greet me. His father nodded and bowed, lightly shaking my hand. Stanley pulled out my chair, as did his father for his mother. We all seated ourselves around the table. Stanley and his father talked about his internship at the hospital and the latest research Stanley was involved in. While his mother told me stories of what a perfect child Stanley was. Then as the conversations began to dwindle down, their focus turned to me.
“Juliet, what is it that you do?” his mother asked.
“I am an actress and a waitress.”
“Really! That’s quite interesting. Are you a student here in LA?”
“No, ma’am, I have been pursuing my acting career by night and waitressing by day.”
“Oh, I see, so you do not attend the university.”
“No, I just dove right in to acting.”
“That sounds very exciting. So do you plan on going to school in the future?”
“No, not exactly.”
“Mother, Juliet is actually moving to New York. She will be working on the stage production of Grease. She’s playing the leading lady role, Sandy.”
“How wonderful for you, Juliet!”
I could tell Stanley’s mother really meant that. But not for my benefit.
“New York, that is really exciting. How do your parents feel about your move?” asked Stanley’s father.
“My mother has her reservations but is happy for me. She actually bought my plane ticket. My father and his wife are less enthusiastic. They are trying to be supportive.”
“Your parents are divorced then?” asked Stan’s mother.
“Actually, they were never married.”
“I see. Do you have any siblings?”
“No, I am my mother’s only child. My father’s wife is unable to have children. So it’s just me.”
“Well, that’s a shame. Every child should have a sibling.”
Stanley’s mother finally finished her line of questioning. Our food arrived, and we ate in relieving silence. Afterward, Stanley told his parents the story of how we met. His eyes lit up with happiness as he spoke. He closed his story with “I just hope she remembers me after she makes it big on Broadway.”
Stanley and I walked his parents to their car, a black Volvo station wagon. They embraced and said their goodbyes, then turned to me.
“Well, good luck to you, young lady. Be safe in New York. It was good to finally meet Stanley’s lady friend. He can’t stop talking about you,” said Stanley’s father as he winked kindly at me.
“Thank you, sir, it was a pleasure to meet you as well.”
Stanley’s mother extended her hand to embrace mine. “You are a lovely young lady. We wish you all the best. Good night.”
I looked over to Stanley as they drove away. “Your mother hates me.”
“Well, I don’t hate you, Juliet. I adore you.”
“No, really, Stanley, she can’t wait for me to leave for New York.”
“I don’t care what my mother wants, Juliet.”
Stanley caressed my cheek with his hand and kissed me. His lips were hot against mine and soft as fine silk. We had never kissed before. He had never even tried to kiss me before now. I was a bit surprised, but I did not resist.
I can still taste his kiss. I would give anything to kiss his lips again …
Stanley and I spent the rest of the evening stargazing from the hood of his car. He listened as I talked about New York. He made me promise to allow him to be the one to take me to the airport. Then he drove me home. This time, I initiated the kiss; it was just as brilliant as the first one. Stanley stared into my eyes before I departed the car. “I love you, Juliet.”
I was speechless. I could feel my cheeks burning.
“Stanley, I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I just want you to know that I really do love you.”
I just sat there. I was at a complete loss for words. Stanley stepped out of the car, then came around and opened my door. He offered his hand, which I took, then assisted me out of the car. He held my elbow in one hand and placed his arm around my waist. We walked to my apartment; he waited as I unlocked my door.
“Good night, Juliet.” He kissed my forehead and walked away.
“Stanley, wait!”
“What is it?”
“I want you to come in.”
“Juliet, I would love to come in. But I think I should go.”
“No! I really want you to come in. Please come in, Stanley.”
He began to walk toward me. I felt like I was going to pass out, my heart was beating so fast. As soon as he was within reach, I grabbed his hands and pulled him through the door and kicked it shut. We both engaged in a kiss—a very passionate kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck and indulged in the feeling of his tongue against mine. He pulled away from me and looked at me. His face red, his breathing rapid. I smiled at him and pulled him back into me, kissing him hard. I left his mouth and started for his neck. The salty taste of his skin was euphoric. I could feel his heart beat against my lips as I kissed him. I wanted him to want me to need me. He pulled away.
“Juliet, I really should go.”
I reached for him again, ignoring what he had said. I unbuttoned his shirt, then reached inside, running my fingertips over his chest and then over his abdomen. He gasped with each touch. His skin was warm and moist. I followed the contours of his throat with my open lips, taking in the flavor of him. He tried to stop me, but I insisted. I wanted him. I lowered my hand down over his zipper. I could feel that he wanted me too. I unzipped his trousers and pulled the button free. He grabbed my wrist to keep me from going further.
“Stanley, let me do this,” I whispered in his ear.
He released my wrist, and I reached for him, massaging his soft, warm skin. His head fell back with pleasure. I stopped and walked away. He opened his eyes and looked at me. I reached back and unzipped my dress and let it fall to the floor. His mouth gaped open as he watched me undress. I unclipped my bra, unveiling my breast for him, then let my hair down.
“My God, Juliet, you are so beautiful. I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. But this, this is incredible. You are incredible.”
“Come over here, Stanley. Take me to the bedroom.”
Stanley crossed the room, swooped me up into his arms, and carried me to my room.
* * * * *
We
