To Say “Aloe”
Carlos looks up as a bright purple drink is sat in front of him. “Oh, um, I didn’t order this.”
“I know.” The bartender nods down the bar. “That guy sent it for you.”
Carlos stands and looks down the bar. A large potted plant stood with large leaves. “Uh...that's a plant.” He turns to the bartender, but the bartender was gone, helping someone else. Carlos looks back at the bright drink and picks it up. He slowly approaches the plant and looks at it with curiosity. Upon closer inspection, Carlos discovers it is a Monstera Deliciosa. It’s a beautiful plant. “Well hello there.”
Something moves in the plant and Carlos freezes. “What…?” He moves aside one of the leaves...and jumps back. There is a face in the plant. Not just a face but a whole person. A really cute person. A really cute person whose eyes were the same color as the drink. Well alright then. “Did you send me this?” He holds up the drink. The plant person nods, a light blush spreading across those high and sharp cheekbones. “Okay...Why are you in a plant?”
“I ...wanted to say ‘aloe’?” The person’s voice shocked Carlos to the core. It was much deeper than he had expected. It felt like he could wrap up in that voice and stay warm forever.
Carlos laughs softly at the pun before stupidly blurting “That’s not an aloe plant. It’s a Monstera Deliciosa.”
The person in the plant’s face falls a little before quickly recovering. “I was never any good at botany. Suppose that’s why I went into the tattoo industry with my brother.”
“Oh really?” Then Carlos takes a step back. “Are you going to spend all night in a plant or would you like to sit with me?”
“Oh. Right.” The person climbs out of the plant and stands upright. They’re tall, with a shock of platinum blonde and purple hair. Winding purple tattoos twist down their arms where their sleeves are pushed up to their elbows. Carlos catches himself staring and looks down at the dirty wooden floor.
“I’m Cecil. They/them please.”
“O-oh.” Carlos looks up with a soft smile. “I’m Carlos. Uh..he/him.” Then he clears his throat. “It’s nice to put a name to a face.”
Cecil laughs softly. “Yeah. I’d have to agree.”
“Follow me.” Carlos slowly turns on his heel, moving back to his seat, untouched drink in his hand. Once seated, Carlos turns his attention to Cecil once more. “So what is this?” He gestures to the drink.
“It’s called Purple Haze. Earl’s is the best I’ve ever tasted.” They beam and wave to the bartender, holding up a finger. Another drink was sent down the bar. Another Purple Haze. Cecil catches it easily and trails one long, elegant finger around the rim of the glass before plucking out one of the blackberries. They roll it between their fingers before looking up at Carlos. “So what do you do? You know what I do. It’s only fair.”They look at their now stained fingertips. “If-if you feel comfortable with telling me.”
“I’m a florist actually.” Carlos laughs a little self consciously. “I run a flower shop with some friends.”
“So that’s how you knew the plant wasn’t an aloe?”
“Well yes. Partly. That and aloe plants smell like aloevera, given that’s what it’s made from.” Carlos smiles and raises the glass to his lips, taking a sip. He can feel Cecil’s eyes on him, waiting for a reaction.
The drink is surprisingly less sweet than he expected. It’s based on vodka, that much was obvious, a mix of blackberry and raspberry with a splash of citrus and an underlying hint of- “Mint?”
Cecil’s face lights up. “Yep! It’s Earl’s special touch. Not many people can pick up on that. Very good.”
“I like it. It’s the other end of the spectrum from what I usually drink but it’s good.”
“Let me guess…..Cuffs and Buttons whiskey on the rocks? No. Neat. No. Definitely on the rocks. Correct?”
Carlos watches Cecil argue with themselves before smiling a little. “That’s right. Am I really that easy to read?”
“Well...kinda. You look like a whiskey drinker but sometimes I work in the kitchens on my off nights just because Earl is a friend of mine. I’ve seen you in a few times and while we don’t typically have Cuffs and Buttons, everything you drink is on the rocks.”
“I see.” Carlos laughs again. “Maybe you should go into investigative journalism or something.”
“Nah. I like my work now. It makes people smile and I’m proud of that.”
“I can understand.” Carlos nods. He takes another drink, watching Cecil pushing the blackberry past their lips. He puts the glass down. “So do you typically hide in plants when you send people drinks?”
“Ah…” The blush is back, spreading down their neck and up their ears. Even in the soft lighting, the blush contrasts with their usually pale skin. “Well I don’t usually send people drinks. Actually I don’t ever. You were kind of spur of the moment. I’ve been wanting to for a while but never had to gut to do it until tonight.”
“Am I meeting your fantasy yet?” Carlos raises an eyebrow, rolling the now half full glass between his hands.
He watches Cecil’s eyes widen and their blush darkens. Carlos bites back a laugh. It was really cute.
“I-I- well…. Yes.” They manage to get out.
“That’s good. I’d hate to disappoint such a pretty face.” Carlos smiles, curious just how dark this blush can go. He watches Cecil pull the last blackberry from their drink and offer it to Carlos. Ah. Perfect. Carlos leans forward and wraps his hand around Cecil’s skinny and gives a gentle tug. He leans over a little more, taking the berry from them with his lips. His hands were really soft and smelled like vanilla. Huh. So the blush covered his arms as well. Cute.
I wonder how those hands would feel in my hair. Carlos thinks.
Sitting back, wrist still in hand, Carlos pulls the sharpie from his pocket and uncaps it with his teeth. He then writes his phone number down Cecil’s arm. “There. So we can keep in touch.” He finally lets go and sits upright.
Cecil stared at him in silence for a moment and Carlos is struck with the fear that he went to far. Shitshitshit. But then Cecil smiles a little. “Saves me the trouble of asking later and likely making a fool of myself. I knew you were a smart one”
“Is that so?” Carlos props his chin on his hand.
“Mhm. You look smart.”
“I’m flattered you think so.”
Cecil shrugs and laughs a little. “It’s just the truth.”
Carlos glances up as the bartender announces last call. He downs the rest of the purple drink and looks back at Cecil. “Would it be too soon to ask for a first date?”
“No I don’t think so. What did you have in mind?”
“How about breakfast?” Carlos offers. It’s nearly three thirty at the moment so why not?
“Right now?”
“Sure. Why not?”
“I’d love to.”
“Perfect. I know a place nearby that makes amazing pancakes.” Carlos offers.
“I love pancakes.” Cecil grins. “Lead the way.”
