She wasn't sure it had really happened. Tana's head was swirling, an overwhelming high getting in the way of her every thought whenever she tried to focus on anything else. In spite of this, she managed to obtain her boarding pass from the e-ticket machine, shuffle though security screening, navigate the maze of concourses to reach her gate and now taking her window seat just past halfway towards the back of the plane, all the while avoiding the sea of others moving towards their destinations. For a brief moment of clarity she thought it was funny how she had managed to accomplish all that while in her trance like state.
Tana took a moment to look around the rest of the plane and was happy to see that the flight appeared to be only a third full. She hoped not many more would board prior to the departure, thinking it would be nice to be able to have the entire row to herself for the upcoming 3 hour flight. For no reason at all her thought was lost and a smile overtook her face as she gazed blankly out the window at the airport crew going through their choreographed sequence.
It had been an extraordinary business trip for Tana. Making this trip six times a year for the last two years had really gotten boring for her. In the beginning she enjoyed the work travel to the new city - satisfying, challenging work during the day, and exploring the shops and sights and sounds of the city in the evening. Sometimes she went out with her co-workers from this office, but more often than not of late she preferred to explore less popular and mainstream establishments of the arts district. The alternative and edgy crowds were as exciting to watch as the performances themselves. On this last minute trip, scheduled for one night, Tana had not been able to check out ahead of time, like she usually did, to see what was going on in town. Nor was she able to get her usual hotel. Neither of these issues turned out to be a problem for Tana.
As the flight attendant announced the closing of the cabin door, Tana relaxed further into her seat, the few passengers that had boarded since her initial survey had taken seats to themselves several rows ahead of her. Sitting back and closing her eyes, Tana's thoughts kept replaying the events of the evening, each time revealing a new dimension to the experience and a new feeling of contentment deep inside her chest.
The previous day's work for Tana had been routine, even though her office had scheduled the trip at the last minute. While this was annoying, Tana's professionalism would not allow her to sacrifice in the way of quality or intensity of her work. Since Tana was in the office for only this one day she stayed a little later at the office than normal to wrap up and was a little disappointed that her co-workers had not stayed after and offered to enjoy a cocktail after work before heading to their homes. Well, she thought, that's life. The younger ones had things to do and people to visit. The ones with families had soccer, school activities and shuttling to do. Understandable, Tana thought as she quickly put together a plan to clean up and throw on some casual clothes, and spend a few hours out to take in a meal and cocktail.
Walking the few blocks from her office back to her hotel Tana enjoyed the feeling of the late afternoon sun on her skin, and also the warmth it transmitted through her lightweight navy blazer. Tana's sandy blonde hair, full and shoulder length, tossed gently in the wind that breezed between the buildings. Her silky, cream colored blouse and navy, just-above-the-knee length skirt combined with her black heels rounded out her corporate look. Tana's figure filled the outfit perfectly, and at the young age of 33, she carried herself with a confidence that exuded sensuality as well. During her walk, Tana noticed a new arty-trendy bar/restaurant on the corner and made a mental note to check it out later.
Finally reaching the hotel, Tana started through the lobby when she felt the urge to swing by the hotel bar located just off the lobby area in the atrium. Her favorite drink, Grey Goose and tonic would be just the thing to take the edge off of the day before heading out. Empty glasses and crumpled napkins were scattered amongst the little tables and it looked like happy hour had blown through moments earlier. Tana slid onto a barstool in the empty area of the bar. The heads at the other end of the bar turned to check out Tana and then returned to the game on the tv when Tana did not make eye contact and pulled out her phone to check her messages while waiting for the bartender to deliver her icy beverage.
Just as the bartender served Tana's a male figure appeared next to her.
"Hi! I'd like a glass of ice water and bottle of Heineken," the man requested from the bartender.
From the corner of her eye, Tana checked out the visitor. He was clad in workout clothes, firm muscles making outlines under his damp shirt. He appeared to be just under six feet, she estimated by comparing him to her boyfriend of 3 years. Relatively short, salt and pepper hair made Tana guess his age in the upper 30s.
Slow to react, the man caught Tana's sideways inspection.
"Hi. How are you doing this evening?" he threw at Tana with a flashing smile.
"I'm doing ok. Just taking the edge off of the day. Thanks, you?" Tana responded, quickly gathering her wits. As she looked up squarely at him, her green eyes momentarily explored the warmth of his browns.
"I'm doing ok too. Just grabbing something cold to drink."
As the seconds of silence began to tick by, each tried not to stare at the other. Tana breathed in the lightly musky scent of this man – a combination of sweat, deodorant and cologne. She felt herself breathing in deeply and enjoying the manly aroma.
The man's drinks were delivered and he picked up his ice water and took a long draw. Tana observed the man's muscular arm, lightly covered with beads of sweat that glistened slightly in the light. After quenching his thirst, the man looked over at Tana again.
"Sorry for coming in here in these rags. I'll be gone shortly after I finish this water," he said self consciously, thinking that he was imposing on Tana's space.
Tana smiled and said "Oh, no problem. It looks pretty casual in here. I just dropped in here before heading up to my room."
"I see. Shutting down for the evening? So early?"
"Not quite. I'm heading over to a restaurant around the corner in just a bit."
"Oh? Are you meeting some folks over there?"
"No, actually I just saw the place on my way back here from the office. Its new to me so I wanted to check it out."
"That's cool."
