Caught In Deception

Lucid Dream III ~Savoring Love

Shayla lay motionless, savoring the last drop of her dream. Begrudgingly she opened her eyes to the morning light. If only she could stay with Holland a little longer, even if it were in her dreams. If only she could see his face just one more time, he wouldn't have to talk or do anything. To see him would do her a world of good. Shayla knew that it was only wishful thinking. There wasn't another person in this world like Holland.  She grumbled out loud.

 "Oh, why did morning come?"

 When Shayla moved, it was to reach over to turn off her alarm clock on the bedside table. Then, finally, it was time to get up, biting her lip. Shayla sat upright this morning, feeling pathetic that she craved to dream longer. Now her dreams were like the gentlest blessing that she cherishes. It's a relief to dream about something pleasant instead of pain, fear, and death. 

Instead of grieving her loss, she was able to be thankful for their precious time spent together. Through her dreams, Holland is still very much a part of her life.  Shayla prepares for work thinking about her fantasies with Holland, welcoming them, and for the first time, looking forward to nights.

~~~~~ 

Later that evening, it was dark when she clocked out. The wind was gusting as if a storm was coming tonight.  Shayla hurried home after work. The minute she entered her front door, the silence of the empty house was all around her. The only thought she entertained was getting something to eat and climbing into bed, hoping her dreams would pick up at that happy time in her life. 

After her instant dinner and a quick shower, Shayla climbed into bed as if she was going on a whirlwind date. Within minutes, she closed her eyes and was fast asleep. It was as if someone had pressed play, and her dreams proceeded where she left off.

~~~~~

 Minutes later, she served the handsome man his block of blue cheese, and all they exchanged at that moment were glances.  Shayla carried on with her job. Then finally, she went on her ten-minute break. Then, Shayla got a phone call from her mother.  Shayla had to tell someone what she was experiencing at work tonight. 

"Shayla, the only way to know is to allow the man to at least buy you, dinner sweetheart. Don't take yourself so seriously." She knew her mother wouldn't have encouraged it if she knew he was a foreigner.

"I've already refused his offer, besides...I don't know, mom. I don't think you guys would approve. Besides, I wasn't planning on dating anyone right now." 

"That's just it. It's not even a date, and it's certainly not marriage. I'm not going to say anymore. It's your decision."

"Thank you, mom, for acknowledging that it's my decision. But, unfortunately, I have to go. Break time is over. I'll see you later."

 ~~~~~~~~~

Shayla's ten-minute break was over.  She watched him discreetly as she cleared tables and served food and drinks to the other guests. But she noticed that he didn't look at her once the rest of the night. So now he had her wondering. 'Was this guy trying to flaunt how rich he is, or was he trying to test her to see if she's a gold digger? Rumor has it that all the foreign men think that women of color are easy to lay and gold diggers.'

Shayla went about the rest of her evening, now full of questions and thoughts. "Was he coming on to me for a one-night stand?  It all seems simple enough to ignore a guy like him. But there was something about this man that couldn't be easily overlooked. Right now, he's acting like she doesn't even exist, keeping her wondering. 

By the end of the night, the restaurant was nearly empty.  Shayla goes out into the dining hall to clean her last few tables. To her surprise, he is still sitting at the table. She looks at her watch, and it's almost twelve, the end of her shift. For the first time after she rejected him earlier tonight, Holland looks in her direction. Their eyes connected for a few seconds as he gestured, nodding his head in the most relaxed manner for her to come to him. Shayla complies, giving him customers' respect. 

"I hope you don't think I'm weird or a creep. But I want to get to know you. So can we go to the "Cut? For drinks? It stays open until 2 am."

"I don't think my attire is appropriate for a place like the "cut."

"You look fine. Here take my blazer. Wow! You look even better in inexpensive things.  I never knew that my jacket went so well with a pair of black jeans. Look at you." Holland says as he slowly circles her, smiling.

Shayla laughed as they both laughed. "One drink, that's it." She agreed.

 ~~~~~~~

One drink turns into two, and over drinks, he opens up, and Shayla sees there's more to Holland Hunter than meets the eye. But, she wondered, 'Will I be able to ignore one of the most handsome men that has ever shown me attention for the first time in my life? Is he coming on to me for real? Should I give in more of my time to find out that he's more than what meets the eye?

