Helena closed the folder on her desk and stared out the window. She couldn’t concentrate. It was good to be back in Florida. She loved October in Florida, which usually contained the first taste of cool air and a chance to open up the house to the breeze. But this year it remained hot. Small puffy clouds dotted the sky and the humidity was oppressive. The news promised a front moving through tonight, but Helena knew it wasn’t the weather causing her loss of concentration.
She looked at the clock on the corner of her desk and realized she needed to head home. She needed to get ready for tonight. This day dreaming had to come to an end. She pulled her sunglasses out of her purse as she headed out into the oppressive heat of the afternoon.
When the Cape pulled into view over the horizon, it was the first thing he thought of. She was down there. He had met her in London, but she had told him her home was in Florida.
Call her. He was still kicking himself for not calling her. He had promised he would. Now it seemed like it might be too late. Their attraction had been instant, electric, and mutual. He had never met anyone like her. They had been together for little more than twenty-four hours, but he missed her.
He had tried to call her. But she had already left for the States. And he didn’t have any idea how to get in touch with her here. But, she did work for the space program, maybe someone knew her. Maybe she would be there tonight. With great effort, he turned his concentration to landing the jet. Soon he was standing striding across the concrete toward Victor Bergman who had come to meet him.
“Isn’t it fall yet?” John asked, wiping his forehead. The heat was oppressive. The tarmac looked like the Mojave shimmering in the distance.
“Not here. Not yet.” Victor said with a smile. He shook John’s hand warmly. “Let’s get you out of that flight suit. You did bring formal wear?” He reached for John’s jump back. He had known John almost his entire life. He had been a friend to his parents and promised he would look after John in the event something happened to them. During John’s first year of college, his parents were killed in a plane crash and Victor had become his surrogate parent. Now, on Victor's advice, John had agreed to attend the Awards Gala so that he could play the Space Commission's political game.
“I did. Wish it were a pool party instead of a formal occasion though with this heat.”
“Black tie was not made with Florida weather in mind,” Victor agreed. “But I’m glad you’re here. There’s several people I want to introduce you to. And, you are to be especially gracious to Simmonds. If you want to get off the ground again, you have to go through him.”
“All right, all right.” It was the same lecture he had received on the phone. He knew Victor was trying to help him. Tonight would be a night for playing politics and making the right people happy. He would get through it somehow.
He opened his mouth to ask about Helena when Victor said, “Now for the more pleasant aspect of the evening, I have a good friend I would like you to meet. She’ll be there too.”
“She? Victor, you’re not setting me up again, are you?”
“John, I know you two will hit it off. Carter is right, you cannot remain a monk all your life.”
“Since when have you and Carter been discussing my love life?”
“We’re your friends, and we’re concerned about you.” Victor stowed his bag in the back seat of his rented Jaguar and climbed into the front seat. John folded himself into the passenger seat. “Helena is just about your age, intelligent, attractive…”
“Wait a minute, did you say ‘Helena? Helena Russell?”
“That’s right. Do you know her?”
“I…” He wasn’t about to tell Victor about that weekend. That was a bit too personal. He had said some things to Carter, but didn’t think he had mentioned her name. “I met her when I visited Cellini. She was one of his doctors.”
“Good. You have something else in common. I just know you two will hit it off.”
John pulled his sunglasses from the pocket of his flight suit and looked out at the clouds dotting the sky around them. “Perhaps we will.”
Helena took great care choosing her outfit for the dance tonight. Victor wanted her to meet someone. He had called to ask her especially if she would be there. The classic black dress lay on her bed next to her. She pulled on the black thigh-high stockings, noticing the feel of them against her skin. With surprise she realized she was excited. Well, that would probably be a waste. She was very fond of Victor, but he seemed to feel she needed companionship. This wasn’t the first time he had tried to introduce her to some visiting scientist. She thought of John. And that weekend. Would it be easier to date now that she’d finally managed to open up to someone? She smiled slightly at the pun as she slipped her feet into small black pumps. She hoped she hadn’t reached some point of desperation where she acted that way with just anyone.
