Debbye stretched to reach the book on the top shelf. If I can just pull it out a little farther, it’ll drop and I can grab it; just a little farther…
Just then she felt someone behind her and saw a pair of paws gently reach up and catch the book. “Please, miss, allow me to get this down for you. I’d hate to think of either you or the book being damaged, should you miss it." Requested a pleasant male voice.
Taken somewhat aback, she hesitated a minute, then “Please do, thank you.”
The paws deftly slid the book into the firm grip of one and the fur behind her stepped to the side, handing her the book with a small bow. "Your book, fair lady."
A touch amused, Debbye accepted the book and examined her unexpected helper. He was a cat, somewhat taller than she, with a big frame, but a trim build. From what she could see, his fur had a nice brown/dark brown striped pattern, including a ringed bushy tail, and a tawny front. An attractive, but not handsome, face held bright blue eyes framed by thin metal frame glasses. H-m-m, not bad at all she thought. “Why, thank you, Mr.---“
“Evans, Ma’am; Lee Evans. It was my pleasure to help out an attractive lady.”
“My name’s Debbye, Debbye Squirrel. Are you always so formal Mr. Evans?”
“Well, dad raised me to be polite and well-mannered and my alma mater reinforced the idea. I don’t claim to be a perfect gentlefur but I do, “ he chuckled, “try to keep my lapses to a minimum. Now, let me get my stuff”, as he casually scooped up a stack of books and magazines, “and I’ll help you carry your books to the register.”
Chuckling at the sight of the stack, even larger than hers, she queried, “Let me guess, another inveterate reader?”
“Well, yes ma’am, you caught me.”
“Please, Mr. Evans, I’m not used to the formality; just call me Debbye.”
“Okay, as long as you call me ‘Lee” instead of ‘Mr. Evans’ “.
“Deal. Shall we head to the register?”
- - - - - - -
Standing in line:
“May I offer a pretty lady a bit of refreshment afterwards?”
“My, you do have a way with flattery, Lee. Do you try this with all the girls?”
“Actually, no. I’m not a major partying type and I don’t date that much. However, an attractive young lady who reads definitely catches my eye. I’m not trying to be forward, but I’d like to enjoy your company for a while longer.”
“Well”, she giggled, ”put it that way, I have to accept. The books seem to scare off most guys, especially when they see that the books aren’t ‘typical’ for women to read.”
“The more fools they; I should warn you, I’m not ‘most guys’. I tend to go with my own tastes and intelligence is an attraction for me.”
- - - - - - - -
Leaving the register, Lee politely insisted on carrying both their purchases, held the door for her, and offered her his arm as they strolled toward the food court. “A natural gentlefur? she wondered, I didn’t think they still existed!
- - - - - - - -
Seated at a table (he had indeed held the chair for her), with the packages on nearby chairs, Debbye sat across from him.
“Looking over her coffee, Debbye queried, “So tell me, Lee, what brings you to Columbus?”
“Well, I earned a Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering from Texas A&M and the aircraft company out at the airport here made my college roommate and myself very attractive offers, since we’d proven to be a very good team. We’ve been here four years now, both done well, and now we’re both also working on our Master’s degree in Engineering.”
“Are you still roommates?”
“Nah, we both wanted and needed more room. We both rent in the same complex and carpool to work, but we’ve each got our own place.”
“From Texas? Hmm, I think I see where some of your manners come from.”
“I suppose so; never really gave it much thought. Now, tell me a bit about yourself, are you a Columbus native or did you move here from elsewhere?”
“Well,…”
- - - - - - -
Debbye glanced at her watch and started, Two hours!? We’ve been sitting here, talking, for two hours!? Aloud she said “Yipe, look at the time, I can’t believe it’s that late!”
“Huh? I’ll be! It just shows how pleasant company makes the time pass. I do hope I’ve not kept you from anything nor spoiled any plans.”
“No, nothing like that. This was just a quiet Saturday. I would, though, like to get this material home.”
“Understandable, I need to do the same. May I see you again?”
She started again, He wants to see me again? “Well, sure, I’d enjoy it; let me give you my phone number on this receipt.”
Pulling out his wallet, he slipped a business card out and wrote on it, “And here’s mine with my work number on the front.”
Exchanging the pieces of paper, she looked at the front of the card. “ ‘Special Engineering Team’? What’s that?”
“Well,” he answered with a touch of embarrassment, “it’s a special troubleshooting team for when especially difficult engineering problems come up, either on a current project or with something that’s already delivered and working. It’s generally either a quiet job or lots of sudden intense effort to fix things quickly.”
