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"What I need is something that celebrates the riches Sylvia and I have shared, and will yet share," I said to Tony.
He shrugged his shoulders.
"Did I ever tell you how we met? We met in an elevator, going for lunch, can you believe that? It happened accidentally when we both attempted to press the 31th-floor button at the same time. We looked at each other. With a smile, we both said 'The Swordfish,' as if this explained the accident. Our hands touched gently as we reached for the button. We looked at one-another with the kind of surprise that strikes one if one comes face to face with something exceedingly beautiful. Then we laughed. I think everyone in the elevator laughed with us. That started one of the most exciting episodes of our lives."
I explained to Tony that "The Swordfish" is one of those fancy type seafood restaurants. It happened to be located on top of the building where we both worked. I also explained to him that I gone there rarely, because of the cost involved, so that fancy places like these had been reserved for special occasions or for emergency situations, when I needed a lift.
Tony nodded.
"This had been on one of those days," I said. "I had been in the dumps, emotionally. I needed a treat. Of course, meeting someone like Sylvia added suddenly a whole new reason for eating at The Swordfish. Also, from that day on we began to take special notice of each other's coming and going. At the very next lunch hour I was waiting for her near the elevator. When I saw her coming my heart would pound like it was trying to flip over. Actually, I got into quite a tizzy every time I saw her, but I didn't dare to let her notice this. I didn't even dare talk to her at first. I was almost afraid to smile. Of course, she could see what I simply couldn't hide. My excitement at seeing her was as plain as the day was bright. That's when things really began to happen," I said to Tony. "She began to show up in the most provocative clothing that the work environment would allow. And did I stare? Sometimes we would face each other tightly in the throng, which made it all the more painful to remain civil."
I told Tony that Sylvia was fascinating to look at, and still is.
He agreed with a smile.
"Then, perhaps, you can understand the joy when we finally introduced ourselves," I said to him. "That day I had dared standing in the line-up at the restaurant right beside her, almost touching her, though we never looked at each other. We were waiting to be seated. I was trembling for fright. She made out as though none of that flirting in the elevator had ever taken place. We both pretended to be perfect strangers. While we were still waiting, I bowed slightly and asked most cordially if I might have the honor of her company. What I really wanted to say is that I would be honored if the most beautiful person in all the universe would consent to share a table with me. Of course, this was impossible to say, nor was it needed."
Tony nodded and smiled.
"She pretended to think about it," I said to Tony. "Of course, she accepted after a few moments and smiled most kindly. She reached her hand out. It was all excitingly daring, though it was obvious that she would have never refused. That's the kind of love that developed. That's the wonderful kind of person she was and still is, a perfect angel whom I must now find a present for, Tony."
Tony looked at me as though he wanted to ask what my problem was, but said nothing.
"Sylvia was great in those days," I added. "We both were great. We started to go out every night from then on, to the movies, theatre, concerts, operas, many operas, and always ended up going to her place afterwards. She felt more secure that way. Rarely did we go to my flat. Naturally, our trips in the elevator reflected this unfolding love born out of an excitement with living at the very edge. Our meeting in the elevator reflected the excitement. Sometimes we actually had to look away from each other when the elevator was not too crowded, just to appear civilized. It was 'dangerous' for us to be together in an office environment, so attracted were we to one-another, but wonderfully so. We had enriched one-another's life without ever thinking about it. Also, our love for each other was highly profitable for the Swordfish restaurant. And all this was just the beginning," I added. "We got married six month later. Except, that's when the development stopped. We didn't dare to go further, or didn't know how to. After a while the sparkle dimmed, and then faded away. Steve helped to bring some of that back. He helped us to start moving forward again, but more is needed."
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