The moon lives in the lining of her skin.
― Pablo Neruda
Chimera
The perfection of beautiful women doesn’t touch me very deeply.
I can admire the symmetry of their features and unblemished skin, but the same can be said about unspoilt snow—I don’t want to venture in and scar it with my presence. And besides, regularity of features doesn't impress me.
I like imperfection because it’s human and don’t relate to botox faces devoid of character. But hey, that’s me—and I judge no one—just have my own strong preferences.
So, why this divagation on female appearance? Well, it’s because I find Elise fascinating the way she’s constantly changing. I think it’s the same reason I love looking at the sky, because it’s never the same.
This afternoon at the studio, Elise was vulnerable and charming, but when I dropped by her condo later she had transformed into a beauty whose appearance was striking.
That’s what’s fascinating about her—as her moods change, so does her face. She doesn’t let rules of feminine beauty stale her infinite variety.
And maybe that’s why when I’m around her my thoughts stray and she can invade my dreams nightly any time she chooses.
”I like to wear something more subdued and less colourful when I go out at night,” she explains while letting me in. “You probably think it’s silly, but a dinner date for me is magical.”
“Not at all—it makes perfect sense.”
I know my eyes are dark and huge because I keep staring at her transformation… and she can tell I’m enthralled because she draws my attention, not her elegant black dress.
All my plans for quizzing her about my mysterious guest have gone out the window and I think that was her purpose—to let me focus on her.
If that’s the case, her plan is succeeding beyond expectations and my power to resist.
Turtle Jacks is the ideal spot to choose for our dinner date―not too formal and very friendly. Elise is relaxed and chatty and I am content to sit back and delight in her presence.
She's very intelligent and well-read. Before long, she's telling me why she admires the Spanish poet, Lorca, and I end up lost in the dream of her.
I also find out why she's working at the radio station―she's taking a semester off from working on her masters thesis at U of T.
So, besides being enthralled, I'm also impressed.
But later, when driving her back to her condo, her mood changes and she becomes very quiet.
"A penny for your thoughts," I tease.
"Oh, sorry, Cole, I'm distracted―actually, concerned might be a more appropriate word."
"Is something troubling you, Elise?" I ask.
"Yes and I've been struggling about whether or not to talk about it. It's related to my non-disclosure agreement with the station."
"I see. So, telling me might get you in trouble. Well, I get that, but if you need a listener, I'm here for you and will respect your confidence."
"Actually, it concerns you."
I glance over at her in the darkened car and she looks frightened.
"I can see your anxiety―maybe you should think things over before telling me."
"I'm scared, but need to talk―and I trust you."
I pull into the parking lot of her condo and am about to turn off the ignition, but she reaches out a hand and stops me.
"I think we should talk here―I'm not sure about my condo."
"Why is that―do you think it's bugged?"
She nods solemnly. "I do, actually."
"Well, if that's the case, let's get take out coffee and sit outside Tim Horton's. If we stay here in your parking lot, they might be able to eavesdrop on this entire property."
"I wouldn't put it past them."
We sit in a corner of the coffee house parking lot, sipping coffee in a pool of darkness, concealed from streetlights.
"Why are you involved with Shannon Holmes?" she asks suddenly.
"You know, lately, I've been asking myself the same question. I didn't initiate it. She contacted me and offered me 'the gig' as she termed it, over dinner at Sassafraz."
"Hmm, very romantic," she smirks, arching an eyebrow. "Was that all she proposed?"
"II don't know what else she may have offered if I directly turned her down. I told her I'd think about it. My agent and our lawyers looked over the offer and okayed it."
"She's very beautiful and can use her charms to be persuasive."
"You, could do the same" I smile, "but the difference is, I trust you."
"And well you should―I won't betray you."
The colour drains from my face at the mention of the word. "You think Shannon wants to betray me?" I croak.
"She wants you to interview a very dangerous man―a high ranking member of the U.S. army."
"And why is this man dangerous?"
"Because of the secrets he's intending to disclose on air with you."
"And who is this mysterious man?"
"His name is Maine Blair and he's the only member of the administration with the NATO designation of Cosmic Top Secret. What he wants to disclose could get both you and him killed."
It suddenly became apparent why Shannon chose me. Now I needed to figure out how not to become a target.