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- Herausgeber: Stefan Stevens
- Sprache: Englisch
Amongst the picture-perfect island of love backdrop, an unexpected romance is blossoming … is it all too good to be true?
Lilah’s looking forward to completing her last flight as an air hostess before heading off on holiday. She can’t wait for some precious downtime on Hainan Island and heaps of much-needed rest and relaxation.
But then businessman John gets on her flight and spoils everything … in the nicest possible way.
The funny thing is, neither of them boarded the plane that day with the slightest inkling their paths were about to collide—especially given their previous history when it comes to relationships. And as the sparks start flying and they spend more time together, it becomes pretty clear pretty quickly that the unsuspecting pair are falling for each other. In a big way.
Then fate intervenes. Olivia, John’s colleague, springs a surprise visit on him. Given her ulterior motive for joining him on the Island of Love, she is furious to see how taken he is with this air hostess. Lilah definitely did not feature in Olivia’s plan! And so the trouble starts. Olivia continues to pursue John and is hellbent on bursting his bubble of love—even if it means destroying their careers.
Are Lilah’s feelings for John strong enough to put up with Olivia’s poison?
And how low will Olivia stoop to break up the happy couple?
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023
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My Hainan
The Island of Love
Stefan
Stevens
Copyright © 2021 Stefan Stevens
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Disclaimer
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Cover design: by Aesthetic Adeel (Pakistan)
Editing: by Marni MacRae (USA)
Publisher: Absolute Author Publishing House (USA)
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-64953-739-3
E-book ISBN: 978-1-64953-740-9
1. Romance 2. Adventure
Author website: www.authorstefanstevens.com
Preface
After extensive travelling on the Chinese Island HaiNan, located in the south of China, I realized I have more than ten thousand photos of the island. Sitting down, pondering what to do with all the photos, I bought a map, printed some photos, and built a storyline.
Please download your FREE copy of the magazine from my website www.authorstefanstevens.com or scan the QR code below to directly go to the download page.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty-One
Chapter Fifty-Two
Chapter Fifty-Three
Chapter Fifty-Four
Chapter Fifty-Five
Chapter Fifty-Six
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Chapter Sixty
Chapter Sixty-One
Chapter Sixty-Two
Chapter Sixty-Three
Chapter Sixty-Four
Chapter Sixty-Five
Chapter Sixty-Six
Chapter Sixty-Seven
Chapter Sixty-Eight
Chapter Sixty-Nine
Chapter Seventy
Chapter Seventy-One
Chapter Seventy-Two
Chapter Seventy-Three
Chapter Seventy-Four
Chapter Seventy-Five
Chapter Seventy-Six
Chapter Seventy-Seven
Chapter Seventy-Eight
Chapter Seventy-Nine
Chapter Eighty
Chapter Eighty-One
Chapter Eighty-Two
Chapter Eighty-Three
Chapter Eighty-Four
Chapter Eighty-Five
Chapter Eighty-Six
Chapter Eighty-Seven
Chapter Eighty-Eight
Chapter Eighty-Nine
Chapter Ninety
Chapter Ninety-One
Chapter Ninety-Two
Chapter Ninety-Three
Chapter Ninety-Four
Chapter Ninety-Five
Chapter Ninety-Six
Chapter Ninety-Seven
Chapter Ninety-Eight
Chapter Ninety-Nine
Chapter One Hundred
Chapter One Hundred and One
Chapter One hundred and Two
Chapter One hundred and Three
Chapter One hundred and Four
Chapter One hundred and Five
Chapter One hundred and Six
Chapter One hundred and Seven
Chapter One hundred and Eight
Chapter One hundred and Nine
Chapter One hundred and Ten
Chapter One hundred and Eleven
Chapter One hundred and Twelve
Chapter One hundred and Thirteen
Chapter One hundred and Fourteen
Chapter One
John
Sitting on a plane on the way to Hainan, a promotional video playing on the screens while we ready to take off, I watch as two air hostesses at the airplane entrance welcome everyone on board. I can hear muffled thuds from the back of the plane as the luggage is being loaded in its belly, and it sounds like the engines have started. Some people push past each other to get to their seats, while others load their luggage in the overhead compartments. I’m already seated, ignoring the welcoming video playing on repeat in favor of people watching as we all crush into the metal tube about to take flight.
