Just Another Trip to São Paulo

To those who rediscover the beauty of life

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It was another trip to São Paulo. Ten hours each way, and I did it every month.

As bad as that was, I also flew to Paris and Tokyo six times a year each. Strap a plane to my butt and live the dream.

I shouldn't complain. I was always in first class and I didn't have to use my personal upgrades for it. The company booked me in that class.

I was the COO (chief operating officer) of a large multinational corporation with multiple business lines. We were headquartered in Texas, but had other major centers in--surprise--São Paulo, Paris and Tokyo.

In a lot of companies, the COO would hide behind a desk and make the hired help travel. I insisted on seeing with my own eyes and asking the right questions. Early on I got terribly frustrated when a low-level employee would report on a key meeting. I always wanted to know the things they never thought to ask.

Almost all my travel was on Delta, for two reasons. First, I was a million miler with Delta before I took that job, and I later crossed two million. I also preferred Delta.

When one flies internationally this much and usually on the same flight, one often encounters the same crews. Some more than others.

On recent flights to São Paulo, I had the same flight attendant in first class. Gabriela. I always looked forward to seeing her. She was obviously Brazilian, with a gorgeous complexion that made me want to stare.

The only reason she was on my recent flights was I waited to schedule my trip until she texted me her flight assignments for the upcoming month.

That special arrangement began three months earlier, but this trip was different from all the others.

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Three months ago

Back then, I was on a Delta flight to São Paulo and recognized Gabriela as a flight attendant I had seen a couple of times. I didn't know her name then, but as soon as we boarded she came and offered me something to drink while we waited for the main cabin to board.

I glanced at her name.

"Thank you Gabriela. I'd like a sparkling water."

When she brought me the drink, I spoke to her again. "I think you were on my flight last month to São Paulo. I fly there every month."

"That's my regular route, because of my language skills."

"I'm impressed."

Then she was off, to talk to another passenger.

Eventually she worked her way back to me.

"So Gabriela, tell me about those language skills."

"I was born in Brazil, but my father was an American. Mom wanted to speak English better, so I was raised speaking English."

"Nice. Almost no accent."

One has to be patient. Taking a flight attendant out to dinner takes several conversations spread out over the flight. I hadn't tried in years, but that's another story.

Eventually, I asked whether she knew São Paulo well.

"No one knows São Paulo well. It's too big. But I know some nice places, nice restaurants. Would you like a tip?"

"Sure."

Another wait. Patience is not my greatest strength.

After a few minutes she came back. "I wrote a couple on this napkin. Of course I don't know where you're staying."

"I'm at the Tivoli Mofarrej."

"That's nice. I'm not sure what's good in that area."

"Would you like to join me for dinner and help me find a nice place to eat."

"I'll be back in a minute."

About a half hour later, she stopped by again.

"May I get you anything else, Mr. Oscarson?"

As she asked, she put a napkin down in front of me. It had writing on it.

"How about a ginger ale?"

"Perfect, I'll be right back."

I looked at the napkin.

Call me later (her number, a USA number)

I'd love to have dinner with you.

Have to be careful while on duty!

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I checked into my hotel. I stayed there every month and usually had the same room, a deluxe plus room with a king bed and a city view. My assistant takes care of the booking, of course, but she knows what I want.

I waited another half hour and called Gabriela.

"Hi, Gabriela. This is Bill Oscarson."

"I'm so glad you called! I'm sure you understand airlines have policies. Well, perhaps not firm policies, just a clear understanding of preferences. Plus, the crews tend to gossip a lot."

"I understand completely. I thought it would be fun to have dinner with a local. Did you grow up here in Brazil?"

"Yeah, here in São Paulo."

"Do your parents still live here?"

"My father died, but ironically, my mother lives in Florida, now."

"I'm sure we'll have a lot to talk about. My hotel has a wonderful restaurant, called Seen. Would you like to join me for dinner there?

"That would be nice. By the way, I've noticed you on two or three flights before. It's nice to see a familiar face, isn't it?"

"Agreed. Especially someone with a great smile."

"What time should I arrive there and where?"

"Would 7:30 in the hotel lobby work for you?"

