Ruby needed some space to evaluate her relationship with Chloe, therefore I decided to keep out of their way for a bit. We poor girls can't seem catch a romantic break. Phil called me later during the week after Jay's birthday. He came by the apartment to take me out on the following Saturday. We walked one block over to where his classic Mercedes was parked.
Now, I am a huge Yankee fan and wear my pinstripes proudly, though his expression of loyalty seemed a tacky gesture when showcased via a Yankees logo decal...and a Giants logo decal displayed on the rear window his car (welcome back to Staten Island, Frankie!).
"Thanks for coming into Manhattan", I said to him.
"Oh no prob; I don't mind coming into the city. My union hall is downtown", he replied. Driving over to Brooklyn for some pizza from L&B's, Phil and I discussed our careers (he a union dock builder and I a publishing professional working as an assistant in finance to make ends meet), family, and of course life on the island.
"Well I live at home, though in an apartment in the back of my mom's house", Phil informed me.
"Oh well, that is cool, as long as it's your own space", I said, trying to not focus on the fact that he still lived at home at the age of 31.
"Uh, yea, well it works", he explained, "I am trying to save up money during these tough times. Plus I help my ma out with the house. My father isn't around, which is for the best, so ya know, I'm the man of the house and I make sure she is ok."
"That is sweet of you. To take the time and ensure her comfort and security", I said.
I couldn't yet decide if his was endearing or creepy.
"Hey do you like roller coasters?", I asked.
"Yea! I know what you are gonna say! Coney Island?!", asked Phil.
"TOTALLY! I am so happy that they kept it open. Cyclone here we come!", I cheered.
We were having a great time. Our shared love of adrenaline forced us to ride the Cyclone three times...yes, three times.
It was becoming chilly and Phil offered his jacket to me. Multiple sports team decals on luxury autos and Staten Island residency aside, he was extremely sweet. He was like a big teddy bear and we talked for ages after grabbing some ice cream at Williams (yes, it was chilly though how could I pass up this sweet treat?).
As we walked along the boardwalk and returned to the car, his quirky way of expressing his love for the Yankees and his Staten Island accent were not exactly attractive, though they were no longer turn-offs and I started to feel...what is this? I started to like Phil. He was sweet, fun, and seemingly harmless.
He opened my door and wiped away a bit of my soft serve treat from my chin and then kissed me sweetly.
He double parked in front of the apartment building and walked me to the door. We shared another sweet kiss before I headed upstairs.
I walked through the door into a quiet, dark apartment. I did not know if Ruby and Cloe were here. I tried to be quiet as I turned on the late showing of The Soup. It was at this point that I realized that I forgot to return Phil's jacket to him. I instinctively reached in the pocket for my cell phone to call Phil and pulled out our Cyclone tickets. The call could wait. I wanted to savor this sugary feeling of a having a great first date. Romance Brooklyn style...how sweet it is! --Frankie
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