The air hostesses start walking row to row, ensuring everyone is buckling up and the overhead compartments are closed tight. One of them makes her way to my row to see if I’m strapped in for the flight, and when she looks down at me, her dark eyes freeze, locked onto mine. The world settles into complete silence around us as I catch my breath, lost in the moment, transfixed by something I can’t explain but feel deep in my bones. She breaks the bond, leans forward, and speaks.
“Hi.”
“Hi to you too,” I reply.
“I’m Lilah,” she offers.
“I'm John. Nice to meet you, Lilah.”
She gives me a self-conscious smile and glides away, continuing with her duties as another air hostess shuffles past her. The voice announcements start, followed by the safety demonstration, then the airplane begins to roll back, and I’m trying to grasp onto the feeling I have. My heart is beating much faster than usual, fast enough for me to notice it.
“Cabin crew, please take your seats and prepare for take-off,” the captain announces over the intercom. The drive to the runway and waiting in line to take off from Shanghai airport takes too long. Almost twenty minutes, but finally, the captain announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re clear for take-off.”
With the roar and sudden thrust of the engines it feels like he’s trying to make up for lost time on the runway, pushing the plane to its limits. The take-off is smooth but incredibly swift, forcing our tin canister into a steep climb from the runway to reach altitude. After a few minutes the seatbelt lights turn off and I can stand up to get my iPad from my bag in the overhead compartment.
The in-flight entertainment system is active, and drinks are being served. I'm holding my breath, hoping to see Lilah again. I can’t raise my head to look around without making it too obvious, but I want to see her face again. I want to know if she will have the same expression the second time around.
Soon, it’s time to eat, and I catch a glimpse of Lilah serving meals. I try not to look up to see if she’s looking at me with every row that brings her closer, but concentrating on my e-book is difficult.
Finally, she pushes the cart up to my row.
“John, would you like beef and noodles or chicken and rice?”
After only a moment of looking into her eyes, the whole world around us fades again, and I’m at a loss for words. Entranced.
“I, uh, I don’t know,” I stutter.
I assume she must be good at memorizing names, but I’m still flattered that she remembered mine. She breaks eye contact and leans down, not showing any clear emotion, only a controlled, slight smile, then takes out a meal, places it on a tray, and hands it to me without saying a word, looking into my eyes again. I patiently reach for the tray with one hand, needing to break eye contact to look at what I’m doing to avoid missing the tray and looking like an idiot.
She grins and walks on to the next row.
I wish I knew what this feeling is. I’ve never felt such an instant connection before and I’m not sure if these are normal sensations, but I know I want to feel it again. I want to know her, to sit with her and talk, to hear her voice and stare into her eyes for hours. For a moment I have to pause, sit, and think.
The pilot’s voice breaks into my musing and I realize I must have drifted off into daydreams, my food sitting cold and untouched in front of me. “Ladies and Gentleman. We will be arriving in Hainan at the Haikou MeiLan international airport shortly. The weather is a beautiful twenty-eight degrees Celsius, with a light eastern, tropical breeze. Tomorrow will be a maximum of thirty-four degrees Celsius with clear skies. We thank you for flying with Hainan Airlines and hope to see you again soon. We are starting our final descent now.”
A different hostess removes my tray and continues down the aisle, securing the food cart and checking overhead bins while the passengers click back into their seatbelts. Shortly, the plane lands smoothly on the tarmac and we begin to disembark. I don’t want to leave the airplane. I want to sit here as long as possible, but I know I can’t. I know I have to leave. But how will I make contact with her? I have such a strong pull in my gut to approach her and beg for her number, ask her on a date, or for coffee, anything to simply spend another moment in that perfect sensation she inspires. But the line of passengers moves along and she is nowhere to be seen, though I crane my neck to look in all directions.