She stood before the mirror, meeting her own eyes searchingly. Victor was right, it was time to at least start trying to find someone new. She thought longingly of John. He hadn’t called her. And she had no idea of how to contact him. She blinked to stop this trance she seemed to be in and turned to fix hair and makeup. She pulled her blonde hair up into a twist, securing it with a clip with a black bow. Makeup carefully applied, she glanced over at the dress. It was form fitting and off the shoulder. Not yet, she thought. It was too hot to put the dress on until just before she was ready to leave. She pulled a silk wrapper from the closet and slid it over her lacy black slip. She headed to the den to pay some bills before she headed to the party.
John and Victor arrived at the party in their finest. The large hotel in Orlando was elegantly appointed. There were people here from all over the world; anyone who held any sort of power in the space program. Several bars were setup throughout the room. One corner held a large band that would be playing later during the dance. A stage was set up for the awards ceremony with plenty of chairs for the dignitaries. Victor should be one of the ones receiving lifetime achievement awards, but his name had been withdrawn from consideration because of the brouhaha over the Cellini incident. Siding with their friend had grounded both Koenig and Bergman. It would take a lot of will power to be civil to Simmonds over this.
“I wish you wouldn’t dwell on this so much,” Victor said softly, martini in hand. “These things happen.”
“Since when does loyalty to a friend cost someone recognition of a lifetime of work?” John growled.
“Well, perhaps my best work is yet to come,” Victor said with a smile. “I’m not ready for a rocking chair yet.”
“I never said you were. I just…” John stopped in mid-sentence. Although thoroughly air conditioned and sequestered from the high humidity outside, the temperature in the room seemed to increase several degrees as Helena Russell stepped gracefully into the room.
“Ah, Helena’s here.” He waved to her and she spotted him, smiling in recognition. She took a step toward him, then hesitated a moment as she saw who stood next to him.
Perhaps no one but John noticed the hesitation. Perhaps he had imagined it. She moved through the crowd, nodding to some, greeting others, and soon she was standing between the two men.
“Welcome, my dear,” Victor said with his usually courtly charm. He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “You are a feast for this old man’s eyes.”
“Flatterer,” she laughed, not taking him the slightest bit seriously. She turned to John. “Hello John.”
“John told me you met in London. How delightful. I’ve been wanting to introduce the two of you.”
John himself was speechless. His mouth was dry and felt like it was stuffed with cotton. “Hello,” he managed. Suave, Koenig, he thought to himself. Very suave.
There was a stir around them, and fortunately Victor was more aware of their surroundings than they were. People were taking seats. The ceremony was about to begin. If it had been only the two of them, they might have been left standing there staring at each other as the rest of the crowd sat down around them.
Victor ushered them to seats in the back quarter of the audience, sitting Helena between him and John. He clapped enthusiastically for his colleagues receiving awards and listened intently to their acceptance speeches. Beside him, Helena was going through the motions and following his lead. She clapped when he did and smiled and nodded at the jokes. Her attention, however, was focused on the man on her other side. He sat with his legs spread slightly apart, a hand on his knee. That hand, the one that had moved across her body, caressing her in ways she had barely remembered, was the focus of her distraction. It seemed so hot in here all of a sudden. She hoped she wasn’t blushing.
John was in a similar state. Helena’s bare shoulder was just inches from his own. Each time he glanced at Victor he caught a glimpse of bare neck, back and shoulder. It took all his concentration to keep from leaning over, just a bit, and moving his lips across the back of her neck. The air in the room seemed to thicken. He could easily hear her soft breath beside him, but couldn’t make out what the speaker on the podium was saying. When the audience stood in standing ovation for the last award recipient, her hip moved against his as they stood and he could barely catch his breath.
Then the formalities were over and people began to mingle. The band struck up. Victor stood and began to squire the other two around. In the next half hour they worked the hall, following in Victor’s wake, shaking hands and making small talk with any number of people. Both John and Helena were wishing everyone else would vanish.
At one point Victor noticed the two of them, standing only a few inches apart, drinks in hand, his Manhattan and her white wine. They seemed to have eyes only for each other, but had barely spoken.
“The band seems to be exceptional tonight.” Victor stated.
“Yes, I like that song.” Helena glanced at the dance floor.
