Chapter One: Somewhere I Have Never Traveled
It was dark when I left New York. The early light of Spring fading into a chilly Northeastern night. When I arrived in Paris, it was mid-morning and the sun was shinning brightly. It was one of those bright intense Parisian Spring days that feels like summer in the sun and winter in the shade. The kind they write songs about.
Jean Luc was waiting for me when I cleared security and I was racing to Centre City and a day I had been anticipating for weeks.
"You are quiet this morning monsieur" Jean Luc said. "Jet lag?"
"No Jean Luc, I'm just lost in thought. I'm sorry, how have you been?"
"C'est bon monsieur, tres bon...ca va?"
"Ca va Jean Luc, ca va bien!."
I arrived at the apartment and asked Jean Luc to take my bags up while I strolled to the market. I picked up a baguette, flowers, butter, some eggs, chives and goat cheese. On the way back, I grabbed a nice Cote du Provence and some champagne. I chilled the wine in the freezer while I hopped in the shower and made "breakfast". My mind said morning but my stomach was ready for dinner so I tucked in to my scrambled eggs with goat cheese and chives accompanied by the wine and bread. After I ate, I flopped naked on the bed and was out cold.
I must have slept a while (damn, I wish I could sleep on planes) because it was late when the intercom waked me. I knew who it was of course so I buzzed the gate and opened the door naked with a flower in my hand and a smile on my face. As soon as she rounded the corner on the stairs, she burst out laughing.
"Mon Dieu, airport security has gone too far non?"
I threw the flower at her and snaked my arm around her waist, pulling her close and kissing her very deeply. I broke the kiss to bury my nose in her neck and inhale. I was home at last.
I pulled her inside and backed her up against the door. She reached up to caress my face and said "oh la la, je adore monsieur scruffy", feeling the days old growth on me.
"I did it for you but you know I think it makes me look old" I replied.
"Yes, but this makes up for it Grey Beard" she said grabbing my semi-erect cock. "He still looks young."
"Je t'ame" I said kissing her again.
"Je t'ame" she replied with a smile of anticipation.
Then came the dance. Our dance. I can't even remember when it started but I remember how. It had always been one of my favorite poems but then I met her and suddenly I understood it in a whole new light. The words rang in my ears and I felt it in my gut. Before her it was a skilled verse. After her it is a poem!
I began..."somewhere i have never traveled, gladly beyond"
My fingers traced the alabaster skin of her cheekbone.