Part III:  Epilogue

(Part I can be found here)
(Part II can be found here)

Later they found themselves downstairs, occupying a table at the lobby bar. He’d changed into a pair of slacks and a dress shirt; she was wearing the maxi dress in which she’d arrived, and though she’d put her bra back on, this time she decided to leave the panties off. He had no idea until she flashed him in the elevator.

They shared a bottle of wine. It was difficult to choose, but he ultimately decided on a bottle of Pinot Noir from a New Zealand vineyard that he said he enjoyed. They sat there in silence for a long moment, sipping the last of their wine and enjoying each other’s company. It still hadn’t occurred to her that she was actually sitting in his presence. Although it had been hours since the cab had dropped her off she hadn’t had time to think.

Now that she was able to think, she found herself truly happy to be in his company, and not just because of the sex. They had a close rapport, one that transcended mere friendship. She liked him, that much was obvious; she’d known him, albeit strictly online, for longer than some of her close friends, and it was natural that she would develop intimate feelings for him. He made her feel like it was okay for her to simply be herself. He eradicated her doubts, and made her feel whole. It was easy to be with him, whether sitting together and enjoying some wine or lying naked in a huge bed enjoying afterglow.

They walked through the lobby, enjoying a heady buzz. As they passed the four shiny stone rings – or were they hoops? – she paused to admire the work of art. He stopped by her side, regarding it as well.

“What do you think it means?” she asked, looking up at him with bright, inquisitive eyes.

A few seconds passed before he answered. “Well, they look like rings. And traditionally a ring is meant to symbolize something that never ends. That’s why people wear wedding rings: To symbolize an ever-lasting commitment.”

“Is that why?” Becca asked. “Not just because they fit on people’s fingers?” He smiled at her little joke, then gazed into her eyes and kissed her. As they continued to the elevators, she considered that they would be a perfect match, if not for the fact that they were both already married.