Victor was amazed that he actually had to nudge John. John had loved to dance with his late wife. John looked as if he were waking from a trance. “Helena. Could I have this dance?”
Her smile lit the room. She looked up into John’s eyes. “I’d love to.”
Victor stepped back, noticing that neither seemed to be aware he was taking his leave. John took her elbow and led her to the dance floor, placing their drinks on the tray of a passing waiter. Helena melted against him as he put his arms around her. Victor smiled as he watched them, then spotted an old friend and headed over to talk shop and tell physicist jokes.
For a while they simple moved with the music, enjoying the feel of their arms around each other. Her bare shoulders were still a tremendous distraction.
“How’s Tony?” John asked, enjoying the feel of his lips against her ear.
"Better. But he's still contending he saw a monster. I’ve tried every possible treatment, but nothing seems to help. I’m afraid I may have to recommend he be dismissed from the space program." Helena watched John’s face for his reaction. Tony was his long time friend and she knew the news would upset him.
John stopped dancing and looked at her with disbelief. "Dismiss him from the program? Are you sure? Is there anything else you can try?"
Shrugging her shoulders, Helena simply stated, "I’ve tried everything."
Looking into her eyes, he knew she was telling the truth. He pulled her up against him and they returned to dancing. Several minutes of silence passed before Helena spoke again. Raising her head from John’s shoulder, Helena looked up at John hoping that he was not angry. "John?"
Calm blue eyes looked back at her. "I’m not angry. I know you’ve done your best. It’s just hard to accept." Helena shook her head in agreement. She wished there were something else she could do for Cellini. Hopefully, Victor would find an explanation.
The music changed to a Latin beat. It didn’t match their mood, and with a glance, John led Helena from the dance floor. He spotted French doors that led out to a veranda overlooking the pool. The oppressive heat of the afternoon had abated. The humidity was lower too. There was a breeze from the south and the hint of rain in the air. Helena strolled over to the railing. It was time to discuss what was on both their minds.
“You didn’t call.” She didn’t look at him, that was too distracting.
John stood behind her and slipped his hands around her waist. He lay his cheek against her silky hair. “I wanted to. Very much. Work.” He shook his head. He loved his work, but it sounded like such a lame excuse. “I just couldn’t get away. Simmonds is keeping me in astronaut hell for standing up for Tony. No calls, top secret this, classified that. No contact with anyone outside the project. I’m incredibly sorry.” His lips were moving against her ear again. She shivered against him, and he knew it had nothing to do with the temperature.
She nodded thoughtlfully. “I’ve been there before. I understand.” She leaned her head back resting it on his chest. "John, ...what happened between us in London... I’ve just never had an experience like that," her voice trailed off.
Softly he replied, "Neither have I." He was so aware of her body leaning against his he could barely tell where he was. “It was magical, intense.” He turned her so he was looking into her eyes. "I really did want to call. This may sound funny or even like a line but... I’ve missed you, Helena." He reached up to touch her face.
Suddenly the French doors squeaked open and another couple joined them on the porch. John disengaged himself from Helena. He took her hand and led her back inside. "Let’s dance," he suggested.
As they danced, the atmosphere between them changed. Helena understood. She wasn’t angry, and it was obvious that she wanted to be with him as much as he wanted to be with her. He held her tighter and tighter as they danced. No longer awkward, they relaxed against each other as they swayed with the music. She felt good in his arms. She also smelled good. Helena found she enjoyed dancing with him having his arms around her.
"What’s that perfume your wearing? It’s out of this world." John teased into her ear.
"It’s called Seduction." She answered with a laugh and looked up into his eyes.
"Well, it’s certainly working." John winked at her and moved his hand up and down her back.
They danced several more dances until the band took a break. As they left the dance floor, Dr. Smith from the Medical Center approached them. Helena introduced Dr. Smith to John and the men exchanged handshakes.
"Helena, Victor Bergman asked to tell you that he wasn’t feeling well and has gone home. He was hoping that perhaps you could give Captain Koenig a ride back to his hotel."
"Victor wasn’t feeling well? Maybe I should check on him?" Helena stated, concern in her voice.
"I’m sure it wasn’t anything serious, I believe it was a headache from all the noise in here." Dr Smith replied and gestured toward the ball.
