I met Katherine on the beach one summer's day. The water was blue, the sky was bluer and the sand was as soft as talcum powder. She had been in the sea for a while and was just walking up the beach to her towel and umbrella. She had her head down and the water was dripping into her eyes. I was so busy watching her but purposely bumped into her. Katherine looked up then and I saw those bright green eyes for the first time. I also noticed at the time what a beautiful body she had.
I apologised and we then went our separate ways. I couldn't get her out of my mind all afternoon. That evening I decided to visit a café that I had been to previously. I had been to this resort a few times over the years as it was relaxing and no-one called on my time. I could get away from everything for a couple of weeks.
I walked into the café and stood there looking for a table. Marcus (the owner) came up and greeted me personally and led me to a table near a window. When I got there, I saw that there was someone else sitting there just looking at the scenery outside. Marcus asked the person if they minded sharing with one of his best customers as it was very busy and he was short of tables.
The customer looked up and I saw that it was the woman I had bumped into at the beach. She smiled and nodded her assent. I thanked her and sat down. Marcus left us with the menu and wine list.
"Hello again, my name is Ken," I opened the conversation.
Hello, my name is Katherine," she replied.
"Well, now that we know each other's names, can I buy you dinner, to make up for that collision today?"
"You don't have to do that, she replied. I should have been watching where I was walking."
"But I want to do this, and I would love to get to know you a little more. I come here nearly every year, but I haven't seen you here before," I replied.
"This is my first time, and I think I will be coming back more often. I really enjoy the beach and the tranquillity," she responded.
The waiter came round and greeted me cordially and asked for our orders. Katherine ordered a half-dozen oysters on the shell and a Lobster Thermidor; followed by a coffee. I also had some oysters and a Spaghetti Marinara. After asking Kate if she enjoyed Red or White Wine, I ordered a bottle of Merlot.
While we waited for our food we had a general conversation about our work and social lives. Kate was a Graphic Designer with a large Company in Melbourne. I told her that I was a Certified Public Accountant and had my own business, also in Melbourne. She was also interested in the same types of music as I was, being a mad jazz fan, along with Rhythm and Blues and she also loved Classical music. She tried to attend as many concerts as possible and was pretty well up on the latest crazes.
Unfortunately, my life was a little more staid. Although I loved the same things, I didn't really follow the trends as thoroughly as she did. She pointed out to me a lot of things that I had missed and told me that I needed to get out more.
"All work makes Ken a dull boy," was her quote.
We ate quietly through our meal, speaking at intervals. At the end of the night, I knew I had to see this lady again. I picked up the tab, ignoring her protests. Then I led her outside.
"Do you feel like a walk along the beach, Katherine?" I asked.
"That would be lovely," she replied.