The care package

[gearhead73]

Randy smiled and then chuckled a little.
"I know it's sounds insane. My parents told me the same thing." Randy took a sip of the water the waitress had left. The smile began to fade as he continued.
"Things were pretty heavy at home as I am sure you can imagine, and well, I needed a little time to think. So, I decided to take a drive, and then the notion of delivering that note, hit me."
Randy reached into the right side pocket of his cargo shorts and retrieved the plastic baggie that he had found in his brother's stuff. He opened it and removed the letters and then handed them to her.
"The one you had sent is a little ragged. I am guessing that he carried it woth him for quite awhile."
Randy shifted in seat.
"The one he wrote back is still sealed, I never opened it. I figured it was private, so I left it closed. It was obviously important enough for hime to keep with him...and I know how this may sound... but I thought that if it was important enough for him to carry in a warzone...well then as his brother, it was important enough to me to see it delivered."
Randy took another sip of water to quech his steadily drying mouth. 'This does sound insane' he thought.

 

[Kaligurl222]

She couldn't believe what he was telling her. HER letter had been carried around with his brother during wattimes? She smiled as she ran her fingers over the tattered envelope. "I feel bad, I can't even really recall what I even said in the letter... I was just writing... I didn't know what to say in the situation."she slide the delicate paper from his contents and read the words she had written. When she finished she folded it back up and looked over at him. "it was just so simple.." she smiled and picked up the unopened letter. She took a steadying breath due to her shaking hands and carefully opened the envelope. She could tell just from the length of it and how precise the handwritting was that whoever had written it had put some real thought into doing so. She started to read each word, taking in the entire thing.....

 

[gearhead73]

Kali opened the letter that sh had written and read it.
"It was just so simple." she said as she carefully replaced the letter in it's envelope.
She took out the other one and and began reading it and Randy noticed a slight tremble appear in her hands.
While she was reading, Randy ran his eyes up and down the length of her body that was visible above the table. She was beautiful. Her hair was pulled up on a neat ponytail, that reached below her shoulders. She had spent some time iin the sun, but her skin looked soft, and supple. She definitely took pride in her appearance, and although he couldn't be sure he figured she had a steady workout routine.
Her green eyes were sparkling and a small smile had appeared as she continued to read. No doubt his brother, who had always been so sure and confident, would know how to charm even a perfect stranger with words.

 

[Kaligurl222]

She could feel her eyes start to get misty and she realized she was holding her breath. She forced herself to breath and bit back tears. The letter was sweet and thoughtful and when she finished reading she folded it up again and then remembered Randy was sitting there with her. She looked over and wiped a tear from her eye. "I don't know what to say.... Thank you for bringing this to me.I'm only sorry that I will never have the opportunity to meet your brother. He spoke very kind words about you... He loved you a lot, that much was obvious." she put the letter back in it's envelope. How long are you in Arizona for?"

 

[gearhead73]

She had finished reading and the happy smile she had donned earlier was now replaced with one that seemed almost forced. She tenderly folded the note and replaced it back in its envelop, and wiped a tear that had at her eye.
"I don't know what to say.... Thank you for bringing this to me.I'm only sorry that I will never have the opportunity to meet your brother." she said looking sorrowful.
Her words cut like a knife as the finality of his brothers passing came rushing back. He missed Chad, and although they had never been especially close, thought of never seeing him again was painful.
"He spoke very kind words about you... He loved you a lot, that much was obvious."
Randy was stunned. Chad had mentioned him in his letter; to a stranger no less? He hadn't talked to his brother for close to a year before he was killed, and then it was just the standard 'wassup' or 'how's the chow?'. It had always been his mother and father that had dominated most of their talks.
Randy started to consider this and wonder if it had been his fault. Maybe he had been so blinded by jealousy or resentment, that he had never been able to see his brother for who he was; the thoughtful, kind, endearing man that his mom and her friends always raved about.
Randy was snapped out of his thoughts as she spoke."How long are you in Arizona for?"
the question caught him off guard. The letter was delivered, and his mission was complete. What was he going to do now?
"I dunno really..." he started "I never really thought about what I would do after I delivered the letter."
He smiled as he thought about the haste with which he had thrown this excursion together.
" I've never been this far west, so I don't really have any idea what there is to do or see... you have any recommendations?"

 

[Kaligurl222]

She laughed at his disregard for any plan or structure to his trip. She smiled as he asked her advice. "well I guess it depends how long you are wanting to stay..." she thought about it for a minute before she spoke again, "what are you into? Do you do the nightlife thing or outdoorsy thing or what?" she smiled adage took a bite of her food giving him a chance to think about it.

