Enjoying the sunset...(lock please)

Being cooped up in her office all day, writing, Shay was ready to relax now.

She'd mixed up a pitcher of martini's, and put it on a tray, along with an ice bucket, a shaker, a couple glasses, and a plate of cheeses and crackers.
Carefully carrying it out to her patio, she set everything down on the table between the lounge chairs. Then she proceeded to sit down, lean back, and gaze up at the darkening sky.

Her patio was one of the things she enjoyed most about her flat. It was quite large, and faced the woods, mostly, with just a bit of the street visible on the right side. The street was very quiet though, and Shay didn't anticipate any issues from that small bit of exposure.

The air was starting to cool...autumn was definitely here. The trees in the woods appeared to be half evergreens...pines, cedars, and the like...and half deciduous, already deep shades of orange, red, and yellow. And with the pinks and purples in the sky, her eyes feasted on the colors.

Taking up one of the glasses, she added ice to the shaker, and some of the gin, shook, and poured. 'Ahhhhhh...good stuff', she thought. She pulled a pack of More cigarettes from her pocket, along with the gold lighter they had given her at the station, when she left, and lit one up. The first drag was always the best.

Resting her head on the lounge, she could smell the night blooming jasmine, gardenias, and even an occasional scent of rose. She knew then that even if she didn't get any information for her book, outside of just using the city for atmosphere, she was going to stick around for a while. The peacefulness was just nothing like she'd ever experienced elsewhere.

She took another hit off her cigarette, and opened her eyes...the sun only had a few more minutes before it would be gone for the night. But what a glorious showing it was making on it's exit.

Mathias 18 years ago
"Hello? Shay here."

At the sound of her voice Mathias couldn't help but smile. Even over the phone her light came through.
Well Old Man, you called her..now what?

"I hope I am not disturbing you..The other night I promised you I would call."
Very charming...
Don't help

"I was wondering if you would like to get together sometime,perhaps for a late dinner or drinks?"
Shay 18 years ago
"Mathias?"

She asked, though she was certain it was him. She smiled, and she felt slightly giddy, but so very glad he'd called her.

"Of course you're not disturbing me...I just got back in from a walk...and coincidentally, had a reason for calling you, as well."

She noticed she gripped her keys in her hand, and tossed them onto the coffee table. The phone cord she then twisted around her fingers, as she pictured him on the other end of the line.

"I would love to meet you...for either."

She knew she was being too easy...but it was only drinks, or dinner. Why should she play hard to get, when she WANTED to see him? It was a ridiculous notion, and she refused to consider something that might delay their meeting further.

"Whenever..."

She laughed softly, and stopped herself from inviting him over right now. She wouldn't play hard to get, but she wasn't going to throw herself at him either...at least not anymore so than she already was.
Mathias 18 years ago
Hearing her laugh made Mathias smile. Funny how you can be so comfortable with someone you just met

"You had a reason to call me? Do tell" He wondered what she wanted to talk to him about - most likely the same reason he had called her.

He stretched,still waking up slightly and crossed his legs in a semi Buddha position any yogi would laugh at. Something about Shay let him relax and be who he was Well not entirely Mathias reminded himself.

"Well,since we lat met at somewhat more 'gritty' venue - perhaps something more subdued and quiet? "
Shay 18 years ago
"The main reason I was going to call, was to hear your voice again...and to prove to myself that we really had met the other night...that you weren't a fabrication of my lonely, spinster mind."

Her words were honest, and true, but the part referring to her held no self pity. She said them with an air of jocularity.

"However, the other reason was to get some information from you. Mathias, have you heard of the Club Eternity? I met a young man on my walk tonight, and he's invited me there. But I told him I needed to let him know. I wanted to ask you about it first. He said it was much nicer than the House of Pain, and for research, I thought it might be good to check it out."

Funny how his opinion was so valued, when she barely knew the man.

"And since your opinion of our 'gritty' House of Pain matches mine..." She again laughed softly. "I believe I would trust your feelings here, as well.

We could even meet there after wards, if you approve. One drink with Paul is all I implied."

She definitely wanted Mathias to know she had no designs on Paul, other than getting to know him better, as a friend.
Mathias 18 years ago
"Club Eternity? Very upscale place. I would say the mirror opposite to the House of Pain. " Also hard to get into,but being Mathias had its advantages...and access to Club eternity was one of them. Not that he could explain to Shay exactly HOW he had access.
It may be something to consider for the future,but lets enjoy the moment..did I just say that?

"I happen to know someone there - I can make reservations for you and the gentleman? Perhaps you could call me when you are free and I can meet you there." Mathias didn't feel jealous. Shay said it was one drink and it seemed important Mathias understood that.
Not that my opinion matters,but I definitely appreciate it

which got Mathias to thinking....he and Shay had known each other for a few days only and scarcely long even then. But here they were,making sure each understood the importance of the other.

" I have trouble seeing you as lonely or a spinster Shay - you brighten any room you enter and for the life of me I don't see anyone not wanting to be around you."