She’s gone, and my gut clenches knowing I will likely never see her again.
Stepping out of the jetway and into the airport terminal I see the signs pointing to the baggage claim and head in that direction. Along the concourse stand large, rectangular cardboard cutouts depicting tropical scenes with palm trees, a beach, a person on a lounge chair, and writing at the top. The first one reads, My first time in Hainan, the second reads, My second time in Hainan, and the third one reads, Hainan, my new home! Next to the large images there are WIFI photo printers to print your captured memory, and an idea strikes me. I take my phone out of my pocket and take a screenshot of my WeChat QR code, then walk to the printer and print it. With the paper in hand, I rush over to get my luggage and walk through the arrival doors into the waiting area.
Fifteen minutes later, the flight crew walks out of the same doors with the captain leading the crew. Lilah notices me, and to my surprise, her face lights up in a smile. It looks like she is blushing.
She keeps her professional stride, in line with the other crew members, and looks down for a couple of seconds.
I would love to know what she is thinking, and smile back at her, turning to walk in the same direction as she passes and match her pace. As we approach the next set of doors leading to the outside, I secretly pass the photo I printed. We brush shoulders and the photo exchanges hands. I stop and she exits the airport as I stand watching her walk away, climb into the staff minivan, and drive away into the darkness of the night.
I stand still for a couple of seconds, my work bag with my notes and iPad over one shoulder, suitcase handle in the other hand, and I realize I have to leave too.
On the way to my apartment, I keep refreshing my WeChat to see if she added me, but nothing happens. Back in my apartment, I get ready for bed, but still nothing. Completely disappointed, I try to sleep, though thoughts racing through my head and my tangled nerves keep me tossing and turning. I’m most likely one of many would-be suiters who has done that, and it probably won’t work.
The next morning, after a fitful night, I wake up, and the first thing I do is look at my phone to see if she added me.
Nothing.
I bite the left side of my mouth as it tenses up in disappointment.
With a gloomy cloud muddling my thoughts, I carry on with my day, go to work, and find myself standing in my office in The Form building, looking out over Evergreen Park. My mind is miles away as I stare out at the coconut trees and the ocean in the distance. In the background, there is an ongoing conference call. Four of my colleagues are sitting around the table with their folders, taking notes and exchanging ideas.
“My honest suggestion is take two weeks off, John. It’s been an incredible financial year so far, and from the looks of all the facts we discussed with the Haikou team, it will be the perfect time to relax. We’re going to need you later on when we have all the contracts.”
“Alright, Bill, we’ll get back to you,” I respond and end the call.
Olivia pipes up, adding, “John, Bill is right. We won’t have the final contracts for another week or more. Go spend some time outdoors. Allow Hainan’s beauty to inspire you and recharge for the next leap. We’ve prepared an itinerary for you for the next two weeks. It is nature at its best, with some adventurous activities. You deserve a break!” she encourages, sliding a black leather folder over the table toward me.
My phone vibrates and I pick it up from the table and click on the notification. It’s a contact request. I open it up and smile as the app shows the name “Lilah.”
“Alright, thank you, leave it there on the table and I’ll look at it.”
Everyone closes their folders and leaves the boardroom, but my eyes are focused on my phone screen. With a deep breath, I accept the contact request and open her profile picture. Staring at the photo, I see the beautiful face from yesterday, and my heart starts to pick up its rhythm from a little spurt of excitement and press the button to call.
“Hello, Lilah.”
“Hi, John.”
“I was just thinking about you.”
“What were you thinking?”
“I am glad you added me. I thought you wouldn’t.”
“I did, hesitantly.”
“Are you busy, or can we meet for coffee?”
“Sure, I’d like that.”
“How about Starbucks?” I send a location pin drop and cross my fingers she has free time and will agree.
“One hour?”
My heart does a flip and I agree happily, “See you there!”
