A Heart Within a Dream

Another happy hour out with my coworkers. I had promised that I would join them this time, but as the work day came to an end; I immediately regretted my hesitant agreement to go. After all, I had a full bottle of Chenin Blanc at home, it was chilled and I couldn’t wait to finally open it.

“Of course, Tim walked into my office right as I was trying to exit the pop up! My volume was turned all the way up and you could just see the horror on Tim’s face!” My good friend Joseline was laughing hysterically as she relayed a horrifying moment that had happened earlier that day. Tim’s face still beamed red in embarrassment. “Joseline, inappropriate use of web browsing is against company policy. At least lock your door if you’re going to engage in such filth.”

Joseline couldn’t contain her laughter, “Tim! It was a pop up I swear, something I clicked on in my email! You know I’m constantly a victim of clickbait!” Joseline finished the last of her dirty martini and motioned for the waiter to get a refill. She must have noticed me looking at my watch. “Girl, you got someplace to be? You are looking like you’d rather be somewhere else.”

“You all know I have my routine; I just want to be sure I get home in time to catch my show and then run a nice bath.” I had ordered some new bath bombs, and those bombs were going off tonight. “Val, you have got to be joking. All these fine, single, eligible men around here and you’re trying to go home? Did I mention fine? I will never understand-oh yay!” The waiter had arrived with Joseline’s third martini. She took a nice long sip before finishing what she had to say, “I just don’t understand how you can actually look forward to going home, to no one.”

“Joseline, you don’t have to understand. Peace and quiet reside in my home and I look forward to their presence, they have yet to overstay their welcome.” It was about to be 7 o’clock and time for me to make my way back to my cherished condo.

“Whatever Val, let me guess, you’re about to close out and make your way home?” she licked the rim of her glass and ate the olive that was the only part of the martini left in her glass. “Well, I guess I’ll just have all of the cuties to myself then, Grinko’s doesn’t close until 10 and it’s ladies niggght! Half off of drinks and that’s only if they aren’t free!” She pushed up her girls and made eye contact with a gentleman that had walked past our table twice.

Tim had his eyes closed and was shaking his head, I could tell he also wanted to leave but he of course wouldn’t leave Joseline without making sure she was alright and getting home safely. Tim was in the middle of divorcing his partner, so Joseline thought it was only proper to drag him to every happy hour and be his wing woman. Our waiter Charles had come back and I asked him for the check, this round was on me as I was sure that would make Joseline happy. Though, she wasn’t thrilled that I was calling it a night. As I signed my receipt, I made Joseline promise that she would be at the office on time in the morning, she could only laugh and I knew the third martini had caught up to her. I gave Tim a nod and knowing that Joseline was in good hands, I made my way outside to the valet.

Esperanza, my S class benz, had arrived just in time. I tipped the valet guy a crisp ten-dollar bill, and got into my car as soon as the door was opened for me. With a sigh of relief, I turned on my tunes and headed home. I wasn’t a night out kind of woman any longer; and if I’m honest I don’t think I ever was.

Only one message on my answering machine, confirming my dentist appointment for Friday. Flipping through my mail, I hoped a post card or letter would catch my eye; but only coupons to nearby restaurants and stores where among the bunch. My couch almost seemed to welcome me with open arms as I stepped into my living room and kicked off my heels. Another Tuesday night, and I was turning in early. A hot bath was just what I was yearning for, accompanied with a chilled glass of Chenin Blanc. I was just going to rest my eyes for a moment, but felt…myself..begin to..drift..

The ocean water was crystal clear yet, a pure diamond blue; sparkling around my toes. I was standing on the shore; I felt the rocks beneath my feet. The wind kissed my face and I closed my eyes; feeling myself somewhat blushing, in a sense. Nature was fond of me; I received the warm embrace. Hello Sun, I spoke. I don’t think I’ve ever said a word to the sun, but I was grateful for the warmth she provided me. I looked beyond where the sky met the water, there were boats out that way. Perhaps on a journey to discover the place where the two beautiful scenes collided.

“I was hoping I would run into you again.” Surprisingly I was not startled from the smooth soothing voice behind me. This voice was all too familiar to me, I knew this person. I turned around to see a beautiful man with pensive eyes. I had not seen him before, but I knew him. He was making his way toward me, slowly, as if he was asking permission to get closer. I allowed him to, as I felt myself gleam. I was absolutely stunned by the way his eyes never left mine as he neared me. My spirit felt safe, my heart was calm, but I could feel the excited flutter in my stomach. He pushed my hair out of my face and behind my ear, the way the wind had kissed me had been a bit intense. “You always look so beautiful, but the way you look right now standing here, you are positively radiant. The sun is reflecting off the water into your eyes, beautiful isn’t enough to describe you.” His focused look turned into a smile as he watched me melt before his gaze. I touched his hand as he found his way to my face, he caressed my lip with his thumb. The memories came rushing in then, fond glimpses of us together. Forever laughing in each other’s arms, sweet glances at one another as we walked side by side. I remembered one instance we were walking along the street, so many department and boutique stores to choose from. A gorgeous gown in the window had caught my eye and as I was imagining myself twirling about in this piece, I saw his reflection staring at me. Those soft kind eyes were watching me as I was watching the dress, he was smiling.