"I suppose that can happen.” She smiled at Dr. Smith. “I’ll be happy to give Captain Koenig a ride.” Dr. Smith nodded and said goodnight.
“I could take a cab,” John suggested. He tried not to sound reluctant.
“Nonsense. We’re going the same direction, aren’t we?”
John gave her a slow smile. “Any direction you like.”
With a flirtatious smile, Helena headed for the bar and another glass of wine. John followed in her wake.
It was midnight when Helena suggested they leave. She gave John the valet ticket and vanished into the ladies room. He wondered what she was driving, and was pleased when the valet arrived with a champagne colored BMW 325i convertible. He had just gotten behind the wheel when the valet opened the door for Helena and she slid in beside him. The black dress rode up slightly and he noticed her stocking clad legs. So did the valet. When Helena reached for her seat belt John followed the movement of her bare arm in time to see the valet tear his eyes away from her legs. Their eyes met for a moment and John’s narrowed. The valet blinked first and John gave a small smile. She’s out of your league, he thought to the man closing the door behind her.
“Want to open the roof?” Helena asked, unaware that John had just fought an unspoken battle over her.
Lightening flashed. “Looks like rain. You think we’d better?”
Helena laughed. “We’ll outrun it. It’s well to the north of us and we’re headed east.”
The roof went down and they drove into the night. She gave directions, south to the 417, then veer off to the Bee Line back to Cocoa. She leaned back and looked up at the clouds scudding across the sky. The toll road was well lit, but the expressway to Cocoa passed through the dark swamp and wet Cypress domes between the Kissimmee River and the Indian River. Helena leaned back and looked up at the sky. Clouds were replacing stars. “I love to watch the storms at night.”
John smiled and drove, fast. The car was responsive and the woman was beautiful. What a way to spend an evening. His hand moved from gear shift to thigh. She smiled and covered his hand with hers.
As they re-entered civilization she asked. “Drinks at my place?”
John grinned. “I can’t think of anything better.”
Helena gave directions and they turned into an exclusive subdivision with winding streets, large lots and large houses. John was surprised. The area was beautiful, but certainly out of his budget. Old oaks lined the streets and between the houses, canals could be seen connecting each lot to the open water. A garage door opened as they approached a two-story house in the style of a Louisiana Plantation.
Lightening had become more frequent as the wind blew the storm in just behind them. They drove into the garage and stopped. Large drops began hitting the pavement behind them. And Helena closed off the storm with the garage door before leading him into the house.
They entered a foyer with a staircase leading to the second floor. The house was open and spacious, much different from her tiny flat in London, but still decorated in a tasteful and comfortable style. The open living area had wide sliding doors to a large lanai with a pool that overlooked the canal. She gave him a quick tour. A small office was behind the garage and stairs, the kitchen and dining room was to the left, and the Master Bedroom suite was off the living room. The kitchen was well appointed and there was a bar in a corner of the living room opposite the fire place.
John glanced out at the lightening through the sliding glass doors. “We just beat the storm.”
“Yes, and these storms sometimes make the power go out with all the old oaks in this subdivision. I wish the homeowners association would vote to put the lines underground. I’ll set out some candles. Wine?” She moved around the room and John enjoyed watching her. She lit two candles on the mantelpiece. Then moved to the bar and lit a small iron candelabra with three short white candles that smelled of gardenias.
“Yes, please.” He could watch her forever. He stepped up behind her in the small area behind the bar. She selected two tall glasses and opened a bottle of California wine.
He slid his arms around her waist as he had on the patio at the hotel. This time there could be no interruption. He placed his lips against her bare neck. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured.
She smiled. “I was thinking about you this afternoon. Wondering where you were.”
“I’m right here.” He continued to plant kisses along her neck.
“I was supposed to be angry with you for not calling.”
“Are you?” he turned her to face him, looking down at her seriously. His eyes were so blue, and so hypnotic. His thumb traced her lips and he was just moments from leaning down and kissing her parted lips.
The storm hit in earnest at that moment. Rain pounded at the windows and, as predicted the lights went out. The two were bathed in the soft glow of candles.
