Love at War

Love's Decisions: Part 2: Chapter 9: Romance in Malta

Valletta Capital of Malta, 26 April 2019.

"Mr McGee?" A Grey, Haloed Man Greeted HIM. Curt lowered his sunglasses and nodded.

"Follow me, please."

"Sure," he responded with light-heartedness. Ever since the trip began, he forced himself to think happy thoughts. The dark that hardened him left at the compound.

With excitement he had studied the brochures on the flight. Streets stretched in straight lanes along Valletta. From the air it looked like an architectural artwork. The palace with its golden roof blazed in the rising sun whilst sail ships cruised the coastline. Others moored in various marinas along the coastline - the main marina, the Grand Harbour, vexed in time were cluttered with colour. The brochures described it accurately.

The White SUV waited outside the terminal with the Grand Excelsior Hotel emblem in big bold gold prints. Curt placed his bag at the back. Inside the cab the guide introduced himself: "My name is Armanno," and proffered a chubby hand.

"Please to meet you, Armanno. Call me Curt." As he pulled into the traffic Armanno pointed out distinctive landmarks, his enthusiasm tangible.

"Where did it all start?" Curt's curiosity peaked.

"It goes back to the 16th Century. During the crusade period."

"That long back?"

"Malta has a proud history. We are the smallest capital city in the European Union. In 1813 we became a British colony and served as a way station for ships. We were an important Allied base for the North Africa and Mediterranean operations. We received our independence in 1964 and became a Republic in 1974. Our history includes the Ottoman invasion. You will find noteworthy museums here. They showcase the relics of each period."

"I never knew it's importance and the vital role it played in history. The museums are on my itinerary for the weekend," Curt promised.

"You will not be disappointed. There is always something new to discover."

They followed Route 6. The landscape changed from city to country. At a circle Armanno turned left. They continued with Triq Vincenzo Dimech road. Minutes later they entered another dense region. The imposing wall of the fortified city in view declared a World Heritage centre. It attracted visitors across the globe.

At the hotel the entrance caught Curt's attention. The circular garden boasted with two fountains. Small decorative trees lined the pathway and three limestone arches completed it. At the zebra crossing they entered the coolness of the shade. Impressive glass doors invited them inside. A serene atmosphere filtered through the marble entrance.

Tourists took pictures, fascinated with the surroundings. His attention drifted upwards. The crystal chandelier stressed the enormity of the place and gave it an elegant superiority. They stopped at the mahogany desk. Next to it a marble horse and boy stood hip high, the craftsmanship precise.

A young, soft-spoken Italian supplied him his card. "Gracias," he thanked her.

Armanno wished him well and left him in the care of a younger man. The bellboy stepped forward. "Can I carry your bag, Sir?"

"No thanks." The bellboy bowed slightly and led the way.

"This way, Sir."

Classical music played inside the lift. Mirror covered walls reflected a tired image, an image he planned to rectify.

The doors opened on the second floor. A whiff of spices accosted him at the door. He missed the brunette by millimetres as she stepped in. The smallest of smiles transformed the youthful face. A glimpse of emerald eyes met his. Then she disappeared.

"What a sight," he sighed and smiled.

"Did you say something, Sir?"

"No."

At his door the bell boy produced the card and opened it. The large canvas of translucent aqua left him breathless. From the balcony the amoeba-shaped pool gleamed like polished crystal. The cool wetness offered relaxation.

"I hope you find this satisfactory?"

"Yes," he answered, handing the bellboy a euro bill. He returned to the panoramic view and filled his lungs with the ocean breeze. Next to the fountain colourful umbrellas dotted the pool. Guests relaxed on deck chairs.

About to turn, the brunette re-appeared, her green sarong swayed with her. One tanned leg revealed itself cheekily with each step. From his advantage point he appreciated the perfect curves, the delicate shoulders of the slender body. At a deck chair she removed her sunglasses and let the material slip.

With graceful fluency she disappeared into the water. He followed her blurry outline until she re-appeared. All rational thoughts of unfaithful women aside.

His body reacted in a delicious way, a memory so vague that nostalgia tucked his body. With a final appreciative look he changed into his swimming trunks. A bright red towel draped around his neck.

