Mara was new to the intensive care unit where she worked as a nurse.
She was beautiful... a cross between Victoria Principle and Jane Seymour. Her
hair was usually in a bun... though when outside of the hospital environment...
her hair flowed with waves. We initially only made eye contact and combined it
with a special smile that said volumes. Eventually we spoke. She was married...
though was quick to add that it was not a happy union. Her husband worked
third shift while she worked second. He came home to sleep after she was
already awake and walking her dogs. He was a rock-and-roll musician who had
caught her attention during a phase in her life... but as she matured... they no
longer had the chemistry she once sensed. She was quick to add that they
hadn't been intimate for months... and I quickly offered my condolences. The
volley of flirtations continued for a week before I requested her presence at
my apartment... which she accepted.
I had given her directions... but had an oil lantern set atop my car as
a beacon. I spotted her sporty Nissan a few blocks away... and watched it as
she pulled into the parking lot. The car door opened and she was...