Free It Had Been Years by Michael Malflic Page A

sides and back.  Maybe, as most children will tell you usually means no, unless the issue continues to be raised, but 7 minutes later the couple finds themselves being seated at the overly crowded noisy micro brew.  California in general, in particular Northern California, is a bit of an anomaly, the kind of place where a good micro brew can have a high end eclectic menu and an absolutely amazing wine list.  Vincent orders one glass of Pale Ale and then moves on to his standard cola to accompany his Tie Chicken Skewers and Vegan Garlic Mushroom Caps.  Deb orders a Sauvignon Blanc and a Caesar Salad.  It’s funny how people come to know each other, without it ever being spoken the two had lost any fleeting intention of wondering up to Palo for Soba Noodles.
     
    When they met, Deb was more the all American Girl, more of a preppy and a cheerleader than anything, her fashion sense at the time was more towards the Country Club set.  Her legs while thin had always had enough not only tone but strength in them to have an alluring athletic shape, they hadn’t changed.  Her face still soft and smooth and round, hair despite the odd color additions still soft and flowing, her look as fresh as it was the day they met.  She had however evolved from young and preppy to sensuous and stylish.  Vincent on the other hand had changed his body.  He was no longer the odd lanky kid but a man of power and strength.  Other than that he hadn’t changed much, sure his suits cost a lot more but his jeans were always still Levi’s he had gone from boat shoes, to loafers to Steve Maddens for his casual footwear.  If there was a past he thought of them as nothing more than just very close friends, not ever stopping to think that she may or may not view their past in the same way.  Vincent on his third diet coke and Deb on her second bottle of water as the meal was ending.  While they had caught up on work, and art and fashion they hadn’t yet taken the time to catch up on life.  “I’m Tom-less now”, she began.  Tom was a jerk in his mind, Deb was sweet and soft, Tom didn’t appreciate that.  Tom was rigid and structured, she was flowing and free. 
    “I’m sorry to hear that” he replied. 
    “No, it’s ok. It ’ s been a while now”, she said confidently then she started reminiscing about both of their pasts, remembering fondly one person or another.  He just listened, for him they were in the past but she seemed so happy recalling other times they had had together.  As time wore on, “So are you seeing anyone Vince?”  Looking for the right answer deciding that she knew him far too well, “Always looking for Miss last night.”  Neither of them was surprised by the answer.  It came to a point beyond annoying for the waiter they kept holding his table during the entire evening and drinking water and Soda but it was now far too late and time for the establishment to close. They headed to the parking lot where she stepped through a maze of open spots wandering and swaying.  While her serendipitous route was more meandering than efficient Deb talked with her hands and ever present over exaggerated gestures.    All the while he’s leaning back onto the hood of her car just listening, she still seemed so hopeful, like her dreams hadn’t slipped beyond her grasp, and thinking all the while how beautiful she was.  As the door of the Fault Line was locked and the last of the staff wondered out to leave, the cool evening air finally convinced them to get in the car and head back toward the hotel.  Where she continued to talk, and he continued to listen, they sat there by the valet.  “It’s late why don’t you stay?” he offered.
    “Why so I can be Miss last night?” 
    He was smiling a tired worried smile “Yes of course, oh the indecent things I could convince you to do.”  “Would I like it?” she asked playfully
    “In ways you can’t even imagine my dear”, turning the car off.
    “So how could