Post by emily on Jul 17, 2022 17:16:44 GMT -5
A couple of weeks ago with EXP taking place in Orlando.
“Come on, get your ass moving!” Emily said as she shouted into her cell phone.
“Don’t have a conniption fit Em. Buster said he would meet us at the park at nine thirty and we have plenty of time to get there.”
“I know that, I just don’t want to be late for this. It’s a big deal Eric! I’m already showered and dressed for the day and I’m starving.” Emily was wearing a red and white Minnie Mouse shirt with short denim shorts, no show socks, and pink and white Nike SB Dunks. She was already wearing a set of Mickey Mouse ears, but was a little worried that her hair wasn’t perfect just yet. It took 10 minutes to decide which lip gloss to use and now her traveling companion, a diva by practical means, was starting to screw with the agenda.
“Gimme fifteen minutes and I’ll be ready. Ok? Let’s meet downstairs in the restaurant. Sound good?”
Emily tossed her cell phone into her purse and grabbed a few other things before slipping her sunglasses on and heading downstairs to wait for her best friend Eric. The two of them had a quick breakfast before taking a shuttle bus to Disney World. Emily pulled out her cell phone to tell Buster that they were there. She wanted to know where he wanted to meet up. Buster texted back his location right away. It wasn’t too hard for Eric and Emily to spot the big bald guy named Buster Gloves. He waved to them with a sincere smile as they approached. She had a giddyup in her step and wrapped her arms around Buster’s neck as soon as she reached him. She gave him a big hug as Eric waited awkwardly behind her. Buster acknowledged him, made eye contact and extend his meaty right hand for a shake.
“Don’t you love that Florida weather? It’s gonna be a warm one today.” Buster said as each man walked on either side of Emily.
“Where to first?” Emily chirped with curious excitement. “I’ve never been to Disney World before.”
“I wouldn’t mind getting on some rides first, to be honest.” Eric said as they made their way through the crowd of people. Disney was always this crowded.
“Buster, what a good ride to start off with?” Emily asked as she looked up at him.
“Jungle Cruise. The app on my phone says the line isn’t horrible right now. It’s a good one.” Buster suggested.
“Sure!” replied Emily.
“Let’s do this!” Eric replied.
The third wheel dynamic was a little awkward, but Buster and Eric knew eachother. They both coached at martial arts gyms. They both cared about Emily. And they were both genuinely nice guys. The added element of jealousy that was there when Buster and Emily were around Duncan Shepard didn’t exist here. Eric was in a relationship with a guy back in California, a fact that was comforting to Buster at the time. It actually was an endearing feature. Buster could be around another guy and not worry about him stealing the girl he was really into at the moment.
—
Two hours later, after waiting in lines and standing in the sun, Eric seemed to be lagging a bit behind. He was worn out. Quiet and a little unamused.
“Eric, are you alright?” Emily asked as she grabbed his hand and stopped walking.
“Yeh, sorry Em. I’m low-key not feeling so hot. I have this wicked headache and I’m sweating buckets. Would it be ok if I catch an Uber back to the hotel?”
Emily was a little disappointed, but also sympathetic towards his condition.
“Are you sure? We can take a break for a while. Grab a Dole Whip or something.” Emily tried to offer other options that didn’t include splitting up the threesome, but she was worried about Eric. Buster stood in the background, not saying a word, but following the conversation closely.
“I’m sure, you both stay and have some fun together. Text me later, okay?” Eric asked as he reached out to hug her. Emily’s eyes became glossy.
She stepped into his arms. At the same time, Eric and Buster gave each other a head nod of approval.
“Be careful getting back and try to get some rest.” Emily said in a soothing tone.
Emily and Buster stood there, in front of a star wars store watching Eric walk away until he was out of sight. Eventually he was gone. Emily and Buster turned their backs and continued on, walking together towards the next attraction.
Buster broke the awkward silence. “What do you say we get something to eat? I’m starving.”
“Me too, actually. Let’s find a place and sit down for a minute.”
They found a shaded table by the water. Emily was able to scroll through her phone and take some selfies while Buster walked off to grab a couple cold drinks and a snack to eat.
“A Pepsi and a hot dog. I didn’t know if you liked ketchup or mustard, so I got both.” Says Buster as he approached with full arms.
“You totally read my mind!” Emily exclaimed.
“Once in a while I get something right.”
“Thank god for the umbrella. It’s like a sauna out here.”
“Yuck. Saunas. Bleh. Did you want to do one more ride and then head out? I can drop you off at your hotel after.”
“Already? I don’t think so. I still want to do some shopping and pick up some Disney merch. I hear they have anything you can think of here. Is that okay with you?” For a moment, she sounded like a little girl asking her father for permission.
