Chapter 11

They stood silently watching the flickering flames of the candles, each lost deep in their thoughts. Their peaceful reverie was broken by the annoying shrill of her phone. Sophie jumped, startled by the sound. David sighed and took his hand off her shoulder. Sophie excused herself to pick up the phone.

He smiled as she rolled her eyes and mouthed silently “mom”. She tried to end the call quickly but as always her mom would not budge. He listened and watched her side of the conversation.

“Yes mom, aha…a gitten yontiv to you and papa too. No I can’t, I’m working tomorrow, yes the rest of the week too. Sure…give them my love too. Good bye!”

Watching Sophie roll her eyes again as she hung up the phone, David poured them each a fresh glass of wine.

Sophie set the phone down and turned to David. He silently offered her the wine glass. She smiled as took it from his hand and took a small sip.

“Thank you David, I needed that. Parents….gotta love them…because the alternative is illegal!”

He laughed and took her hand leading her to the sofa. They both sat down and slowly sipped their wine. After few minutes, David sat his glass down on the nearby coffee table. He turned to face Sophie, took her wine glass and sat it next to his. Gently, he pulled her to him and cradled her face in his hands. She felt his warmth before she felt his lips touch hers. Feeling his tongue begging for an entry she opened up for him. The fruity taste of wine was mixed with distinct flavor that was David. Their tongues danced their gentle dance as she slid her hands around his neck. She felt his hands slide from the sides of her face to the back of her head and her shoulders. Sophie felt herself drowning in the emotions…and the time stood still.

David felt a soft tap on the back of his head and broke the kiss to look at the offender. Sasha seized the opportunity and jumped off the back of the sofa into Sophie’s lap. Stunned, David looked at Sophie and the cat.

“Hey!” He objected.

Sophie laughed, briefly hugged her furry friend and sat him down on the floor.

“Sorry David, he is not used to sharing me. I guess he sort of got jealous.”

David chuckled and looked at the fuzzy offender. Sasha stared back for few seconds, then snorted loudly, and walked away with his tail held high and proud.

“So where were we before we got rudely interrupted?” he whispered, pulling Sophie back into his embrace.

“Right here , I think…” she whispered back, gently brushing his lips with her finger tips.

David grinned and dove in for the prize…

This time it was Sophie who pulled away first.

Sighing at the loss…David cocked an eyebrow as he looked at her. Sophie was leaning back against the sofa with her eyes closed, and light smile on her lips.

“Penny for your thoughts, Feygeleh!” he whispered.

Sophie gasped at the endearment.

David looked at her puzzled.

“Why did you call me that?” she asked him, smiling gently.

“I don’t know…It just came to mind for some reason…And it seems to fit…Why? You don’t like it?”

“Oh, no no… Its…well…nobody called me that in a very long time…since my grandmother… She always called me her little bird !” She sighed.

“Is it OK if I call you that too?”

“Yes, David…I’ll take Feygeleh over Darlin any time!” she smirked. Seeing his puzzled expression, she explained “It seems that you and your brothers in the band call all female fans Darlin. It seems a bit generic.”

“So noted!” he nodded and smiled.

Sophie got off the sofa and walked toward the kitchen.

“Ready for some dessert?” she called out to David.

“I thought that that’s what we were having just now!” He chuckled as he got up and followed her to the kitchen.

After demolishing couple of helpings of the baked goods and few cups of coffee, he helped Sophie to clean up. When the last of the dishes were put away, he pulled her into his embrace once again.

“Thank you Sophie! The dinner was wonderful, and the company was even better!”

“You’re welcome!” She whispered looking up at him.

“I overheard you telling your mom that you’ll be working tomorrow… So, I guess I better go and let you get some rest.”

She nodded silently, cringing inside, knowing that inevitable ending was coming… After all, this incredible fantasy was bound to end sooner then later…

“Uhmmm, what time do you get home?” He asked, playfully kissing her on her nose. Laughing at her shocked expression.

“Around five…Why?”

“Because I’d love to hear your voice after dealing with the stiffs tomorrow.” He grinned. “when is you next day off?”

“Next Saturday.”

“You’re working Christmas Day?” He looked surprised.

“Well, David, hospitals are open 24 hours, seven days a week, weekends and holidays included” she laughed. “Besides, there are three of us on the Holistic Team, and my other two partners DO celebrate Christmas…so its only fair that I cover for them.” She explained. “But I will have New Year’s eve and day off in return”

“Good!” He said, briefly kissing her on the nose again. Pulling back, he grinned at her “OK, I better go now…while I still can”

He grabbed his coat, and with a smile and “I’ll call you tomorrow!” he was out of her door.