" She patted a space on the rock, and pointed behind her." She patted a space on the rock, and pointed behind her. "I brought some things. I can stay longer this time." I looked where she had pointed, and saw a blanket spread on the sun-warmed stone, a picnic basket, a bottle of wine and two glasses standing in the shade. We sat close to each other and talked for a while, though each time I tried to ask about her - her name, where she was staying - she would change the subject. At last she smiled her special smile and said, "All these questions! Come, let us eat and drink." With that, she got up with her quick, graceful fluid motion and walked to the blanket. Here she opened the basket and produced a load of bite-size fried things like tempura. I opened my mouth to say something, and laughing, she popped one in. I joined the fun and stuffed one in her mouth. She handed me the wine bottle and corkscrew. It was one of my favorites. I opened the bottle and ceremoniously poured. She touched glasses and murmured, "To us, and to now." I sat with my back against the tree, and she slid over and leaned her back against my raised knees, half facing me. She pulled the basket closer, and took another item and put it to my mouth. I half took it and leaned forward to offer her a share. She leaned up and bit the offered piece. Our lips met, and lingered a moment before she drew back and chewed. She lifted her hand to my face and drew the outline of my mouth. |