Don't Wake Me if I'm Dreaming

by J. E. Chaney

The young man that Jack asked to fetch me another glass hurried by with cleaning supplies, grimacing in disapproval.

  “I don’t know. I thought I recognized him,” I clarified with a poor excuse.

  “You… you thought you recognized Jack? I don’t buy it!” she scoffed, and turned to face me. Her eyes narrowed at mine, seeking the truth, and then her expression softened. Aimee placed her hand affectionately on my arm. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have pressed so hard for this. You tried warning us you weren’t ready, and we didn’t listen. Will you forgive me?” her voice evened as she spoke.

  “No, Aimee, it’s fine. I’m all right, I promise. I was just taken by surprise, I guess.”

  “He’s beautiful isn’t he?” Her face grew dreamy.

  “I don’t think that begins to sum him up. He’s like glorious eye candy.”

  “I tried telling you!”

  We spotted the lady holding the tray of champagne glasses. I swiftly glided us in her direction. She handed me a glass with a lovely smile. “Back so soon?” she asked.

  My finger suggesting she stay put, then chugged the champagne and exchanged it for another glass. “I might just have a serious problem!” I held my hand to my mouth, muffling an airy burp that made my eyes water a little. “Excuse me.”

  “Her AA sponsor is MIA,” Aimee remarked. “What’s a girl to do?”

  The dumbstruck hostess sighed bitterly with repulse as she strode away.

  “Oh, yum that was good!” I breathed, sighing away my distress. “I bet Jack’s impression of me was of pure disgust between my inability to speak, and Gawd how clumsy can one be! He’s probably dashing out the back door as I speak.”

  Aimee opened her mouth to speak. “He…”

  I shook my head. “No. Don’t agree.”

  She smirked, glancing over my shoulder.

  “He’s behind me isn’t he?”

  Her lips pinched together, holding in her smile.

  I turned. “Found her,” I said, holding up my glass as Jack approached us.

  “Is everything okay?” he asked.

  “Everything is perfect.” Aimee smiled.

  “Great. We’re all heading to the dining hall. Would you ladies care to join us for some escargot?”

  “Escargot?” I replied, squeamishly, feeling the champagne unsettle in my stomach.

  “Naw, I have no clue what the list of options entail.” He flashed his beautiful white teeth into a perfect smile. “Escargot’s not so bad.”

  “Ha!” I smiled bleakly with a repulse.

  We followed Jack into the dining hall.

  “He even has a sense of humor,” Aimee muttered as our eyes beamed after him.

  Centered in the dining hall was four, long, draped tables squared together, each cuisine with two chefs wearing tall white chef hats and aprons. It was a sumptuous collection of hors d’oeuvres and other fine finger foods, including escargot. Each table was categorized by different nations associated with Morgan International Enterprise.

  “Holy, man,” Vance gaped, “I’ll need more hands.” He looked at the small plates.

  “Its finger food,” Aimee hushed him, “not a buffet.”

  Without an appetite, I held a plate, daringly pointing at the eel rolls, salted cod fritters, then to the caviar cakes. I stepped aside waiting for my party to collect their food.

  My gaze curiously and discreetly followed Jack. I was still in a slight state of shock and unable to explain to Aimee why I thought I recognized him, or about how we’d already met in my dreams without her telling me I needed a full frontal lobotomy.

  After collecting their plates, the guests headed back into the great hall and continued mingling. I stood, observing the beautiful multitude, occasionally taking a small bite or answering the random questions asked. I noticed Jack’s eyes following me. Not in a creepy way. Almost in a way that suggested he was waiting for an opportunity to converse. An opportunity I was nervous about.

  A short man with a heavy mustache collected the plates, and the hostesses made another round of handing out drinks, avoiding me.

  Noticing the heavy conversations engaged around us, Jack subtly stepped back from the crowd and extended a hooked arm. “Walk with me?” His modulated tone was nothing less than an angel whispering.

  Hesitating only a moment, I glanced back at Aimee, accepting his arm as she nodded approvingly. I half anticipated she would clap with enthusiasm.

