In Which the Prince Consort Flirts With Me

The Prince Consort is a charmer. And at his age, a little old to be doing the "need to find myself" act that he's been doing for the three years I've known him. Still, I can't deny that when I first joined the Speechifiers, I checked him out.

I learned that he has been:
- A limo driver.
- A massage therapist.
- An account executive.
- A web sit content author.
- The Prince Consort.

And is still the P.C.

He phoned me today because he wanted my permission to use a quote I'd given him for his web site. He's going to be a motivational speaker. Actually, he is one. He just hasn't gotten paid for it yet.

And when I told him that I was at home today and why, he was all genuine concern. "Listen, is there anything at all I can do for you? Do you have groceries? Do you need a lift some place?"

I was touched but said that I was fine. And I thought, I sure could have used you when I hurt my leg last year.

He said, "I could come over and rub your back for you -"

I headed that off with, "I appreciate the thought but I think rather not."

He said he saw. Then he sighed and said, "We could have had a good time together, you and I", speaking of more than just having the afternoon's pleasure of rubbing my back.

"Oh, I think we could have," I said. "But let's not go down that path, okay?"

I knew exactly where that was going because I'd guided myself down that path in my imagination when I first met him. Before I first became aware that he belongs to the Queen Bee. And the Queen Bee is a genuinely good person, too. But I wouldn't want to get her mad at me. Ever. Plus, I think the Queen Bee has been supporting him financially and emotionally in his quest for the perfect profession. I thought, I can't afford you.

"Ah, Becs," said he. "It could have been grand."

But it wasn't and it won't be. But it was still fun to be flirted with.