It was traditional Italian with a wonderful flair for the extraordinary. I could immediately understand why this was considered a gem within the restaurant scene in Killington. We all decided on the same meal as it was a clear choice. Braised Wild Boar with bow tie pasta. The boar was done perfectly as it literally fell apart when meeting the edge of a fork. The pasta was homemade and one could tell that it was made fresh that day. With a garnish of rosemary, the entire dish paired well with the Brunello di Montalcino that we had ordered. Dinner was amazing, but we didn’t stay for dessert. The men had scheduled one more event for the evening. Enter the Pickle Barrel Night Club. With four bars, three levels, and two stages, this particular entertainment complex was sure to please our appetites for entertainment and make for an unforgettable ending to our trip to Vermont.

                

On that particular evening, they had several comedians scheduled in the comedy club and live music from a local band. In another area of the nightclub, there was a DJ to provide a forum for dancing. We first enjoyed the comedy and then went dancing. The local band was first on our list for dancing and then we finished the evening dancing to the DJ. Brady was athletic and also had rhythm. We danced until nearly 1:00 A.M. The night had gone by too fast, as morning would come early and the beginning of the end of our vacation was near.

                

I decided that I was not going to let my affection for Brady go unnoticed. As he said goodnight and retreated to his room, I too bid him goodnight. However, I had secretly planned to go and visit him shortly. I went ahead and did all the things I needed to get ready for bed. I was in need of a shower since I had been dancing for several hours. I showered and shaved my legs. Dried off, applied a scented lotion and pulled back my hair. Finally, I brushed my teeth and took one final look in the mirror before exiting my room for Brady’s.

                

I caught him by surprise as I knocked on the door. I entered and he was wondering what I was there for. I explained that with his commitment made to me that I felt we should spend the evening together. My explanation was more in my actions than my words. I crawled into bed with him and asked him just to hold me. He agreed, and we caressed and kissed each other before lying down to go to sleep. I felt secure in his arms, and while we did not make love that evening, I could feel a sense of connectedness to him all evening. It was not long at all after I closed my eyes that I fell into a deep sleep.

                

Morning came too quickly. We decided to have breakfast before getting on the road for the long drive back to Roanoke. We found a quaint little café, and I had my last waffle with Vermont syrup. It had become my standby during our stay. As I sat there in the café, I took time to reflect on the events of the week. Most importantly, it was the memory of Brady in the art glass store as he had asked me to commit myself to him that was at the forefront of my mind. We had enjoyed many things during the trip; the skiing, the evening in the hot tub with snow falling on our heads, the restaurants and good conversations over dinner, but it was that moment in time with Brady that I remembered most.

               

                

Not a minute went by it seemed that we did not have something to talk about on the way home. Jack and Rona were on their way back to Knoxville, Tennessee, and we were on our way back to Roanoke. For a while, we were able to drive in tandem with each other. We planned to have lunch with them one last time during the trip home. We stopped at a Cracker Barrel in Pennsylvania and this would be the last time we would see each other for some time. As we got back in our cars after lunch, hugs and kisses were given. Additionally, Rona explained how excited she was for Brady and I. We were beginning a new relationship after all, and she was happy for me.

                

The drive was not as bad as I thought. While it was nearly twelve hours, it didn’t feel like we had wasted a whole day in the car because of the conversations we had. We talked about our next vacation ideas and what they might be. I suggested a summer getaway to somewhere that I could be in the sun and wear a bikini; but you probably already knew that this suggestion would be at the top of my list. Brady was even ok with the idea of taking me somewhere where I could shop. He was just an all-around good guy. I could see myself with him for many years to come if God would allow it.

                

Twelve hours later, we pulled up to my place. Brady had just less than thirty minutes to go home, and we both needed a day of rest before going back to work. It had been a memorable week for me and I felt that it lived up to Brady’s expectations as well. As he drove away, I was calm, but at the same time missing him at that very moment. I did not want him to leave. Surely we would get together the following week for lunch, but for me that wouldn’t be soon enough…or so I thought.

