Passion in Portland 2016 Anthology

by Anthology

  “What can I get for you sir?” the bartender asks Brad.

  “I’ll take a Pendleton and Coke please and whatever she’s having.”

  “Oh, no thanks. I really don’t need another drink. But, I’d love a water.” I rarely drink and when alone I never have more than one. And I never take drinks from guys I don’t know.

  “Ok. We’ll take a water on the rocks for this lush over here,” he says to the bartender then throws a wink my way.

  He’s going to be that guy, the one that’s creepy and I’ll have to get away from in a few minutes.

  “So are you here for business or pleasure?”

  That question alone should have me running from him.

  “Pleasure.” I was taught not to be rude so I do the polite thing and ask him, “And you?”

  “Business, but tonight is all about pleasure. I’ve been stuck in a medical conference all week, and I fly home tomorrow.”

  “Doesn’t sound like a fun way to spend a week in Hawaii. I’m going home tomorrow also.

  “Attending a conference most definitely wasn’t how I wanted to spend a week in Hawaii, but at least I got to enjoy the beauty at night.”

  Ugh. Please tell me he isn’t one of those guys. I don’t even want to continue the conversation with this manwhore douche, who uses cheesy lines. Obviously he only wants one thing. And that’s one thing he’s not going to get.

  “I can tell by your face you took that comment wrong.”

  I didn’t realize I was that easy to read.

  “I wasn’t talking about the women,” he continues. “Though there are a lot of beautiful woman around. I’ve actually enjoyed walking the beach and some of the trails until it became to dark to see where I was going. Didn’t want to end up in the hospital,” he says as he picks up his drink to take a sip.

  Whew. “That sounds wonderful. But it really isn’t any of my business what you do with your free time.” I don’t want him to think that I care, because really I don’t—or at least that’s what I’m telling myself. I want to be left alone to finish my drink so I can take a midnight stroll on the beach. I want to get one more night alone by the ocean before I have to say goodbye to the peacefulness of my days.

  “I get the distinct impression you want to be left alone. Sorry to have bothered you. Have a great night, and enjoy your last day here.” He stands to leave.

  Now I really do feel like a bitch for being so standoffish. He isn’t hurting me by talking with me. Plus, social interaction is a good thing. I don’t need to be a hermit. “No, you don’t have to leave. I’m sorry for being so rude. I normally don’t make friends with strangers in bars—bad experiences about what guys want from girls.”

  “My intent wasn’t to make you uncomfortable. My plan was to have a drink, chat with someone, and then take one last walk on the beach. My work keeps me busy so it’s nice to have company instead of being alone.”

  Sometimes company’s a good thing. He seems like a nice enough guy, and I might even enjoy chatting with him. “I’m sorry, I’m not good at this whole opposite sex interaction thing. I’ve learned from my ex and his buddies that guys usually only want one thing from women, and if I was one of those women who gave it up so easily and casually I’d be on Tinder…. But I don’t swipe either direction.”

  “That's a good one. I’ve heard some really crazy stories about Tinder. And just so you know, I’m not on Tinder. I like to get to know a woman before I take her to bed. However, I won’t lie and say I’m a saint and that I’ve never had a one-night stand because I have, but it’s been years. Plus, I’d like to think I’ve matured a lot since then.”

  Why did I bring up Tinder? Why’s he telling me this? This is more than just a friendly conversation.

  “You don’t have to tell me your life story. I don’t judge people on what they do with their personal lives.” I decide not to dwell on the fact that he’s a gorgeous man, and I’m nervous as all hell. He’s nice and polite, so it’s time for me to change my perspective and just enjoy his company. “So enough of this. What’s your favorite thing about Maui?”

  “That's a hard a question to answer. There’re so many amazing things about Maui. The hike from here to Kihei, paddle boarding, snorkeling and watching the sunset are a few. I’ve been to Hawaii before, and I’m bummed I didn’t get to do any of those things on this trip. Well, I was actually going to take the hike tonight, but we didn’t get out of the damn convention early enough. Now it’s dark, it’ll still be amazing, but more dangerous in areas. The sounds of the waves crashing and the feel of the sand under your feet can wash away just about anything.”

  “Oh, I believe that’s the same hike I took my first day here. It was amazing. I couldn’t believe it was four miles. It was so beautiful that it didn’t feel that long. I really wanted to go on it again before I left, but I haven’t found the time.”

  “I know you don’t know me from Adam, but would you care to join me on a walk? We can walk the beach or the trail if you want. I’ve walked the beach every night and would love some company, that is, if you’re up for it,” Brad asks with a smile.

  The word ‘no’ should’ve been the first thing to pop out of my mouth because I don’t know him, but I don’t want to say no. I guess the purpose of coming here, besides spending time with my sister, was learning how to live again. I need to let go of all my fears and insecurities and live a little. Going on a walk with the guy isn’t the same thing as committing to sleeping with him. It’s merely another way for us to enjoy the outdoors before we leave.

  “That sounds great. We should probably just walk the beach. I don’t know if I can trust myself on parts of that trail in the dark. I’m a total klutz.” I say that last part sheepishly.

