the man stood watching from the edge of the palm trees. he couldn`t take his eyes of the dark-haired woman he saw standing at the water`s edge, gazing out to sea as though she was waiting for something - or someone. she was beautiful, with her slim figure dressed in a loose flowing cotton dress, her crazy hair and bright blue eyes not far off the colour of the sea itself. it wasn`t her looks that attracted him though; he came across many beautiful women in his work as a freelance photographer. it was her loneliness and intensity that lured him. even at some distance he was aware that she was different from any other woman he could meet.lisa sensed the man approaching even before she turned around. she had been aware of him standing there staring at her and had felt strangely calm about being observed. she looked at him and felt the instant spark of connection she had only experienced once before. he walked slowly towards her and they held each other`s gaze. it felt like meeting a long lost friend - not a stranger on a strange beach.
later, sitting at one of the many bars on the resort, sipping the local cocktails they began to talk. first pleasantries, their hotels, the quality of the food and friendliness of the locals. their conversation was strangely hesitant considering the naturalness and confidence of their earlier meeting. onlookers, however, would have detected the subtle flirtation as they mirrored each other`s actions and spoke directly into each other`s eyes. only later, after the alcohol had had its loosening effect, did the conversation deepen. they talked of why they were here and finally, against her judgement, lisa opened up