I smile, put my phone on the table, and open the folder Olivia left for me. Inside there is a map of Hainan with circles around locations, with numbers in the circles. On the other side of the folder there are photos that look like postcards. I turn the first one over and find a number on the back. “One.” I flip over all the photos to discover each have numbers on the back that match up with those on the map. I can see what Olivia is doing, enticing me to visit these picture-perfect places. Sneaky! She knows me too well. These places look incredible! The last photo is of a black Jeep Wrangler in a basement somewhere. I turn it over to find Olivia’s neat handwriting. The keys are in reception. Everything you will need is already packed for your trip! I smile and look up through the glass walls. On the other side, they’re all standing with smirks on their faces. I close the folder and nod a thank you. They celebrate their victory by clapping hands as I agree to take time off. I’m the only foreigner working in my company. Everyone else is Chinese. Walking out of the boardroom to reception, Alice stands up, handing me the keys. I’m pleasantly surprised at all of the planning that went into this. A real dream team!
Forty-five minutes later, I walk into Starbucks on YuSha road, check the time, and see I’m seven minutes early. I order two lattes and find a comfortable place to sit. When Lilah walks in, she sees me and walks over. I stand up, extending my hand, and her palm meets mine.
“Thank you for meeting me!”
A smile follows with, “Uh huh.”
The server approaches the table as we sit down. “John, your two lattes.”
“Thank you.”
Lilah smiles. “How did you know I’d like a Latte?”
“A lucky guess.”
She’s looking at me, but I can’t place her expression. I’m not sure if she’s bullshitting me or being real, but I know she is here. That’s all that counts.
“Can I get you some sugar or sweetener?
“No, thank you, I don’t drink my coffee with sugar.”
I sit back down and put my hands on the armrests of the chair.
“Do you meet all of your women like this?”
“Saying ‘all of your women’ makes me sound like quite the ladies’ man, though I’m quite the opposite. This is the first time ever meeting someone on a plane and handing my WeChat to her.”
“Uhuh,” she utters in disbelief.
“You look breathtaking today!”
“Thank you. You’re not too bad yourself. What brings you to Haikou?”
“I work in the free-trade zone.”
“That sounds vague. Can you elaborate?”
“The company does imports and exports.”
“I assume you are one of the managers?” she asks as she sips on her coffee.
I smile but don’t respond to the question. “So, what brings you to Haikou?”
We both laugh as I intend to keep the conversation about her.
“How long are you here for?” I ask, wondering at her schedule.
“I don’t know. I haven’t made any plans yet. I thought of staying at home for a day or two before I decide what to do. How long are you here for?”
“I live here now.” I smile, and for a moment, I get lost in her eyes, it feels the same as it had on the plane. in this moment frozen in time, in my mind we are standing in front of a wooden door, holding the handle. We both want to open the door. It feels safe. It feels like an unstoppable, inevitable action that will happen. In that image in my mind we have a playful argument. Mesmerized in each other’s eyes, smiling, I offer, “You first.”
“No, you first.”
“Why me?”
“Because ladies first.”
“That’s unfair; a gentleman always walks in front.”
“Fair comment, but…”
“But…?”
I break my connection, look down at my coffee, take a sip, and look back up at her, taking a chance in asking, “What time can I pick you up for dinner?”
She looks at the time. “How about six o’clock?”
“Perfect.”
We sit starring at each other until the coffee becomes lukewarm. We didn’t drink much of it, but it really doesn’t matter. After two hours since we sat down, we both realize the time and almost simultaneously start gathering our belongings to leave. I open the door for her, and we just grin at each other, then exit and turn to walk to different directions. I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket and pull it out to read, “Thanks for the best and first silent coffee date ever!”
Chapter Two
Lilah
I’m so grateful this is my last flight before my holiday. Lately, things have been chaotic in my life. I need a break—one last flight. I can do this.