  “That sounds good to me. I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”

  Finishing the last of my water I turn to find him watching me, making my nerves fire up. I’m not scared that he’s going to hurt me, but I’m scared by the feelings he’s switched on in me.

  “You ready?” he asks.

  “Let’s go.” I turn and lead us out of the restaurant. We don’t have far to walk to get onto the trail that will lead us down to the beach.

  Nothing is more peaceful than listening to the waves crash onto the shore. I could sit for hours listening to them, and nothing else. Once we get off the paved path, I take off my sandals and sink my feet into the sand. “This feels incredible. I love feeling the sand between my toes,” I say as I gaze at the ocean.

  “I haven’t met many women who like to get dirty.”

  “Looks like you're hanging with the wrong women then,” I scoff and even though he can’t see my eyes I roll them anyways. Who doesn’t like walking in the sand barefoot?

  “I’m beginning to see that.”

  I feel his gaze on me. “Let's head down to the water. I love feeling the water rush over my feet as I walk.” I’m beginning to enjoy having him here with me. Something about him puts me at ease.

  “Wow, you really are the perfect woman. That’s my favorite part about walking on the beach, too, feeling the water rush over my feet then the sinking feeling as the waves recede.”

  Can what he says be true? He seems so genuine. Stop. You can’t doubt everything he says. He isn’t acting like Caleb and his jackass friends. He seems to be a gentleman and you really should stop treating him like he’s done something wrong.

  “Tell me about yourself, Marissa.”

  He says this as if he doesn’t care what I tell him as long as I tell him something, but ’m not good with small talk unless I’m with people I know. I have a hard time opening up about myself, and I don’t feel it’s right to ask people questions I’m not willing to answer myself. But before I can stop myself, I blurt out, “I’m not sure what all you want to know about me, Brad, but I figure we should keep it simple. Nothing too personal.” He’s probably going to think I’m hiding something. I sigh inwardly, shaking my head at the thought. “I know I just said nothing too personal, but I
want you to know that I’m not attached to anyone, and I just need to know that you don’t have someone special waiting for you back home.” I stop and look up at him so he knows this is serious for me. “I know that this is just a walk on the beach, but most people's significant others wouldn’t approve of them talking a midnight stroll with another woman, I know I wouldn’t.” Stop rambling like a fucking idiot, Marissa.

  “No, I don’t have anyone waiting for me back home, Marissa. I don’t have a lot of spare time to date, and while most women I’ve dated don’t mind the money I make, they quickly tire of me not being around to spend it on them. I can’t even tell you the last time I went on a date.”

  He says this with an air of melancholy surrounding him. Hmm. That means he is most likely married to his job. Would it really be any different with a workaholic than an alcoholic?

  Chapter Three

  Before I know it, the sun’s rising and I’m not ready to say goodbye to Paradise. I’ve had one of the best nights ever. Sitting in the sand talking about nothing, and yet everything with Brad has been cathartic for me. I may not know his last name or what he does for a living, but I know what he likes to do when he has free time. I know he’s passionate about helping others, and that he’d do anything to save his loved ones.

  Why did I have to meet this incredible man in Hawaii? Why couldn’t we have met back home in Portland? Just my luck. “This sucks, but I have to go now. I need to shower and pack before my flight. It leaves in a few hours.”

  “Can I walk you to your room? I’m not ready to say goodbye.”

  Those green eyes all soft now, with honesty shining through them, will make saying goodbye harder if he walks me to my room, but I want more time with him. If only I didn’t have to fly back home. I sigh inwardly, cursing my luck, but I stand, brushing the sand off my butt, and say, “That’d be lovely.”

  I head towards the hotel. Before I get too far, I feel Brad’s masculine hand on my arm spinning me into him. Without warning, his soft lips gently claim mine while one hand cups my cheek, and the other tangles in my hair. The kiss isn’t fast or even intense. Instead it’s slow and sweet.

  I’ve never, in my life, been into one-night stands, but this man is making me rethink that stance. The thing is, he’d never ask me to sleep with him because he isn’t into one-night stands either. Right now, I wish I was that girl—a different person, but then Brad wouldn’t have gotten to see the real me, and I wouldn’t have gotten to see the real him either.

  The walk back to my room is ending too quickly as the elevator climbs at super-sonic speed, leaving me no time to process all my thoughts. Before I know it, we’re at my room. I hesitate at the door then turn slowly lifting my gaze and say, “Thank you, Brad, for a wonderful night.”

  “The pleasure was all mine, Marissa. I wish we had more time together. Why’d you have to make that stipulation that we couldn’t give out our personal information? I’d give anything to know who you are and where you live,” he says as he lays his hand on my check.

  “I just wanted us to have fun without having any expectations for what tomorrow might bring,” I huff with a heavy breath. “I think it’s best to continue not knowing. It’s already hard enough walking away, and I don’t think I could do long distance right now.” I muster up the only smile I can manage. “You’ll always have a special place in my heart. And I’ll never forget Brad, the great guy I met in Hawaii.”

  “I’ll never forget you either, my beautiful Marissa. Thank you for letting me spend the night in your company. Have a safe flight home. Goodbye,” he says then walks away.

