He'd palmed the business card countless times, rolling it in his fingers, considering

One side, corporate formality. Name, title, phone and extension. The familiar orange corporate logo.

One the other, what appeared to be an invitation. A neatly penned name, Kurt, and another phone number, in a different area code.

There was little doubt in Blaine's mind -- or at least his imagination -- that Kurt Hummel, home improvement center design department manager, had extended a veiled invitation that stretched well beyond giving him advice on shower tile.

And, oh, his imagination had grown oh so colorful since their meeting a week earlier. The skinny jeans and those remarkable eyes had seared an indelible impression in Blaine's mind, and his plan to merely replace a shower stall had been as good as thrown out the moment Kurt suggested he call him for design advice.

His mind raced.

A double tub? Done. Anything you want. Just promise to share it with me. A steam shower? Of course, but please, help me steam it up.

But he had been unable to will himself to use the number. What if Kurt was just a good salesman with a talent for converting flirtatious banter into an up-sell? 

Then why would he give you his cell phone number, Blaine?

His internal argument continued like this for a week, and always ended with his setting the card aside, to be considered again later.

Enough!

Blaine picked up his phone, and dialed.

"Hello?"

Blaine immediately recognized the sing-song lilt to the voice.

"Um, yes, um, is this Kurt?"

"Yes."

"Um, yes, this is Blaine Anderson. We discussed a possible shower remodel last week ... I'm not sure if you remember me ..."

"Mmm. Vividly. How may I help you?"

Breathe, Blaine.

"Yes, um, hello."

"You already said that."

"Yes, um, well, I was considering what you said about a remodel instead of just replacing the fiberglass stall ..."

"Yes?"

"And I was wondering ..."

"Yes?"

Kurt's voiced sounded teasing and confident, as if he already knew Blaine wanted much more than a consultation, and that he was enjoying every stumble of Blaine's verbal gymnastics.

"... if you would consider a design consult? Oh, I really don't know what I'm doing."

"I doubt that."

"Maybe you could come over and see the space? Or maybe we could discuss it..."

"Over drinks?"

"Um, yes. Drinks. Good. Drinks."

"You're very monosyllabic, Mr. Anderson."

"Please, Blaine."

"Blaine. Blaine, I would love to see the space. I would love to discuss it over drinks. And I would absolutely love to share my ideas with you."

"You already have design ideas for me?"

"Yes, those too."