I’m standing in the back of the airplane, getting ready for the passengers to arrive. The other hostesses and I chat, drink coffee, and check off checklists. The passengers are starting to board the plane, and it is noisy as usual. I have to put a smile on my face and start my duties, walking down the aisle, row by row, to check that the passengers are safe. Halfway along, I look down at a passenger and I freeze. His ice-blue eyes lock into mine. Gosh! I have never felt this; I’m totally mesmerized. I feel like such an idiot, just staring at this man. I have to do something, so I say, “Hi.” couldn't I have thought of anything else? I’m being dense! After I give him my name, which is clearly shown on my nametag, I feel stupid and have to walk away, but what now? I want to know who this guy is!
As the flight goes on, I’m making mistakes, which isn’t like me at all. I’m not concentrating on my duties and feel like I’m in a daze. This cannot be love at first sight. I need to collect my thoughts. FOCUS. The next time I speak to him, I need to sound collected and professional. I walk up the aisle to his row.
"John, would you like beef and noodles or chicken and rice?"
With his response, I can tell he’s also a little dazzled by my presence, and I enjoy seeing it. Although I have no idea what this attraction is, it will most likely be short-lived because the flight will end in a little over an hour. Then, whatever this is will leave with him.
The flight ends, and he disembarks with the rest of the passengers. Such a pity I didn’t find out who he is. I know I can take a look at the manifest and try and search for him, but it’s a near to impossible task with the limited information we get.
I take my belongings after finalizing all the duties and we disembark the plane in line formation as we always do, the captain leading. As I walk through the final set of doors, something catches my eye and I look up. HE’S HERE! WAITING FOR ME! OH MY WORD! What do I do now? I can’t control my face from blushing and my hands feel sweaty, but I’m grinning from ear to ear, and my cheeks feels like they’ll break if I smile wider. I notice he’s holding a piece of paper in his hand, and he walks toward me. I don’t know if he doesn’t want to make it obvious, but it’s quite clear what he’s doing. I take the paper, shove it into my pocket, and walk off, still smiling. I assume it’s his phone number. In the staff minibus, I hear about it for the whole ride.
"Ooh, Lilah has an admirer."
"Will you contact him?"
"Your smile will wrap around your head if you continue like this."
I have to painfully listen to the comments all the way to the drop-off point. But now, I don’t want to seem too eager, I can’t contact him immediately, and it’s late. I’ll think about it tomorrow.
The next morning I wake up, well rested, and think to myself that this guy is so smooth. I wonder if this is his modus operandi or if this was a spur-of-the-moment way to get me to contact him. Although he can't be a player, he seems too decent for that. I scan his code but don’t press "add contact," I only want to stare into those eyes again! I hold my breath and press the button.
An hour later I walk into Starbucks, nervous as hell but brave enough to meet a stranger. After all, it’s only coffee in public space. It should be safe, right?
I spot him immediately, and his eyes lock onto mine, the connection makes me feel whole. My heart is beating like a hammered drum, the same as on the plane yesterday. I never knew I had a missing piece, but somehow it feels like his presence contributes to me in a way I didn't realize I need to be filled. I can't place it, but it’s fun and flirtatious. It’s diametrical to anything I have ever experienced.
The only question now is what I will wear to dinner. It can't be formal. It can't be too casual or too revealing.
This is my opportunity to explore all my hopes and dreams. I want to see if this exhilarating feeling can get better, because he is fucking handsome! He mesmerizes me every time I see him, and I can’t get enough of it.
Chapter Three
John
I have to send her a message; I don’t know where she lives; I can’t pick her up.
“Hey! Can you please send me your address? I don’t know where to pick you up.”
“Sure, I’ll send a pin drop.”
That’s weird. She sent the location of my residential area to me. I suppose she lives here too! This is really uncanny!
“See you at six.”
I hope I hid my pestering bulge in my pants well. I don’t want to make the wrong impression, she seems classy, and she is gorgeous. She must have an upstanding family. Only the best will suffice for her, but I can’t help myself. I want to caress her body. I want to make it mine!
After navigating to her home, I send her another text. “I’m downstairs, but don’t rush; I’m early.”
