The event was somewhat important yet she did not feel compelled to overdo herself. She prepared as usual and decided on a dress she wore once in a blue...a comfortable, simple, elegant sundress. As she made her way to the venue, about a half an hour after its start, she smiled and greeted familiar faces. When asked why she came alone, she replied with a lot raised eyebrow - Why spoil a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends?
Then she turned and introduced herself again. She was oozing with sarcasm and confidence. Everyone laughs while she smiles fiendishly although her inner Buddha whispers sage advice. She ponders and then whispers back - I will do better, Dear One. Finally resting under a birch tree with a delightful beverage, she closes her eyes and observes everything and everyone. She smiles with a open heart.
Then, it happens. She spots another observing the crowd and slowly makes his way around. Hmm. She hopes he does not come to interrupt her solitary moment. He stops and talks to someone and acts seemingly oblivious to her observance. Her name is called and a familiar face waves to her. Hello! - she yells over surrounding music and conversations in the area. She gives her glass to a passing waiter and a napkin drops. She bows to pick it up, the waiter is grateful. They smile.
The strap on her left shoulder falls gracefully and she is about to restore it to its proper place when he appears behind her. May I? - he asks while holding long fingers at the ready. She turns to him slightly about to deny him the pleasure, when he slides his fingers underneath the strap just below her shoulder blade, brushing her skin. With a smooth motion, no one would have ever notice, he set it to right. She was thrown yet hid it well.
Her mind flooded with thoughts that ran red and yet...something else was amiss. He stood there waiting and she shook herself, saying - Thank you. He smiled in a half devil may care and half boyish wonder way. What concoction is this? - she asked herself. By the way, I was wondering if this tree was taken? Her eyes opened wide and then narrowed - You stalker, you. He burst out laughing. She stuck out her tongue at him and giggled. He leaned in closer and whispered - You have no clue.
They carried on for a bit, talked, ate, mingled with others and found each other again. And every time their eyes met, they exchanged silent conversations. She made a friend that day. This friend became her love and after sometime he confessed something to her about that night. How he knew she was amazing from just seeing her in that dress. He confessed much more. She gave him a mindful and laughed at herself too. To this day, whenever she wears a sundress, he is always there, waiting for the strap to fall.
