“If it will cost more than a couple hundred dollars US, let me know. Otherwise, please just send it express. I want him to have it right away.”
The concierge kept a poker face, except for the corner of his mouth, which tightened as if he was biting his tongue. Tessa thought he’d go home tonight and tell the wife about the crazy American woman shelling out big bucks to express ship a stupid tourist tee shirt.
Tessa was eating her takeout Three Times Delight (a dish she picked because she hoped it prophetic), when her room phone rang. It was the concierge.
“I got your package out with the last Fed Ex pick up, Ms. Donovan. Kept it under your cost threshold and it should be delivered within twenty-four hours. Oh, and today seems to be your package day; one just arrived here for you. Would you like us to deliver it now?”
For a moment Tessa was puzzled, and then she remembered her email to Carmen. “Yes, please.”
When her package came, part of Tessa felt guilty for spending money on such things. Part of her felt guilty for even thinking about wearing such things. Part of her felt guilty thinking about what Ben would do to her while wearing such things. And the rest of her said to hell with feeling guilty. The To-Hell-With-Feeling-Guilty-Tessa finally won, though she still had to summon up the courage and actually put the stuff on for Ben.
Ask for what you need, she reminded herself. With the memory of Jason’s tongue in her sweet spot and his fingers in her vagina, asking for what she needed seemed like a most worthy goal.
-17-
FRIDAY
Jason’s note had advised her to dress ‘tourist casual,’ so Tessa set aside Carmen’s beautiful ‘extras’ and donned a pair of white jeans, a sunny yellow knit top and cute, but comfortable, sandals. A simple hair style and light makeup had her ready with twenty minutes to spare. She used the time to check for email, and smiled when she saw there was one from David.
Tessa,
After reading your last email, I wish I could wrap my arms around you and give you a Triple A, First Class Hug. You’re right, we all do carry some bags through life and I’m glad you’ve lightened yours. I must admit, though, now I’m curious about a load that could only be dropped on the other side of the world! Maybe someday you’ll tell me about it. Until then, I’ll just smile for your elation and share your sadness that you struggled with that burden for so long.
I’m sure you know I was disappointed that Australia got dibs on you. I’d hoped this would be our time to finally meet face-to-face, but I understood. And now that I know you are finding what you needed, that you’ve gotten some peace (or resolution?), I feel better.
You said that if we’re lucky, life gives us bags that are no heavier than what we can carry. Here’s a second baggage-carrying bit of luck: that each person finds someone who can share the load until the burden is lighter or the person is stronger.
And if we’re truly lucky, maybe life gives us both light loads and a partner who can help us carry. I’m wishing you continued progress and lighter loads.
Yours, David
Tessa wanted to write back, but knew David’s heartwarming reply deserved a thoughtful response. It was 9:55 and she had to be in the lobby by 10:00. “Later, sweet David,” she said out loud as she turned off her laptop and ran for the elevator. She made it to the lobby with a minute to spare.
“Tessa?”