I’m not early, I’m on time, but I don’t want her to think I’m rushing her. I drove out from the basement to park at the entrance hall on the ground floor, and a few minutes later she walks out of the entrance of her building. I’m standing next to the car to open the door for her, but I can’t believe my eyes. Her dark hair is light and airy through the summer breeze. Her black satin dress hugs her body like a custom fit. I can’t take my eyes off her! Her high heels complement her outfit, and I am stunned. What a different view, with her hair down, some over her right shoulder, the dark locks covering one breast. Her string of pearls match her earrings, and she holds her hand back in front of her as she walks over to me, lifts her right hand, and with her index finger, lifts my chin to close my mouth. I didn’t even notice my mouth was hanging open.
“Good evening, handsome,” Lilah says.
“Wait, wait, let me open the door for you!” I have to gather my thoughts. I ignore the feeling below my belt and hope she didn’t notice that. If she did, she clearly knows that I’m attracted to her.
“So, where are you taking me, mister?”
“By looking at you, my presumption is correct. Only the best will suffice for you. I’ve reserved a table for us at A Puff. I thought afterward you would perhaps like to go for a walk. It’s beachfront at HaiKou bay, so it is also convenient.”
She doesn’t say much, but she wears a humble smile. Perhaps she didn’t expect my response, but I’m lousy with meeting women. Especially someone who looks the way she does.
We arrive at the restaurant and the hostess seats us. I order some wine for us, and Lilah opts out of starters, but I order salad to start.
“You are the most beautiful women I have ever seen with my own eyes!”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, but thank you.”
Our eyes connect, and we’re back in the trance we find ourselves in every time we look at each other. Although, this time, it's a peaceful, blank stare from both sides, smiles on our faces. I break eye contact because I want to know more about her. I want to hear her voice!
“Please tell me about yourself. I want to know everything about you.”
“I am an air hostess; I live in Haikou, and I’m currently at dinner with you. How about you? Tell me about you.”
I smirk and realize she’s not going to give in easily. I’ll have to drag every piece of information out of her. She’s not volunteering anything.
“I’m having dinner with a beautiful lady, and I also live in Haikou. I don’t have children, and I have never married. Do you have any children, or are you married?”
She giggles. “No children or husband yet, but I do want some one day when I meet the right person for me.”
“What will the right person for you be? Do you have any requirements?”
“I think all of us have some requirements. I would like to meet someone who is handsome, doesn’t struggle financially, and is honest.”
“Is that difficult to find?”
“I’m still single, so that should tell you how rare it is.”
We sit and chat about favorite colors, hobbies, and general things, keeping the conversation light. I don’t want to give her the wrong impression, but I also don’t want to fall into the grey area that could become the friend zone.
After a scrumptious dinner, we walk down to the beach to look at the city lights.
Chapter Four
Lilah
He’s standing outside my apartment building foyer, waiting for me with his car. I’ve never had anyone look at me the way he does, but I play it cool and laugh at myself for closing his mouth. I found it flattering. He clearly likes what he sees, and I absolutely do not mind him looking at me that way, either. Somehow, I’m not surprised he likes luxury cars. This is more the type of person I want to be spending time with. Not like all the other guys trying their luck from time to time. But you can see when a person is trying to be something they are not.
John intrigues me.
He must know that ladies don’t eat much on the first date, because he is considerate in his meal orders. Nothing too strong in flavor, nothing too heavy, the wine is crisp, and the evening is perfect. I want to tell him everything about me. I want to know everything about him. I want this first date awkward phase to be over so that we can get to the real conversations. I do, however, like toying with him. He should work for it.
We walk down to the beach after our meal, and as my feet touch the sand I get lost in my own thoughts, singing to myself in my head. Returning to reality, I realize he’s staring at me with his captivating eyes, smiling.
“Where did you float off to?”
“Shhh! You’re going to make me blush!” I feel so silly for just fading off into dreamland with him standing there looking at me.