  Jack led us down the long hallway lined with exquisite art. It was decorated in elegant gold and red holiday décor.

  “Are you having a nice time?” Jack asked.

  “I am. Thank you. This is a lovely gathering.”

  “I think so. I’ve been fortunate to work with them.”

  “I’m sure they’re all buzzing, wondering how you ended up with a klutz like me stuck to your arm.”

  “I strongly doubt that. You’re a new face in the crowd, a beautiful one at that. Everyone probably thinks I’m lucky.”

  “Thank you.” I blushed.

  We reached a set of glass French doors. Each windowpane was covered in frost, but I could see the doors led to an open veranda.

  “It looks a tad bit frosty out there. Maybe I should grab my coat.” I turned pointing back down the hall.

  Jack unbuttoned his tuxedo jacket. “Here, this should do the trick.”

  I stepped forward, allowing him to drape it over my shoulders. “Thank you, won’t you be cold?”

  “I’ll be fine. Ladies first.” He reached opening the door.

  I pressed my nose into the collar, inhaling the scent of a god. “Good Lord,” I exhaled a whisper.

  “I’m sorry?” he questioned, noticing my breathy mutter.

  I straightened my euphoric expression, pretending I was oblivious of his response. The scent of his fragrance was nothing less than an enticing aphrodisiac.

  “Shall we?” He held the door and followed me outside.

  I didn’t mind the cold breeze until my teeth began chattering, which I forced together to hide it.

  Surrounding us was the spectacular view of twinkle lights carried from the front of the house.

  “There must be a million lights out here,” I mentioned, nervously making conversation. We both looked out at the pool that had tall standing pillars on each corner and side.

  “Imagine the electric bill,” he said, then noticed the chattering of my teeth. “Still cold are you. Allow me to add warmth to the subject.” He rubbed his hands together, heading to a control panel just outside the doors and turned a dial. Nearby, a large copper sculpture emitted flames. “I’ve been here a few times.” He smiled, walking toward the fire.

  “Okay, now that’s just impressive.”

  We held our hands near it for warmth. The dim light from the fire glowed beautifully against his face, and I desperately tried to avoid staring between glances.

  “Is everything about this place not just remarkable? It’s astonishingly beautiful.” I glanced around.

  “They have good taste indeed. The place is worth a ridiculous fortune.”

  “I… I honestly can’t relate.” I shook my head. “I live in an uptown apartment a little larger than this patio.”

  “I’m sure it’s cozy and inviting,” he smiled sincerely. “This place is fascinating. I would be overwhelmed with so much space, though. Could you imagine losing your phone or keys? I prefer simplicity I suppose.”

  “That I can relate to. I’m about as simple as it gets.”

  He smiled at the misinterpretation of my meaning.

  I smirked awkwardly. “My apartment I mean, it’s very simple.” My eyes shied away from his. “So, what sort of recreational activities do you do for fun? Assuming you have some time for fun when not working.” I nervously cued him to change the subject.

  “Fun—I enjoy cross-country bike rides and trail riding when the weather permits. Camping during the summer, and I enjoy rock climbing, boating…about any water sport. During the winter, I ski and play ice
hockey or travel to warmer destinations. I’m not a fan of the cold weather.”

  “Me neither.” I shivered a little.

  “How about you?”

  “Oh, well, I’m not nearly as adventurous. I can honestly say I’ve never tried most of those sports.”

  “I can’t picture your personality to be the sit around and do nothing sort. I’m sure you have an adventurous side?”

  “I run.” Lame response. “I enjoy hiking, trail hiking, swimming. That’s fun.” I tried thinking of anything but fell blank. “I’m sort of drab I guess.” I laughed nervously.

