Music is tingling in the air while a pianist plays a serenade, and a young woman sits on her bar stool, reminiscing about the phases of her life. She is tired and bored and in need of excitement—perhaps an affair or a one-night stand—as she contemplates her dire situation. She secretly wants a fantasy to fulfill her emotional desires. She is so lonely and in desperate need of a man, but in her heart she is shy and pure and is scared of the repercussions that it could cause. She is still a single woman that was properly brought up by a most caring mother. Nevertheless, she needs love, a fling, or a long-standing relationship ... anything that would make her feel like a woman. She wonders if she is emotionally repulsive, spiritually empty, or just plain unattractive. Her exasperating job as a laboratory technician is draining all her vitality; she leaves early in the morning and comes back late at night, with no one to come home to. Her nights are filled with emptiness as she browses through pictures of old boyfriends from her high school years. She even sheds a tear or two as she reminiscences about the more pleasurable experiences of days gone by. Afterward it's a hot shower, a few women's magazines, or a classic movie before falling asleep in a world of everlasting dreams.

However, today she sits in this casual restaurant-bar, waiting to escape her most dull and miserable routine. She wants to break away from her disheartened situation and finally find vitality. She is still daydreaming when all of a sudden, a middle-aged, dashing man enters the bar. Sitting down on one of the stools opposite hers, he quickly glances at her with gleaming eyes. She blushes and quickly turns the other way as he calls for the bartender. Is he married or divorced? Does he need a companion, and would he be interested in a one-night stand? So many questions but yet so few answers for a well-brought-up, middle-aged woman. Nevertheless, she also realizes that being passive has got her nowhere. Her biggest fear—rejection—is scaring her to death, but still she mentally schemes a way to approach him. She thinks, If I was to impose myself on him, would he accept me or just push me away?

Taking a few sips of her martini, she discretely looks at him from the corner of her eye. In her thoughts he is perfect, and she admires him sorting through his papers while enjoying a light whiskey on the rocks. Maybe he's just a gigolo, waiting for a vulnerable woman to fall prey to him. Maybe he would accept a night of sexual intimacy. For her, that would prove satisfactory, as she is so desperate for the attention.

Anticipating the end of her lunch hour, she still can't figure out how to initiate first contact. Her insides tremble in fear, but yet she is desperate to make an approach. Even her skirt waistband is getting loose by the mere thought of a shivering body. After bracing herself for rejection and knowing that she can simply walk quickly away, she confronts the man. She lightly taps him on the shoulder and then hastily asks him a whole bunch of questions.

"What is your name? Do you come here often? Are you single? Do you like New York? Do you have a girlfriend?"

The man gently smiles and places his hand on her mouth in order to stop the interrogation. There is a brief moment of silence followed by a burst of his laughter ... "I will answer all of your questions; just give me a chance to respond," he says. "My name is Michael Kowalski, and I'm an industrialist from Prague. What is your name?"

"I'm Leslie Sherwood," she coyly replies.

"Nice to meet you, Leslie," he says with a glimmer in his eye.

All of a sudden, she has the shakes; she is trembling and trying to quickly end the conversation. "I'm sorry, this is a whole mistake. I shouldn't have bothered you, and I have to go," she blurts.

"Please stay ..."

"I'm sorry, but I have to go," she repeats.

"Please, Leslie, can I see you again?" asks Michael.

"I don't think so," she quickly replies.

"If you change your mind, I will be here at 7:00 PM for a night cap. Please come," he pleads.

In a blink of an eye, she quickly exits the establishment, confused by her behavior and by what she did. After calming herself down, she starts to have the urge to see him again. She is so infatuated by him that she can barely keep her concentration at work. Her eyes can't stay off the clock, waiting for the end of the day so that she could go home.

There she would shower, go to bed, and forget this most embarrassing day.

Her life isn't that bad after all. She has a nice, well-decorated, and cozy apartment, with lots of friends and various leisure activities. Who needs a man? Her thoughts are going wild, and she tries to rationalize away her desire by thinking about how it could change her lifestyle. Yet she needs to feel loved, to be cuddled with and wanted again, and her vivid emotions slowly gain the best of her.

It is already 5:30 PM when she gets home. She is torn by the day's events and wonders if she should take the risk. Her head is spinning from the mere thought of taking the plunge. She can't take it anymore and decides to take the challenge in this newfound adventure. Jumping into the shower, knowing that she only has an hour to go, she hastily washes and then prepares her finest attire. Her choice of undergarments consists of silky white lingerie, a garter belt, and a sheer lace camisole. She then puts on a most delicate satin blouse and a long-slit black skirt. She finishes her attire with star–decorated, tan pantyhose and high-heel, black leather shoes. While putting her makeup on, she calls a taxi—her stomach is still turning vigorously. However, there is no turning back, and within minutes she arrives at the bar. She is full of contradictions, and her mind juggles countless scenarios as she walks into the bar. He told her 7:00 PM, and yet she can't find him. She looks around in despair, wondering if she has been set up. After minutes of fast searching, a hand finally touches her on the shoulder, and there he is. She is practically drooling at the sight of him but restrains herself from showing any emotions.

"I reserved a table for two, on the side corner near the piano bar," he says softly.

She is in complete ecstasy because the table is nicely decorated with soft candles; it's a dream come true. She hasn't been treated like a lady for so long that she forgot the feeling.

Michael slowly pulls the chair out for her to sit down, and then he starts the conversation.

"May I say that I'm overwhelmed by your presence? You look so exquisite this evening, Leslie," he compliments.

