Two Texans, Northeastern Dreams

Chapter One

Scarlett's finger presses on the black button. The camera clicks, as it captures the scenic city view, another honing in on trees, one aiming for the lake with a fountain, water gushing up and out, spilling over. Scarlett’s mind cleanses filling it with flowing water, removing stagnations. The black camera lens extends off the body, zooming in or panning out, simply grasping impermanence. While the buildings and mountains will be there, mostly unchanging for some time, the visitors will be different; leaves cycle out, leaving trees bare, then renewing green in the spring and summer.

Asphalt forms a walkable path around a small lake featuring a water fountain, at it’s center. Trees of gold, green, and hints of red border the lake and pathway, providing a vibrant nature scene. Rocky mountains sprinkled with snow peek above the various downtown buildings, measuring in different heights of blue, beige, brown, grey, white and even red- laying out a diverse city scape.

Surrounding the paved walkway, a luscious green space feasts the eyes therapeutically, providing space to lounge, read a book, enjoy a picnic, stretch in yoga poses, play football or throw a Frisbee to a dog.

It’s Denver, in late September, still warm with cool air. Breathable, thin, refreshing. Roughly about sixty degrees, for a few more hours. The gleaming sun intends to sink low and disappear, allowing the moon to rise in the darkened sky, bestowing a glow for all to see.

Scarlett’s reddish brown curls waver in the nearly Autumn breeze of Colorado. The end of Scarlett’s vacation is approaching, just a week scoping out Denver, nature and architecture, freeze-framed in her most valuable possession, her camera. Taking photos is a work of art supporting Scarlett’s adventurous lifestyle. She frequently travels solo, asserting her independence, and occasionally cherishes the company of friends and family.

The warm amber sun reflects on the lake creating a sight for any sore eyes, yet Scarlett diverts her attention focusing on her grey high-ram laptop. She maneuvers the mouse over photos. Clicking here, zooming there, removing imperfections, the same scene in front of her brought to life on her grey matte screen. To take home, savor, and sell online. Her pink velvety lips form into a bright smile, luxuriating in the glory of her creativity, and profound sense of accomplishment.

Nibbling on a whole-grain pita, filled with baked chicken, and fresh greens; a lemon flavor awakens Scarlett’s taste buds. A sip of an iced apple-cinnamon mocha latte, chases the tangy pita, bringing a sweet and spicy wash to her tongue. She breathes in the drink’s aroma, savoring the flavor, as Autumn approaches, bringing a new season to relish.

Scarlett glances at the time on her black smartwatch, embracing the cool air around her, noticing the sun lowering, and the sky fusing light blue with coral pink, lavender, and apricot; another photo is taken. She wraps a crème, maroon, and light pink plaid shawl around her athletic body, adjusts her crème-colored cashmere beret which braces a rose on the right side, then packs her belongings. Scarlett stands up, rising to her five-foot-seven-and-a-quarter stature as her shoulder bears the trusty brown leather tote that attends most outings. Her light brown leather boots end below the knees, briskly tapping the paved walkway as she paces towards her rental car.

A musician sitting against an Aspen tree strums a twang tune, bringing a pleasing sound to Scarlett’s ears. Her eyes, like blue sapphire, hinted with green amber, fall on a tall man leaning against a tree. The man acts like he’d seen her already, silently admiring her from afar, sporting western-style clothing. He dips his head, briefly nodding with a nudge to his tan western hat, a glance to his red-toned tanned hand, showing no signs of a ring. A smile appears on his face, then his phone rings. His beige, orange, and maroon plaid-covered arm reaches into a high-quality denim pocket, and his brown western boots expose themselves as he adjusts his stance. He gazes away from Scarlett, answering his phone. “Howdy.”

Scarlett swiftly walks on, nearing her rental car. What else is on the agenda for today…The photographers’ gala. A fancy get-together for travel photographers.

Scarlett envisions her formal blue dress hanging in the rental car, professionally cleaned. She smiles at the thought of pairing it with her dazzled western boots.

Opening the rental car door, Scarlett’s phone chimes as she lowers her body into the tan leather seat. She checks her phone, a weather notification for Texas, warmer than normal temps for late September. Scarlett groans, dreading her return to Texas tomorrow evening. She is ready for autumn’s presence, brushing cool air through the atmosphere whilst changing leaves to orange and red. Scarlett sighs at the thought of a northeastern fall season, dreaming for a moment, longing.

