It Happened One Flight

3. Idle

We traipse to the baggage carousel and retrieve our cases.

The queue at Customs is already quite long as we join it.  A Customs' official approaches George. "Samantha, come with me." We pass through a doorway and reach a checkpoint.  I hand over my passport. The woman opens it, looks at me, and stamps it. "Welcome to Japan, Ms. Bennett. Enjoy your stay." With that, we are on our way out of the airport.

"That's you." George points out a man holding a sign with my name. "Ah yes. well-"

I am cut off by a young woman coming up to George and politely asking for an autograph. It seems as though everyone is beginning to recognize him. He turns to me, "Looks like we best get out of here. Can I call you later?"

"Yes." I slowly drift away from his side as people make their way to him. He keeps walking,  pausing to sign or pose for a picture, smiling, chatting. I walk over the man with my sign and follow him out of the terminal. I look back to see George emerge into the sunlight. He is radiant. My heart skips a beat.  I pause to see the driver open the car door for him. He looks around, waves, and ducks into the back seat. The car pulls away from the curb.

I check in at my hotel and deposit my bags in the room. I head right back outside to wander around and figure out how to get to the office. After a few hours of roaming around I return the hotel.  I shower and do a bit of work. I am exhausted and crawl into the soft bed. Even though it is still early, I begin to wonder if he will actually call. I mean, this is George Harrison. I am sure he has plenty of options since his divorce.  It seems as if he had plenty of options before his divorce. I really don't have the patience for games. I just do what suits my desires. Yet despite my attempt at nonchalance, I am fighting off sleep like a child on Christmas Eve.

The ringing of the phone startles me awake. "Hello." I murmur.

"Hello. Did I wake you?"

"Not really." I manage, not very convincingly.

"I just wanted to say good night, sweet dreams Samantha." His accent is thick and deep.

 Now I am wide awake. 

"George?"

"Yes?"

"Just making sure it is you." I cringe as soon as the words leave me mouth.

"It is. Now go back to sleep. We have a big day tomorrow. Wear sensible shoes and bring a sweater. See you at 9 am." He rings off.

I stare at the ceiling. I get up and open the curtains. The city lights are burning brightly. I feel myself nodding off as I stand there. I set the alarm for 7:25 a.m. and climb back into bed.

The daylight streams in through the open curtains.  I get out of bed before the alarm and excitedly get ready for the day.

I cross the lobby and stride out the door into a beautiful, crisp autumn morning. I look around and spot George leaning against a red Mazda convertible at the edge of the valet circle. I walk toward the car. He opens the passenger door. 

"Good morning." He bends down and lightly kisses me, catching the corner of the mouth. I feel unsteady on my feet.  He hands me a cup, "Black, no sugar."

"Thank you for the coffee.  Where are we off to?" I croak, my throat dry. I lick the damp corner of my mouth hiding the gesture behind the cup.

"It is a surprise. But we are getting out of the city.  We can enjoy the sites of Tokyo at the weekend." He beams.

 The tires squeal as we peel out of the hotel parking lot. Traffic is light and soon the city is behind us. "Tell me about your presentation on Tuesday. Do you need to rehearse?"

"Are you certain you want to hear about this?"

"Yes." He enthuses.

I give him the overview but skip the rehearsal.

"What about you, do you need to rehearse?" I tease him.

 "I want to tell you, my head is filled with things to say." He sings gleefully.

I suppress the urge to sing the next line.

After about 90 minutes we pull off the road.  He parks and we get out to continue our adventure. The trail meanders around the forest. The sun floods through the trees intensifying the brilliant colors of the changing leaves. We arrive at a funicular railway that takes us up the mountain. At the top, we hike to an ancient shrine and village. Relishing the peaceful and calming atmosphere, we spend a serene afternoon exploring. George chats non-stop about nature. The shrine and scenery are astonishing.

As the day fades, we walk back to the railway. We get the last tram for the evening. It is standing room only. We crowd in and wait for the doors to close. I am acutely aware of George's lanky frame touching my back as he reaches above me for the handrail. I sway as the tram lurches forward. He places his free hand on my shoulder and neck to steady me. A jolt of electricity surges to my core.

The tram stops and the doors open. "Mind the gap." He cautions as he takes my hand, stepping onto the platform. We stroll back through the forest. It is nearly dark as we get back into the car. We stand there for an awkward moment still holding hands.

"I am starving." George proclaims, "There is the great vegetarian noodle spot back in Tokyo. If you aren't sick of me." He winks.

"Oh, I was sick of you two hours ago. Noodles sound delicious."

 He giggles and gazes into my eyes. I feel the blood rush to my cheeks as I return his gaze. Even in the fading light his eyes are dazzling.  My heart is racing. He reaches out and tilts my head up with his thumb and index finger. He leans down, hesitates, and then attaches his soft lips to mine. I suck his plump bottom lip and slip my tongue into his mouth. He takes my face in his rough palms, kissing me deeply, passionately. 

"Samantha, I, we," he stammers. He kisses me again more urgently. He grabs my hips, holding me tight to him. I feel his hard member through his jeans.  I undo the button and pull the zipper down, plunging my hands in to caress him. He moans at my touch. I feel weak.

"Not here. Not like this." He whispers, kissing and biting my neck, his thumbs rubbing my nipples through my shirt. 

"I want to undress you slowly. To look at you. To stretch your naked body out underneath mine." He gives me that disarmingly crooked grin.

George drives a bit too fast on the way back to the city.