Forgive me for being absent a few days, but there simply is no time to do anything whatsoever but repack my suitcase, answer emails, make rawther important phone calls, and smell Nick.
Yes, Nick, my PIO — that’s “Person of Interest” — smells so good, I need to smell him whenever possible. I’m glad most of my work requires me to go out of town, because if I had to work around Nick, smelling as good as he does, I would get nothing done. Have you ever tried to write a letter from the editor while sniffing the collar of someone’s t-shirt? Pointless!
Nick has always smelled great. He’s got that wonderful smell of a guy who cares about his laundry. He smells like a person who really scrubs the back of his neck when he takes a shower and he definitely reads the care labels on his clothes. Do you know what I mean? That sort of “this is just who I am” smell is enough to make me kind of woozy, but it’s worse, now, because Nick has become smitten with a certain cologne. This cologne smells great in the bottle but let me tell you: It’s downright criminal on Nick.
The fragrance: Neroli Portofino Acqua by Tom Ford.
It’s hard to describe the scent — scents are tough — but I’ll try. It’s got bergamot going on; it’s got a hint of lemon. It’s musky and dusky. It’s young but not frivolous. It’s smart but not stuffy. When I smell it, I think of a person who takes cool trips and does cool things and is kind to animals. Also, that person knows how to bake scones with currants and when you visit them in their country home for a week in the summer, they know you love them. It goes without saying that this mythical cologne person is rich. Because some colognes just smell expensive, you know? Neroli Portofino Acqua one smells like it has to cost a fortune, but it turns out that a small bottle isn’t terribly expensive at about $100 plus tax. The price surprised me and Nick, too, considering the fancy Tom Ford label and the way it smells like it has gold flecks in it or something.*
Nick and I have been talking a lot about fears and “what comes next” and we had a text message fight yesterday. I never have text message fights but it was a weak moment. We’re sort of at a point — and relationships have all kinds of different points all the time, it’s not just one — where we are either going to kick it up a notch … or not, I guess. The fear of failure, the fear of wasting time, the fear of “what if this” and “what if that” is terrible on thoughtful people. Text message fights may occur from time to time.
We patched it up. Yesterday, he brought me flowers. Today, I smelled his wrist. And you do the next thing.
*For another perfume-inspired reverie, you should definitely read this.
Kathleen
I was sniffing in my mind as I read. There is nothing better than a scent of a “good smelling” man!
Kerry
Awwww. Sometimes arguments are good to clear the air. But then that usually happens when you suppress things until they get blown up out of proportion and you hit boiling point.
With regard to smells – my dad used Old Spice. I really love that smell and I can remember it even now he’s long gone. It’s probably quite “old fashioned” now, but just occasionally I get a waft as someone passes me in the street! My husband has very sensitive skin so he has to be careful. I guess he smells more of Nivea! LOL!
Tammy
Reminds me of a boyfriend I had in high school. He always smelled so good . I don’t know the name of the cologne however when he would give me a hug that scent stayed on my clothes. I can still remember that smell to this day and I’m 60
Sue
I’m 65, it’s gotta be Brut!
Susan Skuda
Ahhhhh…awwwww….mmmmmm!
Sue
I’m wondering how many bottles are going to sell because of this post…
Helen
English Leather
Mary Ann
My husband is 79yrs old and he still uses cologne and body wash that matches the scent. One of many, many reasons I love him dearly.
Joan Huehnerhoff
My man smells good. By the end of the day he smells of diesel, gas, grease and sweat. I wouldn’t have him smelling any other way.
Bob Collis
I have what is probably one of the last remaining bottles of “Jade East”. (Popular in the ’60’s).. Strong stuff! A little goes a long way!
Cari Goode
I’m not big on men wearing cologne…
but if they wear the right one… YOWZA! (and you’re right, it’s nearly impossible not to keep smelling them) enjoy Mary
Wilma Bland
Enjoy! It takes the right combo of man, cologne, and woman to get that WOW factor going. Ten years after my husband passed I still recall the special smell of MY man. The movie was Scent of a Woman —- our side of life we can call it the SMELL of a Man! LOL As for text arguments, once ended I suggest deleting all traces. LOL Just saying.
Barbara
English Leather did it for me years ago. When I wasn’t with him I could smell the scent on my clothes. What a wonderful scent.
Shelly
Oh, yeah! I so get it!
Just a quick ?…wouldn’t a Person of Interest be a POI, instead of a PIO?
Thanks, Mary! Love reading about you and your escapades.