Derek was in San Francisco for convention. Even though he had retired, he was still active in the industry society. And he loved being in the City by the Bay. He spent many vacations there with his wife; but now she was gone, and the kids grown. Sometimes he felt alone, but his friends in the society were good company.
He was an unassuming man, but carried himself with a certain pride that bordered on arrogance, so he was careful to be extra friendly among strangers. He had grey hair and dark eyes, and a smile that made his demeanor seem open and friendly.
When he checked into the hotel, he noticed that there were an unusual number of tall, thin, stunningly beautiful women around; in the lobby, in the bar, and by the pool. He did not recall this much beauty on his previous trips, but then again, on this trip he was alone and more outwardly focused. It was not until he read the hotel schedule that he realized that a charity fashion show was occurring that night, and he was in the presence of such beauty for the event.
Since the conference did not start until the following day, and he had arrived earlier than his friends and former colleagues, he thought that a charity fashion show might be a good, relaxing event to attend. Little did he know what would become of his evening, and relaxing was not on the agenda.
He found his hotel room, cleaned up from his travels, and donned his business suit thinking that black tie would be appropriate. The dark suit and grey hair made him look like a distinguished gentleman. He smiled at himself in the mirror, and then made his way to the elevator to head downstairs to have a drink in the bar before the event began.
"Hold the door, please" came a cry out from down the hall. Startled out of his own little world, Derek hesitated at first; and then flung his hand into the closing door just in time to catch it and smashing his knuckles in the process. Gripping his aching hand, his jaw dropped when a gorgeous, tall, thin brunet came through the elevator door. She wore a short, golden colored gown that showed off her long legs.
"Are you ok?" she asked. "I saw your fingers get caught in the door."
Derek was still speechless, partly from the pain in his hand, and partly because he was in the presence of such beauty. "Please let me see it" she asked. Derek held out his hand, and she took it in hers. Her long fingers caressed his aching hand.
At this point, he was putty in her hands, so to speak. With some effort, he was able to manage to speak. "I think I will be alright, Miss."
The doors of the elevator opened, and she stepped out and walked briskly toward to the convention hall. Looking back, she said "I am sorry to have to run, but I am late for make up." Derek realized then that she was a model in the show. He chuckled thinking to himself that he just was holding hands with a beautiful young model. Too bad he was in pain while doing so.
Derek ordered a drink at the bar and thought of the events that just happened. Who was this young lady? She was of such beauty and such poise, yet caring and concerned. His recollections of women of admirable beauty were, well, difficult and unapproachable. He finished his drink and made his way to the fashion show.
The crowd was gathering in the hall. The music was pulsing, the light show had begun, and the Master of Ceremonies was ready to start the introductions. He found a chair near a couple of well-dressed middle aged women that gave him the snub when he tried to be friendly. Well, at least one model was friendly. He watched intently as the models glided down the runway and back, but soon he was losing interest. The fashion was a bit too outlandish for his tastes, and the music was a bit too loud, and the lights were just annoying.
He had just about had enough when the girl from the elevator appeared and floated down the runway. He was again taken aback by her beauty and poise; absolutely mesmerized by her. Seeing her was certainly worth putting up with the music and lights and outlandish outfits. He settled in his seat ready for more.
Three more times did she appear on the runway, and three more times he was captivated. At the grand finale, when all the models appear, he stood with the crowd for the final ovation. As the models retreated with the designer, she looked over her shoulder at Derek, and mouthed the words "please wait for me." Taken aback, Derek sat down and waited.
After a short time, as the crowd thinned, she came out dressed in the gold gown, and sat down next to Derek. "My name is Angelina. I recognized you from the elevator, and was kind of surprised to see you here. Is your hand ok?"
Maybe it was the drinks, or the situation, but Derek found his confidence and courage from within. If this beautiful woman was going to take an interest in him; he was not going to shy away. "Angelina, I am Derek. My hand is a little sore, but it will be fine. Tell me young lady, would you like to have dinner with me? I am here alone until tomorrow, and I find your combination of beauty and compassion most interesting."
Angelina was surprised by his courage and forwardness. But his soft smile and gentle, non-threatening demeanor also gave her pause. Besides, she was on a strict budget and a free meal would be great. "Yes" she said with a smile.
"I know a little Italian restaurant close by if that would be ok?" Steven asked.
Again "yes" was her response.
They then made their way out of the conference hall, through the hotel lobby, and out the revolving doors to the street.
Over salad, he talks of how he lost his wife to cancer, his children have left home to be one their own, how he retired a few years ago, and how he was adrift in life. No real purpose, just living. He had a few hobbies and church which kept him busy, being alone in this wonderful city made him realize how lonely he really was.