Mathias thought for a moment about what else he wanted to say to her,what he could say to her.

"And Shay...I'm glad you answered - I missed the sound of your voice as well"
Shay 18 years ago
"Oh good. I'm glad you confirmed that it's a nicer place than the House of Pain. The young man I met, Paul, invited there, so I am assuming he has access. But since I just met him...and on the street no less, I knew I'd feel better hearing that from you."

And how illogical did that sound? Accepting the word of one man she'd just met, over another she'd known almost equally as long. Though she couldn't ignore the 'connection' she'd felt with Mathias, from the moment she heard his voice.

She shook her head. She hadn't behaved this impromptu since her early college years.


"But that sounds like a very doable plan...calling you later."

And knowing he'd meet her there made her feel immensely safer...she smiled.

Then she sighed at his next words.


"You may have trouble seeing me that way...but if you'd seen me in L.A., it wouldn't seem so far fetched."

How could she explain to him...she was just not this friendly woman he'd run into.

"Maybe it's the book...maybe...it's you...but trust me when I say, I'm not normally this open to people. I've worked with people for a couple years, and not gotten to know them very well, or felt as comfortable with them as I do you."

She sat up abruptly, and ran a hand through her hair. Then realizing it was still up in a pony tail, she pulled out the rubber band and shook it free. She moaned softly at the wonderful way her head always felt when she took her hair down. She hoped she hadn't made that sound into the phone! Of course, at this point, the way she was acting, she guessed she wouldn't be all that surprised at anything she said to him.

And yet his next words made her blush, and her pulse quicken. And she didn't want to let him go, just yet.


"And how is YOUR research going...are you finding the data you need on the early religious sects you're writing about?"

...and is Dubine Industries finding you as fascinating as I...and are you fully settled from your return from Romania...and you are planning on making Nachton your home, right?' Shay had tons of questions...things she wanted to know about him...and yet something told her he might not be able to answer them all. Strangely, she felt he might want to tell her...but for now...he needed to be more cautious of her, than she obviously was with him.
Mathias 18 years ago
" Well it means a lot to me that you value my opinion. Trust is such a rare commodity these day. I hope you know that what you think means a lot to me as well. Odd to say,isn't it? We have known each other scarcely a few days and yet there is connection between us." Mathias thought on that for a moment,and on something Shay said that night.."Old Souls and Kindred Spirits"...
Maybe...who knows? For the first time in ages I am enjoying the company of a woman..let's just leave ti at that for now

"You are right, I didn't know in LA - I only know the Shay I met last night and she is the one who fascinates me. Who we were,that isn't who we are." Mathias hoped he didn't come off too preachy,he had a habit of doing that and didn't want Shay to think poorly of him. He stretched,the wounds from his previous nights escapades still achy. He thought he heard Shay moan softly on the other end of the line - his mind wandered for a second imagining what she might have been doing...images he didn't find unenjoyable..

"Research? Oh it's already finished - just need to collect it together in a usable form. Possibly talk to one of the professors at the university. "

Suddenly Mathias was reminded that his quarters at the Domicile weren't exactly mortal friendly Are we expecting company now? and one never knew what might occur.

"Shay - do you think perhaps I could ask a favor? I've been relying on the largess of Duibne for quarters while in town. If I am going to be in Nachton on a long term basis some other lodging would be good. However,the hours I keep don't exactly lend itself to most realtors and I'd hoped you might come with me sometime to tour some lofts?"

OK..now you are asking her to help you find a home? How smart is that? And why doesn't it concern me more...
Shay 18 years ago
If Shay wasn't so 'taken' with Mathias, his comments mirroring hers might have freaked her out. As it was, it only drove home there definitely was quite a connection between them.

"I agree, totally. Who we were has brought us to who we are now, but they're not one and the same."

Yet another common thought between them.

'Fascinates'...he had said, about her. She couldn't't hold back the dreamy grin on her face.

She had experienced men before. She lost her virginity in high school, though between her high school sweet heart, and a few random boys in college, she could count her lovers on one hand. Yet a woman didn't become an L.A. police officer, and not have men come on to her.

She learned early on that by remaining aloof, she stopped many wayward thoughts, and the need of having 'talks' with any of the guys she worked with. A very few knew Shay, and they were more like brothers to her.

Certainly no one ever called her fascinating.

His mention of the university gave Shay an idea as well. She would need to make a trip there, and meet with the professors, and faculty, to see what sort of reference library they had on Nachton. But that was a thought for later...not while she had Mathias on the phone.

When he made his request for assistance from her, she realized she was still grinning, and had been for so long that her cheeks were actually starting to feel from the rather strange action she'd not been doing enough of lately. He not only asked for her help, but had confirmed he'd be staying in Nachton...'on a long term basis'. She also picked up on his unusual 'hours', but that, again, was a thought for later.


"Mathias, I would enjoy very much joining you on your house hunt. With all the properties I've looked at, since finding my little place, I might already know of a few for you to look at...if they're still available."
Mathias 18 years ago
"Thanks Shay,I'd appreciate it. When were you supposed to meet Paul?"

