by Mark Stewart
THE RESTAURANT overlooking the beach boasted forty tables. A flickering candle sat in a small glass dish in the middle of each table. Already quite a number of people were seated, making the building appear full.
“My last name is Buxton. I’d like a table for two,” announced James, studying the expression on the young girl’s face hunched over the booking’s computer.
He stood next to Mia, his hand in hers. She noted he looked a little smug.
“Did you ring ahead to reserve a table?” asked the girl. “We’re booked solid tonight.”
“Yes, I did. I specifically requested a table out on the balcony.”
“Yes, I’ve just found your name. Mr. Buxton, please follow me.”
The girl walked the couple across the room to the outside. The warm breeze wafting from the north earlier, abated further, leaving the air hot and not so pleasant.
“I hope the breeze picks up again,” mentioned James soon after the girl walked away. “Outside in the evening air is nice. A breeze will make it more tolerable.” He waited for Mia to sit before sliding onto the chair opposite her.
“I’d have to agree,” replied Mia.
A male bartender walked towards them. Before reaching their table, the verandah floorboards creaked several times.
“Do either of you care to have a free glass of white wine?” he asked.
“Sounds delightful,” said Mia.
“We’ll both have a glass,” ordered James, looking up at the young man.
The lad hurried off, returning in less than a minute carrying a four-year-old bottle of wine. “It’s a house special,” he explained, pouring the drinks.
“Thank you,” said Mia. “I’m sure it’ll taste nice.”
When the lad moved away from the table James raised his glass, looking directly at Mia.
“I propose a toast. To the end of our writer’s block!”
“Goodbye to the blockage.”
Mia heard a clink when her glass banged against James’. She drank a swallow before placing the glass back on the table. Gluing her gaze on James, she smiled. He grinned back before starting to read the menu card.
Mia stared through the glass doors at the interior of the restaurant. The girl had been right. The place looked to be filling fast. Their reservation seemed to be well timed. If James rang any later they’d be sitting on the beach amongst the seagulls sharing a pizza.
James flashed the girl waitress a beckoning expression. She finished taking another couple’s order then walked over. She seemed a little flustered from the heat and stagnant outside air. James was about to comment when she spoke.
“In about thirty minutes when the sun is almost gone the air will feel more comfortable.”
“Thanks for the reassurance,” said James.
“Are you ready to order?”
Mia turned her head away from the people sitting inside the restaurant so she could focus on the girl. “Yes, I’m ready.”
“Please forgive me for leaving, I’ll be right back.”
Mia and James watched her march back inside the restaurant. They saw her disappear into the kitchen only to reappear carrying a small book. Hovering over James, she pushed it under his nose then produced a gold-plated pen.
“I don’t mean to spoil your evening, before taking the order could you please sign my autograph book? My parents won’t believe me when I tell them I met the author of the Kendal Chronicles. I have to confess Fire Games was a great read.”
“Certainly!” exclaimed James. “I’m ecstatic you recognized me.”
“You look exactly the same as your photo in the first book.”
James signed his name on a blank page. Smiling, he returned the book and the pen.
“Thanks,” said the girl. Turning her attention to Mia she continued. “I’ve seen your photo in the book titled Emerald Hill. Can I trouble you for your autograph?”
“Yes of course,” chirped Mia. “The book’s been out for a good eighteen months. When did you buy it?”
“Yesterday,” replied the girl. “I’ve only just started reading the first chapter. So far I love it.”
After the girl took the dinner order she skipped away acting ecstatic at owning another two autographs in her book.
Mia and James devoured a seafood cocktail, shared a lobster dish and drank a latte each for desert.
“I’ve never been to this place,” whispered Mia. “I must have driven past here more than twenty times over the last two years. It’s nice.”
“I’m happy you like it.”
A slow musical tune came through the speaker above their heads. James dropped his napkin onto the table. Standing, he held out his hand.
“Are we leaving so soon?”
“I’m hoping you might like to dance?”
“I thought you said there will be no strings attached to the dinner?”
“I lied,” admitted James.
“Good.”
Mia allowed James to escort her to the small three-metre square dance floor. They swayed in unison to the beat of the song.
“You have lovely eyes,” whispered James. “Your hair feels softer than silk.”
“You’re not getting mushy?” questioned Mia.
“No. I just wanted to give you a compliment.”
“I’ll accept your compliment.” Mia smiled a little. “You’re quite a nice dancer.”
“Thanks for your observation,” remarked James.
He was enjoying the dance. He couldn’t remember the last time he held a young woman in his arms. He didn’t realize how much he’d missed the formal embrace. Being so close to Mia felt wonderful. James breathed in the perfume she dabbed on her neck. It smelt expensive. The breeze finally picked up, wafting the smell of the shampoo she used after her swim into the air. James glanced sideways at her hair. The last of the sun’s rays made several strands sparkle. He smiled inwardly at his thoughts that he always fancied holding the hand of a gorgeous dark-haired woman.
