Chick Magnet

The other day I met Lio, a veritable chick magnet. Youthful and energetic with limbs a little long for his body, black shaggy hair, sweet brown eyes and an extremely sunny disposition. In fact, when he saw me he couldn’t help jumping up and licking my face. You have caught on I’m talking about a dog by now, I hope. It was love at first sight for me as well, though I’m actually more of a cat person. But such a friendly character in such a quirky body just really made my heart melt.

I stopped to say hello, and then again ten minutes later when we crossed paths at the opposite river bank. Attached on the other end of the leash was Hassan, this I found out the same evening when we ran into each other again on yet another walk. I sat on a bench for a while as usual, and he came to join me. Why not, I was quite happy for a chat and, more importantly, some snuggle time with Lio. Apparently they’d found each other at the dog pound only the day before. No wonder he’s such a friendly dog, I thought. Apart from that though, nothing much to say to Hassan, it turned out. Though that didn’t stop him from asking for my number. I mumbled a friendly apology and was on my way.

Then yesterday, halfway worried about going for my evening walk and how to firmly but politely handle another encounter with Hassan (I’m really terrible at this, despite years of practise), I spotted Lio happily cavorting with another dog and Hassan equally happily…well, I wouldn’t say they’d reached the cavorting stage, but happily chatting with a Blonde. Passing by again on my way back home, I saw the woman put her dog on a leash and start to leave, but not before getting out her mobile phone and taking Hassan’s number. Success! Way to go Lio, I thought.

La Drague

I’d walked past him and smiled vaguely, I think. I smile at everything on legs, by the way, dreadful habit. Two minutes later he’s right next to me again. Excuse me, he says, does it often rain like this in Montpellier? [Insert eyeroll here]. I gave him my best spaced out look, water pouring down my face. Is it raining? I asked.
Aaand exit.