"That's perfect."

"I know your selection of clothes is limited when you fly, but this place is kind of a business casual or even business dress restaurant."

"I come prepared. I'll see you then, Bill."

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That was how we met. Gabriela arrived wearing a short black skirt and an ivory blouse. Silk, possibly. She was far prettier than in her uniform, and she was wearing her hair down.

We had a wonderful dinner together. I love dining in Brazil. Not only is the food good, but it's inexpensive. I ordered a beef tenderloin that was fabulous and it cost $27 USD.

Gabriela and I had fun talking and got to know each other. Afterwards, she thought she knew of a place nearby where we could dance, and she walked over to ask the concierge to be sure.

I wasn't certain about the idea of dancing, and told Gabriela of my hesitation.

"Oh, this isn't Brazilian dancing, I wouldn't do that to you. This is an elegant place where we can dance slow, with you holding me in your arms."

"I can do that."

We had a great time, and I held her close.

"Why are you single, Bill?"

"Up until five years ago, I was happily married. Then my oldest daughter walked in on her mother, who was on her hands and knees getting drilled by her yoga instructor."

"Oh, no! I'm so sorry."

"Since you asked, how is it possible you're single?"

"I've never met the right man."

"Do you mind me asking how old you are?"

"I'd mind if you were a random stranger, but I'm 31. How about you?"

"I'm 51. Three kids. I live in University Park, on the north side of Dallas."

"Bill, I'd like to see you again."

"On the plane?"

She was laughing. "No, like this. This has been a fun first date. This was a date, wasn't it?"

"It was a wonderful first date, although I feel bad I didn't pick you up and open the car door for you."

"You fly once a month?"

"I also fly six times a year to Tokyo and six times to Paris."

"Ouch.. What do you do?"

"I'm the chief operating officer of a large multinational company, a holding company. When the CEO offered me the job six years ago, I told him I would accept his offer only if I got out to kick the tires myself. I can't get the information I want any other way. To his credit, the CEO insisted on footing the bill for first class, even on international flights."

"I always thought you were upgrading. I knew you were a 2 million miler. It takes an iron butt to achieve that."

"How can I know which flight you'll be on?"

"Easy. I go online and pick my flights. That's done by seniority. Once I know my schedule, I'll email it to you."

"How long are you here on layover this trip?"

"I fly out the day after tomorrow."

"Gabriela, I'll be in meetings all day tomorrow. I'm going to give you my card, and I'll write my personal email and my mobile number on the back. Please let me know the instant you know your schedule for next month. I'll fly in a day earlier so we can spend a full day together."

"I'd love to do that, and to see you again."

"What hotel are you staying in?"

"It's the Ibis, by the airport."

"That taxi ride must have been expensive---I'm so sorry. Let me get you a private car to take you back tonight."

We had been sitting on a bench outside, but we went into the hotel lobby and I asked the concierge to arrange a private car for Gabriela to take her to the Airport Ibis, and to bill it to my room.

She put her arms around my neck.

"I need to tell you something, Bill. Most men would have tried to get me into bed tonight. You're not like most men. I like that. I'd love to keep in touch. Will you call me? At least email or text?"

"I will. You have my word. Let's sit here in the lobby and wait for that car. ... A random question, Gabriela. What's your favorite color?"

"Green. Not a light green, but something like a hunter green."

When the car came, I walked her out to it and she kissed me on the cheek.

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I sent her a text a few days later.

I've been thinking about you.

Her reply came back almost immediately.

"I've thought about you every day since last week."

"I'm leaving for Paris tomorrow. Too bad you won't be on the flight."

"You probably have a Paris babe."

"Gabriela, I would never do that to you. Not after my wife cheated on me."

"I'm so sorry! That was thoughtless of me. I tried to make a joke without thinking. Please forgive me."

"No worries. I've stuck my foot in my mouth many times, but Gabriela, I'm a one-woman guy. However, I'll try to be less sensitive about a joke like that."

The next day I got her schedule. I picked the dates I wanted for our meetings, and asked my assistant to get my tickets, but one day earlier than normal.

I texted Gabriela and gave her the date I would be flying.

