#spiderminx

“Ask him out already. Geez.” Ava disappeared into the backroom, leaving Peter alone to take his order. 

He didn’t even know the guy’s name. Their smoothie shop used ticket numbers instead of names, and the guy always paid cash, so no excuse to ask for his ID.

Peter put on what he hoped was a charming smile. “So, the usual today?”

“Yeah.” The guy gave Peter the smile which made him nearly swoon every time.

“One protein shake coming up!” Peter made the shake with practiced ease. His muscle memory allowed him to sneak subtle glances.

Peter psyched himself up as he finished making the shake. He was going to do it. He was going to ask this gorgeous guy out. Wait, he needed his name first…

“Here you are!” He almost sighed when his fingers brushed against the guy’s tan ones.

“Thanks!” The reply was cheerful. Too cheerful for it being nearly 7 in the morning. It was one of the things that drew Peter to him.

Peter chickened out. What if he stopped coming to the shop every morning? What if he was disgusted and Peter never saw him again?

“You’re welcome!”

He hesitated a moment before winking. “Um, here.” A slip of paper was slid on the counter, then the guy hurried out the door.

Peter watched the guy disappear into the crowds outside before picking up the paper.

“Got his digits?”

Peter jumped. He forgot he wasn’t alone.

Ava slid next to him. “A ticket?”

Peter turned it over. “Yea, for tonight…”

Peter knew right away he was going to the recital. He still didn’t know the guy’s name, but he hoped he would find out soon.

He read over the program. None of the names were “Hot Stuff Shake Guy”. Peter sat through most of the show. Different musicians played, some groups performed…and it was all good, but none of them were his mystery guy. He was about to leave when HE walked into the stage.

Peter quickly scanned his program. The Trombones must be the name of the last group, so that would make next…Sam Alexander playing the violin.

Sam was dressed to kill, and when he started playing,  Peter felt he just might die right then. The soothing melody flowed through the theater. It was a melody he didn’t recognize. He turned again to the program, “Sam Alexander. Violin. Original Composition.”

The song ended and Peter watched Sam bow to the crowd before walking off stage.

He waited in the lobby after the show. It wasn’t long before Sam walked up to him.

“You came.” Sam sounded surprised.

“Yea…you’re amazing. I- I mean, your skill with the violin. You composed that?”

Sam smiled, “Yes…it’s called ‘Shaken Daily’.” He looked up to Peter. How had he not realized how short Sam was?

“It was good.”

“Well, so is my inspiration.” Sam blushed and looked away.  

Peter tried not to smile. “So…Can I take you for dessert and coffee?”

Sam snapped his head back up, looking hopeful. “Now?”

“Of course. I mean, it’s the least I can do after you basically just serenaded me in front of hundreds of people.”

Peter decided Sam’s blush was his most favorite thing ever. Over coffee he would tell Sam how much of an idiot he was the last few months. Because, they could have been dating already if Peter wasn’t such a chicken. And Sam would wait until their third anniversary to confess that it was Ava who pushed him to give Peter the recital ticket.