Tangled Hair by Dashiell Crevel Page B

something you might not want to do it anymore.”
    “I think I would take that over my current job. I’m the bookkeeper at a small law firm and it’s the most boring job in the world.” Fiona rolled her eyes. “I wake up every morning to look forward to more of the same.”
    “Flying is like that, kind of. The job gets tedious but then again it has those moments that keep you going. But I see what you mean. Sorry for changing the subject away from your job.”
    Fiona quickly shook her head. “No, it’s okay. Anyways, I’m afraid of heights.”
    “Are you really? You do live on the thirtieth story.”
    “I know.” She smiled. “I try not to look down much.”
    “Are you afraid of flying?”
    “Yes…” She said nervously.
    “When was the last time you were on an airplane?”
    “When I was a little girl.”
    “Really?”
    “Do you think I’m strange?” Fiona asked.
    “No, not at all. I just find it hard to believe because I’m always up in the air. I guess you could get used to the experience if you wanted.”
    Fiona said, “Maybe.”
    “I can get you free tickets if you ever feel up for it.” John said.
    “Thanks! But I’m not so sure…”
    “I can get you a seat away from the windows.”
    “You’re so thoughtful.” Fiona said.
    John smiled. “Is that tea you’re drinking?”
    “Yes. Would you like some?” Fiona asked.
    “Sure.”
    “Is peppermint okay?”
    “Yeah,” John said.
    “That’s all I have anyways.” Fiona smiled.
    “I’ll take it.” John said, and stretched on the couch. “I was just wondering—can I commission you to do a painting? I could pay you.”
    “No worries.” Fiona said. “You don’t have to pay me. What would you like me to paint?”
    “Something with the ocean in it.” John looked off into space. “I find the ocean very peaceful. When I’m flying over the ocean I get a sense of peace. Just being thousands of feet above the water, above the clouds , relaxes me.”
    “You’re strange.” Fiona laughed.
    “Perhaps I spend too much time up in the clouds. That’s my problem.”
    “That’s not a bad problem to have. ” Fiona said. “Kind of sounds like my problem too. I tend to get carried away in the clouds of my imagination. Sometimes I can’t stand being pulled back down to reality.”
    “Can I tell you something?” John asked.
    “Sure, what is it?”
    “I hope it’s not too much to say at this point—but I find your company very pleasurable. It’s like a wonderful dream of sorts where I can forget everything else while I’m around you.”
    “Thank you. That is a nice thing to say.”
    “It’s true. You seem passionate about art—I’ve always thought art was an important aspect of life. There is something deeply appealing about that.”
    Fiona leaned over and kissed him. She pulled away.
    He brushed his hand agains t her cheek and kissed her. The kiss was long, warm, and it stirred up feelings she forgot she could still feel. It had been so long since she had kissed someone whom she truly had feelings for.
    John lay down on the couch and pulled her on top of him. She kissed his lips, and tasted the peppermint tea on them. The thunder knocked in the distance, a powerful reminder of the great forces of nature that surrounded them. Here, safe from the rain, she found a certain kind of comfort. She never realized just how much she had been missing the feeling of being loved until she found it in his arms. And if it was just infatuation—she would take that too—anything to break her from cold, drab reality for a few dream-like moments.
    He kissed his way down to her neck. She couldn’t resist but to breathe heavily against his ear. The pleasure outweighed everything she imagined it could be. They kissed on the first date, but in a parking lot next to his car, not in the privacy of her home. In her living room she could be more at ease, open herself up completely to him. Her deep breaths gave him the confidence to kiss her with