Removing the cap from my red lipstick and applying a thin coat on my soft lips. Checking my reflection in the bathroom mirror and smiling at the attractive reflection smiling back at me. Running my fingers once more through my long blonde hair, I head downstairs, grab my car keys, and hurriedly make my way to the garage. As the engine kicks over and my car comes to life, my mind drifts back to three days ago, Christmas day. Semela's voluptuous curves, delicate fingers, warm smile, and of course that special sparkle held deep within her dark eyes. My eyes happen to glimpse the time on the radio and I throw it into drive and speed off up the street. Ten minutes later, I anxiously walk into the shop and try my best to disguise my initial shock. In front of me stood Jonathon, the assistant manager. Where is Semela I wonder? I walk into the backroom and find myself alone as I hang my leather coat on the back of the bathroom door. I look at the schedule and sure enough Semela was scheduled to be here.
Jonathon makes his way to the front of the shop and stands quietly observing the customers. Finally he informs me that he would indeed be working this evening. Apparently Semela had called in at the last minute stating she was using a personal day. Referring to my feelings as disappointment would be a gross understatement. Worry also accompanied my new misfortune. It wasn't like Semela to miss work especially last minute. I couldn't help but wonder if perhaps her and her husband had gotten into a fight that morning?
Luckily the shop was buzzing with activity most of the day, keeping my mind involved in my work instead of worrying about Semela. The shop phone rang as I headed out for my break. I quickly answered it, hoping it would be a short call because I was hungry and needed a break. The person requested precise directions to our shop as he was unfamiliar with this part of the town. I gave him the best directions I could offer and after a sarcastic comment he hung up on me. "Can't wait to meet him later in the afternoon," I thought to myself. The phone rang yet again and I answered it immediately thinking it was him again. The caller hung up after I said our required greeting leaving me to listen to the dial tone. I hung up and headed out of the shop to grab some lunch thinking my directions were helpful enough for the gentleman after all.
Slipping my cold fingers into the leather gloves as I walked out of the shop at the end of the day, I started across the parking lot to my car. I certainly am not one for the front parking spots. I prefer to park out in the middle of nowhere, the north 40 as I refer to it. Although I must admit, on cold nights such as this, I wish I had parked in the front spot. Halfway across the parking lot, light splashes over me and I realize a vehicle is behind me. I turn around and the small car stops. Straining to make out the model of the car, they turn their headlights off and I realize it is Semela's car. I walk to the passenger's door and knowing it would be unlocked, I quickly open the door, slide into the seat and close the door. Semela doesn't say a word, just puts it into drive. We drive past my car and leave the parking lot altogether.
After awhile we end up at a nearby park and Semela pulls up alongside the curb and shuts the engine off. I look out into the night, the moon shining brightly. For the first time that evening, I look over at Semela. Oddly enough, I wasn't a bit surprised to see her dressed in a business suit as I had requested before leaving her home that day.
"It was you on the phone wasn't it?"
"I had to see you again," came the reply.
I leaned over and ran my fingers down her cheek, her eyes closing at the feel of the cool leather.
"You took a personal day because of me?"