“Sounds important, especially for someone out of school for only a few years.” She added smiling.
Lee blushed, but looked pleased at the compliment, then stood up and helped her out of her chair. “Now, please allow me to escort you to your car and carry these items for you. It would be a pleasure for me.”
She blushed, giggled, and then admonished him, “You’re spoiling me, you know.”
“Undoubtedly, but it’s still a pleasure.”
“When could I see you again?”
“Depends, do you have any plans for the evening?”
“No, nothing definite.”
“Well, how about I pick you up in a couple hours and take you to dinner, say Italian?”
Again? Today? He wants to spend more time with me!? And my folks are out of town this weekend? Debbye’s mind raced, “Sure, I’m a bit surprised after I’ve monopolized your afternoon, but I won’t turn it down. Let me give my address.”
As she reached for the slip with her telephone number, he held his paw up. “Hold it, you don’t know me that well, yet, and fairness demands I give you the same advice I’d give my sister.” He stopped for a moment and smiled at her. “Think of a comfortable neutral site, and have me meet you there. You’ve got my number, just leave a message as to when and where if I’m not home yet. I know I’m not going to try anything stupid, but I’d still prefer that you be careful, even with me, ‘til we know each other better.”
Slightly stunned, Debbye could see the rationale and agreed. She was, though, a touch surprised that any guy would play that straight. Of course, he did seem more substantial than most guys she’d met.
“Okay, I’ll have to think of a place, but I’ll let you know in a about an hour. Meanwhile, shall we go to my car?”
“But, of course.” He casually picked up the packages and offered her his arm. Somehow, it didn’t surprise her when he held the mall door for her nor that he held the car door for her after she’d unlocked it. She unlocked the passenger door and he gracefully set her purchases down in the footwell, locked the door, and gently closed it. “You take care, now, and I’ll be waiting for your call.”
Driving off, Debbye watched him in the rear view mirror as he walked off to his car; the view was very easy on the eyes. And he’s a gentlefur, too; a girl could get to enjoy this. She sighed dreamily.
- - - - - - -
Driving home, she pondered where to meet him, especially since here parents weren’t home and she’d have to explain this later. Susan was busy & Cindy was at work, which left Amy & Sabrina’s apartment as the next best choice. Not only would she be protected, she could get their impressions, too. Pulling over to a pay phone, she called their apartment.
“Sabrina? Debbye. Can I ask a favor of you guys?”
“Sure. What’s wrong? You sound kind of funny.”
“I just had the most interesting experience. A guy helped me get a book from the upper shelf at the bookstore and then bought me a snack at the food court. We stayed and talked there for two hours, and he still wants to take me to dinner tonight.”
“Great, but why did you call us?” asked Sabrina
“That’s the real surprise. He was a perfect gentlefur throughout the time we were together, yet he insisted that, for my safety, I pick a neutral spot I was comfortable with, rather than home, where he could pick me up. I’d feel safe with all of you there and I’d love to get your opinions of him. I mean, I didn’t think there were that many gentlefurs left; other than your guys; they seem scarce as unicorns!”
Sabrina replied dryly, “I remember. Chris proved you wrong, once, and this guy sounds like he might do it too.”
Sabrina thought for a moment. “Sure, have him come by here at, say, 7 PM. Okay with the rest of you?”
“Sure” said Chris.
“Definitely” said Thomas
“I’ve gotta see this guy before she goes out with him!” said a suddenly protective Amy.
“Thanks, you guys are the greatest.” Debbye hung up and headed for home.
- - - - - - - -
Debbye waited nervously at Sabrina and Amy’s apartment,
“Relax, not even Amy’s going to kill him immediately.” chuckled Sabrina.
“Thanks, Sabrina; that just so relieves my mind.” Debbye replied somewhat sarcastically.
“That’s what friends are for.” Sabrina added smiling widely.
Precisely at seven, there was a knock on the door. Chris and Thomas looked at each other, grinned big, and chorused, “Give him points for punctuality.”
Chuckling, Debbye opened the door and found that Lee had indeed dressed for the occasion. A dark gold shirt with maroon trim was tucked into dark brown slacks. A wide western belt, with an eagle motif on the buckle, secured the slacks and a bolo tie with a similar motif closed his collar. Well shined dark brown dress shoes completed the tasty picture.”
“Lee, please come in. I’d like you to meet my cousin, one of my best friends, and their guys.”
A quick grin, so as to say You definitely took me seriously, didn’t you? and Lee walked in.
“Lee, this is my cousin, Amy”
“My pleasure” – with a polite kiss to the back of Amy’s offered paw.