               

It seemed hard to go back to work after a week in Killington. Monday was a long and arduous day, but I made it through. That evening Rona called. I explained that Brady and I had talked the whole way home from the restaurant to Roanoke. It seemed as if we never missed a beat. We also had spent time listening to music and singing along when we knew the words. We talked for what seemed to be hours that evening, reminiscing about our blunders on the slopes, the time spent in the hot tub, the restaurants we had eaten at and the late nite conversations by the fireplace. Sadly, it was hard to come back to my more than empty fridge and attempt to re-create something of value compared to the scrumptious vittles we had had on vacation.

                

Brady called on Tuesday, and as normal, we met for lunch. I could tell that something was pressing when we met. He seemed somewhat distracted and even a little bit removed as we talked over salads. Much to my surprise it was a good distraction. After taking some time to get his words together, he explained that he both wanted and needed to move our relationship forward. He wanted to pin me down a bit.

               

I was all for it, so decided to take things to the next level. I had made a commitment in my mind during our time in Vermont, and was prepared to move forward, however; I was waiting on Brady to make that particular decision. Over lunch, I invited him to come over to my humble abode after work and I would cook for him. I suggested 7:30 PM, giving myself a little time to make it to the grocery store after work.

                

I drove to the Fresh Market after work and had decided on fish. I would buy a bottle of buttery Chardonnay to go along with salmon, some cous cous and asparagus. It seemed like a well-rounded meal to me, light and fresh. I did not want to set the bar too high on the idea that I would have to continue to cook for him, hopefully, for the rest of my life, God willing.

                

Brady made it to my home around 7:15PM. I appreciated that he was early, but not too early. I knew in my heart that I wanted him to stay the night, but was not prepared to ask. I decided to let the nite play out and just see where things led. Undoubtedly, I was not going to let Brady attempt to drive home after one too many a glass of wine. When he approached the door, I could see a flower and a bottle of vino in hand. He had brought a Pinot Grigio and a Rose’, as he was unsure as to what I was cooking that evening. He did, however, err on the side of caution by staying on the lighter side of the spectrum with respect to wine choices. Perhaps as a sign of understanding, he stayed away from the bold reds like a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, knowing and drawing a parallel toward not being to bold. “Great choice, Brady”, I thought to myself. And I additionally voiced it in words as he stepped in.

               

I’m not sure how he knew, but he had brought me my favorite flower. I have been a fan of Orchids since the first time I saw them. They are delicate, intricate, simple, colorful; and of course, beautiful. Brady had brought me one from a local florist and had chosen a white five-star prong leafed Orchid with a light peach and pink hue.

               

I place the Orchid as a centerpiece on the table. We sat at my breakfast nook, and there was just enough room for two. Brady suggested that we open the Chardonnay that I had purchased and that we save the Pinot Grigio and Rose’ for our next dinner. I cranked the oven up to 350 degrees and prepared the salmon with light salt, pepper and a splash of teriyaki sauce which I lightly brushed on for taste. The asparagus would take twelve minutes exactly as I had perfected the way to make it so that it comes out crisp every time. I had gotten to the point where I even ask at restaurants when I dine out to cook it my way. I season the asparagus with salt pepper and olive oil. I also add a few Portobello mushrooms for flavor and place it in the oven in a rolled up, closed, paper bag for exactly twelve minutes. Grains are always a challenge, but I delivered a perfect cous cous that evening.

               

Over dinner, we too reminisced about our skiing adventure in Killington, Vermont. We had only been home for three days and it seemed as if I needed another vacation. At the very least, I desired deep in my heart to have another vacation with Brady. We revisited the idea of a summer vacation, and had decided on Anguilla. A ten day vacation would be the order of business this time. “Back to the gym”, I thought to myself. More Pilates and Yoga for the next three months, and lots of core exercises so I would be ready and prepared to look my best for Brady!

               

Jack and Rona would have to stay behind this time, as this was designed to be a romantic getaway for just the two of us, no pun intended. The Carribean is a beautiful and magical place. As we talked about the planning process over dinner, my mind drifted to thoughts about the clear water, white-sandy beaches and laying in a cabana while watching the waves crash across the shoreline. I would have to wait for several months, but I was already starting to get excited as we ate our dinner.