Before James and Mia knew, a second slow song came through the speaker. Mia glanced at the jukebox. Although she couldn’t see anyone near the machine, it seemed to be playing whatever it liked. She frowned, dismissing the mystery. She wanted to enjoy the new song holding James’ hand and leaning her other hand on his shoulder. When she heard the tail end of the third song fading, Mia again looked sideways at the jukebox hoping to discover the person feeding coins into the machine. Not one person approached the jukebox.
Slipping his hands onto Mia’s hips, James waited to hear the start of the next song. He was about to lean forward so he could kiss her when the music commenced. Mia heard the melody, but her eyes were transfixed on James. She longed to taste the man. She prayed the night might go slow. She hoped he felt the same.
James had dated women before. He found they were all the same. He suspected they didn’t want a lasting relationship. He did. Mia wasn’t like those other women. Holding her close he could feel her love. Her magmatism drew him helplessly in. He studied her face. Mia’s eyes were ablaze. James moved closer. The sliver of light between them disappeared. He longed to taste her. He wanted her like he never wanted a woman before. He knew falling in love seemed inevitable, at least on his side. He wanted Mia in his life forever. Somehow, he needed to convey this fact gently and in a most loving way. His no strings attached sentence he said earlier to get her to agree to dinner happened to be a winner; now he wanted more.
Swaying only slightly to the music the couple stood alone in the middle of the dance floor. James could feel Mia’s warm breath brush his cheeks.
James stopped swaying.
He could feel Mia’s hips still moving against his. He saw her lips move slightly apart. Seeing the rising full moon over her shoulder made her two perfectly shaped red lips irresistible. He needed to feel them against his. He applied a gentle pressure to her shoulders. Mia didn’t complain or resist the move.
When the music finished, the jukebox fell silent.
Mia inhaled the manly
smell of James’ aftershave he poured over his face earlier. She closed her eyes waiting for the moment their lips touched. She could feel his warm breath. Slowly and ever so gently the surface of their lips scraped. For a few heartbeats, they hovered, touching and retouching. When the music started, they were locked together. For the first time in his adult life, James felt loved. He didn’t have to try to conjure up a romantic scene between two characters just to keep Amanda Daltry happy. He was living the scene. James wrapped his arms tighter around Mia’s waist. Her cheeks pressed into his. The touching of her skin felt warm, soft, and perfect in every way.
Mia lapped up the loving contact. Later she’d ponder the question could she dare to even think they might have a future together. Right now, at her fingertips she held a man who seemed to want her, to show her love, a kindness, a gentleness she’d never known before. James wasn’t like any bloke she’d ever known. He appeared to be easygoing, thoughtful, caring. Mia could tell he possessed a gentle nature. She pushed all her doubts and questions away. Standing on the dance floor, the moonlight coming through the window, she just wanted to feel his love.
Eventually, the two dancers walked back to their table.
“Do you want to go?” asked Mia before she sat.
James couldn’t comprehend the thought of ending the night. He didn’t want to take his eyes off her. “Yes,” he whispered on a sigh.
Mia swiped her purse from the table, picking out seventy dollars.
“The meal is on me. I invited you, I’ll pay,” insisted James rather firmly.
Placing the small bag under her arm Mia hinted. “I’ll meet you at the main desk. I’d like to go freshen up.”
A few minutes ticked off before they met at the main desk. When Mia approached she flashed James a luring grin. Leaning forward she spoke to the young girl.
“The jukebox played four nice slow songs in a row. I’m wondering who put the money in the slot and picked out the songs?”
“I don’t know the identity of the person,” the girl replied. “What I can tell you is the jukebox hasn’t been able to have a song queue for in excess of two years. The owner of this place rang a technician to have it fixed. The bloke came out, checked the machine, reporting it wasn’t worth it. The jukebox is too old. He relayed the fact he could fix it, however, he recommended to leave it as is. The boss said, provided it still works he’s not going to waste his money.”
“To have four songs played one after the other someone must have picked the next song?” remarked James, leaning over the desktop.
Even though the girl looked a little startled at the comment, she nodded her understanding.
“A group of ladies was seated at the table closest to the jukebox. They must have picked the songs when you were kissing?” she suggested.
“Thanks for clearing up the event,” blurted James. He strolled to the door, yanking it open.
Mia hurried to step outside.
“I’m thinking about a walk along the sand,” hinted James.
“I’ve always loved a walk along a pier,” added Mia. “A nice sea breeze might be blowing across the far end.”
“The pier it is!” exclaimed James, smoothly. He reached out to hold Mia’s hand. While they walked, he watched her looking out across the bay.
The moment they stepped onto the sand, Mia stopped and looked directly at James. “Don’t you think it strange we saw nobody at the Jukebox?”
“I guess so. Maybe the girl doesn’t know the owner of the restaurant paid to have the machine fixed.”
“It could be a solution,” said Mia, thoughtfully.
“I’m not certain there’s a mystery here or not.”
Mia stepped out of her heels. She scooted ahead a few steps, whizzing around in the sand. “We’re writers. We should be thinking about the reason behind why it happened. I’m sure if we do it’ll help kick start our imagination again.”
