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The plane is in the air, the cool breeze a welcoming change. The higher we ascend and the distance from the ground we are, a smile spreads across my face replacing my momentary fear. I don’t recall how long it takes us to reach our destined height, taking the time to admire just how beautiful it is from above. The instructor taps me on the shoulder, warning me we’re going to detach and begin our soar. I give him the thumbs-up, and seconds later, the plane is pulling away, and we are free, soaring like birds.
My entire body feels light as a feather, a state of calm washes over me while taking in the landscape. This new feeling—a steady heartbeat—replaces the adrenaline pumping through my veins only moments ago.
Living in the moment, I realize how my life has become work, how the smallest of pleasures are never a priority. I’ve disconnected myself from actually living and feed myself excuses as to why money and power are my reason for existing.
And now, this on-the-whim dare to do something different has opened my eyes to something more.
Amelia has opened a part of me that has laid dormant.
I don’t recall how long we soared for, but another rush overcomes me when our feet finally touch the ground. My throat is parched, my breathing erratic while I rest my hands on my knees, willing my heart to calm down. Not too far away, Amelia has also landed, and the look on her face sums it up perfectly.
She looks beautiful, grinning from ear to ear with an infectious laugh escaping her lips. The color of her cheeks is crimson, accentuating the green eyes while our gaze meets. I can’t help but smile back as the instructor helps me remove the harness.
When we’re both free, Amelia runs over to me, out of breath and completely exhilarated.
“How do you feel?”
“Amazing,” I admit, taking a breath with a soft laugh following. “I haven’t felt this good since… I can’t even remember.”
“Me, too.” She beams, placing her cap back on. “I forgot what it was like just to act and not think.”
“I take it back. Maybe you’re not so lame.”
She punches my arm softly. “You hungry?”
“Famished.”
“There’s a place not too far from here that’s supposed to be the best burger joint in Jersey.”
“Lead the way, daredevil.”
My eyes pique with curiosity as the waitress serves all the food and places it on the table—burgers, loaded fries, hot dogs, pickles, and two sodas.
“Are you eating for two?” I ask, watching Amelia load her plate.
“Funny joke, one I’m sure you’ll never make in front of my father,” she says with a mouthful of fries. “A food coma is imminent.”
It’s somewhat refreshing to watch a woman relax in my presence, not fuss over some fad diet they’re trying out to lose weight. I learned early on not to ever comment on a women’s weight because even a compliment can be misconstrued as something else. Amelia, though, has an amazing body with curves in all the right places, not that I should be even thinking about that.
She raises her eyes, stopping mid-bite. “Why are you looking at me that way? Do I have mayonnaise on my face?”
I hide my smile behind the burger in my hands. “You’re so paranoid.”
“Well, I don’t really know you anymore. You’re practically a stranger.”
Flattening my lips, I roll my eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic.”
She wipes her hands with the napkin, taking a sip of Coke before resting her elbows on the edge of the table.
“It’s the truth. All I know is that you work at some company that creates apps. You’re single, allegedly, and you like to fool around with your assistants.”
I shake my head, letting out an annoyed huff. “My mother, or your mother, has really skewed reality. Yes, I own a company that creates apps, among many other things. Yes, I’m single. No, I don’t like to fool around with my assistants. I like to fool around with women who I find attractive, despite their chosen career.”
“Oh, well, that’s much better,” she drags, avoiding my eyes. “So, have you ever had a girlfriend?”
“That term is so juvenile,” I tell her.
“So is pulling the onion out of your burger,” she retorts while eyeing me. “And the pickles.”
