The Meeting Point by Olivia Lara

Fifty-Four

Ha! I knew it. I KNEW IT! I felt it. In that moment, I felt his presence. Oh, if he only knew how much I wanted to meet him. If he’d only admitted he was there. By that point, I would’ve said yes to meeting him.

June After Midnight

Chapter 28

I stay away from the fire, at a considerable distance. No way she can see me. It’s too dark out.

It’s risky what I’m doing and I know it. Yet, I’m still here. I don’t know if I should continue this; it’s gone so well so far. She’s had a blast, a birthday she will surely remember. But she’s still leaving in a few hours. I’m not sure why I’m here. I just couldn’t stay away, I guess. Wanted to see her again. I’ve been watching her all day, but from a distance. It would be amazing to sit together by the fire, to see her smile. I’m curious what her voice sounds like. I only heard it for a few seconds when we were doing the bike tour, but I was in such a state of panic that she’d discover me, I didn’t truly pay attention. I’m curious what color her eyes are.

The more I think about it, my rational side is nagging me with the same question: why am I still here? Will I tell her who I am? Will I just go over there and introduce myself?

‘Hey, Maya. I’m the Lift guy. I’m sorry I told you about your boyfriend because it hurt you. And now I don’t even know if I’m sorry anymore, because you’re here and I’m here. Do you believe in signs? Or fate? Or whatever it is? I didn’t, until today. And, sorry, hope this is not freaking you out that I’m here and all. I just wanted to meet you. What am I doing here? Aaaa, I just happened to be in the neighborhood.’

Yes, not creepy at all. Perfectly normal. That’s how people meet.

And here she is; walking down the path, then onto the beach, going toward the fire, and I have that strange feeling again. Like nervousness but mixed with excitement.

She smiles at people and they all seem welcoming. As they always are.

She sits by the fire, right next to Remy. He plays his guitar all over Carmel and Monterey, does weddings and parties. He’s got some talent and is very good with the ladies. It only takes him ten seconds to start a conversation with Maya. She talks to him but seems to keep a distance. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but I hope I’m reading her right. It’s not that she’s not friendly, but she’s not responding to his flirting.

He gets up, grabs his guitar and, looking at her intently, sits back down.

“This song is for the lovely Maya whose eyes are like the ocean.”

I try not to gag. Never liked the guy.

She smiles but is obviously embarrassed.

He starts playing ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’—terribly cliché but that’s what he does for a living after all. She doesn’t seem impressed, which is all I care about.

As he’s singing, she lifts her eyes and looks at the fire.

I can’t help… looking at her.

My God, she’s beautiful.

What am I doing? What am I doing? I should just leave.

If she needs a place to stay for the night, I will give her the inn’s address. She knows it already; it’s where she changed earlier.

I should just go.

Daniel’s phone vibrates. I didn’t even realize she was texting, I was so in my head.

Please don’t take this the wrong way… Is it strange if I say I wish you were here? I don’t know you, but you are the reason for this wonderful day and although I’m not alone and I’m not even lonely—surprisingly for me—I would’ve loved to share all these amazing things with… with the person who made it all possible.

I stare at the text and instead of making me go to her and tell her the truth, it freezes me in place. I don’t know what to do or how to answer that. ‘I am here.’ That’s what I want to say, but I don’t.

I don’t know if it’s seconds or minutes, but I keep looking at her and she keeps looking at the phone. Her expression changes gradually to a serious, almost sad one.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel awkward. It’s just that nobody has ever done anything this nice for me and I’m a bit woozy from all this wine and beer. Been drinking quite a lot at the bonfire. I just meant that I’m grateful, that’s all. It would be totally strange if you were here. We don’t even know each other. Please ignore what I said.

And I ruined it. Of course I did. It’s a talent.

I continue watching her. She’s sad and disappointed. I bet she’s beating herself up for her text. And I know very well she hasn’t been drinking anything except for hot cocoa.

It’s not strange at all and I don’t feel awkward. I wish I was there with you too.

I almost hit send. It’s a lie, isn’t it? I am lying to her.

I delete and restart. I don’t want to lie to her.

Not strange or awkward. I wish I was next to you at the bonfire too.

That’s not a lie. I do wish I could be next to her. I’m close, but not as close as I want to be.

I see her checking her phone a few times. Has she not read my text? The expression on her face doesn’t change. I blew it, like an idiot.

The fire is getting smaller. Some people leave; others lie in the sand and fall asleep covering their faces with their hoods or small blankets. I’m not chilly or warm and I don’t feel tired. I just stare at her. She’s talked to a few people. A couple of men approached her, but she didn’t entertain them. Remy got tired of trying and moved on to more receptive pastures.

It’s getting darker as the fire is not as strong. Should I text her again and apologize? I look at the phone and that’s when I see it. My text message to her. I wrote it but, in my chaos and rush, never sent it. I manically press send.

Seconds later, Maya checks her phone and smiles. The way I smile when I look at her.

I see her texting something, but I don’t get any message. She puts the phone down, then she picks it up and again it looks like she’s typing something. What is she trying to say? What am I hoping she will say? ‘Why don’t you come then? I’m still here. I would love to meet you and spend the last hours of my birthday with you.’

No message. She does the same thing a few times and I can see the angst in her eyes. She’s struggling. She’s not that kind of woman; I know it. I’ve known it ever since I saw her at the airport. I should say it. I should be a man and not a chicken and say it. Spare her the humiliation of making the first step. We both want the same thing. I think. I hope.

If you’re not too tired and can make it a little longer, the sunrise on Carmel Beach is a once-in-a-lifetime sight. It’s at six. I could… if it’s OK with you, meet you there. There are some large rocks—you can’t miss them—and right next to them, an old green bench.

I don’t stop to analyze. I don’t think about the consequences. About the last hours before she leaves. Just press send. I see her reading and covering her mouth with her hand. Her eyes sparkle in the last flickering lights of the fire.

I look away for a few moments, trying to calm my nerves, and when I look again, she’s gone. She’s not by the fire anymore. Where did she go? What did I do? I said too much. I scared her. Jesus! If this is the right thing, there will be signs. She will say yes and everything will work out.