 

[gearhead73]

He took a sip of his iced tea as he thought about her questions.
"Hmm, I can do the nightlife thing. It would be interesting to see how it's done around here. There aren't many 'clubs' where I'm from, it's mostly just bars and little 'hole in the wall' watering holes. I'm not much of a dancer, but I like a few adult beverages now and again."
He was smiling. This was a not what he had expected. She seemed so nice, and almost curious about him. 'Maybe she would like to show me around' he thought.
"I dig the outdoors too, though I mostly hunt and fish, but I have been known to do a little hiking. I have never seen the desert before and I hear it's beautiful, maybe I could check that out."
He moved in his seat to sit a little straighter.
"I've pretty much got all the time I want. School's over for the summer so I guess I have until August to see whatever."
He started to ask her if she would show him around but thought better of it.
"How about you? What do you do for fun?"

 

[Kaligurl222]

She smiled as she listened to him talk about himself. "well there are a few good places to go to let loose.. But there are a lot that should just be avoided all together.... Not much of a dancer huh? Well we will just have to change that!" she teased. "as far as outdoor stuff there are a lot of great little trails and stuff to check out.... I could..." she cut herself off, "look at me butting into your escape time." she smiled at him, "I would be more than happy to show you around if you want... Or I mean, I can make you a list too.. If you would like some alone time." she took a drink of her water. "I will warn you tho, If you go out with me you have to dance... It's the rule. I promise you won't look bad if you do." she winked at him playfully.

 

[gearhead73]

Randy laughed at her reply.
"I'm not worried about looking bad really, I am more worried about causing someone personal injury as I am flailing around." he said smiling. This was amazing, this girl he knew nothing about, had actually offered to show him around.
"Besides, no one knows me around here. You are the one who should be worried that I might look like a dork. Also, I wouldn't want to impose on you or cut into your time with your boyfriend."

 

[Kaligurl222]

She laughed and shook her head, "I teach dance, I can make the worst dancer look good." she smiled, "you'll have a good time." she laughed when he mentioned a boyfriend, "I would enjoy it too... And I've got nothing but free time... No boyfriend to have to consider... Just me." she realized that she was smiling yet again. "so if you want we can go out tonight if you want... Then we can go from there as far as any other plans go? I've got to finish at work for the day then I'm free." it really want like her to take such bold moves but then again he had come all this way over a letter... He had lost his brother...

 

[gearhead73]

"You teach dance?...Well, then how can I resist?" Randy told gaining confidence.
"Just tell me where you want to meet...or I could pick you up...whatever is best for you. I appreciate you showing me around."
Randy had completely forgotten about his sandwich. For some reason he wasn't hungry anymore. He took a bite anyway to give him a moment to think, he was having such a hard time believing that she wasn't with anyone. She was so pretty and so kind, he couldn't imagine why some lucky guy hadn't snatched her up.
"So what else do you do besides teach and show strange men all that Tempe's party scene has to offer?" He said with a chuckle.

 

[Kaligurl222]

She laughed, "I am a sports therepist, in addition to teaching dance." she smiled as he took a bite of his food. "I don't do a whole lot actually. I've got my routine and basically stick with it. I go to work and I workout and teach dance... I enjoy going out with friends and outdoorsy stuff... Anything really as long as the company is good." she smiled, "well it would be easiest if you just swing by my house later and we can ride together that way I can just give you directions as we go... How about like 8? That gives me time to get home and make myself look presentabale.." she laughed, "I don't want to run off but my lunch breaks going to end shortly and I have an appointment coming in..." she wrote her address down for him, "hey ya go. Call me if anything changes or you can't find it." she stood up and tucked the letters into her purse, "it was great meeting you Randy. I will see you later tonight!"

 

[gearhead73]

"I look forward to it. I promise I won't be late. Oh and don't worry about being presentable, you look great just like you are." He said feeling his cheeks starting redden. He eyes focused on the gentle sway of her hips and butt as she walked toward the door. 'I need a shower' he thought 'a cold one.
Randy paid the check and walked outside to his truck. He decided that when he got back to his room he should call his parents. He hadn't wanted to speak to anyone for the last couple of days, but now he was felling better and thought he should check in.
'The room' he thought ' I may need it for another day or so.'

 

[Kaligurl222]

Kali went back to work with a little more pep in her step. She wasn't sure why a stranger was able to change her mood and make her smile, but he had. She finished her regular work day and headed home. She found herself sitting at te foot of her bed staring into her closet trying to decide what she was going to wear on this "date" what that what this was? Was it a date? She flopped back onto the bed and groaned. She had no idea what she was doing. She pushed herself up and showered, replaying their conversation over again in her head. She came back to her room and finally decided to wear a little purple dress. It showed a great deal of legs and hugged her curves just the right way. She left her long dark hair down, creating big loose curls. She put on a little makeup just to make her green eyes pop. She had just finished when she heard te doorbell. She slipped into a pair of sexy heels and then went to open the door. "hi...look at you right on time." she teased.