"I'll have the entire next day free to spend with you, if you want to."

"FABULOSO!!!!"

A few days later I texted her.

"This may be too forward of me, but the room I always stay in can be made up with two twin beds. Would you like to stay with me?"

"That is sweet of you. I accept your offer."

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For the next two months, that's the routine we followed. Because I was scheduling my meetings to begin the day Gabriela was flying out, we got to spend a lot of time together. She took me to a lot of fun places and activities, things I never would have experienced on my own.

That second month was our third "date," and our relationship changed. We had gone to dinner at a restaurant a few blocks from the hotel. As we walked back, we were holding hands, when suddenly she stopped, stepped in front of me and kissed me.

I was startled and didn't react right away, so she pulled back, fearing she had offended me. She started to apologize, but I cut her off by kissing her. Her tongue touched mine tentatively, and soon our tongues were dancing! It was a long, hot kiss.

When we came up for air we both laughed and touched our foreheads together.

"Bill, you have no idea how long I've wanted you to kiss me. I finally decided to take a chance. Was that ok?"

"The kiss? I would say far better than ok."

"I mean was it ok I kissed you?"

I was laughing. "I knew what you meant. Thank you for taking the initiative."

We walked back to the hotel and took the elevator up to our room.

"Bill, come sit on the sofa and talk to me. ... What do you want from our relationship? Where do you see it leading?"

"I love spending time with you."

"I feel the same. I always look forward to this, but I'm unclear what you want long term."

"Not to be difficult, but would you mind answering that first? One of my worries from the beginning has been our age difference. I see my age as a problem for you, whether you perceive it or not. So what is it you want long term? What would be your ideal future in our relationship?"

"Ok, I'll go first, but I'm going to be direct. My ideal future with you would be marriage, and I'd like to have children. I don't know whether that works for you, but you need to understand, your age is a complete non-issue for me."

"Well then, there's something I've wanted to say, but I've held back out of fear, I suppose.

"I love you. I was falling in love with you on our first date, and maybe we should have had this talk earlier.

"I keep finding reasons why this shouldn't work, though, but I'm in love with you. I was scared to death to tell you I hoped we would marry someday. I thought it might scare you away. That's why I wanted you to go first."

She put her head on my shoulder. Finally she spoke.

"Bill, I love you. I've never met anyone like you. You're all I have wanted to find in a husband and a father of my children, but I noticed you haven't answered that part."

"My children are adults. Two are married. The oldest, Holly, has two children. I've raised one family. However, there is no way I can love you this much and not want to have children together."

"Then may I make a suggestion?"

"Please."

"Next month, go back to having a king bed in this room. I want to make love with you, if you're ready for that. If you aren't ready, please be honest with me. I can wait."

I kissed her. It was another deep and wet kiss.

"When you pack your flight bag next time, is there room for lingerie?"

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That was one of the reasons this trip was different. This was that next time, and I think Gabriela was as nervous as I. She kept looking up and our eyes met, then she smiled one of those Cheshire cat smiles and looked away. I was probably doing the same thing.

That night promised to be different from others we had spent together.

Just then Gabriela approached me. "Mr. Oscarson, is there anything I can get you?"

"I'd love a sparkling water, please."

"I'll be right back." With that, she put a napkin down in front of me.

Bill:

I'm so hot for you I can barely concentrate. Do you want to join the mile high club? Terrible idea. I'd get fired for sure. Can we skip dinner and do room service later?"

G

I was laughing when she reappeared with my drink.

I gave her a big smile.

We were soon in the back seat of my private car, holding hands, but the tension was palpable. She glanced over at me, blushed, and looked down with a big smile.

I leaned over and whispered in her ear. "What position do you want for the first time I enter you?"

She turned her head and whispered in my ear: "You know you're killing me? I'm so out of control hot for you!"

I put my hand on her leg. I glanced over at her and she had her eyes closed and her mouth open. I slowly slid my hand between her legs. I heard a soft moan. I was having fun.

We checked in and got on the elevator. Unfortunately, the bellhop was on the elevator with us. I gave him a big tip when he carried our bags into the room.

We were alone and the bed was big.

We looked at each other and started laughing. We met midway, hugging.