  He looked me over briefly, “I doubt you’re uninteresting…. Your legs are lean and strong, and you have perfect posture suggesting you’re a dancer, ballet I safely assume.” His assumption made us both blush a little. “You enjoy the art of music, you were fascinated watching the pianist, and so I would imagine you perform, or once did. You strategically placed each step outside avoiding the small clusters of snow, so I assume you’re into fashion, and you’re probably wearing very expensive shoes. And I bet at the end of the day, you settle in with a mystery novel and a glass of wine. And if you have a fireplace that would be your preferred lighting and seating area.”

  “Murder…murder mysteries, or anything thought-provoking or along those lines. And either you’re extraordinarily perceptive in a most impressive uncanny way, or Aimee elaborated her sales pitch to the extreme.”

  “She did, but she only mentioned you’re extremely fun, beautiful, adventurous, enjoy the outdoors, not much into partying, smart—very smart, you read mystery novels, that you love to dance, you’re a pianist, enjoy shopping and that you’re a runner. And she mentioned you’re an editor. I think that’s about it. The fireplace was all my idea, though.” He smiled.

  I laughed embarrassedly. “My secrets are revealed. I’m a copy editor for a local paper, nothing fancy.”

  “You’re intelligent.”

  “I wouldn’t say that much.”

  And modest, that’s a quality trait,” he said. “Do you write?”

  “Not much.” I thought of my neglected journal. “I do visual copy editing, headline writing, graphics, layouts, design, that sort of stuff. Nothing fancy.”

  “That sounds interesting, like a lot of work I would imagine. I’ll have to check out your headlines next time I read the morning paper.”

  I smiled embarrassedly, fidgeting with a button on his jacket.

  “Do you travel?” He asked.

  “Not really, actually no, not at all. But I hope to go gallivanting around the world someday. I got my passport a couple years back hoping to start in Greece, maybe Italy. Well, most anywhere in Europe would be phenomenal. I would love to tour the wine countries. I just haven’t done it yet.”

  “Ah, vin.”

  My lip twitched trying to remember my eight-grade French.

  “Wine.”

  “Yes, I enjoy wine, wine tasting. I would love to drink my way through Italy someday.”

  “We have that in common.” His face looked approving. “So you got your passport two years ago and haven’t used it because…?”

  “I… I haven’t wanted to travel alone.” I forced myself from fidgeting.

  “Wise.” He nodded a little.

  “You mentioned you travel?”

  “Uh, yes. Mostly for work, internationally, but I’ve enjoyed exploring parts of Europe and when it’s intolerably cold here, Central or South America.”

  “That sounds amazing. Have you been to Greece or Italy?” I asked.

  “I’ve ventured through parts of Italy a few times on architectural tours, but never Greece.”

  “Favorite place in Italy? I need to start taking notes.” It took serious effort to make eye contact without actually staring. His eyes looked nearly magical watching the reflection of dancing flames, making them sparkle.

  “Maybe Rome, there was a lot to see. I visited the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum, the Coliseum, St. Peter’s Basilica. I was there just nine days and hardly explored a fraction of what I intended. Pompeii was fascinating. I checked out some archaeological sites, visited the House of the Vettii, Temple of Jupiter and Apollo, the House of Loreius Tiberinus, Herculaneum—”

  “Jack that is seriously...people dream of seeing what your eyes have seen. I know whom to ask as a tour guide.” I laughed. “What about wine countries, did you get a chance to explore any?”

  “Sure, I’ve been all over around Verona and Naples. Anyway, if you get the chance, don’t pass it by. I could make some recommendations of places worth visiting.”

  “Did you do a guided tour? I’ve always thought about doing that, taking a bus crammed with eager wine connoisseurs through Italy. I’d probably be safe traveling with a large group.”

  “I traveled with an ex-girlfriend. Her parents are from Naples and Bologna.”

  “Oh… I’m sorry… I don’t know why I assumed. It was rude.” I wished I could unsay my words, along with the evenings other unfortunate mishaps.

  “Don’t apologize. My career got in the way, and that was that. No hard feelings there.”

  “So… can I assume you’re a casual dater now? I mean, with being so work oriented and I’m being rude again. I’m so sorry. I should just stop talking.” I shamefully bit my lip.

