She quickly shot back, “Do you think of Kimberly every once in a while? And do you wonder what it would have been like if the two of you had decided to pursue a relationship?”
“Yes,I do. But those thoughts don’t occupy every waking moment. Now and then I’ll close my eyes and see her on that beach. Sometimes the vision is so strong and clear that I can almost sense her in my arms and feel her lips against mine. There was that electric spark from the moment we met. I guess it happens all the time.” I looked at my watch and saw that the time for leaving had arrived.
“When we examine others’ choices, we sometimes see a reflection of our own,” she said as she started to get up. “Time to be on our way.”
“It’s been a great weekend, Marla,” I replied, and as I stood up, she lifted her arms for me to help her up. I took them and slowly pulled her into my arms. It was almost dark and flashing before me was the picture of Kimberly. I held Marla close and ran my fingers through her hair. She smiled and suddenly, without even meaning to, I gently drew her face to mine and kissed her softly on the lips. Her lips parted and for a lingering moment, we stood there, enveloped in a blinding flash of joy.
“There!” she said as she slowly drew away,”that was fantastic. Where did you learn to do that?”
I knew that she wasn’t upset by what happened. In fact, I felt she knew it would. “Didn’t really mean to, Marla,” I said, “I just got carried away.”
“Don’t be silly, John. That was marvelous. Right time, right place, right feelings. A time and place for everything, you know.” She hesitated a second then added, “You seem somewhat upset. I thought you enjoyed it, too? What’s the matter?”
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