

  “Wow. It’s been years since I wore this little number. I hope it still fits,” she told herself.

  It was a slim-fitting, black halter dress that she wore when she went out on hot dates throughout her twenties, before she ever got married.

  The dress was fastened around her neck and had a low v neck showing off her cleavage. She’d always had large, natural breasts and the dress she picked accentuated them perfectly. The dress fit around her hips snuggly, and her hourglass figure was on full display. The finishing touch was a high slit that came up all the way to her thigh to show off her long, tan legs.

  After she finished her hair and makeup, she completed her outfit with a pair of sensual black heels to show off her toned legs and rear-end.

  “Perfect,” she said to herself as she looked into the mirror with her outfit complete.

  Her phone chimed a text from Lucas.

  “Leaving now, text me your address.” Marie waited for him on her couch, ready to go on her first hot date in years.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Marie heard the doorbell ring and she peered out her window blinds just to make sure it was Lucas at the door.

  He was wearing a charcoal grey three piece suit, without the jacket, and black dress shoes that were shined. He had his dark, brown hair slicked in a slight, spiked style.

  “Wow, he is smoking hot and cleans up good,” Marie said to herself before approaching the door. “Remember, don’t expect too much. He’s young,” she whispered as she opened the door.

  His eyes glowed when he saw Marie in her slim-fitting, black halter dress.

  “You look amazing!” Lucas exclaimed with a big grin on his face.

  “You don’t look so bad yourself, Cutie,” Marie told him. “I’ve never seen a young man like yourself clean up so well.”

  “I’m not like most guys my age Marie.” he said.

  “Anyways, so where are you taking me? A hip, new dance club
I assume,” Marie jokingly asked him.

  “Oh, sweet Marie. I have something a little more romantic rolled up my sleeves for a beautiful star-filled night like tonight.”

  Like an absolute gentleman, he walked her to the car, opened the door for her, and when she was in and settled, closed it behind her, got in behind the wheel, and proceeded up the coast for miles.

  “Where are you taking us? You know it’s just coastline once we’re out of town right?”

  “Exactly.” Lucas said as he turned and looked into Marie’s eyes.

  “You’re not taking me to a secluded location so you can kill me are you?” she jokingly asked.

  “Half of that statement would be correct,” Lucas laughed as he made a turn onto a narrow, one-way sandy road where there were no lights to be seen.

  He parked the car on the road and went around to help Marie get out.

  “Where are we?” Marie asked. “I mean, I can hear the waves so I know we’re the beach, but exactly where are we Lucas?”

  “Welcome to the most private and secluded beach outside of Sheffield Shores. Look down there.”

  Marie’s jaw dropped when she saw the set up that lay on the beach. She was presented with a candle-lit table with two lounge chairs and a basket lying next to the table.

  Marie was speechless and Lucas grabbed her hand to walk her to the beach.

  “Is this what you were expecting?” Lucas asked her.

  “Not really,” Marie laughed while still surprised at such a romantic layout on the Massachusetts coastline.

  “Let’s sit down. I really want to get to know you,” Lucas said holding out the chair for her.

  He walked around and sat down in the other chair, grabbing the basket. The basket contained a small dinner he made for the two of them. He grabbed a couple small bowls of spaghetti, some garlic bread, and grapes still on the vine.

  “Now the best part,” he said as he pulled out a new bottle of Italian red wine. “Voila, dinner is served.”

  “I’m impressed. How’d you pull this off?” Marie asked him.

  Lucas winked at her saying, “Let’s just say I work well under pressure and had some extra motivation to make sure everything was amazing.”