Songs for Kaela

Dearest Kaela,

COVID19 sucks.

How I long to see you, to touch you and to be touched by you. Instead, I'm sending you this frickin' email.

Remember when we first met? We were at Tim’s coming out party. I was leery about going in the first place, but as you know, Tim’s boyfriend is my boss, so I felt obliged. The food was fabulous. I ate way too many lobster tartlets. I enjoyed playing Pictionary, except when I had to draw a crazy hat. My drawing looked like someone with a toucan on his head. I guess it wasn't so bad being laughed at since I was laughing so loudly that punch squirted out my nose, causing a resurgence of laughter. But, hey, isn't that the point of goofy social games - for everyone to be embarrassed? The rhyming drinking game was fun, especially when the nerdy guy with the glasses said, "spatula," and I got away with rhyming, "Kaela!" You know me - I love word games! Those people were the nicest bunch of rejects I could have hoped to party with. I fit right in.

You were wearing distressed jeans that hugged your curves and that rebellious, studded, Billy Idol-like top. Your hair was black and spiked. Your punk vibe was a turn-on. I was intrigued, as you aren't the type of girl I'm usually drawn to. You teasingly called me Ron Howard, just because we share the same first name, and because you like watching reruns of The Andy Griffith Show. I sighed just now thinking about how you smiled and stroked me on the cheek with the back on your hand after just 20 minutes’ worth of conversation – talk about cheeky! I couldn’t believe the chill that it sent down my spine.

I thought you would think of me the way my friends do - as a smartass, a dumbass, and a jackass all rolled into one, but you are so nonjudgemental toward everyone. It's just one of the many things I love about you.

Now, I ache to be with you. I hope things are going well for you in South Africa. Why did this virus have to explode two days before you were supposed to fly home? The best thing I can think to do is to share some soothing music with you so you can think of me while I’m thinking of you.

First on the playlist is the first song you ever shared with me. I was surprised that you like such smooth reggae. I had you pegged for something much harder, like punk, hard rock, or metal. So, my sweet, enjoy this walk down memory lane.

The first song I played for you was my mantra when I was going through the breakup with my ex-girlfriend. My friends tease me for liking this song, but I don't care. I love the lyrics, “Doubt is a broken record that plays inside my head. I try to turn it down, but I can’t quite drown it out,” leading to the title, “It’s Gonna be Okay.” I hope this helps you get through these tough times.

You pulled me into one of the bedrooms at the party and told me to sit on the bed. You put the next song on your phone and sat beside me. My eyes were darting all over, not sure where to look. You put your hands on both sides of my face and said, “Calm down. I’m not going to bite you. I’m just going to kiss you.” Oh, Kaela! Your lips were so soft and gentle on mine from the start. Then, you added some pressure, heating things up between us. Your tongue flicked out and explored my lips and the inside of my mouth. Although we didn’t do anything more than kiss, that intimacy meant more to me than any lovemaking I previously experienced in my life. This song will be forever burned into my brain as “our song.”

When we arranged our first intimacy two days later after some sexy, heated phone conversations, I was grateful that you took the lead. You started with kisses and caresses. Your fingers wandered between my legs. I thought I would erupt before we even shed our clothing. It didn’t take us long to undress each other, kissing, stroking, and licking all the while. I had never in my life felt such complete pleasure in bed. It took me a little longer to get you off, but the nails digging into my back and the warm smile on your flushed face let me know that you were satisfied. Later, with our bodies still entwined, we rented the old movie, “What’s Up, Doc?” on Amazon and ate popcorn and drank Merlot. Barbara Streisand was so sexy singing this song in that movie.

When it came time to admit to my parents that we were living together as a couple, you had me listen to this one. As in the song, my mom was more ready to accept you than my dad, but I think he’ll come around.

Did I tell you that I miss you? Kaela, I don’t know how much more life I can take without you. Miami is so lonely and quiet right now. Biscayne Bay is peaceful. Manatees are the only thing I came within six feet of on my last visit. We used to meet at lunchtime to watch them graze. I miss that. My world is a better place with you in it.

After our first argument (I can’t even remember what it was about,) we binge-watched Pentatonix videos. This is my favorite.

Have I told you that I’m proud of your work with the Daktari Bush School and Wildlife Organization? You inspired me to volunteer at the homeless shelter last Saturday. This song is in honor of your work in South Africa.

Right now, I’m imagining you are touching me. This is the sexy song I’m listening to with the memory of your body, scent, and taste.

Do you think of me too? To quote this song: “My heart beats for you…Let me have you in my arms again.”

I’m going to try to call…

* * *

[The creak of the door startles Ron as Kaela walks into the apartment.]

Ron's eyes light up. He runs at her excitedly, “Kaela! You’re here! Oh my God, I was just writing you an email. Come here! I need to kiss you.”

Kaela puts her hand on the back of Ron’s head as he pulls her close. The two lovers' lips connect with a spark of electricity.

Kaela pulls away slightly, looking into Ron’s brown eyes. “Ron, I missed you so much," Kaela wipes her dripping mascara on her navy blue jersey shirt sleeve. "Look at me, I'm a crying mess.”

Ron gently reaches down with his right thumb and blots away Kaela’s tears. “You're beautiful inside and out." He pulls her into tight hug. "How did you manage to get home?”

“I was able to get the last flight out before they totally shut down the air traffic, but I was held at customs until they were satisfied that I wasn’t sick. I would have called, but I wanted to surprise you." Kaela's lips quirk into a mischievous smile. "What does your email say?”

“You can read it tomorrow, but I'll start the playlist I was going to share with you while you open some wine and get naked. We need to get reacquainted with each other’s bodies.”