***
Not long after Jennifer talked with Miss Donna, and completely unaware, David decided to do the same. His approach was, as usual, less subtle than Jennifer's. Rather than simply waiting until he bumped into Miss Donna, David decided to stop by her apartment for a visit.
As Miss Donna opened her front door with a smile, David was thinking about what to say. As he walked to the kitchen with Miss Donna, as well as Cosmo and Dash in toe as usual, he was at least able to define his goal.
I want to know what she would do if she were me, thought David. Well that's not going to work now is it? She's a gal ? kind of hard to make that "if you were me" comparison. After much mental deliberation, David decided on some simple advice from Miss Donna. What would you do if ? how fast should I move, I'm sure things are going well ? am I right? Is Jennifer the ? the one? And so on and so on.
"Would you like something to drink David?" Miss Donna was already heading for the stove as David took a chair at the table.
"Sure what ever you're having will be fine ? thanks Miss Donna."
"Well great, I'm having hot cocoa; I think you'll like it," Miss Donna had a particularly perky tone to her voice. She was pretty sure why David had come by to visit today, and it made her happy.
"Hot cocoa sounds great!" David hadn't indulged in such things recently. He wondered if she would put marsh mellows in the cocoa. He thought if she does I'll feel just like a kid again.
"Here you go David," Miss Donna placed the mug in front of David as she took her seat at the table. Dash lay at her feet while Cosmo did those famous figure eights about the table legs.
David closed his eyes for a moment then looked down, smiling. Indeed Miss Donna did include marsh mellows. It was a perfect day!
"So how've you been David?" Miss Donna wanted to get the ball rolling, she was eager to hear where David stood on the Jennifer thing. She knew completely of Jennifer's interest and thought she knew David's as well. However, she thought it best to get the skinny directly from the horse's mouth ? David being the horse of course.
"Oh I've been fine, doing a lot of running and spending a lot of time with Jennifer Holmes ? you remember her right?"
Miss Donna wasn't at all surprised that David cut right to the chase. She could tell David was eager to talk about Jennifer. She also found it funny that David would think she would forget about Jennifer. "Yes I remember Jennifer; she's a very nice girl. I'm glad to hear you're spending time in good company." Miss Donna took a sip from her cocoa.
As if copying Miss Donna, David took a sip from his cocoa as well. "Well I'll tell you Miss Donna, she's got me all in a fluster. I mean in a good way and all, but she's sure walking around in my mind a lot and even my dreams. You could say I've got the puppy loves somethin' fierce." David giggled as he reached down to pet Cosmo.
"Well now that's something to be happy about isn't it," Miss Donna held her cocoa mug with both hands, letting the heat warm her palms, as she smiled ? beamed really.
"It sure is Miss Donna ? it sure is ? only ?"
After several seconds of silence Miss Donna reckoned David wanted her to say something that would free his mind. "Only you're wondering ? well how not to mess things up." Miss Donna had a soft tone to her voice.
"Exactly ? I guess I'm less worried about cold feet and more worried about screwing things up. I have a tendency to do that with the opposite sex ya know." David was being a bit hard on himself, but didn't feel it was uncalled for.
"David, something tells me you're doing just fine. You just be yourself and follow your heart. The best piece of advice I can give when it comes to relationships is: Be yourself and try not to sweat the small stuff." Miss Donna thought this simple advice was easier said than followed as she had a quick thought about Frank.
"I'll try to do that ? you think Jennifer and I have a real shot?" David was truly interested in her opinion, she could tell.
"Yes I do ? I really do David." Miss Donna's sincerity eased David's mind and let them move on to other conversation topics.
Mostly just chit chat or talking small, David and Miss Donna spent the better part of the next hour enjoying each other's company. Dash and Cosmo lay at their feet listening, the way pets do, as Miss Donna and David laughed and carried on. It was a fine day.
As David said his goodbyes and Miss Donna closed her front door, both of them knew that days like this are what make up the spice of life. Good company, good jaw flappin' and good cocoa ? what more could anyone wish for?
A Modern Love Page 53
