It was a warm sunny afternoon that day. Not a cloud in sight, the sky a bright perfect blue. In the distance birds could be heard singing nearby, the bustle of cars not too far off. It was a quiet Sunday.

Helena sat outside the café, coffee in hand and a daily newspaper in another, but she wasn't paying it too much attention. All her attention had been focused on the family 4 tables away from her.

There was a man, a Swedish dignitary, named Lucas Nilsson, who sat with his wife, Sarah, and his 2 daughters, Carol and Katelynn. Helena had been assigned to watch over the family while they were on vacation. It wasn't the most exciting job she could have been handed but it was much better than desk work, plus, she did get a vacation of sorts out of it so not much use in complaining.

Helena checked her watched and set down here paper. Only 4 more hours left and then she was off the clock.

She didn't have much planned for her night, but the hotel spa seemed like a good choice for the evening, maybe the bar afterwards.

Lost in her thoughts on how to spend her evening, she failed to hear the footsteps approach from her side but did react when a shadow loomed over her. She looked up but was blinded by the sun causing the figures face to blip out of sight. All she could see was a long flowing red dress.

"Mind if I take a seat?" It was a woman. Her voice was calm and soft, each word chosen carefully.

Helena found her body relax when the woman spoke. As if her words were made to sooth her.

They mystery woman stepped to the side, blocking the sun with her head and allowing Helena to see her face.

She's an Asian woman with light freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her eyes are a light hazel that hold a hint of mischief and adventure. She wore a red off the shoulder long sleeved dress that just barely touched the floor.

The woman didn't wait for an answer and took a seat across from Helena.

"What brings a woman like you to the city? Work or pleasure?" The woman practically purred out the last word, her voice low and sweet. She leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. Her body language told Helena that she was used to being in control. That she was used to getting her way.

Helena glanced at the family for a moment before looking at the woman.

"I guess you could say a bit of both." Helena told her, reaching for her cup but the mystery woman got to it first.

"Both? Haven't you heard not to mix business with pleasure?" the woman smirked and brought the cup up to her lips and inhaled the scent. "Mm, caramel and hazel nut, my favorite." She took a sip. "Delicious."

"What brings you here?"

"Like you, business and pleasure."

Helena reached out and took back her mug. "Oh? Who's playing with fire now?"

"Nothing wrong with a little bit of danger, right?"

"Only if you're careful. What sort of business are you here for?"

"This and that but I prefer to talk about pleasure." The woman spoke, leaning forward in her chair, as if trying to get closer to Helena. "What's your pleasure?" she smiled.

Her smile was different from before. It was playful, like the sort of smile a cat would show before catching its prey or maybe while toying with its prey.

"Ah, it's as you said: this and that, whatever is eye catching at the time."

"Eye catching. What catches your eye right now?"

"Lots of things."

"Oh, playing hard to get, are we? I like that in a woman. It makes the chase that more exciting."

Helena took her eyes away from the woman, regrettably, and on to the family. The father was handing the waiter some money and the rest of the family began gathering their things.

"Looks like it's back to business for me."

"Perhaps we'll meet again and discuss in length our…pleasures."

Helena stood and placed a few bills on the table. "In that case, look forward to the next time we meet."

As Helena walked away from the table, she could feel the woman's eyes on her back.

"Helena, dear," Mrs. Nilsson asked. "Who was that with you? A friend? She was very beautiful. I wonder where she got that dress from, I'd love to have my own."

Helena looked back at the table, but the woman was gone.

"No one, she was just lost and asking for directions."

"Well that's a shame."

The family began walking to the car, Helena taking one last look at the table before following the family.

Helena stood on her hotel balcony, staring out into the city night. The air was brisk, the night sky clear and full of stars, just how she liked it, however, Helena couldn't full appreciate the night. Her mind couldn't escape the thought of the woman from that afternoon. Her eyes shone brightly in the sunshine, her lips glossed with a soft pink, her soft smooth skin…

Helena groaned and shook her head, trying to disperse the thoughts.

"I don't even know her or her name."

Helena downed the rest of her drink and returned inside her room and headed to the bathroom.

When she came out she saw a paper air plane on her bed, marked with a lipstick stained kiss.

Helena quickly picked it but stopped before opening it. She saw the plane shake ever so slightly in her fingers.

Why is my heart beating so fast?

She slowly unfolded the paper, the sweet smell of patchouli oil and cinnamon flowers wondered up to her nose, feeling her with a sense of calm. She took in the scent for a moment longer before opening the letter.

It was nice to meet you, as short lived as it may have been. See you around, ciao

~A

P.S.- red stripes suit you

Helena looked down at her clothes. She was in a simple white tank top and her underwear. She had on red and white striped underwear. She could feel her face grow hot.

Helena took the letter and tossed it in the trash and flopped on her bed. She ran her hand through her hair. She looked around her room and then took the letter out the trash and put it in her wallet.