“I find it impossible to be anything but glad you’re here. The way you touch me…”
His lips found hers. His hands moved back to unclip the bow in her hair. Her silky blonde hair fell around her shoulders. His hands moved down her bare skin to the zipper on her dress. He pulled it down slowly.
He pressed against her, the dress between them. He remembered that his teasing only heightened her arousal. She tried to move to allow the dress to slip off, but he stopped her. More interested in watching her in the candlelight, he trailed a fingertip down her neck over the tops of her breasts. Helena leaned her head back enjoying his slow touch. She watched the hunger in his eyes.
She reached up and untied his tie, then reached for her glass. She took a sip and offered the same glass to him. He also took a sip, then kissed her again, deeply, the taste of the wine mingling in their mouths. The passion between them was building as was the storm outside.
“I want you,” she said, voice low and gravely with passion. She lifted her hands and stroked his face, then moved her hands down and underneath the shoulders of his jacket. She slid it off of him and then carefully removed his gold cufflinks as he trailed kisses down her neck and behind her ear. She unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands down his chest. He growled softly in her ear as waves of pleasure spread through his body.
He stepped back just enough to let her dress fall into a dark puddle of silk at her feet. She stood before him in lacy black bra, slip, and stockings. He traced the patterns of lace across her breasts then drew the slip over her hips. His breath caught at the sight of her in only lingerie and stockings. Lightening strobed through the room as he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom.
She sat facing him on the edge of the bed, seeing his desire in his eyes. Teasing him, she placed two fingers between his skin and the waist of his pants and slowly moved them back and forth. Helena unbuttoned his pants and moved her fingers along the zipper feeling John's excitement. His pants fell to the floor with a slight tug.
John pushed her back on the bed and reached for her ankle. He slipped her shoes off and moved his hands up her thighs and slowly peeled off her stockings. Helena’s breath caught in her lungs as she watched him. He joined her on the bed rolling up on his side. He traced the outline of her breast, deliberately not touching her nipples. His fingers slid down to her stomach and circled her belly button.
"Oh John," moaned Helena as his fingers once again teased her breast. His light touch was almost torturous. He reached between her legs and touched her thighs. She wanted him to touch her. She was ready for him to touch her.
John eased his fingers under the edge of her panties, teasing her. He ran his fingers down the front, feeling her moistness through the thin fabric. As he reached inside her panties to explore her wetness he leaned over and took her right nipple in his mouth sending shock waves of pleasure through her entire body.
He looked up as she ran her fingers through his hair. Her eyes were closed and she was moaning.
He touched her faster, causing her to gasp for air. Then he slowly peeled off her black silk panties.
"Now John!" she demanded. She was more than ready.
Helena rolled up against him and quickly removed the rest of his clothing. As she stroked him she whispered in his ear. "I want you now."
She pulled him on top of her and he moved inside her. Speaking softly into her ear as he moved, he whispered, "I’ve been thinking about this every day since last time."
Lightening from the storm illuminated the room as Helena screamed out in ecstasy. John reached his peak with such intensity it made him shake.
He clung to her. He belonged here, with her in his arms. They fit together so magically. They drifted off to sleep listening to the sound of the pouring rain.
It was nearly noon when Helena stirred, the aroma of coffee drifting in her bedroom from the kitchen. She rolled over and realized John was gone. Closing her eyes, she thought about the previous night. John had been an intense and powerful lover. She shook her head wondering just where they were heading. She could barely be in the same room with him without wanting him with every fiber of her body.
She eased out of bed and looked around for something to wear. She spied John’s shirt and her dress draped over a chair in the corner. He must have picked them up this morning, she thought. Helena grabbed his shirt and headed for the kitchen.
"Good morning Sleeping Beauty," he called as she entered.
"Good morning," she responded as he wrapped his arms around her. She noticed that he was wearing his tux pants.
"Nice shirt," he mused as he held her against him and kissed her cheek.
"Nice pants," she replied, winking as she moved her hands down to stoke his rear. It was more than distracting, for both of them.
He caught her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I made some coffee, would you like some?"
"Yes, thank you," she answered leaning up for another kiss.
Helena sat on a stool in the kitchen as John poured her coffee.
