The door swung open surprisingly easy for its mass. Heavy ornate carvings and scrolling on the solid cherry, the colors of the leaded stained glass muted by the darkness on the other side, a stark contrast to the brightness of the lobby. Stepping through, I hoped my eyes adjusted quickly, not wanting to trip and look like a fool as I made my way towards the bar.
Slipping onto a padded stool, I tried to casually look around, when in reality it felt as if a thousand sand crabs were clawing their way up and down my spine. A million 'what-ifs' raced through my mind, again. I searched the room, peering into the darkened corners, the purposely barely lit booths.
There she was, in a booth on the other side, her back to the wall. Her face lit like a cherub in the flickering candlelight, more beautiful than her picture suggested. I searched her face, her eyes, looking for telltale signs. As I knew she was of me.
We had met innocently enough, neither looking for another, in an online game room. We shared table conversation about this and that, the topic of the day, other players. We found we shared many interests, many hobbies, and many enjoyments. We became friends. Then we became online lovers.
This surprised both of us, as neither had wants nor needs. Both happily married, more or less. But it did happen, to both of our great joy and pleasure. As time progressed, we discovered that not only were we lovers, but that we were in love too. Needs grew. Wants grew. Desires grew, and the passion became overwhelmingly intense. We knew we were heading towards the inevitable, about to enter possibly dangerous territory. Finally, we both agreed, it was time.
We left ourselves many 'outs'. A town unfamiliar to both. This meeting here at the bar, without direct approach. We arranged for many opportunities to call it off. If either of us chickened out, we could just walk out without a word. If either of us decided it was not yet time, we would sit here, content with just talk. I was ready to progress to the next level, all I needed was a sign.
Looking over to her, I was pleased to see her still here, a good sign, as was her nervous smile. I breathed easier, the pins and needles in the barstool retracting noticeably. I smiled back with relief.
Disturbed by a sound, I turned to see the bartender place a snifter of brandy in front of me. He nodded in her direction. I was accepted! I instructed him to deliver a glass of wine to her, my response. He brought it to her, replacing her already empty glass. She smiled in her own relief, knowing my intent to continue.
She drank quickly, our eyes never leaving the other. I sipped my brandy a bit, and then gulped the last half. I watched her drain the last of hers. Was she as nervous as I? Was she still filled with as much desire as I? It was time to find out.
Putting down my empty glass, along with a generous tip, I got up and strolled out the door. My senses so aroused, the brightness of the lobby almost blinding in comparison. I made my way to the elevators, not too fast, not too slow. Not looking back to see if she was still here, following.