"Do you feel awkward?"

"This is all I've thought about since last month. I've been so distracted, I gave someone one of those little bottles of wine, but he had asked for an apple juice."

I kissed her. She moaned and moved closer. It was a long kiss and I was hard already. She glanced down.

"Someone likes me."

"He's a terrible extrovert. Can't hide his feelings worth a damn. Terrible poker player."

She was laughing.

"I'm glad. It's nice to know I'm appreciated."

"Gabriela, I want to tell you something. When I was younger, I would have bedded someone like you on our first date, or at least tried. As I've gotten older, I'm more aware of how wrong it is to treat a woman is a shallow manner. I didn't want to do anything inappropriate because of how wonderful you are, and how I feel about you. However, after my wife cheated on me, I've been gun shy, wondering whether I could trust someone again."

"Do you trust me?"

"I do, but please understand, I trusted her too."

She thought about that for several seconds.

"I don't know if there's a satisfying answer to that. All I know is this. If you open your heart to me, you

will

be vulnerable. But I'll be opening mine as well, with equal vulnerability. The only answer is to choose to trust. Either that or live alone and lonely."

"That's how I felt until I met you. I mean, I was willing to be alone. Then I saw you and somehow knew I needed to get to know you."

"I felt the same spark, something I've never felt in ten years of flying."

We kissed again. It grew passionate and ended due to severe oxygen depletion.

"Bill, go take a shower. I'll go after you and I'll be in there a little longer. I want to look very sexy for you tonight."

I showered and came out wearing a hotel robe. Gabriela kissed me on the lips, slipped a little tongue, and then swatted me on the butt.

"Would you dim the lights and turn down the bed? When I come out, I want you to make love to me."

I turned out the lights. The city lights provided a romantic feeling. I turned down the bed. We each had three pillows. Funny thing to notice.

I heard the light switch in the bathroom and Gabriela stepped out. My mouth was open and I stared.

"I wanted to pick something you'd like for our first time."

She was wearing a black lace bra and thong set, with pull-up black stockings.

I walked to her and we hugged. My hand was on her ass. It was incredible to feel those curves and that taut flesh.

We kissed briefly, but Gabriela pushed the robe off my shoulders, dropping it to the floor. She reached down and held me in her hand.

"Oh, Bill, I've wanted this since the first time I felt it when we danced."

She kissed my neck, my collarbone, a nipple and then knelt between my feet. She was still holding me, but now looked up into my eyes.

"I want this."

She licked me, then slowly took me in her mouth. I was losing my balance and had to shift my feet apart a little.

I moaned and put my hand on her head.

"Ohhh, Gabriela! ... Ohhh!"

I was losing it rapidly.

She stood and kissed me.

"I want your first load inside me, and I'm going to make you explode."

I scooped her up and carried her to the bed and got in with her.

"Baby, you are the most beautiful woman I've ever known."

We kissed again. I wanted to light her fire.

I kissed her neck and shoulders, caressed her breasts, traced the skin around her bra with my tongue.

It was a front-close bra, so I unfastened it, unwrapping her breasts, delightfully dark in color.

I feasted on her breasts as she moaned, and traced a slow spiral around a dusky nipple, then seized it gently between my teeth. Sucking on that nipple produced a gasp, as did the other. She was panting, gently pushing my head lower.

Good. That's where I wanted to be.

I kissed her body everywhere I could reach, slowly moving past her ribs, her tummy, her navel. She often cried out softly or moaned.

I moved down and kissed her thighs, stopping to suck on a tender spot of flesh until I left a mark.

She moaned louder.

I looked at her beautiful lips, the landing strip above, the pink flesh within. She writhed beneath me as I tasted, kissed, and licked.

"Ohhh Bill! ... so good!"

I pushed a finger slowly inside, reached for her G-spot and rubbed.

Her head jerked back and her muscles fired as an orgasm washed through her.

"Ohh, ohh, ohh ... Oh Bill!"

As I held her hips, waiting for her to return to earth, she was panting. She opened her eyes, and I pounced. I licked her clit gently, over and over, then softly sucked it between my lips, holding it there as my tongue continued massaging it.