A vodka and cranberry with a splash of lemon-lime soda, sits on the bar in front of Scarlett, the drink she requested moments before. She slowly sips on it with a straw. Scarlett has returned from the photographer gala, exhausted. Hanging lights above make her fair skin look radiant, whilst a nearly empty ballroom seems warm and cozy despite the vacant seats surrounding her. She gazes around the hotel ballroom, her eyes like blue sapphire and hints of green amber find a man entering the ballroom. She breathes, not nervous but captivated. The man she saw at the park earlier is here, now dressed in a blue suit, appearing athletic and built, she notices his chest expand and shoulders rise, as if he has taken a deep breath. His eyes look her way.

Oliver standing about six feet tall, observed Scarlett at the park earlier, he was taken back by her. Now she is in front of him again, his heart beats faster and harder in his chest as his attraction to the woman, excites him, bringing a breathless feeling to his core. He approaches Scarlett, “Excuse me ma’am, may I sit beside you?” Oliver rumbles in a deep southern voice holding his beige western hat, exposing a reddish brown comb over and beard. Scarlett looks at him head to toe and notices his western boots, she smiles, showing her white pearly teeth. “Okay, that’s fine.” exposing her Texas twang. Oliver orders a drink from the bartender and turns toward Scarlett. He introduces himself, “Howdy ma’am, my name is Oliver.” Scarlett smiles and responds tiredly, “I’m Scarlett.” She lets out a sigh afterwards, then gracefully lifts her drink to her pink lips, sipping briefly, her back straight, shoulders drawn back, projecting a calm air.

“So what do you do and how old are you?” Scarlett asks Oliver politely.

“I’m an architect, I work remotely most of the time, and I’m thirty-one. How about you?” Oliver mentions and asks Scarlett, while he gazes genuinely into her eyes. A subtle smile appears on his face. His eyes are like green amber and whiskey. Hazel.

“I’m twenty seven and a travel photographer. I had a work function earlier.” Scarlett replies smiling with tired eyes. In the background, country music is playing.

Oliver smiles charmingly, “I am here for work as well. Did you enjoy your work function?”

Scarlett smiles sweetly at Oliver, her eyes sparkle while gazing at him. “Yes, I did thank you for asking. So where are you from, you sound southern like Texan?”

Oliver chuckles, “You are correct, I’m from Texas. A small western themed town just north of San Antonio; Bandera. The cowboy capital.”

Scarlett’s eyes light up, the woman feels excited now. “I’m from near there, Helotes, it’s just about thirty minutes away, as it borders San Antonio. How neat. I’ve visited your small town since childhood.” Scarlett speaks appearing humored, smiling. “I also enjoy joyriding out there. You know the scenic hill country, open rural road. Nothing but mostly hills, some tall maple trees.” Scarlett’s eyes appear dreamy, and distant while she pictures the scene of highway sixteen from Helotes to Bandera. Miles of hills, and gorgeous sunsets. The woman feels breathtaking at the thought. “I like the hilly rural road to escape the busy hustle and bustle of the city. So you are just visiting for work? Do you like traveling?” Scarlett asks, now very interested, twirling her reddish brown curls with a finger.

Oliver takes note of her gesture, thinking she is feeling flirty and attracted to him. He focuses intently, his eyes resonating on hers. “ It’s a good road, highway sixteen. If you drive at the right time, the hills and sunset project a pretty scenery. I enjoy traveling, I’ve been to most of the states. My parents took my siblings and I around the world as kids, and I revisited many as an adult.”

“I agree, I was thinking of sunset drives towards the hills. Wonderful, after college I began traveling, seeing the world and taking photos. It’s been amazing. I love Texas, it’s my home, but I enjoy seeing the world. So, You have siblings? I have a younger brother and older sister.

“Yes, ma’am, I sure do, I’m the oldest of three, my brother is just a few minutes younger than me. We’re twins, and I have a younger sister.” Oliver smiles politely while discussing his siblings.

