Valerie’s hand rested on the light switch as she surveyed the surroundings, a last look to assure herself all was well for the week-end. The proposals were read. Contracts signed. Her faithful computer sat perched quietly on the desk. Silence, now filled the air as the last email had been returned.  Stepping out of her office, Valerie closed the door to the harsh corporate world she lived in daily.

   Later as she relaxed, Valerie toyed with the remainder of her food, comfortable enough not to care about her half eaten container of Chinese noodles. Pushing back the box, she glanced around-forcing her mind to forget the newest merger. Watching the play of light’s glitter satisfied Valerie, the beam danced from one place to another, causing a rainbow of cascading pastel colors, finally, fading into nothingness.

   Valerie's chest rose. She breathed a heavy sigh. Staring, in the distance, Valerie spotted him. How could she miss his attractiveness? She had never known anyone as down to earth as he. Still, he seemed to possess knowledge about almost anything. Always he was seated in the same spot, waiting for her at the little bistro table that overlooked the sand dunes.  

    His face brightened, smiling in her direction. Finally, he motioned to her, beckoning Valerie toward him, watching intently while she shyly approached.

   Putting her hand up to her eyes-shading them from the sun, Valerie took in all of Tom’s features. Everything from his welcoming grin to the dimple of his chin called out to her. Her soul knew him well. When she saw him, her heart fluttered, throwing her into a feeling of carefree youthfulness.        

   Standing up, he embraced Valerie and pulled her into his arms. Gently, he caressed her lips, a slow kiss that lingered and sparked a flame of hope for things to come.

    Handing her a flower, he lovingly greeted her. “Val darling, you’re here. I have missed you.” Inwardly, she smiled at the nickname he used, wondering why no one else called her by that name.  

Taking Valerie’s hand, he led her down the path to their special place, the little secluded area, overlooking the ocean. With tenderness, he positioned her on the flat rock, and took a spot close beside her.  

    Like a teen-ager with a crush, she watched his lean six-foot frame cast a shadow providing shade from the sunlight.

   In his arms, contentment flooded through Valerie. Her body soaked in every sensation. Her skin tingled, quivering breaths escaped her lungs. With each kiss, a chill of anticipation rose. Could she possibly want anything more at this time?  

    Seagulls called out from the sky as they soared above. Valerie felt the coolness from the wind wafting through her hair. Taking a deep breath, Valerie inhaled the scent of salt from the air that wiggled past her nose. The last thought before she gave in, totally focused on Tom was this place must be as close to paradise as any spot could possibly be.    

    A loud wave crashed against the rocks, distracting her. Turning her head, she spotted the familiar sign stood at a distance. The bold yellow symbol that was propped against the edge of a cliff regally announced the area of “Hopes Call,” and caused her to pause. Somewhere deep inside her heart skipped a beat; Valerie realized time was growing short. How she wished she could stay right here in his arms forever and never leave.  

   With a quick jolt, Valerie was startled awake. Reality hit her. She rose to a sitting position on the leather sofa. Closing her eyes in despair she remembered-it was only a dream, the same vision she has so often and always longs to return to.

  Pulling back her hair, Valerie contemplated the fantasy. With a heavy sigh, she pondered- as notions ran through her mind. Would she ever find her Tom? That one special person, someone who would accept the carefree Val, that deep-down she knew she longed to be.