“Yeh, sure. Works for me. It’s my day off.”
Emily devoured the hot dog. Maybe top 5, all time. Silently, Buster nodded in agreement.
“That has to be one of the best hot dogs of my life!”
Wiping her face, Emily shot a random question at Buster.
“Why does your dad call you William?”
The question caught him off-guard.
“Oh, right. You noticed that? My dad calls me William because that’s my first name. Buster is just a nickname that my grandfather gave me when I was a kid. Middle name is Bernard. Buster is a nickname for Bernard. You get it.”
“Gotcha, I was curious about that. So… William… Do you mind if I call you that? I like the way it sounds,” She said with bright eyes and a puppy dog face.
“Be my guest. Just try to keep it out of Level Up. Nobody is afraid of a dude named William. Buster sounds tougher. Ya know?”
“No promises!”
“That’s what I figured. So, did you still want to go to Sea World tomorrow?” Buster asked as they walked side by side and headed for the exit.
“Could we?”
“Sure, if that’s what you want to do. I just need to check on my kids and make sure they are cool with it. Pretty sure they’re just enjoying summer vacation.”
—
The rest of the day was a montage of rides, Disney characters, and good times. At one point, their hands brushed against each other and they both pulled away. They gave embarrassed looks at each other before Emily summoned the courage to just grab Buster’s hand with both of hers. She smiled, bit her bottom lip, and gave it a light squeeze. Buster smirked at how happy she was, and didn’t pull away. Doubtful that Emily would let him if he tried.
—
“After you,” Buster said as he opened the door to his SUV for Emily.
“Thank you, kind sir.”
The air conditioner was heaven inside that car. Emiy pressed her face within inches of the vents. Before commandeering the radio. She settled on a pop music station and leaned back in her seat, fully content in where she was. They drove down the roads and highways of Orlando, Emily looking in the mirror as all signs of the most magical place on earth faded away in the distance.
“Thanks for showing me around… William, I had so much fun today.”
“Me too, Em. I’m never been there without the kids before. It was nice to spend some time there with other adults. And I’m really glad I finally got to spend some time with you.”
“You’ve done such a great job showing me around Florida. When we get to Hawaii for Super Adventure Island, it will be my turn to show you around!”
Emily’s enthusiasm was infectious. Contagious. Buster was actually excited to go to Hawaii. And he doesn’t get excited about anything. The prospect of spending more one on one time with Emily was something that was really enticing. He wanted to get to know her better. He didn’t want this thing to end in Orlando. But the trip to Super Adventure Island in Hawaii was a business trip. Buster had the toughest match of his career coming up on that card and there was no guarantee that he’d win or even be able to get on an airplane after it was over.
Buster pulled up to the front of Emily’s hotel. Eric would be waiting inside the hotel room. So he parked the SUV and killed the engine.
“Thanks for everything today, William. Today was one of the best days ever.”
Emily leaned over the car’s console and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth and then rested her forehead against his for a long moment before she leaned back and flashed him one of her smiles. She was all butterflies and nerves, but she had his attention.
“I… uhhh… you should go check on Eric. Make sure he’s okay. Tell him I asked about him. Ok?”
“I’ll do that, see you tomorrow for Sea World. Text me after you talk to your kids about it and we will get together.”
“For sure. It’s a date. See you then, Emmy.”
Emily grabbed her bags from the back seat of the car and stepped back onto the curb. Buster backed up the vehicle and drove away slowly as Emily entered the lobby of the hotel. She floated through the lobby, waving at the concierge, and heading towards the elevator. She made sure to grab a ginger ale for Eric and a soda for herself. After a successful key card swipe, she spilled into the room with her bags, collapsed on the bed and kicked off her shoes. A couple of deep breaths and excited screams into a pillow, she hopped up to knock on the adjoining door between her room and Eric’s. He stumbled around for a moment, woken up from a deep sleep, then opened up the door with a messy hair do and a half smile.
Emily could hardly contain herself. “Hey you. Just wanted to check on you and make sure you were still alive.” She gave him a one-armed hug and handed him the ginger ale.
“Thanks Emmy. You’re a peach. My head is still throbbing but it’s not as bad. Made the right call coming back so early. The nap helped. The room service was better.”
“Poor guy. Came all this way and you come down with the bubble guts. You’re gonna feel better in no time.” It was just then that Emily realized that she already made plans for Sea World the next day and would have to figure out if Eric was coming with her or if she would be alone with Buster again. She was kind of in a tight spot, but knew what the right thing to do was.
Eric chuckled, “Come on in and tell me how your day went with Buster. I’m sure there’s a lot to tell.