"Do you have any plans today?" Helena asked
"I’m scheduled to meet Victor for a late lunch. What did you have in mind?" He reached underneath the hem of his shirt and rubbed her knee.
She laughed in response to his question and his actions.
"I was wondering if you’d like to take a drive up the beach. We could put the top down on the car. After that cold front going through last night the weather will be wonderful." She purred with emphasis on the last word.
"I’d love to, but I promised Victor." Even though he barely knew her, he already hated to disappoint her.
"Why don’t you join us? You know, Victor would get a kick out of seeing us together two days in a row," John mused.
“He did rather set us up last night. You think he knew where you would spend the night last night?”
“You can never tell with Victor. Join us?”
She shook her head. "You go on. I wouldn’t want to interfere with your time with Victor. He has been looking forward to spending some time with you. I’m worried about him, John. He doesn’t act like he feels well. Maybe you can talk him into getting a check up, " Helena said seriously.
"I noticed last night that he seemed more pale than usual," John shrugged. "I’ll work on it," he said flatly, knowing what kind of battle that would be.
Helena could see that John cared for Victor very much. She knew they needed some time together.
"Maybe, we could meet for breakfast on Sunday before you leave," she offered.
"I’m positive we can arrange that." John kissed her briefly before pulling her to her feet.
"But right now I need a ride back to the hotel. I also need my shirt to get back in the hotel," he said as he peeled the shirt from her body. "I don’t think they’ll let me in the lobby without it," he laughed, then gave an appreciative look at the body revealed.
She struck a seductive pose. “Time for a shower?”
He gave a reluctant glance at the clock. “Not, really, but I’ll make time.” He took her hand and led her back to the bedroom.
At two o’clock, Victor picked John up for lunch. He watched John as they waited for their food to arrive.
"John, you have never been good at hiding your feelings from me. What’s the trouble?"
"I’m worried about you, Victor. Your color is off and you look tired."
"I have to admit that I’ve not been feeling myself lately. I’ve been thinking of having a physical." Honesty drove Victor to admit, "I have been pushing myself."
"It’s the space commission again isn’t it? Are those bastards still blaming you for Tony’s story?"
John’s voice was strained and he pounded his fist on the table.
"Well, you must admit that Tony’s story is a bit out of the ordinary. The Space Commission is scared and they are pushing for answers, John. Things like this could jeopardize funding."
"I don’t care. That’s no excuse for them pushing you so hard. I’m worried about you and so is Helena," his words slipping out before he could stop them,
"Helena?" Victor looked at John, amused
"When did you have time to discuss my health with her?" He gave a knowing smile.
"She drove me back to the hotel. You suggested it, " John replied stretching the truth. "Dr. Smith said you were ill."
"So what do you think?" Bergman was still smiling
"I think you should get a checkup," Koenig said trying to avoid the question
"Not about that, what do you think about Helena?"
"Oh, she is intelligent and beautiful but I don’t know..." his voice trailing off.
"What do you mean you don’t know?" Bergman replied frowning
"Victor, I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman I’m more attracted to, but we live in different parts of the country, you know how hard long distance relationships can be."
"Yes, I know, John, but you can always try."
Hoping to bring the topic back to his health, John gave his friend a hard look. "Victor, we are not here to discuss my love life. Promise you’ll follow through on that checkup?”
Victor sat smiling at Koenig. He was acting just like a protective son.
"Please?” John pleaded.
"Ok. I will go," conceded Victor. He knew his friend was right. He’d been trying to kid himself. He was not feeling well. His recently headaches were getting worse with each passing day. "I’ll go. I promise."
They spent the remainder of the day in Victor’s lab. He wanted to show John his latest findings regarding his investigation of Cellini’s monster.
It was late when John returned to the hotel. He debated on whether to call Helena, recalling that he had kept her up late last night. He decided to take that chance and removed her business card from his jacket. When she dropped him off that morning, she placed her card in his hand. She had written her phone number on it and told him to call her regarding breakfast the next morning. The card smelled of her perfume and he held it up to his nose enjoying the scent as he dialed her number.
"Hello."
"Hello beautiful," she heard his playful voice and laughed.
"Hello," she repeated using her sexy voice.
"How was your day? Find any black socks?" he teased.
