I want you.
Really. Interesting. How bad do you want it?
Really, really bad.
Oh yeah. Prove it.
How?
Come to me. Come and see me.
When?
As soon as you can.
That was how it all began, 8 lines of chat and a dare. I was on a flight to London. My life as I knew it was finished, the lover I’d left behind would soon forget me, and as the plane eased it’s way though cream clouds I began to panic.
This is crazy. What am I doing? I think I’ve really lost my mind
I don’t even know this man, really. We’ve never met in reality.
Words on a screen, that’s all I know. Stupid. Stupid!
I put my journal down in my lap and reached in my purse for my compact. After an eight-hour flight I was not looking my best.
“Excuse me.” I interrupted the old woman seated next to me; she rolled her eyes as she swooped the deck of cards of her tray table in a huff. I gave my back to my fellow row companions, hitting knees and tumbling my way with apologies till I made it to the main isle.
*****
I straightened my black stretchy dress with sweaty palms, smoothed back my raven locks with dewdrops of stale airplane water. In the mirror I began practicing my first ‘hello’ as I refreshed my make up.
“Hello.”
Spoken with a raised eyebrow and a devilish grin.
“Hi There!”
Said with a big smile and wide eyes.
“Hey.”
Quiet like with a sly grin and followed up with a schoolgirl smile.
A touch of red lipstick added, I looked at myself for the last time. Everything in place, now I just needed the attitude to go with the look. I gave myself the standard pep talk.
You’re gorgeous; all eyes on you, all men want you.
Look at those big brown fuck me eyes.
That little waist, and those hips that all the boys lust after.
I reached down my low-cut dress and lifted my breasts, pushing them a little more towards center to make them look all the more like irresistible cleavage in my dress that showed all curves.
“Let’s go get him!”
*****
Ping. Static.
“This is your Captain speaking. It’s about 5.12 local time in London. We’ll be touching down shortly, right on schedule. We hope you enjoyed your flight and will choose to fly with us again soon.”
This is it. No going back now. Am I nervous? Yes, definitely yes.
What if he doesn’t show? Then what? I should’ve booked a place.
I tapped my pen nervously on my armrest and much to the dismay of the lady to my side.
Fuck. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.
I reached for a mint in my handbag and did one final make up check, clicking my compact shut, and closing my eyes to try and relax.
*****
“Excuse me, could you… um?”
“Let me guess yours is the pink duffle bag, right?” The fair-haired man offered a warm smile and reached into the overhead compartment.
“Yeah. How’d you know?” I giggled nervously.
“Girly bag for a girly-girl,” He handed me my bag and brushed a few fingers over the top of my hand, “here you go.”
“Thanks.” My gaze wandered. I fell immediately shy and speechless.
“You staying in London long?”
“Uh… I don’t know really.” I slung my bag over my shoulder and again smoothed my dress.
“Adventurous and beautiful as well,” he raked long fingers through fair hair, “perhaps we should share a taxi.”
I laughed. “Well, actually I’m meeting someone.”
“Well next time then.” Said with a wink as he nudged me forward, the line already moving out of the plane.
Side by side we walked as he told me of plans about seeing sights and letting me know where he’d be staying, “You know, just in case.”
“Well, bye then. Hope you have fun.” I waved and offered a glamorous smile.
“Good luck with your someone.”
*****
It was then that it hit me; in the terminal, after going through customs, I realized I had no idea what I’d be looking for. How did you dress? How would I find you in a crowd? We’d only exchanged photos a few times, and photos could be deceiving.
10 minutes passed, then 20. I propped myself up against a dirty white wall and flipped through my address book. At least I had your address. I knew where to find you, but I couldn’t just show up on your doorstep. What would I say?
I decided on making my way to the information booth straight in front of me when a hand covered my eyes and I was filled with a warm familiar tone of voice.
“Looking for someone?” Spoken softly.
“I thought you’d forgotten.” My bag slid off my shoulder onto the carpeted floor.
“How could I ever forget about you?” A chill ran down my spine as those words whispered in my ear.
“Are you gonna let me turn around so I can see you?” I giggled with excitement.
“Mmmm… no, but I’ve brought this for you.” The hand replaced with a plush velvet blindfold, “No peeking.”
I couldn’t see a thing. You wrapped your hand in mine and threw my bag over your shoulder.
“Where are we going?” I stepped carefully onto an escalator and felt us moving downwards.
“Home.”
I still couldn’t believe that you and I were here, face to face at last. I had your hand in mine. Finally there was a physical form to all those letters and chats and phone calls.
*****
My heels crunched pavement as we trekked through what I was guessing to be the car park. With care you helped me into your car, the leather cold against my flesh.
“This is gonna sound weird. I know I can’t see anything, but I feel like I should be driving. Like, where’s the steering wheel?” I heard your low laugh. “I’m happy I finally made it.”
“I’m happy you’re here.”
“Really!”