“Her fiancée, Thomas”
“Pleased to meet you.” – with a firm pawshake.
“Sabrina, one of my best friends.”
“Again, my pleasure.” – with a polite kiss. Over his back, Sabrina & Amy raised eyebrows at each other This guy didn’t do things by halves!
“And her fiancée, Chris”
“Pleased to meet you.” – with another firm pawshake.
“Haven’t I seen you around campus?” queried Thomas.
“If it’s in the evening, probably. I’m working part-time on my Master’s program in Aeronautical Engineering.”
“And just what …”, started Amy, only to be interrupted by a howl from the bedroom.
“Darn, I thought I’d finally gotten him to sleep”
“I do hope my unfamiliar scent didn’t disturb him,“ apologized Lee. “However, since he’s awake, may I please be introduced to the young man I’ve heard so much about?”
A beaming Amy brought Timothy out. “Here’s our pride and joy, Timothy Jacob Woolfe-Squirrel.”
“May I hold him?”
“Certainly.”
Lee carefully accepted Timothy and gently cradled him with one arm while entertaining him with and end of his bolo tie held in the other paw. Suddenly Lee stiffened, then sniffed. “I think that explains what woke your young gentlefur up; something obviously needs changing.”
“Oh, “ exclaimed an embarrassed Amy, “hand him over and I’ll take care of it.”
“Ma’am, you obviously have to do this often. If you’ll show me where to take him, I’ll take care of this for you as a gesture of appreciation for having me here. Besides that way you can all cast your vote.” He added with a smile.
Amy laughed. “Well, if you’re certain you don’t mind. Right this way.” Amy showed Lee into the bedroom were they kept Timothy’s things.
When Amy returned, all five looked at each other with somewhat bemused expressions.
A voice shortly was overheard, “I say, Master Timothy, you are obviously well fed.” Everyone in the living room chuckled.
Not long thereafter, Lee returned and handed Timothy to Amy, “Here you are; clean, dry, and happy.”
“Thank you, Mr. Evans. That was beyond the call of duty.” Amy then got a slightly stern face on and then asked him, “ Pardon me if this comes out too strong, but tell me, how does a bachelor know so much about dealing with babies? If there’s something you’re hiding, spill it now before Debbye gets hurt.” Chris & Thomas winced at this. Debbye grimaced and shut her eyes.
“No mystery at all, “ chucked Lee, “My twin sister would have done equally well. When you’re the oldest kids, you get to help in all sorts of ways with your younger siblings and our folks made sure we could handle anything.” Chris and Thomas gave a thumbs up sign to each other when they were sure no one was looking.
With chuckles all around, the tension perceptibly dropped. Amy chuckled, “You better grab this one, Debbye, he’s already trained.” Turning to Lee, “As for you, Mr. Evans, what is your interest in Debbye?”
A nonplussed Lee replied, “At this point, strictly an intelligent, attractive, and enjoyable dinner companion. Beyond that, we’ll both have to see what happens. I must admit, though, that I find an intelligent young lady who’s also a voracious reader to be rather attractive.” – Debby blushed.
After some further conversation, they left, with Lee agreeing to have Debbye back by 11PM.
- - - - - - - -
As they walked down the steps arm in arm, Debbye apologized still slightly embarrassed, “I’m sorry, you really didn’t have to do that, especially when you knew it would raise suspicions.”
“No problem. Amy looked like she could use a break and it’s good to have people that care about you that much.” He looked down at her and smiled. “Ah, here we are.” and he held the door of a champagne Contour SE for her. Once she was properly seated, he went around to the driver’s side, got in, made sure both seat belts were properly fastened, started the car, and smoothly pulled out into traffic.
“Isn’t a 4-door sedan, even a sport model, a touch sedate for a young male fur?”, Debbye asked with a chuckle.
“Probably, but I’ve always preferred an understated approach, based on demonstrated performance and ability, to a flashy appearance. I’ve worked on her and this car will easily hold her own.” “Besides,” Lee chuckled,”any car that gets good marks from the enthusiast press, the consumer press, and the industry press has to be a pretty good package. Of course, there is another advantage, if I’m pushing things, this car doesn’t attract attention like a flashy one would. Of course, those times I do go to a party with my friends, I’m always the designated driver, so the four doors come in handy.”
With a raised eyebrow she cooed, “Oh, a man of thought & concern as well as action. I think I’m going to enjoy this dinner.”
“ By the way, you said we were going for Italian food, where are we going?” she asked.
“To the best Italian restaurant I’ve found here, Trattoria Salvatore.”