Inside the elevator he tapped the rail as it glided to the main lobby. The doors swished open, and he trotted to the pool with a feeling of excitement. An empty chair next to hers waited for him and he dropped his towel. He spotted her at the far end of the pool already returning back towards him. She glided through the water with easy strokes. Sinking into the coolness he waited in her path. Corny, he thought with a grin. He had to see the emeralds and glorious smile. It was not possible that he imagined her smile. He needed the reassurance. The moment she touched him, he helped her to her feet. His eagerness captured in a moment of quietness.

His world, as he knew it, stopped when she smiled. Twin dimples appeared in an open face. The emeralds glitter with enjoyment and he could not help himself. He laughed, a deep belly laugh that released the ache in his heart.

A momentous second … a turning point of his entire world.

***

Sonia's heart jumped. It is him!

She stepped back and shielded her face. Water dripped from day-old stubble, blue eyes sparkled with merriment. His bulk dusted with a wisp of light hair, the crew cut neat. What a hunk, she gushed.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't notice you." Her breaths betrayed her energy kick. The encounter with Mr Hunk added to the exhilaration, a pleasant stop which removed the cobwebs she drowned in the coolness.

He was not part of the itinerary, but plans could change. Right?

"The pleasure is all mine, Ms," he said in an American drawl. His eyes displayed genuine interest.

She wiped the water from her face and to hide her admiration. Someone pushed against her and she fell into him. His arms locked behind her. His face lowered. She stopped breathing - shocked, but in a good way. She could not believe what he was doing.

"What …?"

Stunned their lips connected. A cascade of colour enhanced it. Worlds shifted and ears blocked the noise. A soft tone manoeuvred its sound waves between them, caressing the connection. They forgot all except for the here and now.

"From the moment I saw you, I wanted to kiss you." He breathed. "I call that an excellent introductory to a surprising experience." He drawled softly.

A pregnant silence followed, brought on by the unexpected link. Sonia rested against him. The rapid pulse beneath his skin mimicked her own heartbeat. She cupped it with her hand. He groaned and drew her closer.

Infinite time locked in seconds passed.

Retreating backwards, dumbstruck.

What just happened?

The distance caused cool water to fill the space she created. Bereft of a vital part, she shivered.

"Don't …" He reached out, but she shook her head. Fantasy made way as her mind registered the reality of it.

This never happens. This partnership is not possible.

"I have to go."

"I want to see you."

"I'm not sure it is a good thing."

"Why?"

"Because …" She suppressed a giggle. There was no reason not to meet. Besides, the matron ordered her to have a romance. "I will love it," she whispered and got out.

Out of character she knelt at the edge. "By the way, my name is Sonia," and trotted away. The tone's sound waves stayed with her and she smiled.

***

"Ms Main?"

"Yes."

"Please follow me."

Comfortable on the massage bed her thoughts focused on the pool, the immediate connection of the meeting. They formed an undeniable bond in those tender moments.

"Ms, are you all right?"

"Yes …"

"You are shaking, are you sure?"

No, I am not, I am terrified. How is it possible that every barrier I had erected, broke?

He is a stranger. Do not do something stupid, Sonia. You hardly know him. You read too much in the stolen kiss.

But I can have a brief romance, can't I?

The conversation in her mind quieted as she surrendered to the ministrations of the beauticians. After an hour she left the spa in high spirits. A boutique caught her attention.

"Welcome. Are you looking for a specific dress?"

"Something elegant. It's been a while since I spoiled myself."

"Let's correct that." The saleswoman smiled and led her to a colourful display of lace and silk. Brushing through the latest fashions Sonia stopped at a soft, yellow tea gown.

"The dress is a classic, and with your skin tone it will look lovely. Would you care to try it on?"

"Yes, please." In the fitting booth she agreed with the woman as she twirled in front of the mirrors. The price tag caused a deep intake of breath. It was steep, but she could spoil herself. Years of working in Africa allowed her no reason to spend. Her savings had grown in a tidy sum.

Content with her shopping spree she entered the lift.

The setting sun gave her a marvellous view of the Manoel Island Yacht Marina which she enjoyed. Taking her time to adorn herself with the things she bought, she twirled again. Her reflection showed a different person she had not seen in a long time.

Her stomach growled and she smiled. The last time she ate was breakfast on the plane. She could do with nourishment among other things.