 

[gearhead73]

the call to his parents went much better than he had expected. Understandably he could still hear the sadness on his mother's voice, but she seemed to be coming to grips with it. Randy told her that he had found the girl that had written the letter to his brother; that they had had lunch together this afternoon. His mom was happy that he had completed his quest and the began asking when she and his father would be seeing him.
"Well...I dunno, it's nice out here and the scenery is breathtaking. I think I might look around a bit before heading back."
His mom clearly wasn't happy, but told him to have fun and be careful, but most of all, keep in touch. Randy told her that he would and that he loved her and that he would be home soon.
He went to the office of the motel and told him he would need the room for another two nights, then headed out to find something to wear.
He didn't know how he should dress, but he hadn't thought to bring anything to go out in with him so a shopping trip was definitely in order.
When he got back to the room he watched TV and checked his emails on his laptop. Before long it was time to shower, shave and try to look better than he had at lunch.
The memories of how she had looked rolled over in his mind. She was so beautiful, and nice, and had offered to show him around without any prodding at all. he had like her instantly and now he was going on a date with her. 'This is a date right?' he asked himself in the mirror.
The time to leave was rapidly approaching so he put on the light blue button up shirt and khakis that he had purchased earlier. He was going to get a nicer pair of shoes, but opted for docksiders as he recalled that dancing would be a big part of the evening.
Half an hour later Randy was in the truck and on his way to her house. She lived in a small residential neighborhood where the houses looked similar in shape, but had been modified slightly by each respective family.
His stomach was in knots as he strode up the walk to her door. Before knocking, he took a deep breath and huffed into his palm to check his breath. He raised his hand and gave a light rap on the wooden door.
The minute the door opened, Randy's heart skipped a beat. She was breathtaking and for a moment, he was speechless. She was dressed in a snug fitting purple dress that hugged her body showing the delightful curve of her hip. It was cut well above the knee and afforded Randy a wonderful view of her legs. They were long and lean and, atop the sultry pair of matching heels she was wearing, every muscle was tight and outlined perfectly to the hem.
"Hi...look at you right on time." she said with a smile.
Brought out of his spell, Randy returned her smile and said, "Yes maam, my daddy told me to never keep a beautiful lady waiting. You look spectacular."
He took another moment to drink in the sight of her, then reached out for her hand.
"Are you ready?"

 

[Kaligurl222]

She blushed at his compliment. Taking his hand she smiled, "the real question is are YOU ready?" she laughed as they got into his truck. She gave him the directions to the club and they were on their way. They made small talk on the short drive and when they parked there was already a line outside to get in. "alright, he we go." she smiled as they made their way to the enterance. She found her hand in his and the strange part was she liked it. When they got to the building the bouncer flagged them over and they were let in before the rest of the line. When they got inside the dj was playing music and she turned and smiled at him, "you need a drink first?"

 

[gearhead73]

As they walked through the door Randy looked around taking it all in. It was dimly lit and the music was thumping. It was the kind of place that he always saw on TV, but had never thought he would inside of.
Her hand was still in his and he was amazed at how comfortable she seemed to feel with him. They were complete strangers less than 12 hours ago, and bow they were on a date.
"You need a drink first?" she asked leaning in close to his ear so he could hear her.
Her breath had tickled on his neck and as a reflex he turned his head. Their lips were mere millimeters apart and he could see directly into those mesmerizing green eyes.
"Sure..." his voice was shaky and he was fighting the urge to lean forward just a bit and kiss her.
"...how about you grab a table and I'll get the drinks...what can I get you?" he said breaking the spell.

 

[Kaligurl222]

She smiled and nodded her head in agreement, "you can tell Matt, the bartender your order and one Kali special. He will know what it is... Come find me when your done." she smiled and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. She headed into the crowd and spotted a free table. As she slippe into the booth she couldn't help but to think about how close their lips had been mere minutes ago.. Why had she been thinking he was going to kiss her? Why would he do that? She laughed at herself as she waited for him to return. She could just spot him in the crowd. As he turned with the drinks she smiled. She was having a good time. She hadn't been totally confident that it was a great idea but now it seemed like things were going to work out just great.

 

[gearhead73]

Randy had the drinks in his hands and headed back to the table. He was barely able to pick her out, but as he got nearer, he again was struck by how attractive she was.
"So, are you a regular here? We get ushered past the velvet rope, you know the bartender by name, you have your own drink, you must come here often."
The music was loud and the noise of the crowd forced him to lean near her so she could hear him. He could smell her perfume, it was sweet and floral and caused all of his senses to awaken. He was starting to get excited for them to be moving together on the dance floor.

