It had been a long, rough, last shift, but I hadn't minded much; it had become just a part of the blur of rushing home, showering, grabbing packed bags, rushing to the train station, and making my way to my sleeping compartment on the passenger train to Vancouver.
I sat for a moment to catch my breath. I was exhausted yet exhilarated by the thought that I was finally embarking on my 2-week vacation to one of the most beautiful areas imaginable. The rumblings in my stomach reminded me, too, that I hadn't eaten since yesterday morning. Even though I expected the dining car to be seated to capacity this time of morning, I knew I should try eating a little something before settling in for my morning's "night" sleep for a few hours.
Just as I'd anticipated, the dining car was dotted with an occasional open seat at the limited number of dining tables. I stood, next in line, waiting for a table to open, when the dining host approached me, stating that the lone gentleman seated toward the back had offered to share his table. I wanted to refuse; I didn't have the energy to expend being sociable, but my legs ached from standing most of the hours since I'd first punched in at work last night and my stomach was becoming more upset after so long without as much as a cup of coffee. I found myself blurting out, "Why, thank you; yes."
Nervous at the thought of sharing the tiny table, I politely thanked the tall, slender gentleman as I seated myself in the only chair, directly across from him. That apprehension slowly dissipated as I found myself drawn in by his warm demeanor and engaging smile. I ventured that he was about my age, with that salt and pepper hair and beard and just the hint of laugh lines emanating from the corners of his steel blue eyes. His hands...there was just something about his hands that attracted me. Mmmm...yes...I thought to myself as we exchanged pleasantries; he has beautiful hands and arms, something I always notice on a man. Images flashed through my mind of just what those hands could do; in embarrassed response, I avoided eye contact, focusing more on the spoon I fiddled with in my coffee cup and scent of the single red rosebud in the vase in the center of the table.