Special thank you to Calypso and Debbiexxx for editing, and to my Muse for this story.
My heart raced, pounding so hard, like a heavy metal band doing a drum solo inside my chest. I vaguely remember hearing the pilot's voice echoing across the loud speaker, "We are coming upon our final destination at McCarran International Airport. The current Las Vegas temperature is a very hot 102 degrees with the high expected to reach a scorching 111. We hope you have enjoyed your flight with us today, and, thank you for flying America West, flight 799."
I quickly grabbed for the compact mirror in my hand bag. I wanted to take one last look at myself and make sure I didn't look as nervous, as I was feeling. Knowing it would be a typical hotter-than-sin day in July, in the Las Vegas desert, I went with the natural look in makeup. With just a touch of light pink cotton candy flavored lip gloss. My cheeks had a nice rosy glow from my summer tan.
I felt a little silly checking myself over again, it wasn't as if I hadn't spent all week planning for this day. I had thought of everything; from the burgundy wine nail polish that graced my fingers and toes to the silver jewelry that accentuated the color of my skin. On my wrist, I wore my lucky silver heart charm bracelet, a plain delicate silver band (ring) on my left thumb, and an amethyst silver ring on my right ring finger, a tiny silver bracelet on my left ankle, with a couple of dainty toe rings to match. You name it, I thought of every last detail, no matter how minute it may have seemed.
"Ari, get a hold of yourself!" I whispered out loud.
I mean, why am I so nervous. Ian is been my best friend, if anyone knows me completely, it is him. We have talked on the phone for hours on end, telling each other more than we have ever told anyone else for more than a year now. I am nervous though. I am about to meet him face to face for the first time. He knows what almost every part of my body looks like. He has seen my face a million times. I can be quite the exhibitionist for him through my pictures.
But, who am I trying to kid, I am nervous as hell. Nothing I tell myself is going to convince me otherwise. “Breathe in... breathe out... this is all you can do, Ari. Another rather large gulp of your Bloody Mary, couldn't hurt either.”
I ran my fingers through my silky brunette curls. Then I sprayed a bit of raspberry scented body spray on the insides of my wrists, nape of my neck and the swell between my breasts. Brushing my hands over my body, making one last final adjustment to my dress. I am ready, I think.
I honestly hope Ian will be pleased with my choice in outfits. I chose a pale pink sundress (his favorite color on me) that came to mid thigh. It definitely revealed a very tantalizing view of my cleavage, not to mention how it clung to my voluptuous curves. It took me weeks of serious searching through the shops in the mall, to find the perfect high-heeled shoes to match. Eventually, I had found a pair of strappy 5-inchers. They looked good on me, but could I actually walk in them? I practiced a little before I left home and managed fine walking to the plane. The visual of tripping right into Ian's arms, both an arousing and embarrassing thought, made me chuckle.
As far as I can see, everything is in place. I look fine, despite my nervousness. Not much I can do now, if I wasn't. Taking one last sip of my watered down Bloody Mary I handed my cup over to the flight attendant to dispose of it. Locking my tray into it's upright position, I casually sit back in my seat with my legs crossed, head resting on the back of the chair. This is it, I could feel the pull of the plane as we get ready to land.
I closed my eyes as we landed, and envisioned Ian's smile. Memories of all the nights we spent together over the last year on Lit, in chat and on the phone, flooded my mind. The silly conversations, bubble baths, and even sometimes coming in appreciation for allowing me to muse for him put a smile on my face. I hoped that in person, we would be just as relaxed around one another as we have been in the virtual realm.
The plane finally came to a complete stop. When the fasten seat belt sign turned off, I unlatched the buckle, leaned down and grabbed my bag from under the seat. Looking at my hands, I realized I was shaking. Mumbling under my breath once again, Ari relax! Just keep saying it, I thought.