- - - - - - - -
As they entered the restaurant, Lee, as usual, held the door for her. A girl could most definitely get used to this.
When the hostess saw Lee, she immediately smiled. “Buona notte, signore Evans. Un, como sempre?”
Lee smiled back & linked his arm with Debbye. “Non, due.”
“Ah, molto bene. But we should speak in English so that the young lady will understand us. You evidence as good a taste in a young lady as you do in a restaurant.”
Lee chuckled as Debbye blushed.
“We’re rather full at the moment, but for a good friend and customer as yourself, we would be pleased to seat you in the private dining room.”
“Grazie, thank you very much; but I wouldn’t dream of putting you to extra trouble.”
“For you and your lady, no trouble; the same for a few other good people. Beyond them, it is an imposition for which a premium must be paid. Now, please come this way.”
As they followed the hostess, Debbye noted that all the staff greeted him as an old friend and, fighting a blush, saw their obvious approval of her as his dinner companion.
Seated, with their drinks delivered and their orders taken, Debbye examined Lee with a puzzled expression, “Okay, give, how did a young fur manage to rate such service?”
“Well,” he blushed, “nothing I’d consider that special but I guess a lot of little things add up to more than I thought. For starters, this is the best Italian restaurant in Columbus and I’ve been a regular here since shortly after I moved here. I’ve always been polite and friendly with the staff, especially since mom worked her way through college as a waitress; they were surprised that I speak Italian but everyone here seems to appreciate the effort. I suppose, though, that the final “icebreaker” was a couple of times I caught an undercharge and politely insisted that they fix it. They’re used to vociferous complaints about overcharges, but having someone object, politely even, to an undercharge, was a new experience.” Lee chuckled, “It even brought Salvatore himself out from the office. Since then they’ve treated me as family.” “I just didn’t expect this, though,” as he waved to indicate the private dining room.
Debbye thought for a moment, then “Lee, you might be a bit more than you realize. I’ve met only a few guys that were as mannerly a gentlefur as you, but I can’t remember being with another fur that would care that way about somebody undercharging him.”
“Um, I wouldn’t know. It’s both nature and personal philosophy, so I couldn’t easily change it, even if I wanted to.” He said slightly puzzled.
“Don’t! Please don’t change it. Such concern and thoughtfulness is something special and I appreciate it in you.”
“That’s flattering. I hope it means you’ll be willing to see me again.”
Debbye blushed, “I’d like that, you’re one of the most interesting guys I’ve met in ages.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it, especially as I find you a most interesting & attractive lady.”
Arrival of their food prevented further blushes as conversation ebbed while they did justice to the repast.
- - - - - - - - -
With a sigh, Lee wiped the last of the food from his muzzle using a napkin. “Delicious food and an enchanting companion; this is one bill I’ll enjoy paying.”
“Flatterer. Though I could say the same about the food and about my companion.” She replied coyly.
The waitress stuck her head in to see if they needed anything else. “Il cuento, per favore,” replied Lee.
The waitress nodded and stepped away.
“Let me guess, you just asked for the bill.”
“Correct. Actually, it was ‘The bill, please.’ “
The waitress returned with the bill and Lee examined it. “What’s this discount for? I don’t remember any specials.”
“Ah, that’s our gift to you, signore Evans. This is the first time you’ve brought a young lady here and we wanted to show our happiness and appreciation. Salvatore himself insisted on it.”
At this, Debby started a bit.
“Well, I’m flattered and I reckon I can’t object; but you must not complain if I base the tip on the full amount.”
With that he handed over a platinum credit card; on the final charge slip he added a generous tip.
- - - - - - - - - -
Walking arm in arm in the parking lot, Debbye stopped & turned to face him. “Okay, Lee, what was that all about? I know I’m not the first girl you’ve dated in Columbus, even if, as you say, you don’t date often.”
“True, but you are the first one I’ve found interesting enough to want to bring here.”
“Lee, that sweet, and so-o-o-o flattering.”
Debbye stretched up to kiss him on the cheek, but both of them felt something more. His arms went around her, pulling her close and nestling her head on his chest.
“Wow!”
“Likewise. I’ve never felt that before.” She reached up and pulled his head down to kiss him fully on the mouth. I gotta see if it happens again.
“Oh! My!” The feeling hit stronger this time. Her arms curled around his neck and he pulled her closer. She could feel an unmistakable response from his body, but her body’s equally strong response surprised her.
“Debbye, please. I wouldn’t want to make a spectacle of you in the parking lot.”
“Self control? After that?" You are something special!
He stopped a minute, “You wouldn’t believe the control it’s taking. I would prefer, though, to follow up in a somewhat less public location.”
