Don't Wake Me if I'm Dreaming by J. E. Chaney Page B

land,” Matt says, wrapping his arms securely around me.
    “Everyone ready for lift off? Hold onto the side handle to stabilize your balance. We may sway just a little, so don’t be alarmed. Here we go,” Steve says, thrilled. The men untie the ropes, letting us drift into the sky.
    It takes at least five minutes of unsteady breathing before I calm enough to notice anything other than my fear.
    From the air, the city lights look undeniably phenomenal. Steve is busy with the controls, naming the ground locations and landmarks and conversing with Matt about his pilot training.
    “Are you okay?” Matt asks.
    I nod my head. “A little nauseous, but I’ll live…or I hope to anyway.” Although I’m terrified of heights, Matt’s hold around my waist ironically makes me feel safe.
    I recognize a few areas and buildings, but most captivating is the moonlight over the water as we float adjacent to the Catawba River.
    After the half-hour long flight, we land at another small airpark on the other side of town where our limo awaits our arrival.
    I feel a change in the air, realizing I am dreaming, a pleasant dream. I quickly absorb the moment realizing we move from one location to the next without actually traversing there, the same way I once had from the lake to the campground with the little boy.
    We are inside the French Cuisine, Terra Restaurant. Matt and I had our first official formal date night here. Tonight, I order the pan-seared scallops served with spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli finished with Pernod cream. Matt orders the Lamb shank Osso Bucco served with saffron risotto, paired with a bottle of Panizzi, imported from Tuscany.
    “Happy Anniversary.” Matt smiles, reaching into his pocket. “I have something for you.”
    I feel a rush of excitement, waiting for him to get down on one knee.
    He hands me a business card. The excitement disappears as I accept the card. “Thanks?” I read the card. “Oasis Spa And Resort.” I smile, waiting for an explanation.
    “I didn’t want to carry around the gift certificate all night, but it’s a gift card for a deluxe day of beauty. Hair, fingernails, toe paint, massage, the mud stuff you women think makes your skin look nicer, and a choice of body wrap or hydro tank. I’m not sure what either means, but the lady said you are welcome to choose for yourself.”
    I laugh at his sweet innocence. “A facial.” I suddenly feel awful. “I didn’t realize we were exchanging gifts. How stupid can I be, of course, people share anniversary gifts.” I drop my face in my hands a moment to hide my embarrassment. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise. Maybe I can buy you a spa treatment and we can do it together.”
    He laughs. “I’ve always wanted my nails polished.” He winks.
    “This is a very thoughtful gift. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
    “You can make it up to me tonight.”
    We sample from a wine collection and before leaving, a gift bag is delivered to our table, with our three favorite bottles of wine from the collection.
    With the same gust of wind, we’re at Matt’s house in the limo. When we arrive, the gentleman opens our door, lending me a hand as Matt collects the wine, crutches, and my clutch. He tips the driver then helps me up the walk and few steps to his door. A soft light glows from the small windowpane on the front door. The house is dimly lit, and soft music is playing when we enter. Not wanting me to see much, he quickly closes the door, then stands in front of me and takes my crutches, sitting them against the wall.
    “I have something for you, something a little more comfortable.” His brown eyes look soft, but show excitement.
    “I think you’ve spoiled me enough for one night.”
    “It’s my job to make you feel like a princess.”
    “How are we going to get back to my apartment?” I ask, hearing the limo drive off.
    “We can take a taxi or maybe Vance will give us ride. I’ll worry about that in the morning.” He