~End of Scene~
“Come on, get your ass moving!” Emily said as she shouted into her cell phone.
“Don’t have a conniption fit Em. Buster said he would meet us at the park at nine thirty and we have plenty of time to get there.”
“I know that, I just don’t want to be late for this. It’s a big deal Eric! I’m already showered and dressed for the day and I’m starving.” Emily was wearing a red and white Minnie Mouse shirt with short denim shorts, no show socks, and pink and white Nike SB Dunks. She was already wearing a set of Mickey Mouse ears, but was a little worried that her hair wasn’t perfect just yet. It took 10 minutes to decide which lip gloss to use and now her traveling companion, a diva by practical means, was starting to screw with the agenda.
“Gimme fifteen minutes and I’ll be ready. Ok? Let’s meet downstairs in the restaurant. Sound good?”
Emily tossed her cell phone into her purse and grabbed a few other things before slipping her sunglasses on and heading downstairs to wait for her best friend Eric. The two of them had a quick breakfast before taking a shuttle bus to Disney World. Emily pulled out her cell phone to tell Buster that they were there. She wanted to know where he wanted to meet up. Buster texted back his location right away. It wasn’t too hard for Eric and Emily to spot the big bald guy named Buster Gloves. He waved to them with a sincere smile as they approached. She had a giddyup in her step and wrapped her arms around Buster’s neck as soon as she reached him. She gave him a big hug as Eric waited awkwardly behind her. Buster acknowledged him, made eye contact and extend his meaty right hand for a shake.
“Don’t you love that Florida weather? It’s gonna be a warm one today.” Buster said as each man walked on either side of Emily.
“Where to first?” Emily chirped with curious excitement. “I’ve never been to Disney World before.”
“I wouldn’t mind getting on some rides first, to be honest.” Eric said as they made their way through the crowd of people. Disney was always this crowded.
“Buster, what a good ride to start off with?” Emily asked as she looked up at him.
“Jungle Cruise. The app on my phone says the line isn’t horrible right now. It’s a good one.” Buster suggested.
“Sure!” replied Emily.
“Let’s do this!” Eric replied.
The third wheel dynamic was a little awkward, but Buster and Eric knew eachother. They both coached at martial arts gyms. They both cared about Emily. And they were both genuinely nice guys. The added element of jealousy that was there when Buster and Emily were around Duncan Shepard didn’t exist here. Eric was in a relationship with a guy back in California, a fact that was comforting to Buster at the time. It actually was an endearing feature. Buster could be around another guy and not worry about him stealing the girl he was really into at the moment.
—
Two hours later, after waiting in lines and standing in the sun, Eric seemed to be lagging a bit behind. He was worn out. Quiet and a little unamused.
“Eric, are you alright?” Emily asked as she grabbed his hand and stopped walking.
“Yeh, sorry Em. I’m low-key not feeling so hot. I have this wicked headache and I’m sweating buckets. Would it be ok if I catch an Uber back to the hotel?”
Emily was a little disappointed, but also sympathetic towards his condition.
“Are you sure? We can take a break for a while. Grab a Dole Whip or something.” Emily tried to offer other options that didn’t include splitting up the threesome, but she was worried about Eric. Buster stood in the background, not saying a word, but following the conversation closely.
“I’m sure, you both stay and have some fun together. Text me later, okay?” Eric asked as he reached out to hug her. Emily’s eyes became glossy.
She stepped into his arms. At the same time, Eric and Buster gave each other a head nod of approval.
“Be careful getting back and try to get some rest.” Emily said in a soothing tone.
Emily and Buster stood there, in front of a star wars store watching Eric walk away until he was out of sight. Eventually he was gone. Emily and Buster turned their backs and continued on, walking together towards the next attraction.
Buster broke the awkward silence. “What do you say we get something to eat? I’m starving.”
“Me too, actually. Let’s find a place and sit down for a minute.”
They found a shaded table by the water. Emily was able to scroll through her phone and take some selfies while Buster walked off to grab a couple cold drinks and a snack to eat.
“A Pepsi and a hot dog. I didn’t know if you liked ketchup or mustard, so I got both.” Says Buster as he approached with full arms.
“You totally read my mind!” Emily exclaimed.
“Once in a while I get something right.”
“Thank god for the umbrella. It’s like a sauna out here.”
“Yuck. Saunas. Bleh. Did you want to do one more ride and then head out? I can drop you off at your hotel after.”
“Already? I don’t think so. I still want to do some shopping and pick up some Disney merch. I hear they have anything you can think of here. Is that okay with you?” For a moment, she sounded like a little girl asking her father for permission.
