You have no idea how badly I am looking forward to kicking back on my bed in the hotel room, ordering a movie and some room service. Eight hours of hell at work, followed by two hours in line at Greater Pitt, then an eight hour flight into Heathrow. Feels like it's 9:00 AM, tomorrow, and somehow, I still lost a day somewhere. The only thing that kept me going, through the entire 18 hours, was the thought that I would finally get to meet my good friend, and one of the sexiest ladies I know (at least in my mind), from online. We have corresponded via email and IM for the better part of a year, after meeting in an internet chat room, and it feels like I've known her all my life.
Clearing customs, I see her in the crowd. At least I think it is her, having never met her. It might be the big sign she is holding, bold black letters on a yellow background, BUDDHA. I laugh as I walk over, thinking back to the night we met in ACN, that being my nick at the time. "Susan, I presume," I say, taking her in my arms to hug her for the first of what I feel will be many times this weekend.
"Welcome to London, sweetie," followed by a quick kiss on the cheek, "I just know we're gonna have a blast for the next two days. I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of canceling your hotel reservation. You will be staying w/ The big guy and I."
You can sense my apprehension even before I speak, but don't realize it is due to the fact that all I want to do is sleep. I explain that I haven't slept since 8 AM, yesterday by my time, and that if it's all the same, I'd rather just crash out in the hotel for now.
"Nonsense, I've got it all covered. We'll get you home, feed you, get a bath and put you to bed for a couple of hours. That way, you should be ready to go out and boogie down with me by the time The big guy gets home from work. I have a great nite planned for the three of us, so you better be well rested by the time we go out." Your laughter spills out of you as we load my bags into your car. The ride home is pleasant and goes quickly with you pointing out landmarks and sharing some local history.
Arriving at your place, you show me to the guestroom, and retire to the kitchen, to whip up some coffee and bagels for a light breakfast. I unpack and lay down on the bed, until the smell of fresh brewed coffee draws me to your side. Taking a mug from your hand, I slide my arm around you, kiss your cheek and thank you again for inviting me to visit. You know how much having someone to visit makes it easier for me to take a much-needed vacation. You muss my hair, slap my ass and say not to mention it, that's what friends are for.