  I can’t watch him leave so I shut the door, leaning my back against it before sliding down to sit on the floor. I want to cry because for some strange reason, I feel like my heart just walked away. I don’t even truly know the man, but I feel like he could be someone special to me. I won’t allow myself to cry, though, because I made the choice not to share our contact information.

  Why do I feel like everything and everyone is working against me? I want what most women want, a man to love her and be there for her.

  Knowing I can’t miss my flight, I pull myself off the ground and head into the bathroom to shower and prepare to leave a piece of my heart here in Hawaii.

  ***

  At the front desk I hand over my key and towel card and debate asking the hotel what kind of medical conference is happening right now. It would give me an idea of what he does, and maybe even where he’s from, but I feel like that would be a betrayal of trust to myself since I’m trying to give myself time to find myself and I shouldn’t jump into another relationship.

  “Thank you for staying with us,” the front desk clerk says as I begin to walk away.

  I look over my shoulder. “No, thank you for giving me a great vacation. I hope to come back again soon.”

  The shuttle to the airport isn’t long at all. I wish it would’ve taken more time because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Hawaii. I know for a fact that I’ll be back again, and soon. I wish I could move here.

  Once at the airport, I check in then pop in my earphones and listen to some music. The last couple of days were good for my soul. I feel a lot more energized and ready to face life head on. I need to learn to stand on my own two feet, learn to make writing a full time job and to stand by my dad and watch him kick cancer’s ass once again.

  I’m brought out of my thoughts by my name being called over the PA system.

  I hurry to the check-in desk. “Hi, I’m Marissa Miller and I was just paged.”

  “Yes, I have a new boarding pass for you. It appears you’ve been moved into first class,” the desk attendant says.

  “Really? I don’t have to pay for it?” I don’t want to get stuck paying extra money I don’t have right now.

  “Oh, no, you don’t owe any money for this seat. It was a free upgrade. Please have a wonderful flight.”

  “Thank you so much for this. I’ve never flown first class before.” I can’t help the smile that pulls across my face at the sheer idea of first class.

  I love that I get to fly first class because I’ve never had the chance, but I’m not digging the fact that we have to board first. I tend to be a little claustrophobic when I’m in small spaces.

  Choosing to forgo boarding first, I head to the airport restroom. That way I don’t have to use that small space on the airplane that you can barely move in.

  Once on the plane, I’m greeted by the flight attendant. After looking down once again to check my seat number, I look up and almost drop my bag. Sitting in the seat next to mine is none other than Brad. Why is he on this plane? How the hell did he know I was flying to Portland? The questions in my head are making me dizzy.

  “Wh…wh…what are you doing on this plane?”

  “I’m flying home to Portland. I’m praying that you live in Portland too and this isn’t just a connecting flight for you,” he says expectantly.

  “I’m flying into Portland to stay. I thought I’d never see you again.”

  “It was a surprise when I saw you sitting in the waiting area. I wanted to talk to you, but you looked like you were in your own world sitting out there. I really hope you don’t mind, but I asked them if they could upgrade your seat. I may have lied a little and told them you were a long lost relative whom I found in Hawaii, but I wanted to spend more time with you, and I thought this would be a nice surprise.”

  Shocked, but happy he did all that for me. I only reply, “I was reflecting on my time here, thinking I’m ready to go home and kick ass in life. I can’t lie, though, I was also thinking about you and how I wish I would have at least given you my email this morning.” I had told myself I wanted no regrets and then I go and make a stupid move. Though, it’s looking up.

  “Well, now we have about five and a half hours to get to know each other a little better. That’s if you want too,” he says as he grabs my bag and helps me put it in the overhead compartment.

  “Thanks for helping me.” Ther
e isn’t anything more I’d rather do, but I question myself, is it a wise decision? Am I only attracted to him for the thrill of not knowing him?

  “I can read that look,” he says. “No, it won’t take away from my feelings knowing more about you. I’m already attracted to you and have some strong feelings for you, even if we only met last night. I want to know everything about you and tell you everything about me. I’d like to spend more time with you. A lot more time with you.”

  “Wow. What planet did you come from? Not many men would say things like that. Especially after only knowing a woman for several hours…unless they were trying to get them into bed,” I say as I plop down in my seat.

  “Well, I’m not most men. I don’t play games. I go after what I want, and I want you. There’s no reason to beat around the bush and risk my chance of possibly having a future with you. So what do you say? Do you want to sit with me and get to know each other better?”

  There isn’t anything else I’d rather do. This is my chance to finally be happy and put myself out there. Who knows if it’ll lead to anything, but it’ll make me happy, now.

  “Yes.” I smile the biggest smile I can still not believing he’s on my flight. Maybe someone is looking out for me after all.

  “Ma’am, can I get you something to drink?” the flight attendant asks.

  “I’ll take a water, please.”

  “Are you sure you wouldn’t like wine or a mimosa?” the attendant asks.

  “No thank you. Just water.”

  “Can I get you something, sir?”

  “Water is fine for me also. Thanks.”

  “You don’t have to have water because I am. Have something stronger if you want.” I don’t want him to think that just because I don't want something doesn’t mean he can’t have something.