“Yeh, sure. Works for me. It’s my day off.”
Emily devoured the hot dog. Maybe top 5, all time. Silently, Buster nodded in agreement.
“That has to be one of the best hot dogs of my life!”
Wiping her face, Emily shot a random question at Buster.
“Why does your dad call you William?”
The question caught him off-guard.
“Oh, right. You noticed that? My dad calls me William because that’s my first name. Buster is just a nickname that my grandfather gave me when I was a kid. Middle name is Bernard. Buster is a nickname for Bernard. You get it.”
“Gotcha, I was curious about that. So… William… Do you mind if I call you that? I like the way it sounds,” She said with bright eyes and a puppy dog face.
“Be my guest. Just try to keep it out of Level Up. Nobody is afraid of a dude named William. Buster sounds tougher. Ya know?”
“No promises!”
“That’s what I figured. So, did you still want to go to Sea World tomorrow?” Buster asked as they walked side by side and headed for the exit.
“Could we?”
“Sure, if that’s what you want to do. I just need to check on my kids and make sure they are cool with it. Pretty sure they’re just enjoying summer vacation.”
—
The rest of the day was a montage of rides, Disney characters, and good times. At one point, their hands brushed against each other and they both pulled away. They gave embarrassed looks at each other before Emily summoned the courage to just grab Buster’s hand with both of hers. She smiled, bit her bottom lip, and gave it a light squeeze. Buster smirked at how happy she was, and didn’t pull away. Doubtful that Emily would let him if he tried.
—
“After you,” Buster said as he opened the door to his SUV for Emily.
“Thank you, kind sir.”
The air conditioner was heaven inside that car. Emiy pressed her face within inches of the vents. Before commandeering the radio. She settled on a pop music station and leaned back in her seat, fully content in where she was. They drove down the roads and highways of Orlando, Emily looking in the mirror as all signs of the most magical place on earth faded away in the distance.
“Thanks for showing me around… William, I had so much fun today.”
“Me too, Em. I’m never been there without the kids before. It was nice to spend some time there with other adults. And I’m really glad I finally got to spend some time with you.”
“You’ve done such a great job showing me around Florida. When we get to Hawaii for Super Adventure Island, it will be my turn to show you around!”
Emily’s enthusiasm was infectious. Contagious. Buster was actually excited to go to Hawaii. And he doesn’t get excited about anything. The prospect of spending more one on one time with Emily was something that was really enticing. He wanted to get to know her better. He didn’t want this thing to end in Orlando. But the trip to Super Adventure Island in Hawaii was a business trip. Buster had the toughest match of his career coming up on that card and there was no guarantee that he’d win or even be able to get on an airplane after it was over.
Buster pulled up to the front of Emily’s hotel. Eric would be waiting inside the hotel room. So he parked the SUV and killed the engine.
“Thanks for everything today, William. Today was one of the best days ever.”
Emily leaned over the car’s console and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth and then rested her forehead against his for a long moment before she leaned back and flashed him one of her smiles. She was all butterflies and nerves, but she had his attention.
“I… uhhh… you should go check on Eric. Make sure he’s okay. Tell him I asked about him. Ok?”
“I’ll do that, see you tomorrow for Sea World. Text me after you talk to your kids about it and we will get together.”
“For sure. It’s a date. See you then, Emmy.”
Emily grabbed her bags from the back seat of the car and stepped back onto the curb. Buster backed up the vehicle and drove away slowly as Emily entered the lobby of the hotel. She floated through the lobby, waving at the concierge, and heading towards the elevator. She made sure to grab a ginger ale for Eric and a soda for herself. After a successful key card swipe, she spilled into the room with her bags, collapsed on the bed and kicked off her shoes. A couple of deep breaths and excited screams into a pillow, she hopped up to knock on the adjoining door between her room and Eric’s. He stumbled around for a moment, woken up from a deep sleep, then opened up the door with a messy hair do and a half smile.
Emily could hardly contain herself. “Hey you. Just wanted to check on you and make sure you were still alive.” She gave him a one-armed hug and handed him the ginger ale.
“Thanks Emmy. You’re a peach. My head is still throbbing but it’s not as bad. Made the right call coming back so early. The nap helped. The room service was better.”
“Poor guy. Came all this way and you come down with the bubble guts. You’re gonna feel better in no time.” It was just then that Emily realized that she already made plans for Sea World the next day and would have to figure out if Eric was coming with her or if she would be alone with Buster again. She was kind of in a tight spot, but knew what the right thing to do was.
Eric chuckled, “Come on in and tell me how your day went with Buster. I’m sure there’s a lot to tell.
~End of Scene~
