I
was almost running with my shoulder purse and carryon bag flopping at my side. Grinning apologetically I didn’t slow down
much as we passed the First Nations display area of canoes and carved wooden
totems. Into a busy arrival area I
walked quickly, my eyes searching.
I
saw him. He was gaunt. He’d lost a few pounds – as if he had missed
me too much during our separation. But
he looked so amazing my knees began to buckle.
I felt faint. He was already focused
on me, his green eyes sparking silver.
We ran the few final steps between us, colliding in a hot embrace.
At
first we didn’t say anything – just breathed each other in, melted
together. His scent was my oxygen. He held me up.
“Leena,” the warlock murmured as he
kissed my ear, and then his lips touched my cheek. He drew a sharp breath. “I missed you.”
I
glanced at Alex who was trying to nonchalantly look through the crowd. Some people were staring at us. Owen was truly gorgeously noticeable.
There
were no words from me for a long moment.
My body language told him everything.
“Owen,”
was all I said. He held my hand and
released his embrace, turning to face Alex.
“Good morning, Mr. Valraevan,” he said
politely. His voice was sweet music.
“Hi,
Owen – and please call me Alex,” said my father as he smiled like Elvis. Definitely he was in Vegas mode already.
“I
know you don’t have much time between flights.
It’s great to see you.” Owen spoke to both of us.
“Glad
to see you, too!” Dad answered. “How’s Vancouver
treating you?”
“Alright,”
the warlock shrugged. “Getting some
recording done. I miss everyone at home
though. Looking forward to the poker
tournament? I checked it on the net.”
“Yeah,
it’ll be great! I’d feel better if we
start walking to security right now. We
can get there and then see how much time we have. How about it?” Alex asked.
“Sure,”
he agreed. “Let’s go then.”
“We
don’t have to collect our baggage and transfer it,” I explained. “In the old days we had to pick up baggage –
one time it was lost. Right, Dad?”
I was suddenly talkative, relieved to be
striding down the long blue/green corridor with my two main men. Chrome bars crisscrossed and glistened above
us in a futuristic design. Every few
meters overhead signs indicated “USA Departures” on our way to the
International terminal – a long walk.
“A
couple of years ago our luggage was put on the wrong connecting flight but we
got it back the same night, delivered to our home in Vegas. Hence, the carryon bags at all times now –
as insurance, in addition to our suitcases.” Alex strode purposefully as he
spoke over his shoulder.
Owen
and I lingered a stride behind, holding hands.
He had my carryon although it wasn’t heavy. Always he was a true gentleman.
I
spoke just above a whisper. “How are
you? Everything okay? I’m so happy to see you! Thanks for coming out here.”
“I
wouldn’t miss this chance to see you for the world, love. I missed you more than I can say. I’d love to show you how much.” He squeezed
my hand and his lips curled upward in a sexy smile. Oh my lord, what a hot guy I thought, my
heart thumping into my throat.
He
let go of my hand and pulled me close as we briskly strode along, his arm
encircling my waist. I felt his lips
linger on the side of my forehead as he kissed a spot near my temple. Turning my head toward him as we kept walking
our lips met in a sweet stolen kiss. As
always – one was not enough. We kept up
the pace, kissing as we went along. Down
these corridors only a half dozen people walked far behind us and everyone was
going in the same direction.
We strolled together below chrome and stainless steel
branches, stepping on blue green floors, passed a row of large windows.
Outside on the tarmac various planes with colorful emblems contrasted
with a dark rainy day. Finally we had streams of questions.
“Is
everything okay?” I asked again. “How
are the guys? Are your recording
sessions working out?”
“Everything’s
cool,” he assured as his eyes penetrated mine.
I believed him without a doubt.
“The guys are fine. We recorded a
few songs for the new album. The studio
has different acoustics. I want you to
have a listen soon. How about my place
next week?” he added enthusiastically.
“I’d
love to. I’d love to see your sister,
Junie again soon, too. And your
father. A few times I thought of calling
and paying a visit but…I didn’t know if it was the right thing to do. Has Junie recovered?”
“Yeah,
she has but,” he lowered his voice and spoke, his lips close to my ear, “she
learned so much as a cat. Sense of
smell, sight, hearing. Junie tends to
see the glass half full in any situation.
She has good stories to share.
And you – how is school?
Everything alright with your friends?”
“At
lunch, three days ago my ring acted up again.” I motioned to the deceptively
demure pastel pinky ring.