Not knowing how to respond, she only nods and smiles.

"First of all, let me introduce myself again," he continues. "My name is Michael Kowalski, and I'm here on a three-day business seminar. I believe one of your many questions pertained to my availability. I don't have a soul mate, having been divorced for a couple of years now."

She feels relieved, realizing that she does not wanting to intrude on some other woman's territory. She listens to him as he talks about his work, his dreams, and his challenges. She admires his work ethic, his zest for life, and his positive attitude. Listening tenderly to his eloquent way of speaking, watching his passionate gestures, she suddenly feels sexually aroused. His disposition and well-dressed attire consists of a two-piece navy suit, red silky tie, and crispy white shirt is more than she can take.

Then he stops talking and asked her a question. "What finally got you to change your mind and come this evening?"

She doesn't know what to say, because telling the truth—that she is in dire straits for a man—may make him laugh and walk away. She tries to come up with an excuse, but he suddenly stops her. "It isn't important, anyway. Would you like to dance?" he asks.

She nods and proceeds to the small dance floor. They start to dance to the piano's music, a slow serenade. When he puts his hand on the side of her waist, she feels tingling sensations of desire trembling within her body. She wants the dance to last forever, but the song ends and they are soon back at their table. She wants to dance again, to feel his manly presence, but she is too shy to ask him.

After ordering their main course, the waiter gives them a menu consisting of various wines and champagnes. Not knowing too much about wine, she feels uncomfortable, but he insists that she choose a selection. Not wanting to embarrass herself, she chooses the first one that is on the list: a soft white Beaujolais from a central province in France.

"An exquisite choice," he comments, and she hopes he couldn't tell that she isn't familiar with the list.

The meal is delicious, and he insists on toasting their newfound friendship. She hesitates on taking a drink, not wanting to feel too tipsy, but he is so charming. The taste of sweet wine is so inviting that she can no longer hesitate on sampling its content. She feels free and eager to talk about her emotions and personal desires. After two incredible and memorable hours of conversation, he replies that it is getting late and that maybe it is time to call it a night. Not wanting him to leave, she panics and politely asks him if he can take her home. He tries to be a gentleman and call a cab for her, but she insists that he come along. She feels warm and consumed by his presence, a feeling she hasn't had for so long, and she does not want it to end.

Upon arriving at her place, she persuades him to walk her inside. She smiles at him and passionately gives him a kiss. He seems stunned and embarrassed by the gesture, but also delighted by her interest. He then starts to caress her hair and softly touch her cheek as they both passionately hug. She can't help but have tears in her eyes as he she carefully starts to undress him. The jacket vest and tie are quickly removed, and she opens his shirt and smoothly touches his hairy chest. He is quickly aroused as he unzips her black skirt, which reveals a perfect set of legs within her garter belt. In an exchange of intimacy, they vividly share their greatest desires, passions, and dreams. When the morning comes, she is surprised by a letter that has been left on the pillow. She is scared of its content but finds the courage to open it.

"Leslie, I have to go to a business appointment, but I will see you tonight," it reads.

Joy fills her heart and tears slowly trickle down her cheeks at the thought of seeing him again. She cleans her apartment all day and prepares a fantastic meal for the evening. She is ready for another night of passion and enticement, and she wears a lovely and delicate pink dress. It is already 7:00 PM, and desperation starts to set in because he still isn't there. No phone calls, no message, no signs to announce his presence. By 9:00 PM, she bursts into tears, curls up on the couch, and falls asleep.

When she awakes the next morning, drained of her emotions, she decides to brush away the whole affair and walk away. She wants no more men in her life, no more false hopes or potential relationships. She is determined to never love a man again, to remain an old maid for as long as she lives.

All of a sudden she hears a knock at the door, and she jumps up in a controversial mood, wanting to confront Michael. But to her surprise, it is an old man with a soft voice pleading to enter. She isn't too thrilled at the idea, but he insists he must talk with her.

"Yes, what can I do for you?" she asks after he follows her to the living room.

"I am Michael's father, and I have something to give you," he answers.

She is a little perplexed by the situation, wondering whether Michael sent his father to shower her with gifts, as a sign of apology. Nevertheless, she listens and lets the man carry on with his charade. He takes out a small notebook and give it to her. She opens it and swiftly closes it, noticing that the first page is addressed to his father.

"But this notebook is meant for you," she says.

"Please read it," he insists in a soft tone.

She takes it back, carefully opens it, and starts to read through it.

"Father, I have found the love of my life. She is a beautiful, remarkable, and bright young woman. She is the dream of my heart, and I want to share the rest of my life with her. I am going to ask Leslie to marry me."

She is stunned and delirious with joy, but she notices that the old man is sad and full of tears.

"What is it?" she asks. "Do you not approve of his decision?"

"On the contrary, I wanted Michael to find a lovely woman and carry on with his life. Business is not everything, and I would have given him my blessing."

"What is it?" she asks again in an insisting and worried tone.

"My son wrote me these words yesterday afternoon, during his business meeting, but I only got his notes early this morning," he replies.

She feels confused and asks, "What is wrong?"

"You see, Michael was killed last night in a car accident."

Upon hearing such news, she faints in shock, only to be awakened a few hours later. She mourns him for many years, never forgetting his comforting presence and the day they met. She is lost but knows that he will be forever in her thoughts; this everlasting memory shall never fade away.

Love is a magical moment where words are caught in emotions, inspiring us to greater aspirations.