"As a matter of fact I did, but I don’t know who left them." She played along.
He laughed at her teasing tone. "You’ll be glad to know I convinced Victor to see a doctor."
"Good, I’m glad. I can’t put my finger on it but something is wrong. Did he ask about us? About my driving you back to the hotel?"
"I did tell him you gave me a ride back to the hotel, I just didn’t tell him the time," John smiled. "Helena, I want to see you again before I leave. I refuse to go back home without saying good bye and I’m certainly not leaving like I did last time."
"What time are you due to fly out?"
"1300 hundred."
"Would you like to come over here for brunch, around 10:30? I could drive you to the airport," she offered.
"That’s perfect. Victor can’t give me a ride. The Commission is really pushing him to explain Tony’s experiences," John replied flatly, still irritated with the commission.
"Ok. I’ll pick you up in the morning," her voice almost musical. "Meet me in the lobby and bring my shirt."
He laughed with her. The sound of her voice made his heart skip a beat. She had been in his thoughts all day. Several times during the day he wondered what she was doing. It was the first time in a long time that he missed any woman.
"I missed you today," his voice low, almost a whisper.
"I missed you too," Helena whispered in return.
John smiled listening to her soft voice. Maybe she was starting to think there could be a future for them.
Helena had been thinking about him all day, sensing something was developing between them.
"I’ll see you in the morning, Sweetheart," she said in a low voice before she hung up.
John turned off the light in his room, smiling in the dark. She had called him "sweetheart," a term of affection. Suddenly, he couldn’t wait until morning.
She picked him up from the hotel and they returned to her house. The sun was shinning and she suggested they dine out on the porch. They watched a large red sailboat as it moved though the canal. Helena speculated the occupants were probably headed to the Atlantic. After their meal, they moved over to a pair of white rocking chairs that were sitting on the porch. The chairs were positioned close enough so they could hold hands while they rocked. Otis Redding’s "Dock of the Bay" was softly playing in the background. They sat in silence for a long while. John held Helena’s hand gently massaging each finger. Things felt so right between them that neither wanted the moment to end.
At 12:30, the alarm on John’s watch began to sound. He turned off the offensive beeping and exhaled deeply. He put her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers.
"I have to go," he said softly.
" I know," was her disappointed reply.
As she drove him to the landing port, she suddenly felt sad. They would once again be separated and neither could control the circumstances. Helena waited inside the landing facility as John changed into his flight suit. After he filed his flight plan, he invited her to walk with him to the plane. As they stood beside the plane, he pulled her into his arms.
"When can I see you again?" John looked into her eyes.
"I don’t know. I’m not sure what my schedule holds." She responded holding him tighter.
"Do you have any plans for next weekend? Would you like to come to Texas? I can arrange a flight," he offered.
She smiled "Yes. I’d like that. Can I check my calendar and call you tomorrow?"
"Certainly," he replied grinning down at her.
He looked around the airfield to make sure no one was watching. Then he kissed her one last time. When they parted, she felt like crying. She didn’t want him to leave. He noticed the change in her mood.
"What’s wrong?" He asked looking, deeply into her eyes.
"I don’t want you to leave." She answered, shrugging her shoulders
"I don’t want to leave either. We’ll see each other soon. I promise." He moved his thumb up her cheek.
Helena smiled and nodded. Yes, they would see each other soon. John grinned at her and climbed into his craft. Looking down at her, he gave her a thumbs up. Helena returned his smile and walked back to the building.
Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by a very happy Victor Bergman. He had managed to take a break and was watching out the window of his lab. He noticed Helena standing by John’s plane. He watched as they said their goodbyes. From across the field, he could tell that something was happening between his friends.
Smiling to himself, he returned to his work.
Helena sat in her car feeling a little sad. She let the top down thinking maybe the sun would help lift her mood. She watched as John’s plane took off, sitting beside the runaway until it disappeared from her sight. Finally, she put the car in gear and departed. As she drove along, she turned on the radio. Johnny Nash’s song "I Can See Clearly Now" was playing. She smiled and turned up the radio. Yes, she thought it was a bright sunshiny day.
John noticed her car as he taxied out to the runway. She had stayed to watch him leave. He was certainly looking forward to next weekend.
