Dishin' It Out: FRIDAY FREEBITS WITH SHIRLEY MARTIN #frifreebits

Thursday, April 23, 2015

FRIDAY FREEBITS WITH SHIRLEY MARTIN #frifreebits

Jennifer stepped outside on the brick patio, needing to escape the continual bragging of the stockbroker whose only subject was himself. Closing the French doors behind her, she shut out most of the noise and laughter from the party inside, a welcome relief.

Surprised she had the patio to herself, she rested her hand on the iron railing and inhaled the cool November air, her gaze absorbing the magnificent houses and lush foliage of this elegant Coral Gables neighborhood. Some day she hoped to have a home of her own, but she knew she could never afford a spacious mansion such as this. But that was fine with her: a more modest house would suit her nicely. The fragrance of night-blooming jasmine drifted her way, carried by a light easterly breeze. She stared upward at the clear sky where a sprinkling of stars and a couple of planets overcame the competition of bright city lights. She’d return to the party in a few minutes, but for now, she wanted time to herself. She’d had a rough week and wanted just a few moments alone.

“A beautiful night, isn’t it?”

“Oh!” She swung around to stare at the stranger,. “You scared me! You shouldn’t sneak up on a person like that. I didn’t hear the doors close.” Dressed in a black suit, white shirt and dark tie, he stood a few feet away, next to the door. Tall, dark, and handsome. The cliche slipped easily from her mind, but it was true. At least his hair was dark, but his skin was the palest she’d ever seen, as if he never got enough sunlight. On him, the combination was fascinating. If Helen of Troy had a face that could launch a thousand ships, this man had the good looks to send a rocket to Mars.

He smiled. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He nodded toward the party inside. “It was getting much too noisy in there.”

She tilted her head at him. “I didn’t see you there.”

“But I saw you across the room, and I wanted to meet you. I hope you don’t mind.”

His dark eyes focused on her. Those eyes! She could gladly sink into them and never come up for air.
Even here, she caught a faint trace of laughter from inside. “Normally, I like parties, but sometimes–“ She shrugged. “–sometimes I like to be by myself.”

“I, also. Present company excepted.” He smiled and moved closer.