Core beliefs - Chapter 26 - Finding it all over again.

Core Beliefs – Chapter 26 - Finding it all over again.

Matt showed up at Lasticorp on Monday and was greeted with a ‘Hello stranger’ from Lucy. She ensured he was up to date on Lasticorp and forwarded messages from others who needed to see him.

One of the people on the list was the tax firm that handled his personal returns. Matt wondered why the urgency but drove to their office that afternoon. It seemed the issue was record sales, productivity, and profits.

Even though he had sold a portion of his stock, his earnings from corporate profits would exceed any he had ever achieved. The accountants suggested tax shelters and other means to reduce the liabilities.

Matt considered their recommendations, but in the end, he felt he would spend much of the revenue before the end of the year on M&E, LLC.

***

Friday arrived, and Matt headed for the airport. He and Ling had talked almost every night during the week. He was ready to hold her again, and there she was, waiting for him in baggage claim.

“God, it’s good to see you,” Matt gushed.

Ling grabbed him and kissed him hard. “God, it’s even better to hold you!” she whispered.

Matt’s suitcase finally rolled onto the conveyor, and Ling almost dragged him out the door.

“Where are we going?” Matt asked.

“To a hideaway where I can make you happy.” There was a girlish giggle in her voice.

She drove, and they both were content to be quiet and hold hands, sometimes kissing at stoplights. Matt saw they were leaving the city and eventually spotted the sign, Galveston Island.

Ling had rented a bungalow almost on the beach. The nearest house was a good fifty yards away. They moved their suitcases in and didn’t bother to unpack.

***

Matt woke, his eyes flitting open, and in the early dawn light, saw a vision of beauty before him. He did not want to wake her. She looked so perfectly peaceful, and Matt desired to hold this vision and this moment in his memory forever. Softly, he stroked her hair, marveling at the silky texture as it slipped between his fingers. His hand barely touched her cheek, sensing the softness of her skin.

If this is not heaven, I cannot imagine what heaven is. His mind and body were content to just look at her and to know she was here, with him. “Alive,” Matt whispered. Every cell in his body reacted, and he literally purred with contentment.

Ling stirred and opened her eyes. “Good morning, sunshine.”

“Good morning, light of my life.”

They kissed, and it was obvious that Ling was not content. The passion of the night was only an appetizer, and she made it clear she wanted him. They embraced, rolled, and made love until both panted in exhaustion, then silently snuggled.

For the rest of the weekend, they walked on the beach, spent hours talking, and frequently clung to each other in embraces that shared much more than just touch.

More often than Matt imagined possible, he found himself in the throes of passion and lovemaking beyond his wildest dreams.

***

Sunday came, and Ling drove him to the airport. This time, she watched him leave, missing him so much even before he left her side.

They both coped this time. Being apart was hard, but they talked often and relished what the other was doing. Matt’s pride in who Ling was, and her life’s work filled him with a special sense of appreciation for her. It stirred him to know that she would share a part of her life with him, and it motivated him to make every day count.

He started walking each morning, and on occasion, broke into an exhilarating run. His diet got better. He dropped six pounds in three weeks. New clothes became a necessity.