If I don't get this all down right now, the details will start to fade. You know how dreams start to fade once you wake up. So he and I are in a bakery-restaurant looking at the cakes in the display case. We chat a bit about some ingredient name that is unfamiliar - like ganache - but it's not that. The perky lady behind the counter offers us a taste, from a sample cake. She brings it to the countertop and presses the crumbs from already cut pieces down to the plate with her hand (not everything makes sense in a dream!) My 'friend' is given a nice round piece. I reach in and take a small one, eat it, and proclaim how much I enjoy rum in a cake. Smiles all around, although I have yet to see HIS face, I saw hers.
We entered through the bakery, on our way to lunch in the restaurant part of the building. Now he is close to me as we pass through the alcove and into the reception area of the restaurant. There is a lectern and a person taking names. We move close to the lectern, cutting off another patron entering from elsewhere; and my 'friend' sidles up close to me...putting his hand in mine. I am torn between telling the staffer my name, and talking with my friend.
"You can hold my hand if you like." He had already released it. "Really. You can hold my hand." He lets his hand brush mine.
"Two, please." The staffer now has our information.
I turn my hand slightly to take his. We are standing very close together. He only needs to move an inch to place his warm cheek onto mine, and brush across my face. Then I turn to see him. He is smiling. He is beaming. He is in love with me.
"Hungry?" He asks as we pass into the main dining area. My eyes open; the dream starts to fade a bit. But I will never forget how wonderful it made me feel.
I have the feeling...no, I know for certain that he and I (at least in the dream) have already been lovers. The touch of his cheek to mine was heavenly. I felt his warmth, his silky skin, his very soul touch mine.
After yesterdays melancholy start, this is a revelation. I feel uplifted, light, and ready to tackle my day. Breakfast fills me up with food. Now I need to continue the good feelings of my dream. A walk in my nearby park should do the trick.
I am surprised and amused that on my short ride there, my dream stays fresh, and completely fills my thoughts. As I park the car, I get this rush, and a tingling up my spine. What a great day this will be!
"Hello." The voice is coming from the car next to mine. I don't recognize it, but the man in the drivers seat is now leaning out his car window. His arms are resting on the door frame. He is clearly interested in talking with me. I would respond, if I could. In this current state of shock, my words have left me. It is the man from my dream.
Part 2 -
Where do I start? I do not claim to be clairvoyant, although there have been several episodes of ESP experiences in my life that shook me to the core. Some expressed themselves in the 'real' world...though nothing to date like this!
"You look like you've seen a ghost, bud. You okay? My GPS took me here. Just moved in and needed a breather. Name is Gavin." He is extending his hand to me.
"Tom. Nice to meet you." I am fixated and staring at him like a stalker. I know I am not smiling. I probably look as bewildered as I feel. His hand is still in mine; and it feels exactly...it feels exactly like it did in the dream. I don't know whether to laugh or to cry.
"Good to meet you, Tom. I always like to make a new friend on my first day in a new town. My job at the Cafe starts in a few days...but we can hang out if you like. A local is the best source of info, you know." I am reluctantly releasing his hand. A smile is finally able to make its way onto my face. This is truly a case of meet, greet, and marry, as far as my imagination is concerned. I have all I can manage to not lean in and feel his cheek against mine! That would clinch this, for sure.
"South Street Park is wonderful, Gavin. There are pathways, ponds, nature hikes and lots of places to sit and talk. Come on." He is out of his car now; standing close to me. His hand just brushed against mine. I want to ask if he wants to hold hands. I can't.
"Good. This is just what I need today. Moving in was tough. Had to do all the small stuff by myself. Movers did the big things. You know how that goes." I do indeed. These last years have seen me move half a dozen times. After losing my business to the recession, let's just say it has not been easy.
"Wow. This is amazing!" We are standing on a path overlooking a Japanese garden in the valley below us. "I like you already, Tom." He is smiling at me, beaming really. His arm is now around my shoulder; and we are walking toward one of the benches that line the perimeter of a lovely little pagoda. We sit there, close to each other, bound by the arms of the small bench. I can't help myself.
"Have we met before, Gavin?" Maybe I regret saying that.
"It's a small world, Tom...but..." His thigh is pressing against mine. Our eyes are locked together in a mutual exploration of each other's soul. He is pondering how to finish his last sentence. "You do seem familiar to me, somehow. Could be we just click, right?" I nod. But it's more. It has to be more than that.
My life has taken me on a difficult journey to my present age. At just over sixty, I have spent my years in a battle against loneliness and despair. My inner nature is one of joy and optimism, but as an outsider to mostly everything and everyone, fitting in anywhere has been a challenge for me. I have prayed often for this to change, like the way you pray often to win the lottery.
"Let's walk to the pond and feed the ducks." I feel emboldened. As I bolt to my feet, I extend my hand to him. He seems to be about my age; and is as energetic as I am in his appearance and stride. He takes my hand, stands, and we begin the five minute walk to the largest of the ponds in the park. He has not let go of my hand.
Part 3 -
