Chapter 2- Trouble at the airport

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Chapter 2

I wished I had the courage to approach him, but the idea seemed absurd. I was on my way to meet Joseph, the love of my life, yet here I was, contemplating striking up a conversation with a perfect stranger. A very attractive stranger, admittedly, but still a stranger. He rose from his seat about five minutes later, and my insides churned. There was no denying his appeal; his jeans hugged his muscled thighs and perfect butt. Despite his bulky frame, I could envision the hard muscles and defined torso hidden beneath. I'd never been so drawn to someone in my life. A strange warmth spread between my legs at the mere sight of him. Pull yourself together, Cath, this is ridiculous. You're acting like a horny teenager.

As he made his way to the restroom, I sighed, assuming he was following the blonde. Perhaps they were sneaking off for a quick tryst in the airplane's lavatory. Cath, you watch too many movies, I chided myself. But try as I might, I couldn't shake the image from my mind. I pictured her moaning with pleasure as his hands explored her body. She was undoubtedly his type—a hunk like him wouldn't spare a second glance for someone as insignificant as me. Yet, to my surprise, he returned too soon to have indulged in any clandestine rendezvous. Before settling back into his seat, he cast another glance my way, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. He must have been aware of the effect he had on me. I found myself stealing glances at him for the remainder of the journey, lamenting the fact that I would likely never see him again once we landed.

My troubles began the moment I disembarked from the plane. I approached the luggage carousel, only to find my belongings missing. Panic threatened to overwhelm me until I remembered that the essentials were safely stowed in my carry-on. After lodging a complaint with airport staff, I proceeded toward security, only to be waved through by an employee who assured me it wasn't necessary. It struck me as odd, given the strict safety protocols back home, but I dismissed it as Italian laxity. Surely, they could see I posed no threat.

I didn't see the stranger again. I scolded myself for thinking about him again. My Focus should have been on Joseph. He must be already here waiting for me, I thought. We had agreed to meet near the entrance, yet I couldn't see anyone familiar as I scanned the crowd. I sat on a bench nearby, anxiously tapping my foot as I waited for my lover to come. Joseph was running late.

Doubt crept in as I mulled over our conversations from the past year. What if he didn't like me? What if I didn't like him? Perhaps Marilyn had been right; I shouldn't have come alone. Get a grip, Cath, I chided myself. You'll like him. He possesses all the qualities you desire in a man—charming, humorous, tall, and fit, with piercing green eyes.

We had met on a dating site. I was doing some shopping when a man gave me a flyer advertising a new dating site. As soon as I got home, I created an account. I was fed up with being single. I wanted to find a man to share my life with him. I've inserted all the information about myself and then I've put the characteristics I wanted in my partner. I waited anxiously to see who would be my match. As soon as the site proposed Joseph as a potential match, I fell for him. This sparked a year-long virtual relationship. Our conversations had flowed effortlessly, and when we finally connected via webcam, I felt like I was melting under his gaze. His voice, his smile—everything about him was perfect. The only obstacle had been the distance separating us. I'd proposed numerous times that we meet in person, but he'd always claimed it was impossible due to work commitments. He had a restaurant and he couldn't leave Italy. So, I'd taken matters into my own hands, booking a flight to Italy. I'd sent him an email detailing my plans before departing and called him just before boarding, his excited reassurances ringing in my ears.

Sighing, I glanced at my watch once more. An hour had passed, and still, there was no sign of Joseph. Perhaps he lived farther from the airport than I'd assumed. I'd tried calling him repeatedly, but his phone remained switched off. Another thirty minutes ticked by, and I could no longer ignore the sinking feeling in my gut. Grabbing my carry-on, I made my way toward the exit, uncertainty gnawing at me.

I wasn't exactly sure where I was going, but I couldn't stay at the airport forever. Just then I remembered I knew the name of the restaurant he owned, Pablito. I will go there. Perhaps he couldn't leave or something happened to him. What if he had an accident? Just the thought made my stomach contract. I reached the exit, put my hand luggage down, and took out my mobile so that I could try to call him again but it was useless, he didn't respond. I put my mobile back inside.

Maybe he wasn't coming. Maybe Marilyn had been right all along. As I neared the taxis, a man came hurtling toward me, knocking my bag from my grasp and sending me tumbling to the ground.

"No, please, wait!" I cried out, watching helplessly as he vanished into the crowd. Moments later, another man appeared, running after him, darting like a bullet. He nearly caught him when a taxi almost hit him, forcing him to halt. He crumpled to the ground, and I rushed to his side, fearing he got hurt.

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