Previously…

Leafing through while working my way to the living room I see a robustly stuffed envelope marked ‘Confidential’. A quick peek at the return address confirms the sender – it read ‘Orlow & Maxwell, LLC’.

A departure from my usual heavy sighs, an extended puff of air expands my cheeks and forces its way through my lips as I dwell on how things had gotten to this point. Glancing up towards the mantel, a picture of two people smiling and so in love glares back at me.

I take a sip of my wine as my eyes glaze over while the memory of our first meeting comes flooding back…

———-

Impeccable. The selection of art, the invited guests and the fluidity of the evening. At the crest of it, the event, this dinner was being hosted at my own gallery. That night was magical, imprinted forever in memory. I later realize it was not because of the art or guests or the fact that it was my gallery hosting. Yes the event was impeccable matched to any standard but magical only upon her appearance.

Hearing my name, I politely ended a somewhat trite conversation. Turning, I see him but hardly remember his name when she came into view. She was stunningly faultless…irreproachable except for the reality of her being with someone.

“My girlfriend, Tina Kennard” he said with flourish.

I smile and reach for her hand clasping it a touch longer than what was worthy a first introduction. I was mesmerized. He asked me a about obtaining a copy of one of the pieces on display eliciting my uncharacteristically delayed response. Eventually, I point him to the artist of interest.

Thankfully, she chose to linger instead of disappearing with him into the crowd. She rested her gaze on the painting directly in view and it’s then I see the earring that has dislodged itself.

I lean in slightly and chuckle “You’ve lost an earring.”

Reaching forward, I free it from her hair and unwittingly inhale her scent. Still intoxicated and frenzied by her essence I somehow manage to inch back and extend my arm, palm open with her fallen ornament resting in it.

Looking up with a hint of a smile she whispers “Oh thank you” seeming breathless. Her fingers surround the object, her slight touch drawing a shallow breath in response. I’m inclined to think she reciprocates this connection although quickly dismiss this impression upon the return of her companion. A reminder she wasn’t within reach – the fleeting connection imagined.

I withdrew myself from the couple albeit without my usual flair before risking sinking deeper into the illusion. With a final glance in her direction, I stammer “Well, uh… enjoy your dinner and visit me – I mean the gallery again soon.”

The dinner gave me a chance to recover from the almost searing encounter. Gracefully, everything settles back to the rhythm of a well choreographed dance. After the meal, we move to the space reserved for drinks before formally sealing the evening. Chastising myself for my perceived illusion and imagined connection earlier, I manage to insinuate myself next to Tina hoping to dispel uncertainty conveyed before. I succeed in rescuing my image with intelligent dialogue. We talk about art but I later steer the topic away from my expertise and inquire as to her profession attempting to learn more about her, denying an obscured need to further my growing attraction.

“I’m a Development Executive at Alphaville” she shared. Tina continued to elaborate on her work and I was impressed with how passionate she became when describing her latest project and how, in turn explicitly animated she was regarding life in LA, politics and even the most general topics surrounding our dialogue. It was clear how self-assured and confident she was stripped of any arrogance. The strength she employed in pursuing desired results was evident and admirable.

I briefly regret and again have to remind myself that she is not available to me. However, I do take a little comfort with the effort of having to push aside these unfulfilled emotions. They were dangerously on the brink of overwhelming me. That of course, was unacceptable – I am after all, in control.

Her companion eventually finds his way in our direction after our rather lengthy discussion. This time I manage to extricate myself from the couple with my usual charming self, extending a professional invitation for a repeat visit resiling from any romantic notions.

Later that evening, after all the guests had left, I walked through the halls as I usually did making sure everything was in order for the following day. The caterers had left and the cleaning crew was expected in the morning. I stroll to the painting Tina and I had stood by during our uninterrupted talk. As I turn to leave an object catches my eye, its familiarity comforting. For the second time that night, I find her earring in the palm of my hand.

I recall being quite nervous making the call to her office leaving me a little unsettled. Message secured with her assistant, I fight the urge to feel deflated not speaking to her directly. Reminded of her obvious involvement with someone, I mark a plain envelope with her name leaving it on my desk should she come to claim it in my absence.

The day’s tasks completed, I briskly walk to my office with the hour approaching seven. I had to hurry if I intended to keep the appointed time with Alice, Dana & Shane for drinks. However, my attention releases any prior thoughts – captivated immediately by the woman standing in the foyer. Tina turned to my approach and smiled warmly mentioning, “I got your message and hope it’s not too late.” The unmistakable breathlessness back in utterance of her hello.

Shaking my head slightly dispelling any notion of impropriety at the lateness of the hour I declare, “So lovely to see you Tina. Although the circumstances a bit odd, I’m glad to welcome you back.” Any and all prior misconceptions of my ability to contain myself regarding this woman dissipate.

I invite her to take the short walk to my office to reclaim the item inadvertently left behind. Taking advantage of this time, we share the events of our day. We reach our destination and tread in comfortable silence. Moving away from the desk, object in hand, I invade her personal space. Plunging into the sea of unfulfilled feelings previously ignored, I find we are mere inches apart.

Not having broken eye contact, my lids close slowly as our lips collide moistly. Needing to confirm acceptance, I pull back restoring some distance between us. Her eyes flutter open to my expectant uncertainty, my breath held amid the pounding I feel in my chest.

She places her hand over the aforementioned source of distress and settles her palm directly above my heart. “It’s all right,” she whispers confidently, “I want this too”. Her lips turn upward revealing a fraction of a smile before returning her lips over mine. Opening her mouth, emboldening me to do the same, she deepens our kiss.

====

My now empty glass touches my lower lip where hers touched that first meeting. I return to the present freeing my thoughts from the memories of that first night. Getting up to collect the opened bottle by the sink, I indulge in just one more glass, intending to leave half its contents. I know I couldn’t carouse all night – I had to be alert for work in the morning.

Wanting to make sure the details have at least been captured correctly during consultation, I sit back resting the red liquid on the coffee table. Tearing open the envelope, its contents spilled onto the waiting surface. Picking up the cover sheet, my eyes focus on the greeting.

‘Ms. Porter,’ it read, ‘As instructed, herewith is the proposed settlement offer for your partner, Tina Kennard’.