“So, it seems we are both on holiday for the next couple of days. I wonder if you would want to join me on my road trip?”
“What are you going to do on your road trip?”
He pulls out a set of pictures from his summer suit jacket’s inner pocket that’s folded over his arm.
“Let’s go and sit over there under the light and I’ll show you.”
We walk over to the concrete stairs and sit right under the lamp pole for light. We’re the only people on the small beach. The air has a slight breeze, and it’s peaceful. I’m in my perfect element. Handsome guy, check. Gentleman, check. Attraction, check. Chemistry, check. He seems financially stable, check. All the major boxes are ticked for the moment, and I don’t want to hear anything that might spoil tonight. But let’s see where it goes.
“Look, every photo has a number at the back. These are the locations I’ve been recommended to visit.”
He pulls a map from another inside jacket pocket and folds it open for me. On the map, there are also numbers. He places the map down on one of the stairs, then places all the pictures face down next to the numbers.
“If you agree to turn these pictures over, I presume you agree to go with me to each of the locations you leave facing up.”
“It sounds fair, but does it mean I can’t turn them back over again?”
“I would like for that to be true, but I won’t force you to do something you’re not comfortable with. So, if you turn all the pictures face down it’s, it’s okay.”
I smile at him and flip the first picture over, then the next, all the way to the end.
Chapter Five
John
We get to the beach and Lilah zones out. I’m not sure where she is or what she’s thinking, but her mind is clearly on something else. By looking at her face and her body language, it seems that she’s in a space of wonderland. Her eyes turn glossy, and her face is calm, at peace, and serious to a certain extent. Her shoulders slowly turn in, and she grips her purse tightly in front of her. Slight motions of rhythm follow. I recognize this moment of trance she finds herself in. It seems to be a beautiful moment of being lost in thought, flowing with emotion. I wish I knew what she’s thinking, but she’s enjoying it, and that’s a beautiful sight.
After I ask her to join me on my trip, she gamely turns each picture over, studying the road trip plan, and I look at her smile as she reaches the last image.
“Have you been to these places before?”
I make a wild assumption she hasn’t either. “I haven’t yet, but with your consent, we’ll see these places together for the first time.”
There’s nothing more beautiful than her smile. I keep looking at her lips and her mysterious eyes, filled with excitement. All the pictures are face up, and we both look at them, then at each other.
“Do you trust me, Lilah?”
A moment of silence passes with a smile and an emergent response. “I do,” she says.
We laugh at the moment because our eyes connect, and then that response. A perfect moment you wish was captured on camera.
“Great! Then it’s time to pack some bags. We leave early tomorrow morning.”
That night when I return home, I sit on my bed, trying to understand how the life that I knew before my flight has changed. These emotions I’m feeling are surreal. She is a stranger to me, but I feel this is right! I feel desired. I feel excited. I feel intrigued.
A day ago, I sat on a flight and got caught by surprise. Today, I spent time with a person I have so much in common with. We both love orange, the lucky number seven, and a temperate climate. We share the same favorite fruit, along with so many other similarities between us. We share the same views on life and moral foundations. We may start writing the things down we don’t have in common. We could, to a certain extent, be copy and paste. How is this possible to meet someone random on a flight and have so many similarities? Culturally, we are from opposite ends of the world, and yet we are strikingly similar.
She is gorgeous, with long dark hair, eyes to get lost in time within, and the most amazing smile. My body reacts to her being in my presence in ways that I have not experienced since my early twenties. Sure, I’ve been in relationships before, but I haven’t even touched her, and I feel such strong energy. The chemistry and the comfort of being with her is unique. I wish I could hold her, take her in my arms and feel her heartbeat against mine. How will I fall asleep tonight?
The alarm goes off the next morning, and it’s time to get ready. I try to complete my morning routine, but today seems a little slower than usual. Making coffee doesn’t feel rushed. Usual events take a little longer because even the toothpaste fell off the toothbrush. I realize I have to focus on the task at hand, as time is going to run out and I will be late. I’m never late.
