We were making steady progress on a bottle of rosé when Biscuit looked up from our Luna Park table and said in a dreamy sort of voice,
“This is just the kind of summer night you want to bottle up and keep forever.”
It was a bit Oliver Twist, but totally sincere and totally on the mark. Last night was perfect. The sky was a shade of blue Crayola has yet to master, a breeze danced our napkins across our laps and kept the temperature just right, and the company was superb. Biscuit had been away so long I’d almost forgotten things. Like how he can make you feel like you’re six years old again, playing in the sprinklers on the front lawn. Or that he always remembers every single thing you’ve ever told him. This makes our conversations trot along at Morse Code-like pace, staccatos of whos and whats – talk that if overheard, would make little sense at all.
“Dating?”
“Negatory.”
“La-ame.”
“Totes.”
After dinner, I babbled while he smoked, leaning against a park monument. I was debating the merits of heading home to do some work when we heard our names being called. Union Square is a big place, but in that big place, two of my very favorite people appeared out of nowhere. And then we were four.
What kismet!
We spent the rest of the evening drinking al fresco and planning winter vacations – Costa Rica, maybe Thailand – spending bonuses we haven’t made yet. Because when the weather turns evil again, I suspect that, no matter how lovely, even our night-in-a-bottle won’t be able to save us.
This night sounds absolutely like a dream! : )
It’s been that way in Baltimore lately too. Cloudless blue sky during the day, that fades into a deep navy at night. The moon has been brilliant.
If only it could (would?) stay this way…
Last night did indeed seem to be one of those nights where everything cosmicly aligned, like the universe was asking us if we wanted to “swing on a star and carry moon beams home in a jar”
Indeed, I would. For now…u make winter vacation plans while i try and make plans for the remainder of August and September cause it’s freaking hott here in Texas and it’s time to send the Naked Cowboy back up to the City.
I absolutely love those moments where you wish you could freeze time so it would never end. Great writing. I could feel the summer breeze dance accross my lap. I am SO not looking forward to winter. Atleast you have your fabulous new coat to look forward to.
here in England the weather has already turned
Heather, what can say?, I am a fan. ever since I chanced upon your blog a year ago, I’ve been hooked. You right really well. You are insightful, incisive, and hip.
I mean “write” really well..
I mean “write” really well..
What a lovely description of a perfect night. Usually it’s the company that makes those evenings…but when the weather complies, it’s even better! As ‘nu’ said above, the weather here hasn’t been great, though last night was gorgeous – I was stuck having to play field hockey against a boys team…not so magical.
Spare prose, yet evocative, lovely…and I was instantly reminded, when talk of ‘but it’s not going to last, and freezing hell is slowly approaching…’ rose up, of Mark Helprin’s ‘Winter’s Tale’.
For those who haven’t read it, I highly recommend you do so. You will never look at NYC in winter the same again, and who knows; it might just provide you with some *hope*.
Sounds very nice.
I’ve spent the past 3+ weeks reading from J to Biscuit… I am in literary lust.
You’ve entertained me beyond words, and I appreciate your blog in more ways than my fingers can type.
Aw, sounds lovely! And I, for one, can’t wait for the weather to “turn evil”!
Phew! If i had a bottle of summer, i`ll use it today!! Chile is chill today.
That sounds perfect. I love nights like that.
And I love feeling like a six year old, playing in the sprinklers.
*sigh* summer is pretty much gone here in England. It’s beginning to rain again and evenings outside force the presence of sweaters or long sleeves.
Chile today, hot tamale?
Dude … rose? You are such a hipster.
Discovered your site by accident when I was supposed to be working (me bad!) but proceeded to spend every waking moment (and subsequent need for a back brace from sitting in front of my computer till 1am every nite) reading your blogs from the very beginning..I’m blown away and feel like I have a new friend; thank you for making me laugh out loud and touching my heart..can never get enough of either in this life!
Oh, how beautiful! It sounds like such a wonderful evening, but I’m sure even your words weren’t able to do it justice!
I just wanted to let you know that I came across your blog by accident and I think that it is great! I look forward to reading more and 2 thumbs up for being a feminist!
Can I ask why you wno longer link Benjamin Wagner? What happened? You used to be such good friends?
And I agree with Mel- you’re blog is great!