The sun dipped below the skyline of Manhattan as my taxi pulled up to the terminal at JFK. I reflected on the symbolism but felt nervous enough not to dwell on it for long. I was to meet you for the first time, my correspondent of long standing. We had been exchanging electronic letters for eighteen months. We had finally talked on the phone and planned this trip without ever meeting. Were we complete fools, or was this the adventure of our lives? I had to travel to Europe for a wine auction in Italy, and your friends had encouraged you to take a vacation from your family responsibilities. No one else knew of the existence of the electronic lovers, because all had been planned with the utmost discretion. I only hoped I would be able to check in before you arrived, we had arranged to sit together but I did not want to be in line with you. I was nervous of others in the terminal knowing one of us and asking questions.
The check in went smoothly, I had arrived so early there was almost no one else in line. While I scanned the terminal I saw you alight from a taxi and struggle with your luggage. I wanted to run and help, but I was afraid of attracting attention. We had agreed to meet innocently on the plane, as if by chance. Your beauty took my breath away, I recognized you from the photos you had sent, but you were so much more radiant. I had to control my urge to run to you and embrace you in welcome. I turned my back and walked to the newsstand so you would not see me.
I had to abide by the rules, but my first sight stunned me. Next to the newsstand was a shop selling scarves, I rushed in and bought you one I felt complimented your coloring. I had to give you a gift even if it wasn't in the plan. The lush silk and bright colors would frame the exquisite face I had just perceived for the first time. The light salmon colored summer dress you were wearing seemed too severe for your beauty. You were so elegant. The dress was expertly tailored and discretely highlighted your shapely legs. It outlined the curves of your hips and breasts, yet I felt it needed a touch of color. I was excited by my purchase and wanted to run and present it to you. Again I knew I must resist and play by the rules.
Now, suddenly, I was nervous about my appearance. I had taken great care in preparing for this trip, packing only my finest suits, shirts, and even the jeans and polo shirts that I felt showed off my tall lean body. I had visited, only the day before, my favorite coiffeur to have my white mane styled to look relaxed but perfectly groomed. I still had a light tan from summer even though it was mid September, and I knew that tan set off my deep blue eyes. But now I worried that since I was nervous I might not have the odor you would find appealing.
I found the men's room and checked my image in the mirrors. All seemed well, but I splashed a bit more Cacharel on my chest and neck. As I buttoned my shirt I laughed at myself, I was acting like a teenager on his first date. I felt as if I were just that. I was rediscovering my emotions and excitement. I became worried again, but this time simply that you were not feeling the same agitation. I decided to allow almost everyone to enter the plane before I presented myself at the gate. That way we would not have to look at each other in the lounge and feign ignorance. I found a quiet corner and immersed myself in business papers while listening for boarding instructions. When the flight was called I returned to the men's room, brushed my teeth and generally checked everything. Yes, I was really nervous. Finally I had to go.
I boarded the jet trying to look confident and relaxed despite the storm raging inside. As I walked to my seat I saw you were already installed for the long flight. You seemed calm, the opposite of my turmoil, and relaxed. I nodded a polite hello as if we were complete strangers, placed my briefcase and jacket in the overhead compartment, put the package with the scarf in the seat back, and sat. I looked around and saw no one paying attention, the plane was far from full. I turned to you, gently took your hand, and said, "I am so thrilled to see you and be with you, I can barely speak. I am so nervous I don't know what to say."
Your grip on my hand became so intense I knew you were feeling the same nervous tension. You answered, "I feel it also, let's just let time help us adjust. It feels so good to touch my phantom writer but we better wait a bit. At least until we are flying." I took a deep breath, sat back, and almost sobbed in relief. My mind was spinning, thinking of the things we had written over the months. The intensity of the relationship had been building and now we were together on a jet to Europe.