11 | The First Time

J A M E S

*SIX YEARS AGO *

I checked out of the hotel and got into the car that was waiting for me. Hasan greeted me respectfully and asked me where I wanted to go.

"To Angela's house," I said. "They live in a small townhouse in the upper east side about an hour away from here. It's their son's birthday today."

"I see. Well, congratulations to him," Hasan respond back politely before getting the car back on the road.

"Thank you," I said.

I leaned back in the seat and closed my eyes. I was tired from the long flight and the stressful meeting that I had just finished. I had come to New York on a business trip, to negotiate a deal with a big client. It had been a success, but it had also been exhausting. I needed a break.

I opened my eyes and looked out of the window. The city was buzzing with life and energy, but I felt detached from it. I didn't belong here. I belonged in a quieter place, where I could relax and enjoy the company of my family.

I thought about my nephew, who was turning ten today. He was a smart and sweet kid, who loved art and had a talent for it. He was always drawing and painting and sculpting, and he had a collection of artworks that he had made or received as gifts.

I suddenly realized that I had forgotten something important. I had not bought him a gift yet.

How could I be so careless? I had been so busy with work that I had neglected to get him something special for his birthday. Something that would show him how much I cared.

I felt a pang of guilt and panic. What was I going to do? I couldn't show up empty-handed. That would be rude and disappointing.

I looked at the time on my phone. It was 4:30 pm. I still had some time before the dinner, which was at 6:00 pm. Maybe I could find something on the way.

I asked the driver to stop at the next store that sold gifts or art supplies. He nodded and drove on.

As we rolled past a street corner, I saw a sign that caught my eye. It said: "Emerald Eye Gallery".

A thought hit me. Maybe I could find something there. Something unique and original, something that my nephew would love.

"Hey, can you turn around and go back to that gallery?" I asked the driver.

"Sure, no problem," he said.

He made a U-turn and drove back to the gallery.

I got out of the car and told him to wait for me.

I walked into the gallery, hoping to find the perfect gift for my nephew.

The inside of the shop was bright and colorful, filled with paintings, sculptures, and other artworks. I browsed through the displays, feeling bored and impatient.

I didn't understand or appreciate any of these things. They seemed like a waste of time and money to me.

I was about to leave when I saw her. She was standing behind the counter, smiling at me. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She had long blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders, and emerald eyes that sparkled like jewels. She wore a simple white dress that hugged her curves and a necklace with a pendant that matched her eyes. She looked like an angel.

"Hello," she said in a sweet voice. "Welcome to my gallery. I'm Mia."

I felt my heart skip a beat. I was speechless for a moment, then managed to say: "Hi, I'm James. I'm just looking for a gift for my nephew."

"Oh, how nice of you. What kind of art does he like?" she asked.

"He likes everything, really. He's very talented and curious. He likes to draw and paint and sculpt."

"That's wonderful. Maybe you can find something here that will inspire him."

She walked out from behind the counter and approached me. She smelled like roses and vanilla.

She took my hand and led me to a section of the gallery where there were some artworks made by children.

"These are some of the pieces that I teach in my art classes for kids," she explained. "They are very creative and expressive. Maybe your nephew would like to join one of my classes someday."

I felt a surge of attraction for her. She was not only beautiful but also kind and passionate about her work. I wanted to get to know her better.

"That sounds great," I said. "Maybe I can join too."

She laughed softly and looked into my eyes. I felt a connection with her that I had never felt before.

"Maybe you can," she said.

I leaned closer to her and whispered: "Can I have your number?"

She hesitated for a second, then smiled shyly and nodded.

"Sure," she said.

She wrote her number on a piece of paper and handed it to me.

I took it and smiled back at her.

"Thank you," I said.

I kissed her hand gently and felt a spark between us.

She blushed and pulled her hand away. "You're welcome," she said. "But you should hurry. You don't want to be late for your nephew's birthday."

"You're right," I said. "I should go. But I'll call you later, okay?"

"Okay," she said. "I'll be waiting."

I smiled and walked to the cashier. I picked a painting of a colorful dragon that I thought my nephew would love. I paid for it and wrapped it in a gift bag. Then I said goodbye to Mia and left the gallery.

I felt a rush of excitement as I got into my car. I couldn't wait to see my nephew's reaction to his gift and to talk to Mia again. She was amazing and I wanted to see her as soon as possible.

I drove to my sister's house, where the party was being held. I arrived just in time, as the guests were singing happy birthday to my nephew. He was turning ten and he looked so happy and adorable.

I hugged him and gave him his gift. He opened it and his eyes widened. He gasped and smiled. "Wow! A dragon! This is awesome! Thank you, Uncle James!"

"You're welcome, buddy," I said. "I'm glad you like it."

He hugged me and ran to show his gift to his friends. I watched him with pride and joy. He was such a smart and creative kid. He reminded me of myself when I was his age.

I joined my sister and her husband in the living room. They thanked me for coming and asked me how I was doing.

"I'm doing great," I said. "Actually, I have some news."

"What is it?" they asked.

"I met someone," I said.

"Really? Who?" they asked.

"Her name is Mia," I said. "She's an artist and she owns a gallery downtown."

"Wow! That sounds impressive," they said.

"She is," I said. "She's beautiful and kind and passionate about her work. She also teaches art classes for kids."

"That's wonderful," they said. "How did you meet her?"

"I went to her gallery today to buy a gift for your son," I said.

"Really? That's so sweet of you," they said.

"Yeah, well, she was so sweet too," I said. "We hit it off right away and she gave me her number."

"That's great," they said. "So when are you going to see her again?"

"Soon, I hope," I said. "I'm going to call her tonight and ask her out."

"Good for you," they said. "We're happy for you."

"Thanks," I said.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I took it out and saw that it was a text from Mia. It is a response to a message I sent to her earlier, telling her how Andy was so excited when he received the painting.

It read: Hi James, I'm really glad Andy loves it. Maybe he can come to one of my classes someday.

I can't hide my smile any longer after I received her message.

"Look, look someone just found their soulmate." My sister teases me.

I replied: Maybe he can. And maybe I can too.

She replied: Maybe you can ;)

I replied: Can I call you later?

She replied: Yes,

I replied: Okay, talk to you soon.

She replied: Okay, bye for now.

I put my phone away and smiled again. I felt a warm feeling in my chest. I had just met the most amazing woman in the world and she liked me back. Today can't get any better, can it?