Gorgeous
CBMUSED at 11:30 am Category: Blue Ink, Men are BeautifulTags: 100th post, cbmused, gorgeous
It had been an ordinary evening, its triteness somewhat calibrated by fine foods and mediocre company whose moods flickered and changed as often as the waiter topped up the aged Cabernet Sauvignon. It was meant to be a special night, a memorable double celebration with friends and the pinnacle of a planned weekend but personalities flared and flambéed with each course. I shrugged the peppered ambience and indulged my carnal desire into the finely prepared meal.
Until I spotted him. Sitting directly opposite me with his back to the wall mirror that spelled the specials in cursive handwriting. And I was incontrollably drawn to him.
Casual and stylish, with large eyes that appeared greenish in the dark, short dark hair with a teased wave that was meticulously unkempt, and a two-day beard that accentuated his full mouth. The silver ring on his little finger caught the reflection of the subdued light. I watched him converse with his friends, occasionally raising his wine glass to those plump lips. His presence was the coup de foudre of an evening that suddenly lost its mediocrity.
I studied him discreetly, unable to shift my gaze away from him, my eyes drawn towards him like magnets. He, of course, was in total oblivion to my existence; his attention solely focussed on the exuberant mixed company at his table.
When it was time for our party to leave, I stepped into the ladies room for a quick touch up. Upon my return, the earlier moods had not dissipated with the empty Armagnac glasses. On the way out, I innocuously glanced towards him, for that once more, that one more chance to sear his features into my memory. He looked up from his company and gave me a knowing look. My lips hid a smile and silently told him, “You look gorgeous”.
Then I stepped out into the cold dark night.
June 12th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Two day beard … plump lips …
I think he looks gorgeous and all I’ve got to go by are your words …
June 12th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Congrats on post 100! You have such a way with words- how is it that you can wring out such a lush description in so few sentences?
June 12th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
And then? Then?
Ahhh!! Don’t leave us hanging like that after teasing us with words like that!!
But in all aspects, having a mundane night suddenly become a world of fun. Now there is something to party to, literally. Hooray 100th post!! Let’s have so many more like this.
June 12th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
EM: If you think it, then I thank you. My work here is done. I wish I could have captured a photo somehow…
Mahd: I appreciate your kind words, thank you. My writing comes from inspirations and feelings, and this man evoked all those sentiments.
Kami: And there is no tease. I left the restaurant with inspiration and just had to write about him at the first chance I got. Little he knew… he changed my evening and gave me cause to celebrate.
June 13th, 2008 at 12:31 am
I love it when I notice someone like that while out with friends (when out with husband, it’s a little awkward). It always makes the night a little more fun and I love having this little secret perv at someone without others knowing about it. And even better when the object my perv notices it as I’m leaving. There’s just something so…sexy about it!
Also, I agree with EM…your words automatically make him gorgeous in my mind. If I dream about him tonight, I’ll know why!!
June 13th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Well, I can’t speak for guys everywhere, but sometimes smiles that say, “you look gorgeous” are lost on some us and you have to really SAY “you look gorgeous” and see what happens.
I mean, the smart money says he is not going to punch you.
Witness the case in point–you will probably never see this guy again.
June 13th, 2008 at 7:53 am
First - well done and congratulations on 100. Sometimes I think you could write me the daily weather and I would find myself wanting more when you finished.
Second - Do you think this guy knew he was gorgeous? Or was he one of those unassuming types?
June 13th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Sicilian: I see no harm in looking, even with a partner is present, not in a gawky or disrespectful way. Men can’t help themselves when a good looking woman walks past, and we usually know how our partners react (even when they try to hide it). But when the object of gorgeousness notices us, butterflies! Admittedly, I felt something envelop me as i was walking out, and couldn’t get him off my mind till I wrote this piece.
That’s quite a compliment, thank you. Funny you mention dreaming, I wanted so much to dream of him that night. Or a fantasy…
Zen: Very good point. Men can’t read our minds very well, especially when we’re trying to be unobtrusive and give mixed signals. I have said to some men, “You look gorgeous” when they did. But I knew them in one context or another, never a total stranger. And their reactions has been a coy near blush and mumbling some thanks, then a few minutes later, beaming.
GSR:
First - Thank you 100x. You’re too kind. Writing about the weather would not stir the same emotions in me to be able to write like that, unless someone Gorgeous was in it…
Second - He seemed down to earth and at ease with himself, definitely not the look-at-me type with a huge ego. Those types may be worth a look but they lose their intrigue very quickly. He was very unassuming, to use your word, and wasn’t trying to actively impress. I’d say his casual attire matched his personality.
June 13th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Not as gorgeous as this piece. I know this exact feeling… and you’ve conveyed it flawlessly. Worthy of the 100th.
June 14th, 2008 at 9:15 am
i was hoping someone would get a face full of martini.
June 15th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Scenes such as this have been used in coffee commercials…with great success!
June 15th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Gboy: Thank you kindly :). The minute I noticed him, the feeling overtook me. The words, as always, came later…
Casey: It was a Champagne and red wine night, on both tables. Red-faced, maybe…
Gorilla B: You know, if they turn this moment into a coffee commercial, a) I’d want him in it and b) I’d want royalties!
June 15th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
i love the way you write. beautiful.
June 16th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Almost Loved: Thank you for the kind words, and welcome.
July 31st, 2008 at 11:35 am
[...] Words I Like Fall – as in the season, what North Americans call autumn Autumnal – the adjective of what the rest of us call fall Vitriol – for it sounds as strong as what it means Sentiments – has a romantic flair Arse – I love pronouncing it, writing it, grabbing it… Gorgeous – need I explain? [...]