  “Absurd, we’re making conversation,” he said, changing his expression briefly. “It takes a tolerant woman to deal with me. Most don’t care to stick around long enough to gain my attention. Well, that sounded arrogant.” He smirked. “It’s not that there was anything wrong with the women I’ve dated, most of them anyway. I just don’t have time for anything heavy, and most seem to be looking for just that, or more than I’m able to offer at this point in life.”

  “Oh,” I said, slightly discouraged. “Maybe you just haven’t found her…the right one for you.”

  I must have caught his tongue because he was silent in thought before responding.

  “Possibly. What about you? Aimee may have mentioned a few times that you’re not seeing anyone at the moment.” His lips twisted portraying a smile.

  “It’s been just over a year and a half.”

  “Just not interested?”

  “Huh, I guess you can say that. However, it seems lately our mutual friends have been rather crafty in their scheming ways.”

  Jack chuckled. “I was surprised to hear your overambitious friend chose educator over insurances sales for her profession.”

  “I know, right? I’m sorry about that. I honestly had no clue. In fact, she called me at work this afternoon hounding me. I thought I had convinced her I wasn’t joining this evening’s festivities.”

  “You were planning to stand me up? I’m wounded!” He playfully placed his hand on his chest. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  I returned the smile. “So where all have you traveled, other than Italy, which sounded fascinating. You mentioned South and Central America.”

  “I’ve been a few places, but oddly, I honestly haven’t explored much of the Continental US, I embarrassingly admit.”

  “Favorite destination?”

  “Destinations, Rio and Costa Rica. You can add Venezuela to that list. Nicest people you’ll ever meet.”

  “Do you go there to relax or explore?”

  “I relax a little, but I’m normally looking for an adventure when planning a vacation. I enjoy spelunking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, diving, you name it.”

  “Wow, you’ve really done it all.”

  He smiled, nodding. “I try living life to the fullest.”

  “I can’t say I’ve tried any of those either.”

  “There’s a first time for everything. I think I’ve almost talked Vance into climbing Auyan Tepui in Venezuela. It’s a national park I’ve wanted to check out for a while now.”

  “I can’t wait until he runs that by his wife.” I held in my laughter.

  “You know, you ladies could join us. I’d go easy on your first few climbs.”

&n
bsp; “Heights.” I inhaled a sharp intake of breath. “Not a fan.”

  “So skydiving is out of the question?” He raised a brow.

  I recognized the tremulous tone of my laughter, and tried collecting myself. “I’m more the two feet on the ground type. Relatively easy hikes are about as adventurous as I brave to be and preferably away from cliffs.” Wanting away from that cowardly discussion, I changed the subject. “So what specifically do you do for the organization?”

  “You really want me to bore you with the details of my profession?”

  “I doubt your profession is boring, considering you’re so committed.”

  “I oversee international accounts and develop legal contracts.”

  “You’re a lawyer?”

  “I am.”

  “Impressive. If you don’t mind explaining, what exactly is M I E? I feel odd being at an organization function in which I know nothing about.”

  “M I E helps import and export businesses expand globally. We research demographic and geographic factors, political, economic, social and cultural market access, distribution, and production. Everything an organization needs to expand globally, and we research the need for the market and make it happen. I develop legal contracts and make sure each organization meets legal operation standards with business permits and that sort of stuff.”

  “And these businesses don’t already have people within their own organization that already do that?”

  “Some organizations do, but there are benefits of using external support. It’s less they have to worry about and more affordable to hire a representative versus creating a department to do the same thing.”

  “That’s, wow, that’s really impressive.”

  “It’s a lot of work, but I enjoy it, and the perks.”

  “And Vance? I guess I’ve never really asked much about his profession, other than knowing he’s an accountant. Rather crappy of me I admit.”

  “He’s in charge of handling financial accounts of our investors and all transactions.”

  “What nations does M I E contract with?”

  “Asia, parts of Africa, Central and South America, and we’re working to expand to Canada.”

  “No wonder the Morgans can afford such a lavishing lifestyle.”