Mathias hoped soon,he looked forward to seeing Shay again and getting to know her better.
Shay 18 years ago
"I told him I'd call him tomorrow. If that's too soon, I'm sure I can put it off a day or two."

Though even tomorrow seemed an eternity. She wished she could buck convention, and ask him over now. However, even though she didn't play games...she had still been raised a certain way, and it just went against all she'd been taught, to invite a man to her place after such a short first meeting.

She could also hear him concluding the conversation, and was loathe to let him. She really wanted to know so much more. She'd try her damnedest to be more patient though, and hope the next time they met, they'd have a lot more time.
Mathias 18 years ago
"Well...I know its a bit forward,but maybe we could meet for some coffee? I've heard some of the folk at Duibne talk up a little place downtown. give us a chance to chat and get to know one another."
Here's hoping she is interested Mathias thought. Coffee was innocent enough,and Mathias smiled at the image of Shay just chatting - her brown hair,golden streaks shining in the light,blue green eyes taking him in like the ocean...he snapped out of the reverie,awaiting her response.
Shay 18 years ago
"Now?"

She couldn't keep the surprise from her voice. Was he reading her mind? It was certainly early enough to go out for coffee, and it was certainly exactly what she had wanted of him...time together.

"Where? Downtown? I'd love to meet you for coffee...you'll never believe it but I was just sitting here thinking something very much along those same lines."

She was chewing her bottom lip...her mind vacillating...should she go ahead and invite him here, or just meet him. She stood up and cradled the cordless phone against her ear as she dashed into the kitchen. Opening cupboards, and the refrigerator she quickly saw she had everything she'd need...should she, or shouldn't she?

"Mathias? Um...would you like to come here for coffee?"

She had no idea where Dubine Industries was, or where Mathias was living...maybe he was a lot closer to downtown, and wouldn't want to make a drive to the suburbs...she was still chewing on her lip as she waited for him to answer.
Mathias 18 years ago
Mathias raised an eyebrow at Shay's suggestion. He continually forgot that women these days were routinely more forward. One of the benefits of an enlightened age I suppose he chuckled to himself.

"Actually that sounds much better - Ill grab some food on the way over. I'll need to take a shower,say perhaps in an hour?" He'd make a call first, to his favorite late night deli,and pick it up on his way to Shay's.
Shay 18 years ago
Though she'd wanted him to accept, now that he had her stomach was all fluttery.

'Calm down, damn it, before you make a complete ass of yourself!' she thought, and took a couple deep breaths to accomplish the calming.


"Great! I look forward to seeing you then."

She gave him her address, and brief directions, not knowing how familiar he was with the location of her condo. And as she walked back to the living room she quickly surveyed it to make sure it was presentable. Glancing in the mirror she noticed she was not, and would use the coming hour well.

"Ciao!"

Though she didn't really like being the one to say goodbye, knowing he was on his way over eliminated any misgivings on that count tonight. It wasn't really goodbye...but rather, see you soon.
Mathias 18 years ago
"Ciao!"

"Do svedonya"

Mathias hung up the phone,finding himself somewhat disappointed to not have Shay on the other line. He was reminded however,that he'd soon be seeing her - and that was a comfort.

Stripping,he ran the shower,allowing the hot water to cascade over his body,his mind began to wander - thoughts of Shay crossing and bounding.

This would be a most interesting night indeed

((ooc Mathias out))
Shay 18 years ago
Sighing, she hung up, and smiled at the phone for a few seconds, before she remembered...she needed a shower!

Unbuttoning her blouse as she ran towards the bedroom, she quickly shed her clothes, and was in the shower in seconds. She didn't dawdle though, no matter how good the hot water felt on her skin.

Once out, and dry, she ran a comb through her freshly washed hair, thinking she might be making this into much more than she really ought to. And then, she even stuck her tongue out at her reflection in the mirror. This was the first guy who had shown her any interest in months! And to top it off...she was interested in him as well...so by god she was going to go out of her way to make herself...what...sexy? hot? feminine? All of the above?

She laughed...it felt awesome to have someone to want to look nice for.

Once her hair had been blown dry, she put on just a bit of makeup, and then back to her bedroom, where she grabbed up all the tossed dirty clothes, dumped them in the hamper, and ran into her closet to find something to wear.

After looking at several things, she settled on a striped sweater, with sleeves she'd probably push up her arm, and low slung jeans. All the other passed over choices where thrown back into her closet for now...she'd hang them up later.

Not even worrying about shoes...Shay liked walking around the house barefoot, she proceeded back to the kitchen to make the coffee.

Once the coffee was in the process, she quickly whipped up some brownies, and put them in the oven. She regretted she had nothing more fancy, but at least these would be fresh, AND home made.

'Now...what was left?' she thought, as she gave the place a once over again, and tried to get her heart to stop beating so quickly. Nothing left to do now but wait for the coffee, brownies...and Mathias!



(Shay out to start new thread with Mathias)
Panos Mehalitsenos 18 years ago
(panos out too!)