Desiree

Desiree      
     
I study her on facebook for weeks. She posts pics of her and her coworker in bikinis at the pool. I call for an appointment.      
     
John      
What kind of draping do you use?      
     
Desiree      
For some people I just use a pillow case. For others I use a sheet. It depends on my comfort level with the client.      
     
John      
I need you to focus on my gluts. I store my tension there.      
     
Desiree      
You must keep your wallet in your back pocket.      
     
(I show up for my session.)      
     
Desiree      
Let me fix the sheets. OK go in and undress.      
     
John      
Hey I checked out your facebook. I loved seeing your pics of Mexico. I’ve always dreamed of going there.      
     
Desiree      
Mexico is great.      
     
John      
I’d love to see the pyramids in the Yucatan.      
     
Desiree      
Oh yes they are amazing to see.      
     
John      
Have you ever been to Chaco Canyon in New Mexico?      
     
Desiree      
What are you talking about?      
     
John      
My point is that the masonry of the buildings there is more precise than the Cathedrals in Europe were at that time.      
     
Desiree      
Oh yea I see. You’re right. You know I grew up on a farm in Mississippi. It was pretty culturally deprived.      
     
John      
I grew up in Mississippi too.      
     
Desiree      
Where?      
     
John      
In Natchez.      
     
Desiree      
Well that is a lot more cultured than where I was from.      
     
John      
Hey that’s Enigma playing. I love that group.      
     
Desiree      
Well I once had an embarrassing experience playing that during massage. I probably shouldn’t be telling you this. But suddenly the song lyrics were, “Make love to me. Make love to me.” But fortunately I was massaging my girlfriend. So it wasn’t so bad.      
     
(She lifts the sheet and massages my buttocks. I grow quiet during this. I glance at her face. Her eyes are focused on my bottom like a pianist on the keys while playing Bach in a church. She plays me deep and hot with hands of silken fire. Her fingers stroke my ivory into a fugue wherein our bodies become one.)      
     
Desiree      
Hey I’d love to use my fire cups on you. Would you like me too?      
     
John      
Maybe next time.      
     
Desiree      
Well I’ll step out. Get dressed. Take your time getting up. Enjoy your relaxation.      
     
(I lie in deep emotional bliss. I dress and emerge.)      
     
Desiree      
How do you feel?      
     
John      
Very relaxed. Thank you so much.      
     
Desiree      
Tell me John how many quarts are in a gallon?      
     
John      
16.      
     
Desiree      
You’re confusing pints with quarts. Your hair is a mess. You didn’t bring a comb. We should supply that I guess. Your shirt is unbuttoned.      
     
John      
Where?      
     
Desiree      
Right there. (she points at my belly.)      
(I drive home. She calls me.)      
     
Desiree      
Hey John I loved seeing you. I so much look forward to working with you.      
     
John      
Well we’ll see.      
     
Desiree      
Well yea I hope so.      
     
(We close our conversation. We are facebook friends. She posts on facebook:      
“The worst thing ever happened to me. I’ll be making big changes in both my personal and professional life.”      
     
She encourages me to get more massages. I write her that I don’t have the money. Years unfold. She invites me to nightlife events. I demur. She closes our facebook friendship but opens our twitter one. The golden heat of her hands imprint the memory of her touch