Jryan's date fic inspired me to post this. I wrote this, Lord nearly four years ago! I hope you like it.

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I woke up craving a Chai latte. I normally hate spending good money on something so frivolous. But I really had a craving. The little green numerals on the nightstand told me if I got out of bed immediately, I would have time to stop on my way to work for a cup. So I gave into my impulse and let me tell you, it was worth every cent.

It was my good fortune to find an apartment close to the office building where I work. My walk takes me pass various shops and businesses. Hampton’s Bookstore touting the latest bestsellers occupies the space next to my apartment building. The pharmacy is located next to Leah’s Lingerie with all types of unmentionables and adult toys on display. At the end of my block, situated on the corner is Carmine’s Bakery where incredible pastries are offered along with flavored coffees and teas. Carmine’s has been family owned and operated for over 30 years. It seems nothing has changed much over the last 30 years either. Five years ago they started selling coffee and tea in answer to the Starbucks two blocks over. A more recent attempt to update the place was made when Carmine himself painted the walls sunny yellow and added green and white-checkered curtains at the window. The walls are adorned with family photos and scenic posters of Italy. A glass display case along the back presents a variety of Canolis, Neapolitans, blueberry muffins, cranberry muffins, fruit tarts, bagels and sticky pecan rolls. Above the case on the back wall is the menu for the coffees and teas and their prices. The counter running along the right wall is where customers pick up their orders and pay. There are four booths along the left wall for customers having the time to linger. And that’s when I saw this man.

Sitting in the last booth was this extremely good looking man. He had the morning paper spread out before him. He was resting his chin in his right hand. He was, well, words failed me. I think I gasped. I started to feel warm. I felt like my hormones were just shot out of a cannon. Images from Leah’s popped into my head. Stop it! I took a deep breath and realized I was staring at him. Don’t stare! Carmine’s was busy and I was grateful I would have to wait a few minutes before I could order. The time spent in line gave me more time to look at this man in the booth. Don’t stare! Living in New York, I’ve seen my share of attractive men. But I can’t remember the last time I saw a man like this one. I wondered why I hadn’t seen him in here before. Then again, my bank account and waistline dictate I stay out of Carmine’s as often as possible. “Does he live or work near the neighborhood? I sure hope so!” I thought.

There was just something about this man. Maybe it was the way he was dressed. He wore a charcoal gray suit…an expensive one. He paired it with a sky blue shirt. His dark blue and gray diagonal striped tie was loosened. I moved up in line. Keep your eyes focused in front of you. I could tell from his posture in the booth that he was tall. His slightly curly brown hair was showing hints of gray. He looked to be in his early to mid forties. He wasn’t particularly handsome. But there was something lively about his face. It’s said some people have faces you can read. I think that is true of this man. I had the feeling he’s always aware of his surroundings and those around him. I thought, “Oh, God! Was he aware of my staring? Probably. crap!” He needed a shave. “What kind of man wears expensive clothes and doesn’t shave?” I wondered.



I moved up in line. Maybe he works nights and is now just getting off work. His hands dwarfed the 16 ounce coffee cup as he held it up to his lips. His mouth, well... his lower lip was rich, full and was slightly larger than it’s counterpart. He had this little habit of flicking his tongue after he took a sip. A shiver went up my spine. He had incredibly long fingers, hmmm, no ring. I moved closer to the counter. “Perhaps he plays the piano?” I thought. No, the clothes are wrong for a piano player at a club and wrong for a concert pianist. There were only three people in front of me and I suddenly forgot what I was going to order. Oh yeah, Chai latte. From my new vantage point, I noticed a brown leather notebook on the seat next to him. He placed the notebook on the table and began writing with his left hand. “A lawyer? Could be he was up late working on a case. That’s plausible. A reporter? A cop? Oooh…handcuffs. Stop it!” I whispered.



I was up. I ordered my latte and moved to the register to pay. As I stood there, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. This man slid from the booth and walked toward the door. He walked with a slight swagger. Not arrogant, but confident. This man was very aware of who he was and where he was headed. As I was paying, he left. Damn! I didn’t see in which direction he walked. Maybe if I hurry!

Just then I heard from behind me, “Did you see that?” I turned and looked down at this very short elderly woman. She looked to be around eighty years old. She wore a blue and pink flower print blouse. Her dyed red hair was set in tight little curls. She repeated, “Did you see that?” “See what?” I asked. “Honey, I’m talking about the gray suit with the brown notebook that just walked out.” I smiled at her and said, “You noticed him too, huh?” She tapped my arm and said, “Honey even at my age, I can appreciate a good looking, sexy man.” I said, “Good for you.” She replied, “With men like that honey, I say good for us.” She continued, “I was thinking silk boxers, what were you thinking?” Good Lord. We sounded like tittering seventh graders. “Well, I hadn’t thought about it, but now that you mention it, I guess I’d have to agree with you,” I laughed. “I’m going to be late for work,” I said. She replied, “Honey I hope the rest of your day goes as well as it started!”

Now where is he? In which direction did he walk? Oh, for Pete’s sake, get a grip! You have to get to work! Before I knew it, I was at the office. I must have still had a big grin on my face. My co-worker Gina looked up at me. “What put you in such a good mood this morning?” she asked. “Oh, its something really silly. Let me finish my drink and I’ll tell you.”

very good put a smile on my face. I thought it would be nice if she walked in and he was questioning someone there. Damn I am married and still look.

Peyton, that was a scream! I especially loved the part at the end with the 80 year old woman! Too funny!

Sounds like a conversation my mom and I or my girlfriends and I might have.

I LOVE that you put it in 1st person, so it feels like the reader is the one doing all the admiring and thinking.

What I find funny is that out of all the times I've read stories like this, and a fine example yours was, he's so aware of everything... except how all the girls look at him.

But is it only us who look at him that way? The writers don't have that many women going gaga over goren, but I was watching I think the title was "Happy Family" when Goren was talking to the wig shop owner and He was in her face and she didn't back up like most people would and pointed his finger to her phone, and the way he talked about 8 volts and 12 volts to me sounded provocative and she just smiled and chomped on her gum and said 8 volts. That scene makes me laugh everytime.

Hey, thanks for the feedback. Like I said, this was "my Goren" nearly four years ago and I was just trying to figure how I'd react when I saw him the first time. Stay tuned, there's more.

oh great I can't wait!

More? I hope "I" get him and not that 80 year old lady. She sounds like the agressive type!

Oh, I can't believe I didn't post how much I liked this when I first read it. Now that Part 5 is up, I had to refresh my memory....