Shayla found Holland to be charming and physically exciting. In the days to come, she talked over the phone for hours with him, eventually with Holland convincing her to go on another date with him. He treated her like a queen on their dates. The passion between them was smoking hot! There was a chemistry explosion happening between them.  His kisses, which began as slow and searching, were now intense and urging.  Each time the flames were building until he surprised her by getting down on one knee.

 "Shayla McFarland, will you make me the happiest man in the world by marrying me?"

Thrill to death. He stimulated every nerve ending until her answer was, "yes!"

After her happy response,  he softly coaxed her to open her mouth using his tongue as he slipped it inside, awakening a deep need within her. The rush of heat swept from the soft core of her center and radiated outward like spokes on a wheel. 

She rose to meet Holland in a moment of uncontrolled passion, her enthusiastic response matching his. Pinpoints of love burned brightly as she rose, and suddenly, without warning, the dream ended.

Tears streamed down her cheek onto her pillow. The wetness against her face awakened her, opening her eyes. She realized that she had been crying. They were happy tears. She had dreamed about when her true happiness had begun.

~

It was the weekend, and she didn't have to work this weekend, so Shayla knew being busy was the key to not thinking about her past life during the day. Those thoughts were now only reserved for her dreams at night. So she looked around her house and decided today she would finally go shopping for her empty home. 

She selected a pale blue chambray shirt with a long, slim matching skirt. At five-foot-seven inches, she favored mid-calf garments that flattered her slender body. It was only on rare occasions that she wore anything above her knees. 

Right now, it wasn't her wardrobe that filled her thoughts. She had planned her itinerary carefully. Her list of things to do and purchase;  included two African wooden masks for her wall in the living room, some ceramics pieces, silver woven shawls, blankets, and other items of interest. All of those items of decor would make the beach house feel like home. So after slipping into a pair of comfortable leather low-heeled shoes, securing her purse across her body. She got in her car and headed toward the town of Cheriton shopping district.

Once, she parked the car in a nearby lot. Again, Shayla was assailed by sounds and sights which threatened to overwhelm her. The only time she went out was to go to work and then back home to her secluded beach house. It was her first time being out around crowds of people since Holland's death. The streets were full of locals and tourists—all jostling for their own space on the sidewalks. The sound of car horns and clothing stores blasting music filled the air. 

She passed a group of young men who stared and made catcalls out to her. Even though she wasn't a bit interested, Shayla knew enough not to make eye contact or appear insulted.  There was much to be said for a woman in a new area without a male escort. When she turned on the street with shops she was interested in, she found similar stores in the city.  

She was strolling along the sidewalk, peering into the windows, browsing and exiting each shop leaving empty-handed. There were many prestigious shops and boutiques. There was a lot to be tempted by, beautiful clothing stores with upscale dresses showcased in the windows. But Shayla was out here for the beach house, to turn what would have been her and Holland home. She wanted to decorate it the way she would have if he lived there with her, keeping with her and Holland's cultures.

Walking into a*****e, she saw from the window it had unique but beautiful pieces. The shop's owner greeted her, "May I help you?" 

"Yes, Do you have any African or Asian art pieces that make a statement or something that is a talking piece?"

Arching an eyebrow, the sales clerk stood there speechless for a second. "That's a fascinating question. But we may have some lovely items right over here you might like.." 

Shayla did see some unique Native African and Asian- furnishings. "

"Miss, I would like to order this bed for my master, the sofa, love seat and tables for the living room, dining room table and chairs, this credenza is lovely too. And I'll also take this bed set for my guest bedroom furniture."

The shop's owner is exquisitely dressed in a white silk sheath dress that clung to every line of her professionally nipped and tucked frame. She smiled at Shayla, delighted that she was spending so much," Dear, these are all some lovely selections. We can have them delivered to you next week." 

 "And I'll take these pieces with me today." Shayla had in her cart accessories; rugs, pottery, and native artifacts.

 The lady rang and bagged her purchases. "Thank you so much, and come again." 

"I will, and you have a lovely store," Shayla says, smiling as she leaves out the door. But the minute she hit the sidewalk and looked up, Shayla saw him! She stood motionless and mollified. Then, as he appeared, he disappeared in front of her very eyes. 

Shayla calls out. "Holland!Holland!" Dropping the heavy bags in front of the store, she takes off behind him. The store clerk and owner looked out the window with concern. When she sees Shayla running away, leaving her things behind, she goes to the door to see what is happening. 

When she got to the corner, there was no one there. Then, finally, she hears the female voice behind her, 

"Ms., Is everything okay?!"