That night, me and Oliver hooked up for a one-night stand that probably shouldn't have happened. Even though there was some attraction between us, we both knew that this wasn't gonna lead to any long-term happiness. We decided to end things on good terms and go our separate ways.
The next morning, we both went about our usual routines. I focused on finishing up some writing for my publisher and managing my online personal finance (PF) account, while Oliver taught his Sociology and Anthropology class that was always packed with students.
But, unexpectedly, we ran into each other again. After not seeing each other for a few weeks, we coincidentally bumped into each other at a taxi stop. We're both from the same area, so it makes sense we'd run into each other.
I was feeling a little mixed up and didn't know what to say. We exchanged polite hellos and tried to go about our business as usual. But my mind kept drifting back to our previous encounter and my hope to see Oliver again for something more serious than just a one-night stand. I took a deep breath, trying to push past the awkwardness between us. Finally, I decided to break the ice.
"Hey, Oliver, what's up?" I asked, trying to smile.
"I'm good, thanks. How about you?" Oliver replied, friendly.
"I'm good too, thanks. It's kinda crazy we bumped into each other again here," I said, trying to shift the focus onto our surroundings.
"Y'all know, sometimes this world is really small," Oliver drawled with a grin. We fell silent for a moment, not knowing what to say. But I couldn't help but tell it like it was.
"Oliver, there's something I gotta tell ya. Last night, it all happened so fast, and I don't think it really showed who I am. "I hope we can see each other again, but not just for a one-night stand," I said with frank.
Oliver took a moment to digest my words, then answered with carelessness. "I feel you, babe. We may have hooked up, but to be honest, I'm really interested in you beyond that. So if you're up for it, I'd like to get to know you on a more serious level," Oliver said with a Brooklyn accent.
I felt relieved and happy to hear Oliver's response. We continued the conversation with some regional banter and got to know each other better. I felt that speaking my truth had led to some real bonding.
"I'm totally down to get to know you better, Oliver. "I'm really into you and want to learn more about you," I said with a grin.
Oliver seemed pleased, and our conversation became more intimate. We chatted about our interests and hobbies, our families and friends, and other interesting stuff.
"I'm into jazz music; are you feelin' that too?" Oliver asked.
"I'm all about jazz! Actually, I often write while listening to jazz music," I replied excitedly.
"Word? That's dope. Maybe we can hit up a jazz concert together sometime," Oliver suggested.
I smiled and nodded. "Hell yeah, that'd be lit."
Our conversation continued until we had to return to our regular routines. We split by swapping digits and agreeing to meet up again. I felt hyped and amped about the possibility of a more serious thing with Oliver. I felt like speaking my mind gave way to fresh possibilities, and I can't wait to see what's next.
***
I purposely rocked a black off-the-shoulder dress that hugged my curves just right. My heart felt different when I saw Oliver. I mean, I've been close with plenty of guys before, but there's just something different about him. There's a comfort there that gives me hope. I really want this relationship to work.
But when we got to the restaurant that night, I saw Oliver deep in conversation with some beautiful woman I didn't know. I felt disappointed and jealous seeing that, but I tried not to show it to Oliver.
After the woman left, I approached Oliver and asked, 'Who was that? A friend of yours?'
'Oh, she's just one of my sociology students. I was giving her some advice on an assignment,' Oliver replied.
I felt relieved hearing that explanation, but the jealousy still gnawed at me. Meanwhile, Oliver had no idea how awkward he was making this situation.
We continued with dinner in an uncomfortable and tense atmosphere. As we walked home, I felt like I needed to express my feelings.
"Oliver, I have to be honest with you. I felt jealous seeing you with that woman earlier,' I finally spoke up.
Oliver was surprised and tried to explain, 'Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to make you jealous. I just wanted to help my student.'
I forced a smile to show that I wasn't being overly dramatic. “Oliver, I feel jealous when you get too close with your students. I'm worried you'll leave me and choose them over me.' "
I get a little chuckled. "Sorry, I reckon. I'm too straightforward and paranoid!"
"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to make you jealous. I was just trying to help out my students. But, I appreciate your honesty. Not many women are as to the point as you are.”
My cheeks turn red upon hearing praise like that. Believe me! Most guys would just shut me down and end this dinner.
"You seem very dedicated to your job. Why do you feel the need to help them?" I ask in detail as if I'm interviewing a source.
"Alright, this is a bit unusual, because I feel like I'm in a long job interview!" Oliver replied while flashing his smile. I see the dimple there, and yes! Oliver looks so hot like that.
"Because they need help learning, and I want to help them achieve success. I feel happy when I see them succeed and grow into better individuals," he continued.
"I understand your feelings, but if I were your girlfriend, I mean, I'm not asking to be your girlfriend, but this is for our discussion. I also need to feel safe and cared for in our relationship. How can we solve this problem?"
"You are always my top priority, and I never thought of leaving you. I'll try to be more sensitive and pay attention to your feelings. Do you have any other suggestions that could help me in helping my students without making you feel jealous?" Oliver asked back, which made me come to a conclusion.
This man is smart, and I've found a worthy opponent.
"Maybe we could set clear boundaries and schedules. You could choose when to help your students and when to hang out with me. And we should talk openly if there are any concerns or discomforts."
"Okay, I agree. We can try to set clear boundaries and schedules. And I'll always be open and talk to you if there are any problems or concerns." An unusual conversation happened on our first dinner, and that's what happened.
Extraordinary. I'm speechless about Oliver's figure.
"I have this... You wanna come with me?"