Unexpected

Chapter 8

I stood up from the chair and bent down to put the camera back in the protective sling I’d had it in inside my beach bag. As I did so, I felt a firm, but not at all painful, smack on my bottom.

I gasped and spun quickly back to Alex, completely shocked that he had done that. He had a horrified look on his face that suggested that he too was surprised by his behavior. 

He immediately stood up and took a step back from me. “I cannot believe I just did that. I mean, I've always wanted to do that to someone and certainly, your bum was a worthy target, but … I can’t believe I actually did. Please accept my apology, Charlie, I really am terribly sorry. I've clearly had entirely too much to drink, to assault you in such a manner. That was a completely unacceptable thing to do to a lady and I would understand if you’d want me to leave immediately.”

Once the shock wore off and as Alex’s continued his rambling apology, I actually was amused by the entire thing. It was SO, SO unexpected. I managed to hold my laughter in until he finished his apology. But once he’d finished, I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. It wasn't so much the butt smack that was funny, as in certain situation I would have been enraged by such an action; it was more his reaction to it -- he was clearly appalled with himself.

“I’m going to let you off the hook this time. But just know this -- you owe me big time now. And just when you least expect it, I’m going to surprise you with a retaliatory swat of my own.” Alex looked immensely relieved at my laughter, although he still looked somewhat cautiously at me.

“I've been warned, which is more than I did for you. You’re being very fair about this whole situation, which I appreciate.”

“Sweet talk and compliments will get you nowhere -- your ass is getting smacked, whether you like it or not.”

“Duly noted. I will live in fear now.” Alex looked around uncomfortably, his eyes lighting on my camera, which hadn't gotten properly stowed due to his interruption. “That’s a very nice camera, by the way, have you been taking pictures for a long time?”

I laughed. “Excellent change of subject. I got it a few Christmases ago from my parents. I've always had an interest in photography so they surprised me with it. It’s a pretty basic model, but it takes amazing pictures. It doesn't always get a lot of use as I don’t typically haul it to the bars with me or anything -- I usually just use my camera phone there like everyone else -- but there are a lot of situations, like this vacation, where it’s nice to be able to take really good pictures of family and friends. I’d like to take a course at some point so I could get even better. I have a decent eye, but I don’t always have the skill necessary to get the really good shot.” I picked up the camera and put it into its holster so I didn't forget later.

“From our pictures alone, I can tell you’re talented,” he teased.

“Shush. It’s a good hobby, though, it helps me get out of my head which is a problem for me.”

“I have issues with that as well. Perhaps I need to take up photography too.”

“Do you have any other hobbies? What do you typically do in your free time?” 

“I read and watch massive amounts of incredibly dated American programs on tv,” he joked. “The only real hobby I have is riding and I don’t really do that all that much.”

“Have you ridden here? That’s on my list of possible things to do, although I’ll likely end up doing none of those things.”

“I haven’t but that could be fun. Perhaps we could go together some time?”

“Sure, that would be great.” As I’d been abandoned by Maggie, albeit with my blessing, it would be nice to have someone to do some activities with if I wanted. Even if nothing happened at all between us, he was very good company.