James reached out, snatching Mia’s high heels. He carried them in his left hand and again slipped his free hand into hers. He led the way towards the pier via the edge of the water. The gentle lap of the minuscule waves brushing the sand sounded inviting. The weather felt warm enough for a swim so Mia dragged James into the water up to his knees.
“I guess the reason for the song queue could have been done in a variety of ways,” whispered James. Navigating around the end of a rock wall, he stepped onto the pier, dragging Mia up.
They walked along the boards in silence, both entertaining themselves in the mystery. At the halfway point when the warm breeze started teasing the ends of Mia’s hair, she stopped. Leaning casually against the wooden railing she looked seductively at James, sighing heavily. James stepped over, pushing his body against hers. Mia leaned in for a kiss.
James responded enthusiastically.
Finally, Mia whispered in his ear. “I don’t care about the jukebox, I’m glad it worked. Our dance followed by the kiss felt amazing.”
James let a grin slip from the corner of his mouth. “I have to confess when we were on the floor I blocked out everything except us. It felt like we were the only ones on the planet.”
Mia gave James a peck on the cheek before walking towards the end of the pier. James quickly caught up, slipping his arm around her waist. He could feel Mia copying his move.
They strolled past a young teenage boy holding a fishing rod. In the bucket, Mia found a small Whiting. By the time they reached the end of the pier, the moon, a massive bright ball looked to be at the highest point in the sky. They whispered to each other, kissed and hugged while a few men fished. Mia and James watched them come and go. Some were lucky in catching fish. Others went home empty handed.
“It sure is nice out here,” mentioned James, leaning against the end railing. “You’re right about the breeze.”
“It’s been a lovely night. I haven’t been out for dinner in a long time.”
“Yes, it’s been an extra special night.”
At around two in the morning, James drove Mia back to the hotel. Somewhere in the garden, a cricket started his noisy singing, searching for a mate.
“I’m not ready to call it a night,” hinted James. “I thought you might like to see out the evening sitting next to the pool, sipping white wine?”
“Even though we’ve already kissed I feel I must stay committed to what I agreed to earlier about no strings attached.”
“Good,” said James. It’s been a very rewarding night. I’ve enjoyed your company immensely.”
“I’ve enjoyed yours too,” replied Mia. “I’m feeling tired all of a sudden. I think it’s time for some sleep.”
James escorted her up the stairs. When they got to Mia’s door she looked at him. He felt a prisoner to the moment.
“Now for the awkward part,” he whispered.
“Why?”
“I have to leave you and walk to my room. Seeing how we still agree on the idea of no strings attached, I’d like to honour what I said. When I look at you, it’s not easy. I have to confess you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
James hesitantly backed away.
“Goodnight,” said Mia.
She opened the door to her room, stepped inside and shut the door. For a few minutes, she stood leaning against the wall staring into the darkness before slowly walking across the floor. Stepping outside onto the small balcony, Mia stared at the mountain directly behind the hotel thinking about the passion in the kisses, wondering if she should cave in and invite James to make love to her. For seven minutes, she stood trying to decide.
Finally, Mia marched to the bar fridge and opened a bottle of wine. She swiped two glasses out of the cupboard before walking to the door. The moment she stepped into the corridor James opened his door. For what seemed like hours they stood gazing at each other.
“You’ve changed into shorts and a light blue shirt,” mentioned Mia, making small talk.
“I wanted to match your blue mini skirt and bare feet,” replied James.
&nbs
p; “I’m wondering what you’d say if I invited you to accompany me to the pool so we can have a wine and talk while watching the dark night sky turn light?”
“I’d say yes,” said James.
The two sat on deck chairs at poolside talking while watching the moon sink in the clear night sky. When the sky started to lighten, James escorted Mia back to her room. Taking the swipe card out of her hand he unlocked the door, pushing it open. Before Mia could take a step he slipped his arm around her waist dragging her in close. Mia searched his eyes. His pupils were dancing as he studied her face.
“A night without strings?” she whispered, smiling seductively.
“I do remember saying something along those lines.”
“I don’t.”
“Come to think of it, I’m not sure if I did actually say those words at all,” whispered James.
“Good. Words have volleyed back and forth between us the entire night. I’m not sure if those particular words were ever spoken.”
James leaned closer.
Mia met him halfway. For a few agonizing seconds, she actually thought he might suggest they make love. If he did she wasn’t sure if she’d be strong enough to say no. More than likely she’d agree. Inwardly she hoped he’d ask.
James kissed Mia for a long time.
She kissed him back.
James wanted above anything else to suggest they make love. He wanted her. He needed her. Mia’s body language told him she felt the same. James loosened his grip to relay a message he respected the woman. He’d discovered hours earlier they both didn’t jump into bed on every date. He must take control of himself. It certainly felt extremely difficult letting the beautiful woman off the hook.
Simultaneously Mia and James pushed each other away, saying goodnight at the same time.
CHAPTER FIVE