“Oh, how nice. Do you like outdoorsy stuff, and visiting the beach.” Scarlett maintains her straight posture effortlessly, on the bar stool facing Oliver, she shifts her legs on the stool foot rest, bringing her dazzled grey boots with a heart and white angels wings, to Oliver’s attention.

Oliver gazing into her blue sapphire and green amber hinted eyes, takes a calming breath, then relaxes maintaining focus on her, loosens his tie, sips his beverage. “Yes, ma’am I sure do. I reckon, you like all that since you asked.” A smile spreads on Oliver’s red toned tanned freckled face, Scarlett admires him silently to herself while listening to his deep southern voice. She is mesmerized, and surprised at this moment.

The bartender glances at them smiling periodically as he checks on others, makes drinks and cashes out the other guests. Scarlett glances at a clock by the wall, about one twenty-eight am.

Gosh, he’s so handsome, his eyes, the reddish brown hair, white spotless teeth, a deep southern accent And he is from near me, and likes traveling. Am I dreaming. Scarlett releases a sigh.

“Do you like country dancing?” Scarlett asks curiously attempting to hide her attraction to the Texas man sitting in front of her.

“Yes, ma’am, do you want to dance?” Oliver asks, reaching a red haired lightly tanned hand towards her as he sets his drink down with the other.

Scarlett calmly responds, “Yes, I do.” The woman feeling a light buzz from her drink combined with the guy from Texas in Denver excitedly, twirls herself after rising from the black cushioned and metal bar stool. Oliver grabs her hand, sparks jolt his soul. He takes a deep breath in, smiling charmingly then releases it.

They dance over a few songs. Some are upbeat and quick, whilst some are slow. Oliver frequently spins Scarlett round and round. Oliver spins a few times. As Oliver spins Scarlett, her blue dress twirls and flares up but is long enough not to expose her. There’s an outdoor dance floor with lights draped around the deck. Oliver opens the door for Scarlett. They continue to hold hands as they reach the dance floor. A slow song plays, Oliver holds Scarlett close, one arm wraps around her waist, one is holding her hand, as she positions her arm around the back of his neck, his eyes glimmer in the light, looking green with hints of brown, appearing soulful, and genuine.

He speaks respectfully, what a breath of fresh air, and most definitely a sight for sore eyes. He’s a relief from all the other disgusting, distasteful, rude men encountered lately. What a delight.

Oliver dips Scarlett, her back relaxes as she bends back, and he kisses her lips. He lifts her back upwards and spins her slowly as the song ends.

The bar closes down for the night, so hotel staff announce the ballroom is now closing. “Oliver, I’ve had a wonderful time, however I am simply exhausted.”

“I will escort you to your room then, ma’am! I reckon it’s pretty late.” His rumbling voice carries to Scarlett’s ears pleasantly.

Walking side by side, then at Scarlett’s door, leaning close to her, his hands embrace her face then, his lips find hers for a moment. He releases her, “I’m glad we met, sweet dreams ma’am.” Scarlett sleepily smiles back, and says,” You too Hun.”

A tiredness brings Scarlett to her slumber, in a king size mattress. She shimmies into the soft sheets, her silky pajamas are the only thing between her fair skin and the cotton sheets. Remembering her water at bedside, Scarlett takes a few sips, and places her satin eye mask over her heavy lids. Restful she becomes, as a quiet peace pours into the room, Scarlett's breathing is the only sound.

A gleam of light filters into the cool hotel room. Scarlett opens her eyes, feeling refreshed. She thought of the night before, suddenly realizing she and Oliver did not get each other’s contact information. How would she reach him again or how would he reach her? Hmmm. It is Saturday morning. Scarlett starts her shower, the hot water pours onto her skin and hair like a heavy rain. She closes her eyes and pictures herself in a waterfall in an exotic rainforest, birds chirping, she is the only one there. Scarlett envisions water dripping onto flower petals on the rocky wall behind her. Leaves flow in a stream, at the end of the waterfall, away from the rushing water. Just then a loud knock on her door interrupted. “Housekeeping!”

Scarlett hops out of the shower carefully, wraps a towel around her, steps out of the bathroom and shouts out, “Come back later!” She notices the do not disturb sign on the inside knob.

Housekeeping tells her, “It’s about an hour until check out.”.

Scarlett replies with, “Ok thank you!”