“Okay, we’ll at least get to the car, but with a little change in style.” Debbye slipped her arm around his waist. “I want you closer.’
Chuckling, Lee curved his arm around Debbye and walked her to the car.
By rights, the kiss in the car should have caused a major meltdown due to intensity and duration, but it did leave both quite breathless.
Finally separating and buckling up, they pulled out of the parking lot.
“Debbye, we’ve got some time before I’m supposed to have you back at your cousin’s. Any place you want to go?”
“No place I trust myself, yet. Could we just drive around?”
“I know what you mean. I’ll just take a winding route back there.”
Her paw resting on his, on the shift lever, they drove with a somewhat more serious and subdued conversation.
They pulled up in front of the apartment complex and he helped her out of the car. “It’s almost 11, I’d best walk you to the door,”
At the door she turned and kissed him fully once more. “Good night, sweet prince. Pleasant dreams.”
“With you in them, my princess, they could be naught else. Shall I call you tomorrow afternoon?” he asked.
“Yes, please, I’d love to talk more.”
“Then, adieu, fair lady.” As he kissed her paw and headed back out. Lee drove home in a pleasantly bemused air.
Debbye knocked at the door and it opened to an anxious Amy and Sabrina. Seeing her dreamy look, they relaxed, smiled at each other, and eased Debbye inside and into a chair. Sabrina brought out some glasses of juice and they all sat down.
Amy started in, “Okay, the guys stepped out ‘to run an errand’ and give us some time to dish. And from the look on your face, it went more than just ‘okay’; so, c’mon girl, give us the details.”
“Ya, spill it Debbye!” added Sabrina.
Debbye blushed, “Well, for one thing, he was a complete gentlefur the entire time. No pawing, no forcing himself on me, just a very mannerly gentlefur. Responsible, too; he won’t touch anything with alcohol if he’s driving.”
“So where’d he take you?”
“Trattoria Salvatore. The food there’s excellent, he seems to know everyone there and he’s treated like family. Since it was crowded, they put us in the private dining room at no extra charge.”
“The private dining room?” interjected Sabrina.
“Yes. Why?”
“Well, that’s where they put us when James Sheppard took ZigZag and me there for a business lunch. They don’t usually do that; he must really rate with them.”
“I think he does,” she answered.
“You know,” she admitted, “I found out afterwards that this was the first time he’s ever taken a date there. Apparently I’m the first lady he’s found worth taking there.’
Sabrina and Amy looked at each other with raised eyebrows and a common thought, Oh, really?!!
“And your reaction was?”
“I kissed him on the cheek.”
“Um-huh, and then?”
Debbye blushed again, “It was such a strong shock, I had to kiss him full to see if it happened again. Did it ever, even stronger; & I know it hit him just as strong. He didn’t try anything, though; just said he didn’t want to make me a public spectacle. After we got in the car, we kissed again before buckling up. It was hot enough that I know he’s got self control if he didn’t try anything then.”
Amy and Sabrina exchanged knowing smiles.
“And then?” asked Amy.
“Well, he took a winding route back here and we talked as we drove.”
“He didn’t try to park somewhere and try something?” Amy asked slightly suspicious.
“Nope; a perfect gentlefur, Iike I said. We kissed goodnight at the door and he promised to call me tomorrow.’
Sabrina chucked, “You’re clearly smitten, I recognize all the symptoms and it sounds like he’s just as smitten. You can relax on one count, Thomas & Chris did a little discreet sleuthing on the ‘net and Lee’s told the straight truth; they both like him.”
Amy interjected, “As for Sabrina and myself, we want you to be safe and happy. He sounds like he qualifies; I’d say ‘Go for it.’ “ she said smiling again.
“As would I,” echoed Sabrina.
Debbye got up and hugged them both. “Thank you both for your caring and concern.”
They both blushed and Sabrina chuckled, “One final question, do you want to tell Susan & Cindy tomorrow or do you want to tell ‘em on Monday?”
“Uh, if you’ll give ‘em the basics, I’ll go along with a full interrogation on Monday.”
At that, they all laughed. They were still laughing a few moments later when Thomas & Chris came through the door.
“Well, it doesn’t look like you had a bad evening, “ observed Chris.
“Anything but,” replied a beaming Debbye. “And on that note, I’d best get myself home. Thanks, all of you.”
After she left, Thomas cleared his throat; “I take it that her date went well then?”
Sabrina & Amy looked at each other, smiled, purred in chorus, “Ver-r-r-y well!”, and stepped up to embrace their guys.
Outside, Debbye was driving home in a most excited state.