1. First Meet
The Phoenix Sky Harbor airport was busy. I made my way to baggage claim with my trumpet on my back, laptop case in my hand, and a carefree walk. Ready for two weeks of relaxation with no responsibilities. Well, no responsibilities other than playing one gig and hopefully having a wonderful time with her.
I stopped at one of the terminal shops and find a crossword puzzle book. Not just any crossword puzzle book but the kind that has various types of puzzles. I had hit the mind training jackpot! I usually buy one of these books about once a week when I am on the road. I start off by completing the regular crosswords, Sudoku, Crypto-quip, then other random puzzles. They are fun for me, but it is funny seeing people look at me when I do a fist pump after completing a puzzle.
I own my geekiness.
My gait continued to be of the carefree variety as I approached the baggage claim. I always stand behind the throngs of people. They always nudge others and try to position themselves to be the first to grab their bag and leave. I am a patient man. I am also a man that knows that if you want something, but do not get involved in all of the hype and nonsense that becomes the craze at the time, you will get what you have been wanting. Know what you want, and when that want is known, sometimes it will come to you.
I have always been a people observer, yes, I know the cool phrase is a people watcher. But, I look, study, learn, and marvel. So many people, so many directions. I scanned to my right and saw a family that obviously does not travel much.
The dad was standing with a book open that appeared to have a picture of a red sand desert on the front, a guidebook possibly. The oldest child stood next to him while mom was standing with the youngest in a stroller. The middle child was tethered to mom via a dirty, teddy bear, backpack leash.
I watched for a few seconds as the kid became a human yo-yo. He would run away in an attempt to escape, reach the end of the line, fall, whine, get up, run to mommy so she can kiss the boo-boo, turns, runs away, reaches the end of the line ad nauseam. I turned my head and think, “well that kid has them trained well.”
I watched my suitcase tumble onto the luggage carousel. As I said, I am a patient man, so I watched it pass all of the people jostling for a closer position. I had no desire to look like the yo-yo kid trying to get through the people crowding the conveyor. Plus, the conveyor snaked around right behind me. So, I let it come to me without ever having to do the airport ballet of baggage claim.
I knew what I wanted and it came to me.
My Uber driver showed up as I exited the baggage claim area and proceeded to the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort. Once I arrived, I checked into my room and sat my trumpet and laptop on the bed. I instantly opened up my suitcase and put my clothes and toiletries where they belonged. I have been on the road for a long enough time to know that when you live out of the suitcase you will never be able to relax. So, it became a habit to clean out the suitcase and make it feel like a home away from home.
I powered up my laptop, headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth while it is booted up. Another habit I started on the road. I returned to the computer, picked it up, and reclined on the bed. Fresh breathed and all. Then, I logged onto my email to see if she has arrived.
Log on
Email up
New message
“Hey, you!!! The plane had a malfunction, we had to get all of our stuff off and now we are waiting for them to either fix it or bring another plane. So, now we have been in the terminal waiting for about 30 minutes. Oh, there is the announcement and we are to go to another gate and board. See you in a couple of hours.”
The message was sent about an hour ago, I had enough time to shower before we met for lunch. Before I stepped into the shower, I looked over at my laptop and noticed I had another message from her.
“We landed and I am heading to the baggage claim! See you soon xo”.
After a quick calculation in my head I realized if I took a very quick shower, I could call an Uber, get dressed, and get to the restaurant close to the same time she arrived.
I had done a bit of research and decided The Dressing room would be the perfect spot for a simple lunch date. Artsy and comfortable. I allowed my eyes to adjust from the bright Arizona sun to the dimmed lighting in the restaurant before I did a quick scan of the room. Unless she was in the restroom, I had arrived before her, so, I confirmed my reservation and was seated at the table.
“Hey, it’s really you!” I heard as I read the menu. I Looked up and saw her standing on the other side of the table. She wore a top that showed a little cleavage, a mid-thigh skirt with leggings, and short boots. I quickly got up and reached out to her. Once we held hands, I became speechless. I looked at her with a big smile on my face and I found myself swimming in the depths of her eyes. The eyes I had only seen through the screen of electronic devices over the long months. The eyes, I had felt myself falling into, the deep warmth of the real person I had not met in real life. Without thinking I leaned down and kiss her on the cheek then pulled her in for a hug.
“It is so nice to see you!” I said. Pulling away, she looked up at me as a tear ran down her cheek.
“You are here! You are standing right here, I felt your lips and you hugged me in a firm hug. It is really you!” She said as she continued to grip my hands before she stepped back and looked up at me with a smile.