 

[Kaligurl222]

She laughed, "I worked my way thru school bartending here... They still beg me to come back." she took a testing sip from her drink, nodding her head in approval, "perfect..... So your opinion so far?" she looked over at him and smiled. He was a good looking guy and she realized how excitedshe was to be out with someone. She gave him a little time to get acclimated to the music and the crowd. When their drinks were about empty she looked at him and smiled, "alright, you ready to show me what ya got?" she winked at him as she slipped from the booth and grabbed his hand pulling him along with her. They made their way to the center of the dancefloor just as the next song started. She turned to face him smiling as they started to move to the beat of the song. She had one hand looped over her shoulder, their hips reasonably close.

 

[gearhead73]

"I worked my way thru school bartending here... They still beg me to come back..." she had answered. She took a small sip of her drink and then nodded that is was good.
"...perfect..... So your opinion so far?"
"This place is incredible..." Randy said honestly "...there is nothing like this back home." She smiled at his approval. For a while they sipped their drinks and soaked up the atmosphere.
When the next song came one everyone seemed to be heading to the dance floor.
It was the song "California" by Tupac. Randy mostly listened to country, but he had burnt this song to a CD years ago. It was old, but still had a fantastic beat, and it seemed to be a favorite here.
Kali grabbed his and and pulled them bothe to their feet.
With a wink she asked, "Alright, you ready to show me what ya got?"
"You lead the way." and followed her to the floor.
When they got there, she turned to face him, she had her arm raised and bent over her shoulder and started to move her hips to the beat. She would sway and twist lightly, bending her knees one at a time moving her hips hypnoticaly to the music. They were moving closer and closer to one another.
Randy had been dancing a few times, he had a basic idea of what to do, but he had never really enjoyed it. This time, however was different. He moved even closer and slid his right foot between hers. He put his hands on her hips and started to move his own in time with hers. He would twist and undulate as she did, both of them keeping time to the music.
Randy moved just inches closer, almost but not quite touching against her. He slid his hands from her hips around to just above her perfect ass and leaned his upper body in.
"How am I doing?" he asked with a slight smile.

 

[Kaligurl222]

He was smooth. He was keeping the beat perfect and his hands were just as they should be. When he asked how he was doing she laughed, "i think I've been tricked... You defiantly know what your doing... But im not complaining!" she laughed as the floor filled even more and they were pushed even closer. It didn't even phase her as his leg was between hers and they kept dancing. She felt his hands just above her ass and hers rested on his shoulder. She leaned in close to his ear, "I haven't been out dancing in so long, I might be the rusty one." she winked playfully.

 

[gearhead73]

"I haven't been out dancing in so long, I might be the rusty one." she said, her breath tickling his ear.
He was smiling from her earlier compliment on his dancing. The crowd on the floor was continuing to grow, causing them to move even closer to one another. His leg was between hers and they were moving as one. The rythym of the music pounding in his head and body as he continued to hold her. He could feel the muscles in her leg an but flex as they swayed their hips about.
Randy was loving the feeling of her in his hands, and she smelled so sweet. Her arms were around his neck and he could feel the heat of her cheek agaist his. He moved his lips just a hairs distance away from her ear.
"Just follow my lead, you're doing fine." he said softly then planted a light kiss at the bottom of her earlobe. He couldn't believe he was feeling so bold, but there was something about her that gave him confidence.
With practiced movement he stepped back and then turned her back to him. He moved against her and used one hand to guide hers back over her shoulder and then began tracing the length of her arm. His other went slightly forward of her hip and he drew her closer to him.
His hair was gathered next to his face and he reveled in it's softness. They continued to move as one with no space between them.

 

[Kaligurl222]

She laughed as he coached her thru their dance. He so smoothly turned her around so her back was to him and she felt his hands guiding her back against him. His kiss was so soft it could have easily been missed. She smiled as she leaned bCk against him. She pressed her ass against him as they moved to the music. Shehadnt had this much fun in a long time, and he was a total stranger.

 

[gearhead73]

Kali seemed to be leaning into him the more they moved together. Her butt was sliding against his middle sending jolts of electricity through him. Randy could feel himself starting to react as there bodies would contact one another during their movements.
Hoping to avoid embarrassment he moved away and grasp her upstreched hand to spin her then bring her back facing him after the turn. He drew her close to him again and held her hand between them against his chest as his other settled behind her half on half off of her ass.
"How am I doing teach?" he asked smiling as he looked as far as he could into her now sparling green eyes.