Dina, s dream or one more sad story about love

         
         
    Dina was full of romantic thoughts about Ramon. Every night lying in her bed she dreamt about their date. She called him "My Prince Charming." 
   She wants to do something impulsive, like running with him among the trees with her hair flowing freely, or dancing together a slow waltz in the moonlight inside a rain of the sweet smelling roses fallen from heaven, feeling his strong arms around her waist… He leads her gently and they’re flying… flying… flying…
  Dina was trembling and breathless while she kept her eyes closed trying to imagine his soft and tender lips kissing her shoulders… 
His passionate eyes and gentle hands were all over her body…
Those dreams made her life complete.
A flaming arrow had pierced her heart …
It isn’t too late to try to be happy!
It is her time to shine, to…
All hopes she kept inside were drumming a fanfare to make her mind up.
Oh, Ramon!
He wants to be nothing else but friends…
It wasn’t the end of the world because she just started to build the bridge to his heart.
”O, my Prince! I was waiting for you so long. Tell me what I want to hear. I need   you, darling! Be mine“!
  She was hopeful that in the morning she would find on her pillow a beautiful rose with a small note:”This rose is for you, my love!” And that rose would be from Ramon. 
…The dream was fading away…

                ***

    It was a beautiful spring evening; the sun was finally gifting its warmth to the tired, overworked citizens. Spring was sure to bring the rejuvenation of feelings to the emotionally drained inhabitants of this giant city. 
  They were sitting in the cozy restaurant with a view of the Sea Port and were slowly sipping their drinks. 
  Dina was very impressed with her “date”, but tried not to show it. However her excitement was hard to conceal. 
“Yes! Yes, this is it, I am ready for it”, she was singing inside. However, she would say nothing and only occasionally laugh and a deep smile would reveal her true fillings. 
  So far, the evening fulfilled all of her expectations: they met almost on time; she, of course, took the chance to inspect her date from a distance before approaching him. They went through a number of small shops. Ramon helped her to pick an amber ring in the gift store, the same ring she thought was perfect for her, and, after, they stood on the balcony enjoying the beautiful view and inhaling the spring air that was full of promises.

   He led her to a sophisticated-looking restaurant with well-dressed business men and women from Wall Street and courteous waiters; they were seated in a comfortable couch that let them be as close as they wanted. 
   So far, Ramon had proven to be a gentleman, although she could see that he was nervous when he opened all the doors and offered to take off her coat.
   Dina took her time examining Ramon from all angles and wanted to remember everything about him and the date. She noticed that he wore an expensive shirt and tie; he was clean shaven and smelled of good French cologne.
 The spinach salad with mushrooms and walnuts, and a melt-in-the-mouth grilled salmon served with a smoked eggplant strudel was excellent and together with wine was having effect. Dina was starting to feel tipsy. 
    They were sitting very close on the couch so that their thighs touched. This physical closeness made Dina to want more. They kept talking, making jokes and laughing as the sun was setting outside the big window. Waiters came around to place tea lights on the tables.   
   Dina was looking at the flame and thinking:“Maybe this is my chance for romance? I’ve waited for it for so long. Rejecting all those miserable specimen of men with their low offers for all those years, keeping my standards high, saving my feelings for the one who can give me what I need. The light of this candle, although small, can start the Fire!” Yes, the Fire! The Fire of passion that she needed, that she longed for, was about to start. All the years of neglect and embarrassment caused by her husband, all the disappointing dates and wasted efforts would be burned in that fire. 
   Her hand casually slipped on the inside of Ramon’s thigh and she gave him a wicked smile that drove so many men crazy. 
   Ramon shuddered and gently took her hand in his: -“Remember, Dina, we are just friends.” 
   A sudden wind blew throw the window and the little flame has gone out …   

                *** 
 INNA FRENK (ÈÍÍÀ ÔÐÅÍÊ)
 co-author ROMAN ORLOV (ÐÎÌÀÍ ÎÐËÎÂ)
 New York,
 April,27.2006 - April,8.2010 -  September,25.2015