A Click of Marble

Resolution over a darkened coffee

The first school dance was otherwise totally awesome. The creativity of the kids was at record highs. The supporting PTA staff had outdone themselves once again. The teachers had made an effort to clean up their act. The kids took the 50’s era theme to heart and had delivered most wonderfully.

Then, there was the matter of Ms Clarke. She was the belle of the ball and the most glamorous beauty of all the beauties there. And she was not on his arm. James was trying his best to hide his feelings of dejected rejection. The man had tried as subtly and as smoothly as he could to let Ms Clarke know that he was feeling her. She did not respond at all.

Worse, the other teachers were mocking him and insisting he stay in his lane as the plain clothed undercover security guard. He was off-duty. The other team was on and they were on top of their game. He was here because he wanted Ms Clarke to see him outside his work mode.

That dumb jock gym teacher was all over his moves and stealing credit for all his gestures. There was no breaking the barriers and getting his name in. His crush was slipping away from him. This was like high school all over again.

The clicking of her heels on the dance floor was bar none the most intoxicating wonder drug elixir he had ever drank. He needed to get her alone and have his way with her. But he couldn’t look desperate, even though the desperation was ruining his cool.

When the principal had pulled him aside and ribbed him about crashing the party, James knew it was time to go. His bit at love was over. His one shot at making his dream come true… ruined. Ms Clarke had made her decision and she was not into him. That was that.

Elsie, on her part, was amused. She saw the changes in James and was liking what she was seeing. He was not the timid job focused security guard looking to make a name for himself. He had grown into the man who ran the tightest ship of security that he was. Plus, he got funny. There were so many times her day was going badly and he’d swing by at the most appropriate of times and cheer her up.

She wasn’t sure if he was making a pass or not, but she greatly appreciated the honesty and sincerity of his friendship. There was no expectations or demands from her. He was the perfect gentleman and she felt safe on a personal level.

Elsie had long forgiven herself for assuming that the moment when she had interrupted his daydream… was all about her. She had tried to flirt and had seen his arousal grow. How foolish she was to think he was tuned into her. She had hightailed it out and was back into her full professional mode.

When he hadn’t asked her out to the dance, not that he had given any signs of interest, she quickly rid herself of the stupid notions that his strong shoulders and confidence in stride was accessible to her. The man had to have had a girlfriend of his own.

The school dance was interesting in that he did show up and was off duty. However, he never made a move. He hovered a bit but never asserted himself. For a guy who’s sheer presence and will moved entire crowds of unruly, he sure didn’t stamp any authority about her. Elsie started to feel locked in a friend zone that she enjoyed but wish had more to offer. Like a chance to find out if James was a bit more than a career focused stud.

James had let himself out of the school early. It was time to grow up and accept defeat. Time to go lick his wounds and collect his dignity. He had lost out to his nemesis as a teen, as an aspiring teacher, and now as an aspiring lover. What Elsie saw in that loser was beyond him. There was nothing he could do.

The local coffee shop was open and appeared to have no customers. Time to grab a cup and refresh his thoughts. Tomorrow was going to be hard. He’d be hearing the sweet sensual click and swish, as the weather was now calling for nylon, and he’d be subject to all kinds of ridicule. He had to get his armor fully buttoned down to resist the insults.

But first. A quiet corner to sip and nurse a cup or three of coffee. Then, if his heart resisted his strong will to lock it up in a vault, he’d have to find a stiff hard drink to chase it into the vault. He’d be swearing off women for a long time. There was more pressing matter to focus on. Like his career. He was doing great. But now he needed to rise to a new level. One where the tables were turned in his favor. A career that kept him happy and women lined up waiting for a date with him. He’d be able to turn them down.

Laughing at the ridiculousness of his thinking, James settled into the back of the shop to focus on his cup. The time slipped by as his mind drifted from ever naughtier thoughts of what would have been if he had had a chance.

His mood slipping into darker places, a surge of stubbornness washed over him. He was not a quitter. He was not one to give up. He never gave up until it was clear it was time to change directions. Elsie had never said no or that she was not interested. He couldn’t assume that it was completely over.

His issue was his uncontrolled lust. It was clouding his thinking. And it was roiling his truest feelings. He really wanted Elsie. Not to take advantage of her but to care for her, cherish her, support her, and love her. The kind of thing that women loved. But, how though?

Then, he heard it. Unlike all the other footfall that came in and out of the place, this one was different. It was distinctly sensual. Supple. Gentle. Smooth. Poetic.

He didn’t need to look up. He didn’t need to wait for the perfume scent to confirm his hunch. His ears had told him everything. It was Elsie.

And that dumb buffoon nemesis was laughing behind her.

James refused to look up. He didn’t want to draw attention to himself. So his ears perked up against his will and listened in very intently.

The silly jock was throwing all his lame moves he had done to every other lady at work. He was not original. Elsie had to see that.

Wait.

Her politeness had an edge to it.

A warning of sorts.

She was politely turning that jerk down. His nemesis was unable to pick up the signs.