Sandrine and Armond, Part III.

She couldn't believe that her thoughts were still lingering for Armond. Imagine the thought of even calling out his name in her mind and knowing that she didn't know him that well to even do that! 1

While during noon, most individuals run about trying to spend time finding, obtaining and enjoying lunch, Andrie continued to work with delight to see the regular customers linger in the salon and be treated with kindness and care.2

From time to time throughout the rest of the day, Andrie couldn't help but look up and watch the door for him. Why? An imagined chance to occur a second time? Now, seriously!; what person would believe that?3

She continued to smile her day away and thoughts of the energy that Armond and her shared lingered. She couldn't explain the logic behind her overjoyed expression behind the thoughts of Armond but they were there.4

A lingered moment of yesterday's event haunted her during the remainder of the day. Something that had never happened to her. Why should it? 5

She grew accustomed of waiting for that special someone. In fact, she was waiting for 'him' for longer that she could remember. She was stuck in a waiting room in life and she drew comfort of that feeling.6

Her delights were found in life that surrounded her and the emotions that followed her everyday that that special person was right outside her door. She just never really thought it would happen.7

While the closing of the salon was only a couple of hours away, she began to grow quiet. Those that knew her would ask what was wrong but she only gave half of her usual caring smile as a response. After awhile, the small building was growing quieter as the guests began to leave one by one.8

Her thoughts were not of normal statute but one of a lover losing the one most precious to her. Thoughts of him began to sadden her day. What if he never returned? What if he came back to check on her or even see if he needed something done? What if that one moment to accept what was behind those intense eyes was for her to step into and it was offer made only once?9

A mindful of fanciful wonders and she knew that none of those would be answered. Why should they? Don't we all ask ourselves childish questions and play the 'What If...?' game. Yes, we do and today it was her turn to spin the dial on the game.10

Time ticked away and before long, she prepared herself to begin cleaning the salon. While she glided her way to the door, a co-worker looked at her. The stylist began to walk out the front entrance and placed her hand on Andrie's back.11

She wasn't shocked that she was touched but was caught off guard because she was in deep thought of Armond. Before the stylist could make a comment, Andrie laughed at her reaction to the unexpected contact.12

Her working associate simple state this and the events after that were vivid but fast. For this was to mark the first day of meeting Armond and Andrie wasn't ready for it.13

The gentle soul that worked with her for the past 7 years simply said, "He's not coming dear."14

With shock, Andrie questioned why she would say something like that. Holding a smirk of smile and a dis-hearted laugh, Andrie listened.15

With a low exhaled breath, the words followed...16

"Because I felt your connection with that man when he assisted you from not hitting the floor. 17

I have seen you these many years with something inside just waiting for someone to see it. My dear, Sandrine, he held you with the simple touch of your hand and he saw you. What ever you were afraid of, you stepped back from what was in front of you. 18

Today, I saw you waiting for another opportunity and it didn't come back. Young lady, you are person that enjoys life, desires love and carries your beauty as you have been in-love with love longer than I have been alive. Inside your very being, you know that you are living without love in it and it isn't a real existence for you. Is it?"19

As this wise eccentric woman left the salon, she looked at her belongings to make sure she had everything in her bag for a client's scheduled evening appointment. She lifted her head and saw Andrie take a deep sigh of a regretted acceptance. 20

Andrie knew her words were true. 21

Out of kindness, she lifted Andrie's chin and smiled,"From the kindness of the Gods, your true love will find you and you will know. For 'what ever his name is', he may not have been the one. OK? You loved one will come for you."22

She knew that the words were spoken to lighten her thoughts and out of respect, Andrie thanked her.23

Slowly, Andrie guided her to the front door and while closing it, she whispered his name...."Armond Valentino."24

With a burst of sudden warm air that blew past her door, she felt the passion it. The air filled with intense desire and only from a whispered name... 'his' name .25