Music of Souls

She snuggled into Connor's shoulder and said, "I'm so excited for him!"

"Why's he taking your car?"

"Oh, I guess he thinks she'll be more comfortable in it." She knew the real reason.

***

Jackson stopped by the florist. "I would like something for a special lady. Nothing over the top, but something different, elegant."

"What's your price range?"

"I don't have one."

"Oh! In that case, why don't you tell me a little about her? Does she like roses?"

"I don't know. She's very classy and beautiful. I'm not thinking roses, too ordinary for this woman."

"I think I might have just the thing." The florist disappeared into the back as Jackson paced, then returned with a delicate star-shaped orchid. It was pink with white tips, in an antique brass planter.

Jackson smiled. "Perfect!"

He stood outside Elisabeth's house for a minute, took a deep breath and rang the bell. She answered quickly, and gasped upon seeing the orchid. "That is gorgeous, wherever did you find it?"

"I know a guy."

"Come in, please." She took the orchid from him, set it on the coffee table, stood back and admired it. The whole time, Jackson admired her. Her presence had already served to calm him. She was stunning, in a deep wine-colored, sleeveless dress that was very simple, yet flattered every aspect of her figure. A simple choker adorned her neck, a diamond tennis bracelet her wrist and she wore silver strappy heels he thought he had seen on Sarah. She noticed him staring at her. "I wasn't sure what would be appropriate attire for the restaurant."

"You're perfect."

She dropped her gaze. "Thank you. Let me just get a wrap." Jackson perused the room. It was evident that each and every item had been carefully chosen; clearly the home of an artist. Over the mantle hung a gilt-framed landscape oil; a fall scene that captured all the colors he so loved. He was admiring it when she returned. "All set,"

"This is beautiful. I don't see a signature. Do you know who the artist is?" She didn't answer. He turned and knew immediately by her blush that she had painted it. "My God, you're amazing!"

"That's one of my favorites."

"Do you have more here I can see?"

"Maybe some other time. Shouldn't we be going?"

Jackson wanted to press her, yet thought better of it. "Ok, but I'm going to hold you to that." He took her wrap and put it around her, letting his fingers linger briefly on her bare, warm shoulder. He heard a slight intake of breath and wondered if she felt the same spark.