November 9th 2024.
It was 16 years ago, at a matinee performance of The Phantom of the Opera in London's Covent Garden. I was there with my mom and two sisters, celebrating my mom's 60th birthday. I was 27 at the time and had been in a long-term relationship since university, but my boyfriend had recently moved to Edinburgh for work and the distance was putting a strain on our relationship.
As the show began, I couldn't help but notice a man around my age sitting next to me with an older lady who I assumed was his mom. He was on my left and soon I caught a glimpse of his dark hair and crisp white shirt, accompanied by the scent of his musky cologne. My mind began to wander about his physique under those chinos and crisp shirt.
But my thoughts were interrupted when I felt his arm bump into mine, causing some of my prosecco to spill out of my plastic cup. He apologized and our eyes met, making me instantly mesmerized by his gorgeous brown eyes. The lights went down and the show began, but I couldn't concentrate as I felt his leg gently brushing against mine. And then, I felt his foot push against mine, intentionally this time. I couldn't help but push back, feeling a sense of excitement and naughtiness in the darkness, knowing my family was oblivious to our subtle flirtation.
During the intermission, my family dragged me to the bathroom, but even when we returned to our seats, I couldn't stop thinking about the stranger next to me. His presence made it feel like a secret, something forbidden and exciting. As the show continued, I found myself more focused on his movements and the smell of his cologne than the actual performance.
As the show ended and we all filed out of our seats, I felt a sense of panic that I would never see him again. Thinking quickly, I slipped one of my business cards into his coat pocket, hoping it would lead to something more.
Later, as I was having dinner with my mom and sisters, my phone beeped with a message from a random number. It was him, John, saying he was in town from France with his mom and cousin. We agreed to meet for lunch the next day at a pub.
When I walked in, I almost didn't recognize him dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. At first, it was awkward, but as he poured me a glass of wine and flashed his charming smile, the awkwardness faded away. We quickly went through a bottle of wine as we talked about our jobs and lives.
With my nerves calmed, he invited me back to his hotel room. I had never had a one night stand before, but the excitement and naughtiness of it all made me agree without hesitation. As soon as we entered the room, we were undressing each other and I couldn't help but run my hands over his tanned six-pack and breathe in his cologne. The sex was explosive and unforgettable.
We continued to message and meet up a few times over the next couple of years whenever he was in London, but eventually, we lost touch. While the sex was amazing, we didn't have much in common and I didn't want to cheat on my new partner.
Now, at 44 years old, I am happily married with two children, and John is in a long-term relationship as well. We are still friends on Facebook and whenever I see his posts, I can't help but smile and remember that unexpected afternoon. And whenever I hear songs from The Phantom of the Opera, I am transported back to that chance encounter and the unforgettable first date.
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