Scarlett finishes her shower quickly. In her hotel room, she dries off, glances at her itinerary showing her flight home today, then slips into light blue leggings and a long breathable shirt which falls below her bum. Scarlett laces her blue and pink tennis shoes then collects her things. She checks the weather, hmmm, in the eighty’s today which is pretty warm. As if the weather will coincide with returning to Texas. After a week in Colorado exploring; cool refreshing air especially overnight, is a desirable memory. Pictures of early autumn are saved to her laptop. Some leaves; yellow, red, and orange. Scarlett leaves her brown leather jacket out in case it’ll be chilly in the airport or plane. The elevator chimes, the doors open, Scarlett steps in, a rumbling sound is heard as the elevator descends. Out of the elevator into the lobby she finds Oliver, his tall stature, he's tall enough for me to wear heels. His red beard adds warmth, to a cool attire- a sky blue plaid western shirt, and blue jeans contrast vibrantly against a green wall. The colors pop. He adjusts his stance, his boots scuff the floor, as he leans against the wall, his red hair barely peeks below his beige western hat. A charming smile spreads across his bearded face, as he notices Scarlett, he admires her physique exhibiting intense eyes, like green amber and whiskey, softened, kind, empathetic. He looks delicious and typical of Scarlett’s type. Oliver greets her, “Howdy Scarlett, are you leaving today?”

“Hey there, handsome fella. Yes, I am going back home today, and you?” Scarlett replies. As they hug, Oliver leans towards her face to give a quick peck on her lips. Their lips collide, Scarlett is taken back by his energy, his aura, its drinkable, breathable, compatible. Sparks. A calmness settles in over her. He kisses deeper and longer. His warmth envelops her for a moment, awakening desire deep within, that's been tucked and hidden away, like a dusty trunk. He tastes her flavored lip gloss as it rubs off on his lips, seems fruity like strawberry. He breathes her in, something floral he can quite figure out, slightly arouses him, his heart thuds in his broad chest. The kiss subsides, they inch back, giving some space.

Oliver looks at her, his white spotless teeth are exposed as he smiles, “No, I’ll be here until next week sometime." He breathes in deeply, calming his nervousness. "Can I get your number so we can keep in touch?” Scarlett looks around to make sure no one else can hear her. Her cheeks flush,"Sure, can I see your phone. I will put it in." Oliver graciously hands her his hand phone, in a subtle manner. She types in her number then texts herself to save his contact info.

Scarlett says, “Well, I need to get on my way.” She begins to grab her rolling suitcase. Oliver reaches for it, rumbling in a deep southern twang,” Let me walk you out. “

The quiet rattle of the suitcase wheels rolling against the pavement of the parking lot, mix with the heels of Oliver's boots; lightly stomping the ground with each step, Scarlett's tennis shoes utter near silence, as they navigate to her rental car. The newly acquainted Traveling Texans, exchange smiles whilst sunglasses hide their eyes. They approach her rental car. She pops the trunk and he places her suitcase gently inside. Scarlett puts her other bags on the passenger side along with her jacket. She gets back out of the car and faces Oliver. He wraps his arms around her, kisses her gently, massaging her tongue with his. He steps back and tells her, “I’m glad we met.”

Scarlett smiles replies, “I am too, hope to see you again.” In a chivalrous manner, he opens her door smoothly, waiting patiently her as she gets in, then closes it.

Scarlett exits the parking lot as Oliver walks back in the hotel. She admires his canter, an attractive cowboy from Texas has grazed Scarlett's vacation. At the airport, Scarlett finds a pumpkin spice latte and a bottle of water to wash down some egg whites, toast, and fruit. She happily enjoys her meal while scrolling the news feed on her phone. Nothing new to worry about. She messages a few friends and family, informing them of her travel plans. Visiting Dallas then heading home to her RV in the Texas Hill Country, near the cowboy capital. She boards her plane with ease. Scarlett snags a window seat as usual, to watch the sky scape, and wait for the moment when the plane hovers over the city, before landing.

She is a habitual marveler of nature and architecture-finding peace and solitude.

As an adult who can sometimes be overstimulated by the pressures of life and social gatherings; it is restorative to take time to marvel at sceneries alone, and view city skylines at night from a distance. The next city awaits Scarlett's adventurous soul.