2 Chapter 2
“Yes, I am.”
“Alright then. Guys, hit it!”
Dylan was confused, but he understood as soon as the band started playing “Joy to the World.” The music had attracted plenty of people into the bakery, but they were only standing around, enjoying the entertainment. When the first song was finished, everyone clapped in appreciation. He was about to walk over to thank the band and offer them some pastries, when Aaron stopped him in his path.
“I’ll handle them. You’ve got customers waiting in line.”
He turned around and noticed that most of the people who had been there for the free entertainment were now queuing up to be served. He quickly ran behind the counter and took their orders. He was kept busy for the next forty minutes or so. By the time the last customer had left the bakery, he was exhausted. He then spotted Aaron sitting on a chair next to the window. The boxes of pastries were stacked neatly on the table in front of him.
“Hey, Aaron,” he called out as he was walking towards the other man. “Thanks for helping me with the band earlier. Do I owe you anything?”
“Nope, but the band left something for you.”
His gaze was directed towards a small envelope on Aaron’s outstretched palm.
“What’s this?”
The other man shrugged his shoulders. “The band leader has simply said that this is to be given to you. Go ahead. Open it!”
He accepted the envelope and pulled out a beautiful postcard from within. On one side, there was a picture of twelve drummers drumming. He turned it over and read aloud the message written on it.
It is eleven days before Christmas,
I hope you’ve enjoyed the band,
Especially the drumming drummer…
From,
Your secret admirer
“Hmm…” Dylan nodded thoughtfully.
“Do you have any idea who it is?”
“Not at all.”
“Will it be too late to ask you out?”
“What?”
Dylan stared at the other man in shock. He had not expected this at all.
“I like you, Dylan,” Aaron admitted and his cheeks blushed. “If you have no plans for tonight, maybe we can grab some dinner?”
“As in…a date?”
“I…yeah.”
“Su…sure, di…dinner sounds perfect.”
“Movie after? There’s a new horror movie that I’ve been dying to watch,” Aaron asked in a hopeful tone. “Or we can watch something else.”
“Aaron, I love horror movies.”
“Cool!”
“Yeah.”
“I…see you tonight, Dylan. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“Okay, see you later.”
Once Aaron had left the bakery, Dylan whooped out in excitement. This boring day was turning into the best day ever. He had a secret admirer and the guy whom he was crushing on had asked him out on a date. He could not stop grinning for the rest of the day, desperately wishing that six o’clock would arrive soon. He wanted to look his best for his first date in a long time. Hopefully, one hour would be enough preparation time.
* * * *
The dinner date with Aaron was wonderful. The man had driven them to a good Italian restaurant in a red Rolls-Royce. The leather interior of the car was fabulous and the seat even had an adjustable heat setting. The classical music playing through the incredible sound system was soothing. Best of all, Aaron had held his hand as they were cruising along the road on their way to the restaurant.
“How’s the food, Dylan?”
“Delicious. I’ve never been here before, so thank you for recommending the right dish for me.”
“No problem at all.”
This date was unlike any first dates he had been on previously. He had known Aaron for months so there was no awkwardness between them. The conversation flowed smoothly throughout the meal. When they were finally done, they settled the bill and left for the cinema.
They were leaning against each other as the movie played on the screen. They had both rolled up their sleeves after taking off their jackets. He could feel the warmth of Aaron’s arm against his. They had decided not to purchase any snacks as they were still full from their sumptuous meal earlier.
Two hours later, the Rolls-Royce was once again parked in front of the bakery and they stepped out of the car almost simultaneously. Soon, they were standing next to each other right in front of the bakery.
“Thanks for dinner and the movie, Aaron. I’ve really enjoyed them both.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I live on the second floor. It’s right through this door to the bakery and up the second floor,” Dylan rambled on.
“I know.”
They smiled at each other and the silence stretched on for a few heartbeats. Neither one of them knew what to say next as they were both waiting for the other person to make the first move.
